A Mom's Job...

As I begin to get busier with weddings and have less time for cleaning my house, I have been pondering what my job really is as a mom!

Here's the deal...I don't really like playing. I love board games, and we do play some of them, but usually Chase messes them up! I like puzzles. We do those every once-in-a-while. I really like riding bikes with my kids, but I don't like playing outside! I am not into Barbies, My Little Pony, Thomas the Tank Engine, cars or Transformers! So, do I just suck it up and play, or is that not really part of my role? Are all of those things for them to play with and be creative while I'm doing other things? Is riding bikes once or twice a week, reading several books a day, and putting together a puzzle once a week sufficient "play time with mommy"?

The reason I'm questioning is because I am finding that I feel guilty on days when I have not sat down to do more than read them a bed time story. Is that bad or is that normal? I don't want "well, you're just busy and that's all you can do." I really want to know what my role is as a mother!

I wake up with them every morning. I try to get up before them, but I am not usually successful since they wake up by 6:30 each day! I make sure they are dressed, fed, brush their teeth, and that they make up their beds. (We've recently begun a "schedule" where they get smiley faces for each chore they complete in the morning and the evening.) Ray C. and I take turns taking them to school, and about half the time we have really good conversations - sometimes pretty deep conversations. In fact, we recently talked about Fidel Castro and his role in Cuba. Anyway, I pack lunches for them, and I try to keep them from eating too much sugar and red dye - that's for you Ms. Dana!!! Really, it's for the sanity of all adults involved, but we are grateful for your help with that discovery!

I pick them up from school and ask them each what they did and what they enjoyed most! I pray with them. I take them to the park. We ride bikes. I let them play in the backyard while I am in the kitchen. They play for hours with their toys upstairs! We watch more TV than we should, but I restrict what they can watch!

Ray C. and I try to get individual time with them as often as possible! We go on dates with one at a time, and that is always a blast! We make sure they have a bath before bedtime and that they brush their teeth - most of the time! :) When we are home, we get them in bed between 8 and 8:30, which is most nights. All that to say, I take care of their most basic needs and more! After all, I love them! They are God's gift to us, and I want the best for them!

So, should I feel guilty about just letting them play on their own? Seriously? Should I be spending several hours with them one on one each day doing art projects, reading, and playing games? Or are they getting what they need from me in the other things I am doing? Of course, I know that no one else can answer my questions specifically, but I would love to hear your thoughts on this. What conclusions have you come to as parents about what our role is?

I don't want to do enough to make me feel better! I want to be sure that I am providing my children with everything they need to be a successful, happy, loving adult with GREAT memories from their childhood! I just can't convince myself that's what I'm doing! HELP!!