An Impromtu Party

Ugh. We had a long and yucky weekend ... both kids ended up with stomach viruses, and my husband was out of town. So, yeah, it was a loooooong weekend.

The good news is that everyone seems back to normal today. Enough so that this morning, Elisabeth said that she'd like to have a party for a stuffed bear.

So, this afternoon, we made a cake (using the oatmeal cake recipe from this book, substituting coconut oil for the butter, whole wheat pastry flour for most of the flour, and soy creamer for the milk in the "icing" -- but even after reducing the sugar in the actual cake by almost a third, this stuff was like eating spoonfuls of pure sugar -- I'm not sure if I'd make it again for that reason!) and got down to the business of partying.

Some days I feel so scattered and overwhelmed by all the things that I "should" be doing that I forget to play with my children. But when I take the time to do it, I think we're all better off for it.

Comments

[Lorien]

The last picture of your two littles is so sweet. I have plans to do something like this on Valentines Day, but your spontaneous party is priceless. Nice work Mama.

[Alicia A.]

You're such a sweet mama. I'm glad they're feeling better!

[Paige]

Oh, that's super sweet. Here's to playing!

[Caren]

Hi Grace! I always love your blog, but this post brought me out of "lurk-dom" to say that I am so inspired to PLAY with my little girl more. Thanks for the reminder that parenting isn't in how much laundry we do (that's my current project) but in how much delight we share with our children. Thanks for always being an inspiration, and your photos are great, especially that last one!

[Mystele]

wow. i know what you mean about setting aside all of those should & wanna do's to soak them in. what a super idea. you go, mama, and thank you for giving me some food for thought.

your kiddos are too cute.

[Nicole]

That last picture is just too adorable!
At lunch we had a picnic with a blanket on the floor, some fancy dishes and our dolls (yes Faolan and Colin were there) It was amazing how this simple idea brought on so much fun, creativity and play! We made up stories and jokes, much laughter ensued. I too get overwhelmed in what I "should" be getting done during the day and feel like somehow there is not enough time to be in the moment. But, when I do sit down next to the kids the play "just happens" and we are all alot happier for it!
Thanks for this refreshing post, I hope everyone is feeling better!

[My Inspired Heart - Sandra]

Hi, Grace! The last picture is just priceless! And, you reinforced what I've been thinking about for days now. I've been in "chore mode" for way too long and hardly in "play mode." I think it's about time for a party at my house too! Thanks for the sweet post :)

[bex]

Awwwwwwwww. Look at his little ear...Xxx

[emily]

i'm thinking it would be hard to be better off than those two.

[misschris]

Good job, Mommy. And thanks, Grace, for the reminder to play... we all need to play more! And I hope your week is better than your icky weekend. ;)

[Dawn]

Beautiful photos, they look so happy. I'm inspired now to go and play with my kids.

[Mary Beth]

So sweet. I love this.

[Rachel]

Almost every day I find myself thinking I need to play with the kids more. I always think I have to much to do; then i sit down with them and realize that those things can wait. How fun for you all!

[Ella]

This makes me smile. We had an impromptu birthday party for Little A's wee bear yesterday too!! Wow, what are the odds? You rocked with the cake though. We just ate hot cereal in party hats and lit a candle.

[amy]

yes, we only have this time for now...I'm with you on this...I have to pause too
Looks like you had a great time
lovely pics xo

[Bluebirdbaby]

Looks like fun! My father and I used to do this type of thing all the time, although he never made a cake :) These were some of my best memories from childhood. Lucky kids you've got there...

[Ellen]

Very sweet. Chocolate cake to match a chocolate-looking table. Must be the lighting that is reflecting off your table, or my sweet tooth is in overdrive.

[MamaP]

I've been making felt crowns recently, they are so fun. This post was very sweet!

[shukr]

ooo er, no! you've just changed the names - when did that happen !?!