lucky girl

When I was ...fifteen? my family went on an RV trip across the country.  I remember driving thru Wyoming in the middle of a lightning storm and I had never seen anything like it.  My mom was nervous and my dad was excited, even talking about stopping the car and getting out for a better view.  We didn't stop but our faces were pressed to the windows, eyes darting around. 

...I'm not sure why I'm blogging this.  Maybe because we just celebrated Father's day and, honestly, I suck at being a good daughter on Mother's and Father's day.  I'm close to my parents and don't think any damage is done, but I still feel guilt.

What does this have to do with Wyoming?

*SHRUG*

It was a fun trip!  We made up songs (with potty humor, of course) and I STILL imagine sitting in the RV with big-brother, Colton, every time I hear the song "Train Going South" by Peter Breinholt.  After 2 weeks we arrived home and though we got along great, we all had to just spread for a while to regain some personal space. 

Maybe that's it.  On Mother's and Father's day I just ache a bit, missing my brothers and parents.  This isn't a woe-is-me-I-hate-me-life kind of rant.  I like my life!  But not everybody has a family they miss at times.  ...It's pretty cool actually.  I'm a lucky girl. 



P.S.  I had the kids help decorate a shirt for Mike.  Brenda said "Happy Father's Day Dad!", Suzi said "Mike is the BEST!" (that was odd) and Garret slept soundly all day.
It was nice.

the recital

On Tuesday I put on a recital for my piano students.  I'm not sure why but I LOVE putting on recitals.  BWAH!!!!  From creating the cute programs to the after-party goodies...

thank you Ellen!!!!

IT'S SO FUN!  But I'll tell ya, my tummy was in knots during the performances.  I've got a smile pasted on my face but inside I'm screaming 'PLEASE play well!  PLEASE OH PLEASE don't be disappointed over mistakes but EXCITED over your achievement!!!!

...Did my teachers go thru this agony? 

Well, I am PLEASED to say they all played SO. STINKIN'. WELL.  They ALL left happy and smiling.  We ALL had a great evening. 

I think my next recital will have a catwalk and spotlights.  And Billy Crystal hosting.  And a rotating, white grand piano with sprinkles.  ...I may need to charge more.

mamma z

10 days ago my mother-in-law died.  Today Suzi seemed to suddenly get it.  She cried softly and cuddled with Mike.  She talked about when she told Grandma all about her favorite Toy Story game and she asked where Jesus is, trying to get an idea of where Grandma is.

I could go on and on and ON about my wonderful Mamma Z but I don't really feel ...worthy?  adequate?  I don't know.  Whatever I write, I don't think it'll be enough.  If I had to pick just a few words to describe her I'd go with

kooky, kind and connected.

...I just look forward to seeing her again someday.

She needs to explain some of the odd things I found on her computer...

Love you Mamma Z. 

Let's get the offensive part over with...

Brenda's current topic of choice-

Yes, yes.  My classy-mom parenting workshops begin in June.  Lesson 1: How to make toast for dinner.  Lesson 2: a little fabreze on your 5-yr old is just as good as a bath.  Lesson 3: Feminine products- a kids&crafts must-have...

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You know how when you're griping about your kids you always end it with 'Good thing they're cute!'? 

...What about the people with ugly kids?

This little man hasn't let me sleep much lately but when he plays giggly peek-a-boo with me on our run I can't help but smile and think 'OK, I'll keep you another day.'

Do you ever daydream about not having any kids?  Oh no, me neither.  But if I were to daydream, hypothetically, I'd realize that I'd be a dull girl, leading a dull life.  After all, motherhood drives me to find humor for relief.  (alcohol is not an option and ice-cream shrinks my jeans)     

For example, how's this for therapy?

yup.

That's all. 

I'm off to clean up cat puke.

Definition:

confuse; perplex; fluster

Example:

"Irish can bumfuzzle any team" – headline about the Notre Dame "Fighting Irish" football team, Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2002

About the Word:

Bumfuzzle may have begun as dumfound, which was then altered first into dumfoozle and then into bumfoozle. Dumfound (or dumbfound) remains a common word today, but bumfuzzle unfortunately is extremely rare.

Read more at http://www.merriam-webster.com/top-ten-lists/top-10-funny-sounding-and-interesting-words/bumfuzzle.html#oZWMfZFC00UjDegl.99

TAKING OVER THE WORLD

Marathon training, this year, is bringing out the silly in me.

Partly because my little brother, Tyler, is giving marathons a try

so we're doing some training together.

And partly because I'm headed back to Newport for the third time so it's a familiar,

non-threatening course.

But mostly because I'm running with Tyler.

He likes Pinky and the Brain too...

leaps and bounds

A...

...is for  

ANGRY!

It's been an adventurous 7 months of shared-home preschool for me and the other two moms!  I'm not great with little kids.  They're too ...unreasonable.  But I can muster up the cute teacher inside and put on an educational playdate ...sometimes.

At least I have pictures that seem so...

 The letter F!

Oh.  Well.

...We're working on it!