Sigh get ready....

It's Monday afternoon. Todd just left for work-out then school, I just put Della down for a nap while Levi has been down for a little bit already. I let out a few tears as I take a deep breath, "I can'tdo this. Jesus can do this." What else is there to say? Every monday comes as an enemy, tempting me to think that life is about taking it easy and that I shouldn't have to be a parent on my own. How do single parents do it? Serious respect for them, always. In this life we will have trouble, I know, and it's a struggle to remember that Jesus' kingdom includes grace for this season. Todd's work and school schedule is not my enemy, I am. I am ready for some company, because I know that I can't trust myself to see things rightly! Jesus, come over for dinner, please. Life with two kids is a gift, indeed. I know it. Even if one is potty training... again. He's also in whining bootcamp while I am in worry bootcamp.

so

I just put Levi to bed. One quick book and he is out (helpful also to have a snuggly blanket in hand). We've been potty training all morning for fun and started a new sticker chart. This is like our second or third attempt. We've hit it here and there for trials and then put it away, why over do it if he's not ready? Well, now preschool may be on the horizon. Yea, I know, a change of pace from my post a few weeks ago. Anyways, he is told that when the chart is full he will receive pretty much THE most exciting gift he could ever get. He is heavy into astronauts right now and wants a spacesuit and space helmet. So he has big big motivation to hit the toilet. Has it helped? Well, we cleaned up 2 accidents together today but that hasn't frustrated him. With lots of practice he is starting to get it. In due time. The little man gets so so excited when we start talking about the space suit that it makes him have to go, I think! Pretty funny. I gave him a spray bottle of water and a rag and he pretty much cleaned the entire kitchen for me. When he is in the mood, he is so sweet and helpful. He was all naked with his chocolate brown crocs on pretending to be a fireman cleaning his engine. So totally cute.

Just got this for Della. She half likes it half doesn't. We'll see. But it is SO MUCH more comfortable than the baby bjourn, i can't believe it. Never ever use the baby bjourn if you can get your hands (and back!) on one of these. O my goodness. Problem is she would much rather be on the floor with toys, which is fine, except that I need to keep her upright for 30 minutes after every feed. This tallies to 3 hours throughout the day! Either I need to grow some extra arms or she has to get used to this thing. She is exceptionally easy though, I do admit. She is just so sweet and smiley and well, sweet. The pic is of her with my Mom. Patsy Ann and Della Ann. See below for an update on my mom.

The sink is full of today's dishes (and some of yesterday's, too!). Both kids are asleep but I know Della is about to wake up any moment for feeding # 3. Haven't even thought about dinner. Levi's clothes basket was emptied by the little man who was pretending to do laundry for part of the morning, so there are clothes all over. There's pee on our bathroom floor and toilet (he still needs to work on that aim a bit, time to get out the cheerios for target practice). I think I brushed my teeth today, which is pretty impressive. Our plants are seriously overgrown and need pruning. The porch is covered with dirt. Our desk is cluttered with paid bills, wires, books, toys, DVD's. There is so so so much left undone, that is only the beginning. But I just read news of a friend's condition improving after some chemo. What a wonderful surprise it was to read this today!! And by the way my mom's most recent CT and PET scans were clean. She expects chemo once a week for four weeks every six months for 2 years. So, who cares about the mess. I'm taking some moments to rejoice in this and lavish in the truth of God's total forgiveness and love. How about a glass of OJ in a wine glass? It'll have to do.