Getting Things Done [RANT]

A friend invited my tiny hobbits and I to see a live performance of “Annie” with her family this past Saturday. Having never seen more than a few minutes of any version, I was excited as they were. One gave extra cuddles every time the performance reminded us what an orphan is. The other fell in love with dog. But what really caught my heart was how she stretched to her full height and moved to the edge of her seat to watch one of the intricate dance numbers. 

They found the next day less exciting with church as usual, but it started a little later, so they were up and ready well before we needed to leave the house last year. Then it was back to school for them and slowly digging out of the holiday mess for me. My trash and recycling people might get fuller cans than normal from us this week. 

Then Monday came and they returned to school. My legs are in an uproar about my sudden return to taking walks and my renewed obsession with tidying my house. I’m starting small, but I have lots of rooms that need attention. Maybe someday, my house will be clean enough to just maintain instead of constantly trying to dig my way out of the mess. Does that happen with kids?

In other news, my oldest thought messing around in daddy’s office was the best way to spend Tuesday night. This created a day for grumping. Since the day also included two special activities just for her, she didn’t get the most out of her day. The same principle holds true when I fail to get my beauty sleep. I feel like we all have that failing, so let’s try to get some good sleep from now on.

My youngest enjoyed an activity at church while sister grouchily slumbered on the couch. The kids went from station to station, trying to complete tasks and getting to know each other. I think the favorite station was the one where they put a cracker or cookie on their forehead and tried to get it to their mouth without using their hands. Definitely fun to watch. I didn’t try it myself, but some of the kids made it look like a task I could not complete without lots of trial and error. I was busy trying to motivate anyone at all to come drop tiny animals into a vase from their forehead.

Not much else to chat about. I did take down my Christmas tree. Yes, we put one up this year. I have already filled that space with boxes that I hope will help declutter the house. Come on 2026, we’ve got this. 

Where Did the Stories Go?

For those who noticed an absence of stories to read on the average Monday, I offer reassurance that the stories will return. Life has thrown a little more at me than my somewhat defective body could handle, so I put a brief pause on my weekly writing deadlines and boutique inventory updates.

So what keeps a hobbit that busy?

1. Chasing my tiny boss. A two year old has more energy than a dozen mommas of my advanced age. She keeps me busy from dawn until dusk, and often all the other hours in between. I actually started this post about twelve hours ago, but quickly got roped into playing, preparing food, and comforting for sorrows I may never understand.
2. Running to the bathroom. Having one toddler was not enough. Another tiny hobbit is growing happily inside my tummy, which means my bladder needs emptied frequently. This also means I get to discuss the previously mentioned advanced age with my doctors on a regular basis.
3. And if that doesn't make you a little more forgiving of my neglect of the gift of words, our growing family suggested a need for a slightly larger base of operations. We've been moving my hoard of craft supplies, costumes, baby accouterments, and papers for over a month. We finally have some places to plant our bottoms in the new house, so the end might be just around the corner.

Wish me luck, send up prayers that the stress doesn't melt my brain, and hopefully you will be reading lovely works of fiction again soon.