Missing Craft Gene

I am evidently missing the craft gene. That can be the only explanation. Because I have absolutely no desire, skill, or interest in most crafts. As it turns out, this causes me great difficulty in parenting. Because I have no idea how to do all of the little crafty things all of these other mothers I know do with their kids. I'm totally clueless.

I have a feeling this missing craft gene is going to cause my children much embarrassment as they progress in their scholastic careers. Because all of the other mothers out there use their craft genes to maximum effectiveness. While I stand there rather like Goofy going, "Duh-huh?"

I actually thought I could fake it somehow, but last year during my daughter's "Special Day" (don't even get me started on that corny nonsense) celebrations at her school--followed by the Valentine's Day debacle--I knew there was no hiding it. I actually followed the directions the school sent for each of these activities. For the Special Day, I came and read Lydia's favorite book to the class and gave out some stickers. Unfortunately, we went first. For the weeks following (they only did one kid per day of class--thus the specialness) all of the crafty mothers shone like the rhinestones they had glued to elaborate posters attributing their child's specialness.

To make matters worse, when Valentine's Day rolled around, again, I did as instructed. I brought in 12 plain Valentines for my daughter to give out. Yes, they were these cheap, ugly Batman cards because that's all I could find the night before Valentine's Day at the Kroger, but still--these are little kids, who cares? Well, it's the mothers who care! The crafty moms struck again with homemade cookies with each child's name in icing across the top, or the treat bags with the candy, or the treat bags with the little toys, stickers, and pencils. Or the homemade cut-out hearts on construction paper with glittering glitter. If it's like this in nursery school, what are the next dozen or do years going to be like?

In all seriousness...I'm just a little jealous...as I said, I'm missing the crafty gene. But can't you crafty moms out there give me break--maybe warn me or clue me into these crafty occasions so I'm not caught off guard?

That said...nursery school starts back up in a week or so...wish me luck (and do some crafts for me!)

The Evidence Is Against Me!

OK, so maybe I'm not that hapless and helpless. I can cook. A little. When I feel like it. : )

Check it out: http://www.penzeysone.com/cgi-bin/one/Richmond2.html

p.s. Penzey's Spices are awesome--try them out!!

Harried Haplessness

Hello, dear readers... I've been a victim of my own haplessness. I'm in the midst of potty training my 3-year-old, and, well, let me tell you, that's just not a fun job. Especially for someone who isn't fond of cleaning. I've been up to my ears in laundry (all those little girl fundies to wash) and I've been mopping up floors like mad (eegad!!) To top it off, I've also been running around with Resolve (heh...funny pun...) to keep the carpets clean. I just hope our house doesn't start smelling like an old folks' home (sorry old folks, but you know...) So that's what I've been busy with...wish me luck!