Say YES When You Can

~ Stacy

Tuesdays are, for the most part, my “home” days. I’ve been hitting the Rise and Shine spin class (at 5:15 am – eek!) so I can get home earlier and begin our homeschool day earlier. You know, that whole trying-to-make-the-best-use-of-our-time thing.

So this morn, I returned home at seven, showered up, loaded the dishwasher and was just about to line the boys up for the Pledge of Allegiance when the middle lad asked the question of the day.

“Will you play with me?”

Now I spend loads of time with my kids, so mom-guilt is pretty minimal around here, but you know what I don’t always love to do?

PLAY WITH THEM.

For starters, I stink at coming up with pretend scenarios. They must grow weary of me putting a cat up a tree for Heatwave the Fire-bot to rescue. For someone who embraces creativity as much as I do, you’d think I could produce some new material. But alas, the kitties continue howling in the maples.

So this morning, when Reed asked if I would play with him as I pushed the dishwasher drawer shut, my first thought was to dodge the bullet. I thought about changing the subject to school work or magically producing a snack to buy some time. But then I remembered a simple saying my husband and I remind each other of several times a week: Say yes when you can.

“Find your flip-flops, boys,” I announced as I slid open the patio door and headed for the trampoline.

My three little ducks filed out behind me and climbed the ladder to the mesh and metal launchpad.

We jumped and spun. We flipped and flopped. We wiggled and jiggled.

Okay, they wiggled and I jiggled.

And you know what?

It was dang fun.

I ended up all sweaty again and I have a wicked mesh-burn on my right elbow and I learned I need to invest in a new sports bra, but overall it was a rockin’ good half hour.

Even better is that the boys have been all huggy and lovey on me ever since I said yes.

I spend a lot of my home time at the school table, the stove, or the laundry basket. I’m not one bit worried that my kids will forget that I taught them and cooked for them and laundered their clothes.

But you know what scares the pants off me? The idea that they might not remember me whoopin’ it up all wild-haired in the backyard.

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I want them to know that side of me too.

There are plenty of moments in parenthood when we have to say no or not yet or not like that, but this morning, I’m grateful to have claimed a yes.

I’m pretty sure the boys are, too.

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What activity would you like to say yes to more often? What “yesses” would mean the most to your family?

36 thoughts on “Say YES When You Can”

  1. Pingback: CREATIVE BLOGGER AWARD – Letters To Dutch

  3. I loved this article! My kids LOVE when I run around in the yard with them and play whatever crazy game they have imagined (usually dinosaur attacks or something ridiculous). Although, my preferred spot is on a chair watching them, it is super rewarding to get in on the action. Their smiles get my through the day!

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    1. Yes! When we’re in the yard or the church gym, my kids always ask me to chase them. I fear it won’t be long before I can’t catch them anymore! Haha…

      Thanks for stopping by and getting in on the fun!

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  4. I was just thinking to myself the other day….when was the last time I REALLY played with my kids. Thanks for sharing…looking forward to making the time to say yes and enjoying these moments….as we all know they fly by. Love your blog Stac….when I find time to sit and read them I am never disappointed….love ya girl and miss ya.

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    1. I know what you mean, Michele, about REALLY playing. It doesn’t always happen without conscious effort, does it? But it’s so fun when we make it happen!

      Thank you for the sweet words about my blog, friend. I love knowing mommas like you are connecting with my words.

      Love you and miss you too, and the whole Campbell crew!

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  7. We take our trampoline down for the winter, but spring is slowly making a comeback here on the east coast of Canada. We haven’t set ours back up yet, but the kids have started asking enough though the temps are are barely reaching 40F. I sense a “Yes” coming very soon.

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    1. This makes me smile, because we had a 70 degree day back in March, so we jumped the gun and set up the trampoline. Then, of course, we had three more snowstorms. We are in the 50s and 60s during the day now, and I do hope it’s for the long haul.

      I hope you see some “warm” days soon!

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  10. I love to say yes to trips to the park or sidewalk chalk or play-doh or snuggles. I struggle to say yes to pretend play with my daughter or trucks with my son. But I, too, have noticed that when their love-tank has been filled, they are so much more able to pour it out to fill someone else’s. Lovely post . . . I so agree with you. Thanks for the reminder to say yes when we can.

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    1. We have a lot in common, Lonna. Walks, chalk, Play-doh and snuggles are among my faves too 🙂

      Thanks for reading and taking a moment to comment. It’s so nice to know other people relate to my feelings during this season!

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  12. So, I want to know…. Did you get “Crazy Mom Trampoline Hair” as my kids call it? You know, static in your attic?

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  13. I LOVE this Stace! Especially as spring and summer are upon us. I will say yes to swimming, playing in the sandbox, campfires, wine and iced coffee. Are you with me?!

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  14. Awwww, Stace. Perfection. This message is coming at me from all over the universe lately. So, I too shall try to say yes more often. Thank you for the spirit of your words. Smooches.

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  16. My favorite line of this was, “Okay, they wiggled and I jiggled.” So true. And you inspired me! I was just reminded how much fun I had yesterday “racing” the little kids down the street at sunset. And wishing my parents had done things like that. Hoping they will remember it later. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.

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