of reached and unreached resolutions

I woke up this morning and knew that today was the day my house WOULD get clean. I resolved to put my children’s needs ahead of my goal, but I also promised myself that by the end of today, my whole house would be organized, picked up and sanitary.

I made little progress on that goal until I put the children to bed at 8:30pm. Between that time and now, I have reached my goal. I am so tempted to type the details of what went into accomplishing that feat, but I think that would make me look vapid and vain. So I’ll keep those [vapid and vain] thoughts to myself, and I’ll just tell you that right now I feel great about life.

Also, Lydia has been taking her angel pills lately. While I was organizing my closet this morning, she came over and–out of the blue–started giving me a foot massage. I eventually had to sit down because she was so intent on doing a good job. I love her.

Additionally, I realized I need to take a chill pill on 1) spills and 2) accidents. First of all, I, a thirty-year-old woman, still spill things, so surely I should not be shaming my little two-year-old for spilling her water. (!!) Secondly, I should cut her some slack in the accident department. This evening, Lydia had an accident right before bed, and I was about to get upset when she started apologizing all over the place. She apologized all the way to the bathroom, and then when I was saying our night prayer, she interrupted me to petition God for help so she wouldn’t have any more accidents. I felt appropriately awful about myself. From here on out I AM going to be a nicer mom. I hope, I pray.

Speaking of how I need to be nicer, here’s some visual evidence that I have ample room for improvement.

Mary didn't get much of an afternoon nap, and so I had to hold her at all times. At one point, I got tired, put her down, and took a picture of what happened as a result.
Mary didn’t get much of an afternoon nap, and so I had to hold her at all times. At one point, I got tired, put her down, and took a picture of what happens when I put her down. Please note that I did not deprive her of food, attention (I was taking a picture of her, hello!!!) or love. I just put her down. Yes, this is my life right now.

I suspected I wouldn't have time to take more pictures today, so I prolonged Mary's distress long enough to take one shot of Lydia. I just wanted to memorialize this day marked by so much angelic behavior.

I suspected I wouldn’t have time to take more pictures today, so I prolonged Mary’s distress long enough to take one shot of Lydia. I just wanted to memorialize this day marked by so much angelic behavior.

I also abandoned Mary as soon as it started hailing outside. Leaving Mary wailing in her high chair, I ran to Lydia and carried her outside as fast as possible so she could learn about hail. I have no idea why I thought it was so important that she experience hail, but at the time it seemed urgent. I must be sleep deprived or something.

The only other thing of note today was my phone conversation with my mom and grandma. They are so sweet.

My grandma did not want me to Facebook this picture, but I forgot to ask permission about the blog. Grandma, I'll take it down if you want, but you look so fantastic that I just had to put it up, at least for a little bit!
My grandma did not want me to Facebook this picture, but I forgot to ask permission about the blog. Grandma, I’ll take it down if you want, but you look so fantastic that I just had to put it up, at least for a little bit!
Abe's traveling today, and during our phone conversation tonight it seemed to make perfect sense for him to send me a picture of his dinner. I don't even know why I'm including this in the blog--maybe just so Abe is represented a little bit in the day? I don't know.
Abe’s traveling today, and during our phone conversation tonight, it seemed to make perfect sense for him to send me a picture of his dinner. I don’t even know why I’m including this in the blog–maybe just so Abe is represented a little bit in the day? I don’t know.