Skip to main content

Sixty Second Snuggle

Just a couple of snuggle bugs


Linc climbing in Warner's bed

I’ve had great dreams of bring a “yes” mom. A fun mom. A get on the floor and play Legos with me for hours mom. I imagine my kids always getting along and being happy and never complaining about what is for dinner.

Unfortunately, that isn’t my reality. I have become a “no” mom. I say no more than any other word daily. No, don’t climb on top of the refrigerator. No, don’t draw on your face with Sharpie. No, you cannot have pizza for dinner… again. Some of my no’s come from looking out for my children. I am responsible for keeping my kids safe and out of harms way and sometimes saying no is ok and has to happen.

I also say no when I don’t feel like I have the energy or desire to do something. No, I don’t want to let you paint and then have to spend more time setting and cleaning up than you are actually painting. No, you cannot ride your bike with your friends for just five more minutes, it’s almost dinner time. No, Mommy doesn’t want to play swing me around… again. Other times saying no makes me miss special moments with my boys. They are growing faster than I ever thought possible and by saying no to everything could cause me to miss out on some of the most important mini moments in their lives.

I have been trying to work on saying yes more often these days. I don’t automatically say no when asked to read another chapter or if I want help with dinner. I still have my to do list to take care of, but I also have a relationship with my boys to nurture so we invented the “Sixty Second Snuggle.”  My middle boy always wants me to lay down with him while he tries to fall asleep. I always just want him to fall asleep so I can go work on something else. As a sort of compromise I will cuddle with him in bed for a full minute giving him my full and complete undivided attention. We can talk or just lay there but it gives him the reassurance that I will always be there for him, but there is a short time limit that he knows is coming

There are many more ways I can plunge into saying yes more often and I know I can make it happen. Saying yes has actually given me more time and allowed me to be happier with myself and my boys. 

Comments

  1. Shannon, You are an awesome mommy--the 60 second snuggle idea is great. Some day, your children will rise up and call you blessed!
    Love you
    Momma

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

I've been tweaking this overnight sourdough cinnamon roll recipe over the last few months and I think it's finally, exactly, the way I like it. We love this for slow weekend mornings, to take to family and friends, or for special holiday get togethers. It's also the same recipe I use when making them to sell locally. I've been keeping it under wraps for no reason in particular but it's just too good not to share.  I don't have a reliable kitchen scale so this recipe uses good old fashion cups and goes a lot by the feeling of the dough. It will get messy but don't be discouraged if it doesn't turn out just right the first time. No matter the flop, these cinnamon rolls will never disappoint taste wise.  The PDF printable can be found here or you can keep reading.  Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls  The night before you want to make rolls: 8 Tablespoons cold butter, shredded (a whole stick) 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose or bread flour  1/2 cup sourdou...

Keeping up with the Sadlers

Lincoln favorite new past time, listen closely for "Dada"  Dylan had cowboy day at school and could dress up and meet "real cowboys". We live in a hick town and his school was having an assembly about the cowboy way , or having character. Yes, Lincoln's bib is purplish, but it says I Love my Sister so it's ok :)  Cute big boy outfit Auntie Jackie got Lincoln, while sticking out his tongue. I think it looks like a little pickle. Weird, another tongue shot, he does it a lot. While playing with a plush orange (like the fruit) it sort of landed like this and I thought it looked a little like a bikini top and snapped a pic. Hey you have to have fun with life right?

Oh Lovely Chicken Divan

Today marks my last official planned freezer cooking day for now in preparation for the new baby. I might end up making something next month, but really the freezers are getting quite full and until we eat down some things, it's quite a tight squeeze at the moment. Chicken divan, if you've never had it, oh you are missing out! This was probably the most requested birthday dinner in our house growing up and it is one of my ultimate comfort foods. It has vegetables, kids like it, and it really isn't that expensive to make either. It takes a little time because of the different layers so doubling it is a great time saver anyway (or if you have a smallish family just put half in one pan and half in a different pan for another meal. And finally the long awaited: Chicken Divan 2 packages/heads broccoli frozen or fresh (I like to use the florets when I can find them) 2 cups sliced/shredded/chopped cooked chicken (cook any way you like, baked is probably juiciest) 2 cups conde...