The mysteries of sleep.

I woke up this morning feeling like I needed a nap! I have to give myself a pep-talk some mornings just to get out of bed. Part of that talk usually involves bribing myself with a nap later in the day...if you're a mom-go ahead and laugh right now. I have had one nap in the last 12 years, not including the day I slept in 'til 2 pm cuz I had the "flu"-no really I did, just ask my mom (but don't ask my sister or the Big Guy). Why is it that you have to bribe, force and threaten kids to nap or go to bed at night when most adults spend time each day dreaming about a dark cool room, the soft squish of their head on their pillow, pulling up a warm flannel sheet and heavy down comforter............oh sorry, my eyes were dazing over. Is it nap time yet???

Great Minnesota Get Together.

After countless hours with our butts on the couch cheering for the USA, the MN state fair couldn't have come at a better time. A little fresh (if you consider animal droppings fresh) air always does a body good. We have our routine down and always think we can fit more in...and they always end up sweeping our sorry butts out with the rest of the dirt. 

We see the timber show each year, I think they are beginning to recognize us--of course the Big Guy always cheers the loudest and manages to get in a few heckles for the opposing team. Soon our annual picture will have the Wild Ones hovering over the "team." The guys at 3rd Lair also look forward to the clans visit (perhaps because we come wearing last years shirts and our wallets hanging out looking for their newest version). We just can't get enough of their cool dudes and crazy tricks. Of course the animal barns always occupy a great amount of our time (doesn't seem to matter that we have horses across the street and all other farm animals with in walking distance...just not the same) as well as the trip to the big yellow slide. At $2.50 a scream, we can't spend the entire afternoon hiking up those stairs like we did when we were little and Great use to give my sister and I each a roll of quarters-looking back I think he was just trying to get rid of us for a while.

We can't miss the annual picture of the Big Guy with his baby girl...same spot for the last 12 years. And then of course there is the food. The Big Guy always walks in with his snout pointed at the first corn dog booth. I could get that at home...if the thought didn't gross me out. I am more into something new or different, but I always look around for so long that I just end up hungry and burying my face in the same old things year after year...but man it's sweet. This year the Wild Ones were intent on trying the chocolate covered bacon. I know, chocolate...bacon what's not to love? First it is cold (I guess I should have thought through the whole melting thing) and second, it's still bacon covered with chocolate. Won't be trying that again. Now if I happen to be cooking some bacon at home and accidently spill some milk chocolate on the HOT bacon I just may have to try a bite!  

If you happen to stay past dark (and don't tell me if you are one of those people that just goes for a couple of hours, cuz that just ain't right) you gotta check out this dancing robot-it is wild(and kinda sexy-you had to be there). It moves like a man (a smooooth man) and has the facial expression to flirt...if I'd have had room I might have snuck him in the trunk for a little late night rendesvoux. Can't wait for next year...perhaps I will rent a bigger car.

The Thanks I Get.

I've spent the last 5 months taking care of my MIL, including finding her a condo and helping her move.  My payback is all the crazy stuff that she can't/won't take with her (you need audio to hear the laughter/sarcasm in my voice). I have spent the last 24 years going to (and sneaking out of) that house and can't say I ever noticed this "Devil" hanging above the door in the porch. Five minutes on moving day and the littlest Wild One is following Gramma around telling her how much he really likes the "devil on the porch." And never one to miss a beat-or mince words-she was ever so eager to have him take it home...of course he would have to "ask your mother first." In the midst of shouting orders (to the moving guys), hauling boxes and organizing various family members I think I said something that resembled "Put it on the table and we will discuss it," which to a 6 year old meant, "Sure honey what ever you want, make sure you get it in the car so we don't forget it." I was trying to look on the bright side and thought maybe it would look good at the Grouchy Dog, however, the little one has other ideas...he wants to hang it in the hallway to scare his sister when she gets up to use the bathroom at night. That might work too.

Come a little closer.

In the midst of my crazy life (and schedule...I must learn to say no) I made time for a little rendezvous with the Big Guy to surprise a friend for a birthday dinner. I had everything down...up at 6, pack for three kids to include time at Gramma's, pool parties, sports and an overnight at Donies...oh yeah and shower stuff and an outfit for me (see I do think of myself soemtimes) for my hot dates. I ran kids around, met installers and hauled boxes. By 5 pm I was at my parent's house (all sweaty and gross) dropping off the kids with no time to run home for a shower (thus the earlier packing). I realized that I had forgotten my razor and my dress was way too short to skip removing the fuzz from my legs. My mother was all too eager to offer my my father's razor (which I assume is only used on his face) although I'm pretty sure she would have handed me her pink one if he'd actually been home. I really had no choice so off to the shower I skipped, dad's razor in hand. I did my 15 minute routine: shower, hair and make-up. All I had to do was get dressed. I put on my seamless bra and pulled on my form fitting dress. I stood taking in the view (in the full wall mirror) and congratulating myself on my ability to transform myself  in less time than most men. But then...I saw something down in the "private area." I thought maybe I had snagged my dress (OK,  I know that's a stretch considering it was new and the exact location of the Problem, but...I think they call it denial). I realized that I had forgotten my panties and a few "friends" were poking through the front of my dress. @*&%!  I was out of time and had no coverings. Desperate measures, girls, desperate measures. I hiked up my dress and picked up (my dad's) razor, looked at it for a minute and started shaving. I rinsed out the sink and snuck out of the house with out looking my mother in the eyes. The rest of the evening went smoothly (pun intended), but next time I have to pack I will be sure to slow down and triple check my list.     Stay tuned for review of that night's destination- the new "W."

A very special day.

Our family will spend the day celebrating the life of our "little buddy" on what would have been his 8th birthday. We are on an adventure inspired by his love of life and yearning for fun. The tattoo above (and a matching one for the Big Guy) was inscribed on my upper back because I feel his energy carried on my shoulders each and every day-it helps me to find joy in all of the things I do.

Take a moment today to listen to Oliver's song (Drift Away by Uncle Kracker). Roll down your windows, feel the wind in your hair and sing at the top of your lungs. Listen carefully you just might hear us singing along.

To my special boy: I love you Lollipop, daddy loves his Grouchy Dog, Morgan loves her Ollie, Henry loves his Nalls and George loves his Naber. We miss you Lolli, but your memories bring many smiles, much laughter and inspiration to all of us and to so many others whose life you touched.