We'll Take That To Go

You know, I really try very hard to keep our lives simple. 

I think long and hard before I sign us up for something new, because things just pile up so quickly, and I really don't want my kids' childhoods wasted away in an over-scheduled, hurry up and wait blur. I want them to have the time to explore, to linger, to lay in the grass and watch ants go about their busy lives - time to breathe. I want them to take full advantage of this one time, this short time, in their lives when they get to just be. 

But, try as I might, there are times when there are complications and jam packed days that just can't be avoided. 

Now and again we have to visit the doctor's office, or wait for the car to be inspected, busy ourselves between lifeguard breaks or wait for a brother to finish his music lesson. 

That's how the "Go Boxes" came to be. Each big boy has their own little train case just for this purpose. It's filled with hidden picture books, word searches, drawing paper and colored pencils, favorite stories, army men, marbles, and goodness only knows what else. It's a special box of special stuff with which to entertain oneself in a time of need. It's ready and waiting to grab and go, whenever the occasion arises. They come in pretty handy in those "how much longer?" moments. (actually, that was not a "how much longer?" moment, it was a "why do we have to sit still for a photo moment"... it's pretty much the same look though) 

Now if only I could come across one at the thrift store for Ryder! Come to think of it, maybe one for me too! I'll stuff it with embroidery projects and magazines, chocolate and moleskins and colored pens, maybe glittery ones - because you know, even a grocery list is more fun when written with glittery pens! And maybe there should be some stickers too. That's it, stickers! 

If only I was as talented as Meg, and could turn them all into works of art the way that she does. Of course then, the danger is that we'd be tempted to just schedule ourselves silly, if only to have an excuse to show off our go boxes all the live long day :-)