Sunday, February 17th, 2008

Most grateful moment of the day: Going to church. I was in a really bad mood this morning and almost blew it off. I took Mallie and we sat with Dede. It is always a treat to see how happy Dede is to see Mallie (and me, I guess.....or am I just kidding myself.... yes, I am.....) And I ended up needing the time to sit and think about what I'm doing wrong in different situations and how I can change to make life easier. And how fortunate I am in the grand scheme of things....and even in the not-so-grand scheme of things. I'm lucky and take things for granted and it was good to sit there and think about that.

One thing I learned today: That the presidential election of 2008 is exciting people everywhere. I think it is going to really bring people together, more than it will separate people. We are looking candidates who are intelligent and practical (for the most part) and I think this country is excited to pull out of the cloud it's been under for 8 years. It's exciting.

One moment I wish I could redo: Getting into 'it' AGAIN with Tommy this morning. After our rough day yesterday, I have no idea why I would engage in conversation over the same topic when our tempers were still short.

Best life tip of the day: Do not make risotto unless you have an full day to commit to it. I thought it was an easy dish to prepare. After an hour of coddling it, speaking sweetly to it, caressing its ego and whispering sweet nothings into its ear, it was finished....and not all that impressive in the taste department. Won't be doing that again anytime soon.

Biggest laugh of the day: At breakfast at my parent's house: Emily was talking about almost going to the Monster Truck Rally last night at the Q. She said to fit in down there would have involved a trip to Unique's for a Harley Davidson Shirt and acid wash jeans, along with blacking out a couple of teeth.... and then renting some children to 'mishandle'. I've been laughing about this one all day.

Best Tommy moment: I came in from breakfast from my mom and dad's with Mallie to find Tommy washing the dishes. He had also done several loads of laundry, cleaned under the couch and paid the bills. He then helped me organize the attic by moving the bins that I have been waiting and waiting to move up there. I picked up the upstairs, cleaned the bathroom and went grocery shopping- thus creating an organized and CLEAN household for the first time in months. It's amazing what a little team work can do. He intiated it though and it paid off.

Best Jack moment: Jack has been a pistol today. He's torn through laundry baskets, turned off the computer, thrown the remote multiple times, hit Mallie, smacked Tommy's computer, and just generally defied us at every turn. After he hit Tommy for some reason this evening, I looked at him and said "What did you just do?".... and he matter of factly, turned to me and answered "I hit Daddy"- as though he was thinking, "I mean....you were sitting right there watching me.....why are you asking?" I had to keep a straight face while I scolded him, while Tommy hid behind a Clifford book shaking with laughter.


Best Mallie moment: I got to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Mallie today (all weekend, really!). Today, after church I took her to my parents' for breakfast with Claire and Drew and Emily. (Tommy stayed home with Jack because he has pink eye and an ear infection). Mallie was wearing her cool jean skirt and striped tights with her new rain boots. I stood her up on the tray of the high chair and she just started looking around and smiling. Everyone was looking at her and laughing and talking to her at once. And I don't think she could believe that she was getting all of this undivided attention. SHe is not used to it, but she definately warmed up to it quickly! She is very, very rarely the only kid around- and is always upstaged by her loud brother. But today it was the 'Bird Show' and she was digging it.
check it out: http://emily-alice.blogspot.com/