Playing along with Jen F. again! Because it's Friday and it's fun.
1. Two weeks ago, we cut back our sitters' hours. I found myself scrambling
to reorganize schedules, chores and errands. At first I was completely
overwhelmed. But things are better now. The older children are
definitely doing their part. They share vacuuming, sweeping,
dish-washing, table-setting, room tidying and trash duties. It's challenging but we're working together, pulling as a team. That makes all the difference.
2. Finished trimming the Christmas tree. I waited until the local craft store held a 60% off sale and then bought more ornaments, berry picks and silk poinsettias to build on our "Red & Gold" theme. I had a little help from my sitter who barged in and demanded, "Ju tink deese es pretty?" Umm…I guess not? "Ju hass to let me feex eet," she said. I let her fix it and then she told me she was going off to Church to pray for me. I suppose my decorating skills are in dire need of prayer. Her skills, however, totally rock:
3. Am keeping up the beauty regimen. I dressed cute and did my hair & makeup every day this week. I had forgotten how empowering it feels to wear lipstick. I think I actually get more done when I dress nicely. My family appreciates it, too. I guess I didn't realize how my looking put together could have such a positive effect on them. Perhaps it shows them that I care about this important job I do? Whatever the reason, I'm motivated!
4. Sir Milton has become quite the Biblical dog. He now waits patiently between the twins' chairs for food to fall, just like St. Mark 7:28 says, "yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs." We're proud of our holy, little doggie.
5. The kids wrote their letters to Santa Claus this week. I was shocked to read Jewel's letter—she doesn't want toys. She wants….facial cleansers. And perfume. And clothes. Um…WHEN did she grow up? And WHO gave her permission to do that? Yikes.
6. I was wrapping some gifts and accidentally left out the wrapping paper. Jewel saw this and said, "Um, Mom? Isn't that kind of obvious?" I guess if we're gonna believe in Santa Claus around here, I should at least make an attempt to hide the wrapping paper, huh?
7. While driving Jude and the twins to the park, I turned up the volume on some great R&B.
"Work it, Jude!" I shouted. "Work it LIKE YOU OWN IT!"
In the rearview mirror, I could see his face get all serious. I turned down the music.
"What is it, Jude?" I asked.
"Mommy," he said, earnestly, "if I'm going to work it like I own it, I will have to get out of my car-seat."
Absolute best laugh of the week.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
