I feel like I should begin this post with, "Hi. My name is Simone and I'm a blogaholic..."
I try, I really do, to keep my blogging to the hours when the baby's asleep and the kids are at school. But sometimes I just can't help myself. It's my slightly addictive personality at work, you see. Pre-kids I was a workaholic. I burnt myself out, living with no boundaries. I learnt the hard way to chill, baby, chill.
But the tendency to go too far is still there.
Just five more minutes, OK?
Just one more paragraph, OK?
Just one more photo upload, OK?
Too often my kids are tugging at my sleeve and pleading, "Mum, get off that computer!!"
We were driving in the car the other day and Dash was complaining, "Mum, you spend way too much time on the computer. You never play with us!!" Awwww, you cut me deep, Shrek!
It was a wake-up call. I had to apologise to them, there and then.
I ate humble pie and admitted to them that I don't always know when to stop. I told them, if you see me going on the computer too long, you can say, "Mum, you're doing too much, you have to stop..."And seeing that it's the school holidays at the moment, that's a tough one for me to keep. But I am trying to turn over a new leaf and really focus on the kids and do more stuff with them (not that I completely ignore them all the time and let them run wild while I bloghop - no, really. Hardly ever!)
Right now I am sneaking in some computer time while Miss Fab is at gymnastics, Scrag is asleep and Dash is watching a new Star Wars DVD. (Actually no, right now he is standing here looking over my shoulder and reading what I am writing. He wants a "special coffee". And for me to come and watch the DVD with him... which I will. As soon as I have uploaded these photos of the kids doing their Art...)So after turning over my new improved creative-mother-leaf, yesterday, I took the kids for an "Art Class", at their request. In other words, I was their Art Teacher. It was great!!
They paid for it with chores (teehee): tidy rooms, folded washing, emptied dishwasher... My classes don't come cheap.
Then we painted some canvases together.
Miss Fab did hers all by herself (of course).
Dash (who's new passion is Star Wars) wanted me to do a space picture for him; he watched and gave advice on colours and object placement while I painted; then he added the finishing touches - fire shooting from the spaceship's guns.
We had a lovely non-computer day. (I was absolutely drained and done-in at the end of it. Withdrawal??? Do I need professional help?? A Blog-atine patch to wear on my arm??)
Oh well. Only one more week of School holidays, then I will get my regular computer time without the guilt.
I'm off to watch Star Wars now with my son. I never did get to see how Anakin turned into Darth Vader, so I'm really looking forward to it.
But I'll be seeing you... you know I can't resist for long!
14 comments:
Great works of art and what cutie kids
We also have a Star Wars mad chap in this house- my husband
There is a 6 foot cardboard stormtrooper opposite my front door (once, it scared a plumber and he let out a very girly squeal)
I've told him it may be time for it to be passed to the younger generation which was met with 'ok, maybe one day, he can borrow it'
I'm very jealous that you are a Kiwi by the way, both myself and my hubs have family near Auckland and I love it! So beautiful. Your blog makes me want to visit again. Belated honeymoon maybe...
cool paintings!
as I was reading this my miss 5 stood beside me and asked me to play 'mum and dads' with her....drrrrraaaaaaagggggggging myself away now
You know Simone you shouldn't feel guilty. With the limited hours we have to spend with our kids these days because life is so busy, I think its about the quality of the time they have with us not the quantity.
Not every Mum has the luxury of being a stay at home mum like you and me, and I'm sure I know atleast a dozen mums who come home and feel overloaded and not present to their kids, because of the stress of trying to be it all!
But we may not be playing with our kids every second of the day, but we know exactly what they are doing (whether they are playing on the swings outside or doing some art work at the table with us while we are on the laptop) and we do stop and answer every question they ask.
If our kids were in day care, they wouldn't get that individual attention that they get from us, even if it is in short bursts.
We are teaching our kids independence, and life skills that they will be used for the rest of there lives, and no doubt they will work with people who don't give them the kind of attention we give them currently.
We have built a foundation for them and now we are maintaining and supporting them to flourish.
And teaching them to be patient. So they they understand sometimes they need to wait while you finish what you are doing before you can give them your full attention.
I think its fabulous you are really passionate about blogging and writing and your art. I am sure your kids are really inspired by what you are doing and will inspired to do similar stuff or something else.
You are a fabulous Mum, and you have made up some great things to teach your kids. I'm sure the manners jar and stuff like that will be what they talk about it years to come not how many hours you spent on your laptop.
And don't forget what an inspiration you are to all of us.
love Vanessa xx
Wow what a lovely comment! I know what you mean Simone... we have a computer in the kitchen now which is both a blessing and often a big time waster too. x
Cool art class too by the way, lovely results.
blogging can be slightly addictive cant it :)
happens to the best of us
loving the art your kids did :)
What a cool idea taking your own kids for art lessons!
It's so hard to get the right balance but I'm working on it too.
love the art class!!!
hope your kids allow you to come over a visit my blog so you can enter my giveaway!!!!
Please kids please!!!
Yup on breaks I have to cool my heals too, but once they are back in school....well that is another story.
I think you are not alone in the balance struggle Simoney.
love and light
I loved Vanessa's comment. Lots of good points there! I think it's important to show your children that you have a passion in life...that you are a person, with your own likes/dislikes/wants/needs. They need to understand and respect that, just as you understand and respect when they need you. So it does become a balancing act. I am trying to figure it out myself. :) Beautiful artwork, your kids look happy and creative!
Hmm, working on this too my friend. But everything's just so clean and well ordered in blogland isn't it? There's beautiful decor, fab recipes, amazing craft, inspiring women...."Charlie bit me" on youTube...It's hard sometimes to turn away from that to go and hang out the tenth load of washing for that day. Must.Try.Harder.
Love your art class by the way...fantastic painting - well done! Meredy xo.
i am right there with you and I think many people are. I think computer addiction is going to be a new 'official diagnosis' soon. You know, like 'sex addiction' has come into the spotlight lately. We hear tons of talk about kids using things like the computer and phones too much and being addicted, soon it will be moms!
Oh, crap. Look at that! Canvases!
How dare you come to my blog and make out you are craft challenged. You charlatan.
I love their paintings - I have a little artist also - most of the time it's on paper but sometimes the lounge suite or the floor (that doesn't impress me much!)
Pop over to my blog - I have a little something for you :)
Oh dear, I'm right there with you. BTW, LOVE Dash's star wars pic you painted for him - how cool is that!
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