Razing Arizona

We just returned from a quick visit to Arizona to visit Family and Friends. I hate the road trip and wish it was cheaper to fly with a family of seven. However, there are little gems that fall from our fingers on these trips. Night driving provides an opportunity for quite conversations with Victor when the kids are all sleeping. I wish I could read while moving in a car but it makes me sick, so disappointing. I love it when we all listen to music together. I really enjoy watching Victor head bang to the kids music the Jonas Brothers as well as having the kids enjoy the music we love. The kids now can spot Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen and Jimmy Buffet to name a few. Laryssa knows Country music better than Victor now. I enjoyed the beautiful mountains and cloud formations on the trip home and the lovely blue of the Colorado river with the reds and greens and the surprise carpet of purple flowers on the roadside when all else was desert. I got to have a Mr. Misty float at Dairy Queen. I haven't had one in over 12 years.

We had a nice visit with the family, but it was too short. I had barely recovered from the ride over when it was time to drive home. We had some nice dinners and a quiet, relaxing Easter at Moms. We did a little shopping and I got to see some good friends. I wish I could do more for my mom but there wasn't much time. Victor got so much done and I love him so much for all of it.

As we crossed the Richmond San Rafael bridge I felt like I was on the ride Space Mountain at Disneyland. I wasn't nervouse because I couldn't see the water. Knowing it was there and I was home again with my Ocean and as I crawled in between my flannel sheets and under my duvet I squeeled with delight at being in my own bed.

Never Mock the Flu

It happened again. I made the mistake of commenting to someone we hadn't gotten the flu this winter. Silly, Silly girl. Last time I did that WHAM! the flu and again it happened. It was hideous. Five out of seven of us have gotten it and Victor and Laryssa are fighting it. It is quick and dirty. I felt a little sparky this morning and got a lot done, but felt wobby and weak by days end. Just another day in paradise.............................where's my wham burger and french cries?

Just when you think your right......... your not!

I have wondered and fantasized about how life would be with out my Mother in Law. I just knew everything would be suddenly perfect... it isn't. It is not bad or good it is different. It was my life for almost 11 years. I have lived with her, with the exception of the first five days of my daughters life, for all my Mothering years. I feel light some days without the heavy burden of caring for her and the struggles we had. I feel empty somedays and am surprised when she isn't in her room. Which is now a pre-teen haven complete with mess and ucky teen idol posters. We went to visit the cemetary for the first time Sunday and it was so strange. She wasn't there, she couldn't be there. I felt so conflicted and odd. When we leave the house I still think we are leaving her alone and I should have someone staying with her. I cannot change what is. I can only learn.

Costco

I love Costco but I hate putting everything away.

I hear music

I witnessed a miracle last night. Our entire family sat down in pj's and watched a movie together. We watched Finneans Rainbow with Fred Astair and Petula Clark. My husband even stayed awake for more than half of it and he doesn't watch musicals. We even let the kids eat ice cream in the living room! It was wonderful. I can't wait until next Saturday. I will make sure we have the red vines and milk duds.

Channeling Erma Bombeck

My morning could have been in a book written by the late, funny Erma Bombeck. A day that starts this awful should make a heck of a funny book. We got up to get ready for school. Our cleaning lady comes at 7 on Thursdays. She lets me know while I am dressing that the dog has poo pood all over the floor in the living room. I'm thinking why me why today? I get the kids ready, the ones that are not sick and get the others medicated and off I go to school to do the first drop off. I come home and sit in the car reading trying to avoid what I know is waiting for me in the living room. The kids that stayed home come to the car looking for me. I have to go in. It's still there waiting for me. I clean it up and manage delicate gagging rather than throwing up. Then I can't find the carpet cleaner. This can only happen to me. I figure out where Victor has hidden it and get to work. I hadn't cleaned it out last time I used it a week ago so it smelled precious. More delicate gagging. I have to get lunches for the kids at school and be there to volunteer in Kindergarten by 10. I clean it all up. Then the baby needs the same clean up as isle 13,dogpoop lane). He is only a little more cooperative. Vadim has a fever so I get to wrestle him to get the motrindown him. It takes two of us. I nurse him almost to sleep and then run for the school. I can relax now I will be safe ....... working with 20 five year olds. It was fun and relaxing and they were pretty well behaved. If it doesn't kill you It might make a great book.

Turning over a new leaf

I am determined to make the best of the new year. With renewed spirit and energy. I am slowly decluttering my nest. I try and get rid of at least one bag of crap a day. I still need to do better with the kids lunches, but I am even learning better ways to do this. I feel as if I am making better decisions. I am a recycling maniac and have taken our trash down to one small garbage can.

We got Martha's room repainted and it looks incredible. It is a bright and happy blue. We hope to have the two older girls moved in by Valentines day. They are very excited. Then we will move on to re-doing the little girls room and move Vadim in there with them. I am hoping the kitties will take this as a sign of good faith and stop leaving little packages beneath the bed.

I am just about to have my 43rd birthday. It is a bit wierd as my Mother was just about my age when she had me. I wish I felt I had more time. I would really think of having a number six. Alas, I am enjoying my little mess maker Vadim far too much to share him with someone new. I don't feel my age most days only when I fall down.

Just another day in paradise