today was . . .
busy. all about cleaning. getting the kids' bedrooms in order. laundry. etc.
We took a leisurely morning. I slept in. The kids got up as usual and helped themselves to Star Wars Episode II. Once I was showered and ready I assigned them each to strip the sheets off their beds and get to business cleaning their rooms. And I don't mean pick up a few things from the floor and move them to a corner. I mean every particle of something on the floor needs to find a home, clean the dresser tops, the shelves, and show me that a table exists under all those lego projects.
Meanwhile, I cleaned my bathroom, vacuumed, kept the laundry going, and had to step in as the task master every 5-10 minutes.
And yet, kids kept disappearing. Outside kicking a soccer ball. Downstairs watching tv. Getting distracted in the kitchen. Focus people! Do not even attempt to leave the upstairs until I have inspected your rooms.
Needless to say, the morning drug on and on, I may or may not have raised my voice more than a few times and voiced threats of chores to consume the remainder of their summer vacations. I told them there was no lunch until the bedrooms were clean. We ate at 1pm.
Anna was her usual cheery, joking self and said, "We need to move to Nickelodeon World. Because everyone there is happy. Ya, no one is angry."
I couldn't help but smile. "That's right! What a great idea. And everybody has good manners." I pictured this little animated utopia with neighbors like Dora and Ni-Hao Kai-Lan and Team Umizoomi. Those kids are all so polite and helpful and kind. That would be pretty darn nice. I laughed at the thought.
Anna says, "Oh! I finally made you laugh!"
Yes, yes you did.
I feel like my patience has been worn thin the past week and I need to get it back. All the big things on our summer calendar (road trip, day camp) are over and now we're beginning the at-home summer routine. I want to have fun with the kids, I want to do/make/cook fun things, and we have plenty of weeks ahead of us to make that happen. Just gotta find my zen again.
I read this article on a blog today and thought it was perfect: 5 Secrets to Being a Super Fun Mom.
Literally, just perfect and what I needed. The "Pajama Run" sounds awesome.
Tonight the plan is waffles and bacon for dinner. Maybe I'll take a tip from Secret #3 and serve our dessert of ice cream first.
