The sun is shining, the tank is clean

Since I do my share of whining here, I thought I should post a happy note. This morning was one of those rare ones where everything went right. Jeff left for work a bit later than usual, so I didn't have to handle all the morning prep singlehandedly like I usually do (translation: I was able to spend 8 minutes alone washing my face, getting dressed, etc., without Opie parked on one hip). Jo ate her breakfast, got dressed, used the bathroom, and turned off the television after one episode of Little Bear without any protesting or stalling.

Yesterday, both kids were crying and had to be peeled off of me at school; today, they both were excited to be there and had that "see ya Mom, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out" mood going on. Jo's class was headed to the Y for swimming lessons this morning, so she had her new swimsuit on under her clothes. She flashed it to every teacher she saw, and each one responded with enthusiastic admiration. She couldn't wait to go on the school bus for the very first time. (Aside: How cool is it that "take Jo to swimming lessons" has been wiped off my calendar/to-do list, thanks to child care? I love it.)

Since we arrived earlier than usual (because of swimming), Opie got to eat breakfast with his class. How cute was it to see six teeny-tiny kids sitting on teeny-tiny chairs pulled up to a teeny-tiny table, each with a teeny-tiny bowl of Chex? You'd have to be a real Grinch not to smile at that scene. Opie had the biggest grin on his face. Having his own bowl and spoon is the ultimate power trip.

Then I hit the grocery store, came home and threw some stuff in the slow-cooker for dinner (oh yeah, Crock Pot, baby!), and was at my desk by 9. Sure, a perfect morning would've meant I didn't even wake up until after 9, but happy kids + mom feeling productive = a good start to the day.