It's our last night at the Arlington house. Tomorrow the truck comes to load up the beds, drawer-less dressers, piano, washer/dryer, dining room table and chairs, 2 sofas, 2 rockers, and a coffee table. Otherwise, there might be 6-10 boxes of "stuff" left to move. You know, the last 5% of stuff that you can't put in its place because its place is at the other house. It's a miracle.
You can pray that the moving helpers are able to load those big furniture items quickly. We're losing most of our help by 12noon tomorrow. My hope is that they can load, move and unload by 1pm. It's possible! There's not much here, really, and there are 4 or 5 of them.
Plus it's a crazy-busy day with swim practice, the littles' last swim lesson, and a meet at 5. The last meet ran till 11. I'm hoping this one will be more efficient.
But for now, it's time for a little Arrested Development with the hubby. G'night, errybody!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Playing Secretary
Right now Brian and I are working together, tag-teaming the utility companies to disconnect services to our current address and establish services at our new one. This is fun. We're both on the phone, multi-tasking and trying to have a conversation over the hold music.
Gas? check. Electric? check. Water? check. Trash pick up? check. Cable? cancelled for good. Change of address? check.
Wait--look! It's 5:01. Quittin' time.
Who am I kidding? This job never ends. But it IS much more fun doing the work with Brian than by myself.
Gas? check. Electric? check. Water? check. Trash pick up? check. Cable? cancelled for good. Change of address? check.
Wait--look! It's 5:01. Quittin' time.
Who am I kidding? This job never ends. But it IS much more fun doing the work with Brian than by myself.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Mercies Anew
My first thought this morning: Praise the Lord it's not yesterday.
Praise the Lord for stormy weather that cancelled swim practice this morning. Brian took the kids to get donuts and I made coffee (first time in over a week) and took a shower (yes, in the morning). We can chill to cool coffeehouse music and pack for the lake (we leave Friday) and for the move (the big truck comes Thursday).
Snappy and Apathy have gone. Laughter has returned.
God is good. All the time. I'm so thankful his mercies are new every morning and that he doesn't wait for me to get my act together to save me from myself.
Praise the Lord for stormy weather that cancelled swim practice this morning. Brian took the kids to get donuts and I made coffee (first time in over a week) and took a shower (yes, in the morning). We can chill to cool coffeehouse music and pack for the lake (we leave Friday) and for the move (the big truck comes Thursday).
Snappy and Apathy have gone. Laughter has returned.
God is good. All the time. I'm so thankful his mercies are new every morning and that he doesn't wait for me to get my act together to save me from myself.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Wouldn't You Like To Get Away?
My kids are at the pool with Brian so I could run to the grocery store for dinner. I tried to get sushi for a treat for me, but there were no smaller packages. So I bought Raisin Nut Bran instead, rushed home, and am watching Cheers on Netflix until the others get back while I enjoy a bowl before dinner.
Brian and I have agreed that this is the worst day ever. Maybe really ever. For both of us. Prayers are appreciated. This is going to be a crazy week.
Brian and I have agreed that this is the worst day ever. Maybe really ever. For both of us. Prayers are appreciated. This is going to be a crazy week.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Apologies and Thanks
I will have the MBR packed this afternoon if it kills me. That means it has to be done before 4:30, because there's a swim meet we need to leave for then.
And can I just apologize to anyone who has been to my house in the last year or so for the level of filth I have become numb to and unaware of? I knew I wasn't getting to the deep cleaning, but I had no idea I'd let it get this bad. So I'm sorry. Really, really sorry. And thank you for not reporting me to the health dept.
And can I just apologize to anyone who has been to my house in the last year or so for the level of filth I have become numb to and unaware of? I knew I wasn't getting to the deep cleaning, but I had no idea I'd let it get this bad. So I'm sorry. Really, really sorry. And thank you for not reporting me to the health dept.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Helpful and Convenient
Ever lived far away from family but been so so so so thankful to be able to keep up via FB, blogs, and Skype?
Ever wondered what happened to old so-and-so from high school, googled her name, and found out she lives in your town now? You touch base for fun and now you're best friends? (no, me either; but it could happen.)
Ever been overwhelmingly grateful to be able to keep up on FB with all the people you're blessed to know for just one or two years in person?
Ever realized that without the internet, all those goodbyes in May would really be so-long-for-goods, at least till heaven.
Ever wondered what it was like for Ma to leave her family in the Big Woods, not knowing if she'd ever see or hear from them again, and been grateful it's not that way for us?
Ever thought of how much paper is being saved because we blog online vs. writing in journals?
Ever considered how many hand-written letters, envelopes, and stamps it would take to replace one day's emails?
Ever been repeatedly amazed that there are always two sides to the same coin?
Ever wondered what happened to old so-and-so from high school, googled her name, and found out she lives in your town now? You touch base for fun and now you're best friends? (no, me either; but it could happen.)
Ever been overwhelmingly grateful to be able to keep up on FB with all the people you're blessed to know for just one or two years in person?
Ever realized that without the internet, all those goodbyes in May would really be so-long-for-goods, at least till heaven.
Ever wondered what it was like for Ma to leave her family in the Big Woods, not knowing if she'd ever see or hear from them again, and been grateful it's not that way for us?
Ever thought of how much paper is being saved because we blog online vs. writing in journals?
Ever considered how many hand-written letters, envelopes, and stamps it would take to replace one day's emails?
Ever been repeatedly amazed that there are always two sides to the same coin?
Sunday, June 19, 2011
False Community
Ever wanted to tell a story about what you were up to lately to a friend who reads your blog? And you realize she already knows what you're going to say because you published it a few days ago?
Ever felt like you know someone when you don't really know them in person? Like you follow them on FB so you know what's going on but don't ask in person so that you don't seem like a stalker? Or seem like even more than just an aquaintance?
Ever realized you haven't had a real conversation with a real live friend in way too long because you can keep up with them online? Or that a friend--a real friend whom you love--is moving but it's not going to affect your relationship much because it's mostly over the computer anyway?
Ever realize but not care that you're spending too much time on the computer when there are other much more needed things to be done around the house? or with people in the house?
Ever thought people think they know YOU because they read your blog? That they think everything is honky-dory because you don't publish all the junk (edited for Mrs. Abernathy) that's going on in your mind and life?
Ever wish people would update their blog so that you'll know what's going on with them and you're tired of waiting for an update? But not tired enough to call them because you don't have their number since you haven't actually spoken since high school?
Ever considered that blogging and following blogs are the new soap opera for at-home moms who need an escape from their small world often filled with small people?
Ever realized how ironically lonely it is to be a part of such a large and actively involved group of people?
Ever felt like you know someone when you don't really know them in person? Like you follow them on FB so you know what's going on but don't ask in person so that you don't seem like a stalker? Or seem like even more than just an aquaintance?
Ever realized you haven't had a real conversation with a real live friend in way too long because you can keep up with them online? Or that a friend--a real friend whom you love--is moving but it's not going to affect your relationship much because it's mostly over the computer anyway?
Ever realize but not care that you're spending too much time on the computer when there are other much more needed things to be done around the house? or with people in the house?
Ever thought people think they know YOU because they read your blog? That they think everything is honky-dory because you don't publish all the junk (edited for Mrs. Abernathy) that's going on in your mind and life?
Ever wish people would update their blog so that you'll know what's going on with them and you're tired of waiting for an update? But not tired enough to call them because you don't have their number since you haven't actually spoken since high school?
Ever considered that blogging and following blogs are the new soap opera for at-home moms who need an escape from their small world often filled with small people?
Ever realized how ironically lonely it is to be a part of such a large and actively involved group of people?
Friday, June 17, 2011
Moving Madness
The kids are back. The Browns leave tomorrow. Many thanks to them and my parents for taking them so we can pack. They had a really great time in both spots!
The kitchen is moved, spices and all. Time for macky cheese, hot dogs, and frozen pizza. Some of the hanging clothes are gone too. And the see-saw, roller coaster, and most of the patio furniture. The closets are mostly empty. The basement has been cleared out.
I suppose it's time to reserve a big truck to get the last of whatever's here in a week and a half.
I suppose I should pack for the vacation we're taking the day after we move out so I know where all those necessities are when it's time to throw everything else on the truck.
It's 9:34pm, and I'm so wiped out I can't see straight. I've taken a full van load over to the new house every day for well over a week; that means I loaded it and unloaded it. But I'm SOOOOOOO craving a real Coke. But I don't want the caffeine. But I'd go chug from the 2L if I didn't think it'd keep me up till midnight. But a sip couldn't hurt, I don't think...
The kitchen is moved, spices and all. Time for macky cheese, hot dogs, and frozen pizza. Some of the hanging clothes are gone too. And the see-saw, roller coaster, and most of the patio furniture. The closets are mostly empty. The basement has been cleared out.
I suppose it's time to reserve a big truck to get the last of whatever's here in a week and a half.
I suppose I should pack for the vacation we're taking the day after we move out so I know where all those necessities are when it's time to throw everything else on the truck.
It's 9:34pm, and I'm so wiped out I can't see straight. I've taken a full van load over to the new house every day for well over a week; that means I loaded it and unloaded it. But I'm SOOOOOOO craving a real Coke. But I don't want the caffeine. But I'd go chug from the 2L if I didn't think it'd keep me up till midnight. But a sip couldn't hurt, I don't think...
The BIG and EXCITING Announcement
The BIG and EXCITING Announcement:
To win a FREE month of Boot Camp for you and a friend of your choice ($398 value- two 3-day/week camps) you need to already BE A MEMBER OF THIS FACEBOOK PAGE, https://www.facebook.com/stl.adventure.bootcamp, OR JOIN it for the vote to count. If you are already a member then you just post “St. Louis Adventure Boot Camp ROCKS and I want to join up for FREE!” on the page. Get your friends to like the page and vote for you by posting on the page "ST LOUIS ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP ROCKS, AND SO DOES ___________”(insert name of person they are voting for to win).
The person with the most votes by 11pm on Friday, June 24 wins! You have one week to tell your friends, ask them to be a member of this page, and then to VOTE for You!! They must be a member of the group for the vote to count. Only 1 vote per person. The free camps must be redeemed in 2011. Winner will be announced Saturday, June 25.
Let’s ROCK this facebook group!
https://www.facebook.com/stl.adventure.bootcamp
To win a FREE month of Boot Camp for you and a friend of your choice ($398 value- two 3-day/week camps) you need to already BE A MEMBER OF THIS FACEBOOK PAGE, https://www.facebook.com/stl.adventure.bootcamp, OR JOIN it for the vote to count. If you are already a member then you just post “St. Louis Adventure Boot Camp ROCKS and I want to join up for FREE!” on the page. Get your friends to like the page and vote for you by posting on the page "ST LOUIS ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP ROCKS, AND SO DOES ___________”(insert name of person they are voting for to win).
The person with the most votes by 11pm on Friday, June 24 wins! You have one week to tell your friends, ask them to be a member of this page, and then to VOTE for You!! They must be a member of the group for the vote to count. Only 1 vote per person. The free camps must be redeemed in 2011. Winner will be announced Saturday, June 25.
Let’s ROCK this facebook group!
https://www.facebook.com/stl.adventure.bootcamp
Monday, June 13, 2011
Head 'Em Up...
...and move 'em out!
The gist of the last week is that I'm packing the house. My parents came last weekend and left with Patrick and Lillian on Wednesday. The kids went with Lilla and Jim (my in-laws) on Saturday and they will all come back this Wednesday. So while I have just 2 kids, and big, helpful kids at that, I'm packing, loading the van, and unloading at the new house as much as possible. Our final, big-furniture move date is the end of this month. Until then, our landlord is being oh so gracious to let us take things over as we can.
This past Saturday some friends came and helped us mov their furniture (have I said it is a fully-furnished house?) around in the house to the places where we'd use or store it. So now it's ready for our things to come.
Today though I am tired. I need perseverance, but first swimteam! I am still dressed from bootcamp this morning. I thought I'd go walk the track during practice, but I'm reconsidering. Maybe another hour of rest will help me work harder for the rest of the day?
The gist of the last week is that I'm packing the house. My parents came last weekend and left with Patrick and Lillian on Wednesday. The kids went with Lilla and Jim (my in-laws) on Saturday and they will all come back this Wednesday. So while I have just 2 kids, and big, helpful kids at that, I'm packing, loading the van, and unloading at the new house as much as possible. Our final, big-furniture move date is the end of this month. Until then, our landlord is being oh so gracious to let us take things over as we can.
This past Saturday some friends came and helped us mov their furniture (have I said it is a fully-furnished house?) around in the house to the places where we'd use or store it. So now it's ready for our things to come.
Today though I am tired. I need perseverance, but first swimteam! I am still dressed from bootcamp this morning. I thought I'd go walk the track during practice, but I'm reconsidering. Maybe another hour of rest will help me work harder for the rest of the day?
Monday, June 6, 2011
Promotion Commotion
This Sunday was Promotion Sunday at our church. Sarah Frances is in a 3rd and 4th grade class now, which seems strange because that's the age of Mary Claire Gurley, Joanna Hotten, Katie Hood, Laura Herren, Izzy Smoke, and all the other girls who were in the 3rd and 4th grade SS class that we taught at Faith just before we left Birmingham. But those are BIG girls--I'm sure my child isn't old enough to be in that class. But she is.
And Catherine is in the 1st and 2nd grade class. Wow, I think she's a lot older than she is. When I look at those kids, they seem like babies. I really should remember she's not any bigger than they are. Cause she's not.
(How can both of these things be true at the same time? That one child seems too young and the other too old. Something is wrong here.)
And Patrick? Well, he went straight to his class and I didn't check on him so I don't know yet...
Lillian is in the 3yo class. That means she's no longer in the nursery. That means we are to pick her up after SS is over and she goes to worship with us. That means I don't pick her up from the nursery after worship.
That means we are through with the church nursery. Holy-moly! It's been almost 9 years since we've not had a little one in the nursery. I seriously wasn't sure what to do after worship. Was I supposed to just go straight to my car and leave with all my brood since there was no necessary stopping along the way? I guess we'll still be making a long stop at the playground for a while, so I can visit with other mommas there vs. in the hallway at pick-up... Crazy, I tell ya. Crazy.
And Catherine is in the 1st and 2nd grade class. Wow, I think she's a lot older than she is. When I look at those kids, they seem like babies. I really should remember she's not any bigger than they are. Cause she's not.
(How can both of these things be true at the same time? That one child seems too young and the other too old. Something is wrong here.)
And Patrick? Well, he went straight to his class and I didn't check on him so I don't know yet...
Lillian is in the 3yo class. That means she's no longer in the nursery. That means we are to pick her up after SS is over and she goes to worship with us. That means I don't pick her up from the nursery after worship.
That means we are through with the church nursery. Holy-moly! It's been almost 9 years since we've not had a little one in the nursery. I seriously wasn't sure what to do after worship. Was I supposed to just go straight to my car and leave with all my brood since there was no necessary stopping along the way? I guess we'll still be making a long stop at the playground for a while, so I can visit with other mommas there vs. in the hallway at pick-up... Crazy, I tell ya. Crazy.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Go Cards--Part Deux!
Some of Our Favorite Spots, 2011
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| Spring 2011 under the Arch |
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| The bottom of Art Hill |
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| At the top of Art Hill |
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| St. Louis Zoo |
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| The Science Center and Planetarium |
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| Cardinal's Stadium |
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| Goofy girl shaking a bee-bee! |
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| Some of the fountains at City Gardens |
Go Cards!
This week is apparently the week of Cardinals games for us. My parents gave Patrick some birthday money for he and Brian to go to a game together. I asked some friends who would know about the best way to get tickets, and one of them gave us FOUR. Four GREAT seats!
So we were able to call Patrick's friend, Alex, and his dad, Dan, to go with them. They were about 20 rows behind the third base dugout, and Dan caught a foul ball! Patrick ate a hot dog, nachos, a pretzel with honey mustard, had lemonade and Sprite to drink, and bought a souvenir mini-bat. Oh, and they rode the Metro to and from the game.
What a perfect night to celebrate a little boy turning five! Thank you, Gamma and Mary Ann!
Then we got an email last night from a friend who wanted to give us 5 tix they couldn't use for tonight! So off we go this evening too to cheer for our red birds! This is turning out to be an amazing staycation!!
So we were able to call Patrick's friend, Alex, and his dad, Dan, to go with them. They were about 20 rows behind the third base dugout, and Dan caught a foul ball! Patrick ate a hot dog, nachos, a pretzel with honey mustard, had lemonade and Sprite to drink, and bought a souvenir mini-bat. Oh, and they rode the Metro to and from the game.
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| Albert Pujols |
Then we got an email last night from a friend who wanted to give us 5 tix they couldn't use for tonight! So off we go this evening too to cheer for our red birds! This is turning out to be an amazing staycation!!
Sum, sum, summertime!
The girls started swimteam this week, and I'm so proud of them! They're both the fastest in their lanes and often the first to the wall at their 8 and Under practice. Although I really thought I wouldn't be "that mom," I find myself leaning toward the wall that they're swimming towards, even if it IS only practice! And I'll confess I actually clapped in enthusiasm when the coach was pumping them up to kick hard enough to move the wall. Then I got embarrassed, although I'm sure no one else noticed me. And it was the first day. I'm cool now. Perfectly chill.
We joined our community pool, different than our swimteam pool, this week as well. We've been a couple of times already; it's as fun as last year. There's the lazy river, three-story twisty and straight slides, and fountains and baby slides in the zero-entry pool, plus the low and high springboards in the competition pool. This year we also have friends we see from last year. We added Mary Martha to our family membership too so that she can come play with us or babysit there.
I got the littles signed up for swimming lessons that start next week. Patrick is already swimming enough to go off the diving board, so he'll be improving his strokes. My main focus is to get Lillian able to get to the side on her own. My prayer is that we can do this before we leave for the lake July 1.
Can you tell we like the water?? It's going to be a wet, wet summer. A great, great summer!
We joined our community pool, different than our swimteam pool, this week as well. We've been a couple of times already; it's as fun as last year. There's the lazy river, three-story twisty and straight slides, and fountains and baby slides in the zero-entry pool, plus the low and high springboards in the competition pool. This year we also have friends we see from last year. We added Mary Martha to our family membership too so that she can come play with us or babysit there.
I got the littles signed up for swimming lessons that start next week. Patrick is already swimming enough to go off the diving board, so he'll be improving his strokes. My main focus is to get Lillian able to get to the side on her own. My prayer is that we can do this before we leave for the lake July 1.
Can you tell we like the water?? It's going to be a wet, wet summer. A great, great summer!
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