Oops...I did it again

I overcommitted myself. I survived but this blog has suffered along with many other things (including the house and cooking). I don't often write blog entries about myself but there were so many things going on these last few weeks I didn't get a chance to jot down all the cool things that happened with the kids.  This blog post is written to justify my lack of blogging. I seriously just didn't have the time. I'll try to keep a running tab of the hours spent on each of the following commitments

For starters, we're down one car as the van is currently in the shop getting its transmission rebuilt. This has meant extra work for Karl and myself as we schedule PT Cruiser time and shuffle carseats as needed. I've also borrowed Jan's car on occasion when she's over to babysit the kids. Between the time spent scheduling, having the van at two different shops, and time spent researching the issue...let's say 18 hours.

I accompanied the middle school praise choir at Trinity for three different performances and attended rehearsals for the last four weeks or so. Jan would come over to babysit each time I went to rehearsal. We'lll say 18 hours again unless you include practice time which kicks it up another 2 hours simply because the kids always help me practice which means it takes extra long to actually make it through a song.

I also accompanied the preschool program a couple weeks back. Only 7 hours of investment there, but most of it was the same day.

I led Go Fish worship on December 4 and then played piano today with the big choir and band. Probably 18 hours again including practice. (remember these 'hours' I speak of are during regular mom work hours so almost all of these hours or spent multitasking.)

I sang in the Messiah with the Handel Oratorio Society and Paul's choir at Augustana. We've been rehearsing since October on Monday nights but then last weekend we had two performances. In the last month I've spent about 12 hours on this. (well worth it to share the stage with my little brother - even if we shared it with 230 other people)

Arts and crafts.  I've been insane with crafting projects lately due in large part to my increasing interest in Pinterest. There are too many good ideas out there.  Besides the Advent calendar (which has been a huge success), I've also made a felt Christmas tree, a button wreath ornament with June, nine knotted scarves for my guests at Advent by Candlelight (Prepare for Jesus), circle skirts for June and Hallie, dinosaur tails for June, Sam, Lucy, and Kye (Cara don't read this outloud to the kids if you haven't opened our presents yet), wool dryer balls for a family christmas gift, a brag book for Jan's Christmas gift, and I've started another Advent calendar for a wedding gift later this year. I'm not going to add up the hours spent on these projects because I'd be embarrassed.

Trying to get Ruben to sleep. Again I'm not going to add up the hours here either because it would be depressing.

Christmas cards. 5 hours

Thrivent financial director responsibilities. 4 hours

That's enough for now. Writing it all down makes me wonder how many hours were in each day for the last month. With all these things I still managed to play with the kids, read Ruben stories (he needs books like he's addicted to them and needs a fix), get some semblance of dinner on the table, and even spend time talking with Karl at the end of each day. If you would have asked me last week if I thought I'd survive, I would have said, "heck no!" but now that I'm on the other side, I'm realizing how blessed I am to be able to volunteer in so many different capacities. Without the support of a loving husband, easy kids, and an awesome neighbor/babysitter (Jan), this would not have been possible. Have a great Christmas week.  I know I will now that my plate is clear I can slow down and enjoy the season!

Merry Christmas!