This morning feels a little strange, because Michael and Isaac aren’t here. They are at a campout with other dads and boys from church, specifically those involved in the 4th-6th grade Wednesday “Rangers” group. I’m sure they’re having a fantastic time! I’m eager for them to tell me all about it. Hmmm. Maybe I shouldn’t get my hopes up. Since they are both of the male gender, I might not get much more out of them than a few grunts and some dirty laundry.

Last night was rather quiet here. We just relaxed, ate candy, and watched tv or played on the computer. A few of the kids have head colds, so the cold meds and tissues are flowing freely.

Since Michael was gone last night, Laura asked if she could sleep in our big bed with me. That was fine with me, but somehow by this morning we had even more company. Neither of us remembered Amelia crawling in with us, but we both remembered pushing her away from us during the night. I teased this morning that Amelia was like a ping-pong ball in the middle of the bed. Judah made an appearance a couple of times in the night too, and he made sure that everyone woke up bright and early this morning.

I’m hoping that my kitchen will get some attention today. It’s so hard for me to be patient and wait for each step in the process. I find myself just standing or sitting in the kitchen staring at the things that need to be done. I keep making mental lists: …that electrical box needs to be dealt with, then the drywall can go there, and then I can mud & tape it, and then it can be painted and then the dishwasher can go there. …those pipes need to be tested, then we can finish up that wall. …if I sand and paint that wall, the freezer can be moved in. …those cracks need another bit of mud in them… I wonder how the wainscoating is going to work…the ceiling needs to be done…how about trim around the windows? …where are the plate covers for those outlets?

…and then I wake up and come back to reality and realize that I need to go do something else. My tendency is just to neglect everything else and work only on the kitchen. But the children tend to tire of a distracted mother who forgets to feed them.

Today has more on its list than just the kitchen. I need to do grocery shopping, preparing for Sunday, a little shopping and a few other errands. And on top of that, Michael probably won’t be home until lunchtime. So, I need to stop sitting in the kitchen and staring. I think I’ll go put away some of the laundry I sorted last night.

Have a great weekend!