Forts

It has not been that cold this winter, but it still seems like the girls have been inside a lot.  That probably isn’t actually true, even though it feels that way.  Most of the girls’ time inside results in the building of forts.  Every cushion of the couch is removed and every blanket is unfolded.

The forts never look the same, but always result in the same mess.  You would never know that they had a whole basement full of toys, because it seems like they never spend any time playing down there.  It is more fun for them to make a mess of the living room than it is to play with toys.  I must say though, they are pretty good about cleaning up the mess every day (sometimes even twice a day).

Bentley’s other favorite activity is to “make supper”.  Although she has a whole kitchen set and food toys galore, her “making supper” consists of using every magnetic item she has (letters and other magnets) as food and books as plates.  Every day, all the magnets from the door in the kitchen are scattered in the living room; as well as every book.

Needless to say, I love the days the girls can get outside and play.  I am tired of the messes, even if they are good fun for the kids.  Confession: a messy house stresses me out.  Did I mention that all the work that each girl puts into their favorite activity makes them more prone to fighting with each other when something is messed up by the other.  Second confession: I am tired of playing referee. 

Teaching your children to get along, to be kind and loving to others (especially a sibling), showing them the importance of sharing and respecting each others’ hard work, and not running to me over every little incident, takes a lot of work.  It makes for a very tired mommy.  Thank goodness daddy comes home every day and jumps right in to help.  What a great man!  I could never do this without him.  God knew what he was doing when he brought us together.  It is a great partnership.