Razzle Frazzle

I found a picture of Peppermint Patty on Pinterest yesterday. I discovered myself smiling at her and feeling just a tinge of sisterhood, which is somewhat unusual since I never saw Peppermint Patty and I as having anything in common. But I've been feeling frazzled lately and there she was looking frazzled as well.

My grandkids arrived at 6:30 am yesterday morning. It was dark out, really dark. I was still in my jammies and the Christmas tree was the only thing lighting up the living room. It was almost too early for coffee...

Someone other than myself has planted the idea in the minds of these children that they can "earn" my toys back again. I don't want to be a complete Scrooge, but let me tell you, that ain't happenin'. There are picture books and coloring books downstairs, and Tuesday night I'd cut up strips of colored paper to make paper chains. They sat for quite a while with the little staplers I'd purchased the day before and put together long colorful creations. Sometime mid morning I'd gone upstairs to find the boxes of giant Lego bricks and more colorful creations sprung up in my living room, but the shelf is destined to remain upstairs. No amount of "earning" will gain the toy shelf a renewed space in my living room. I like it better upstairs, thank you.

Prayers would be appreciated for the future of my days. In the frustration of the moment last week, I filled out a job application online. There is a real possibility I may end up with a part time job outside my home for the first time in over 30 years... (Yes, I did get a response.) I'm not sure whether to be excited or scared to death, and I have yet to tell my son and daughter in law that I may not be able to continue babysitting every week. (I just hate getting people upset with me.... )