Shepherd's Pie, Newborn Hats, and Laundry

Those are the three most blog-worthy items from my day.

1. Shepherd's Pie. I'd never made it before today. But what's not to like? Steaming hot veggies (corn, carrots, onion, and peas) and ground beef in a savory gravy topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Mmm mmmmmmm. And did I mention how much I love meals that can be served out of one dish? I do. I love them a lot. If you understood how vehemently I despise doing dishes, you'd comprehend this kind of love.

2. Newborn Hats. Not just for any newborn, either. Read this to find out more. I've never done anything that took much thought or effort when it comes to doing something for the benefit of others. I follow the SouleMama blog. I also adore Ree's blog, Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. Check them out, you won't be sorry. Anyway, the point is, both of these women have been focusing on what living conditions are like in Haiti. And so, after reading and learning more, I couldn't help but want to participate somehow. So I made half a dozen newborn hats from shirts that have been hanging - unworn - in my closet for who knows how long, and sent them off to Amanda Soule.

At a time of year when we're supposed give special thanks for loved ones, good health, and good fortune, I feel infinitely better knowing that someone out there may place a hat - sewn on my mother's sewing machine - on a tiny newborn's head and be grateful for it being there.

3. Laundry. Sweet Lord, the laundry. I did SEVEN loads of it today. And it's still not all done. I realize laundry is not a new concept. But I honestly think I deserve a little sympathy here. My nearly two-year-old boy pees, poops, and drops globs of food on his clothes almost hourly (okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the idea). But my husband! He's nearly as bad! Every morning, the love of my life wakes, showers, puts on a clean pair of boxers, undershirt, work shirt, jeans, and socks. He goes off, earns his day's wage, and returns home. Once inside the door, he throws his work shirt, undershirt, jeans, and socks on the floor, showers, and puts on FRESH boxers, t-shirt, and shorts...which he wears for approximately 4-5 hours. At bed time, he strips off the t-shirt and shorts, sleeping only in his boxers (I promise, y'all, this is as naughty as it's gonna get).

In the morning, we start this process all over again. And do you think he can wear the same shorts and t-shirt he wore the previous night again? No way! You see, after they were taken off, they were thrown on the floor. That's where the cat lays. So they're covered in cat hair. And we can't wear clothes that have cat hair on them. Sheesh.