A simple afternoon

Since we live in a very fast-pace society, sometimes it is easy to forget simplicity. We have to do everything now. We have to get everything now. We have to be everywhere now. We have to know everything now. One of the beautiful aspects of economic change has been the renewed appreciation of simplicity. Take today for instance. My husband and I have the day off and our 1st grader had a 1/2 day at school. So what did the 5 of us do? Very little. It is easy to beat ourselves up for not having a "productive" day. But what have I done? I transplanted my herb starts to pots, built a strawberry planter for the kids, got the house cleaned, and played in the yard. Dinner has been started and now the 5 of us are sitting here on the couch reading books, talking, and blogging. We have gotten fresh air, some family quality time, the plants were tended to, and it was all done at our own pace. And it didn't cost us anything (well, except the materials I purchased earlier in the week). I am amazed at all the parents that think entertaining kids costs a fortune. Ironically, for my 7 & 3 yr olds, they had an action-packed day with their wagon, swords (sticks), and their imaginations.