Playing House

Gabe and I babysat for a family in our ward for a week last month. We stayed at their home and took care of their 12, 9, 7, and 3 year old kids while they went on a work trip/vacation together. Although we had never watched these kids before, overnight babysitting is definitely not new to us. Honestly, this time almost felt like a piece of cake since most of the kids were old enough to be gone at school all day and then help with chores at home. They really are good kids, and we enjoyed playing around with them for the week (and living in their luxurious home - who wouldn't enjoy a fancy bathroom and kitchen and a big tv?). Also the money is super nice. :)

Obviously things are not exactly the same with babysitters as they are with the parents at home, but it is always interesting stepping into another family's life for a period of time and seeing how they function at home. I think that's one of the things I love most about babysitting overnight - reflecting during and afterward with Gabe about how they run their family, and the things we want to do the same or differently. (Ok, so I just realized what I really love MOST is seeing my husband play and interact with the kids on a daily basis, and getting a glimpse of what he will be like with our kids someday. That is really priceless. But back to my other favorite thing...) :)

There was a lot that we really admired about this family and their home, as well as other families we have stayed with in the past. We really liked how well these kids helped with chores each day. They each had a small afternoon and evening responsibility (wiping counters, vacuuming, straightening the living room, loading/unloading the dishwasher) and then some bigger Saturday morning chores (cleaning bedrooms, bathrooms, and play room). And they were really good about doing their jobs when asked with very little complaining or whining. It was also nice having everyone sit down together for dinner every night - at a table and without tv (someday that will happen for us). I've also found while babysitting that the kids usually want you to interact and play with them as often and in whatever way you are willing. I hope when we have children of our own I will be able to recognize and be responsive to that. Even just postponing what you're doing to color, play board games, or jump on the trampoline with them when they ask. It's not necessarily always the most "fun" thing as an adult, but it really is touching to see how much they want to spend time with you and how much it means to them. And sometimes it really is a lot of fun - kids can be quite entertaining. :)

One thing we are always reminded of when watching other's kids is how important daily family scripture reading and prayer is to us. Some families are better with morning prayers, others with evening. Some families have a set of scriptures for each kid during family scripture reading, and some families just read to their kids. Again, this is an area that I'm sure is not necessarily the same with the babysitters as opposed to the parents, but it is always an opportunity for reflection for us. I love the opportunity it provides to bring everyone together to start and end the day - the unity from that alone is a great blessing. I also really want to encourage our kids, even at very young ages, to have their own personal prayers and read (or listen) to scriptures on their own each day.

On a much less important level, it's also fun to look at their houses and think of things we would/wouldn't like in our dream home someday. Like, this family had central vacuuming. I didn't even know that was a thing, but it's pretty sweet. Especially for wood floors (I hate sweeping) and for stairs cause it's super light. They had a beautiful kitchen, too, with a large island and bar stools, a 5 burner gas stove with an optional griddle, and of course double ovens. (I used to think that was so superfluous...until I tried to cook meals with multiple things that needed cooking in the oven...) I also enjoyed their fancy bathroom with the walk-in shower. They're house was beautifully decorated - like magazine picture worthy in every room. But Gabe and I are so practical that we actually find some of that to be a nuisance - like having 50 pillows on the bed or otherwise useless decorations on the kitchen counters or living room ottoman. Don't get me wrong - they look great, they just also get in the way sometimes, and we definitely value function over form. :) We'd also rather have scriptures and pictures of temples, landscapes,the Savior, and our family hanging on the wall instead of random quotes and pictures you get from like Hobby Lobby. And this family had both, and again, it looks beautiful, we just like meaningful art, so we don't have any desire to buy the other, because we have no connection to it.

As fun as it was staying in their nice home and playing Mom and Dad, it always feels good to come home to your own bed and get back to your normal routine. The cutest thing though was how the 9 year old didn't want us to leave, and when her parents asked how it went and if we'd be willing to do it again, she jumped in with a "YEEEESSSS!!!" Also super adorable is seeing the 3 year old at church on Sundays. When she notices us and we wave, she has to get her parents' attention so that she can show them it's us. :) Oh, and she totally cracked me up when I had the 9 month old baby over that I babysit once a week. He was having a rough day and crying a lot for no reason, so every time he would start crying she would get surprised and confused and say, "He's crying AGAIN!" haha :) Anyway, it was a good experience, and the money is so helpful right now, but I so look forward to the day that we're no longer "playing house," but living it every day with our own kids.