There was a time, when my kids were very young, where I put aside absolutely everything I enjoyed doing in my free time.  “Free time” was the craziest phrase I could imagine.  There weren’t enough hours in the day to work full time, feed my family, keep a fairly clean house, bake cookies, and still have enough time to do something for myself.

Now that my kids are a little older, I’ve taken back a little time for myself.  Well, I can’t say actually have time all to myself, but my kids are interested in helping out with my hobbies.  They’re curious and often want to learn how to do things. Sometimes it’s hard to step back, especially when I’m in a hurry, and just let them try something.

Both of my kids enjoy cooking with me.  My son loves to chop things (although, I’m so afraid he’s going to cut his fingers off).  He’s actually quite helpful in the kitchen and will often just whip up a little lunch, if he thinks I’m being too slow. 

My daughter prefers to help with baking.  In her own words, “I like to help make the things that we put lots of sugar into.  Those things always taste the best.”  It only took her 8 years to figure that out.

Both of my kids love being outside with us.  My son has always been a strong kid and has no problem hauling wood chips, moving bags of dirt, mowing, or digging up plants.  The other day, we finished up working in the yard, and next thing I knew, he was setting up the sprinklers.  He just thought the plants needed a little water.  He was right.  They did.  I love that kid!

I absolutely love to sew. My kids will sew with me, although my son started losing interest long ago.  My daughter and nieces worked on a few project at Auntie Becca’s Sewing Camp this summer.  I can’t say they love it as much as I do, but they know how to work a machine and have no problem creating something from fabric scraps.

My newest hobby has been photography.  I have truly enjoyed learning everything I can about photography over the past few years.  There are so many cool things a camera can do!

Of course, I can’t forget my ALL TIME FAVORITE HOBBY… camping!

Okay, maybe not.  Here’s the reality.

How about you, friends?  What’s your hobby?