My husband and I rolled out of bed and rolled up our sleeves this morning, and made a dent in the housework I've been wanting to get to. It isn't halfway done, but I've got a fire lit under my butt and I'm ready to make a fresh start on this housework stuff.

My parents just returned my three kids after having them for 24 hours. They celebrated the New Year by screaming and banging pots and pans in the middle of my parents' street at around 9:30 PM, so proud of themselves for staying awake until midnight. They were out cold by 10 pm.

My husband and I went out to my favorite Thai food restaurant and enjoyed Meiang Kam, Ba Yia, Tod Mun and Pad Thai - that was my order ;) My husband got some other stuff, too. He agrees that I know the good stuff to order. It isn't like I didn't suggest maybe he wanted the chicken satay instead of the grilled calamari with the sauce so spicy it made me tear up and I wasn't even eating it. I have my favorites for a reason. They are really good.

Then we came home and watched some TV and did some, um, other stuff. And then we fell asleep. We are such party animals.

The kids are racing around the house, full of good spirits from their vacation at my parents'. They are joyful, and I am rested enough to actually find them charming. Except for that bickering that I just squashed.

But hey! I did it without swearing! Go me!