quilt guilt...or what is kris' secret?!

I've been thinking about this ever since seeing the amazing quilt Kris made.

HOW do you do it? No, this is no longer a rhetorical question. I want your secrets! And if anyone else knows, or has some little tip of their own to add, I want to know about it too!

I see that you were awake all night waiting in line for a Wii. You've made an incredible quilt and are contemplating another before Christmas. You built this board and are always on it supporting everyone. You've got five children, one of whom is about the same age as mine, and a husband who works the same silly hours as the rest of them. You got your house in tip-top shape for the MIL cleaning Nazi. You just plain make me look bad. What gives?

How many hours do you sleep at night?
Do you write lists?
Do you have Secret Helpers? Cleaners? Nannies? A Personal Chef?
Do you just not do anything for yourself and always think of others?

I'm just so tired by the end of the day and if I push it, I seem to get sick. So I want to go to the expert and learn how it is done! Where do you get the energy?

[DCJenn]

and let's not forget that she created and runs this site, and does the magazine with Angie.

Haven't a clue how she does it- it's been a mystery for years.

Jenn

[PrincessFiona]

OMG...you guys totally crack me up. Seriously. Don't feel bad on my account.

1. Waiting up for a wii...With all of the people I was waiting with, it was fun and kept me awake. The next day, I drank a lot of coffee and then went to bed at 7pm. I haven't quite recovered yet. I'm an old lady.

2. I cheated with the quilt. I didn't just do blocks and sew them together. I cut out entire large pieces and ironed them together with the iron-on adhesive...and then later went back and sewed it all onto a larger piece...then I tied the quilt. (and if you saw it up close, you'd say "umm, oh, Kris, that's such a umm, errr, *nice* quilt...mmmhmmm" ..then you'd slink away and laugh your behind off. See? cheater, cheater. It isn't the quality quilt you'd find the other members here doing. Did I mention that dinner tonight was cereal so that I could finish piecing Link?

I took my 3 year old to my babysitter's house one morning last week to have uninterrupted working time while zoe slept. Did I also mention that she hasn't gotten as much attention this week....nor has...anyone?

Also, 3 of my children are in school until 3. When turbo kid isn't tearing up the house (ie...I can get him to sit down and watch the electronic babysitter ) I manage to get a few things done. I also try and clean as I go so that I don't have to deal with the mess afterwards...ie..I unload the dishwasher in the am when the kids are eating their cereal and then load it up before they leave. Breakfast is then a memory. I get the main level clean (thankfully it isn't so big), close the door to dh's office :> and then that frees me up to come here and waste many hours :>

I have things organized in my house so that everything has a place....it makes it easier. That being said, if you ever came over unannounced, you might end up dialing 9-1-1 because you'd think someone had broken in. I try and keep my main level clean, but...my upstairs sometimes is quite sad indeed. My bathrooms often don't have toilet paper in them for guests and if you sit on one of my kitchen chairs, your butt is likely to stick to it (I always *intend* to clean up those chairs ) In other words, my standards are probably lower than yours! I'm a jack of all trades, master of none

I sleep from about 1am-6.45-7am...and I usually feel tired. I should sleep more...there just aren't enough hours in the day.

I sometimes write lists, but I'm so disorganized that I usually lose them...along with every important phone number and address that I need and can't find.

I feel like all I do is take time for myself...online at this place (trust me, I'm getting my needs met here more than I'm metting anyone else's )

I'm probably the most disorganized, scattered person you'll ever meet. I...am an imposter

[PrincessFiona]

Oh....and my van has gotten so bad that this morning when I dropped my kids off at school, they had to pick up junk that fell out of it when they opened the door! :! The Shame!!!!!!!!!!! What would Bri say?

[houseelf]

We should add to this list that Kris came down to St. Paul a couple of weeks ago and helped clean out MY HOUSE and MADE A HOMEMADE DINNER for us.

! ! !

She really is amazing.

I'm in awe.

Kelly

[PrincessFiona]

Because I love you, Kelly...

kris

[houseelf]

Right back at you baby.

If things don't work out with Thomas, you know where to find me. We can run off like Thelma and Louise (minus the suicide finale).

Kelly

[rainbabies]

so, kelly...we can blame you for kris not getting her cookies out on time!

p.s. great letter kris, and beautiful pics..love the one of you