Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Back to Reality

The kids are back from Vermont and back to school. I'm back to work and being a mom. The transition has been rough for us all. The kids miss skiing, being spoiled rotten by their grandparents, and having all of their favorite cousins to play with. I miss sleeping in, eating when I felt like it, a house that stayed clean, and the calm quiet.

Now the house ripples with fighting children, and small messes seep from every corner. We're all exhausted from re-entry into the real world. Who knew one week could get us all out of whack.

So, now we all struggle to adjust and dream of those vacation days just so recently gone by. It was a great break for all of us. I think every family needs one of those now and again...

Sunday, February 15, 2009

So Far.....

....so very good. My dad came and picked the kids up on Friday night, and GH and I have been trying to sneak in as many moments of extra sleep, grown up shows on the living room television, and mouthfuls of fresh steamed spinach as we can cram in.

The water pump on my car went this past week, causing me to spend all of our vacation money on getting my car back on the road. We had planned a nice dinner out at our favorite restaurant, and I was really looking forward to going shopping for some new pants. Instead, we bought some nice groceries, rented a few movies, and I'll make myself content in my old faded pants.

But I can't complain. For V-Day we made toasted sandwiches, tomato salad and excellent alcoholic beverages. And then we went to bed early. Because we good. I know it sounds lame to revel in going to bed early, but such is my life- and I'm loving it.

The kids are having a blast with their cousins in Vermont, and I know we'll all be happy and relaxed when we see each other again.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Ode to February Vacation

(This post is part of Painted Maypole's Monday Missions)



Oh lovely parents of mine

You take my children for days at a time.

You give my poor brain a much needed rest

And that is why, simply, I think you're the best.



This time please keep them

The entire week.

To return them early

Please do not seek.



Take them skiing and sledding

And spoil the rotten-

So some sleep and good food

On my end can be gotten

Friday, February 06, 2009

Life at An Even Keel

Things continue to go smoothly on the home front. I know I'm probably jinxing myself by writing this, but I can't help it- there's nothing more exciting to report.

I sent out checks to all of my debt collects on Monday this week, and half of them have already been cashed. While I'm sad at the missing money, it does feel good to get our debt cleared up and know soon we can start seriously looking at houses. I feel grown-up and terribly responsible.

February vacation is looming brightly in our future. The kids will be visiting Vermont for the week, and GH and I will be left kid free. I've taken the week off to work on my jewelry and to nap and play with dogs. I can't wait to have a break. GH and I even have plans to go out to a nice adult dinner where we can drink wine and eat foods the kids would find revolting. Mmmmm.....

Until then, we'll be starting the dogs in obedience classes, which we'll be doing as a family and should be an interesting time. I've also promised the kids a trip to the movies this weekend to see Coroline.

And so I count my blessings every day as the news reports job cuts, and budget cuts, and record unemployment. I go to work grateful that I have a job, and come home glad I can feed and house my family. As scary as the world is right now, it's certainly making me thankful for everything I have. I hope life continues to remain even, and boring, for a long time....

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Lazy Days

The past week has been filled with snow, and cold, and a general sluggishness. Our heating fuel has been zapped at an alarming rate due to a few below zero days and it's hard to find the drive to do anything but laze around the house.

On another note, I've received an email that says our tax return will be deposited in just a few days. I'm very excited, and spending most of today setting up letters and checks to go out to the credit agencies I plan to pay off. Though I hate to hand over such a large chunk of money, it feels good to know that that burden will soon be lifted, and we'll be that much closer to buying our own home. With what's left over, I've promised to take the kids to the movies with next weekend.

So for today, it's chicken soup, chocolate chip cookies, and movies in front of the space heater. I wouldn't have it any other way....