You know that saying about how the fingerprints on the wall that get higher and higher, and then disappear? Well, I’m ready for that to happen. I don’t want the kids to disappear; just the evidence that they didn’t wash their hands.

I’m also tired of picking up the pillows and blankets in the living room. I know they’re called ‘toss pillows’ and ‘throws’, but that doesn’t mean you’re supposed to toss and throw them all over the floor every time you walk in the room.

On the other hand, piles of stained laundry mean they’re healthy and know how to play hard. Books and toys scattered everywhere mean they are busy engaging their imaginations. (A clean room with a screen is not a play room, in my opinion.) And crumbs on the floor and counter signal that we have (had?) the means to satisfy their healthy appetites.

This afternoon, as I cleaned up finger prints and straightened the pillows and throws, I repeated my mantra. “I’m so thankful for my family and I’m glad they’re all at home. I’m so thankful for my family and I’m glad they’re all at home….”