A bite for me, a bite for you, we milled about the second floor of the house yesterday getting things done and sharing apples, Anders occasionally crawling around with his in his hand which, imagine it, means that apple is getting pressed into the carpet and picking up bits of fuzz or hair. Parker and I look at him, look at each other like, “Okay Anders, that’s your apple now.”
I followed behind, cleaning up the bits of apple that were being dropped and thinking about how it’s a really good rule of mine that declares food not be allowed upstairs but it was one of those days where there were no rules. It was like martial law. Anders napped for ten minutes–I should mention here that it’s not entirely his fault. The house was a mess. I hadn’t slept more than 3 1/2 hours the night before. There was snow on the ground. It’s April. There were no apples (no more apples!) in the house and, finally, my bowl of Raisin Bran had way too many raisins. That is a thing!
This is starting to sound like Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day.
I think I’ll move to Australia!
There’s just so much to do right now that I’m doing nothing well. The messes, the emails to respond to, the food that needs cooking–everything is growing faster than I’m able to check any single one off the list. And what I really wish I’d do is just throw in the towel, let the mess grow around me, pour myself a mug of tea, and sit and read story after story with the boys and make them the happiest ever. But instead, I try to do this, do that and then the day is gone and I’m not sure what I accomplished. Slowly ticking away at something without seeing it through to completion is not my strong suit and yet it’s sort of happening all the time. I suppose this is just called life. You could all probably join the chorus of this sad song.
The house is relatively clean today. There are still no apples, so a grocery store visit is an absolute must (the lack of apples is always my litmus test for how important a visit to the grocery store is; what’s yours?). But otherwise, I’m going to do three things: Get myself ready (this is something I’m selfish about and always happier when it’s done), play with the boys (read stories, build a fort, color, sit and chat), make sure a good dinner is ready when everyone else is home (any major winners these days at your house?).
Those are the days that I’m happiest about when I tuck myself into bed each night. I can’t have them every day but I can have them some days.
I am always in total awe of everything you do accomplish so I think you are more than entitled to have days when you don't get everything done! My major winner in the day is I manage to get myself and my daughter out of the house by 0810 every morning (it is normally more like 0825) and then it is a major rush to get her to her childminder and me to work. At night time I think I have won if I manage to feed and clean her and get her into bed with no major tantrums and thats just one kid so kudos to you for everything done 🙂 xx
I can NEVER get out of the house on time. Always running about 15 minutes behind, always.
Kudos to you too!
Try this chicken recipe http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/caramelized-onion-chicken …it is SO good. Great with green beans and new potatoes with dill.
Oooh. I think I have all those ingredients too!
…Or also very good with carrot soufflé…you know, the kind with vanilla in it.
I totally relate to this right now, and I only have one baby! I can't imagine what it will be like when I have more. I think you're doing a great job!
Also, one meal we love on cold days is Smitten Kitchen's chicken and dumplings. So delicious.
Oh that sounds good. And I love Smitten Kitchen.
Thank you Katie!
I made this last night and we all agreed it needs to be on heavy rotation.
http://shewearsmanyhats.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-oh-my/
Picked up basil at the store today! Thank you!
We made Giada's Mushroom bolognese a couple weeks ago and we've all been craving it ever since. Perfect for spring dinners (lighter, no meat) when spring still feels a bit like fall (chilly weather, gray skies). Ps. I'm singing the same sad song here. But I think I threw in the towel a few years ago. Reading a good book and baking lemon madelines today… 🙂
Lemon madelines, they sound good.
There is something about your writing style that hits me. I wish for you many days of lasting warmth and sunshine. We have roasted vegetables for dinner with lots of butter – days like this require lots of butter (things I learned to love while reading your blog) (and wine for me). And at our house it's bread; not so much for me but I'm outnumbered.
Licia, thank you so much. Your comments are always so kind and appreciated!!
Roasted vegetables with butter is about the best dinner there is. (Especially on cold days!)
Where did you get the adorable teepee and pillows??
the pillows are land of nod and the teepee is old from zulily – though land of nod has those too!
This is delicious, easy and feeds a crowd (my 3 criteria when choosing a recipe!) you can leave out the cheese for dairy free. http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/chicken-enchilada-casserole-recipe/