Cereal diaries - day 5

Haha... today started off with a bang. Princess Crybaby only wanted her morning milk warm, thank you very much mommy, OR ELSE.

In what is sure to be an indicator of the future, she wailed at me until I remade the bottle to her satisfaction.

*rolling eyes*

cereal diaries - day 4

I wonder if this is a new phase. Now that we've started cereal, when she wakes up and it's time to eat, she is almost hysterical as I get her bottle ready. Like she's trying to communicate she only has moments to live, MOTHER, and how on EARTH can I deny her the life-sustaining food she so desperately needs?!!!? *laugh* Then, of course, when she is given food, she's back to being the happiest baby I've ever met. Does this hot/cold approach remind you of somebody? .... me neither.

HAHA

This forward progress in the food area has caused a temporary (please God) setback in sleeping. Her naps during the day haven't really changed but she's been getting up every couple of hours at night. This is VERY hard on Mommy's brain. I feel a little like we've gone back to square one. I'm not sure how to help her. I would try letting her fuss it out but she's got some SERIOUS lung power and fussing turns into a full-fledged screamfest in a matter of moments - it wakes up the entire house. Munchkin gets back to sleep pretty quickly. The idiot boy dog, however, is not nearly as accomodating.

So, I get up every two hours, hoping she'll bounce back out of it.

nanny state?

I've heard this term a lot lately and thought I'd better check it out for myself. It's hard to know where to stand on issues any more. As I become older and more informed about the political "process," I am more convinced we are the next verse in a very long song. Our country is but one of many who succumb to the insistence of its leaders that they, not the individual citizen, knows what is best for the people and, as a result, doom the entire nation.

The stark fact is that you cannot give power to rule others to a select group of people and expect good things to come from it. Power is like a drug; once given it is very hard to use it only to serve others. We tell ourselves we act in the best interests of others but we are, in reality, stripping them of their personal freedom. This creates a larger and larger gap between the rulers and the ruled until a once humble and noble-intentioned person entrusted as the head of the State becomes a conceited tyrant - bent on pushing forward programs, laws and policies that only serve the people writing them - other politicians. Progress becomes lost in the endless maneuvering, currying favor and compromises made in backroom meetings. The deal is done before it ever sees the light of day.

We are not fit to rule ourselves. Only God can truly lead a people. Haven't we seen one civilization after another begin with the noblest intentions, built on righteous ideals fall apart a few hundred years later because of corruption, greed and all manner of evil?

So what is an average person to do? Scream into the wind with no affect or stand aside and be swept along with the current of political whim?

Cereal Diaries - Day 2

Gave Munchkin a turn with the spoon this morning. Princess Crybaby was, again, a little confused, but ended up successfully eating two or three spoonfuls. Success! Baby is learning! (Mommy is remembering)

The best thing about all this is remembering this process with Munchkin and, I think, that makes this even more fun (and less worry-filled). Instead of worrying I'm not doing it right, she isn't going to learn or some other insecurity, I can relax and enjoy the mess.

Cereal Diaries - Day 1

She wasn't sure what to do but she was very enthusiastic. Well received - will call this a successful start.

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Earth, Wind & Fire (no, not the disco band)

Munchkin is a great kid.  As my mother says, she is a very, very, very bright child in an itty, bitty body.  That's a lot of brilliance to contain in one little package.  Like capturing the wind.  You can contain it, but it is very, very hard to make it sit still.

That reminds me of how, when my brother and I were still living at home, Mother used to describe us as we might be found in nature.  Brother is light - he fills a room with his presence - he is impossible to miss.  He chases away shadows just by being there and warms cold spots.  People, like moths, are drawn to his light - it radiates from him. 

I am fire.  Raw energy that causes forward motion.  Fire is impressive by it's power and beauty but can be very, very dangerous if left untended.  In my family, my temper is legendary in its ability to flare up, seemingly out of nowhere and be gone again, just as fast.  Fire also has the ability to draw people in.  Fire gives warmth and protection when harnessed. 

If my brother was light and I am fire, Munchkin is wind and Princess Crybaby is water (so far as I can tell).  Let me explain:

Munchkin is wind.  Wind is constant motion.  Wind carries songs and wishes.  Wind powers turbines and creates electricity.  It sustains life.  Wind can be terribly destructive if your structures aren't built (and reinforced) solidly.  Wind will mess up your hair, blow your dress up and ruin your umbrella on a rainy day.  But, it brings joy because you need it to fly a kite, or sail in a sailboat. 

Princess Crybaby is water.  Water is the giver of life.  We are made of water and without it our lives would end.  Water, like wind, has its own song.  From a babbling brook, to the mighty oceans, people choose to be near water - for many reasons.  Water is flexible but never mistake it's adaptability for tameability.  You can dam up water but beware its power and the potential for catastrophe if the dam breaks.  Very quickly, a little bit of rain can overrun a stream and run a car off the road (as we are constantly reminded during flash flooding seasons). 

Coach is light.  Because I admire my brother so much, it is understandable I would marry a man who shares many of the same qualities as he.

While any one of these things has the power to destroy, we need (and want) all of them around because of the benefits they bring us. 

What describes you: Wind, Fire, Light, Water (or something else)?

Random thoughts on Christ - a mom's perspective

I sometimes wonder what conversations with the boy Jesus would sound like if he were born into a normal, 21st century American household..  Maybe something like this:

"Jesus, I dont care if you are the Son of God, you are going to eat your spaghetti."

"WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE YOUNG MAN?!"

"I know you are the Son of God but you still have to do your math homework."

I wonder if Mary yelled at Jesus out of frustration, like every other mom in the history of the world has done or if she would be more restrained because she knew who He was.

I wonder if Jesus talked back as a little child.

I wonder if Jesus went through a biting phase.

Would Jesus share his toys with the other children from infancy or was he selfish; like all toddlers?

I try to imagine Jesus as a little child.  For some reason, it is hard for me to imagine the Savior with a runny nose. Or being potty trained. Or having a temper tantrum.

I think about how miraculous childbirth has been and how humbling and terrifying motherhood has been (and continues to be) and wonder how, on Earth, Mary was able to cope; knowing she was raising the Savior.

Am I the only one who thinks like this?

Why?

Before I start this, let me just put out there I know why but that doesn't make it any easier to understand.

Why is there so much cruelty in this life?  What happens in a person's heart to completely and permanently smother the light?  To send them to the brink of madness where acts of complete evil are somehow justified?

Is there not one safe corner in this world?

You read the headlines and cry out to Heaven that, surely, these are Signs that the Lord is coming soon?

The weight of looking into the face of such darkness makes me so sad.

Sing, sing, sing

Laying in bed at the end of a hectic weekend. The dog is lapping up lake Michigan, in the kitchen, the girls are settled into dreamland, coach is putting final touches on coaching plan for tomorrow and I am laying here, reflecting on yet another of my good friend, Sarah's, posts (you are REALLY cooking' good stuff, mama).

She talks about a time when the only thing that got her out of bed some days was a commitment to her dance lessons.

I think of a few times in my life when I ran from singing because I thought my sorrow or anger ran too deep. I thought my song spoiled by my rage or heart-break. I always regretted it.

When Roy Finney died, I did not sing in the choir at his funeral but helped start Go Ye Now in Peace at his graveside.  I will never regret openly weeping as I sang, because I allowed myself to say goodbye in a real way, rather than allow my grief to steal that moment from me.

I did not sing most of my first marriage. My mother wrote a poem about she who could not sing for crying. There was so much hurt during that time, I could not see much to sing about.

I sang By My Side as Riley died inside my womb. The simple songs of praise in Godspell; the simple act of stepping outside myself and the earth-shattering loss I was dealing with truly acted as a lifeline.

I cannot downplay the importance of loved ones around me during times of crisis. It is not that only the song got through.  But it certainly helped.

I was an adult before I realized that, perhaps, God did not give me the gift of voice only to entertain but to praise Him and act as a beacon to others. It is an injustice to ignore this gift when I am hurting. It is precisely this gift that has lifted me out of the depths over and over.

Thank God He can see what we cannot.

By the time we hang the lights...

...it'll be new years day and time to take them down.

I wish I had the pause feature in real life like I have in Sims. You can build without the clock flying by. Where is that feature in real life?

I never seem to have the time to get it all done. Today, for example, I wanted to work on getting the lights up and the front porch decorated. I laid down and took a nap instead.  I needed the nap but I also need to sweep and mop the floor, wash the sheets, etc....

Well, there is always tomorrow.

The Proverbs 31 Woman

My friend Sarah blogged about raising girls and the social philosophies associated with the task.

I used to struggle with this idea too until I spent some very real time with God and Proverbs 31. The Prov 31 woman has a lot of business savvy, she is super-organized and runs the house. She is much more than "just" a wife and mom.

I think the "lady in waiting" ideal is another one of those goofy things that came out of the Dark Ages.  I guarantee you the mother of the Prov 31 woman didn't let her daughter sit around, looking pretty, waiting for her prince to come.  I'm sure she was expected to learn the necessary skills needed to be the CEO or the home.

While our economics has changed and staying home full-time may not be an option for every woman, as mothers, I think it is our responsibility, as mothers, to equip our daughters to manage the demands of running a household, and finding a balance between work and home.

Thanks, Sarah, for a great post - it really got me thinking!

Downhill Slide

10 1/2 days until Christmas break. Thank goodness. Holy guacamole I am tired.  And not the kind of tired you feel when you've had a long day or you didn't sleep well. It's the kind of tired from having a long YEAR.*laugh*

On the homefront, all is great. Princess Crybaby is getting big. She is so alert - one of her favorite activities is watching people walk by.

She wants to talk and I think it aggravates her that she can't make her mouth form the sounds she wants to make.

Munchkin's teeth woes continue. I fear the fact that both her parents have less then great teeth combined guarantees we will have problems with her mouth.  I should get a job now to start saving for braces.

She had a tooth filled back in April. Well, the tooth was damaged and now requires a root canal. We started that treatment this week. The endodontist was top-notch and I really liked him. He used a lot if big words and I felt like I spent the better part of his explanation with my mouth hanging open with an expression you might see Mater make....uhhhh, whut?

Before and after school soccer practice has started so I don't see the Coach much.  I'm excited about the season and hope the boys do well and we get through it with no serious injuries.

Speaking of soccer, what on earth is up with picking Qatar for the World Cup in 2022? That's just stupid.

Work is going well. We have our annual clean up tomorrow and, while it has morphed into something quite different than the original intent if the day, it should still be a good day.  Work, otherwise, is fast and furious.

Oh, did I mention I'm doing another show? I've been cast as Grace Farrell in Annie. It opens the end of January.

I've become a little superstitious about doing shows as somebody important to me has died in the last three shows I've done.  Roy Finney, my beloved friend and mentor, died during the run of My Way. I miscarried Riley doing Godspell and my sweet kitty, Oscar, died right after I found out I was cast in Annie. Weird, huh?

Well, other than the insane juggling act that is my life right now, nothing is really going on.

*hysterical laughter ensues*

If you will excuse me, I will go slip into my white jacket with the buckles on the back now....  standard uniform here, in Crazyville.

'night, friends.

The power of a clean house

I know I've posted before of my love affair with a clean house.

The events of the past week made it a perfect time to scrub this house from top to bottom.

Life is a lot like my house. It entails a lot of coming and going and so, despite sweeping and dusting on a regular basis, every now and then you have to make time to wipe down baseboards, clean the oven and scrape away the grime that just builds up from regular use.

I think scrubbing floors on my hands and knees, oiling and polishing my beautiful, beat up antique table to a shine was just the healing balm I needed today to clear my thoughts.

Tonight, I am laying on the couch, tired from today's efforts but feeling more at peace then I have in a while.

Who knew squeaky floors could be so therapeutic? I wonder if there is a scripture about the power of cleaning?

*laugh*

The problem with grief

I like tidy. Messy bothers me.

The problem with grief is that it is extraordinarily messy. It spills over the edges of my compartmentalized emotional filing system. It refuses to stay in its tidy little box.  Everything grief touches is then tinged with gray.

I was overcome twice today.  Once because I thought I saw him and once because Kali jumped up on the bed and he always follows her. Until now.

I imagine making a different choice. Did I do the insulin right? Maybe he just needed a weekend of fluids at the vet. Maybe he would still be with me. *sigh*

I know this kind of thinking is counterproductive but part of the process. He was part of my life a significant portion of my adult years. It is natural I grieve him.

So friends, while I know there will be posts about life in crazyville, Princess Crybaby and Munchkin, it is highly likely you will go through this process with me.

And I promise to try and keep the edges tidy as I am trying to shove this messy heartbroken thing back into its box.

Goodbye

To my sweet kitty, Oscar.

Today was the day we decided you'd suffered enough. You weren't responding to the insulin, you were dehydrated and your body temperature was low. You followed me down the hall this morning and let me hold you in the chair; something you haven't done since before we moved.

You were saying goodbye.

For almost 13 years you have been my friend.  You sat with me in the dark closet, when I needed a place to hide. You sang to me because you knew I liked it. You were content to let Kali be the alpha because you knew you were my favorite.

And now you are gone.

I miss you already.

I don't know how Kali will deal with the death of her mate. I will try to help her through it and not lose her too. 

I knew this day would come but I don't think you can be ready for it.

I held your face in my hands as you died.

My heart hurts.

Goodbye sweet kitty. I will never forget you. I will listen for your song but never hear it.

You will always be with me.

Sisters

*happysigh*

I have the.prettiest babies.

Only Thursday...Really?

*whew* It's been one of THOSE weeks. Work has been all media. It's a good thing I like that stuff or it would have been a horrible week.

Princess Crybaby is doing very well. We had her 2 month appointment yesterday and she's at the 75th percentile in length (at what point does it become height - when they are vertical? LOL) at 24 inches and the 90th percentile in weight at 12 pounds 13 ounces. Nobody is worried she's not eating enough.

She showed off for the doctor too, smiling and laughing and watching him and trying to "talk" to him. She was all grins until it was time for the shots. God, I hate those. The first shot obviously made her cry but the second and third shots hit her like a ton of bricks and she howled. Pure outrage and disbelief that we, her beloved Mommy and Daddy, would inflict (or allow another to inflict) such pain upon her. HOW. COULD. WE?!





Munchkin followed suit and kicked up a royal fuss about her flu mist - she's gotten one every year since Pre-K but you'd have thought we were coming at her with this:

*sigh*

Have I mentioned if she changes her mind and decides she wants to be an actress, I fully expect to see THIS:





Ok... it's time to get out of here for the day.  I'm beat, Crybaby was fussy at lunch and Munchkin's dad and fiance are on their way from Austin for a weekend with Munchkin. 

Later, gators.

Wish I had mopped first

Back in the summer (before Munchkin came home from NJ), I got on a Sims 3 kick.  I created a family with two children.  Boy, was that a crazy thing - the game took the kids away one time; another time the older child ran away....  In the game, I just couldn't respond to their needs fast enough AND take care of my own sims' needs.  Now that Princess Crybaby is here and we brought home the dog (basically like having a toddler in the house) I know what the sim mom must have been thinking, "CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY!"  How often, as moms, do we sacrifice our own needs to ensure our children have what they need? 

I don't know where I'm going with this post.  I am unhappy I left the house a mess this morning.  We were gone all day yesterday so laundry didn't get done and I didn't mop the floors AND I didn't go grocery shopping.  Also, I've become accustomed to having time after I drop Munchkin off at school to tidy up from the morning getting-ready blitz.   I didn't have time to do that this morning b/c Munchkin has a dentist appointment at 3 so I needed to go into the office early so I could leave early.  On top of that, Princess Crybaby decided she was hungry again so everything stopped while I fed her.  Then, the dog needs to go out, the cat needs his insulin shot....see where I'm going with this?  Is it any wonder my hair gets shorter everytime I get it cut?

I'm not unhappy with our situation; I think this morning ruffled my feathers so I'm whining.  I'm a creature of habit, routine and schedules and deviating from that irks me.  I love a really clean house but also will tell you if I have to pick a 10 minute shower, 10 minutes with a smiling, laughing baby or a swiffer job on the floors - the shower or happy baby will win every time.  IF that means my house isn't magazine ready, then so be it. 

Ok, I'll quit.  Have a tidy day!

Trepidation

Definition: noun. Fearful anxiety

I have strong mixed feelings about returning to work.

I hate the idea of putting Princess Crybaby in daycare during the most important time of her development.  I know this is what has to happen but I don't like it. 

At the same time, I want to get back so I can see what is waiting for me - good or bad.

Not standing on solid ground at work is maddening. I am tired of always feeling like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff.

I fail to grasp the reason I should constantly question my value to the team or whether I'm even part of the team anymore. It's tiresome.

During the time of instability, at least I knew where I stood. Knew I was needed. Hey, they came to me. Now, I'm not so sure.

I am not afraid of change and know I bring a lot to the table.  The question is, will I have an invite to the table when I get back?

Then there is the matter of wanting to be at home full-time but not knowing if that will ever be possible.  I can make the math work in theory but we all know reality is rarely as tidy as theory.

*sigh* 

Barnaby

So there is a frog in our yard and Matt has named him Barnaby.  The frog hangs out on the porch which, with a two month old puppy who eats everything, seems very brave (or stupid - it IS a frog, afterall).

Last night, as we pulled back into the driveway, Matt screeches to a stop; scaring me to death. All the sudden, he jumps out of the car, clapping and shooing a frog, obviously Barnaby, out of the way.  Now all frogs are Barnaby and must be protected from harm.

LOL

no self-examination here, thank you

If I have learned anything in the past two years it is this:

1. 1. No good deed goes unpunished.  If you come up with an idea that will help others, it is sure to be:
   
   
   
   1. more work than you thought it would be;
   
   
   2. more trouble than it's worth
   
   
   3. completely thankless in the end.
   
   
   
   


2. Saying "no thank you" is not an option.  This is an all-you-can-eat not an all-you-care-to-eat project buffet.  You WILL stuff yourself with projects and deadlines until you feel like exploding (or quitting).  You will smile when given another task; no matter how banal or how much of a time suck it presents.  Oh, and while accepting these projects is not optional, neither is anything but perfection on all the other stuff you were supposed to be doing all along but now don't have time to do because your plate is otherwise full. 


3. You WILL receive hateful correspondence and you will suck it up and take it.  There will be no option for recourse, response or retaliation.


4. Self-reflection is not necessary or invited.  You will be told what your mission and objectives are and you will complete these and ONLY these - or else.


5. Working yourself to death is a very good death and should be aspired to by all participants.

In conclusion, while Golden Corral has all-you-can-eat steak, it doesn't mean it's any good.  I generally shy away from buffets because the food sucks and you almost never actually see a value in food versus price.  You'd probably actually save money (and your waistline) if you'd picked one thing from the menu.  I think that lesson bears remembering come October.

Stinkin' Tired

Yes, I know this is part of the deal. Bone-crunching tired is one if the many gifts that come with a new baby.

She is going four hours between feeding at night and sleeping almost three hours at a time. During the day, however, is a different story. She wants to nurse every two hours and won't sleep unless I'm holding her. That makes for days where I look at my list of chores and know they aren't going to get finished.

I know it shouldn't matter that the laundry gets washed and folded but not put away. It shouldn't matter  that the trash can is still sitting out by the curb.  The office is still full of boxes and the garage is a mess.

I guess I just have unrealistic expectations. It's only been two weeks. She is growing and happy and healthy. What more should matter?

stroller, diapers and wet wipes - oh my!

The Stowaway has officially graduated to "Princess Crybaby."  She's here!!!  She made her arrival Thursday, August 26 at 2:14pm.  She weighed 8lbs, 1 oz and was 19 inches long.  She has red hair and blue eyes.  She is a doll baby; much like her older sister. 

The first night home was excruciating.  The second night was MUCH better and we've had a great day today. 

Adjusting to all the visitors, animlas and "normal" life may prove to be a challenge but we're up for it.  I'm going to take some pictures of her tomorrow for the baby book. 

I know this is a short update but I wanted to get something posted.  More to follow in the days ahead as we get in a sort of routine. 

I know this time with her is only temporary and, while I will not dwell on it, I can already tell you it's going to be a very hard time five and a half weeks from now when I have to go back to the world of adults and other peoples children. 

I will be thankful for this time and will treasure it as a gift.  I will resolve to enjoy the time with adults and look forward to time with MY children every afternoon.  This will be my resolution.

For now, though, I'm looking forward to getting to know this little girl who has been my constant companion these past months.  She is already a delight.  I didn't think it possible that God would give me another child to adore like I adore Munchkin but He did.  I am so blessed.

letter to Munchkin

my sweetest punkin' brains

That was one of the names I called you in the hospital.  I will never forget the feeling when they gave you to me - a feeling of utter astonishment that I could have made something so beautiful.  Do you know I still feel that way every time I see you?  Just the other day I caught myself having that same feeling of breathless disbelief that something so wonderful could have, at one time, been part of my innermost parts. 

Munchkin, you are my treasure.  You are one of the very best things that has ever happened to me.  I love everything about you.  I love the way you make up silly songs.  I love the way you dance through life.  I love your pouts and dramatics.  I love listening to you read.  I love watching you sleep.  I love listening to you breathe. 

I know my being pregnant has caused you to question your place as the apple of my eye but I hope to show you every day that my heart is WAY big enough for everybody.  The Stowaway is going to be just as precious to me, in her own way, but you will always be my first. 

You were the girl who mailed her pacifiers to Santa Claus. 

The girl who defied an entire school and potty trained when SHE, not some uppity woman, was ready. 

The girl who decided one day to read and can now read anything you put in front of her.

The girl who is a dancer, singer, cheerleader, gymnast, acrobat and clown - all at the same time.

The girl who loves to laugh almost more than she loves to eat.

The girl who will slay a thousand dragons in her time because she's so smart, sassy and confident. 

My girl.

I love you so much, Munchkin.  You are the greatest gift God ever gave me and now He's giving me another one in your little sister.  I can't wait for snuggles, kisses, headaches, tantrums, hysterical laughter, tears, jokes, songs, books - all of it - with BOTH my girls. 

Love you lots and lots and lots,

Mommy

More than bread

Despite the overwhelming success of our backpack program this year, I felt a lack of satisfaction.  A creeping sense of bitterness and cynicism linked to the effectivneness of what we'd done.  Certainly, we accomplished a great work.  We brought more partners on board than ever before; collected more donations than ever before and turned those donations and those willing hands into more backpacks than ever before. 

But did our backpacks teach anything?  Empower anyone?  Change anything?  These questions haunted me all summer because the answer was no. 

This morning, in small group, we read John 6.  It's the familiar story of the loaves and fish miracle.  Truly astounding, when you consider the number of people and limited resources.  Of course, when Jesus is over portion control, it all works out and everybody gets fed.  Beyond that first part, though, is the second part of the story.  The next day, after the storm, after the crowd meets back up with Jesus the following conversation happens:

²⁶Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. ²⁷Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."

In that moment, something clicked.  In that statement, I heard the same lack of satisfaction by Jesus in the feeding of the 5000 - it was not enough that they were fed.  That wasn't what it was about.  He longed for them to realize what more he could offer; if they would just believe. 

While I would not dare compare my hopes to the filling satisfaction that is salvation, certainly there is something to be said for modeling my work/ministry after this voiced desire of Jesus? 

Yes, I believe there is a need to provide the backpacks; just as Jesus saw the need to feed the crowd.  But the true ministry is NOT the tangible thing.  It is the opportunity; the yearning to teach them something that lasts far longer than something like a nylon backpack, spiral notebooks or pencils.

I will take this next six weeks to pray and re-focus the heart of this ministry that is Partners in Education.  And, hopefully, when I return to the District in October, I will have an inspired idea. 

Now THAT is a satisfying feeling.

end of the road in sight

Like it or not, little Stowaway, your arrival is imminent.  I know you might have it in your stubborn little brain that you can choose to stay in there forever but that's just not so.  I'd love to see you before next Thursday but next Thursday IS the day when we will see you. 

We have a doctor's appointment today and I am hopeful that we will have made enough progress to go across the street.  Coach doesn't think so (I think he just says that b/c he wants to win the bet) and Munchkin is kind of hoping you'll wait now so she can bring home the new puppy.  I'm tired of the waiting but I'm even more tired of wondering when it will happen. 

Yesterday was a great day - completely exhausting, but great.  We changed our back to school event from a convocation to a professional development conference.  SO much more relevant and I think the teachers got a lot out of it.  I did a session on social networking and how it can be dangerous to your professional reputation.  Hopefully, it was informative. 

I will post pictures of the baby dog tonight, unless we're having a baby.  :)

Money Trees in Washington?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100810/ap_on_bi_ge/us_jobs_bill

Now, I am the very last person who would want to see teachers lose their jobs - I am related to more teachers than I can shake a stick at.  But, in all honesty, where is this money coming from? 

The billions of dollars that have been spent or promised by this administration to "shore up" "bail out" or otherwise stimulate "growth" is staggering.  What kind of real growth can be expected with all these (very, VERY expensive) band aids?? 

Genuine change must come by re-evaluating practices and fixing the root problem rather than just throwing money at the issue for a year or two.  All that will be accomplished by these millions upon millions of dollars of "aid" is to delay the inevitable.  And that is a shame. 

Obama is building a legacy of over-spending, over-promising and over-reaching.  People who don't live on government aid will end up shouldering the crushing debt he is amassing.  People like us.  Not rich folks who grimace and gripe at the tax-bill but end up being able to pay it.  Folks like us - those of us trying to save up to buy a house; those of us who wonder how on earth we are supposed to save for college for children still in elementary school; those of us who wonder what on earth saving for retirement looks like.  Folks like us who count on a little extra coming back from filing tax returns so we can replace the tires or brakes on the car or pay a little extra on a student loan or something else. 

I want to help others.  Truly.  My heart breaks for those who find themselves in desperate circumstances that may be out of their control.  And it is very hard for me to take a hard-line and penalize adults for poor decisions, knowing that it is their children who will suffer.  But then I stop myself and ask, are we not creating a new generation of people expecting to be taken care of; regardless of the reason for the need? 

Learned helplessness and generational poverty seem to be products of this new philosophy of "help everybody" but, the unfortunate truth is that we're helping nobody.

emotionally drained

The excitement of the past weeks has caught up with me, I guess.  Getting everything ready for the move, moving, setting up the new house, having Munchkin home and waiting for the Stowaway has proved to be more emotionally exhausting than I'd anticipated.  As my mother says, "even good stress is still stress."

I had a horrible dream last night.  I dreamed the Stowaway was stillborn.  We'd come all this way only to end up with a terrible tragedy.  I know it's exhaustion.  She's moving.  The movements are smaller but that could be because we are getting close and they always settle down right before delivery.  But, last night and early this morning, my brain came up with a horrifying alternative; something is very wrong and that's why I still haven't gone past this early labor business.  And now, she's in trouble. 

If I still haven't gone into labor tomorrow, I'm going by the doc's office, just to hear her heartbeat and reassure myself that she's ok in there. 

I hate this.  I hate feeling so exposed and vulnerable. 

I just want it to be over and her to be here - safe. 

Stowaway, you don't have to come until you are ready but please be ok.  God, you are in charge of this and I totally trust your timing.  Hold the Stowaway in your hands in these last days before her birth - then I will know she's safe. 

*sigh*

random 80s songs I want to download

What have I done to deserve this - Pet Shop Boys
Send me an angel - Real Life
West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys (if I don't already have this one)
Something About You - Level 42
Always Something There to Remind Me - Naked Eyes
Human - Human League
Ordinary World - Duran Duran

Some of my very favorite 80s songs and, if I had my laptop with me tonight, I'd download them...  :)

ugh

I hate waiting.  I know it's better for her to be in there and she'll come when she's ready and it's almost time and it won't be much longer. blah. blah. blah.

No, I am not a patient person.  Yes, I am tired and cranky because I was up until nearly 2am with our "practice run" to the hospital.  Why is it that when you are at home the contractions are timing exactly as they should, bringing tears to your eyes and making you feel like you are actually getting somewhere?  BUT, when you get to the hospital, everything stops or slows down to just "irrritability" contractions - contractions that are still timing ok and have some strength to them but aren't long enough to really make progress.  I did laugh when she (the nurse) called them irritiable contractions - she was certainly right about that. 

By midnight, I'm a pretty irritable person.  By 1:15 am, if we aren't actively in labor, I want to go home and sleep.  And that's what we did - after a run to Jack in the Box.  *laugh*

Coach was a total champ last night.  He made me laugh - putting latex gloves on his head and telling his goofy jokes which, under the stress of the moment, made me laugh hysterically.  He held my hand when I cried out of frustration (I hate practice - I want the real deal). 

I will say this about practice though: we did have a chance to figure out our strategy for getting everybody in the car (including a very sleepy Munchkin), getting her to Mom & Dads, make a few phone calls on the way and get there in good time.  I guess that's something...

So, it won't be long.  We DO want her to stay in there as long as she needs so she will be healthy.  And I know she'll come when she's ready and that's ok with me.  Really.  But, Stowaway - can we please save our practice runs for daytime hours - Mommy is NOT a night owl like Daddy.  Thanks.  Love you.  I can't wait to meet you.

progress

Moving began today! It was so great to start moving boxes and furniture into our new house!

The cats aren't quite sure, just yet, what to think but they will adjust just fine and I think they will love it here. I already do. Tomorrow will be more of the same; packing up last minute things, sweating in the humidity and hauling endless loads of stuff into the new place. Just to think about the endless months of waiting are finally coming to an end. This was the first domino in the series. That is SO exciting!

delays

After all these months of waiting, we are on the brink of three very cool things:

1. Munchkin will be home in 11 days (yes, I'm counting)


2. the new place is ready to move into


3. the Stowaway makes her grand entrance

I have a theory about all this waiting.  I know I've posted before that patience is not one of the virtues God gave me.  Well, I think He intends to prove otherwise and, by stacking three things about which I am overly excited all together, He gives me an opportunity to experience and practice patience (whether I really want to or not). 

God is so good about giving us what we need and He knows that patience is one of those things that all mothers need.  It is, after all, one of the fruit of the Spirit.  Colossians 1:10-12 says,  

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

So, instead of thrashing around because I wanted to pick up the keys yesterday and start moving things in today, I will thank God for an extra day to pack and grow new ideas about how I want the new house to look.  I will be thankful that the builder is being thorough and making sure all the inspections are finished and everything is ready for us to move in.  I will remain flexible if the timeline is pushed again. 

Instead of watching the clock for August 1, I will enjoy seeing the pictures of Munchkin and let the anticipation grow.  Her dad and soon-to-be-stepmom have been so sweet to send LOTS of pictures this summer - I am eager to hear all the stories that go with the pictures!

Instead of whining because I am tired of my belly feeling so stretched, my back hurting from the pain of carrying this all out in front little girl, the heartburn and braxton hicks and all the other discomforts that come at the end, I will marvel at this amazing work God has created inside me.  I will think of all the footie kisses I will very soon be giving her, I will imagine counting the red (hopefully) fuzz on her head.  I will continue to anticipate those first smiles, cries, yawns and all the other amazing little things that come with a brand new baby.

Instead of being impatient and grouchy, I have an opportunity to be thankful and amazed at all these blessings God has promised - very soon! 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.  1 Chronicles 16:34

countdown

12 days until my baby girl is home.  I can't wait!  I think she's probably grown a foot since she left. 



At Disney (beginning of June)



A week ago.

OOH - SO ready to see her again!!!!

Home Again

Back from San Antonio.  Coach & I went down Sunday for Coaching School.  We stayed in a very pretty hotel, just across the street from the Convention Center and the Rivercenter Mall.  We were about three blocks from the Alamo and a very short drive to everything else.  We had fun walking through the exhibit hall with all the vendors and I found a great book I'm going to buy for my Mentor Board.  He found some leadership stuff he's going to use with his boys and he's really excited about it. 

The drive back was nice - we took 130 around Austin, instead of cutting up through the I-35 traffic and I'm telling you, we may never take I-35 through Austin again.  DEFINITELY worth the extra few miles of open country! 

Met a few of the wives while at CS and, like the vast majority of everything else, it was all about football.  I can see how Coach gets a little huffy around stuff like that.  I know this is Texas, folks, so I don't need to be reminded about Friday Night Lights and how football is god around here.  I love football.  There is something visceral about the crisp October air, the buzz of the stadium lights, the marching bands, ... well, you get it.  It's part of the Texan psyche. 

BUT.

While my love for high school football isn't diminished (I dreamed about season tickets last night - yes really), I have discovered a new love.  The look of real grass, the intellectual game that is able to tie you as tight as a bowstring with suspense - the players' game (as Coach calls it) - Soccer.  I really do love the game; even though there are parts of it I still don't understand. 

It would have been nice to find a few soccer wives there to visit with but I have a hunch that if they are as independent as their soccer-coach husbands (and most of the soccer coaches I've met walk to their own drummer anyway), that might not happen very often. 

But, it was still fun. 

We ate REALLY good Mexican food the whole trip. 

Casa Rio, on the Riverwalk


mi Tierra with their wonderful bakery and foil decorations that dazzled your eyes - and the food - best tamales I've ever eaten!

Shopping at El Mercado (I found a gorgeous flowerpot that I can't wait to put on our new patio!!  :)


It was a great trip.  San Antonio just might be my favorite city in Texas to escape to.  It's just different and wonderful and yet so very familiar from years of visiting.  It's like seeing an old friend - you may go years before visiting again but, when you get there, it's as if all is still right where you knew it would be.

it's all guessing

Mom:
7lbs 6oz
Water break 2:30am or 8:30pm
8/16/10

Dad:
7lbs 7oz
Water break 10am
8/26/10

Any other guesses?

up and at 'em

Awake early this morning - actually slept all through the night!  (I sound like a baby)  I haven't done that in I don't know HOW long!  Hopped up and made the bed, folded a load of laundry, started another load, put away clean dishes (thank you, Coach!) and sorted through some clothes of Munchkin's that she's outgrown. 

So thankful for a good night's sleep.  It's amazing how different the morning looks when approached after a solid 7 hours of sleep! 

Really motivated to get a lot of packing done this weekend.  We have several areas almost finished. 

• The kitchen is just lacking the pantry, every day dishes and pots and pans to be finished.


• Munchkin's room is almost finished but for one small box of toys, her clothes (still need to finish sorting) and some misc. books and things


• Our room is just lacking the rest of the closet (that's going to be a big task), our photo albums and my antique books

Areas that haven't been touched yet:

• China Cabinet


• Bird Cabinet


• Bathrooms


• Misc. Decorations - throughout the house

We still have a lot to do.  The China cabinet will take several hours because there are so many pieces and they have to be individually wrapped and I need to get more paper.  I've thought about going through that stuff and getting rid of what I won't actually use but most of the knick-nacks were my grandparents and I don't think I should give them away.  *sigh*  It's hard to know what to do there. 

Munchkin will be home in 17 days!  I am SO happy and I can't wait to have her home again.  I know she's had a good time and this is an important part of her summer but it is SO great when she comes home. 

I think, instead of trying to buy a bed right away for her, we'll use the bed she has without the long legs (she'll go from a very tall bed to a very short bed) and do something fun with fabric to make a little canopy/tent with her lights - it'll be her very own little space. 

We have a list running of things we need/want for the new house.  The chairs we bought last year at IKEA haven't fared well and several of them need to be repaired and we've put new ones on our list of things to buy (eventually). 

The Stowaway is pretty much set - we have her crib, bedding and stroller and we're going to re-use Munchkin's changing table/dresser.  I will probably use bins in the closet for clothes and keep as much stuff hung up as possible.  That seems to be easier for Munchkin to manage, rather than stuffing folding clothes into her drawers.  *grin*

I've gone through all Munchkin's toys and gotten rid/donated LOTS of stuff.  It will be so much easier for her to manage.  She still has barbies; just not 50 of them and all the little pieces that go with them.  She still has baby doll stuff; it's just organized.  She has all her teacher stuff; it's just been organized.  I think she will be very happy with what we've done.

The best (and only really good) part about moving is the ability to really cull your stuff of clutter, things that don't fit, books we won't read again and stuff we just don't want/can't use.  I'm even doing it in the kitchen.  I have some great metal mixing bowls but I never use them because they are too big for the dishwasher and they don't fit in any of the cabinets.  I don't think I've used them since we moved into this apartment.  So they are going.  I would love to get rid of my square dishes (very asian) but Coach likes the deep cereal bowls.  *laugh*  I'm going to thin out my coffee cup collection - do I really need 30 miscellaneous mugs?

Well, it's just about 8am and I am going to get my bowl of cereal then go ahead and go in to the office.  Have a great day!!!

yes we CAN!

TXU found the house!  We've scheduled electricity!  Now we can move!  Today, I'll get the lease and let Coach go down to the City and set up the water account and the two critical items will be done.  Yes, yes, we'll schedule Time Warner Cable but seriously, folks, these people are clueless.  Yesterday, they told me I couldn't move service from one zip code to another without starting a whole new account and that we would get a credit but we'd lose the rest of the MLS Direct Kick package we bought. 

Does this sound like good business practice to anybody?  This entire summer, TWC has been irritating us with their sloppy billing errors, multiple mixed messages about our service and, in general, the poor quality of service.  And then to tell me I can't move two miles away from this apartment in 76504 to a house in 76502 (in the same city) without basically starting all over again - just about takes the cake. 

I told the gal on the phone yesterday DirectTV was looking better and better.  (not that I really want satellite, mind you, but I'm just about at the end of my patience with our current set-up.)

In other news...

Wait, there isn't other news - we're in full moving mode.  I'll spare you today. 

Work is good.  The great thing about summer is that I can pretty much focus on one task at a time.  It's such a nice change from the hectic pace of the school year when 20 things are happening or due at once. 

I'm working on the website today and getting some letters out and order thank you notes for our new donors.  I might go in a little early so I can get started.  After cereal, of course, Oscar...  No, sweet kitty, I won't forget your milk.

uneasy

Woke up this morning with an uneasy feeling; like time is running out and I still don't have all the stuff I know I need to do done. 

Have I mentioned I hate moving?  Oh, the packing and unpacking is tedious and exhausting but that's not the moving part.  It's all the formalities: deposits, leases, documents, details, details, details....  (and you know how much I love details)

transferring services like electricity and cable has proven to be more impossible than it should have to be because the house is brand new.  TXU can't see the house because they don't have the meter in the system.  Even though Oncor has been out to install the permanent meter now, TXU's website still couldn't find the address. 

This probably wouldn't be an issue but for the fact that the house is going to be ready earlier and we are going to try to move a week sooner than originally planned.  This is wonderful news because I've been getting antsy to get out of this awful, cramped, chaotic MESS of an apartment - the sooner I get out of here, the better.

I hate mess.  Oh, I'll never go back to the frantic clean-freak I was but not having enough space to keep things straight is maddening.  (aside - that frantic clean freak business wasn't really me anyway; it was a manifestation of terrible anxiety) I can't stand stuff just put somewhere because there is nowhere else to put it.  Or stuff that "temporarily" locates somewhere that comes to live there on a permanent basis.  Unfortunately, one of the perils of late pregnancy is that drain of energy that leaves you feeling somewhere between an overcooked spaghetti noodle and wilted lettuce.  Combine that with the energy-sucking feeling that happens every time you walk into a cluttered apartment and 'VOILA' you have a perfect recipe for general disquiet. 

But I digress.  I will call all the utilities today and try to figure out what we need to do to get stuff up and running next week because moving with no electricity is NOT going to be fun.  I'm certain once I get the utilities squared away, I will feel all better about everything.

Speaking of electricity, our electric bill jumped $50 during the month of June.  Maybe I need Starbucks this morning.

just checking!

Braxton-Hicks aren't new in this pregnancy (33 weeks) but Sunday they took a definitely more enthusiastic tone and threw in a little pelvic pressure and the ability to take my breath away. 

When they continued yesterday morning, I decided it couldn't hurt to call and talk to the OB nurse.  Of course, she recommended I come in and get checked.  Two hours and half a roll of paper later, nothing is happening and they are, after all, just B-H. 

Surely as I sit here, though, had I NOT gone in, it would be true labor and then we'd have a real crisis. 

I know it's better safe than sorry and I'm glad nothing is happening (I'm ready to meet this little critter but not this week) but sheesh, it's like taking your car in when it's making a horrible noise but dang it if it will make that noise when you get it to the mechanic... 

On the up-side, we did get to hear our little soccer star's beautiful heartbeat and, when they hooked her up to the fetal monitor, we were treated to the sounds of her rambunctious movement - something to go with the alien-esque contortions of my stomach! 

--------

On another note, the house is set to be ready a little earlier than we'd originally thought so we are going to start moving in NEXT week!  I'm SO excited!  I'm so ready to get things settled and set up for the Stowaway and I really wanted to have Munchkin's stuff all set up for her too when she comes home.  I wasn't really happy about things still being in semi-transition when Munchkin comes home but didn't think we really had a lot of options because of the timing of the new house.  PIctures to come - as soon as we can get inside the house to take pictures, I'll post them!

--------

One more thing - I still can't post many details but suffice it to say something for which we've been praying seems to be on the verge of happening.  My brother and I have been so concerned about Mom's health this last year (couple of years actually) and even her doctor has warned her about the amount of stress she lives with.  It seems like there may be another option for her that will still allow her to use her gift (teaching children about life through theatre) and not be subjected to the same set of circumstances that has put her in the hospital two years in a row.  But enough on that now. 

Since I came home early yesterday to rest after the excitement of the morning (well, not exciting per se, more like the "omgosh, could I be in labor NOW?!?!" reaction and subsequent exhaustion), I'm going in early today.  Later, gators! *grin*

were you singing that just now?

Have I mentioned Coach and I are a match made in Heaven?  No, really.  We are like peas and carrots, as Forrest Gump would say. 

Besides all the great compatibility things that we have in common, my very favorite thing about our marriage is how much we laugh.  All the time, I tell you.  He tells horrible jokes a lot of the time and we have our own ways of laughing about it.  (I'm the funny one, Dear.) 

What's fascinating though is how often we do things together.  Now, I don't mean go places together or spend time together.  I'm talking about simple stuff, like saying the same thing at the same time, SNIFFING at the same time, yawning at the same time (not one of us yawns then the other - I mean, literally, at the same time) and a million other things. 

Last night, I'm sitting on the couch and he in his chair.  I'm playing Harry Potter and he's fiddling around on his computer.  All the sudden a certain praise song pops into my head and I start singing it.  He looks at me and says, with a very astounded look, "were you singing that just now?"  Apparently, it was in his head too!  We had not heard this song on the radio.  We had not heard it on TV.  It spontaneously popped into BOTH our heads AT. THE. SAME. TIME! 

I just love that!

----

So. I had several very random and bizarre dreams last night.  In one of my dreams, we're back in my grandfather's house.  (which is currently being occupied by his horrible widow; a woman who, immediately after the funeral, shut us out of her life and the home my mother and brother grew up in.  She now allows a man, to whom she is not married, to live there with her, in my GRANDPARENTS' HOUSE.  She dishonors his memory by her very presence and I am disgusted to say she was ever part of our family.)  Ok, sorry...  So, Munchkin and I are in my grandfather's house and I'm going into the kitchen when I notice a giant frog in the floor.  In the dream, I tried to find a big tupperware bowl to cover it up so we could safely get it out of the house when it starts hopping around Munchkin, trying to get away from all these people!  Well, the frog is hopping, and Munchkin is hopping (and squealing) and I'm standing there, with this big bowl in my hand.  Then I woke up.  I don't know what they mean; I'm just reporting the news, folks.

My second dream had a different tone. 

We were at Mother's house and had all laid down for a nap.  When we woke up, we noticed several walls of the living room had been BLOWN OUT and a house down the street had a target on it.  I told Mother to call the insurance company because you can't stay in a house with no walls.  (logical - now here is where it just all falls apart into weirdness)  Mother says we should call the police because, obviously, somebody blew up her house and the house down the street was next!  So, we call the police but the FBI shows up.  They say there were reports of an american flag in the sky over the house about the time of the explosion (how we slept through a BOMBING is beyond me but that's my dreamlife, I tell ya) and this was domestic terrorism and we would have to all be questioned. 

Then, this lady (the human equivalent of Roz, in Monsters Inc.) sets us all around a low Asian-style coffee table (I told you it was odd) and starts asking dumb questions that I can't remember now.  What really took the cake was the fact that the FBI agents, one of whom was Brad Gunn, a coach at the High School, discerned the explosive device was cleverly hidden in a baseball they found mostly blown up in the front yard.

Where does my brain come up with this stuff?

Well, it's 7:45 and I'm going to start getting ready for church.  (that means I'm going to have my first bowl of cereal)

Speaking of cereal - funny thing.  I went to the store the other day and picked out three new boxes of cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Life, and Frosted Mini Wheats.  YUMMY.  My only problem is I can't decide which cereal to eat.  I think cinnamon toast crunch gets the nod this morning.  THen, I'll have a bowl of life cereal later this afternoon and finish off the day with frosted mini-wheats for dessert.  Hey, it's better for me than oreos and milk.  And, babycenter says the baby needs extra calcium right now so, by golly, I'm going to give it to her!  :)

I joked yesterday all this cereal makes me a "cereal killer."  As those words were coming out of my mouth, Coach said, "just don't say killer after cereal."  Told you we're weird.

Saturday!

So much ambition, so little motivation. I woke up this morning, thinking, "today would be a great day to finish packing Munchkin's room." That was an hour ago, and I'm still sitting at the computer. *sigh*

I am going to do it today - no messing around. Well, I'm going to eat breakfast first and then put on some kind of clothing and get Coach to get boxes out of the car....

Ok, I guess I have a few things to do before I can get started.

Wish me luck!

The most confusing part of life

The conflict between having a desire to help those with nothing and facing the reality that, for some, their misery is self-inflicted. You help because you do not want the children to suffer for their parent's poor decisions but then you worry your "help" enables the cycle of poor decisions and learned helplessness to fester.



I will give you a perfect example: a family comes for assistance. You are glad to give it because you have it to give and you know that it will help. But then you have to scratch your head handing over the help to a parent talking on their smart phone. Really?! That phone easily costs $200 to buy and $100 a month to maintain. Where is the priority? If they had chosen a non-data cell phone with a lower plan, they could very easily have taken care of the issue they came seeking assistance with in the first place. I don't get it?!



It's a hard question because, without a doubt, those children wouldn't have what they need if it weren't for the assurance of some kind of help from others. Or would they? If parents knew that they were truly responsible for making sure children had needs taken care of, would their priorities change?



This is the part of life that confuses me the most.

my turn to be awake

Normally, I'm the one nodding off by 9:30 and Coach is up all hours of the night.  He's a night-owl and I am a crack of dawn kind of girl.  But, tonight, he went to bed early and I'm still sitting here.  Oh, sure, it's only 10 o'clock so it's not like I'm shaking hands with morning just yet.  The Stowaway is moving and shifting in not-so-comfortable ways and I think that's keeping me from getting settled. 

I'm planning on trying to sleep in about 30 more minutes... 

'night y'all.

That Special Book in My Life

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I LOVE this story. It is dark and there is a lot to process but the writing is SO good! It is a RICH story. I wish she'd write another book!!!

Sleeping by the door

For some reason, Oscar the cat (the one I suspected of hiding my fancy moving list) has taken to sleeping by the front door and I don't know why.  There are no shoes over there.  This cat has a shoe fetish.  If there is a pair of shoes, you can bet Oscar has laid on them.  He's like a mother chicken, waiting for her little shoe-lings to hatch. 

Seriously, he is a darling cat (even if he has destroyed the carpet).  I got Oscar when he was six weeks old.  I knew he was the one for me when he stood up on his little toes, stuck all his baby fur out and hissed at me with as much ferocity as an animal that could fit in a Starbucks cup could muster.  Then he ran up into the wheel well of a friend's car - thinking we couldn't reach him there.  He was going to be a perfect friend for my 9-month old diva cat, Kali. 

Kali is a petite calico.  She is the runt of the only litter her mother, also named Kali, had before she died.  Momma Kali was a lanky, grey striped shelter cat I picked up when we had to put our dachshund, Trixie, down after she hurt her back.  Momma Kali got out of the house one night when the kittens were about 3 weeks old and was hit by a car.  She made it back up into the driveway before she died and that's where I found her.  I resolved, then and there, to never let another whiskered child (cat) of mine be an outside cat - it's too dangerous for them and they are no match for a car. 

I managed to keep 3 of the 6 kittens alive and kept the littlest, a calico with her mother's eyes.  I named her Kali.  She's been with me 13 years and she is still my diva cat.  She will not accept she is not my eldest child and has never quite gotten over the indignity of being "replaced" by a human child.  Wonder what she'll do with the Stowaway...  (I won't tell her about the great Dane puppy we are planning to adopt this fall - that might just send her over the edge.)

By the time she was about 9 months old, I was a senior in college and she was by herself all day - she needed a friend.  In comes Oscar.  It was loathing at first sight.  She was practically an adult, MOTHER, and how could you bring a baby in here who has to be taught everything all over again?  (if cat's could suck their teeth, she would have done it)

Within a few months, though, Kali & Oscar were dear friends.  Even had two litters of kittens together before I decided we'd had enough romance in our house, thank you very much. 

Fast forward 12 years.  Oscar and Kali are an old married couple.  They have their favorite food bowls and don't spoon anymore when they nap.  They are fiercely competitive for my attention (Kali is SUCH a hater) and completely indifferent to Munchkin (thus the impending addition of the dog).  Kali will kiss (groom) Oscar and then, in a heartbeat, hiss and smack him as she runs off - leaving a very baffled (and somewhat henpecked) Oscar.  Oscar is a wonderful singer but is terribly shy so you'll probably never get to experience it.  Kali will steal food from your hand/plate/countertop if you are foolish enough to get it within her reach while Oscar smugly sits on the floor, looking up at you with an oh-so-innocent "Mommy Dearest, may I please have a bite of the delectable little morsel in your lovely hand?" 

In the musical Cats, Bustopher Jones is a fat cat and I imagine the song very much takes after my darling Oscar (except that the show predates him).  He has never been thin.  Until now.  Well, thin isn't a good word.  Thin enough that, for the first time in his life, I can feel the bones in his shoulders and back.  I don't know if it's just that he's getting old (hey, aren't we all) or if there is something wrong with him that I don't really want to know about. 

I don't really know what I'll do without the kitties when they go to Heaven.  (yes, I think they will be there)  They have been with me most of my adult life.  They are my constant companions.  They know all my secrets.  Kali knows when I don't feel well and will cling to me as if to say, "I know my being near makes you feel better."  (and it does!)

I'm so glad God created kitties.  They are funny, outrageous, darling, exasperating and infuriating.  Dogs are great and I do enjoy them and am looking forward to the Dane puppy.  But I am, and always will be, a cat person.

Gripey.

I feel entitled to, on the rare occasion, just gripe. 

Gripe because I'm hot.  I hear the news reports of the "critical" heatwave in the northeast and my pregnancy hormones want to scream back at the TV, "SO WHAT?!  I live in Texas, people - it's ALWAYS hot like that - get a fan and get over it."  But that's not very nice.

Gripe because I'm TIRED of my back hurting.  I swear I walk like a sway-backed mare.  The Stowaway is riding in a ball and she's really low in my uterus so my back is just killing me. 

Gripe because I'm hungry alll the time but when I DO eat, I can't eat more than a few mouthfuls because the Stowaway is squishing my stomach! 

Gripe because the time is totally dragging.  I feel like I've been 32 weeks FOREVER.  I want her and I want her NOW. 

Gripe because I don't really want to be at work but if I go home, I'll just be reminded I still have an entire house to pack... 

Gripe. Gripe. Gripe.

....

I try very hard to NOT be a gripey pregnant person.  In fact, it's been remarked that I'm one of the more easy-going pregnant people some have met.  This is not my first pregnancy so there aren't very many unknowns in this (at least of the stuff I can control). 

I don't know if it's just a combination of wishing I was home, hot, hormones, or whatever but today is a day when I just want to be anywhere but where I am.

one more thing

...remember that spiffy moving list I made and was going to hang on the front door so we'd stay on track blah, blah, blah??

I'm not really sure where it is.  I put it down when I got home the other day and that's the last time I saw it..  Coach, did you hide it from me?  *giggle*  Maybe it was Oscar..

warning: uber-dork post

This game is SO stinkin' fun!  :)  I've been waiting for it since Christmas, when they announced a March-April release...  puh-shaw - it released last week sometime... 

Oh well - it's still fun and defintely was worth the wait.  I'm remembering all kinds of things from the books and that's helping get through the levels without any walkthroughs...  (yes, really)  It made me even more excited about the November release of Year 7: Part 1.  WHEEE!!!  Bring on the midnight showing - yes, I will be there.  Nana, please plan to have the girls. 

Coach even gave it a spin and, even though he experienced some technical difficulties late last night (or very early this morning, as it were), I think he likes it too...

Munchkin called this morning from Jersey and said her dad read on facebook that I got the harry potter game and she wants to play it once she gets home...  *laugh*

My Dork Empire is nearly complete!  Now, if we can raise the Stowaway to the Dork-side, we'll be masters of our very own Dork-iverse... 

Mommy is bringing me a double-decker taco - I'm hungry already!  I can't believe it - I ate a BIG bowl of Lucky Charms (M's favorite cereal) this morning.  Must bring snacks.

Ok, back to work.

why yes, I'd love to use your time machine

Ok, I've decided I'm just stuck in the 32-week spinzone.  Time is slowing down to a non-crawl.  I know time is moving forward because we keep running out of toilet paper.  But golly, gee, willakers - is this pregnancy EVER going to be over?!  I could bore you with the endless whine that is late 3rd trimester stuff but I'll spare you.  See how understanding I can be?

please hold for a coffee break

[insert musak here]

now we return you to this regularly scheduled blog...

Ok, that was silly. 

So, World Cup is almost over. 

Yeah, I want to talk about pregnancy too.  The greatest thing about the Stowaway getting as big as she is, is that I can feel her moving all the time and it makes me smile (most of the time).  She had hiccups day before yesterday and that's the first time I've felt them.  She's such a pistol!  She moves and rolls and kicks and the instant I invite Dad or Nana or somebody else to reach out and feel, she stops.  Stinker. 

So, I'm watching HLN this morning and they are showing this wife-carrying contest in Finland or somewhere that has silly games like this that make it to international news.  It made me stop and ask myself what, exactly, determines whether something is "newsworthy."  I had that show on, in the background, the last 45 minutes and there was not a single mention of Iraq or Afghanistan.  I heard about a 100-mile car chase in California, tar balls in Galveston from the BP spill, wife-carrying games in Finland, LeBron James *yawn*, and on and on and on...  The only thing I could see that might remotely resemble news would be the continued MESS in the Gulf because of BP's reckless disregard for ANYTHING. 

If France bans the Islamic veils, they just might surpass us as the most hated non-Muslim country.  Ah, the world in which we live... *sigh*

90-degree heat in the Northeast?  So what? 

Ok, I'm quitting.  I promise this will be the last time I blog while watching the drivel masquerading as "news."

Have a great day, folks.

clock watching

I start my new schedule at work today: 10am-3pm.  It's a little odd, considering I've never worked half-time before.  It will take a little adjusting to until I have children at home again. 

With Munchkin in Jersey for the summer and the Stowaway still in the slow cooker, I don't really have anything to do first thing in the morning.  Now, don't get me wrong - I am NOT complaining!  Au contraire, I think it will be really nice to have a few extra hours to get around and straighten things up and work on the endless packing project before we move.  And then, to have the afternoons to spend with Coach, who is enjoying his summer by recording every scrap of futbol he can find on television.

I made my official Moving To Do list this week and I'm going to tape it to the front door so everytime we go past it, we'll see what's left to be done.  It will keep me on track and give Coach some things to do during his day when I'm at work.  *wink*

I feel rather helpless knowing I'm so pregnant and can't really pick up heavy stuff, or do a lot of, well, ANYTHING.  The logistics of doing a lot of bending are just absurd at this point.  It's not that I can't see my shoes, I just can't reach them.  Not without huffing and puffing and feeling like, surely, I'm folding the Stowaway in half which, I'm sure, she doesn't appreciate one iota.

I'm FINISHED with all my scrapbooking endeavors for a while - our engagement, bridal and wedding albums should be delivered today and I ordered the Disney album last night so it should be here late next week.  I am so excited to see the albums!  I am really enjoying learning about digital scrapbooking and plan to do a lot more of it. 

Now that we have a good family camera again, I can get picaboo and smilebox transferred over to the house computer.  My next project is to do another album for Munchkin and then, in September, I'll do our family pictures Andrea Crosswhite will come down and take.  She's our "family photographer."  She took Coach and my engagement, bridal and wedding pictures so we thought she'd be perfect to take pictures of our family - from now on. 

Well, my friends, I'm going to enjoy the last 30 minutes of morning before I need to start getting ready for work by making a cup of coffee and taking all the artwork off the walls.  You know, that's my least favorite part of moving.  Bare walls are lonely walls to me.  That, and packing away my books.  Not being able to see all the wonderful spines and be reminded of the stories whenever I pass by is a little sad.  *laugh*  I'm a dork.  Yes, I know. 

Have a happy day!

ps. if you've joined us from fb, please leave me a reply and say, "howdy!"

truly

+



=



Truly, Taco Bueno + Barnes & Noble = Heaven.

*laugh*

It rained yesterday!

Oh, the rain was lovely.  It came down the better part of the afternoon and it was terrific.  Everything cooled down, the air was clear and it made for a lovely evening, watching a bunch of grown men play soccer out at Korompai. 

Better them than me, I say.  That ground looked hard. 

The Stowaway was kind enough not to wake me up at 3:30 this morning.  I did wake up at 5 but that was for other reasons and I went back to sleep until the alarm at 6:30.

I miss Munchkin today.  I was thinking about her this morning as I was waiting to fall back asleep.  I know she's having a good time but I'm ready for August already.  (for more than one reason!)

Packing is ... well, I made a list.  Does that count for progress?  Seriously, I just come home and die at the end of the day.  I straightened at the living room and kitchen last night and felt like I'd accomplished something but nobody but me could probably see any difference at all - it's still a mess.

I may have to take a few personal days to pack the house in peace and relative quiet because it's not going to happen after I've been at work all day and the weekends just aren't enough time. 

*sigh*

At least we have a long weekend coming up.  I may celebrate the 4th of July by sealing boxes.

A little preview *happysigh*

I love going over to my in-laws' house.  They are such sweet people and I consider myself super lucky to have them.  As if scoring Coach wasn't great enough (he really is the greatest thing since sliced cheese and chick-fil-a waffle fries), he came with a pair of parents who are a delight. 

So, we try to go over there at least once a week just to visit.  We don't always get over there during the school year but we've been pretty regular lately.  *laugh* 

We have a little added bonus for visiting - the Little Man.  Coach's sister had her second little boy around Mother's Day and he is a snuggle bunny.  I love holding him.  He's got that new baby smell and it is exactly what all these pregnancy hormones need.  Who needs to eat when you can hold the Little Man? 

I love babies - always have.  Since becoming a mommy, though, I know how hard it is to break one so they aren't scary anymore.  *laugh*  Since the Little Man was born, I can't hardly keep my hands off of him.  I'm a complete hog with him.  Coach laughs and asks if he'll ever be able to hold the Stowaway once she gets here.  I tell him, sure, I'll have to go to the bathroom and shower every once in a while.  (just kidding, honey)

I think my fixation on the Little Man is two-fold.  First, I'm VERY pregnant and can't hardly stand waiting until our little one gets here so holding the Little Man is a nice way to top off my happy mommy endorphins.  There is just something about holding a snuggly little baby that smells so sweet that makes all the achy joints, stretched and itchy skin and lower back ache go away for a little while. 

Second, had Riley survived, he and the Little Man would have been born about the same time; within a few weeks of eachother, actually.  Now, I don't think about Riley everytime I hold the Little Man.  I look forward to holding the Stowaway and know that Riley is in Heaven, fishing with Paw-Paw. 

I have plenty of love for all these babies.  We were remarking last night how neat it will be that the Little Man and the Stowaway will be so close in age and will get to grow up together. 

----

Speaking of previews, I had to laugh at 3:30 this morning when I was awake, trying to get comfortable.  I realized that the Stowaway was also awake, kicking around happily in there.  I told Coach to expect to see that time of day again.  *laugh* 

Normally, I can fall back to sleep in 20-30 minutes but I could not get back to sleep.  My left hip hurt terribly and I could not find a comfortable way back to sleep.  I finally moved out to the couch around 4:30 and fell back to sleep around 5.  *sigh* 

I could hug my Asst Supt of HR for coming up with the 10-3 work schedule idea.  Not having to be up and at'em at 6:30 this morning would have been delightful.  And, if I'm going to be this uncomfortable the last 7 weeks of my pregnancy, starting July 1 (new fiscal year) is going to be an amazing blessing (thanks Boss!). 

*yawn*

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Today is my mother's birthday.  She is an original cowgirl.  She's weathered hard times and seen her share of loss but she is resiliant and a survivor and manages to stay beautiful in the midst of it all. 

She is a storyteller, a director, a teacher, a player, a designer and a clown.  She knows enough about the computer to be really, REALLY dangerous and her fascination with Sims Castaway is hilarious. 

She has a wonderful imagination and her creations WILL delight even the most grown-up of grown-ups. 

She CAN cook (even though she doesn't really like to) and her humpty-dumpties are my very favorite breakfast on earth. 

She is fun to hang out with and just do nothing.  She is fun to run around with and she's very good at providing and "out." 

She has been my counselor, therapist, personal maseusse, principal and friend. 

She never wavered in her commitment to raise us to know the Lord.

She never buckled when the pressure to "just let siblings be siblings" crept into our house and threatened the relationship between my brother and me. 

She avoids conflict but is fierce in a fight. 

She endured a bout with Death and lived to tell about it.  Eight years ago, she had radical surgery to save her life.  The treatment alone nearly ended it.  That was such a hard time for us.  I could not be near her and I felt, for many years after, I had abandoned her. 

She is a terrific Nana.  She loves her grandgirl, Munchkin, and the feelings are definitely mutual.  She delights in hearing about our plans and dreams for the Stowaway and is waiting with breathless anticipation for her arrival. 

She is a fabulous teacher.  I have watched her reach down into the abyss of a child's wounded heart and draw out joy.  I have seen her stand in the gap for children with no allies.  I have seen her battle dragons in defense of a struggling child.  I have watched her create a masterpiece out of nothing but what some would call scraps.  Her greatest gift and legacy are the children who have been indelibly changed by her work. 

I love my mother.  I think she is one of the most beautiful women I've ever known.  Her beauty is a light that radiates from her. 

Happy Birthday, Mommy. 

Miracle

Yesterday, we had our 4D sonogram and it was amazing.  I've looked at the pictures 1000 times already.  To see the contours of her face, that she sucks her thumb, that she puts her hands up by her face (like I do!) when she sleeps and that she has her own ideas about things is a delight.  She made us laugh yesterday because she kept turning away from the sonogram - almost like she was showing us that SHE was in charge of what we saw, thank you very much Mommy and Daddy, and we should keep that in mind for the future. 

She sucked her thumb, yawned and even smiled.  My heart just about stopped.  I didn't cry yesterday but did a little this morning when I went back and watched the video again. 

She is beautiful.  She has Matt's nose and my cheeks.  I haven't compared her picture with Munchkin yet, but I think there will be a strong resemblance since Munchkin looks so much like me and she was born with those cheeks too! 

We've sent the pictures across the web to our friends and family.  Technology is fantastic! 

What really amazes me, though, is that God has known this little girl from the beginning and what we saw yesterday He's been watching for the last seven months.  He knows the color of her eyes and the number of hairs on her head (and if they are RED or not).  He knows if she will like to sleep a lot (like Daddy) or if she'll be a morning person (like Mommy).  He knows if she will have a servant's heart (like Daddy) or a bossy get things done type (like mommy).  He already knows these things.  But, most importantly, He knows the hour she will accept Christ.  Technology is very cool, but SHE is the miracle. 

Eagerly waiting the arrival of our little girl....

[slideshow]

sleeping in

I'm sure, at some point in my life, sleeping in was defined by a time later than 8am.  Since Munchkin was born, though, sleeping in has pretty much lost all meaning.  7:30 is lazing around.  So many things to do with the day and sleeping just steals time from the to do list.  I'm sitting in the living room, looking around the house and sighing to myself because, I know, the end of July will be here before I know it and I could get most of the packing knocked out in a few days if I'd just get to it.  But, then I look longingly at a short stack of books just begging to be read, a cake that needs to be frosted or the never-ending cycle of housework that seems rather pointless when things are in that transition state leading up to a move but still should be attempted. 

I'm a little jealous of the cats and the husband who love to sleep and find it in abundance on Saturday mornings. 

Maybe I'll take my list to Lowe's or Home Depot and pick up moving boxes.  Wal-mart and get a new moving notebook (thanks Mom for that brilliantly effective model!)  Getting out should motivate me to get to work. 

*sigh* 

At what point in human history did the responsibility of the To Do list fall to Momma?  Can anybody tell me that?

So tired of sneezing!

Something blew in a few days ago and I've been sneezing and congested ever since.  It's AWFUL.  Half the folks in my office are hacking and coughing.  UGH. 

Thank goodness for



In other news, it's FRIDAY and I've managed to blog almost every day this week.  That's quite an accomplishment after such a long dry spell.  I think, like my friend Sarah, fb and twitter have taken over my life and I can only think in 140 characters at a time. 

We have our 4D sonogram TOMORROW!  I am so excited, I can hardly sit still.  Knowing that tomorrow afternoon, we'll see our little someone's face just takes my breath away. 



I hope she's in an accomodating mood and we get to see good pictures.  She's usually pretty active in the afternoons so that'll be even better! 

I know I need to do more packing and finish boxing up Munchkin's room.  Maybe I'll do some of that tonight.  I've taken most everything off her walls and I'll get Dad to take her bed apart. 

Working on moving utilities but the house is so new, nobody can find the address...  URGH.

hot...already!

I'm hot.  It is not even 8 o'clock in the morning and I'm already hot.  I really have nine more weeks of this? 

He'll be intolerable after this...

So, as you can imagine, we've been watching a LOT of soccer lately.  I consider it part of my education.  *laugh*  I can't decide if Coach is laughing when I talk about soccer because he's happy I'm paying attention or if he's laughing at me.  Either way, I guess it's a good thing.  *laugh*

Here's what I've learned from watching this World Cup:

1. There is very little (NO) accountability for sucky calls during games.  No sanctions on the ref and no remedy for the teams/players that bear the brunt of the mistake.  Oh, I understand that officials, like players, are human and are GOING to make mistakes but the arrogance involved in refusing to admit they've made a mistake is what draws the ire of the entire world.  Dudes, if you're going to mess something up (and you will), man up and admit it. 


2. Taking a dive is apparently a completely acceptable way to waste time on the field.  I love this exerpt from a blog I found called "The Beautiful Blog:"
    Still trying to get over the disgraceful dive that cost Kaka an ejection in yesterday's Brazil-Ivory Coast game. Never known as a dirty player, Kaka used his arm to fend off an aggressive challenge by Kader Keita. Kaka's arm grazed his chest, but Keita went down clutching his face. The referee didn't have a clue, missing the dive and citing Kaka (who will miss the next game) for absolutely nothing. Time and again, you're seeing athletes trading their integrity for a yellow card. Or as Keita likes to say:
   "Oh my God! It's my face! Hold on, it's my heel! Call an ambulance! I can't get up! Wait a minute, I've never been better!"


3. I still don't understand offside (or offsides; WHATEVER) calls.  (I don't think I ever will)


4. I'm pretty sure they will have vuvuzela horns in hell.  That is the most awful sound.  I don't care if it's a part of their tradition; audiophiles around the globe groan and stick fingers in their ears, suffering through that racket just to watch the game.  It's been likened to the singing/chanting that goes on during other games but I beg to differ.  The monotonous drone is nothing like a song with some kind of melody. It's not the volume, it's the lack of tonal movement.  Coach loves them.  I hate them.  There you have it. 


5. I'm glad France is doing so poorly.  Serves them right.  And why, on earth, do they have a chicken on their jersey?


6. I want South Africa to do well, even though I know they probably won't. 


7. Of course I want the USA to advance but I really like watching England, Portugal and Argentina play.  Does that make me a traitor?  Maybe it's more that Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo (he's just pretty) and Argentina has Messi and the nutzo antics of Diego Maradona - he's bananas! 


8. I think it's hilarious that the camera men zoom in on the players faces during the national anthems, trying to catch them crying like the North Korean player.  I mean, you can see their pores.  What's impressive is that the players seem to totally ignore the camera.  You know, I consider myself pretty accomplished at not fixating on the camera during an interview but I don't know that I could resist looking if it was IN. MY. FACE.  *laugh*


9. I'm falling in love with this "beautiful game."  Dangit.  I hate it when Coach is right. 

 

Disney - for posterity

Here are my thoughts - wrap/up on our Disney trip.  This way, I can come back here and look it up the next time we plan a vacation to Florida.

Disney was PERFECT!  Munchkin had a blast and we had a great time too!  Dad is totally hooked and wants to go back next year – even with The Stowaway not being quite a year old.  We figure that’s why God created strollers and slings.  LOL

Our itinerary:

Sunday afternoon we got into Orlando about 2:30.  We went ahead and checked in to the hotel and went to Animal Kingdom.  The park was near deserted b/c it was so late in the day.  We got a head start on her autographs and she got to ride a nearly empty Kilimanjaro Safari, right up front and get LOTS of extra attention b/c she was one of the only children on the ride.  She REALLY loved it. 

Monday – Epcot – Munchkin’s Princess Breakfast in Norway was FABULOUS – SO glad we did it there instead of @ Magic Kingdom.  Talked to another mom that evening who was disappointed with MK’s Princess Breakfast b/c it was so crowded – she said it was very rushed.  We saw all five of the princesses and they stopped to visit, sign autographs and take pictures with Munchkin.  IT was VERY fun (although it’s the most I’ve EVER paid for eggs and bacon!!)  I think the World Showcase was Dad’s favorite – hands down.  I think the next time we go, we want to spend an entire day in the WS; I started to run out of energy by Japan.  We finished at Epcot (because mommy’s legs were about to fall off) around 3 o’clock.  We went back to the hotel and got into the pool.  That made me feel a LOT better.  We got dressed and rode over to Magic Kingdom to grab ride schedules for the next day (so I could plan) and rode a ferry over to Wilderness Lodge to have dinner at Whispering Canyon Café “I NEED KETCHUP!” – LOL – it was hilarious!  We were EXHAUSTED at the end of Monday. 

Tuesday – Magic Kingdom – Got there in time to open the park with the extra magic hour – Munchkin loved the teacups, Dumbo, Peter Pan (pretty sure this was her favorite), Small World…She hated Haunted Mansion but loved Tom Sawyer’s island.  I have a hilarious picture Dad took of her shooting at Indians.  LOL  We all LOVED Philharmagic.  Love what they’ve done with Pirates of the Caribbean but hated Carousel of Progress (what happened to “this is the best time OF YOUR LIFE!”).  Munchkin LOVED Buzz Lightyear ride in Tomorrowland but HATED Stitch’s Great Escape – the total darkness and bursts of air at her head scared her to death.  She actually cried.  I felt awful for her but she recovered pretty quickly.  She really enjoyed the people mover but we had to constantly reassure her when we went through the building where Space Mountain is that we WEREN’T about to ride a roller coaster.  LOL  Rode the resort buses back to the hotel (riding the ferry or monorail to the transportation center THEN walking to the car was for the birds!) and rested a little while.  After we cooled down again in the pool, we went back to MK for dinner and more rides.  We went to dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern, caught a bit of the Spectromagic parade on the way to Buzz Lightyear (I totally set Dad up on Buzz Lightyear – I knew the secret to a really high score from my reading – we played mommy/Munchkin vs. daddy).  Ended the day with fireworks – we were trying to leave the park but got stuck in the crowd so we just stood and enjoyed the show – I’m so glad we did – Munchkin loved them and I cried!  The tourguide Mike site recommended against going to MK on Tuesday but we didn’t have another full day to do it because of the princess breakfast Monday so we just elbowed our way through the crowds all day.  This put one small dent in the day b/c there were a few things Munchkin decided to skip b/c she was hot and didn’t want to stand in line (a notable example: she picked seeing the princesses AGAIN over the fairies b/c the line for fairies was twice as long.  Consequently, we never saw Tink L)  Riding the buses back and forth earlier in the day paid off when we left that night – we were on the second row going home!  J

Wednesday – Animal Kingdom – By unanimous family vote, we skipped Disney Hollywood Studios in favor of going back to AK and picking up all the stuff we missed Sunday because we got into town so late in the day.  Really, all she missed at Hollywood were a few more character autographs – she wasn’t going to ride the Tower of Terror or the Aerosmith Roller Coaster and we weren’t really all that interested in the American Idol or High School Musical shows.  In a few more years, she’ll be older and will (maybe) be more interested in the faster rides.  So, we went back to AK and were there to open the park.  Munchkin was the first in line to see Lilo & Stitch, we rode the Safari ride again (a definite favorite) and walked through Maharajah Jungle (WOW!), rode the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and ate lunch at a really fun “Dino” diner in Dinoland.  We hit the road back to Texas about 3pm. 

Some things we’ll do differently next trip:

• Plan to stop on the way – Dad thought he was going to be able to drive straight through but with NOTHING but trees to look at after Louisiana, he was too tired and we had to try and find something at 1am.  On the way home, we figured out where we’d be around 10pm and found a really nice (and brand new) Country Inn & Suites.  Best night of sleep I had the entire trip!


• Know in advance that I-10 is EXCRUCIATINGLY boring.  LOL


• Plan a whole day for the World Showcase; maybe we can split the first part of Epcot with Hollywood Studios next time and give world Showcase a full day.  Then, Animal Kingdom gets its own day and Magic Kingdom gets a VERY full day.


• Upgrade meal plan to include more snacks and counter service meals.  We ran out of these and ended up buying our lunch and snacks the last day.  (not a big deal, but now that we know how it works, we might as well use it)


• Definitely keep staying on property – the perks were the same at the $82/night All Star as they are at the Grand Floridian.  I do think next time we are going to try and stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge (I know it’s three times as expensive per night but since AK was our favorite of the three parks, I think Munchkin would dig seeing the animals outside the hotel room).  That one and the Wilderness Lodge look really neat (that’s where we ate Monday night and it sure was neat to be across the lake from MK).  


• Stay longer than four days/three nights – that way, we don’t have to rush and can go back and catch extra stuff (like the fairies!). 


• Keep driving – find a grocery store before we leave Florida to restock snacks and water – we ran out and ended up spending on food on the way home (we spend NOTHING on food the way there).  The drive is pretty boring but it’s smooth sailing once you get out of Texas (lots of stopping and starting in the little towns after Bryan).  


• Don’t try and leave the afternoon after graduation – it made for a VERY long day and we (Dad & I) started the vacation tired.  Get up before God the next morning and leave – that way, we’ve got MOST of the trip out of the way before (if) we stop.

 All in all, I am VERY pleased with the trip.  Munchkin slept from Orlando to (almost) Pensacola on the way home – she was one VERY tired little girl! 

I’m going to make some photo books of our trip – 500 pictures is a lot to go through!