Turnabout is Fair Play

I've been known to take a tiny mommy vacation or two. I've escaped with friends for a few days of fun, and I've attended the occasional quilting retreat. My husband gives me this freedom from the mommy grind because he doesn't want me to go postal loves me.

Being the hyper-organized list-maker type that I am, I always leave him a long detailed list of what needs to happen while I'm away. I write down all the kids' appointments and tasks around the house.

Since I had my hip repair surgery in March, I've had very limited mobility. Dear husband has been cooking and doing extra driving. He's been wonderful really.

But this week he's on an extended business trip to Las Vegas (poor dear), and what did he do? he left me a list!

He's carefully written down the scout meetings for Jungle boy, listed the forms he needs to pick up from the Scoutmaster, noted times and addresses for me to go drive the kids.

He even added a to-do list; who should empty the dishwasher, garbage needs to go out on Wednesday, "everyone needs to keep their room clean."

I have to smile. Either he's noticed the work it takes to keep everyone on task, or he doesn't trust that I will be able to figure out what the kids need to do (she can't walk, so she can't think either) or he has picked up my listmaking habit.

I think it's the latter. I think he's discovered the peace of mind you get by spelling everything out for the parent left alone.

Maybe I'll be a little less of a micro-manager the next time I feel compelled to leave a list. Now I know how it feels to get one.