icky weather options

Last night Solana let me give her treadmill a go-go.  As fun as my dear friend Solana is, I still say that treadmills are a no-no.

(How clever was that?!) 

Plus Solana had a little too much fun being my personal trainer...

Downton Abbey

We're all dreaming it, ladies.  Don't deny it.

P.S.  I look ravishing in blue!

blank stare...

As busy as I feel, I sure watch a lot of television.  I guess my mind is busier than my body.  Last night I was staring at the TV as Up All Night was airing and my mind was only present for a few scattered moments of the episode.  I remember the intro was funny, and something funny happened in the middle... But I guess the show was just an excuse to check-out for a few blessed minutes.

When I was 18 I babysat for a couple who was going on a cruise and were wisely leaving their two kids at home.  So I moved in.  The week went fine.  I think there were just a couple events that shook me up, including a dead mouse and a missing naked child, but overall it was just fine.
What I really remember was the feeling when I went home and flopped on my bed.  I could just think about me.  After a long week of childcare I could just think about me.  It was a wonderfully indulgent feeling.

I've been a mother for 10+ years and have attempted to recapture this feeling to no avail.  There have been glimpses.  If you're like me you've probably lingered in the shower or stayed up late just to revel in the solitude.  But just the fact that your kids exist keeps you from fully experiencing that ultimate relaxation, right?  I don't mean this resentfully.  I just get tired of thinking...

Even my dream last night was exhausting.  I was trying to figure out how to make our new large house work for all the family that was moving in with us.  Also, I was wearing a gorgeous ball gown that made me feel like a princess but wasn't very modest and I was torn between guilt and glamor.  It was all mental stress!

So I'm trying to really savor the moments of rest that come in little packages.  Like yesterday when I popped into Brenda's room, hoping to get a picture of her latest legorrific contraption.  Sadly it had already been demolished, but Brenda ordered me to stay and go to bed.  She put a blanket over me and would scold me every time she caught me with my eyes open.  And though it was just for a few minutes it was marvelous.  Thank you dear Brenda.  And thanks for letting me get a picture despite the builders' block you were experiencing...

She kinda looks like she needs a mental break too, eh? 

P.S.  Anytime I do a post that's kinda whiny I feel the need to reassure everyone (Mom) that all's well.  If I'm really on the verge of a nervous breakdown I'll start buying tacky lawn ornaments and writing strange song lyrics on my facebook status.

This post is just a blah purging.  ...feels good.

The best non-cruize trip EVER.

I can't remember why Anna dubbed our outing with this title, but I think it was to justify a little ice-cream.  'Cause, you know, if we were on a cruise we'd be eating junk non-stop! 

But I do need to stop relying on my iphone for pics.  Really.  The ease of it outweighs the outcome- in the beginning.  But here we are with fuzzy, dull pics.  Thank goodness the kids are so scrumptious!

 

 

niece Bella

Suzie's face is still carrying remains of a previous project.  See next pic...

See?  Pics from a REAL camera are WAY better.

years in the making

Well we did it. 

After weeks of haggling and rescheduling we all managed to be in one place at one time for one big family shoot.

Meet Mike's family-

 And you know us...

The ladies-

The guys-

Now boys. 

Uhhh, is Scott OK?

"I know this much is true"

...Is the title of the last book I ever read from the Oprah book club recommendations.  I think I made it 2 chapters before the language had me cringing so bad- my face muscles were pleading for relief.  But I remember the episode where Oprah couldn't get the name right with the author quietly sitting next to her.  She praised the book "I know this much to be true" over and over while holding the book "I know this much is true".  It was drove me crazy but I still love you Oprah.  Miss you.  How's your school in Africa going?

Anyway, I've always struggled to say things with conviction.  Someone asks me the name of my kid's teacher and I say, "Jill.  Yeah, Jill.  Yeeeaaaaah, it's Jill?  ...Maybe Doreen.  ...Aw heck, I don't know anything..."  (Later find out it's something like Tod.)  Ask me what kind of car I drive and I start to sweat.  It's beige.  A beige minivan.  ..Toyota.  Yeah.  (And as sure as I am about that, in the back of my mind I'm thinking holy francine I hope that's right.)  I've embarrassed myself enough that I just can't trust the stuff coming out of my head.  I'm not stupid.  I just know I'm scattered and forgetful.  I'm simply self-aware.

How about I get to the point? 

Here I am, an adult, who is given adult responsibilities.  Even leadership responsibilities.  And while I'd rather be a side show I'm up there, needing to be sure of myself.  It doesn't go too well when I'm faced with information having to do with people's names, activities, schedules, budgets, recipes, what somebody said 5 minutes ago about something important, or who put the ram in the rama lama ding dong...  BUT, some things I can proclaim with confidence.

SO, ...I know this much is true-

There is a God who is our Father in Heaven.
We can speak to him directly through prayer.
Our prayers are heard and answered in ways we don't always expect.
We are loved.
We are blessed.
We have potential beyond our understanding.
Jesus Christ suffered and died so that we can be forgiven and perfected.
Our trials are gifts that feed our potential if we simply see them that way.



There.

No sweat.

image via

see Mike run

Mike has braved the country roads and began running.  Being in his upper 30s, loving cheesecake, and hating any exercise other than paintball wars has added up and suddenly he has found himself wanting to recapture his former athletic self.

Me, being an adorable wife, had to take pictures.

Here he is stretching in nervousness...

 Is it just me or is that just too cute?  er, uh, I mean macho.


And while I'm unloading pics from my phone I might as well add pictures from the walk Suzie and I took the other day.

Here is Kitty Cat (that's her name) watching us throw pebbles in the puddle-

What the...

 Here are the birds that flew over us with a grand show.

 DANG IT MIKE!

heehee


P.S. His name is Mike and he approves this message.

P.P.S.  Good luck on the next run, hon!  It gets easier, I promise.

33 is me

Is anyone just dying to know what I did over my birthday weekend?   hmm??

Well, a combination of a NO-KIDS date w/Mike, time w/family, time w/friends, shopping, running and treats made for one bummed Lindsay as Saturday evening came around and it was all over...

But THANK YOU everybody who helped make it one awesome weekend!