The days when I am home and not at work are busy days for me. I’m a woman on a mission. I rarely sit and do nothing. I have plenty of canning, dehydrating, preserving, baking and cooking that need to be done. I normally make a list of what I want to do the next day.

Here’s the list I made last Tuesday evening:

Here’s my list last Wednesday evening:

Yep, it’s the same list. I didn’t cross off one single thing from the list.

I didn’t dehydrate any of the 50 pounds of onions I have.

I didn’t caramelize any of the 50 pounds of onions to can.

I didn’t cut any of my lemon balm to dehydrate.

I didn’t dehydrate any of my mint for tea or soap either.

The basil and parsley are still standing.

I didn’t make any pesto to freeze.

The bread drawer is still empty.

No, I wasn’t sick. I didn’t take a mini-vacation. I was not at a spa and I was not being lazy.

I do have a good excuse; it’s all his fault.

Don’t be fooled by his ruggedly handsome good looks and drool. He’s a distraction. A wonderful, cuddly, snuggly distraction. I forgot how much you don’t get done with a seven month old in your home. This is Mr. L, my grandson. His mommy had to go back to work so I had the joy and privilege of watching him Wednesday, Friday and Saturday one week. Now he comes to Grammy’s every Friday. Can you tell by my list that I haven’t had infants in my home in a while?

Why didn’t I get anything accomplished Thursday you might ask? I have another good excuse; it’s her fault.

This is my lovely 13 month old granddaughter, Miss A, doing her snooty face. She’s now crawling, almost walking and not napping, so Grammy was on high alert all day. She, like her cousin, comes to stay at Grammy’s house once a week.

So is this post just about sharing pictures of my adorable grandchildren? Yes, partially, but there is another point. Sometimes we read about what everyone is accomplishing in their busy days and wonder how everyone gets so much done.

I had many people ask me at the retreat how I do it all? Well the answer is simple, I don’t. It seems my “to do” list is ever growing and there are only 24 hours in each day. Some things get done, some things don’t.

I’m able to do more now because I’m not changing diapers and running children to soccer. I only managed to can applesauce and tomatoes when my children were younger. If you’ve got kids at home, don’t try to compare your “production” with someone who is an empty-nester. I have a wonderful husband who helps and understands when the kitchen floor is as sticky as a glue trap. My youngest is 23 so she can take care of herself. She’s also really handy at chopping. Do what you can and be proud of your accomplishments.

Having my grandchildren over reminded me to take a deep breath, relax and enjoy NOW. I may not have crossed anything off my to-do list while the babies were at the house but I made wonderful memories. They probably won’t remember anything but I will. I have two future helpers in my kitchen and I look forward to the fun and memories we will share. The babies are growing so quickly that I know I need to make the most of this time. I had a marvelous time tickling tummies and splurbing chubby little necks. The basil and lemon balm will have to wait.

See my recipe for Beth’s Pesto I planned to make here on Farm Bell Recipes. It’s a wonderful way to use all that basil growing in your garden. It freezes beautifully as well.

You can also find kellyb at Yahoo’s Canning2.

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