I really should be sleeping....

It is 1 o'clock in the morning. Not late for some, but for me, so past my bedtime. I find myself completely restless and unable to wind down.
Today has been non stop. It was our once a month Mom's Night Out. A night that is so deserved for most of us. We all look forward to it. Since Charlie is out of town for the weekend, I offered to have a night of food and games at the house. Of course, that also included some serious cleaning, cooking and planning. All on top of my normal duties as the mother of 3 small children. Thankfully, the kiddos were on my side today and made it really easy to get all the preparations done to pull off a very successful dinner party. The hard part was waking up with them at 5 am this morning. So I really should be dead on my feet, but I am so wired.
I just had a house full of women. There were 9 here tonight. Enjoying food, laughter and stories. The walls of the house echoed laughter for over 4 hours. Out of this group, there is a nursing student, a part time teacher, a home health nurse, a graphic artist, two more than full time workers, and two stay at home moms. Such a diverse group of women. And the conversations were just as diverse. People watching has become a new hobby of mine. To sit and watch and listen as they opened their hearts and souls. To reveal parts of their pasts, and present for that matter. They were truly comfortable in my home. It was so touching to be a part of that. Even though our daytime jobs are so different, we all have a common bond: Our children. It is night's like these that I remember why I enjoy their company so much.
I have never really been the type to get along with a large group of women. There always seems to be drama and conflict. This group is not without this, but it is usually pushed to the side and doesn't consume us. We all get a little annoyed with personalities, things that are said, or stuff that happens. But, this group of women usually moves past it, accepts what they see and loves you despite your faults.
And now that everyone has gone home, the house is so still and so quiet, it is almost eerie....and so lonely.

4 Months Already

Today we visited our Pediatrician. For once, it wasn't due to fever, crankiness, snotty noses or any other illness. Our sweet boy is 4 months old. Amazing, I don't know how we got to four months already. With each child, the days seem to speed by at lightening pace. We got rave reviews today. Weighing in at a grand total of 13 lbs and 10 ozs. This puts us in the 30% bracket for weight. Not bad seeing as he was in the 3% bracket just 2 months ago. I must be doing something right! Robb stretches out to be 25.5 inches long. In the charts, that is a whopping 75% status. He will be a "longfellow" as my father in law says. His torticollis is finally working itself out. For those of you that don't know what that is, it is basically a tight muscle on one side of the neck. This causes the other side to become weak and can cause cranial uneveness. We have been seeing a physical therapist for this. The exercises are a real pain in the neck, pardon the pun, for our sweet boy and me. But they are working. We may now say he has a beautifully shaped, round head. The only down side to today's visit: SHOTS. You should have heard him wail! But thankfully, the tears were not long lived and he is sleeping it off, thanks to a little Tylenol.

A Tribute of Love

As with most things, Valentine's Day has become more special as time passes. I have never been a fan of this holiday. I never understood why we needed a day to tell the ones we love, that indeed we do love them and think of them fondly. It was always a day filled with silly little cards, candy and some outrageous junk that are to symbolize the love that one feels for another. Dentists must love this holiday, along with Halloween. Two days that give children an excuse to forgo the rules and gorge themselves with sweet confections. This being said, the pure happiness and excitement that arises on my children's faces when they open these tokens of affection is enough to make even me, take a little joy in this holiday.

I remember as a child, Momma would get each of a small box of conversation hearts accompanied by a stuffed animal of some sort. Without fail, this was her tradition. My first year of college, I received my package of these two things just days before Valentine's Day. And as almost predictable, a package arrived, covered in hearts, on Thursday. Inside this package: Conversation hearts in little plastic purses for the girls, M&M for our boy (of course, I will eat those :)) , and instead of the stuffed animals--clothing. Little pink shirts with hearts and jewels, and a onsie with a brave, roaring lion. On Saturday, were red and pink envelopes with loving wishes from Joni and Papa. We didn't open those yet, for one didn't arrive with the rest. We will have to wait until they all get here to see what is inside. This year's holiday was spent mostly on the highway. We took a trip to Texarkana to visit Charlie's Grandparents. It was a much need trip, too long since the last. As we left seeing Nanny, she told us that our special Valentine surprise made the pain go away. (She has been in the hospital with a compound fracture in her back.) And I guess, that is what this day is about. Love so strong, no matter the miles between. It is a thing that can be put in the back of our minds, as we drudge on day by day doing life's endless tasks. The love and memories are never gone or taken for granted, but are not reflected upon with such detail on a daily basis. On our way to Texarkana, we made a stop in De Kalb and waiting for the children were gifts from Grandma & Tank, Charlie's Maternal Granparents. The kitchen was filled with heart shaped ballons and little bags with bears stuffed in them for each of them. Of course, this was a big hit. Who knew that a shiny, floating balloon could make a small child's heart sing. It was so hard to pry the string from Riley's hand when we left to see Nanny and Papa. Upon turning in for the night, the balloons were tied to the bed, so within sight, but not within reach as the girls drifted off to sleep.

On our way home today, it became clear that we are making the same cherished memories for our children. And that Valentine's Day may come but once a year, but love, no matter the packaging, should be given unconditionally, and should not wait for a day on the calendar to be opened.

Time Passing

I realize now, that I actually have a very busy life. My Aunt graciously took the girls to spend the night with my grandparents. My house is so quiet; except for the occasional stir of my almost 4 month old. I have spent most of the day catching up on email, facebook, and bills. These are things I try to do while they are sleeping. Today however, I am almost bored. I don't know what to do with myself. Charlie has been napping on and off throughout the day. He is probably the smart one. Catch up on sleep while you can, is what they always say. I tried to do that today. Twice as a matter of fact. As soon as I would get to that moment when your body totally relaxes and your mind begins to escape, that blasted phone would ring. Eventually, I gave up. And I have now been online most of the day. There have been so many new stories, but so little time to share them. And honestly, I should. Here are a few recent pictures of the kids.

Riley is my dare devil. She fears nothing. One afternoon, I caught her climbing on my desk. She was digging through the old tin can that holds pens. She saw me coming and scurried down. She then stepped on the swivel chair, which moved and down she came. She instantly had a third eye when she fell into the door seperating the girls room from the guest room. That's one more for the book.

A little Thankful

Today was Hattie's first Thanksgiving Feast at school. I went with her, while Charlie stayed home with the other two. We tried to make it a family affair, but we were told that it was for "parents & grandparents" only. Just a small tangent and I will venture back on the Thankful part. We were not allowed to bring the siblings, due to space, or so they say. I am not so sure I buy that one, but it was their rules none the less. They did offer to find one of the high school students to watch kids that had no other place to go. I really don't think so. There is no way I am going to let some irresponsible high school student touch my 5 week old, much less leave him alone with this "stranger". So Charlie let me go to the school and he stayed home.

On to the Feast.....

Last night, I put the turkey 15 pound in the oven at Midnight. By 7 am it was done. It took me 2.5 hours to cut it all up and get it ready to take to school. Hattie and I got there early. (I know, me....early) Since we were early, the teacher sent us to play on the playground until time to eat. A little after noon we all grouped together. The children all marched in and took their red folders out (checked by teacher and parents daily) and then hung up their bags and coats. Promptly upon finishing this task, they sat on the floor on a carpet. Amazing how these normally hyper 4 year olds are disciplined enough to automatically do this. The teacher called the role in Spanish, and was answered by each and every child, in Spanish. Then each child was asked if they wanted to be Pilgrim or an Indian. Hattie promptly yelled, "Indian, I gonna be an Indian" and put her hand to her mouth and made that noise, you know the one. After a group prayer, the long version of God is Great, the parents lined up to fix their little ones plates. During the feast, Hattie non-chalantly to ask one of the girl's step mother if she was Good or Evil. (As in the wicked stepmothers from Disney movies.) The step mother did not find this at all amusing.

After eating, it was time for show and tell. They were to bring something that they were thankful for. Of course, we forgot our show and tell. So she told everyone she was thankful for the food. Especially the carrots, which she told everyone she loves while making strong arms. Funny, she never eats the carrots here at home. I have an unopened bag that has been in the frige for weeks now. Then the teacher asked her to sit on the carpet and they would start craft and game time. This is how that went:

Hattie: Can I tell a story instead?

(laughter from the parents)

Teacher: Is it a long story?

Hattie: Yep

Teacher: Then no, we have lots of other things to do today and we should really get started.

Hattie: Then I have a short story, can I tell it?

(laughter from the parents)

Teacher: Okay, if it is a short story.

Hattie: (with her arms way out) Okay everyone, lets get quiet. I have a short story to tell. Lets all listen okay.

(louder laughter from the parents)

Hattie: Once upon a time there was a little girl. This little girl lived in a castle. And the little girl had a baby sister. This baby's name was Emma. The end. Was that short enough?

The kids then played drop the turkey in the jar, pin the pilrim hat on the turkey, made a thankful wreath and made noodle necklaces. I forgot my camera, so when we got home, I took this one.

Everything you might want to know about my husband...

1. Where did you meet? At our friend, Chrystie's house. She was setting me up on a blind date with another friend of hers. And in walks Charlie. I must say, I was so curious. I was much more interested in him than the guy I was being set up with. However, I was told that night that he was really into her room mate and that we would never happen. That was Oct 31, 1998.

2. How long did you date? 3 years. We lived together for 2 1/2....EEK sinners.

3. How long have you been married? 6 years this past April. But it seems like yesterday that we left the church.

4. What does he say that surprises you? When he comes home and tell me that he has been singing in a bar. And I don't mean Karaokee.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? His eyes.

6. What is your favorite quality of his? His uncanny ability to know me so well.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Yes, but it makes me blush, so I'm not telling.

8. What is his favorite color? He says he has no favorite and if he had to pick one, Green. However, I think it is French Blue. It is the only color dress shirt he really likes.

9. What is his favorite food? Anything that he doesn't have to fix. :) But I swear, he could eat Steak and Potatos everyday.

10. What is his favorite sport? Not really a sports fan. I think he likes football for the social engagement. He will watch it on TV, but hates to watch it with me. I get really "passionate" about the plays, especially if it is the Aggies.

11. When and where did you first kiss? My apartment on Welsh. And I must say, I had to kiss him first. Who knows if he would have ever done it. I just couldn't help myself. April 1st, 1999. We had been riding backroads. I had been dropping hints all night and he just wasn't getting it. He says that he thought I was out of his league. I don't really buy that.

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Before kids, we would go dancing/clubbing. I really miss those days. Now, we snuggle up and watch movies. I am not complaining, this is great too. But, when we can talk the grandparents into watching the children, we do get to have a date or two.

13. Do you have any children? Well, I think that is what those pint size people are. Yes, okay, we have kids.... 3 of them. Hattie 4 1/2, Riley 18 months, and Robb 5 weeks

14. Does he have a hidden talent? If I told you, it wouldn't be a hidden talent now would it? But know that it makes me smile.

15. How old is he? 30. No jokes about cradle robbing.

16. Who said "I love you" first? Charlie actually said it first. I was living in Houston and we were on the one of our marathon phone calls. "that is what I love about you" is what he said. I don't think he actually meant to say it then. There was an akward silence afterwards. It was not much longer and he actually said those 3 little words.

17. What is his favorite type of music? He actually has some pretty bizarre interests. I am not sure if there is a genre that he doesn't like.

18. What do you most admire about him? His passion for life, that is when he isn't stressed and can actually enjoy it. His complete love for his family and where he came from.

19. Do you think he will read this? If he has time. He is a very busy individual these days.

20. Where did you go on your first date? Our first "non-date" date was to see Les Mis. I really hesitated. I was about to graduate from A&M and was not looking for a relationship, but I really liked him. I received Les Mis tickets for Christmas and then they were taken away when I wouldn't take the giver with me to the show. So Charlie, got tickets and took me. Before we went, I called to the station and asked him to play a song for me. The next song that played was "I'm not saying I'm in love". Of course, I flipped out.....The "date" was fantastic though. He even complimented me on my shoes. I have them in my closet, I just can't bare to part with them.

Trick or Treating

Our night was great fun. We TOT'ed in a friend's neighborhood. This was the 2nd annual TOT'ing with the playgroup. We had quite a large group this year. It really is more fun to go in a big group. There is no way I would let my kids on the streets in my neighborhood after dark. People fly down the street like it is central expressway. That, and you never know what you might get in your pumpkin. On to TOT'ing. We did actually have a little theme here: Hattie was the Superhero, Riley was her trusty sidekick elephant, and Baby Robb was donned as the peanut.....I carried him in the sling most of the night and therefore, I was the villan that swiped the peanut. Charlie got there after the show and was asked if he was the banker. His reply was "nope, a TV Anchor" Hattie racked up more candy than her little pumpkin could hold, which was good, since Riley was in the stroller all night and got only 3 pieces in her pumpkin. Those 3 came from Charlie.