Jackie coordinated a sleepover with 5 girls in her class. They got to the age where they make plans and have a mind of their own. I love this stage.
As they talked among themselves they reached the conclusion that Jackie would have most space. She brought it up with me and I said I’ll discuss with daddy. Before I even got the chance to say anything, one afternoon at dinner time, because the girls were so sleepy (which is what happened every time they had a sleepover at school or at camp) he said: “no more sleepovers”. Jackie made her eyes big but had the forethought to not plead or contradict or say anything at all.
A few days we discussed ground rules and the fact that they both get super tired when they have friends over, especially overnight.
I brought it up with conrad and he was adamant. The chaos of having kids over is too much for him. The noise, the slammed doors, the running up and down the stairs. In and out. Meals and lights out.
But… I looked at him in the office and with a quiet voice I said: she wants to bring her friends over. It is a highly social season and she longs to be part of a good group of girls. I know these girls, and I know their parents. They have built friendships for half a decade and saw each other every day, when to many camps and excursions togethers. And they are under our roof and supervision. He stopped me and said he agrees. Doesn’t need to be convinced any more.
The weekend was smooth and memorable. Great weather, good company. The doors were slammed more than conrad had a tolerance for. I went once up and asked them to close the doors gently. They stayed up late and played and giggled to their hearts’ delight.
Sunday was a rainy day. The first one in many-many weeks Ivy fell asleep after lunch after we did some reading together. Both girls we tired even though we all went to be early Saturday night. Ah, and Saturday we went hiking 18 km to a peak with the couples from church. Mama stayed home with the girls. They were doing their own thing. Mama was available just in case. I hope she bought a book. Otherwise it was a very boring time for her.
We sacrifice purposefully and try our best try our best to give our kids good gifts. The kind that keeps on giving. The gift of socializing with friends, in a comfortable place. With good food and warmth and hospitality. May they remeber this deep down in their hearts.