Girls!

I've never posted about the girls (If I have to explain it you should just stop reading now)

This morning I staggered out of bed to rouse my sleeping sons. Yesterday was a school holiday and returning to a regular schedule is always difficult. Now, on a normal weekday morning #2 is up and gone before 5:45 AM, #3 and #8 need woken up at about 6:45 to be out the door by 7:20, I usually am up around 7:20 to take them to school, Adorable Hubby gets up around 8:00 - 8:30 which is the same time that I wake up #5 - #7 to get ready, fed and out the door by 9:10. Whew!

This morning when I returned from taking #8 to school I heard the shower start and knowing that Adorable Hubby had an early meeting I followed him into the bathroom, stripped down to what God and chocolate gave me, then playfully grabbed one of the girls, peeked her around the shower curtain then waited for Adorable Hubby to notice.

A moment or two later #5's eight year old voice said, "Mom, if you want to get in the shower I'll be out in just a minute."

Ackkk!

I made a significant donation to the therapy fund, I'm sure that will take a session or twelve.

I Love Snail Mail!

I came home the other night and saw a package on the table. My heart sped up a bit. I adore getting things in the mail, well not counting junk and bills. I guess all the testosterone hasn't completely overwhelmed my girly, romantic side. There's something about a package or a letter that makes my heart pitter-patter.

I kept my emotions in check at first. After all there's nothing terribly exciting about a toothpaste sample. And, there's always the possibility that one of my bills has become so enormous that it would take a box to contain it.

But, OH JOY! It was a package and it was for me. S'mee you made my day. And everyday since. when I view the fun homemade contents, artfully arranged on my dresser by #2 son who shares a bit of my romantic nature.

Thanks!

Sorry

I tried to post while I was away on a little VACAY with Adorable Hubby. I regretted leaving that post behind because nothing too serious was wrong. It had just struck me that life is like the difference between January and February. Nothing really changes in February, same cold crappy weather, snow then mud then wind, repeat. My attitude however? Big change.

So, for Friday I love my co-workers. They are so caring and fun to be around. On Friday one of them handed me a mint truffle, just because! Love me some great co-workers.

Saturday, I love swimming in the rain. Heated pool, cool rain, hot tub, chatting with a friendly stranger love it.

Sunday, love the Virgin River Casino. I didn't see a river, pretty sure I didn't see a virgin and, I've never felt so young or so attractive.

Monday, love sunshine on scenery. Nevada and Utah are beautiful states.

Tuesday, love caring bloggy friends. Thanks for all the love!

Heavy Hearts

At first blush perhaps the trials that weigh us down and the resulting heavy heart seem like a foolish thing to love.

What if I had never experienced sorrow and confusion, helplessness?

Would I then sacrifice the experience of joy, clarity and peace.

I surrender to you experience whatever you bring my way.

Yes I'll take a rough day or two, I'll stand for a time in the cold dark that I may honor the sun.

Gaining New Societal Skills

I love it when my boys show me that they're learning the ins and outs of what is and isn't appropriate in social settings.

For instance, #7 my free spirited, naked, bohemian used to answer the call o' nature whenever and wherever the urge struck him with little regard for the sensibilities of innocent onlookers. But, yesterday as we walked from the kindergarten door, through the busy after school courtyard, around to the door #'s 5 and 6 leave by, #7 walked over to the brick school building and stood face first, very close to the wall.

"What's wrong, what are you doing?" I asked turning back.

Then I noticed the wet stain running down the side of the building.

Oh! The joy that swelled my soul as my big boy demonstrated that he is learning to cover up a bit when urinating in public.

And, of course, I did just what any socially savvy mother should in such a situation. I turned my back, continued my walk to the door whilst muttering in dulcet tones, "Whose child is that?"

Love those growing social skills!

Friends

Today I love my friend Paul!

He's married to my friend Mandi!

They have 4 adorable children.

Today is Paul's birthday!

Happy Birthday Paul!

Stuff I love about Paul.

He can whip a room full of primary children into a singing frenzy.

His socks don't match.

He will let an eleven year old Downs Syndrome child climb all over and kiss him. It's both cool that Paul will let him and that the child recognizes Paul's heart full of love. (And it is a heart full of love even though I suspect I'll be mocked for saying it quite that way)

He's a drummer. Not that I've ever heard him play, we're going to have to fix that.

Paul hasn't succumbed to the sad belief that being an adult is proper and important and all that crap. He still walks barefoot in the rain eating a Popsicle.

Paul is a great writer. I'd send you to his blog but that would out Mandi's blog and I promised. Plus after reading the amazing birthday post he wrote for his wife it would make my birthday posts seem lame. So you'll just have to trust me and keep believing my posts are wonderful.

Then there's the beard, love that beard!

But, I think my favorite Paul quality is how much he loves his wife and children and pretty much everyone.

Paul, thanks for being a friend!

Happy Birthday!

Funny side note. For my birthday last year Paul made me a CD. He thought it was a dumb gift. Great, because now that CD is stuck in the drive of my blogging computer and is my only choice, besides Blue Oyster Cults Greatest Hits, for blogging music. It wasn't a dumb gift, it gave me a little glimpse into who you really are (we really should talk about that one song) and it's funny that it just keeps on giving and giving. Besides it came with Almond M&Ms and Kettle Corn which makes any gift amazing.

February

Ahh, the month of LOVE.

I'm going to attempt to post about one thing I love every day in February.

Tonight I'm feeling great love for a month that isn't January.

That's all!