Sudden Zest and a Fun Suggestion

I don’t know why or how, exactly—the prayers of a friend? An influx of grace?—but my enthusiasm for life has returned.

Zest for the Steps of the Science Museum

Zest for this Frozen Minnesota Life

Zest for these Four Crazy Kids (I’m outnumbered!)

And here’s the catch: February’s not even over. Friday the 13th? Pshaw! Bring it on.

I’ve never been the superstitious type.

It’s true, though (and you know I’d tell you if it were otherwise). The dark clouds that threatened to burst have passed, and I’m down-on-my-knees grateful that this mood didn’t last. 

What was it exactly that brought me ’round? I don’t know exactly, probably a combination of things. Getting out really helps, as does eating better. I’m on Day 13 of another Whole30, and while I haven’t been perfect…

….I do think that I’ve done pretty well. 

(Okay, so there was that glass of red wine at my book club.  What can I say? I’ve got teens and toddlers!) 

Finally there’s this: of all the things that chased those clouds away, I think that lightening up has probably helped the most.

This kid. He says “dib” for bib and “teat” for teeth. He uncaps, he dumps, he throws, he hugs.  He drains me completely and then fills me right back up.

You know what they say:  a sad saint is one sad saint!

It’s not just an expression. It’s true, I assure you.

Meanwhile, it’s business as usual in this very crowded house. It gets loud; it gets messy;  we clean up; no big deal.

A Day in the Crazy-Busy Life

My teens are my allies when it comes to housework so in return, I let them stare at screens. This is not to say that I don’t hassle them, though! I nag or I tease, depending on my mood. 

I’m pretty sure they prefer the teasing, like when I was walking past Joe and saw the words “Have you ever noticed…” on his phone.

“Have you ever noticed,” I began,  “that moms sometimes read their son’s texts over their shoulders?”

“Have you ever noticed,” he retorted dryly, “that moms sometimes die in their sleep?”

I gasped in mock horror. “That was really dark!”

He grinned. I love it when he grins.

I promised you a fun suggestion and here it is: I periodically change my iPad’s pass code with the dates I want my kids to learn:  1776, 1861, 1945, the year of a great American’s birth. (Just ask Angela and she will tell you: Mom was born in 1966!) It’s a little trick but so far so good. We just review the past pass codes so they stay fresh. 

 You know what they say: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!

Sometimes it IS the size of the dog in the fight.

‘Cause those glowing screens aren’t going away.

Roses are delicate

But you’re big and clumpy;

You stayed up too late 

And that’s why you’re grumpy.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! ♥