This is a cute posting I think ... if your 3 y/o thinks they are a lot of 'little messes' and not one big one, ... then this is an opportunity for you to assign her, her little particular mess to clean up ... then maybe make out 3X5 cards with your animal's names on them and have your daughter set out each of the treats each one is to get ... Quiz her as to who gets what ... and ask, why?, if appropriate ...

Also, be sure you have a small workable shovel for her to help clear snow with ...

The things you listed to do around the house are all pretty basic and is simply something every person allows to 'get away from them' once in a while ... all normal stuff ... enjoy normal ... that's why we're sober ... remember ??? ...

I do wish I were there to repair your 'washing machine' ... they are not that complicated but it really helps to have experience ... and parts ...

Stop what you're doing and go get a brush and ask for your daughter to brush your hair for you ... JUST don't let your next picture post be one of you with NO HAIR!!! ... LOL

Sounds like a perfect day!

I hired a maid ; ) Took 4 hours, but it's lookin great around here... and with all the 'little messes' taken care of, I felt more inclined to handle the big ones. Funny - because I AM A MAID - and the 5 families I clean for tell me this CONSTANTLY - that because I come and keep the basics done... they feel more inclined to tackle other projects that have been put off. So I finally took that to heart yesterday, and it was magical! Totally recommend everyone to get a maid here and there... doesn't really cost much either in comparison to what we spend on drinking - smoking - pop - pedicures - junk food etc.

I like Dean's idea as well. I have a list of things I do each day for every day of the week. It breaks it down, and if I didn't have everything on it - all my plants would die - my carpet would be crunchy and I wouldn't be able to see out my windows. Problem is, things still pile up when you have small kids. Sometimes you CAN NOT stick to your list and be a good mom.

Get a maid Mom's! Do not beat yourself up over it. You deserve it. Never think that you're going to be able to handle, or do the exact same things as people who don't have small children, you'll get yourself down for never being able to live up to expectations. Talk to other Moms who have raised kids FULL TIME in recovery. It's so important because it's a totally different world, and this doesn't mean you can't do it this thing! YOU CAN!

Skip your pedicure and have someone give you a boost with cleaning or other help to get out to meetings or working your program in whatever way! The people who do these jobs usually need the money. They are probably just other Mom's too... and I'd rather give someone who really needs the money a bit. It only cost me what my pedicure and manicure would have - and it was SO MUCH BETTER!

Eyeww ...fish feet......shiver me timbers sounds awful! Awww...Tasha.....HONEY...dont blink.....one day,( it'll feel like only a week has passed from this day you got to play on the floor, with the angel entrusted to your care), you will look UP into the eyes, of this grown person, who has taken the place of your darling baby......It will happen in a whisper...I KNOW..... &...On THAT day....the dirty dishes, the broken washer, the crunchy carpet, will have no meaning....only the sad dream, that just one more time, you could kiss the dirty face, wipe the nose, smell the hair, rock to sleep....the child that has vanished!!!! Oh! I am living....what the wise sages told me....I thought they couldnt know, but they did....that THIS...this time of too much pressures and fears...THIS time, of tiny children and real MAGIC.....ARE the best TIMES of your whole life!!!! Promise!!!!..............p.s. .......... I had to read a book, on how to clean "Clean it Fast, Clean it Right"......its a bad sign...when someone gives you a book, on HOW to Clean!! HA ! Its helped alot! Blessings and ((((hugs))))!
Love, Lady Eli

What a great thread....I thoroughly enjoyed it!