Such fun.

Today’s white load contains five pairs of tights, pinned up to dry on the clothesline.

I’m not sure what amazes me more. The five pairs of tights or the 54 degree weather in January that allows for clothesline use.

I love them both.

Christmas vacation, unscripted.

We’re back to school today. After planning one week off and taking two, it was time. The break was wonderful.

Somehow I thought my house would be cleaner than this, having so much free time, but it’s not.

I thought I’d have my bedroom curtains made, but I don’t.

But the break was wonderful. Did I mention that?

We went to the zoo. We went to the library. We played games. We put puzzles together. Sometimes, rarer than I ought, I remember that these days are short and I choose the nobler thing.

Here’s to a messier house and happier kids. And a happier Momma. Because really, who has kids for the clean house value?

Dear Pierce,

I’m flattered, really. So glad you love me so much. But if you wanted to go to someone else, just for a little while, that would be ok with me.

My back hurts.

I really don’t know how you know so instantly when someone else has you. I’m sure that your sense of smell or whatever it is that alerts you to this will serve you well someday. I’m not quite sure how, but we’ll think of something.

Love,

Momma

Life has been chaotic lately. We’re off from school until Tuesday, and still, life is about as stressful as it comes. Craziness.

Blaine leaves for his yearly work trip to California this week. Getting back into school, co-op, and being alone – and so very not alone – isn’t something I’m looking forward to. Blaine will be gone for about three weeks. Trying to get things ready, feed for the animals and wood stocked up and split has Blaine hopping.

Pray for me and the kids, if you would? I rather hate Januaries. I never thought of myself as a worrier before, but life is getting to me right now. So not cool.

Today’s numbers:

Ruby weighed 30 lbs.

Charlotte weighed 21 lbs.

Pierce weighed 14 lbs. 12 oz.

My back disagrees. Charlie and Pierce weigh at least 20 lbs. more. Each.

Ewww.

We’ve talked about my girls’ penchant for getting sick in the car before. Here. And here. And here. It is, unfortunately, one well-discussed topic. Thank you, Charlie, for bringing back what was becoming a distant memory. Ruby’s getting better at asking for a window to be opened, Eden’s good, and we haven’t had a mess in the car in a good six months.

No longer. Twice this week, three days apart, Charlie’s been dead on with her aim for her car seat. I’m getting good at taking it apart and putting it back together. Gingerly, so as to avoid the cream of wheat.

Cream of wheat makes one very big mess.

I’m getting better at packing an extra outfit for her.

Out of all the things they could have picked for genetics compliments of Blaine, this was not my first choice.

Just once, I’d like to have everything crossed off my to-do list.

Before breakfast, I bathed three babies, given two hair cuts, stripped two beds, cleaned up one major diaper blow out, cursed paper diapers for their inability to contain such messes, washed two loads of laundry and swept four floors.

Now, to add to my list, it is nearly 3 pm and I’ve washed five loads of laundry and researched hard water and diaper rashes so that I can go back to my beloved cloth diapers that contain the above mentioned blow outs. I’ve washed three antique cream cans and dreamed of where to put them, nursed a baby (I don’t know how many times), filled a woodstove, planned supper (but not made it), put (clean) couch covers back on the couch, folded two of the five laundry loads, and sent five kids out the door to enjoy the day.

Whew. I feel better now. Some days, when it feels like I’m spinning my wheels and not accomplishing what I’d like to, writing down what I have done makes it (somewhat) better. I’d planned to just take one day of school off for Christmas. But vacation right now sounds like a much better plan.

I’d planned to sew today. My machine is still packed away. But the laundry room floor is emerging once again. The Christmas tree is in the goat pen and quickly disappearing, Christmas gifts have homes and inviting a friend in to sit and visit is no longer a gross proposition. (See clean couch mention above.) Next up: swapping out Pierce’s clothes for the 6-9 month size. Baby’s a moose.