For those of you who have not read other things that I have posted, I live in a rural area. We recently received a nice dusting of snow and ice. Although beautiful, we don't see much of that around here. So....the schools closed Friday and they are also shut down tomorrow. Point being...shut up in the house with my baby sister and my two daughters for three days, because the roads are too icy to go out!

In times like this we as parents have to become inventive with our time. Yes, items such as a Wii or other game consoles do indeed help. But, in my home we limit the amount of TV time. That makes for a very long 3 days in the eyes of a child. I, like most other parents, are thinking yeah!!!, no school...no work...sleep late! Not in my house...unfortunately.

My children were awake at 6 AM all three mornings and ready for breakfast at 7:30! If they had to go to school, I would still be begging them to get out of the bed at 6:45 because the bus runs at 7AM! I couldn't believe it! So we start our mini vacation inside our home. Breakfast..at the kitchen table..play outside in the snow/ice..lots of pictures..lunch..at the kitchen table..movie..playing with the toy kitchen..dinner at the kitchen table..the next day..breakfast at the kitchen table..games..lunch at the kitchen table..board games at the kitchen table..attempt at a nap..dinner at kitchen table....do you see the theme!

We have had so much family time at the kitchen table! Our bond these three days has increased beyond words. My sister and I pulled a game out of the game closet. Yes, I have a game closet. We can discuss that issue at a later time. She pulls out a game called Blokus. Very simple and reminds me of Tetrus. Myself, my sister, my seven year old and my four year old are sitting at the table playing this game. Keep in mind that my children are bright for their ages and are playing very well. I look around the table. I look at the smile on my oldest daughters face and see the smile of complete joy because she just blocked her aunt's next move. I look at my youngest daughter only to see a wonderful smile of accomplishment as she finally comprehends all the rules of the game and blocks my next move. My sister is shaking her head and looking at me saying, "Only your girls would get it so fast!"

Amazing...simply amazing how table time can make all the difference. Having the girls help set the table. Hearing my girls say the blessing before each meal. Laughing with them while they tell stories about what occurred while they were playing. Having them beat their aunt and I in a board game....makes me speechless. I realized there at that moment what a blessing this weekend had become. Out of the frustration and disappointment of being snowed in for three days....well...the best weekend ever appeared. I got to slow down and spend time with them in only the best way possible......Table time!

Sassy Momma