A Spring Day

Being outside is so very nice. The girl likes her present from her little friend. :) She's been working on her hula-hooping all day. Hannah is the kind of kid who will do something over, and over, and over until she gets it.

Sweet victory! She has mastered a new skill. She'll be able to sleep at night now.

Here are my boys. Boys are the funniest creatures.

See what I mean? Strange fellow. But in a good way.

A Because Party

Today's weather is nothing short of perfect. Long sleeves? OK. Short sleeves? OK too!
Little Miss Hannah decided it was the perfect day for an outside "Because Party." You can read about "Because Parties" in the Little Bear books and movies...but basically, it's a party for...Just because!

And, yes, professional photograpers: My rickety, backyard garage door IS available for use as a back drop. Just ask, and be my guest. Just stay an hour after and watch my kids while I go grocery shopping, OK?
The hostess made a fruit salad - apples, bananas, oranges, orange juice, and cinnamon . I helped slice a little. A side of pumpenickel pretzels was served. Like the fancy serving dishes? A Because Party is a relaxed, fuss-free event.
Brothers may come too. But be prepared for their shenanigans, like sneaking the pretzels, and blowing dandelions onto the fruit salad. The hostess did her best to be gracious.
This is me after the hostess decided the Because Party was in my honor. I got to wear this beautiful, rare, exotic bloom in my hair. And get my picture taken. Just because.

Happy Friday!

I'll take the physical challenge!

Any one remember what my title is from?

To me, Mondays are days for recovering over how lazy and and distracted from chores one has been over the weekend. I'm trying to gain some momentum this morning. But my bleeping wisdom tooth is the thorn in my side. I am teething and the whole left side of my face is tender. I'm pretty sure this bad boy needs to be yanked, plucked, pulled, EXTRACTED from my mouth. Should be fun. I wish my own conspiracy theory (about how pulling wisdom teeth are just a ploy for dentists to make money) came through for me. But pain talks. Take the buggars out!!

But back to the housekeeping: I feel discouraged. As soon as one room is acceptable, another is in shambles - kid crud like puzzle pieces everywhere, dust, crumbs, dirt, clutter, yuck. It's best to keep up high spirits with these sorts of things or else they can really get you down. Whew. OK, now that I had my internet pity party and allowed my ibuprofen to kick in, let me spring to action. Gotta make a plan! Take a vacation from procrastination!!

Step by step. Day by day. By day...

First priority.
Kitchen - unload diswasher, tidy, wipe, sweep, load dishwasher, done.

Front room - rally kids to pick up after themselves for the bazillionth time. quick tidy and fluff of pillows and done.

Bedroom 1 - wash my sheets, thanks little baby for leaking last night. tidy. done.

Bedroom 2 - clean up clean up, everybody everywhere! clean up clean up, everybody do your share!!

bathroom - wipedown and done!

laundry - a couple of loads today.

for the kids - help make bread with mommy. hannah read james a story. outside time today since the weather is lovely. lots of grace and hugs for james today since he's the last of us to get this annoying cold we've all had. poor little basketcase.

dinner - its a pot o beans in the crock. rice to be cooked later.

OK! Here I go! It's gonna be a good day, help me Lord!