News Falsh

Our friend Mike and Shelby got a job in Alaska!! They are leaving on Nov 17 to drive to Washington, put their suburban on a boat, and fly up. They have invited yours truly to caravan with them. This is UBER-WWHO! 3 Adults. 12 Children. One of the adults is 32 weeks pregnant (not me!). This will be fun!

My timetable as of right now is one more week of homeschooling--2 weeks of packing. Anyone

want a couple of good old Volvo's?

Mistress EB

Chicago was great. Baby slept on plane both ways. It was great to be in a city again. True to fashion John spent Friday looking around the "magnificent Mile" buildings, and the rest of the weekend giving guided tours of the area. "Notice the flying buttresses on the tribune building and how they are echoed in the blah blah blah." But I really do appreciate his keen eye and love of beauty--especially when he has a keen eye for me!

I went shopping here--

To which Thalia responded "GASP! YOU ARE THE BEST MOTHER IN THE WORLD! SIGH!"

To which John replied "And that's why they keep making money." Yup. Sign me up.

Besides I can spend hours doing this--

When all's said and done it was strange to be in between. In between coasts, homes, and true family life. I felt more like a clandestine relationship that a wife (which admittedly has its perks!). SO--fun, but can't wait for the real deal!!

Overheard

3 year old: WHAAA! I LOST MY MARBLES!
35 year old: Me too honey. Me too.

Off we go!

I'm almost ready. Bathroom floor is clean. (don't ask--I always mop the bathroom floor in the wee hours before a trip). Child bags packed. Laundry folded (but not put away). MC getting chicken pox--yup I'm all set. Chicago and John HERE I COME! (with baby of course)

Motivation

John getting home from a day of work had been a big motivator in my daily schedule in the past. That is not working so well right now. I try being motivated out of pure charity--but I'm not so refined in my spiritual growth to manage that consistently. Tonight I was feeling a definite lack of motivation. A quick talk with a dear friend helped me gain perspective. "Good Allison. Don't be motivated tonight. Put on some comfy clothes and rest. You have been doing so much for so long. It's OK to take a break." OH YEAH! I do a lot. I feed and educate and comfort, and do a minimal amount of cleaning at least. . .I volunteer, help friends, feed pigs, and blog. . .I lactate, pray, read, and make music. . . yes, I think tonight I'll rest (except for this post of course!)

The Clouds Part. . .

. . .and the Nelsons arrive!

I had been having a hard day. O.K. A hard couple of days. The house was a shambles, my spirits were low, and my children were--well--children. Why they can't hold it together and be rational at least when I'm stressed I DON"T know!

So I implemented "Bad Day Plan A"--which involves packing up the school books and heading to a library where little ones can play and older ones can be educated in a comfortable place that is not my home. Add some cheeze-its, grapes, and water and you have an easy day. Lisa came over in the afternoon and proceeded to guide me through decluttering, cleaning, folding, putting away fun. We talked about schedules, and realistic expectations. She got me excited about FlyLady again. She did my dishes. She is a friend in the deepest sense of the word.

The kids watched a movie. And another. And part of another.

We ate beef stew and bread.

I have a clean spot for "Control Central" and I can face the next 2 months with a bit more gusto.

Sometimes God's Grace comes in the form of a giving friend!

Pumkins

Kids and pumpkins. Ultimate cuteness. My friend Lisa has a beautiful collection of fat babies and pumpkins. I think I have one photo of Thalia and a pumpkin--fitting since she was the most pumpkin-y baby. This weekend we had our local pumpkin fest and regatta. Lots of fun!