The Birthday Blog

Its no big secret that I completely dig my birthday...

There is nothing better than celebrating a day that is completely devoted to you. I chose to make it a weekend thing, and had a pretty great time!

On Friday, I got to sleep in, and do a whole spa day right in my own home. Facial, tips and toes, hair, makeup, the works. Hero, me, Rybin, BK Drea, Homeowners, Root Beer, PK and Jenni went to Omaha to the Blazin Pianos bar at DJ's Dugout. I have pics, and I will post them as soon as I find the cord for the camera (again!!!). It was fun!

On Saturday, I woke up with the migraine from who-knows-where. Hero let me sleep, medicated, and with the help of munchkins, cleaned the main floor of the house so that I could have my friends over to watch the Relief Society General Broadcast. Again - absolutely fabulous! Wendy brought me some brownies. (She always makes sure that I get to blow out candles for my birthday. Last year, she brought me ice cream cake...)

Sunday I was without voice completely. For those who know me, you know this was a terrible sacrifice... As I was sitting in Sacrament meeting, one of my best guy friends (we did not date, but were really good friends!!!) walks into the back of the meeting with his wife. Of course I ran to get my hug.

After church I got to take a nap, and then my home teacher (who just happens to be Wendy's husband) brings me homemade wontons and crab rangoon... (which I have yet to share, and probably won't. Like a jury of my peers would convict me for not sharing....)

Hero ended up having to work. BLAH!!! (The troubles with being the big boss.)

We went to mom's for dinner. I got cake and ice cream (more candles).

I came home and did laundry and organized my cds. When Hero got home, he presented me with a blueberry muffin (more candles) and some roses.

All in all, a pretty fabulous weekend.

Nights in Rodanthe - 2nd Chances

I know.. I know...

My readers are getting tired of hearing about my Hero...

Here is the real story, as I am trying for this fabulous little prize!

At the ripe old age of 22, I found myself seperated from my husband, with a 20-month-old and a 2-week old. I left my life on a week's notice, telling only my very best friend, and disappeared to the shelter of my family, 1000 miles away.

2 years later (almost to the day, now that I think about it) I had been divorced for almost a year, and spent the majority of my time on the computer after my kids went to sleep.

Except for my ex-husband, I had never really dated much (He was my first boyfriend, first kiss, etc... He was a romantic - dancing, starry skies, lonely campfires in the fall, drive in movies with bubbly drinks and popcorn...) and I figured that wasn't going to change. I was overweight and I worked and I had two small children.

One night, someone bleeped in an instant message while I was web-surfing. I responded and we began "chatting" every night. Two weeks went by, and we decided to meet IRL. We went roller skating.

He gave me 3 dozen roses for Valentines Day and went as my date to a church dance a few weeks later.

He took my kids and I bumper bowling when I couldn't get a babysitter.

Three weeks into our IRL relationship, I met his parents. They told him that if he broke up with me, they were keeping me.

I still thought this was just a transient thing. I truly believed that I missed my one big chance at true love when things broke off with my ex-husband.

The Selling Point:

6 months in to the relationship...

Sunday morning - 8AM

Hero calls because he just got off an overnight shift at work.

My 2 year old had just regurgitated all of her breakfast onto her dress and mine.

I had 4 responsibilities at church that I really couldn't miss.

He walked in the door 10 minutes later, took the baby and told me to go to church. I changed and ran out the door with the other child in tow.

Sunday afternoon 12:30PM

I arrive back at home. Hero and baby are laying on the couch in the basement. He is flat on his back and she is laying on his stomach, face down, with only a diaper on, and both of them are snoring. (THIS HAS TO BE LOVE!!!)

Monday 10PM

Hero calls because he got off work (the swing shift). 4 year old and I are sharing a garbage can because the toilet is already occupied (the sickness spreads). He comes over, takes the child, gives me medicine and sends me to bed. Bathes child, gives her medicine, then sleeps on the floor in children's room so that he can get up with them.

Does it get better than this??????

We date for about three years, and then decide we are going to get married.

He never actually proposed. We were sitting at my kitchen table eating chinese food. I had a piece of sweet and sour pork in my chopsticks, lifting it to my mouth, when he says "Girls... I'm gonna marry mom. Is that okay?"

Okay, so traditional romance, candles, and music are not something that I can count on with him. What I do love is the little things.

The spotless kitchen.

The fresh towels that magically appear while I am taking a shower especially when I know I, personally, haven't washed towels in the last week or so.

Helping raise my kids.

I know that my life will never be the same again. I got to be romanced once, and I loved it, but it didn't end well. I don't need it again. What I need, want and live for is someone to share my life with. I need the little things. Hero is my great second chance and my true partner, love and friend.

Just stuff

LDS Living picked up the story of NieNie.

In other news...

My daughter wore my running shoes to school today... They fit her perfectly...

When did that happen??

Let's Hear it for the Boy!!!

DJ Hero-B has struck again.

Yesteray morning and today, he has gotten up with the munchies so I could sleep in before work. I got up at 9AM today, 8 AM yesterday. (I know this doesn't sound like sleeping in, but when you work until 11PM and your kids are gone on the bus at 7:20AM, 9AM is heaven on earth.)

The plan is to work a good 50-60 hours this week. Our Houston calling center is down (DUH!) this week, so we need to cover their hours. They are offering an extra $5 per hour, over and above overtime, TIPS and regular pay. (Just so you understand, right now I make between $11 and $15 per hour. with this extra pay, that will go to $20 per hour, without counting the overtime.) Of course I am going to do this. I put in a twelve hour day yesterday and am going to repeat it today, tomorrow, Thursday and Friday I will do ten. Saturday I will do 6. I'm taking Sunday off.

I got home last night and there were groceries in the fridge, clean-ness in the kitchen, the living room and in our bedroom. Then Hero put some money in my account at the bank so I could get food, and cover some bills that were bigger than budgeted.

HOW GREAT IS HE???

On a side-note... Praying that NieNie and her family are blessed today, and that the surgery goes well.

Hanging Out to Dry...

Hero got home late last night. I don't remember much of it because my semi-comatic state barely registered his attempts at cuddling me. I feel a little bad about that.

This morning I got the munchies off to the bus, and then went back to bed, and woke up at ten. I was supposed to get into work by nine today. In my feeble (and half-asleep) fashion this morning, I discovered that the basis for any outifit I might choose to wear were all in the dirty clothes hamper.

Off I go downstairs to clean clothes. Mutual benefits: I won't go back to sleep. I can play on the computer. I won't be tempted to wake up Hero, who didn't sleep much. One load should do it except that our dryer has developed a bit of a 'tude.

The door won't stay shut. You have to prop up something heavy against the door to make sure that the door won't pop open, thereby stopping the drying sequence, and extending the length of time you are graced with my musings. Currently there is a full clothes hamper and a full storage tote propped against the door. I also had to turn down my music so I could hear if the dryer did stop.

I do have a clothesline in my backyard, and when it is not raining, I am not in a big hurry, and I am going to be home, I will actually use it. There is just something about fresh laundry from an outdoor line. It just smells, and feels, good. Why is it that the best things in life come to those who wait???

I thought once about a story I read where a mom decided she had had enough being a grown up and wanted to be a dog for awhile. Aside from the sanitation issues of relieving oneself outside and eating from a bowl that sits outside in the dirt all day, I can see her point.

One of my girlfriends was having a rough day with one of her sons. She had fed him his favorite dinner, bathed him, and then put him in his dark bedroom with one book, quiet music, and then removed everyone else in the house to another floor so he could go to sleep, by himself. The child did not appreciate this. I wanted to know exactly how bad I had to be to get this "punishment".

I think sometimes, as women, we forget that we need to take some time to just hang out to dry... Let all of the stuff that runs us through the ringer (i.e. the washing machine - the cleaning, child care, the husband support, the church stuff, the community stuff) and just let it all seep out in the wonder that is sunshine and fresh air. Yeah, we could hurry through the dryer, run the risk of shrinkage and static, and most of the time, we do. But sometimes we just need to HANG OUT! The great thing is, the fam loves this kinda stuff too. Munchies love hanging stuff on the line, we talk and we laugh. It makes it so worthwhile. Then they play while I sit in my chair on the back porch and read my book, taking pictures of how cute they really are, because I know that isn't going to last either.

I didn't realize how big they were until last night when I picked them up at Enrichment nursery last night and they were the ones "in charge." They were the oldest ones in there, taking care of 6 other children, and doing a pretty great job. When did that happen? Suffice it to say, they earned an ice cream, and we enjoyed it the whole way home.

My pearl of wisdom for the day - Take the time to hang out and dry!!! (We could all stand to smell and feel pretty good!!!)

Orron, We Are Praying For You

I grew up in the military.

My family moved to Nebraska when I was a freshman in high school.

My next younger brother, The Judge, followed in SuperHill's footsteps and joined the Army National Gaurd to help pay for school.

He got deployed last week to help with the hurricane efforts.

I found out yesterday.

I was at Wonder Woman's when The Judge called to fill WW in on where he was and what was going on.

He is fine, and currently in Alexandria. They are waiting to see what Ike does before they come home.

The Judge's wife (who I have yet to blog-nickname), is pregnant with their second child and first son, (Nathaniel????) due early November. The Judge's wife's birthday was Saturday. The Judge left THursday. ick.... Their daughter, EEAH (WW loves this nickname but it is strictly a blog-only title), is 20 months old. Auntie Shannon is going to make a phone call to see if EEAH can play this weekend.

Good luck Judge! Come home soon!!!

Holdin' Out For A Hero

So my husband totally digs his new nickname...

I guess I should probably explain.

Before I got the new phone, DJ Hero-B's ring was "Holding Out For a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler. There are many reasons, I guess, but probably the biggest one is that he came along at a point in my life when I didn't know how I was going to move on in the love department. He didn't demand anything I wasn't willing to give. He was patient, and 6 1/2 years later, we have been married for just over 3 years. Sometimes the days are not so great, but then there are days like this weekend when the world is so fabulous.

This morning I woke up wrapped up in the warmth of my husband's arms. I'm one of those people who can't fall asleep with people smothering me, so, he waits until I am asleep, and then cuddles me. It was especially wonderful since it was FREEZING in our bedroom because the windows were open. He kissed me gently and said, "I need to get up."

He didn't want to move because he didn't want me to wake up mid-jostle. He sweetly woke me up first.

HOW CUTE IS THAT???

I think he knows I am going to miss him. He leaves early tomorrow morning for Las Vegas (yes, without me, again) for a work thing. He'll be back until very early morning on Friday. I will be working that whole day, and have church stuff on Saturday, then he works Saturday night, then, hopefully we will both be off on Sunday. I can't wait!

FYI-His new ringtone is the UNL Husker Fight Song: There is no place like Nebraska!

My husband the Comedian

DJ Hero-B thinks he is hilarious.

I suppose sometimes he has a point.

Regularly, he is in charge of the evening activities because I work nights. He gets the girls fed, homeworked, piano practiced, and in bed (they are responsible for their own hygiene).

The other night, I went to a fabulous concert with some friends, and Hero-B wanted to go out with his friend, BK-J, the next night.

He says to me, during a conversation, "O-M-G"

"What are you yelling at Him for?" I say.

"He didn't read my resume."

"What resume?"

"The one that said I wanted to be a husband, not a babysitter and dishwasher."

I guess you can't beat the benefits....

Love ya hun!!!!

My New Blog Title

I'm taking a little inspiration from Nie Nie, who I was introduced to through several friends (thanks Wen, Chris, Deb, et al..). Even though we have never met in person, I know that she is a wonderful person who has set a beautiful example for others. Please do click on the link, if you don't know Stephanie. Her story is amazing!!!

I have a tendancy to be a bit of a grump... (SHOCKER!!!! I know.) I also have a tendency to put myself first, rather than others.

It gets especially bad when I get so caught up in the day to days of life that I realize how important it is to focus on the good stuff. So, I'm changing the focus of this blog to reflect the good stuff in life, the stuff that helps me remember that my Heavenly Father loves me. That He loves my husband, my children, my family members, my friends, and even those people I think I really could live without.

For the record, I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most wonderful message anyone could ever receive. I love knowing that there is someone out there who knows all of my pain, sadness and sorrow, and who wants to help me get through it. It humbles me to know that he cares for me enough to die for me. Then He came back to show me how to live that I might return to live with Him.

I love this picture. I love that He is talking with these women. He knows them. He loves them. He recognizes the busy-ness of day to day life, and reminds us to put it all aside to appreciate the things He teaches.

He sent me a best friend in the Holy Ghost, who can be with me, anytime, anywhere, as long as I am doing my best to follow the commandments of the Lord.

He also sent prophets, seers and revelators to continue to teach me the things that I should know, be and do to return to my Heavenly Father. I know that these men are truly mouthpieces for the Lord, and that by hearkening to what they say we are blessed.

My Heavenly Father also gave me a wonderful family, parents, husband, children, brothers, sisters, extended family and friends, who enrich my life and are the best sources of love that I know. And, while I don't say it enough, I hope they all know how much I love them, and how grateful I am for the love they show me.

At this point in my life, there is nowhere I would rather be than among all these wonderful blessings!

Thank you Stephanie for being my inspiration. May blessings come to your family in this time of hardship, and know that we are all praying for your family, and for the Lord's will to be done!

Labor Day Weekend

Crazy, but fun, weekend. It was nice to just be able to relax a little.

I made these earrings at work between calls. Never done anything like it before. It was different, but good!!!


Elizabeth loved playing at Grandma's.

Athena and Caroline joined us at my mom's for the Husker game on Saturday. Athena was all excited about the baseball stuff.

The Styx concert Monday night with Christy, Shauna and Wendy was great!!!





































Sunday night, I spent a couple of hours cleaning off the girls bookshelves. i'm going to be rearrangin a bunch of stuff, and needed the space. Plus, I needed some books for some activities, and couldn't find them.

There must have been a hero vibe in the air this weekend. My one friend's husband came home from work early so she could rest, and actually held down the fort for the afternoon and evening so she could sleep.


I'm having my own little form of hero worship - in the form of my husband.

While I was dealing with children and bookshelves, he was upstairs in the kitchen. It took him about an hour, but look at how amazing!!!!









Brownie points for sure!!!!

Set the Night to Music....

I have been waiting for months for this concert... Starship and Survivor.

Okay, I know that I don't come off as the type of person who loves hair rock bands from the 80's... but I kinda am.

My friend Wendy and I made a night of it, and had a great time!!!

Many of their well-known songs are on my playlist, so feel free to click and listen!!!

I have pictures of the Survivor part of the concert, but I only took video at the Starship part. (Which I found out later I wasn't supposed to.) When I tried to download the video to the computer, I was told that my USB port is not fast enough.

I'll get that remedied and post the videos!!!
Wendy and I picked up the "Fair Fare" - corn dogs, lemonades, and made for the openair auditorium. When we saw REO Speedwagon two years ago, we arrived an hour early and had to sit outside the auditorium on the grass because it was packed!!! This year we got benches. We were chatting, listening to the sound checks (because that is what you do before concerts if you are early) and enjoying the running banter behind us.

From what I can gather, these two midddle-aged women had been sitting in their seats since 4:30 waiting for the concert. They had already listened to 2 sound checks, and just wanted the band.

Wendy and I kept laughing at the comments.

20 before the concert started, my phone rang. (I had been gone maybe 30 minutes.) Hailey got bit by a neighbor dog. I got up and went to where it wasn't so.... noisy, and talked to DJ.

Okay, it is a bichon. He is not violent. He was scared of the bike and chased and bit her.

DJ (my hero) cleaned it up, put some antibiotic ointment on it, and she's fine. He told me he could handle it, and I culd stay at the concert. Of course, I had a great time, but I felt like a lousy mom.

Wendy and I had to find new seats after I took the call. That's too bad.

The next morning, to help Hailey feel better I showed her the video of "We Built This City." The girls have loved that song forever. and it did make her pretty happy.

I totally understand the law, but my doctor, if I had come in to check her out, would have had to call the police and report the bite. Of course I am not going to report this. It is a natural response for a scared dog to bite.

I was pretty casual about it, because I know Hailey would have freaked if I did. The mom of the dog was more upset. I told her not to worry. Hailey is fine.

My bigger concern was Hailey developing a fear of dogs. I did call my friend and ask her to bring over her dog, though. Fatty is a big german shepard, golden retriever cross who basks in attention. He sat, and Hailey went right up to pet him. She'll be fine. She's a SURVIVOR!!!!

Up and Away!!!

I'll admit it... I stole the picture from Christy, but I loved the message behind this act.

If you want to know what we are doing, please click on the Christy link.

By the way - the balloons are Bird-Friendly!!!

Mood Rings

Ever played with Mood Rings???

They were all the rage in my junior high school.

I always had a little problem with these charming little faux jewels.

Mine always turned blue.

Blue meant you were "in love" woo-ooo. Being overweight, and tremendously unpopular, not to mention a total nerd, orchestra geek and uncool only exacerbated the problem. (Truth be told... I did have a little crush on this guy in my junior high school. His name was Jesse, but no one knew, I think. He was super cute, smart, and funny. Suffice to say that as pretty as he was should have clued me in to something I was completely unaware of in junior high school...)

The general idea behind the mood ring is that there is this strip of some magic something that registers changes in body temperature based upon your moods. Different colors, different feelings, because we all know that when your moods change, your temperature does too. (By the way, this has never been scientifically proven - although it does make a little sense.)

I am normally a warm blooded person. Shoveling snow, no mittens, in 0 degree weather, for 30 minutes still registered my hands warm. My house is always colder that 70 degrees because I get hot too fast. My good friends know that if they are cold, odds are good sitting next to me (or falling asleep on me....) they will warm right up. Its probably a big part of why I put babies to sleep. I'm warm and soft. None the less, my internal temperature is always below 98 degrees (for reasons I cannot begin to fathom).

I digress...

I guess my ring should have turned blue this month, and I didn't even realize it.

My husband admitted defeat. He asked me what I wanted for an anniversary present. I told him he should know me by now. We have been together for 5 and a half years, right??? He reminded me that boys are stupid when it comes to stuff like this, and he needed help. So I created a list for him. (Have you girls ever done this???? Made a list of "approved gifts" for your husband/fiance/boyfriend to purchase for you?) The funny thing was I could think of THINGS I wanted for presents, but none of them were things I wanted him to get for me. Why is that? I need a new piano bench. I even know which one I want, but for some reason, it is not good enough for him to get it for me. Then I realized what I did want from him. I wanted him to put some thought into a gift for me. I wanted him to spend some time and effort on me, rather than buy me something with a huge pricetag (although flowers and jewelry are always fabulous).

I received word that my masseuse at work was no longer coming to my work. This devastated me. My back, neck and shoulders are screaming for attention. It's been a stressful month. SO - the love of my life offers to get me a massage at Center Stage for our anniversary. I should have taken him up on it, but at that time I didn't know when I could find an hour to go. It wasn't until much later that I realized he does stuff like that all the time, and I don't pay any attention to it. He may not make the huge gestures, but the little things are always there, and he is always supporting me.

Why do we do this??? Not realize what we have until well after the fact. I don't know...

I've been thinking a lot about time lately. I am reminded of those commercials for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where they say, "isn't it about time?" Then I realize that time is a relative term mortals use to define their mortality. I watched the movie "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" the other day, and was reminded that if we don't pay attention, we are going to miss things, and that some people don't get these experiences at all.

I don't want to miss things. But sometimes I do. Putting on a mood ring in the morning after a night spent on your dresser will take the color a few minutes to change. You forget your wearing it, and the colors change. Every so often you look down and see, and surprise yourself. Sometimes it is blue. Sometimes it is green. Sometimes it is amber (great color by the way). Kids do this too. You blink and they grow, and change. You might miss it.

People change too. Attitudes, perspectives. The world is full of change, and all of it is fleeting. Some of it is an illusion, and some is more permanent. I've been letting time get away from me lately. The colors are changing, the kids are growing, and I am missing it.

If only it were so easy as looking down and seeing a ring to know that you should pay attention. If only a ring could tell you what you are feeling. If only we could see into our own hearts, and the love we feel there for the ones we love.

And now I am glad that silly ring is still blue.

What color would your ring be???

Dark blue: Happy, romantic or passionate

Blue: Calm or relaxed

Blue-green: Somewhat relaxed

Green: Normal or average

Amber: A little nervous or anxious

Gray: Very nervous or anxious

Black: Stressed, tense or feeling harried

You're Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins

Okay... love this song.

The first time I heard it on the radio, it immediately followed Lost in this Moment by Big and Rich.

It's kinda become my mantra recently.

Between the girls, work, piano, church, house maintanence, etc, I feel like time is just whizzing by me - and I'm missing it.

So, I plan to do things that will keep me engaged, at least a little.

Every morning, I get up and have breakfast wth Hailey and Katie. I actually cook and everything. They read the scriptures, and we all benefit. Maybe I'm not missing it.

I know that sounds really lazy, but when you don't get to bed until after 12:30 AM, almost 1:00, getting up to have breakfast at 7am to catch a 7:25 bus is a feat.

Dj has been suffering with cellulitis this weekend. It's been hard, and I know he hurts. I hope he gets better soon.

All in all, the next few months are going to be crazy busy, but I know that we will get through. As long as I take the time to be with my kids, it will work out!

Monday Music Monologue - Walking in Memphis

I have always loved the piano part in this song. (DUH.. I'm a piano player!)

However, I am using this song this week because my parents are in Memphis this weekend and had a great time.

I really like the explanations of the symbols (click on the title link!!). Don't forget to play the song on my playlist.

Communication

My KX-12 has retired. I upgraded to this beautiful baby. I'm still getting used to it.

It was interesting though to consider the elements of communication in today's world.

In two point seven seconds, we can learn anything we ever didn't want to know about anything, by simply sitting in front of a computer.

Handwriting is no longer a priority, or grammar, or spelling, because we text and you need to omit the unneccesary letters. Our 8 year olds can't be caught dead without their cell phone, and will call their friends walking to class two halls over.

omg(sh) i cnt bleve she sd tht crzy

What happened to the beauty of formality?? What happened to the beauty of the written and spoken word?

Whatever happened to going to a library to use a book to find the information you needed for that research project? (Please do not ask what a book is...)

Encyclopedias, the actual books in everyone's den from when I was a kid, are now obsolete. Outdated, time consuming and 2-dimensional, anyone would be stupid to refer to these for solid information. At any given time one can pull up a 3-d animated graphic plus instructional video for anything they want to know. SO what are we learning?

The Big Five

Rules-Each player answers the questions themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answers.

The Five Ten years ago…

Hailey was finally gaining back her birth weight.
I was getting ready to start my elementary ed practicum at BYU.
We moved into a new apartment even closer to campus.
I got my Honda Accord - which I loved! GREAT CAR!
I was working as a mother's helper for a family with 4 boys.

Five things on today’s “to do” list…

Garbage Day
Vacuum the living room and down the hall
10 hours at work
Dishes
Bank

Five snacks I enjoy

Graham crackers and milk
crackers and cheese and tuna
1/2 a PB & strawberry J and milk
Mallowcorn and strawberry soda
Oreos and milk

Five things I would do if I was a millionaire…

pay off all debt
set up accounts for kids and retirement
invest
travel
new car

Five places I have lived…

Lincoln Nebraska
Provo Utah
Fairbanks Alaska
San Antonio Texas

That's about it!

I am tagging Angie, Amy, Allison, Stacy, and Alison.

Disney Girls

For those of you who read my posts via reader, you have missed the new countdown timer on the right hand column.

You got it... we are Orlando bound (again!!!).

We did Disney a few years ago with the Hill entourage (and I mean almost everybody). Then, we went to Universal Studios and Sea World with my mom, dad and sibs (less Aaron-on a mission and Whitney-as yet undiscovered).

Now we are going back, and taking DJ's fam with us.

I am so excited!!! Pretty sure everyone else is too...

Going Going Gone...

24 days...

I took Hailey and Katie to Washington on Friday. I was there two hours, then turned around and came right back (Standby is wonderful!!!). (12 hours on a plane is not)

I hate it when they are gone. I feel so... incomplete.

I mean, I have stuff I need to do. I have a husband who likes the attention and having me to himself. I have a house to clean. I have work that loves extra hours. I help with church stuff. But I feel like I am not a whole person.

I'm not gonna lie. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for those two little girls. We got through a lot of tough stuff just the three of us. Still, when they leave, I remember that I should be a person without them, so I am stronger for them when they come back.

I guess that is what it means to be a mom. You sacrifice the little things of yourself to be everything to others. Then when they aren't there, you don't know what to do. Don't get me wrong, I love a little vacation now and then from the rigors of daily life (hence Kansas City in May) but give me a few days, and I don't know what to do. I totally get the empty nest thing.

I held my friend's son on Sunday at church. I take partial credit for him. I was present at birth (labor coach and massage therapist) and then I was daycare. It helped to have him sit with me. I also told one of my friends I would play with her kids this week so she could have little break. I'm dealing. One day at a time... 24 days and counting...

Tourists

I am the hugest fan of Lincoln Safari so when my mom brought me the Passport to Lincoln from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, I was so excited I couldn't stand it. I love living in a place that encourages you to look around and appreciate what is here. Especially since gas is so expensive and I really need something for my kids to do.

So tomorrow, it is pretty likely that DJ and I are going to spend the day running the girls all over the city looking at things. I asked him if we could take the bus even, and he said no.

Guess what came yesterday in the mail??? My season pass to the Nebraska State Fair. For $55 total, I will get to see Tracy Byrd, Boyz II Men, Styx, Survivor, Starship, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I already told my boss that I was not available most of the evenings the week of the fair, and my husband pretty much has given up hope on me. Anyone wanna go???

(I tried to upload cute pictures of my kids, but it didn't work very well... Soon to be posted!!!)