There are 101 things I should be doing right now instead of writing this post. I should be grading papers, working on yearbook pages, responding to discussion questions, writing one of the four articles I have due by March 1, labeling clothes for the rapidly approaching resale, cleaning all of the toys and bedding to prevent my kids from getting infantigo again, or a million other things that I’m behind on. This week, I’ll end up with 3 “work” hours for the 7 classes I’m currently teaching. I’ve reached the point that I’m so far behind I just don’t even care. Instead, I’m listening to the girls play in their room (they think I think they are still asleep…) and Bo is snuggled in my bed with the iPad while I’m drinking a warm cup of Chai tea to soothe my scratchy throat and looking out at the pretty snow on the tree branches in our backyard.
Why is it that the more I have to do, the less I want to do it? And the more I want to find random activities on Pinterest and redecorate my house?
I’ve been a bad blogger since we returned from vacation. I haven’t been able to get ahead of the game since we returned. I think I have the post-vacation blues. Reality has set in that real life is not a sandy beach with a good novel, a constant supply of mixed drinks, and an all-you-can eat buffet. Add sick kids, a hole in my foot, and a host of other excuses, and blogging has fallen from a “must-do” to a – “I’ll get to it tomorrow – maybe.”
In reality, life is good – minus my 4 mile long to-do list. The kids are finally better and we will be returning to our normal routine today. They are hilarious and say and do a million little things each day that make me smile. All three kids love to take medicine. It’s like the ultimate reward for them and they argue over who gets to take their medicine first I don’t think I was ever like that as a child…
Even though they’ve been home sick for a week, for the most part they have seemed to feel fine – which is definitely a good thing. Bo is all about being a big helper – which I am totally embracing. My favorite chore to send him on is to retrieve papers from the printer downstairs. Usually it’s contracts, class lists, or recipes, but lately I’ve been printing a few coloring pages for him to find as well. His enthusiasm about the little things is priceless. I wish I could bottle it. His choice of words cracks me up daily. We were waiting for some friends to come over last week and he piped up, “It’s taking them ages!” What four year old says that?
Clara is as feisty as ever. When I ask her to pick up toys, she says “no” in a totally matter-of-fact manner and her lip juts out half a mile. She’s mischievous and sweet. She’s more laid-back about most things than her siblings – thank goodness.
Anna is full of drama and repeats everything Bo says – which is only cute for the first few minutes. She is stubborn as all get out and so cute it’s ridiculous. They are both ready to potty train and will go when I remember to take them. Mostly, it’s a matter of me adding it to my to-do list and planning the bathroom trips into our day at 20 minute intervals. Honestly, I’m just not there yet. They are. I’m not. Ridiculous much? 
Mike and I managed to escape for a date night last weekend that involved purchasing the Easter Bunny’s paraphernalia at Target, eating out solo (2 people eating out is so much cheaper than 5!), and then sitting on the floor of the lodge at Starved Rock putting together and playing the Harry Potter Lego game. We were all the rage with the 10-year-old boy scouts who were there! One scout master came up and asked if we had kids. I replied, “Yes, we have three at home. This is our date.” He replied, “I dated the wrong women. I could have saved so much money.” That made Mike and I laugh.
I haven’t disappeared. I’m not abandoning the ship blog. I’m just lost in the swirling sea of three children and too much work…
*** Obviously, I didn’t get this finished before I got the kids off to school. The girls decided it was up time. Here are a few Instagram pictures taken in our yard this morning before school. ***
I’m right there with you! At least you are fairly consistent in your blogging. I have been mainly absent for the last few months. I can now add half-marathon training to my list of things so now I even have less time. Of course a time will come when we have lots of time to ourselves and wish we didn’t.
I just don’t know how you work as much as you do with three little ones at home. Remember to remind yourself you are not a superwoman and can’t do EVERYthing.
Love the shots you got – snow, though? This weather is simply crazy.