Fire and Tea

Sher and I had a lovely tea party outside in the pergola at Grandma Judy's house today. We wore our fancy hats and I put on lots of red lipstick. The menu consisted of hot, sweet tea and honey buns and we had real cloth napkins to make things extra special. Since it was a cold day, we made a fire in the outdoor fire place and toasted marshmallows to top off all the sweet tea. The marshmallows were my favorite part. Since we were doing girly things the boys dug a fire pit, surrounded it with bricks and made a campfire outside. They toasted marshmallows too, but ours were much better. Since the fire department here in Union City will call out every truck for the tiniest thing (believe me I know cause they have all showed up at my house before-10 trucks for a smoking chimney) I was afraid that our tiny plumes of smoke would send them into a frenzy, but our fires escaped notice.
Then we all sat around in our fancy hats with our full marshmallow tummies and said Southern things like "Well, darlin' hows your family?" and "Would y'all like some more tea?" and "Land sakes but its cold for this time of year." We had fun! I should have tea parties more often. Laters.

Hearth and Home

Today is momentous for several reasons, the first being the 11th birthday of my middle son, and the second being that I am at my mom's house and haven't had to do a diddly darn thing all day. I like both parts so much that I can't decide which is my favorite. I suppose that not cooking and cleaning rank pretty high, but I sure do love Reag and I was glad when he joined the world.
I was lying in bed, in my cozy, white bedroom, nestled high in the rafters of my mom and dad's lovely Victorian, smack dab in the middle of the afternoon, while my mother entertained my kids in the back yard. Relived of all my duties, I watched terrible daytime television and thought about things.
There is something about the feeling of coming home that never changes. Things taste and smell differently when you are home; the air is richer, simple things such as books, sheets, and plates seem to have more substance. Yet, I realize that each time I come home things are somewhat different, but it is still home. And I love it and the family that it contains. This week will be a much needed rest for soul and body. I am glad for home. Laters.

On The Road Again

So here is a picture of some random exit in W. Virginia. We are on day 2 of a 1000 mile road trip to see my mom and dad in TN. So far on the trip I have read a vampire book, stared out the window a lot, told my kids "do not touch your brother/sister" a million times, and taken a
small nap. I expect that today will be more of the same, so I will keep you updated on my fabulous life. Laters.

It's All About Me

These are a few of my favorite things and the list does not include whiskers on kittens or blue satin sashes: (please note that this list should not be confused with my list that is philanthropic or helpful to other humans-this is just personal pleasures)
1. pedicures
2.fresh coffee at any sort of charming cafe/bistro
3. reading in bed with either a bowl of pickles or a bag of Lays plain potato chips or for a perfect day- both.
4. New shoes or clothes
5. Hanging with my family
6. Trying a new restaurant

So if you want to make me happy; buy/take me to any of the above. Laters.

Good Friday

I think that I married into the wrong profession. K is a minister and oftentimes I find myself frustrated by the lack of a week-end, the length of the service and the pontification that goes along with church. I will admit that I have a tiny, tiny attention span, so I am sure that contributes my angst. The ritual of the liturgy that is so calming for some often sends me into a frenzy of clock-watching and convert desires to escape. Personally, I have most often encountered God in the day to day routine and been most inspired by His overarching reach into every aspect of my life and being. But K often reminds me of the importance of corporate worship so I do try to behave and participate like a good wifey should; plus I really love to sing and my shower doesn't always cut it.

We have Good Friday service tonight and as I put Sher into the tub she says, "While you are having church where will I be?" (normally there is a special program for the kids) and I say, "In the service."

She looks very crestfallen and says, "Oh, that will be long and boring." I tended to agree with her a tiny bit, but I only said, "No it won't. Now wash your hair."

I have tracked comments all day from friends and family who are all thinking about the sacrifice made for us by God. That has been my inspiration and sermon, but I'm off to Good Friday service anyway. Laters.

Servants of the Government Cease and Desist.

Oh, Shirley at the post office why do you have to make me miserable? You, with your long nails and inability to process my transaction correctly. Why do you send me, at 8:30, twice to the bulk mail window without telling me they don't open until 9? Why do you not know how to operate your register, vainly tippy, tapping with your nails against the smooth computer screen. Why make my morning difficult even though it started by sleeping in late and coffee in bed?

If I'd had my choice, I would have gone to the window of the smiley lady who can even barely speak English, yet still works in U.S. government service. She a least was dispatching her line with some quickness. But no, by the cruel hand of fate I drew the window of slow, wrong Shirley.

You remind me of Fernando at Motor Vehicles who lorded his power over me for an hour and a half before he finally deigned to give me my license. I would have complained to the manager, but he had the temperament of a rabid grizzly bear and I thought I might get reset to the back of the line, so I just meekly took my license, crack whore picture and all and thanked Fernando for making me wait and meekly left.

The trials of the lowly office administrator are many yet we must persevere. Laters.

Red Rover, Red Rover Send A Maid Right Over

I am drowning in dirt, packing peanuts (from the grandparents Easter box), Easter grass, and all the scrummy things left on the floor after dinner.
I try to keep things in order, but I am out numbered 4 to 1 and most often fighting a losing battle.
K actually does quite a bit around ye olde casa. I have been able to train him a great deal in the past fifteen years so that is helpful for me, but he does make an awful lot of messes too.
No one except me seems to think it amiss when they wear their soccer cleats covered in mud right inside after practice. Just call me crazy.
My personal favorite is wrappers. Candy wrappers, snack wrappers, and random clothing tags are all just left exactly where they are eaten/removed. So far today I have picked up Easter candy wrappers from the following places:
1. The couch cushions
2. The floor
3. On the counter right next to the garbage can- I guess the extra inch to actually hit the can was too much effort
4. The floor in a different room
5. In the bathroom sink
6. Bannister post of the stairs
7. Off the cable box
8. and a store clothing tag was in my bed -this was the most random

So, if you come over ignore the mess. Laters