Sunday, January 31, 2010

Time with Grace

A few weeks ago, my school district called to ask me if I was planning on returning to work next year. Even though I have really enjoyed my time this year as a stay-at-home mom (ok, some days are definitely better than others), I am looking forward to going back to work. I am so grateful that I've had the opportunity to be at home focusing on my family this year! I definitely feel closer to Jason and to our kids. One of the things I am grateful for, is the chance to spend one-on-one time with both Jeremy and Grace. When Grace is at school in the mornings, I get Jeremy all to myself. He is so much fun to be with- he just makes me laugh- he is sweet and endearing, says the cutest things... I don't need to plan anything in particular with him because all he needs is play time! In the afternoon, Grace and I get to spend time together. Being a person who like structure, I couldn't help but make a schedule for us. This past week, I took some pictures to document (for myself) the things that she and I do every week after she finishes her homework and Jeremy is napping.

Mondays- Writing Day: she chooses a person to write a letter to or she writes in her journal. On this day, she chose to write in her journal.
Tuesdays- Baking Day: we bake together... We've tried all kinds of recipes this year and we've both become better bakers. We've made cakes, cookies, banana bread, cheesecake, muffins, cupcakes... It's a wonder that our family hasn't gained a lot of weight over these past few months! On this day, we made Strawberry Cupcakes (to go along with one of Grace's favorite stories, Pinkalicious). Goodness, they tasted sooo good!Wednesdays- Art Day: I prepare art projects for Grace to do. On this day, she made Valentine's Cards from scratch for some loved ones. Thursdays- Game Day: Grace and I play board games together. Sometimes, I make educational games for her, but usually, we play games like Candyland, Memory, or Chutes and Ladders. Friday- Paint and Playdough Day: Grace gets to paint with watercolors or play with playdough. It makes me glad that out of all years, we chose this year for me to take my leave of absence. If she was in school for the full day, we wouldn't get all this great bonding time!

6 comments:

girlyhurley said...

What precious memories! I've stolen your baking idea and have been tryng to bake with my girls weekly! Enjoy your next six months!

Live a Colorful Life said...

what a great time with the kids and a fun schedule for Grace!

Melissa said...

What a wonderful mom you are!!!!!

Anonymous said...

What great ideas, Jane! Way to be so creative! And I'm sure both kids love not only the the things you do with them but just getting to spend time with you too!
Marcy

Lavonne said...

you make me giggle! making a schedule is SO you that i love it! and i do think i will be stealing some of your ideas when tee is old enough to enjoy them.

JHNickodemus said...

I like that schedule...ESPECIALLY the pinkalicious cupcakes...now why didnt the book group choose that one :)