This weekend is turning out to be even busier than I expected it to be! I somehow thought I’d get most of today to laze around with a book and candles again. Here it is 5pm and I haven’t even gotten to most of the more enjoyable things I wanted to do BEFORE lazy time today (like write!). Which is a little frustrating. But what can you do? Life just takes over.
This past week has been fairly uneventful. I’ve just been working away, trying to get things done so I can afford to take a breather this upcoming week. As always, I didn’t get as much done as I had wanted. Sewing feels like it’s taking me ten times longer than it used to. It’s really hard to just sit down and work when I’m constantly thinking about everything else. I’m really trying to get out of this mindset, but it’s tough. I’ve lived in this zone ever since Shepard started school full time. I feel like I need to prove my worth, or something like that. If I’m not getting enough done, then I’m obviously failing as a stay at home/work at home mom. It’s not like anyone actually says that to me, but I feel the pressure nonetheless. ALL. THE. TIME.
Anyway. Tuesday was our last day of yoga class. Or so I thought!! Apparently it’s actually an eight week class. But I was pretty psyched about it ending, so I decided we’re done. Shepard was being super uncooperative at the kid class again. I’m not sure what changed from the earlier weeks, but it’s just not worth bringing him back. And I can’t go this week anyway, so I’m done. It was definitely a good experience! I don’t LOVE yoga, but I did like most of it! I just wish the class were in the mornings. Or – A class was in the morning. I think I’d just do so much better with any type of exercising if I could get it done earlier in the day, rather than waiting for it to be the last thing I do that day. I never, ever want to leave the house in the evenings, especially for a class.
Wednesday was our one big family meal together of the week. I’m really trying to make a conscious effort to enjoy cooking again. I used to love it! I used to really love to bake. So much so I was considering a career in it. And now? I dread being forced to stand in the kitchen while everyone is whining and starving every afternoon. But I want to enjoy it again. Even if I just focus on one or two big meals a week, I want to put the effort in and have fun doing it. So this week I made some steaks and hasselback potatoes, with chimichurri and rosemary focaccia bread.
On Thursday afternoon, Caden had another therapy appointment, so I dropped him off there with Greg and then Shepard and I had a mini date. We went to St. Vinnie’s to look for Christmas things to go with my dolls. And then we had dinner at Taco Bell. Which was funny because Greg and Caden picked that for their dinner date too. They were coming in as we were leaving. And then they went to Math/Science night and Shepard and I went home.
Friday was a big work day. I picked up the boys with Annie. The dog park is closed this week for repairs. I might drive over there tomorrow to see if there’s any update on when it will be finished. Annie REALLY needs that running around time every day. The long walks don’t really do much to settle her down. We’ve been walking twice a day, but she still has cycles of being crazy wound up.
Saturday morning I finished up ten more Christmas dolls. This is my favorite. I love stockings!
The boys and I were out and about for most of the day. We had our friend Bronson’s birthday party at Sky Zone. My kids are a year ahead and behind everyone that was at the party, so they just stuck together and at my side. Once they saw kids getting ICEEs, the just had to have one. So I made them share.
After that party we had a three hour time gap before our next party. It was too cold and rainy/sleety to do anything outside or just sit in the car playing tablet (which is what Caden really wanted to do). So we went to Toys ‘r Us to very slowly look at every toy in the store. Then we stopped at a fancy grocery store. I was hoping to actually get the things I needed, but it was too crowded and expensive, so we just looked around. And ended at Barnes and Noble, where they conveniently found Nooks and tablets to play on while I looked around.
At 5, we went to my goddaughter McKenna’s and her little sister Alaina’s joint birthday party. My kids were having SO much fun playing on the air hockey table and with all the kids at the party.
McKenna is five! She’s so sweet.
The gigantic mint cake! It was a fun party! We got home around 8:45pm and I was totally beat. Exhausting day!
Sunday Intentions
So, moving on to the week ahead! It’s Thanksgiving! Which for us means a massive family week. My sister-in-law and her husband are in town for the week and they won’t be able to come this year for Christmas, so the pressure is on to spend every possible minute together! My other sister-in-law and her boyfriend will be here too. We have a lot of things planned!
Monday is still a free day. I think I might treat myself to some fun shopping in Madison. I’ve really been wanting to go to Trader Joe’s to check out their seasonal treats. It’s about an hour drive, so I don’t get there too often. But my all time favorite gift store is across the street, so I think it’s worth the trek.
Tuesday is a work day. I don’t expect to actually get much done, but I’ll hopefully get to something! When Tuesday afternoon rolls around I’m going to be done for the week. If I plan on sewing in between activities it’s just going to stress me out. So I’m officially on a sewing free vacation at 3pm on Tuesday. That evening we’re going to try and do some family photos for Christmas cards.
Wednesday the boys have a half day and then we’re going to go to EAA with everyone. I’ve never been there.
Thursday is Thanksgiving! My in-law’s host every year, and the last few years my parents and brother have been coming too. Which is really nice, having everyone together. Plus the whole not needing to eat two full Thanksgiving meals within hours of each other thing! I’m usually in charge of all the desserts, though this year other people wanted to make things too. I’m making two things and possibly some sort of rolls.
Friday we have another family get together. And then Greg and I are going to his co-worker’s wedding in the evening. The wedding and dinner/reception are all taking place at Fleming’s Steak House. Which is kind of funny to me. The boys will stay at Grandma’s and sleepover.
Saturday is the big Columbus Wine Walk. I’ve never gone before, but a few of my friends asked me to join in. All the small businesses in town will be offering wine and appetizers at each of their locations. We had to buy tickets in advance. I’m looking forward to it! I don’t get enough friend time.
And Sunday, hopefully, we’ll decorate for Christmas! I’m excited to get the trees up. Normally I’m one of those devout after Thanksgiving ONLY kind of people when it comes to Christmasy things. But this year I’ve already been listening to music for a couple of weeks, so I’m ready!
Top Priority: ENJOY MY BLESSINGS
I live in my head way too much. I let myself be ruled by my to do lists and sometimes have a hard time keeping my priorities straight. I like to accomplish things and sometimes just sitting around and chilling feels like a huge waste of potentially productive time to me. I’m constantly thinking about what else I need to be doing and it’s hard to let that go. But this week, it’s going to happen. I’m going to RELAX and ENJOY and LOVE and LAUGH. I’m fortunate to have family that lives nearby and wants us around. I’m blessed to have a supportive husband and two kids that are pretty great. I have a lot to be thankful for and it’s the week to really focus on that. Work can wait.
Second Priority: Annie
The downside of all this family time is that Annie is going to be spending a whole lot of time in her kennel home alone this week. 🙁 It’s been a pretty big source of anxiety to me this past week. I tried to talk to Greg about it and he basically said I asked for these problems by getting a dog. So. Annie is back to being MY dog and my dog alone and I have to deal with it. I’m planning on really long walks every morning. I’m hoping the dog park opens back up earlier rather than later, so we can go there too. And I’ll probably have to leave a few things early. I know, she’s just a dog. But she’s a super social dog that needs a ton of exercise and interaction and I don’t want to just ditch her for the entire week.
And that’s about it! There are certainly other things I’d like to do this week. Blog posts that never seem to find time to be written. But I’m not going to put the pressure on myself. If I get to it, I do. If I want to just spend a day enjoying the little things in life, I’ll do that instead.
Have a happy Thanksgiving week!
