I had True and Brave back to back, and after I had Brave, I pretty much didn’t venture out of the house by myself. It was fine by me because I’m a total homebody and also I love to stick to routines and didn’t want to interfere with their nap schedules. My kids thrive on routine. Then, Soulie was added to the mix and leaving with 3 terrified me, so you can imagine what happened when we moved up to 4. They were all so little and all took naps, so I didn’t mind not leaving the house. Ben does the grocery shopping and I just send him a list of what I need.
Now, True, Brave, and Soul are bigger and no longer nap, so it’s just Glow who naps (two times a day: 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm). With that, I’m noticing the need to go on more adventures together. To actually leave the confines of our home. It does them good and it does me good too. The idea of leaving with all 4 by myself doesn’t scare me as much (as much is the key word here). Glow won’t ever nap in the car, so it does mess her up a little, but planning quick adventures out and coming back home before traffic hits (see, it all revolves around traffic here) isn’t so bad.
True, Brave, and Soul are getting so curious about the world around them that it does them an injustice to coop them up at home all day, every day. These girls of mine need to get out and explore, so I’m working on trying to give them opportunities to do so. Plus, we live in southern California where the beach, desert, and mountains are all within an hour or less of where we live. I better take advantage, don’t you think?! And if for some reason, we aren’t able to leave the house on a particular day, I’m making sure they spend it in the backyard playing. Lately, they’ve been spending hours out there. Being outside, just reminds us that the world is so much more than just our little family and home. It’s easy to live in a cozy little bubble, but we need to be reminded that there really is a whole world out there and we need to live intentionally and we need to live life well. We need to love and serve others beyond our little family, and honestly, I really suck at teaching my children that.
I don’t always feel like I’m living life well or intentionally. It’s more like I’m just trying to survive my days (and keep my head above water until it’s time to go to bed), but it’s something I need to keep in mind and work on. Sometimes a post about going to beach, turns into a little reflection. This is to remind myself… take the girls on more adventures and teach them how to serve others. I haven’t figured out exactly how to get better at both, but I’m working on it.
btw- they had a blast at the beach!
Great shots, what fun you had together!
Gosh, I think we all need to be reminded of that now and then. With little ones it’s so easy to get sucked into this whole surviving rhythm and often we are just glad we made it through the day with everyone being fed and bathed in the end. That’s quite the accomplishment on some days, isn’t it?
Don’t be hard on yourself. You are a wonderful soul, your words show it all the time. So I am certain they will love and serve beyond your little family, because that’s who they will become. Loving, caring creatures, just like their mom. And that they have a save and sheltered childhood in a warm and cosy little bubble? It will only add to their loving spirits. I just know.
Enjoy this time together! xx
Looks like the kids had a whole lot of fun. The weather these past couple weeks has been perfect for the beach.
Lovely shots! Oh, am I right there with you about being intentional. Most days I feel like all my kids see is me frantically trying to get through my day. Praying God will give me grace, courage, and insight to help me to be more intentional in all areas of our life.
I’m a homebody and so is my daughter, but she’s really happy when I take her out do Do Stuff. It’s an effort for me, but I know it’s important to get out and Do Stuff. (but I love that she loves to stay home as well) Love your beachy pix!!! xo
Okay, I know this was not at all the point of your post, but how on earth do you get Soul to take such gloriously long naps?! I am a mom of 3, and our littlest (7months) is a beast to get down to sleep. I definitely thought I had a system until he came along…
Would you let us in on your secret? Pretty sure the lack of sleep/naps is gonna kill me!
it’s so strange because all my girls had that same nap schedule until they were 3 or so, when it got cut down to once a day. i really didn’t leave the house to make sure to get them on schedule. in the beginning they did cry for the first 15 min for the first week we were training them, and then they just got it eventually and stop fussing and wouild roll over and go to sleep.
I was wondering about the same 🙂 and how long does she sleep during the nights? greetings from austria
i have the opposite problem…we run a business from our home and have another employee who works out of the home and i have 3 boys who do not stay at home quietly, so we have to leave…every day…but its good for them, like you say – i find if i can get them out in the morning and running around my afternoons go soooo much smoother…but i understand the comfort thing…
Oh girl I SO relate, in fact I could have written this post :)…I had my four in 5.5 years and the baby is just ten months. I still get nervous taking them all out by myself I really do just prefer to stay put at home. But three of mine are social and need outings and fresh air and to see the world. It’s so hard though and I love your heart in sharing honestly. You’re an incredible mother and I think we all have stuff to work on…ps. my hubby does the shopping too I HATE grocery shopping with four!
i hate grocery shopping period. with or without kids. i just never really cared to do it, but ben always goes over budget when he does it!
You are so BRAVE! I only have two and am very intimidated to drive them both anywhere far! I must say we didn’t need a car before (carless for 10 years!!) and I was never scared of walking even really far with our double stroller before we moved to L.A. I am totally inspired by you once again though and I may just try and push myself to be a little more adventurous 🙂
frederique- yes! let’s drive to meet at the beach!!!
I was encouraged by this post and loved reading it. I have 2 young children myself and know exactly what you mean. 🙂 Hope you have a great adventure-filled day and Happy Easter! 😀
It is a relief to hear you are just like the rest of us, I have three (8, 6 and 3) and am constantly chastising myself for not being more adventurous with them… but i have recently been learning that you have to let go of the guilt and do what you are able to. Celebrate when it goes well and not worry too much when you have a disaster – tomorrow is a new day! Have been enjoying your site – not sure how i stumbled across it but it is beautiful. It looks pretty different to my life here in Liverpool, and then at the same time, not that different at all! xx
Mamma, I never grew up at the beach and now I live 15 minutes from it, I take my kids there as much as I can. No need for toys, just some food & clothing. Go there as much as you can. It will clear your mind and your children will benefit more than I can put into words. Enjoy yourself, you deserve it!
you are definitely allowed to go outside with four kids, but you do it! and you are trying to do it more…your kids are so lucky to have you as her mama!
these photos make me miss california so much! Looks like your girls had a blast!
I have been spending a lot of time at the beach lately and oh how I love it too!