Mommy Moments

Home sweet home! I loved our trip, but you never understand how great it is to be home until you're an adult. In the car this morning, Izzy was telling me we were going to see Lilly today... not a chance! There's no way I'm getting close to a vehicle today unless I have to.

The wedding was spectacular. The bride was beautiful, the wedding itself was elegant and touching. The reception was a blast! Thanks, Courtney, for choosing a jazz band over a DJ... they were awesome! Really worked with the crowd and had a bunch of fun playing! And to top it all off, I got a "Mom experience," one I thought I wouldn't get for a while.

We actually got to stay at the Inn on the wedding night. I know, crazy, right? My two active children in a high-class resort hotel? With breakables all around! Most people would think I was out of my mind. But it worked. When it was way past their bedtime and they were exhausted, I took them up to the room we were in, got them ready for bed, and sat there in the dark with them until they were both asleep. Then I went back downstairs to the party. Yay!!! Adult party time! By the way, we stayed at the Wildwood Inn. We were in room 12, and I have to say that it's probably the nicest room I've ever stayed in. The pictures don't do it a hint of justice. Since I'm female, I notice the little things. They took care of it. It was an African-themed room, and they had little bronze statues of giraffes and elephants, framed pictures of monkeys, dragonfly cabinet knobs, and even a leopard-print stool. Typing it out makes it seem kinda cheesy, but you'd have to see the room. It was utterly classy and downright beautiful. There was a balcony overlooking the pool, jacuzzi tub, terry robes, and exotic bath items. No generic crap for this place! We're talking exotic essential oil stuff!

So... who's up for a girl's weekend at the Wildwood?

Haha... first off, we'd have to drive to Denton. Not so bad, but it would have to be a weekend and not just one night. And I'd want to do it in the fall, when it's still warm enough to swim, but there's not as much rain. Second off, I'd have to be able to afford it. Because I'd want to stay in room 13.

Right.

Git 'er done

Yes, Mom, I finally feel like things are coming together. Slowly, but it's happening.

I can look around my house and see it becoming clean in the near future. If I have that kind of stamina. It helps that I got severly overwhelmed and irritated earlier. Funny you should ask, it does help. My hubby operates in crisis mode, and when he figured out I was in a crisis he got off of his game and helped me clean up. Amazing. Now the livingroom and the kids' rooms are clean. The loft is halfway there after my crafting war this past week. Just a little more organizing, and I need to buy a new file cabinet 'cause mine broke. That's half the mess right there. The kitchen is neverending, but I recall seeing my counter a few times, so I know it's possible.

And it rained today. I love it when it rains.

And my sis-in-law's getting married!!! I can't wait! Oh, crap, I guess I'm going to the gym every day this week! Put down the Milanos, Jen, put down the Milanos. I'm going to test-drive Mary Kay's Sunless Tanning Lotion so my skin doesn't return the flash from the camera. I'll let you know how it works out.

Other than that, I'm feeling particularly lonely these past few days. My bestest bud has been out of pocket without her cell, and I've been spoiled by having her to talk to every day. I know I'll get over it eventually, but I don't want to. Because there are times in life when you want to stop being an adult and throw a kicking, screaming fit over something silly.

And, as if this post wasn't a jumbled rambling enough... I want coffee. But I don't want to stay up tonight because I've been going to bed too late and suffering for it. But I want coffee. Don't even suggest decaf, the thought is blasphemous.

Craftaholic

I just got done with a 3-hour project that was immensely satisfying. For some reason I get a great big high from crafting (scrapbooking, cardmaking, etc), only tempered by my horrible perfectionism. I have probably 3 tall organizing bins of craft supplies, plus another 3 or 4 bags of tools and paper in the closet. Yep, I'm a craftaholic. And the best part is, that's only one project out of 6 I need to complete over the next week. Yes, guys, I have an actual excuse to hole myself up in the office and craft. I'm good, huh?

I also have an unexpected visitor. My friend Tom is in town, and we're having him as a guest until he decides to leave. We get these unexpected visits and always enjoy them. He's a refreshing blast from the past, an old and dear friend who has seen me come through it all. And his girlfriend is the best! I hope I'll get to see her, since she'll probably come down if he's still here this weekend.

So, I'm off to bed. Busy day tomorrow, full of Mommy time at Time Out, hanging out with my oldest guy friend, and a pedicure/manicure with a great girlfriend. With a great day to look forward to, I know I'll have nothing but sugarplum dreams!

In Response

This is an essay I wrote for an English class in college. We were to write an essay about a Poe short story we had just read. The assignment was very broad, so I took my liberties...

15 June 2249
Journal Entry 419
Italy Site 112

Upon further inspection of the site, my colleagues and I have stumbled upon the remains of several humans in what appears to be the catacombs of an old wine cellar. This method of wine storage was not uncommon in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, before the invention of refrigeration. The cool cellars that housed the bones of the deceased family members of the particular house were also the perfect temperature for the storage of fine wines. As grotesque as that sounds to our technology-spoiled ears, it came to make sense to store the wines among the deceased members of their family.

This discovery in and of itself is not unusual for our perusal of the remains of this Italian city, but one set of remains in particular puzzles me simply because of the nature of its burial. Most archaeologists would write this set off as a mere noble, and one of considerable wealth, since his remains were clearly separated from the rest of the catacombs in a small niche. Still, I am left wondering if this set of bones has a more gruesome tale to tell. Of course, these speculations were all scoffed at by my esteemed colleagues, and though I showed no outward sign, their cruel tauntings have left me ill-tempered. This is one of thousands of injuries I have borne the best I could. Alas, one day I will have my revenge, and my poor, unexplained bones have left me with tempting thoughts of that nature.

Why, then, do you ask, should I seek revenge? Have they not made a mockery of my illustrious career? Have they not sought my downfall in the field? Have they not merrily warned my students about my “attacks of imagination?” I have become a joke amongst my own peers. And to what cause? Naught but simple gratification of their own whimsical humors.

Firstly, they dared to jest about the conditions in which we found the remains. “He is naught but a noble,” they said. “Look at the scraps of silk and velvet, and even bells we have found still intact after four hundred years! He was a celebrated person!” Ah, but a noble could afford a true burial, not a shoddy masonry job obviously performed by an amateur. And why, then, should a noble be buried behind a brick wall? Why not leave him out for all to admire, or build him a coffin of splendor lacquered in gold? No, I tell you our noble was murdered!

Then, they laughed and chanted, “Come now, he was naught but a noble. Look at how they buried him erect, to forever convey his sense of power over those he ruled?”

With a glint of amusement in my eye, I answered them. Ah, yes, he was buried erect. But see the bodies stacked before his tomb? They were carelessly moved there for the burial of this man. See the chains? Surely the weight of the dead is so great that mere chains around his waist would not hold him up. Notice the looseness of the chains. This was a considerable man, to have such loose chains to hold him up. Surely a second chain around his chest, or even a third around his legs, would be necessary to hold him erect. No, I tell you our noble was buried alive!

They looked at me then, their smiles fading. Had their merriment ceased as they realized the truth of what I have said? No, they still resist. “Why, then, would such a man be murdered? You are truly mad.”

Mad, am I? No, I am not mad. A man may have many reasons to plan such a death for another. Was the murderer a madman on a killing spree? A jealous husband seeking revenge? Or perhaps the most terrifying of all, a friend?

They leave me now to my speculations. Ah, my lonely pile of gray bones, so old in your forgotten tomb, I believe you are the creator of an epiphany. Therefore, I must name you, since you have birthed my great redeeming revenge. We are in Italy, and it was my good fortune and happenstance to stumble upon you. I therefore shall name you… Fortunato.

Goose eggs and beach days

I was walking in to the grocery store when I got the sudden urge to go to the beach. Really, grocery shopping is such a mundane activity to call up such a strong emotion, but I had a sudden longing for the ocean. Not Galveston, but white sands and blue waters, with waves tall enough to whitecap before hitting the shore. It must have been the warmth of the sun on my shirt, giving me the just-out-of-the-dryer feeling you only get with clothing when you're on the beach or when they're - you guessed it - just out of the dryer.

I guess the urge has been building in me. The excitement over our community pool opening, the unreal call to the store to buy a new bathing suit... it all adds up in one tumultous moment when I suddenly stop the fire-engine red kiddie cart in front of Kroger and say, "I'd rather be at the beach."

That strange moment aside, I decided it had been long enough since I'd posted some pictures. I know the Grammas keep up with this blog, and I'm sorry to have disappointed! So, here's a few to tide you over until some day in the future when I remember to upload them again. Sadly there's none of me, since I'm usually the one behind the camera, but I'm sure in a few weeks I'll have some of me after my sister gets married. Enjoy!


Bryan with the kids... they love their daddy!


My knight in shining armor.


Izzy's kinda new haircut (it was a new haircut when the picture was taken, I swear!) and a little bit of love.


Note to self: always check the oven before turning it on.


Eli's goose egg from this morning. He went after phantom gum in my purse (on top of the microwave) and fell off the counter onto his head. Note to Eli: ask first.


A game of chase this afternoon. I love the blissfully happy grins on their faces as the "monster" chases them.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

The awaited rain that was supposed to be here Tuesday and Wednesday is finally here. I love the rain, it just happened to fall on a day when I needed to get some things done. Oh, well. I guess my dress alteration can wait until tomorrow.

Tonight I'm going to a seminar on real estate investment, since my husband went last week and is insistent that I go. I'm not thrilled about it, if I'm honest with myself. But he wants an opinion, and that I can give. I know before I even go that now is not the time. We are in a delicate financial position that needs time to stabilize, so starting something like this isn't a good idea for at least another year. And the bitter part of me wonders why I want to spend time fixing up other houses while mine is in such need of repair.

Don't get me wrong, I know that eventually this is what we'd like to be doing. The money is lucrative, and it seems like he's finally found a company worth working with. I'm just not ready to give it the time or money it needs. I know that since he works full time, I would do most of the work for it in the beginning. And that includes coming up with the money to start it. And the real test for my husband is whether or not he's still interested in doing it after a year. Then I'll know he's serious. I know my husband well enough to know he has the capability, but I also know him well enough to wonder whether this will fall by the wayside after a few months, like so many other things.

The kids went outside to ride their bikes yesterday. Eli's getting very proficient on his new bike, and he's only ridden it twice. Izzy needs a new bike. The seat and handlebars are as high as they'll go without falling off, and she's still struggling not to hit her knees on the handlebars. I can't believe she's that big.

The mail is here. Sadly, it's one of my favorite parts of the day. Even if it's junk or bills, I still like going through it. And on the occasion that there is something fun in it, it just makes my day. Right now I'm waiting on three somethings: a Metallica CD, a bathingsuit, and a "little something" for my sister-in-law. Don't tell my husband, he was extremely opposed to getting her anything for her wedding that even hinted that she might have sex, but I guess since she's not my biological sister I don't feel the need to withhold the obligatory Frederick's purchase. Actually, now that I think about it, I don't think I'd hesistate to buy one for my sister, either. That means that either I'm more laid back about it, or I just can't comprehend the denial that a big brother lives in. I mean, hello, she's getting married.

It's stopped raining, so I'm going to take advantage of it. I think I still have time to get my dress taken care of if I hurry. I'll try not to stay gone so long again.

Adios

Tonight we celebrated the end of a 10-week long Crown course. We had such a good time. I always feel like our groups become little families during these courses, and I keep in touch with a lot of my groups. I highly favor regular Crown reunions.

In other news, I am so sick and tired of dress shopping that I think I'm going to boycott it indefinitely after tomorrow. Usually I have to settle for a less than perfect dress. This time it was much, much worse.

I found the perfect dress. Yep, I most certainly did. The color was awesome, the cut was great, and I looked like a freakin' princess in it.

And they didn't have it in my size. Of course it had to be a bridesmaids dress, so ordering it would take three months, and I only have three weeks. So I gather a list of all the stores in Texas that carry this particular designer, and begin to call each and every one of them, looking for this dress in my size.

Most of them didn't have it at all.

The ones that did either had a color that would look horrid on me, or couldn't sell me the floor demo. The latter is much worse than the former. Simply knowing that the dress is there, the embodiment of perfection in fit and style, and I can't have it because of bridal shop politics.

So you can't order another one and let me have the one off the floor?

No, ma'am. We can't sell the demos. But I'll be happy to order one for you.

Right...

So, off we go again. I'm going to attempt to take the kids shopping for a dress tomorrow. Wish me luck. I'll need it.

Not Chicken Pox

Thankfully. But the rash has spread full-body, although still light. Now I'm just preparing for this weekend. Wish me luck, lots to do...

Steel Magnolias and Golden Roses

The magnolias are in bloom. Coming from Louisiana, I have a soft spot for them. My husband picked one off the tree in our front yard for me, and I spent hours drinking in its sweet citrusy smell. The rose vine in our backyard has once again produced flowers against all odds. Beautiful yellow roses with pink-tipped petals, another sign that God is my romancer. The fact that the poor, sickly vine keeps producing gorgeous blooms every year is what keeps me from cutting it down to end its misery. It's almost metaphorical.

The winds of change are in the air, and I'm testing the breeze with my finger, speculating on what it could bring. No one knows right now, all things must work themselves out in time. I guess patience is the key, but please don't pray for patience for me. I've learned that lesson, thank you. Just pray for a good outcome and clear direction.

And yes, I'm being vague on purpose. I don't want to mention too much, since it's all shooting the breeze at this point, since no steps have been taken. I don't want to spill the beans and get everyone all worked up over what very well may be nothing. And no, I'm not pregnant. Good grief, guys!!! Let's just say it's regarding something financial and leave it at that.

No progress on the bathroom so far (yet again - please do not pray for patience, I'd like to get my bathroom DONE, and patience is learned by being tested in it!). Paying for the Iz's MRI and the hubby's business trip took all the money away. Half of it we'll get back in an expense check, thankfully, but it's half the money we had set aside for it. Thankfully, Izzy's MRI came out clear, so no surgery is in her future. That's good, because I'm hoping she'll be able to say she's 26 and still has never had surgery, too. Just because I think that's kinda cool. So it's off to the at-home physical therapy and endless wearing of pink boots. At least we live in Texas.

And to top off my wandering post, both the kids are sick. I'm hoping it's just a virus, but noticing a rash on Eli about 20 minutes ago, I made a doctor's appointment for tomorrow morning for them. Please pray it's NOT the chicken pox, since my week is severely busy and I would have to cancel all sorts of plans to accomodate this. This includes many important plans this weekend, so please God, let it not be the chicken pox. And the kicker is, Bryan mentioned earlier that he's never had it. He's freakin' 32 years old and has never had the chicken pox. Bad news for him if it ends up being chicken pox, and for me, since I'll be the one taking care of all of them.

I'm tired already. Is the day over yet???

That's not my weekend, it's too...

My plans for this weekend were thwarted by circumstance. I had planned to spend Saturday at Career Conference, Saturday night playing poker, and Sunday going to church and cleaning house and getting Bryan ready for his trip.

Instead, I drove an hour in pouring rain and sleet to my Director's house at 6:30 AM, got to Career Conference and stayed through 10:30, when I checked my voicemail to discover my son had been taken to the ER. Apparently he'd gotten into the medicine cabinet and there was a possibility that he had swallowed some multivitamins. Normally not a big deal, except they were adult multis and had a high iron content. The scary part is that the bottle and the Poison Control Center agree that iron overdose is the main cause of death in children under 6. My boy's only 2. So... I frantically drove to the ER, almost getting run over by a red car that thought that it had the right of way making a left turn from a side street. He actually had the gall to flip ME off. Ha. And all the crazy drivers in Houston, of course, that don't know how to handle a stoplight that's out. Four way stop, people, four way stop.

Saturday night we cancelled, because after 8 hours in the ER we were all exhausted. He was fine, and there's a strong possibility that he didn't eat any vitamins at all. That evening I started getting a sinus headache.

Sunday morning dawned with me sick as a dog. I was running a fever, my throat was swollen and unbearable, my eyes were puffy, I was sneezing and coughing, and my headache still hadn't gone away. I felt like a truck had hit me. I skipped church in lieu of sleep. Most of the day I spent dozing, simply because I didn't have the energy to do anything, but every time I sat down I passed out.

I went to Home Depot with the family that afternoon, thinking that getting out might make me feel better. That was a mistake. I felt worse, and was dragging my feet to the car, slow and sluggish and miserable. My angel of a husband fixed food all day for our bottomless pits of children, and as the day wore on I felt better and better, so that by the end of the evening I was functional again and was at least able to feed the dogs to help out.

So my Monday dawns with a lot of housework to catch up on from two days completely lost, and preparation for an MRI tomorrow for my daughter. She has no clue, I'm worried. Not about the procedure, but because I don't want her to be scared. I still have some lingering symptoms of yesterday's illness... a little scratchy throat, a little fatigue that caused me to only spend 20 minutes on cardio instead of my normal run, and a little cough that drove me out of the sauna after only 7 minutes.

Oh, and I'll be by myself until Thursday evening, too.

That was definitely not how I planned to spend my weekend.