Penitent

Man, I had a productive day yesterday! House cleaned, laundry done and put away, dinner made, thank you cards written and sent, I even found time to make a few little things for Christmas. And somehow I was able to get this all accomplished while also ignoring a tiny voice that repeatedly asked,"Mommy, can you please paint my face?"

Yes indeed! My pretty little Jane, who loves having her face painted more than almost anything, was diligent in her efforts to pull me away from my tasks! But I thwarted every attempt with a loving, "Yep, sure, right after I finish. . . "

This method worked most satisfactorily for the entire day, including avoiding face painting requests both before and after dinner.

I had every intention of adding "daughter's face painted" to my list of achievements today, really I did. I had the thought tucked away nicely in the back of my mind. And from thence it resurfaced, after little Jane had gone to sleep, face unpainted.

Then I felt like a real jerk.

And my tidy kitchen and vacuumed rugs gave me no pleasure.

I tell you, I was tempted to wake her right up then and there and have a face painting party into the night. Instead I watched her sleep for a minute or two, white sheets and white cheeks turned golden in the glow of her night light. Then I retrieved my paints and brushes from the basement and set them out on the table, where, first thing this morning, I used them on my little deary's face.

Even before we had breakfast.

Somebody please kick me next time I mix up my priorities like that.