Afterthoughts

I started off blogging daily, and theoretically still could do that, but I wanted to take some pressure off of myself. Life has been in full swing these past couple of weeks. School has started back for my nieces, and most afternoons and evenings it's like I do have 5 children instead of 3. I'm usually picking someone up from school and feeding a bunch of extended family dinner and making sure some homework gets done.



I have also come to a new realization that would have been absolutely unreal to me even just a month ago: I CAN keep my house clean. When I saw my friend, Jen's house a few weeks ago, after dropping by on her, I was amazed at how clean it was even though she has 3 small kids. I had to discover the key to this, as I have been struggling for so long with keeping things straight with my wee ones around. The key is this: progressive clean up. All day long now, I try to pick things up. I no longer wait until bedtime to "get a hold" of the housework. Another example is when a dish is dirty, I wash it right away, instead of forming a pile on the counter. Because late at night, that dish pile seems too overwhelming to me. I thought it would be worse washes pots and pans throughout the day (because I hate doing dishes), but that's not the case. I'm not saying I will have a spotless house all the time either; I suppose I'm just thankful to get a handle on it all. I have kept my house relatively clean for over a week now.



Today I went to my niece, Cora's, volleyball game for the 7th graders. Volleyball is one of my greatest loves, so it's hard to be a spectator at this time. But I enjoyed watching Cora begin to develop her skills. I had both positive and constructive critiques for her. The part I liked least about her Jr. High game was the $3 per person charge at the door. When I approached the lady at the money box with 4 kids in tow I said, "Oh no your NOT charging me for my kids!" I told her I was only going to be there for a few minutes and that it was probably the only game I was going to be able to get to to see my niece. And it was about 100 degrees in the gym, and I was not happy. Normally I don't put up such a fuss, but I thought the admission price was so ridiculous. I forked out the stinking money.

Though very tall, Cora is the setter, in black.

Cora is in the forefront here.

Cora is "00"

I was probably in such a sour mood by the time I got to Cora's game because it's been a rough couple of days with Haleah. She keeps peeing through her outfits without a care in the world, and I believe it's on purpose. I am at the end of my rope with that child when it comes to potty training. I am so tired of tantrums and whining and control issues. I see myself peering into the future, years down the road thinking about the relationship that Haleah and I will have together. She is so strong willed now. She won't let me put bows in her hair or let me read to her or help her or teach her anything. I just hope and pray that our time together is positive, and that she will learn to respect me as her mother.

At day's end, the extended family came back to my house for dinner, and they said they were so thankful for it. This made me feel good. Full bellies make everyone feel better inside and out. Finally, the other thing that makes me feel good inside and out is my precious Bekah (below). She is a scrumptous baby!