Pre-Thanksgiving Chores

We worked around the house this weekend getting ready for the big Turkey day.  My daughter was in charge of making place cards.  She worked really hard and I think they turned out lovely!  She did not make place cards for the additional nine people who will be joining us for dessert.  Keep in mind my house is rather small and a crowd of 30 will seem more like a crowd of 60.  Oh well!  That's what Thanksgiving is all about....I hope people remember that when the last available seat in the house is the toilet.  

Stretched too thin.

I have been just crazy-busy...I almost feel like I am at a breaking point.  I am stretched so thin that I think if you look closely, you may, MAY be able to see through me.  (Unfortunately, this hasn't meant that I lost weight.)

I'll post more as I get my life under control.  Sad happenings:  my nine year old told me she no longer believes in Santa.  I just about cried.  Is the magic over?  I know Santa is not the "reason for the season", but the magic that comes along with Santa, is pretty incrediable.  I have a brother who is twelve years younger than me...and because of that for close to 22 years, I've been able to take part in the magic that Santa brings.  No longer do I need to write the letter from Santa using my left hand.  No more carrots need to be nibbled.  No more half-eaten cookies.  Although I am sure we will still do all of those traditions... a part of the magic will be gone.

Exhausted before I get there.

I am going away with my bookclub friends tomorrow.  Sounds like fun, right?  Well, it will be once I arrive.  Here's what I need to do before I leave:

1.  Wash and lay out soccer uniforms for Saturday am (including gear)

2.  Make sure the pets have a large enough stash of food.  If not, go purchase more.

3.  Wrap birthday gift for daughter's friend's party.

4.  Give detailed instructions to husband about when/where the party is.

5.  Remind husband about soccer pizza party, immediately following daughter's game.

6.  Find a ride for son to attend his soccer game.

7.  Stock the fridge with enough food, so they make healthy choices.

8.  Pack.

When my husband goes out of town, his list is like this:

1.  Pack.

In all fairness, I couldn't do the job my husband does, and I do truly appreciate all that he does for the family. But for once, I would like to be able to leave with out so much hassle.  I'm only going to be gone for less than 48 hours, but the preparation feels like much longer.

Stay tuned to Part II.....coming home to piles of laundry, messy house and empty fridge.

A sigh of relief.

I couldn't be more pleased with how the election turned out.  I thought John McCain was very gracious and Barack Obama's speech moved me to tears.  I am thrilled that my children were able to watch his speech.  What a powerful moment in history.  Of course, they were most excited about the new puppy for the White House.

I feel as if a huge weight has lifted from me.  I didn't realize how much election stress I was carrying around.  Now I feel like nesting.  I cleaned all the windows today.  I am making zucchini bread this afternoon.  I want to organize the mudroom.  All the things I've put on hold over the past few months, I can take care of....Life can resume.  We did it. 

The fi-nal count down (do-do-do...did-a-dit-dit-do)

We are here.  November 4th has arrived.  There is an excited and nervous energy in the air.

I live where we have no choice, but to vote by mail.  This makes it fairly easy, but I miss the camaraderie of going to the polls and being with other fair-minded citizens.  I miss the "I voted" sticker.  The lines that I am hearing about in other areas of the country are truly amazing. Thank you to those of you who have stood in line.

My son keeps asking me what I am going to do if Barack Obama wins.  I think he is nervous at what my reaction will be.  "Mom, are you going to do what dad did when the Cardinals won the World Series?"  Um.  No.  I'm not running around the neighborhood in my underwear.