Tea Time

After reading Kendra's post on her blog, "Preschoolers and Peace," I decided when school was done the other day instead of cleaning (which I desperately needed to do) I would have some fun. We pulled out the table from the playroom, I put some hot water in the tea kettle, pulled out the super cute sugar cubes I bought at Target over Christmas and enjoyed some hot tea! I brewed blackberry tea for the children & I, poured into a "fancy" tea set I bought at an antique store years ago at the beach, put piece of fabric on the table, and then placed some mini Lorna Doone cookies on a little tray. It is amazing how much kids can enjoy tea in a little cup with some cream and a large sugar cube! I called in the big brother from playing basketball in the driveway. He was such a good sport about it :). I am determined that my boys will be gentlemen, even though on some days, I fear that it is like fighting a losing battle!

While everyone enjoyed their tea, I read a chapter from "Farmer Boy," by Laura Ingalls Wilder and had some Brahms playing in the background. Of course, every few sentences, I had to remind everyone about the importance of good manners. Please note in the photo that my oldest daughter is wearing a sequined cheerleader outfit. She has put that outfit on every day this week except for today (because I insisted that it needed to be washed)! Her day never started with the outfit on, but at some point during the day, she would change into it. I guess it made her feel "fancy!"

Anyhow, sorry if this post is not making any sense. I guess my point is that even though the housecleaning did not get done, and I had more dishes to wash because of the tea time, I think, at least I hope, I made a memory.

I do feel that I spend a lot of time not just playing with the kids. It is hard to run a house and teach and care for a new baby...and the list goes on. I am still so thankful to be able to homeschool and parent these precious gifts from God. I guess I just need to stop and "smell the roses" with the kids more. Enough said for now...