I've taken January off

With Christmas now officially over (as of Sunday; we finally took our fire hazard tree down), I have to face facts that it's winter. Not the poetic Christmas-y winter, but the Narnian winter before the four Pevensie children change things for the good.

Of course, things are relatively mild here during these months, but even still, the shorter days, the colder nights, the misplaced mittens, boots, and tuques that I frantically try to hunt down at 8:55 so we can get to 9:00 Mass 'on time' -- all these are a recipe for a shorter fuse for me and a less than jovial home for the fellows with whom I live.

"If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

I take these (silly) words to heart, so much so that I am officially taking January off. I'm not trying to tackle big projects, I'm letting some discipline issues slide, and I am getting out of the house as much as  I can.

Proof:



I'm not even quite sure what this piece of clothing is, but it was found in Value Village and it made me and the two sweet friends I was with laugh. 
We went out without kids for a night of Thai food, thrifting and merriment.
We laughed, we ate, we laughed some more. So therapeutic.


The crazed look re-emerges from me, mostly due to my ineptitude at taking self-portraits.
Anyhoo, Date Night -- "Les Miserables" followed by dinner at the oh-so-glamourous Montana's (hey, we had a gift card). Also, good call on Patrick's part for taking us to a show at 4:20 so I would actually stay awake for it!

Also, I really liked Les Mis. A whole lot.


 The Discovery Centre with our friends and house guests
The Bubble Room was totally worth the price of admission. I could have hung out there for hours.



More Discovery Centre

In case you think I'm traipsing around from one exciting venue to the next, I assure you, most of our time is still spent at home. In fact, three out of four members of the family have come down with a stomach flu this month which has kept us away from many activities we normally enjoy.

So I'm at home, doing what I normally do. But in simply saying "I've taken January off" to myself (and now to my blog readers!), I've relieved myself from immense pressure of trying to be 'Super Mom' , whoever she is, for the time being. 

I gave my kids hot dogs for dinner last week after spending all afternoon at the library, a food they love but we have never given them. You know what? They rejoiced, as though I was the Best. Mom. Ever.

{Maybe I should rethink what "Super Mom" is. Maybe I should consider what my own children think is Super, and not some stupid Pinterest board.}



Oh yes, and we've played with slime. A lot.

Lent will be here before you know it, and so there will be plenty of time to 'fast' from outside fun and entertainment. January, however, is bringing feasting of the "Letting Go and Having More Joy" variety.



Comments

  1. JacJanuary 16, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Between this post and an inspired email from Elena The First, I think I'll take February off. This month has been crazy enough (and will be right up until the end). February is my birthday month, so it seems fitting - a gift to myself! (Plus Elena The Second is too little to notice whether she gets a party or not. A special dinner with cake and candles will be plenty.)

    ReplyDelete
  2. katiemamaJanuary 17, 2013 at 6:31 PM

    I love that you're taking this month "off". Winter months are hard for me as well, though I will say that being gluten-free seems to have changed my moods considerably and the thought of packing my 3 babes into the van doesn't make me want to gauge my eyes out. I will still be happier when we can venture out in flip flops but right now being inside is oh. so. good. with a new baby, a few Tinkerbell DVD's, lots of good snacks and library books. Looks like you guys have had some great fun in the last few weeks! :) I'm glad you could get out for a date night..you guys are hot :)

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