mom's sound advice and my vanity

I've been in a bit of a rut lately, like I can't get motivated and I'm just waiting for something to happen. Something to look forward to or get me excited. Is that awful? Maybe it's because I'm usually pregnant by now. Well, not last time, Noah was 9 months when I was expecting Austin. But we're getting there. We decided to wait a little longer this time, for my sanity and the good of the family, though I'm not sure how long. I'll keep you posted on that.

Anyway, I just need to get going. Take things up a notch. Get this place really clean, gear up for winter. Part of the problem is that I feel the urge to be really productive, but there are all these little people around that prevent that from happening. These adorable little boys who just want to be by me all the live long day, or away from me making mayhem.

Yesterday I walked in the room to find Jack with a light saber, Noah with a toy gun, and Taylor with a bat. Before I said anything Jack said: Mom, could you go out of here please?
Me: Why, Jack?
Jack: Because we're playing a mean game and we want to hit each other.

So, you see, they aren't to be left unattended. With only so much time and energy left after they're all in bed, all I can usually manage is to get things back to where they were, very little improvement and nothing very gratifying. What does one do in this situation?

This is the very question I asked Jane this morning, and this is what she said:

"I just get on the computer and start typing a list of everything I want to do, room by room. What to clean, things to fix, everything. I also type in things I need to accomplish like Christmas shopping, etc. Then the task doesn't seem so big, it's more doable and easier to take on.

Divide up the list, figure out which things Bruce (my dad) can do and make a separate list to give to him, then lay out a calender of what I'd like to accomplish off the list each day and stick to it.

Just writing it all down generates an excitement for accomplishing it all and I usually end up getting things done much faster than than I planned on."

Great advice mom, as always. So, today I am going to do it. I prefer a notepad and pen I think, always have. Let's get to it.

ps. so I have a question, not on the topic at all. Here's a picture Jack took of me while I was on the computer...so serious. But it happens to be of my more attractive side, so I'm willing to share it with you. The other side of my face is less attractive. It's true. Which begs the question, is that true for everyone? (or just those of us vain enough to notice?) Just wondering...