Evolution of a word

I grew up asking for an "underdog" while swinging. I married Curtis and discovered that in his neck of the woods it's called an "underduck." He then explained to me how his word makes more sense because the parent ducks under the swing while pushing the child. I couldn't argue and since I've adopted many of his crazy Canadian phrases (excluding but not limited to garberator and cutlery) that's what I say to our kids. The boys usually ask for a twisty underduck actually.

So Lucy loves to swing and could swing for hours. I actually should have just installed a big swing in my kitchen- would have gotten so much more done these last 2 years. The other day I was pushing Lucy and she kept saying "Fun! This so fun!" And then she asked for a (wait for it) "Funderduck." I had to do a double take to make sure she wasn't cussing. But seriously... it's brilliant. Because no one can deny it's fun and then there's the ducking... I love kids.

Too much

So I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now. And I'm coming to terms with the fact that I have a serious "avoidance" problem. I like to just skip past anything unpleasant. That could be the mounting pile of papers the kids bring home each day, having an awkward conversation or scheduling an appointment with the dentist. There's just so much to do every day and every week.

I've heard that moms should run their home like a business. It rings true but I'm totally a fly-by-the-seat of your pants kind of mom. I don't always grocery shop with a list. I usually make dinner plans for the week but am so good at breaking them. Sometimes I get a burst of energy and do tons of housework, unpleasant phone calls and the like. Other times I have a huge list of things to do: yardwork, cleaning the pool, dusting the house (which is NEVER done), laundry, dishes, meal prep, hemming a pair of pants..... and what do I do? Nothing. Deer in headlights.

Arghhh. Not complaining b/c I know that's not allowed. I have freedom and safety and food to name a few. But being a SAHM is such a test of self control. No one's looking over my shoulder and I can still get by with a messy house and lame dinner.

Maybe I should try to be more organized in my approach to motherhood. Right now there are literally 20 things I should be doing and I'm on the computer. But.. I did make some pesto the other day that freakin rocked. Here's the recipe:

2 c. fresh basil (buy a plant- it is easy to keep alive and SO much cheaper than buying fresh herbs)
2 cloves garlic (Discard the green center part & gently boil clove for about 1 minute- the flavor will be more muted and you won't have laser garlic breath for days)
1/4 c. nuts (pecans, walnuts or pine)
1/3 c. olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper
1/2 c. Pecorino Cheese (or parmesan)

Combine all in a food processor and enjoy over pasta or with bread or even as a dip for fresh veggies. Oh and the recipe called for 2/3 c olive oil but it seemed like way too much so I cut it in half and it turned out great.

Look at that color! Yummy and beautiful! Oh and I think Mother's Day is a super awkward holiday and I wish we would get rid of it or at least change it to a Monday so I could actually enjoy it (working in the nursery at church is not relaxing). The good news is that Curtis and I both got to talk to our awesome mom and mum and the guys in my house made a lot of yummy food and hooked me up with some rad cards.

The End.