Today's Gratitude post is about Play-Doh. No, it's not a post about how grateful I am that Play-Doh was invented. Actually, I have a love-hate relationship with the stuff. Basically, I can't stand the mess it makes. Alfie tells me to calm down, it can always be vacuumed up later when it dries. But I can't help it, all those bits stress me out.
Today the kids and their cousins had a major Play-Doh session. They made every kind of burger, pasta, and ice-cream creation you can think of, and some you couldn't. It lasted almost 2 hours. On any other day, I'd be a nervous wreck at the sight of all that Play-Doh crumbling to bits underneath their little feet, all ready to be stepped on and spread throughout the house.
But today it didn't affect me. Why? Because my sister was there. No, she's not an oasis of calm either. Play-Doh affects her in exactly the same way it affects me. But that's precisely why I wasn't stressed out -- I was reveling in the company of someone who gets me, someone who feels exactly the same way. We cleaned up that darn Play-Doh together and complained the whole time. We smiled knowingly at each other as we swept away half of it into the trash can when the kids' backs were turned (the sooner the Play-Doh runs out, the better). I've never had more fun with Play-Doh since I was a kid myself. So that's where the Gratitude comes in -- I'm grateful that my sister was there to help me.
And come to think of it, I was grateful for Play-Doh today as well. After all, it did keep the kids occupied for almost two hours.
Anything that keep kids occupied for two hours is good in my book (outside of TV). Despite the mess, I like the smell, it brings back vivid memories from childhood.
ReplyDeleteIt's true--you can get through almost anything if you don't have to do it alone.
ReplyDeletewhat a great picture! i am glad that the play-doh have you some solace for a few hours :)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Rick, anything that keeps your kids occupied is definitely a GOOD thing! I'm a neat freak to, so I have to constantly remind myself to choose my battles. Some things just aren't worth getting upset about. As long as they're not endangering themselves or anyone else or damaging something, if they're having fun the mess can always be cleaned up. The memories your kids will have will always outweigh the work you put into the cleanup. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe best play dough in the world is the homemade kind, while its still warm. ^_^ Although, I do agree that play-doh bits smashed into the carpet are no fun.
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