I finished my shower today, and had no idea what I’d really done. Sometimes my brain is on such overload that I literally have to say to myself “You have shampooed. You have shampooed. Ok, now you have conditioned. No need to condition any more!” Ack! I only make those mental notes when I remember to do so…which isn’t that often. Therefore, to be on the safe side, I’m sure I’ve rinsed and repeated multiple times at one shot, more often than I’d like to admit.

Jennifer T…I think I need a laminated check-off list in the shower. That could be a big hit! (Go visit Jennifer, by the way.  Right now!)

We’ll, I’m pooped to the max.  My brain needs a rest.  This will probably be a PBS filled day.  *sigh*  I’ll be up an at ‘em again tomorrow, I’m sure!

Happy Birthday, Grandma!  I LOVE YOU!

I was considering blogging on laundry until I read the latest post from my dear motivator this morning…she beat me to it! It’s well worth the read if you need a kick in your pants. As for myself? I’ve tried the energy saving load after load after load, but I just can’t do it. So I shall be conquering my mountain and then doing a load every morning. Or two. Depends on how many times I have to change the boys’ clothes in a given day…

I’ve also decided I need more structure in my life. I’m quite the free spirit and have never been a scheduler, but it’s high time I get into a routine. Once Erick goes back to school tomorrow (snow day today!) I’m ready to give it a go. Anyone have a good routine going for them?

Speaking of snow days…WOW! I’ve never seen this much snow in my life. Easy seeing as though I’m originally from the southwest, but still. Heard this morning that December was practically a record for the great state of Maine; to give you an idea, in 2006 we had 3 inches in this area. December 2007? 42! Inches! I’m including a few pictures, taken this morning:

I feel a sudden urge to head outside and go sledding. If I had one, that is. I’ve never been sledding, although I tried skiing once; it was a 12 year old birthday present from my parents. And I nearly knocked myself out, missing one of those big ol’ poles that holds up the ski lift by mere inches. (My mind must have been wandering during the instructions not to hold your skis in a straight line unless you want to go really, really fast!) Blur, I tell you! Everything was a blur until I barreled into a snow bank and my skis popped off! Ha. Come to think of it, I was once trapped under a sailboat when it capsized during a windy day. So maybe sports involving any kind of moisture are just not my thing. I think I’ll skip the sledding and stick to a cup o’ joe by the fire instead.

I don’t know about you, but if I promise myself that big changes must be undertaken…they won’t be. Therefore I’ve never been one for the infamous New Years Resolution. I’d much rather ease into something than to resolve that this is the way it is going to be. Would you care to be privy to my former lofty goals? Most (well, all) involve mothering. While not necessarily NYR’s, I was adamant about these decisions. And I’ve learned that it’s ok not to be.

I was never…going to use disposable diapers. They’re bad for the environment! They are bad for my babies skin! They are…so much easier. Kudos to you cloth diapering mommas. Seriously. I wish I had it in me.

I was never…going to let my children watch television. Let’s just say thank you, maker of Baby Einstein, for that 30 minutes of delightful entertainment that allows me to wash dishes. Or sweep. Or accomplish a multitude of daily chores. I am forever indebted.

I was never…going to buy my kids toys with batteries included. Heck, they delight me half the time! And while my dear brother drove me to distraction with all of his boy noise when we were younger, I’ve learned that noise very often equals happy children, which very often equals a happy mother.

I was never…going to confuse my children by being consistent one minute and inconsistent the next. Consistency is key, they say! While they are right, I don’t believe a slip up every now is out of the question. Sometimes I’m just too tired. Sometimes I lay in bed at night and pray that I haven’t screwed up my kids for life. But I don’t think I have.

I was never…going to feed my children sugar. Ha! I don’t overdo it, but you have to have a little fun.

I suppose my motto is moderation. I would love to be one of the cloth diapering, no tv allowed, completely consistent, healthy-to-a-fault mothers. And I really think moms like that are amazing. I just flat out don’t have it in me at this point in my life, but despite it all, I think my kids are turning out alright.

Things that could use a little more help this coming year? Again, not turning these into full blown, do or die decisions, but here we go:

• A little more organization and a little less wasted time to my day.
• Finding a few more ways to be a “servant” to my family. Doing simple things that make them happy.
• Partaking in some kind of muscle building, bone strengthening exercise. *Sigh*…osteoporosis runs in my family, and you know about the whole prevention thing being better than the fixing thing.

Well, I know I have more desires rattling around in my brain, but let’s not get overwhelmed, here!

Good luck on your goals, whatever they may be. But don’t be too hard on yourself.