Making Everyday Fun

I have to confess. Much as I try to be Julie Andrews (but seriously, how can anyone have that much energy while looking after 7 kids?!), there are days when I feel like the evil witch from Snow White. Sometimes I say things to Poppy and as soon as the words come out, I give myself a mental slap with "Did you really have to do that?".

I love seeing my kids happy. And sometimes it takes so little to make them smile and laugh. Because honestly, they don't ask for much. Apart from lots of your time. And patience. And energy. And brain juice. Ok, they do demand alot from you. But it's sometimes all you have to do is make a funny face or tickle them or read in a strange voice or throw them in the air and they squeal with laughter.

So I've decided. Everyday, every single day, I'm going to make it a point to make my kids smile. It doesn't have to be anything big like plan a big outing (because with big outings means I have to scramble to get everyone ready *cue my black face* and then when we're out, it's crowded *cue Max's black face* and then when we're home, everyone's sleepy and cranky *cue 4 black faces*), just small, simple everyday things.

And come September, I will attempt to (gasp!) do a blog post a day to share about the smiley thing we did for the day. Just to share on what we did that made the kids smile. Won't you join me? :) - Pictures of activities/smiling kids optional though who am I kidding? We're mum bloggers, we love pictures! Just share on what you did to make your kids smile :)

*Clarification: I will try to post everyday, anyone can join any time, and simply link up! You don't have to post everyday if you don't want to, though I would enjoy the company :) This will all start on September 1, 2012.

And here's what inspired me:

She wanted to ride on the little car that's obviously way too small for her. It's built for a 1 year-old I think. But she loves it. Each time we visit my parents, she heads straight for this. She asked to go downstairs for a ride and we tried to dissuade her. What would other parents think, us letting a 4 year-old go on a toy meant for a little baby? Then I though, heck, why not. Who cares what other people think.

She gave me the biggest smiles in that hour we were out. She spent a long time dragging the car up the ramp, then sliding down, squealing with laughter. I'm so glad I did it.