Stinky Breath, Songs, and a Cleaning Lady

(I just want to note that the above video is worth watching, if just to relive those lovely 70's fashion. Elton looks a little like the Lucky Charms leprechaun in one of those shots).

In the mad rush to get skirt, tights, and shoes on the girl, her hair brushed into something at least close to passably neat, and the snack box, her jacket, (really cold here this week), my coat and purse into the car... we forgot to brush the child's teeth. It dawned on me halfway to school. She was very upset, informing that "I wont' be able to talk today. I'll have to keep my mouth closed because of my stinky breath!"

We have had several days of freezing night time temperatures and low daytime highs here. We southerners are not acclimated to the cold and bundle up like artic explorers during these cold snaps. Abby informed me as we got out of the car that I should have "bring-ded" her gloves. If you were polishing up my mother of the year award, you might want to put away the cloth.

Every morning on the way to school, Abby chooses number ten on the CD for listening. Only we had a new CD in today and she selected number four on the playlist. I heard "She's got electric boots, a mohair suit, You know I read it in a magazeeeeeeeyine Bennie and the Jets" 3 times on the way. Perhaps it will now be on repeat in your head too?

Mr. Budget (a.k.a. Rob) has decreed that yes, we can afford a cleaning lady to come round for 4-5 hours every two weeks. He claims this is the happiest he has ever made me. It isn't THE most wonderful thing he's ever done, but it certainly is in the top ten! As a working mother, having just the big things out of the way so I can keep up with the laundry pile, homework and still have a little family and me time is a pretty big deal. In fact, the cleaning lady may have been a little, er, disconcerted, by my declarations of undying love for her dusting talents and skills with a mop. Fingers crossed that our schedules work for her and we can keep her. Now that I've had the cleaning lady, I think I'm addicted.