Jill picked Eva up at 9:30. Lucas and I had been talking it up for days and Eva was prepped and excited and ready to go -- she spent the morning deciding what to put in her backpack for the big day. (stuffed dinosaurs, Hello Kitty lip gloss, a Land Before Time DVD, the tiniest farm animals in the world, an extra pair of underwear, and one Hot Wheels car)We talked about talking nice and listening to Jill, and I hope it was successful. I am not sure if Jill would tell me if it were otherwise.
She was excited to be getting in Jill's car. As I went back into my house, I saw Jill taking a self-portrait with Eva -- that always gives me a little thrill.
Jill invited her niece Ashley over as well. Eva and Ashley have played before and gotten along, so that was just an added bonus for Eva! I love this photo -- they both have their backpacks and you can just see that they are both into the lip balm.
As for me, I was positively giddy! It's a good thing I had already planned to work on cleaning up my studio or I might have been overwhelmed and paralyzed by the possibilities.
It was in a pretty scary state, complete with post-Christmas chaos. I worked for a couple of hours and talked to Jessie on the phone.
I took a lunch break to eat the chicken and pasta salad that Jill brought me! This truly represents a labor of love, since Jill doesn't like chicken, and she certainly doesn't like cooking it/shredding it. I recognized the sacrifice here, and it was such a tasty lunch, especially since I didn't have to prepare it! Moulin Rouge happened to be on TV while I was eating, so I watched that for a little while.Max was home sick today, but he made himself scarce by retreating to my bedroom and watching DVDs, so it still felt like I was home alone (the best vacation).
In addition to working in my studio, I also did some laundry, and at one point, when I was feeling sleepy, I dozed for almost an hour on the guest bed downstairs!
Ta-da! I still have a few odds and ends to deal with, but for the most part, order has been completely restored. So satisfying.And would you believe that Jill didn't bring Eva back until after 6:00 p.m.?? She had fed her dinner and everything, so she hung out with the boys a bit and then we got ready for bed! I love this day.
24 comments:
wow first to comment. This was marvelous, so happy to hear it was a successful day. I know the feeling of putting things away and feeling accomplished, achieved, and happy to get back to business--I just put my christmas holiday stuff away! Great usage of time included with fabulous lunch and great conversation.
There must be some universal connection between 4-5 yr olds and lip balm! My two girls (4 & 5) are obsessed with carrying it around in little purses and backpacks as well. The pictures were great!
You really went to town on your studio, didn't you?--I've always been so impressed with your studio...The first time I ever saw your blog (it was actually the first blog I'd ever seen) it was when you had just redone your studio...and you did the video...I just sat there and stared with my mouth open! What a space! Holy stampers! Classy stuff you've got going on there!
Kudos to Jill for helping you out like that...that's true friendship!
P.S.--I'm curious as to how this whole disliking chicken thing started for Jill...I don't know what I'd do if chicken wasn't in the mix...I've never known a chicken hater until now...
I totally get the "paralyzed by the possibilities" line...isn't that the truth? You certainly made the most of your day...your clean desk must fill you with joy.
And this is seriously starting to sound redundant, but you have quite a month of ministering angels.
Oh, my! How heavenly! What a lucky girl you are.
The best Christmas present ever...wonderful Wednesdays!
Sounds like heaven.
I'm so glad everything worked out so well. Eva talked nicely and played well. I love seeing Ashley and Eva together because it's so funny. The time went surprisingly fast, and though the messes were large the fun was good. I'm so glad she wasn't a wreck when I brought her home. I'm thrilled that you had a great day and I can't believe the transformation in your studio!!
What a dreamy day--living up to it's title too.
Your de-cluttered table is a huge accomplishment. I feel so heavy when I go into my craft room because of the disorder, I must get busy.
Awesome! What a great day for you! And Eva sounds like she had a great day with Jill! I am impressed at how you reigned in your studio! Great before and after pics!
GREAT work on the studio! And it sounds like Eva and Jill had a great day too. And that chicken salad looked YUMMY!
I love this idea of a Christmas gift that keeps giving all year long!
This could be one of the best Christmas presents ever! Lucky girl.
I know I'm talking about my own sister here... but you are SO lucky to have such a great friend! I didn't even know she had made you lunch too! Sounds like you had a great day- a good mix of organization and relaxation. The studio looks fantastic, you're a fast worker. Ashley LOVED playing with Eva- this Wonderful Wednesday thing is working out well for me too. Merry Christmas!
Okay, I'm SERIOUS! I really want to move there and be on the friendship plan, as Denise calls it! Jill, I hope you're reading....
What a glorious day. I seldom have a day to myself to just do whatever I want, and I would do productive things! I don't really care about resting the day away, although your 30 minute power nap is right up my alley.
And, the big bonus for me was catching a view of the painted black door and sidelight windows! Yes! (Did you tell me that they were completed? Did I just miss that?)
Looks like a completely satisfying day to me, and I'm sure that you will be looking forward to more of these Wednesdays. Sigh.
We all need a Jill in our lives, and I for one, wish it were the real one and only Jill. I guess I can always dream......
I read Jill's blog and i had to click over because I knew I was going to get to see your day! How fun and good for you for all the productiveness. I am the same way. When I have a block of free time I have to make a list and get engaged or I can become overwhelmed and poof it is over before I know it.
I love your excited SP!! That is so great of Jill--what a gift!
That photo of Jill and Eva is beautiful! And I am officially jealous of the headway you made in your studio...I have been cleaning and organizing in mine this week and it seems painfully slow.
Loved reading yours and Jill's different sides of Wonderful Wednesday.
"Paralyzed by the possibilities" is such an accurate description of how I feel sometimes when I find myself with a block of time at home. I love being home but in my new(ish) life as a working mom I find myself with very little time there. When I do have time at home I have a hard time deciding what to tackle first, as there are so many things I would like to do and many more that I really should do.
Sounds like you had a fantastic day! What a gift--the best, actually.
we talked about this gift when i was in NOLA. you and jill are such perfect friends for each other
love to hear about it and congrats on the nap and the studio
wahoo!
I love the picture of Eva in Jill's car. You can just see how excited she is! And lip balm is a big hit here, too.
This is such a wonderful gift, and I am impressed with your studio transformation! Cleaning up the mess is never as fun as making it, but now the possibilities are so exciting!
This is such a great post!
That clean desk- wow
The friendship between you& jill is very inspiring :)
I cannot believe you got your desk so clean. I love the before and after pics.
She is a superstar for this gift. Y'all are such great friends to one another. I love how well you take care of each other.
Oh my, you did not waste a second. Your desk! I love unearthing my desk, it makes such a difference. I am so glad the first one went off without a hitch on both ends. Best gift idea ever.
What a delightful day and lunch too. Over the top. Looks like you got a lot done. Now I'm wondering what happened to all that stuff. Doesn't it feel good to see your desk again.
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