Farewelling

I stayed home from church today. Drew woke up during the night with a nasty-sounding cough. Which throws a wrench into some of our plans - such as Sesame Street for him and Madeline tomorrow. I guess we'll wait and see what he sounds like when he wakes up in the morning.

We're crazy into boxes 'round these parts and it is such a mess! But surprisingly, I'm not all that stressed. When we left Ch@ttanooga before, we were also cramming in parties, dinners, and last-minute get-togethers. We don't have nearly as much of that here. So it's been a pretty relaxed packing experience.

We did have one last playgroup day at the park last week. I'm so thankful for those two women and their friendships over the last year. And then I did get to go to Jeannette's baby shower and say goodbye to her and Em. And finally, last night we had dinner with the Livingstons and said goodbye to their crew.

Tonight we had Ezra and Alissa over for a last pizza-night and tomorrow we're loading the truck. It's sure to be a long day. Bring us some sweet tea, will ya?

Jo-Lynn, my new BFF

So I got tired of waiting elsewhere and had Jo-Lynne design my new header. (If you read my blog in a reader, you must click over and see!) And just in time for my first blogiversary on Tuesday, too.



Thanks, Jo-Lynne! I love it!

My Child Will Never Do That

Alternate title: In the Bath You Go

Alternate alternate title: Good Thing I Just Cleaned

Weeds.

What do you think, should I cut it?

I blog my life here

and last night I drove up to Erin Liv's for Jeannette's (known to some as Diber) baby shower. An evening out, oh yes.

Drew asked me if I was going with him, Daddy and the girls to the playground and I said that no, I was going to a little party.

"Are you going dancing?"

Um. No.

I'm sure it was because the last time we used the word "party," to him it was for Robbie's wedding and there was a little dancing involved.

Jeannette and baby Marlowe:


Aren't babies yummy? (Except, I have to admit, I was glad I could hold and give back. I mean, I still have my own newborn.)


What's that? You want to see my gift? Well, okay, if you twist my arm:


Aren't they the cutest things ever? I LOVE the girl version of these (from Target, where else?). We've gone through six pairs of them in various sizes and colors with Adelaide. Actually, two of them are to grow into. They are some of my favorite baby shoes.

It was so fun to see some college friends (two housemates, even. Hi, Em!) and catch up a little before we head back down South. And there was decaf mocha punch. The only thing better than that would have been decaf mocha punch that doesn't stick to the hips.

On the way home I pulled an Andy, totally missed my exit, and took a 15 mile detour. It cost me a whole hour of extra driving.

Apparently I was a little absorbed in my music.

But there were no kids in the back. Can you blame me?

7 days and counting

VBS could not have come at a better time this year. Andy dropped Drew and Madeline off yesterday morning and picked them up again at noon. And it will continue all week.

Too bad I can't spend my time at Starbucks instead of taping up boxes.

When they got home yesterday I asked Drew what he learned. He made the sign for "love" and threw his head back. I have no idea what that meant.

And then this morning, I told him we needed to get him ready so he could go to Bible School again and he immediately went, "I ALREADY WENT!" Apparently he wasn't so excited about going back.

Just wait 'til he gets to Friday.

In moving news, I didn't do a darn thing yesterday. I fought the guilt and melancholy over it all day and then realized my tired body was recovering from a long and busy weekend. I did clean my kitchen, did some laundry, vacuumed the downstairs, and then sat on the couch and finished my book. I mean, you gotta keep living! Even when there are boxes to pack.

But just because I was unproductive, doesn't mean Andy didn't get anything done. He finished his entire study/office, and even took down the wall full of bookshelves. He finished work last Friday, so it will be very fun and convenient to have him around all week. He also booked the rental truck. So we're making progress but we still have a long way to go.

Leaving a Legacy

Many of my real-life friends know my dad and what he's doing. And I've kind of gone back and forth about saying anything here on the blog, mostly for selfish reasons of staying relatively anonymous.

But the truth is, the time for staying within comfort zones has well passed.

Some background information - my dad is a retired Air Force Major General. He retired two years ago to run in the 2006 US Congressional race for the 5th District of Colorado. He had three months to get up a campaign, had virtually zero name-recognition or campaign experience, and surprised everyone with a strong third-place finish (and even beat the mayor of Colorado Springs!). The problem then was not enough time.

My parents had clearly seen the Lord's hand guiding them to run that first race (quite the amazing story, if you're ever interested), and were sort of scratching their heads when they lost. What now?

And then after being repeatedly encouraged to run again, against an incumbent no less, they decided he would run again, and they are currently in the middle of the 2008 campaign - full steam ahead for the August 12 primary.

I'm telling you all this to plead for your financial support. We all know how ridiculously expensive political campaigns are. But the truth is, mailings, printings, signs, bumper stickers, brochures, billboards, radio ads, and television commercials cost money. Lots of money. (Not to mention the cost of supporting a campaign team.) The voter has to be reached, and it's expensive to get one's message out.

The statistics have shown that when voters hear my dad's message, they support him. Why? Because he is a proven leader, a man of character and integrity, and a visionary to guide Colorado in the years ahead.

And why should a non-resident care about a Congressional race in Colorado?

"Since the founding of the Air Force Academy in 1959, we've only had one graduate serve the country in Congress. That grad is Heather Wilson, '80, now engaged in a race to replace Senator Pete Domenici in New Mexico. With Heather hopefully moving to the Senate, again there will be no USAFA grads in the House of Representatives. The current Congress has the fewest number of members with military experience wince WWII. With our country engaged in a difficult and dangerous war, we clearly need more members of Congress with credible military experience. Understanding our affinity to the Air Force, it is also important to recognize that the Air Force has extremely few allies on the Hill and is having a difficult time getting their message across. We desperately need someone who understands Air and Space Power in Congress. For these reasons, and many others, I've decided to run for the 5th Congressional Seat in Colorado. The 5th District incorporates all the military facilities in the Colorado Springs region, including the Air Force Academy. I certainly would appreciate your support." - Bentley Rayburn, Class of 1975

I know first-hand that neither of my parents are doing this for themselves. They'd rather be quietly living in a mountain home raising horses and visiting grandchildren. My dad has already had a full and rewarding career -- this is most certainly not for personal advancement or prestige. Rather, they are concerned for our country and with contributing to a bright future for their children and grandchildren.

They are working to leave a legacy.

Please, if you have any respect for me or my family, take the time to check out my dad's website: Rayburn for Congress and consider donating as much as you possibly can: CLICK HERE! (The maximum an individual may contribute is $2,300 for the primary election and an additional $2,300 for the general election. Couples may contribute $4,600 for the primary and general elections, respectively. Federal PACs may contribute $5,000 for each election.)

Also, please consider passing this along to your own friends and family.

Thank you.

Sunday afternoon update

I'm a wee bit tired. We didn't pull into our drive until 2 a.m. But the play was a lot of fun, even if I had some serious trouble staying awake at the end (it was a little over 3 hours). I don't think I need to remind you we woke up yesterday before 6 in the morning. I haven't done that since, well, high school.

For dinner Vangie made an Eggplant Parmesan that was unbelievably good. (I had no idea I even liked eggplant.) I'll have to get the recipe from her and I may even share it on ye olde food blog. It did have cheese, though, which is fine because we're flexitarians.

John and Vange drove back with us and had planned on meeting some other friends for church down here (which didn't happen due to a train stoppage for testing). Andy went and picked up the kids the first thing this morning; we had been way too tired to stop and get them last night. Drew walked in the door and said, accusingly, "you didn't get us!"

And then I heard all about the taste of our lives the grandparents got last night - let's just say I'm pretty sure they're napping soundly right now.

Which actually sounds like a very good idea.

At least the waiting paid off

So V and J dragged us out of the apartment at 6:15 this morning to go sit in line at Central Park for tickets to tonight's Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park. Coffee, anyone?



We had no idea if we were waiting in vain, either. They started passing out tickets at 1 p.m and we managed to get our six (each person can take two), so we'll be going back after dinner for the play, with even more cousins.

HOW FUN IS THAT?!

Packing stresses me out

I'm not talking about move-packing, either.

I don't know what it is about sorting through clothes and toiletries for an overnight or week-long stay, but it's enough to send my blood pressure through the ceiling.

And I have the pleasure of doing it not only for myself, but for three kids and a husband as well.

What inspired these ponderings? This afternoon I packed the kids up, Andy dropped them off at his parents' house after their nap, I packed up our stuff, and we're nearly to New York and John & Vangie's for the evening and tomorrow.

True to my family history, we're packing it all in before we leave.

Fruit n' Bugs

Apparently we can't see past the end of our noses. Because just today we discovered that we're surrounded by black raspberries and blackberries all over the property.

Had no idea.

And when I say surrounded, I mean surrounded. The kids and I picked for two hours:


I even have black around my nails to prove it.


Andy got a little freaked out because he found some tiny bugs on the berries (after he'd eaten several handfuls). I had washed them thoroughly six different times and inspected each one I ate but I forgot to warn Andy to. I'm assuming they are harmless - does anyone know what they could be?

He felt a little twitchy.

Which is understandable.

Poor Baby!

This morning a friend came by and picked up Drew and Madeline for the morning. I resisted the urge to lay on the couch with my book (I'm almost done with Outlander) and managed to pack several more boxes. More importantly, though, I sorted through several years' worth of papers and recent stacks of junk mail. I think paper clutter must procreate during the night. It seems like we're always swimming in it.

When Andy got home from work he took the kids to the playground. It's a little ritual they have. Tonight he brought Adelaide along for the first time. She sat in the wagon and Drew pulled her and Madeline (under Andy's supervision, of course) all the way there.

Andy pulled it himself on the way home. He told me he looked back when the wagon suddenly felt lighter and found Adelaide face down in the gravel. He felt so awful. She had totally jumped ship.

Here she was earlier this afternoon:



And here she is now:




Poor baby!



This last one just cracks me up. She was trying to chew on her sleeve. Crazy kid.

It could be a lot worse

For one thing, we're moving back into our own house. I know where everything goes.

It's a lot smaller than our space here. I know I have to downsize.

The kitchen is a lot bigger there. Yay.

Our downstairs ceiling here is too low for our china cabinet, so it was never unpacked. All our china and the like is still packed away neatly in boxes.

Our winter clothes and coats are already packed away, too. Yay.

And, I've already gotten rid of a lot of stuff. I'm not starting from ground zero.

The Good, the Bad, the Real

It hit me today, we move in two weeks.

Two weeks.

I have a feeling it's going to be a little painful. But, on the bright side, I packed six boxes today.

I also dropped a glass salad bowl on my kitchen floor, which is linoleum-covered-concrete, and it shattered and showered the entire kitchen with glass shards. And of course it happened during the frantic last stages of dinner prep.

And then after we ate, I plopped a spaghetti-clad Adelaide in the tub, clearly not thinking about what usually happens after she eats a big meal, only to come back and find she had thoroughly pooped in the tub.

And, I'm still in my pajamas from this morning.

Yep. Painful.

Just don't tell my mom I'm not already in bed.

Hey.

We're home. We walked in the door about 10 p.m. and I made a quick trip to the store since the kids will expect breakfast tomorrow. I mean today. So we have a full fridge and empty laundry baskets, even. (I decided to go ahead and unpack completely because, well, I just got started and couldn't stop. And then I started the washer. It was an impulse.)

We had such a wonderful trip. This morning we went to church at Jordan's home church and then talked our hotel staff into a late check-out; went to Jordan's parents' house so the kids could squeeze in a nap; and then late-afternoon, we headed to the airport.

The flight was great. I think the flight attendant said there were 30 open seats. So, needless to say, we had plenty of room. The way to travel, my friends. Having Andy along made it almost jolly.

Catch y'all tomorrow. I mean, today. But, you know, later.

Hang on to your hats, folks, I've got Wedding Pictures Galore!

Just waiting:




Madeline hanging out with my cousin, Vangie (sister of the groom) :


The beautiful blushing bride:


Still waiting (wedding photos can take a while, you know):


My cousin Courtney and me (she's another sister of the groom):


The beautiful Bryonie (the eldest sister of the groom):


Andy and me, right before the ceremony:


And down the aisle she goes:


The important part:


Mr. and Mrs.:


My, what a handsome groomsman:


(He's my brother.)

John and Vangie:


Adelaide, making a run for it:


("One shoe off and one shoe on. Diddle diddle dumpling...")

Very ready for a huge piece of cake:



Steve and Adelaide, out on the dance floor (don't be jealous, Nicky):


Pastor Josh and Bry:


Dancing some more:



I don't know why I love these dancing photos so much, but I do:





(He even twirled her around a few times. I have no idea where he learned that.)

Winding down:


Resting and 'hiding' under the table:



A fabulous evening!

Wedding Festivities Update

So Thursday night was the Rehearsal Dinner. Unfortunately I can't tell you just how great it was because I spent most of my time and attention chasing and hushing my kids. And there were no high chairs. Not even one.

(And it's not like it was in a warehouse somewhere. The dinner was at a hotel, the Hilton Gardens, with banquet rooms and eateries. The last time I checked, the Hiltons had enough money to buy a couple of high chairs.)

But as far as I can tell, it was a sweet tribute to my cousin Robbie and his fiancée, Jordan. And the food was good, even mostly vegan friendly (*grin*). But we did have to leave early due to all the chasing and the hushing.

Yesterday morning we again spent by the pool. Adelaide wasn't nearly as excited about her floatie so I ended up holding her most of the time. I did let her walk around a good bit and play on the stairs. At least twice she stepped off the second stair and fell in. A face-full of water doesn't seem to phase her much.

The wedding pictures started at 4. We found that out around 2ish. But miracles do happen, and we managed to make it to the church on time. Except when we got there we realized we had left one of Drew's tux-worthy shoes back at the hotel. Always something. I did what every reasonable woman would do and sent Andy back for it. I even had him bring Adelaide along for the trip.

I'm going to do a separate post with the wedding pictures - after Andy gets back with my Starbucks.

I'm sure you understand.

Why we love us some vacation

Although, I should clarify - breakfast was not a walk in the proverbial park. By the time we managed to get downstairs, a lot of the food options were gone so we had to do a little scrambling and 'going without.' And then Madeline announced to the entire breakfast room that she "HAD TO GO POOP!"

Slightly embarrassing.

We spent the first half of today doing some of this:


Adelaide loved the water. She stayed in that floatie for well over an hour, splashing and giggling and having a grand ole time.

My other fishies...




Madeline is much more daring than Drew. She jumps of her own accord and totally trusts the floatie to catch her. Drew needs more coaxing.




And we even squeezed in a little bit of this:


Tonight we had the rehearsal and the Rehearsal Dinner. More on that later though, I'm wiped.

And this is how it's done

The flight this morning was probably the best one I've ever had with kids in tow. Having Andy along made it almost breezy. There were no lines and the kids were very well-behaved despite their high-energy and excitement.

We had to bring a LOT of stuff (including several items of baby gear), but most of our carry-ons could be piled high atop the stroller. I use the chest clips to attach the car seats to the stroller handle, a handy little trick:


Although, when we pulled up to the gate Madeline jumped out and the whole thing toppled over backwards, with Adelaide still strapped inside. Yeah, top heavy. No one was hurt except maybe my pride.

I think Drew's a little excited to go swimmin', don't you??


(Pardon my early morning face and hair.)


Being their normal silly selves:


Madeline, can you say "static cling?"


Why I drag carseats onto the plane:


Coloring in the coloring book that our new airplane friends let us use (I had an empty seat next to me and then another mom sat in the third seat and she was so nice. Her two little kids sat in the row across the aisle.):


After we landed, we found all of our checked items save one - Adelaide's carseat. (It's supposed to be delivered to our hotel by tonight and they gave us another one to use in the meantime.) Andy went off to get our rental van and the kids and I waited. And waited. And waited.

And waited.

I was starting to think he had ditched us and gone to Disneyworld.

Finally - about an hour and a half later - he pulled up outside the baggage claim doors. He'd taken a wrong turn and ended up having to go across Tampa Bay and back.

So that little, um, setback was the worst part of our day. Not too bad, in the grand scheme of things.

And as soon as we got in the rental van:




(And yes, I realize the straps are in the wrong slots - this was the one we "borrowed" for the drive to the hotel and frankly, I wasn't about to re-lace the whole thing for such a small window of use.)

Watching TV in our hotel room (because what else are you supposed to do, cooped up in a small space with a half-fridge, desk, two beds, and a tiny bathroom?):




Andy with our stash from Publix:


The kids resting and warming up after a late-afternoon swim:


Looks like it's going to be a relaxing weekend after all.

FMI

If you have a blog and come here often, and I've never left a comment for you (or say, it's been a while) leave me one so I can find my way.

Unless you don't want me to visit. In which case, never mind.

Ahem. Carry on.

Send me packing

I spent most of yesterday as Queen of the Laundry and today I need to pack for our trip - neither of which are my favorite things to do. Packing especially stresses me out.

I did also manage to referee some toddler fighting and clean up their routine messiness.

Although, there was nothing routine about them coming to me yesterday afternoon and exclaiming, "we broke our glasses!" I immediately ran with them upstairs to see what on earth they were talking so proudly about.

Turns out they had smashed their tiny night-light bulbs into smithereens all over my bedroom carpet and windowsill. On purpose. Like it was something fun to do.

I have no idea whatever put such an idea in their head or why they thought it appropriate (or fun) to completely destroy such innocent bulbs from a night-light. But they did. So needless to say, I also spent some of yesterday vacuuming minuscule bits of glass.

Later in the afternoon I broke down and gave Drew a haircut. I didn't think anyone would appreciate such a shabby-looking ring-bearer in their wedding. My trick is to give him a Tootsie-roll pop, or whatever equivalent I have on hand, to keep him occupied and looking straight ahead. It works like a charm, every time.

And now I suppose my inmates are going to require breakfast and some clothing so that they can spend another day out riding their bikes in this blistering heat.

At least Drew won't be surprised to find me inside after the sheer number of times I told him yesterday, "no, it's way too hot for mommies."

And it is.

Three.

Sampled prematurely:






Gifts from Grandmom and Grandpop:


I love Drew's reaction:


(Clearly she's been brainwashed by Drew into asking for a bike for her birthday.)


Singing "Happy Birthday to Madeline, Happy Birthday to you!":




And she's off!



There they go!

And I didn't even have to brush anyone's teeth

Andy and I had so much fun last night, pretending to be childless newlyweds.

Or six-year weds. Whichever.

He took the kids to his parents' house while I got ready, and then we went to dinner at Chili's. (Shout out to Jonesey!) Chips n' salsa and a big ol' meatless salad for me.

After dinner we tried to go put-putting, (I can't even remember the last time I mini-golfed. Probably in high school!) but they were closed. Too, too bad.

This morning we grabbed bagels and coffee at Einstein's and then headed to Wal-mart for some produce and some throw-together birthday stuff. There was a little bit of parking-lot drama involving two flashing cop cars and a megaphone. We didn't stay to find out.

Stopped at the party store on the way home because a little birdie told me a certain soon-to-be three-year old wanted purple balloons for her party. Along with plates, cups, and napkins. So demanding.

And then this afternoon I baked a chocolate cake with purple frosting, and then our college friend Monica came over to spend the afternoon and evening with us. Birthday post to follow!

Pressing the 'reset' button

So. Was there something I was going to tell you?

Oh yes.

After three months of pondering, praying, and out-and-out fence-sitting, we have finally decided to move back down to our house in the South.

Just in time for the summer heat. Yay.

The new job for Andy begins roughly the first week in July, which means that this here month of June? Crazy, in a word. We have the other wedding trip next week and we will have exactly two weeks to finish packing up the house when we get back. Insane, I tell you.

Tonight the kids are spending the night at the grandparents, so hopefully Andy and I can get our brains organized and hammer out a game plan. We also plan to have ourselves a little date because hello? Free babysitting.

So, is your head spinning? Me, too. I know you're probably wondering why on earth we've chosen this drastic change of plans and also, you know, what about that whole seminary thing?

The short reason is we've been slowly coming to realize that seminary isn't for us, at least for right now. And it happened at the same time the rental lease was up on our house with no one lined up. A house to live in is quite convenient, especially if it's yours.

And also the minor detail of a wonderful career opportunity just happening to drop in Andy's lap.

So we decided to take a deep breath and jump!

And so here we are, pressing the 'reset' button and moving on back. 'Thrilled' doesn't even come close. I never dreamed this would happen! We are, however, sad to say goodbye to the friends we've made here; sad and reluctant to leave Andy's folks.

But at the same time, we're determined to see this past year as a blessing and full of opportunities that we otherwise wouldn't have had... Andy might have always wondered about seminary. Our kids wouldn't have gotten to know their grandparents so well, not even close. And surely I wouldn't have had such a great relationship with them as I do now. Our marriage has also grown from this year, that I can't deny.

Yes, I can see many reasons the Lord moved us up here, even if only to move us back now. It's been a hard year, I'll be the first to admit. But it's also been a year of incredible lessons, for which we are thankful.

Rainy Day Blues

It rained here today, and I had a mood to match. I still don't have the use of my car, and to be utterly honest, it's beginning to grate on my last nerve. This would have been the week to walk laps around Target... something, anything to just get out of the house and change the scenery.

Thankfully, most of the week has been nice and we've been practically living outdoors. But there is something about being at home and knowing your stuck there, without any options, that is suffocating. And sometimes dull and rather lonely.

But then we got a surprise phone call tonight that put a very big smile on my face. Some of you will know exactly what I'm talking about and maybe I can be more specific tomorrow. So you'll just have to wait!

Yesterday we had some friends to visit and play; more coming tomorrow. I hope it's nice so the kids can be sent outside to play once again. And hopefully soon we'll figure out what we're going to do about our car situation so I can have my lovely one back.

That beach, it's calling my name.

In Which I Prove I Have No Shame

As if there was ever a question.



The gals over at Chic Critique are doing a little Blog Your Face event. The rules of the make-up bag tour:

1. a picture of your face, bare naked, unmade-up and fresh as a daisy
2. a list of the