Skiing

As a result of becoming  a mother of four precious children, I have spent the last eight years off and on pregnant. For this I am very blessed and grateful, but I have also spent those years not doing things I use to love. There are so many things that become more difficult or for that matter impossible to do while pregnant or with a baby.  So I decided to focus on raising my children and sacrifice those things. I am not sure whether my husband and I will have more children or not. Which brings me to my problem. How long do I keep catering to a pregnant belly or a baby and hold off on things that my older children and myself would enjoy? The answer is, not one more day! I love being pregnant. I love babies  and I love my older children. So, I have decided that I will be inventive and creative. I will find a way to do things with my children, regardless of their age or my state of being. I have been dieing to go cross country skiing. Growing up my family use to go cross country skiing quite often. My whole family had skies from the smallest one all the way up to my parents. I remember the sound the snow would make under my skis, the crispness of the air, and the stillness of nature. The technique of going up the hills with my feet like a duck, the pit of nervousness in my stomach as I stood at the top of the hill and the excitement that came when I glided swiftly down. (that's right cross country doesn't just mean flat ground) These are happy childhood memories and I am thankful that my parents took time to take me skiing. Therefore, I would like to give a similar memory to my children. Okay, so back to the problem. I have a 7, 5, 3, and 1 year old. I know my 7 and 5 year old would love to learn to ski.So what do I do with the 3 and 1  year old? So I thought, somehow I need to be able to safely have my baby with me while I'm on skies. I got it. I'll tie a rope around my waist and then tie the baby sled to the rope and I will pull her while my 3 year old walks. This was a great idea but was not much fun for my 3 year old. So I tied a sled to the back of the baby sled and pulled her too! We had a blast all winter long. I don't know if it was because I enjoy to ski or if it was because I conquered a challenge. Regardless, problem solved! And ready for the next one!  I know what you're thinking.  Every time I want to go skiing, I should just get a babysitter or bring them to grandma's house! ABSOLUTELY NOT this is not an option.For all you mothers out there that were thinking a babysitter was a good idea, I challenge you to find ways to do things with your kids. Find a way! Think outside the box! I promise you your kids will remember it and you'll look back and be empowered by it.