bits of yarn, fuzz, boogers, and blab

My friend Stefanie keeps asking for pictures of where we're living. I want to do it, but 95% of the time it just feels like a crowded little mess. So. Instead I'll just give you reality.

I've got a hundred different projects going on - trying to finish for Christmas. They're coming along well and I'm pleased with my progress, but as a result the apartment, myself, and my children are a mess.

A mess, I say.

See? Messy.

But what alternative is there?

We've got about 1000 sqft. for seven people. Somehow I can spend my entire day cleaning up after and caring for these seven people -- with little time for anything else. There are not enough hours in the day and enough organization in my brain to be able to sew, crochet, cook, clean, wash, play with, feed, shop, etc. -- for all of everyone. Yes. All of everyone. Don't try to correct me. It's hard to write with someone climbing on you back and yelling in your ear.

Last night I told Nels that the laundry and several other jobs were just going to have to be within his jurisdiction until I get my projects finished. He is amazing and is always happy willing to help. However, it was readily apparent yesterday that if I'm going to dump this on him, I'm going to have to be resigned happy with his limitations as well. He's just no housewife. (Thank goodness, right?!)

This is the way he does laundry. It drives me kind of nuts. But look how much he washed and (sort of) folded last night. Without complaint. :) He's a pretty good fella. :)

Thing 1 and Thing 2 have also been kind of fending for themselves the last little while. It seems as if Linny, Tuck, and Ming-Ming have become close friends and the theme song to "Dinosaur Train" has become the theme song for our lives lately. I have a real love/hate relationship with all of them. Love that they can babysit my kids while I'm actually accomplishing something, but (aside from the whole tv-ness of it) hate the constant sound, noise, and sound and sound and sound of them.

Today as soon as Hazel and Lilie left for school, Elsie started pleading to watch Dinosaur Train. When I told her no, she flung herself onto the couch, covered her head, and started to weep. (oh my goodness, there has been so much weeping in our lives lately!) When I tried to make fun of her distress by taking a picture, she forgot why she was sad.

And instead joined Violet in making their own train.

Choo-Choo!

There are a lot of things lately that I'm trying to decide whether they're absolutely revolting or perfectly perfect.

Like Things that walk and stand all over our books (re-breaking the spine), drawing on miniature pads of paper, ripping spent pieces of paper out and onto the floor, with boogers dripping down to their mouths.

I just can't decide. Gag or smile?

Every time I snuggle my baby, I get partially digested milk dripping down my arm. Every time I hug my children I feel like I'm getting boogers wiped on my shirt (or face). When I decide I'm going to shower today, there never seems to be an opening before 10:00 at night. Sometimes I feel like a dirty burp cloth.

When I tell my daughter that we're not going to watch TV for 8 hours today, she starts weeping and trying to turn it on every time I turn my back . . . over and over and over. Almost like she doesn't understand. -- But I know neither of us are dumb enough to believe that's true. :)

Oh well. Whether they're perfectly gross or grossly perfect, they're all mine. All MINE!!! I sure love them.

Our lives are just a little messy right now. And I am GOING to convince myself that that's okay.

I've got some Christmas presents to finish up and I'm determined to not still be working on them Christmas Eve.