Thursday, October 9, 2008

A nice little visit

Grandma Danes had to come down to base today to pick up meds, and Mom tagged along with her. They usually do that, keeps Grandma company on the drive, and Mom can stock up at the commissary. It was really nice to get to sit and chat for a bit. Oren and Nathan were both at school, and William had just woken up from his nap, so the house was really quiet. Very nice and relaxed!

I have very much gotten used to having a nice quiet afternoon, without worrying about what the boys are into, is the toilet flooded, did Oren run out and play with his friends without asking... I didn't think I would enjoy it this much, but I have come to need it during the week! I wish I could say that I use this time to clean, but I don't. There are books that need read, recipes to browse, and the occasional but not very often nap. It is kind of "me" time, a recharge for the evening. It seems so much easier to cope with the evening, tired kids, tired husband, dinner cleanup... when I get to take a time out during the day.

My house was a level 10 disaster zone this morning, when my friend Amanda called. She knew Mom and Grandma were coming down today, so she asked if I needed help. I try to keep things picked up, but lately it seems like I can never catch up. She came and swept the dining room, and vacummed the living room while I threw some actual clothes on instead of PJ's (she took the kids to school today) and did something with my hair. I was able to clear some of the clutter off of shelves that has been bugging me, since some of the major stuff was taken care of. Having her come and help was awesome, I didn't stress like I usually do. I know they were coming to see me, not the house, but I hate having company and a messy house at the same time. I can't focus on them when I can see the stuff in the carpet. I know they can see the mess too, and I end up worrying what they think! Now it looks nice!

Assuming another friend of mine is able to get all the groceries, we are doing Greece on Saturday! All kinds of yummy dishes, and another world tour post. I have missed doing those special meals, but time and money have been tight, and it was one of the first things to go. I know when I am overdoing it. I am going to shoot for once a month, becuase I don't want to give it up all together, it's a blast! But guests are going to have to help chip in or bring ingredients, because I can't feed them all on our grocery budget. Ouch... Luckily, they have volunteered to help out, so I won't feel too bad asking them for it.

Does anyone know of any totally awesome frugal sites? Frugal meals, frugal decor, frugal just-about-everything? I am on the hunt, so let me know! :-)

4 comments:

Kathy Whittle said...

You are so fortunate to have a friend who offers to come help clean your house! I'm glad my mom and your mom got to come visit. It's wonderful that they live close enough to do that. Wish I lived closer, I'd come to your Greece meal - I love Greek food!

Stephanie said...

Well, there's this great food blog called Fun Foods on a Budget that I visit all the time ;-)

Anyway, thanks for all those books you sent back with Mom. They're spread all over the living room floor right now, and Zaylee has been going from one book to the next all morning - she loves her new books! Thomas spent quite a while this morning flipping through them as well.

Grandma Danes said...

It is always wonderful to get to stop and visit with you. Your house looked beautiful, but you know we don't come to look at it, but to see you and your boys. We love to come no matter what.

Rachel Holloway said...

Did you look at the coupon links I posted in that SAVE LOTS OF MONEY post?? A lot of those couponers had really good frugal ideas. :) Just a suggestion.