"Busy"

While at the library with my children this afternoon, I heard again (and then again) something that I'm used to hearing when out in public with my kids. As we left the children's section I saw a woman watch me round up the kids and walk out with them. "She's a busy mom," I overheard her say. Then just a few minutes later as we walked to our car, we passed a lady who was getting into her car. She stopped in her tracks as we walked by, and with her jaw literally dropped, she exclaimed "Oh boy, you're busy!"

Although I hear comments like these all the time and it doesn't really bother me, I just never quite know what to say (if anything) in response. So to all of you other "busy" moms out there, how do you respond?

Recipe for Disaster

1 large load baby clothes
1/2 dark green crayon

Insert freshly washed clothes into dryer. Add crayon. Heat on low for 45 minutes. Yield one batch ruined laundry.

Homework for Mom

It's 11:30 pm, and I should be sleeping peacefully like everyone else in my house. But I'm not. I just finished my homework. No, I am not in school, but my kids are, and that means that occasionally I get homework. This week I had projects to do for both Josh and Seth. Seth is the "Friend of the Week." For me that translates into: gathering pictures and making a poster about him (thank goodness for digital photos, online ordering, one hour photo processing and my friend Sarah picking up the prints for me during her Costco trip); buying items for and filling the "estimation jar;" helping Seth gather some of his favorite things to share with the class; and making sure he writes in the classroom journal. All due tomorrow. Not really a big deal, but in addition to that he's working on a weather report due Thursday, and I had to help Josh with his project (also due tomorrow), and they both have their regular homework and other activities this week. I'm trying to have a good attitude because these extra activities really are fun for the kids. It can just get to be a little much with all the other demands on our time. It's hard enough getting my kids to finish their usual homework--the extra stuff like this just adds to that.

Last Thursday one of Josh's homework assignments was to design a pig for the school's jog-a-thon kickoff pig races. Each class gets one mechanical stuffed pig to dress up, and they judge the pigs and race them. This was Josh's design:



"Indiana Pig." When I picked Josh up from school on Friday, I was surprised to see him carrying a stuffed pig. Apparently since his class voted for his design, he "won" the opportunity to decorate the class pig. I didn't know that was part of the deal! Which really means that I won this great responsibility. I've seen the pigs from years past, and the standard is high. He said it had to look just like his design since that is what the class voted for. Is this close enough? The hand-sewn bag is on the other side so as not to cover the whip. Gratefully we found a hat at Build-a-Bear, and we used leather from a craft store to make the whip. Add one of Seth's belts, and there you have it.

I guess I'll find out in the morning whether it is acceptable since Josh has not yet seen the finished product. Are you kidding? He's been sleeping peacefully for hours now.

Unfortunately, this little piggy performed one too many Indiana Jones stunts and has a broken leg--it's a hopeless cause for the race but still has a chance for the decorating contest.

Now I better rest up before I help Seth tackle that weather report tomorrow.