Things I don't do.

I try to do many things with my family (so, so, so many things says my overstimulated ears and scribbled agenda book).

But other things?  I have to tell you.  I have blatantly disregarded. Given up.  Failed to attempt. 

I have "intentionally ruled out to increase the simplicity of our domesticity".  But really, I've just shrugged them off and live vicariously through friends who shine in these areas. 

I love to talk about this with absolutely everyone I know.  It's a refreshing conversation that flips the typical parenting narrative on its head. 

Let's talk for a minute about the things we DON'T do.  Won't do. 

I'll go first.

I don't keep track of developmental milestones.

For instance, I have no idea when my babies get teeth.  I'm usually alerted by well-meaning friends and family as they exclaim, "Wow!  Look at that tooth coming in!".  I smile and nod- and promptly forget.  I have no idea what order they came in, no idea what behaviors I should attribute to teeth over plain cranky baby.  No idea.  They all have teeth.  We're very proud.

I don't remember my kids first words, phrases, sentences.  I don't know how old they were when they rolled over, crawled or walked.  I just- applaud in delight then go start dinner.  My kids all have a baby book but the details are vague at best.  I'm sorry guys.  Momma loves you, and I remember you all as wonderful babies.... but the details escape me. I can make something up if it would make you feel better.  Let me know.

I do not stretch palates with interesting cuisines.

We have a loose idea that we'd like to raise kids who don't order a burger off the kids menu everywhere we go.  I want them to sit comfortably eating sushi and thai food with us... I want them to try a new dish without commotion... but I've pushed that to the back-burner in favor of simple kitchen clean up, easy recipes and family favorites where I hear no complaints.  I hope we get there one day, but this post will serve as proof that I have really, really dropped this ball.

I don't do home decor.

We have the furniture you'd recognize as standard suburban fare, but nothing is special or trending or matching or cleverly mixed.  Looking around, the only thing I see that we bought new is our kid-sized table and chairs.  The house is clean enough but unimpressively "decorated".  I often think to myself that I should "finish" rooms, call someone in to do built-ins, refresh table linens... but I never seem to get there.  It's something I think I *should* care about more than something I *actually* care about.  So there we are.  Instagram is not going to come calling on my home.  HGTV might like a crack at it, though. 

I don't do elaborate school projects or costumes (ugh- costumes).

I don't go to craft stores and spend money on school projects.  I hate the idea of one-time-use materials that end up in the trash in a month- and I feel doubly so about costumes.  I can occasionally get everyone handled for Halloween, but even that, I do sort of grudgingly.  If you have a themed party for my kids, they'll find something in the dress up box- that's it.  I'm not buying anything.  If you have a themed costume party for adults, I'm not coming.  I'm a stick in the mud, and I know it.

There's more- but I love this question- what DON'T you do?  Do tell.