Reentry

Last week I traveled to Chicago. I absolutely love Chicago. Now I must admit that I had to drag my husband and teenage son there, but my 16 year-old daughter was as excited as I was to go. You see, my husband is a truck driver, and the only thing he knew of Chicago was traffic and loading docks; his view was tainted. We went with just our oldest kids, and left our 4 & 5 year-old kids with Grandma Bunny and "Auntie" Rachel. Prior to our trip I would sit and imagine what it was going to be like to have uninterrupted dinner conversations. Ahhhh...

I must say it was wonderful. Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, Medieval Times dinner theater, shopping and peaceful dinners. It was quite a treat. My personal favorite was the Art Institute. If you ever get a chance to go, please do not pass up the opportunity. The artwork I saw took my breath away, and I must admit brought tears to my eyes. It was so amazing. I fully expected to find a treasure to take home at the gift shop, but after seeing Monet and Renoir originals, what could possibly compare? I walked out with nothing; just seeing the works of beauty was gift enough.

The day we got home, I picked up Jack and Brynn and headed to Pizza Hut. The kids took a shot at winning a stuffed animal from the Claw Machine, and to no surprise to me, they didn't win. I tried to warn them ahead of time, but it was to no avail. Brynn, who was extremely tired, had an absolute meltdown. The dear manager felt sorry for her, so he gave them each 50 cents to try again. Great. It's not that I didn't appreciate his generosity, it's just that she was finally starting to calm down, and I'm sure all you mothers can predict the outcome. Yep, you're right... no animal... total meltdown once again.

As I was standing waiting for service, I looked at the lady standing next to me. "Yesterday," I said, "I was at the Art Institute in Chicago looking at original paintings by Van Gough, Renoir.... Monet and Degas,"(whom by the way painted the ballerinas at the Paris Opera House... you know... the Phantom of the Opera setting... my favorite movie of all time!!!). As I am telling her this, Brynn is still wailing on the bench behind me. "I'll take a martini to go," I said.

She laughed.

I decided that reentry is tough.

I've started to readjust to reality. When things get hectic, I just close my eyes and picture the breathtaking artwork I saw... it is truly a feast for the eyes, and music to the soul.

As hard as reentry sometime is, I must say that it is good to be home. Nothing can compare to big hugs, lots of kisses, and a ton of "I love yous."

Trying to Take My Own Advice

Yesterday I wrote about ignoring the things that bug you, and paying attention to the things that truly matter.

I am trying to do just that.

I am really, truly trying to pay attention... through clenched teeth.

What happens when the things that bug you are so loud that you cannot hear the quiet little voices of beauty? You know, when the annoying inconveniences are yelling, screaming, grabbing your attention. How can you concentrate on the beautiful symphonies of life?

You are probably wondering what is going on. Oh, just the simple frustrations of motherhood. You know... repeating commands to no avail, sticky floors, revolving messes, kids taking 2 hours to eat a perfectly good meal, whining, tattling, and so on. Let me share...

Has anyone ever told you that kids are gross? Especially boys. I don't know... I think those girls are onto something with the whole "boys have cooties" thing. My 5 1/2 year-old son has decided lately that wiping, flushing, and the washing of grubby hands after using the toilet, are no longer necessary duties in his daily routine. GROSS! This is the same kid who will change his clothes if they get a bit dirty! What's with that?! After picking at his food at the kitchen table for about AN HOUR, Jack needed to use the bathroom. He came back, and started to eat. Wait a minute... no flushing sound, no water. GROSS! I marched him back to the bathroom while giving him the, "You can make everyone in this family very, very sick...." speech. He shrugged it off, washed his hands, then started picking at his cold, sorry dinner. As I was putting away clean towels, I noticed Brynn's toothbrush and toothpaste in the sink... not on the counter top, but IN the sink.(Why on earth should it be put back in the medicine cabinet? It's just going to be needed tomorrow, anyway.) Then it dawned on me... "JAAAACCKK! Was Brynn's toothbrush in the sink when you washed your hands????!!!" Okay ladies, you've all witnessed the look. The, "Yeah... so... what's the big deal?" look. GROSS!!!!

That's it.

Kids are gross.

The toothbrush is in the garbage.

I'm trying to pay attention.

Pay Attention!

If I'm not

happy

in this time,

in this place...

I'm not paying attention.

~Jodi Hills

This rings true for me. If I'm not happy right where I am at, I am not paying attention to the things that truly matter. I find that I pay too much attention to the things that annoy me, such as dirty dishes in the sink, messy kids' rooms, dirty toilets AGAIN, and my thunder thighs. I need to pay more attention to giggles, hugs, teenage humor, sunshine, great wine, good food, and fantastic conversation. I must admit that I usually do cherish these gifts, but still, I do give too much attention to the things that bug me. So ladies and gentlemen, lets put our rose colored glasses on and enjoy the moment and the beauty that surrounds us.

Are We There Yet?

I am quite amazed at the rate of speed time travels. Where did June and July go? Summers seemed so long when I was a kid, but now... YIKES! They go way too fast!

I have had some great adventures this summer. One of them included traveling across the U.S. to Washington state with two teenagers, and a 4 & 5 year old! I made it home with most of my mind. I may have lost a few marbles along the way, but they weren't the prettiest marbles anyways.

Actually, the kids were great. My 16 year-old daughter and I fell in love with Seattle. What a beautiful city. Give me a condo down by the Market, and I will be one happy woman! My daughter has her sights set on that town. Looks like I'll get to visit quite often!

We had a wonderful reunion with my husband's side of the family. It was a fantastic visit, and we were treated like royalty. Thank you Aunt Janet and Uncle Nate! It was a huge treat for me... I got to hang out in Seattle for the day with my daughter, sisters-in-law and my mother-in-law. It was a perfect day, one that I will remember for a very long time. Lunch out on the deck at Fisherman's, and not a cloud in the sky. Mmm Hmmm.... Life is Good!

We got to visit family on the way home as well. That is always a treat. One great memory was the coffee visit at a truck stop in Idaho. I got to meet two of my dear friends, Deb and Roxan, on our way through Idaho. I talk to Deb every week, but haven't been able to see her for 5 years. It was very surreal sitting in a booth, visiting. I want to go back.

We saw some amazing country as we traveled across the great U.S. of A., but as wonderful as it all was, it is always nice to come home.

My next adventure... Chicago!