DS woke up ready and happy for more school. The novelty of the new year has worn off with children #1-3, #4 maybe is still a bit thrilled. Anyhow, off they went, and I've got more time on my hands. I should add that our school offers kindergarten AM from 7:50 to 10:30, so bus arrives here at 11:00.

Yesterday in my spare time I managed to take a nap, contact the Illinois Dept of Revenue about the tax information they needed, make a batch of taco filling AND sloppy joes, do one load of laundry (wash/dry/fold/put away), do a minisort of the latest coupons, fill out paperwork for youngest child's speech eval today, and get through some more BTS paperwork. Fruitful!

I am finding that a bit of organization goes a long way. With a dinner that is quasi-prepared by the time the kids get in, I am better able to focus on them. Yesterday I was able to do 15 min a piece reading with the youngest ones. I was able to quiz second daughter on types of nouns, and I was able to help oldest daughter out with some Spanish stuff (cracks me up totally that my daughter with a totally Irish name - think names like Shiobhan Malloy or Mairead O'Malley - picked the Spanish name Juanita for her stint in Espanol). I also find that food choice is key at breakfast for the picky ones (fruit and/or yogurt and/or toast and peanutbutter is fine).

I am also finding that I have accepted without reluctance that there is *no* money to spend until Friday, except for my last $15 (of which $8 is really from last week - I have to figure what to do with it - maybe vacation fund or something). I am also discovering I'm a real homebody and I don't feel the need to "leave just to go out". My list of things to do around here looks like:
(1) Finish xSIL's wedding sampler (names/date)
(2) Finish son's First Communion sampler
(3) Start scrapbooking the most recent events first
(4) Work on bookcases in spare room
(5) Find plate hangers (which we bought ages ago) and have DH hang rooster plates in kitchen
(6) Tackle linen closet (my children do not share my love of flannel sheets and therefore I may donate all set of twin flannels!)

Etc, etc, etc. Day #2 of my time is starting now.