And Very Happily

Oh it's been a grand week! Truly! This week marks our eighth week of school - homeschool, that is. We are rocking right along. And the best part about this week is that we were actually here! It's the first week in EIGHT that we haven't traveled or had company or some other "out of the norm" interrupting what we are aiming for as our "normal." And it was just refreshing and good and happy. 

For the first time, I think since we unloaded in May, I feel settled and not like a million things are shouting at me.

Don't get me wrong, there are a million and one things that need doing...in time. This is the scene in our kitchen. Three eyes work. It's quite vintage, what, with cloth covered wiring. The Engineer has asked I not leave it on if I'm not right there - you know, in case it catches fire. 

The interruption in the wallpaper marks the base height at which the microwave used to hang. 11 inches off the surface of the counter. I should think stirring a pot would be quite difficult. I'm so thankful he's such a handy guy!

Sweet Sister...love this girl! We shared a good laugh this week. A GOOD laugh. We were at Costco. It was me and my girls. Little Man was at the park with a friend. A clean cut guy in his mid thirties approached us and said, "excuse me ma'am. I don't mean to come across strange or anything. I. I was just wondering if you're married?"

I'm not going to lie, I was beyond flattered. I smiled and said, "Yes I am. And very happily."

He was clearly embarrassed and said, "I couldn't see a wedding ring and I was just wondering."

I flipped my hand around.

"Oh, there it is. I'm so sorry. I was looking and just couldn't see it. I. I hope you'll take it as a compliment." 

I assured him it was indeed a compliment and we parted ways. 

Sister was utterly confused by the entire exchange. "Mama! Why did he ask you if you were married!?"

We had a good laugh. In fact, we giggled about it the rest of the day. 

I've discovered something fabulous!!! The weather is turning cooler. The days are shorter. And the bugs are fewer. My children think it's grand to sit on our side porch with a little "snacky-poo" (as Little Bit calls it) while they watch a short movie. And woop whoop - that means I can pick up the house SANS little ones and their stuff underfoot. I feel so much more together at the end of the day. And the quiet and sense of alone for that 20-30 minutes fills my tank.

Me: "Why is your face so messy?"

Little Bit: "Well. Because. I don't know."

And..sigh...both machines are empty. The only dirty clothing in this house is on our backs. No one is changing clothes. Ever. Again.

I've taken to marking up our appliances. Because I constantly forget what's important. A few months back I read an article about a family who dined on their finest day in and day out. They were asked why they didn't save it for special occasions, to which the matriarch replied, "Everyday is all we have." Well, there you go. She's right. So why not?