IF YOU GIVE A…

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I’m sure many of you are familiar with the children’s book author Laura Joffe Numeroff. She wrote the books pictured above and many others in this series. Anyway, I know nothing about this woman, but I would bet money that she must’ve had a toddler or a preschooler at some point in her life. I am certain that this is where the inspiration for these books came from! If you haven’t read them they begin with a child offering a tasty treat to an animal. The animal then comes in the house. Eating the treat gives the animal an idea, which sparks another idea, which breeds into another idea, which snowballs into another idea…. until the entire house looks like a tornado ripped through it and the child is exhausted. These stories are about Ava. She is the animal, I am the child. And this is my every day.

My every.

single.

day.

Here’s just one example from this morning:

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And do you think I’ll get to go clean the tub? No. Because she’ll ask me to read her a story!

I am trying to get a handle on this house cleaning thing. Yesterday when Nancy took the girls, did I catch up on cleaning?

No way! Instead, I headed to the library and checked out this book:

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It’s teaching me to love the messes because of all the fun that just took place. And that’s what I’ll keep telling myself when I finally get the chance to clean the tub.

4 thoughts on “IF YOU GIVE A…

  1. mama T

    we love those books too! i applaud you for sticking to the “child” role in those books, i usually get exasperated by the third request or so and end the story. and let me know how that house of havoc book is, cuz i could really use some inspiration as well.

  2. Nancy

    Jenn,
    It thrills me to see you take things in your stride so well. You are truly enjoying your Motherhood, whether you realize it or not. I wish I could have been smart enough to do what you are doing! Keep up the good work! Your blogs are so fun to see!
    Love you,
    Nancy

  3. Niki H

    Jenn, I truly miss you!!! I have always admired your patience and I agree with everyone that says you’re a great mom. I lack patience but I will keep trying. Someday you’ll have an always clean house but until someday comes I think your approach is the best. You’re all enjoying life and that creates wonderful memories! Love Niki

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