Monday, September 13, 2010

When Mama Falls Asleep on the Job

"Sweet Rest" by Pino Daeni


I was having such a lovely day today. I got up at 4 a.m. and did a little housekeeping. Then I went back to bed. I was up again at 7:00 to start my day. I did an early morning errand and then we started an extra special day of school, with two of the children.

I stacked up all our 1800's textbooks - McGuffey Readers, Harvey's Grammar, Ray's Arithmetic, Spencer's Penmanship, and McGuffey Spellers. I went through each of these books with the children.

I had them do spell-offs by having one child at each of our chalkboards. Then we did math-offs (smiles) which were brisk verbal math drills.  The children had to write down their answers on a piece of paper and quickly show me. We did our Grammar lesson, penmanship and then I had Amy (15) begin reading to us. It was a long reading. She paused and asked, "How long shall I read?" I started to lay my head on the table and said, smiling, "until we fall asleep."

Then I had to run out the door for another errand. . . Home again and time for lunch. I put some laundry in the wash and then had to rush out for another unexpected errand. After I got home, I felt very sleepy. I laid down for "just a few minutes," and was soon asleep.

A few hours later, I was awake and horrified! I had fallen asleep on the job! (smiles) I really had to hustle. Supper needed to be made. A child needed to be picked up from a class. But it seemed to be okay. That is, until I realized the laundry had been neglected. I had to dry a pair of jeans for my husband!! He had something important to do and I only had 40 minutes to get them dry.

If only I had stayed awake instead of napped! (smiles). At least all is well now. I managed to get the rest of my work finished. Now I am sitting in a comfortable chair, wearing a cozy, warm house-robe. I am content and settled and refreshed.

I will drink some hot chocolate and I will read for a bit. Then I will go to bed early!!

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Teaching Home Economics to Daughters - an Index of articles.

For the boys- Teaching Life Skills to Sons.

I love this - The House Dress.





8 comments:

Beth E. said...

You must have needed that nap! Sounds as if you had a very busy day. Hope your hubby's jeans got dry in time! ;-)

Beth West www.northernskyart.wordpress.com said...

It makes me tired to read about your day. I agree with Beth E. It sounds very busy, but also very fun.

Joyce Ackley said...

I'm sure you deserved that nap and needed the rest. The picture you put up is just perfect for your post! I love it. I found it on All Posters and it's called Sweet Rest. Great title, and a lovely piece of art.

Dimple said...

Sometimes the very best thing to do is take a nap, regardless of what needs to be done! It makes everything done afterwards easier to do well.
Glad you got done what was needed!

Unknown said...

Hello Mrs. White! I like your post, I've been caught sleeping on the job too, almost everyday. :)

I'm here to let you know also, that your blog is part of next week's Blog Walk!

Amber@ClassicHousewife said...

I did this a couple of weeks ago! I just my head down on the couch "for a minute" and passed out! I guess sometimes we just need to recharge from all the going-going-going.
The idea of a warm houserobe and hot chocolate sounds divine. It's not yet weather appropriate down here, I'm afraid. =(

Jennifer Lavender said...

It sounds like you needed that nap. At least everything got done eventually.

TerriG said...

Whenever I listen to my children read, I always get sleepy. It is so relaxing.