The Quiet Days Of Yesteryear

Before Jack was in school full time the days seemed to drag by interminably. Each day was like the day before. It didn't matter if it was a Tuesday or a Saturday, the day was filled with the same old, same old. Now I look back on those years and wonder if I appreciated them enough. We used to go on fun field trips in the middle of the week, in the middle of the day. Everyone else was at school and we had zoos, parks, libraries, museums, all to ourselves. It completely spoiled me. Now when we join the masses on the weekends or school vacations to go somewhere I am constantly reminded of the way things used to be. Even though Abbey is not in school full time yet, it never seems like we get away during the week to do anything fun. She has gymnastics, we have to go to the grocery store, 3 zillion loads of laundry have to be washed. And there is always that get Jack off the bus 3 pm deadline hanging over my head, making me feel anxious and stressed. Now we have Taekwondo added to the mix, baseball starts up this week, scouting ends. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind bringing the kids to activities that I know they enjoy. I like having a schedule to keep me sane and busy. I just wonder, did I enjoy those former years enough? As the saying goes, did I stop to smell the roses? I'm not sure I did. But I am fondly looking back on them now, and just wishing for one random Tuesday where we can head off to a small children's museum an hour away to just hang out and play. Just play. With nothing to rush home for.