homework

Pet City

It’s the end of the semester. My brain is fried. I’m stressed.

Instead of doing homework, I keep finding myself playing with my pets!

Sometimes I (try to) study on my bed and Lily, my sister’s cat, jumps up on the bed with me and wants attention. lilyCollage

lilyCollage2I just can’t ignore her!

I try to walk my dog every day. Even if I’m super busy or stressed. I know it’s good for her–physically and it’s good for me–mentally. Fresh air, even if it’s freezing, feels so good.

Funny story about this picture. I usually read on my phone while I walk Lola. I took this picture and started reading. The next time I looked at her, her vest was gone. Sad!

Funny story about this picture. I usually read on my phone while I walk Lola. I took this picture and started reading. The next time I looked at her, her vest was gone. Sad!

lolaCollageSometimes I lay on/with Lola after I walk her. Who says pit bulls are vicious?! Lola isn’t!

I honestly think that pets are amazing at sensing when their owners are stressed/sad/mad/etc. and respond accordingly. I love it and it’s such a blessing!

Challenge

This past weekend I stepped outside of my comfort zone and I’m happy to report that everything went well!

In August, a co-worker of mine asked if I could watch her three children (ages 9-14) for a weekend in October. I said yes, but in the months leading up to “the big weekend” I was really nervous.

It might not seem like a big deal to watch three kids for three days, but it was to me because I had never done something like that before. I have always been the babysitter that lets kids walk all over me. That can be bearable if I’m watching kids for a few hours, not a few days!

I headed over to their house on Friday after the kids got off their buses and left on Sunday morning after I got them ready for church and their grandma picked them up.

On Friday night we baked homemade chocolate chip cookies and played board games. On Saturday we made chocolate chip pancakes, walked their dog, and the younger siblings went to a Halloween party, and then we had Hannah over in the evening and made a music video (oh my… I’ll post it below). Sunday morning went smoothly; I made their beds, got them quick breakfasts, and made sure everyone was showered. Then, suddenly, the “big weekend” was over. It went by so fast!

I was so happy to find out that they had a coffee maker. I was also thankful for pre-made pancake mix.

The photo on the left was before we took a walk. The photo on the right is the younger kiddos in their Halloween costumes. They were a washer and laundry basket. How creative is that?!

After their grandma came to pick them up I even had time to rush home, shower, and make it to church by 10:30. I was feeling pretty triumphant lolz.

Thoughts:

  • I don’t give myself enough credit. Why did I think that I wouldn’t be responsible enough? Everything went so well. 
  • I’m really glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone because I was definitely challenged a few times (some sibling fighting) but handled things calmly. I really feel like I grew up a little bit this weekend. Only a little bit though ;).
  • Hannah is amazing and I’m so glad she could help me. Don’t worry, I paid her!
  • I’d do it again in a heart beat. I actually had a lot of fun. Kids say the funniest things ever.

Speaking of fun, here is the music video we made:

I’m pretty sure the bloopers are the best part!

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Alright, It’s back to the grind for me. I have a lot of school work to catch up on tonight!! How was your weekend?

Bible verse of the day: You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;
    my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28