My Full Work Force and Sore Muscles
My family gave me the best gift ever for Mother’s Day…..a whole day of work, no questions asked. They’d just do whatever I wanted.
When they offered this, I probably should have just smiled a sweet southern thank you and let them off the hook. But I am not that kind of girl. Oh no. I made a to-do list the size of War and Peace. Nothing makes this mamma happier than getting some projects done and the house squeaky clean.
But I have to back up a couple of days to last Thursday night when James and I decided to do something so out of our comfort zone that we might not survive it. We did the first day of a 6 week program designed to tone your body. Yes, tone. Why we decided to do this, I have no idea. We are not those people who walk around looking all healthy and fit and make other people swoon. That’s just not us. And our muscles have cried out in rebellion to the whole idea, leaving us limping and wincing every time we sit. And you don’t even want to know what kind of howls were happening when we had to climb into our big van yesterday morning to get to church. Getting into that thing is like climbing one of those rock walls….I always wish I had a harness for safety when I grab onto the handle and heave myself up.
Now fast forward back to Saturday morning when James got up at 6:30 to work outside with the boys because one of the things on my list was cleaning out the beds surrounding the guest house. These beds looked like something a haunted mansion would have around its perimeter. Scary, dead and who know what lurks beneath. And it was only made worse by the frightening wincing noises James made every time he bent to pull a weed. I felt a little sorry for him, but not enough to tell him to stop.
Busy people were working all over the place. It’s times like these when having a whole passel of kids pays off. There were children from the back field to the front porch fulfilling my every wish. We got a ton of work done and I was so, so happy. The porch is all clean, deck railing repaired, guest house beds all cleaned up, inside spiffy clean, some shelves rearranged, and so much more!
For fun, here’s a flashback to 4 years ago when the kids all helped me build the deck around the pool….the same deck we spent time repairing rails on this past weekend. You can click on the picture to read that post.
Sunday we went to church then they took me out to lunch for Mother’s Day. We only eat out once a year or so considering it costs $125+ and we have to wait an hour for a table big enough. So that was a treat for sure! Afterward we went home and hung out for a while then I took the best nap….oh so good! In the evening I went for a walk with some of the kids and ended the day by watching my least favorite team get eliminated on The Amazing Race. I can’t think of anything more perfect.
This week I have a full schedule, but since it all involves some version of not leaving Texas or flying on an airplane I am a happy camper.
Especially considering I am now safe to limp to the guest house without fear of being eaten attacked by a dead plant.
Sounds a lot like my Mother’s Day- cleaning, laundry, and a new koi pond! I just didn’t get that nap I have been wanting for the last 10 years. Maybe one day… Good for you getting things done! Woohoo!
Love the pictures! I was shocked that you eat out only once a year–but I completely understand!!! However, I struggle with meal planning from breakfast right down to dinner—I would love to see a blog post of your grocery shopping, lunches and dinners:)!!! hint hint!!
Sandy Toes
i’m with sandy toes – when i read once a year i had to go back and reread it to make sure that i was reading it correctly. i thot my brain had processed it wrong. i would LUV a post just like she suggested! hint hint hint nudge nudge nudge, lol! we struggle with trying to eat out only once a WEEK. i’m not saying that to brag – its a serious thing i struggle with – any tips? i know it costs a lot but is that the only reason? i wish i could get to that point of even just once a month or special occasions (that are really special not just {ooohhh its the 3rd thursday of the month – it’s special lets go eat out!} yes embarrassed to admit it but i’ve done it). sounds like a lovely mothers day – i cant wait to see all the pix!
That is an AWESOME to do list! Wow! What a great gift for Mother’s Day – so much better than flowers! I don’t know if my little work force could get that much done in a week, let alone a day! I feel so far behind right now, but I know it’s because of my health set backs. You’ve inspired me to make a list of my own and enlist my two helpers to tackle it with me!