Day 379 - House Guests

I have a love/hate relationship with house guests. I love having them. I love planning the meals. I love entertaining them. I love the company. I hate the mess. Sometimes, I hate having to entertain and the constant company. But today, our house guests arrive and I am in the "joy" mode of anticipation. The menu is planned, the sheets are clean and on the bed. And my kids are jazzed that their grandparents will be here in a few hours. Today...for today, anyway....house guests = joy.

Day 72 - Houseguests

I know, I know. On Day 24 I complained about house guests. But I was tired. Tired of being invaded and I wanted my house back. But this weekend, today!, my in-laws arrive. They're just staying the weekend and they're bringing my husband's favorite uncle, too. I've had so much fun planning and cleaning and getting ready. Fresh soap in their bathroom. Clean towels and sheets. I'm baking my favorite lemon ricotta biscuits. I have dessert for tonight ready. I'm about to prepare a few more items for the weekend so I don't have to stress. They'll be here in a few hours. I can't wait. Today there is joy in having house guests.

Day 24 - Getting My House Back

We live far from family. As a result, around the holidays, our home is a busy one. There was one year when we had guests staying in our home 36 out of 40 days between Thanksgiving until January 2nd. I love having family visit. I enjoy entertaining. But after the first of the year, when our home quiets down and the space becomes ours again? Heaven. No more planning elaborate menus. No more stepping over extra shoes at the front door. No more extra laundry. I can find a quiet room with no one in it. The kids can get to bed at their regular bedtime without too much fuss. I can play on the computer or watch TV without feeling guilty. Ahhh, the joy in getting my house back!