Week in My Life 2015: Friday

Oversharing alert. For the next week, I’m writing about what life is *really* like at Casa Whitaker. It’s likely to include Dr Pepper, sibling rivalry, lots of diapers and some serious van time. If you’re a blogger, I’d love for you to join me (linkup at the bottom) and if you’re an Instagrammer, we’re all over there using #weekinmylife15  You can catch up on the week here: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

—

We had some extra visitors just after breakfast this morning, Nana and Papa! It was the annual Grandparents’ Day at both the schools the kids attend and it is always a family favorite. After I got them all settled at school, I came back home to give Scott a kiss goodbye, get Gianna up early (boo hoo!), grab her a to-go breakfast and head back to the church for Friday’s rosary group.

I have to come clean.

Up until two months ago, I did not pray the rosary on a regular basis and the thought of going to a group that did just seemed a little, much. Maybe like I was waving my Catholic flag a little too high and a little too proud. But then our dear friends lost their 16-month-old in a tragic accident and all that changed. I don’t know any other way to describe it. That sweet little boy brought me back to Mary. I think how you pray is very personal. Everyone speaks to God differently. There is zero judgment here. Whether you pray through rote prayer, like the rosary, or by other means, you gotta find what works for you. Right now, it’s working for me.

Gianna did almost take out a table while we prayed and somehow she found a who-knows-how-old blueberry muffin stashed away in the children’s alcove. Don’t even ask. She’s my own personal St. Anthony.

We dashed home to wash dishes, unload the dishwasher and get laundry going. Well, that’s what I came home to do. Gianna destroyed the cup cabinet.

Friday is laundry day. It used to be Monday, then I moved it to Sunday and now it’s on Friday. At this rate, I’ll probably try every day of the week come 2017. Fridays work, though. I recently discovered that having other people mess with my laundry system brings me great anxiety. There used to be this elaborate laundry system where the kids did it, but the bickering almost drove me insane. I could not handle it. So, I took it back over and peace reigns again. Gotta know your triggers.

About an hour later, we headed back to the church for a special Grandparents’ Day Mass. I was off schedule this week, since all the usual separate school Masses were combined into one big one at the end of the week. But, the best part? Seeing these two serve together. That never happens since they’re at different schools, so it was a beautiful surprise this morning.

After Mass, my parents, Gianna and I enjoyed a lovely reception filled with great food and even better conversation. They went over to the high school for tours and I came home to put Gianna down for her afternoon nap. She was wiped out! They swung by to pick up their Christmas cards. Yes, I designed those and had a blast! But, I should probably start on mine. HA!

I worked, folded laundry and school pick up time came around before I knew it. Fridays are usually reserved for happy hour runs to Sonic, but in recent months I’ve only been going occasionally. Today seemed like a good day to do it with the start of Thanksgiving break. Then, sibling rivalry reared its ugly head. Sometimes, you have to be the parent who says no, and it really stinks. Le sigh.

A few tears later we arrived home to unload backpacks, start dinner, play outside and finish laundry. I even ironed. That happens like twice a year. I had Anna-Laura take this to prove the ironing board was actually used. This one’s for you, honey!

We picked up John Paul from basketball practice and then got dinner in the oven. It’s Friday and y’all know what that means. We almost always have pizza on Fridays, but more often than I’d like to admit it’s come from the pizzeria and not my oven. It felt good to get my hands covered in flour again. Kneading dough is good for a frustrated heart. #protip

I sent the kids to shower before dinner. Occasionally I’ll do that and it always makes the dinner hour go smoother. Scott arrived home just as the pizzas were coming out of the oven. Hooray! After dinner, we cleaned the kitchen, put Gianna and Luke to bed and the girls, Scott and I popped popcorn and finished the fourth Harry Potter movie. Clare has just finished the book, so she earned the privilege of watching it. HP. It just never gets old at our house.

Tonight we had to tackle a little electronic usage with our oldest. Parenting may have been physically challenging in the younger years, but boy is it an emotional, philosophical and spiritual challenge when they get older. Mostly good things, of course, it’s just I’m realizing more and more the weight of our lessons and their importance on our children’s futures. Enough of the heavy.

After the kids went to bed, our evening wrapped up with a little more work on my part and Fallon on Scott’s part. With that, we made it through the week! This weekend has a little football, a little community service and a whole lot of baking in store. You?