Happy Mischief Night!

I got the last little details of "the" costume under control.

The kids & I gutted and slaughtered our pumpkin.
And I had Gracie do a final fitting for her costume tonight.

And if I do say so, she makes quite a cute 'Dorothy'.

Aaaahhh.......Mischief Managed.

Please Stand By.......

As I have roped Slacker Mommy into giving my spot an updo. She has been gracious and patient and awesome. Sorry about the 40 foot woman.......we'll bring her down to size!!!

The Trouble With You

Mother pressure. I can't figure out what else to call it. But I'm buckling under the pressure.
I feel that I'm half the mom I used to be. With one, glorious child, I was the very picture of a doting, together mommy. I did all of the one-on-one attention things with Connor. I didn't feel tired, I didn't schlep around half-dressed, half-asleep, unkempt, un-showered(unless I was sick). When he fell, I kissed his boo-boo's. Now, when either one of them run up to me, "kiss my foot, I fell. kiss my butt, I fell. Kiss my elbow, I fell...and so on", I'm like "You're fine. Oh come, here. I'll kiss it. Jeez." When I really want to say, "Yeah well, I fell and sat on the bologna pony and I got landed with you. But where are my condolences???"
Ok, so I had a choice. And truth-be-told, I don't want things any other way. I just can't handle the pressure. I can't handle the pressure I put on myself. To do all of the things I want to do. I need to do.
I can't handle at times, that as soon as I wake up, I feel like quietly throwing on a jacket. And walking out the door. Without a word. Without a second glance behind my shoulder.
I feel like a subpar mom. I never, ever thought that I would feel like this.
These four walls are closing in on me. I want to be Mother Earth incarnate. But I can't handle all that comes along with it. I mean, even my moods effect the entire mood of the house. My kids act up if I'm feeling tense or sick or tired. You can feel the change in the air, when I'm having a mood. The balance shifts and everyone is scattering like rats.
I want so desperately to feed my brain, to feed my soul. I've been on this journey to find myself again. I'm restless. I want to feel fire. I want to feel passion about something - anything. But I feel guilty. Why can't I feel passion about being a mom? Or do I? But I'm just so caught up in the day-to-day that I don't even know what passion really feels like anymore?
The pressure of wanting to better myself, while trying to juggle my duties as a wife and mom. I feel guilt for wanting time for myself. It goes back to me not being completely satisfied by being 'just a mom'. I want more. I need more. I don't want my entire identity & worth to be only fulfilled in my children. That is a scary place to be. Dont' get me wrong. My desire to be a good mother while they are under my wings, learning to fly with theirs, is a strong one. I want to be here. But when they go soaring on their own, I need to be able to hold myself up.
Hell, it's not easy. No one said it would be, I guess. I just thought I could handle it. I thought that I could handle all of the demands on myself. I thought that I could easily fulfill every role. I long for the ability to happily juggle it all. With smiles on everyone's faces, a clean house, with ease.
The endless days, the mundane routines. I could give you a play-by-play of my day. Almost down to the minute. Don't worry, I won't do that. But the fact that I can do that irks the shit out of me. As I sit here typing, I want to cry. I should just let it go. But my pride is holding it back. I'd be giving in to my weakness if I let the tears flow.
The seriousness of this hit me last night. I was watching Gracie sleep. She looked so cute, peaceful. My heart filled up to overflowing watching her breathe in, exhale. Over and over. The toils of my day before forgotten. All of the tantrums, the hitting, throwing, yelling. Forgotten. She looked perfect. And of course, in my eyes she is.
But as she was laying there, I realized I was looking at her through Whiskey-colored glasses.

Trouble With You

By: Dave Matthews Band
The brightest starOn a cloudless night

Some kind of miracle

Almost empty sky

In fact, sure as God is a monkey's dream

Ate that mushroom and believe what he see

The trouble with you

is you always wanna find the fires

And sitting warming your hands by the fireside

The trouble with you

is you always lookin' way outside

Oh, and not enjoy yourself by the fireside

Just as the bite of the blade

Wakes the absent mind

There's time to dreamAnd there's time to open your eyes

She said Just as the warmth of a kissBrings the love alive

It's right here by the fire

Where the answers lie

The trouble with you is

always wanna find the fire

Oh, when you warmin' your hands by the fireside

The trouble with you is you always lookin' far and wide

Oh, why not enjoy yourself by the fireside?

But you saidWhy you always lookin'?

Always lookin'?

She said

Why you always lookin' outside?

She said

The trouble with you is

you always lookin' for the fire

When you're warming your hands by the fireside

The trouble with you is

you always lookin' far and wide

Oh, why not enjoy yourself by the fireside?

The trouble with you is

you always lookin' somewhere else

Oh, and what you see there inside yourself

The trouble with you

is you always lookin' for the fire

Oh, why not enjoy yourself by the fireside?

Oh, why not enjoy yourself by the fireside?

She said, oh, why not enjoy yourself sittin' by the fire?

She said

The trouble with you

The trouble with you

Old Dirt Hill

I remember going to the grocery store as a young girl in my 'hometown' with my mom or my grandmother or aunt. My grandmother has never had a license, so if I was at the grocery store, as a girl, with my grandmother we were either with one of my aunt's or my mom. I remember standing in line with my cousins (who were, in all honesty, more like siblings - and still are) and lined-up in their neat little way were all of the candy, plastic junk machines , as well as, a skill crane. It was deliciously beautiful and decadently shabby. But this was our local grocery store. I didn't know there was much of a variety. I didn't realize that, it was just barely a grocery store. It was teetering on the verge of being a grocery store. And it was most definetly not a supermarket.

My cousin Casey & I as toddlers on The hill.

As a little girl, playing with my psuedo siblings (better known as cousins) one of our favorite spots to play was on a hill at a neighbor's house next door to our grandparents. We used to roll down it, push each other, sit basking in the sun, use it as second base for our kickball games. This hill seemed so big. It was the mainstay of our childhood. It waited there, like a loyal, longing friend.

Time passes, we become older, possibly wiser. Our playthings are abandoned. We no longer want or care about going to the grocery store with our grandmother . Hoping for a quarter, like a bunch of hungry baby birds, to throw into a machine that dispenses stale gum or a plastic ring that will break before you get to the car.

Simple playthings like the hill are left. We take for granted that the hill will always be there. That if we come back to it, or send our children to it, it will be the same. We are naive to believe that time will stand still.

A few weeks back, I had stopped at my grandparent's house. I walked on the side of their house - in between theirs & their neighbor's. I looked to my left and saw the hill. I stopped walking & stared at it.......I looked down at my feet. Blacktop underneath my Dansko's - where once there was grass. Blacktop to make way for the driveway because my grandfather can no longer walk well.

I continue to stare at the hill. It looks so small. It blew me away that it, at one time, seemed so big. That I actually got butterflies in my belly when rolling down it. I thought about that grocery store. And how the last time I went in it, it was exactly the same as it had been then. Time has stood still in that grocery store. Thank god.

I long for the shabby, old-school grocery store. I want to give my kids a hill like the one we had. It wasn't much. But we were happy with it.

I want so bad for there not to be a reason for the blacktop and the driveway. I want the grass growing there again. And my grandfather the ability to walk. Pain free.

I've always liked the song, "Landslide". But all of a sudden.

It makes complete and utter sense to me.

I Follow Where My Mind Goes

Today: I woke up to my DSL line being down. OH, the HORROR. I convinced Bry to post my Thursday 13 from work. Which allowed me to sit on the phone with Verizon for....oh, about a half-an hour +. With no resolution. I was fiending all day. I kept trying to sign on. To no avail. But I'm finally back online. Yaaahhooooo!

I got all registered for my classes, my loans/grants are all in place. My first class is Wednesday night, another class Thursday evening and then another one on Saturday. I read the three syllabi and I'm freaking out. I haven't been in a college classroom in quite a few years. And now, I'm going in as relavtively "old". Yikes.

Lastly, anyone who watches 'Lost'......are you feeling at all bad for Sawyer? I mean, I know he's a shit. But I've come to really like him and his funny politically incorrect nicknames for everyone. But, without a doubt, he's had his ass handed to him WAY more times than anyone else on the Island(s). I dunno. I feel bad for him.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Songs That I Love To Enjoy with Gracie:

1)'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' by Judy Garland - This is self-explanatory. Gracie 'gets' this song already. And everytime she hears it, it stops here in her tracks.

2)'Part of Your History' by Blue Merle - This song is sort of sad and sentimental. The first time I heard it, it just grabbed hold of me. I put it on one of Gracie's lullaby CD's. She loves it when I sing it to her.

3)'Didn't Leave Nobody But The Baby' - by Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris - I first heard this in the movie 'O Brother Where Art Thou?' I was mesmerized (it was an effective choice then, for the 'Sirens'). I downloaded it right away and again slapped it onto a lullaby CD for Gracie. She walks around singing it all of the time and asks me to play it on our computer.

4)'Free Little Bird' by Lisa Loeb & Elizabeth Mitchell- The entire CD 'Catch The Moon' is charming. But the first time I heard this particular song, it reminded me of Grace. I don't think she's all that crazy about the song - but it fits her personality.

5)'Sweet Rose' by Matt Costa - One of Gracie's personal favorites. She sings along and dances to this one. I enjoy this one too and was excited to discover that it found a place in her little heart.

6)'Anthony' by Nickel Creek - Again, one of Gracie's favorites. When I first bought the album this song is on, I was bewitched by this little song. I guess Gracie was too. She used to refer to this song as 'Mmm Hm Hm' because she could not yet pronounce 'Anthony'. There is a section in this song that is hummed like that.....

7)'With My Own Two Hands by Jack Johnson & Ben Harper - I don't know that she 'likes' this song or not. But as a mom who wants her children to be aware of themselves in their community & the world, I felt that it is my responsibility to share such a great song.

8)'Dream A Little Dream Of Me' by Mama Cass - I just love singing this to her. Mama Cass's delivery of this song is so sweetly simple.

9)'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da' by The Beatles - We love to dance and be silly to this song. I always feel a 100 times better after singing and dancing along with her to this song.

10)'Get Rhythm' by Johnny Cash - As Gracie says, "Shake It". She really gets her groove on to this one. So does mommy! I love this song & it's basic message: 'Get rhythm, when you get the blues.' I find my best comfort in songs, so this is a no brainer to share with her.

11)'Gotta Get Drunk' by The Little Willies - Yeah, Yeah. Inappropriate?! Maybe a little. But she and I LOVE to jump around singing to this one. It's so fast-paced. And SO much fun!!

12)'The Long Way Home' by Norah Jones - We like to sit still and snuggle to this one. She rests her head on my chest and I quietly sing this to her.

13)'Buffalo Soldier' by Bob Marley & the Wailers - (of course!)The first Bob Marley song that she requests to hear.......over..............and over. That may be fleeting because I believe she is moving on to 'One Drop'(one of my favorites). But I was busting with pride at the fact that she enjoys this one so much. Could it be the horns??

Hmmmm..........

Nine Weird Things You Should Know About Me

Slackermommy tagged me for a meme. For whatever reason, this one was hard. I know that I am weird. So, picking just 9 things should've been easy. However, I had to call on Ravioli to help me narrow it down a bit.

1) (just like Slackermommy) I am a serial picker (pimples, cradle cap, ear wax). I just can't help myself & felt very relieved when I read someone else is like this as well.

2) I can only eat eggs with toast. I saw George Carlin live in 1996 . He was doing this bit about eggs being liquid chickens. Ever since then, I cannot eat eggs without toast.

3) I wake up singing songs that I haven't heard in years. And they're weird songs at that.

4) I 'play this game' inside of my head (since I was a little girl) whereby I'll pull apart a word I've just heard and make as many words as I can from the 'original' word.

5) I like the smell of bleach and gasoline.

6) I get freaked out when walking down bleachers. I have a fear of heights & I always feel like I'm going to tumble down, out of control when walking down bleachers.

7) I enjoy operating heavy equipment (Bobcat's especially.....but things like tractors, forklifts, etc). My life will not be complete until I OWN my very own Bobcat.

8) As stated before, I am a music Nazi. As Ravioli says, I have a disdain for music that "I" don't like.

9)Read this and pick one to insert to #9. I can't think. There are just too many weird things.

Blood, Sweat AND Tears

HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! HAAALLEEEEELLUUUUUJAH!

It is done! YIPPEE!!!

That's all I'll say. I won't bore you with anymore.

Promise.

I Know What Boys Like

As of late, Connor has been watching a lot of TV. I have not been feeling well and it's all about survival at this point. And of course, because of the program he is watching, he is being bombarded with commercials for the 'must have it' toys of the season. Every commercial that comes on, we are bound to hear, "Mommy! I want that! I'll put it on my wist(list)." "Ok, Connor. Yes, put it on your list."
I've noticed lately that he is now moving on to girls toys. And I found myself saying, "But Connor, that's a girl toy." He said, 'Yeah, I know. But I want it. I want the girl toy."
This has got me thinking for the past week or so....
I never minded Connor taking a pair of my shoes and walking around in them or having a 'doll'. And I remember him doing it at a wedding, when he was 3. He was walking around in women's dress shoes. No biggie. Until a comment was made about him wearing women's shoes and what that could mean about his sexuality. A rather insensitive comment about a three year old. Needless to say, my feathers were ruffled.
I would never say to Gracie - or any other little girl, "You're playing with a baseball(golf club, matchbox car, train set, etc). Heh, heh. We know which team you'll be on." A boy, however, puts on a pair of dress shoes or wants a barbie car or Polly Pocket and there are instant thoughts/opinions of his sexuality.
How is it that I have fallen into the double-standard? Me? I would never pass judgement if a girl - Gracie even - were to play with a G.I. Joe doll or a matchbox car, Thomas the Tank Engine, Star Wars, etc...or for that matter want them. But I have an issue with my son wanting Polly Pocket or a Doll, etc. And at the very uttering of an ill comment about my three year old boy playing around, wearing women's dress shoes, got me beyond mad.
What is it that has changed in me? Why is it that when he was 2, 3 years old - these things were acceptable. And now they are not. Is it me projecting my own insecurities about what people think, off to my kids? Is it that I'm stuck in what are 'appropriate gender roles'?
I've always considered myself a very open-minded person. I have friends of all different backgrounds, religious, political beliefs, even sexual preferences. I never want to pass judgement off on things that really of are no concern to me. I've always felt that I should embrace people. Things like social status, clothing choices, physical appearance, sexuality, religion, politics aren't important to me, as far as whether I can or can't be close to someone. I want my children to understand that as well. It's how people treat you that is important. I want them to be loving to people just based on the fact that they are people.
And yet, here I am. Worried about my son wanting some silly girl's toy.

The Promise

Ok, here's the deal. I have to finish Gracie's costume. Not much is left to be done, but this is when I need to pony up even more. Because I will say to myself over and over, "I have time. I have time." And well, I'm running out of time.
Also, I FINALLY have been awarded my grants so that I can return to school. As classes for the 2nd part of the semester begin on the 30th, I have to get in there and register. SO...........
If I'm short on blogging the above reasons are the reasons why.
However, everytime I say that I'll be short on blogging, it seems I have even more to say. But I'm thinking I have to step away from the computer in order to get these things done.
Hopefully I can juggle it all in appropriate ways so as not to upset my blogging schedule!

Mothers Be Good To Your Daughters

I love my daughter.
Really I do. BUT she is 2 years, 3 months. Need I say more????? She is yelling -no not even yelling. She sounds like a demon. With this throaty roar "Noooooooo. Don't want it!'
or "Mines!!!!!" "NOOOO, Daddy!" She is picking fights with her brother, she won't have anything to do with Ravioli. She won't eat, she is throwing things, pushing us - literally - pushing us out of the way, hitting and list goes on and on.
Her frustration level is off the charts. As is mine. I'm losing my will to remain calm. I want to scream back at her. But really, what is that going to solve?
And not only that -
she has been a mommy's girls since birth. I'm trying to relinquish some of the attention and let daddy take the wheel. She's not having it. But if I continue to jump in to save Ravioli & Gracie, it just feeds her little fire. It will not solve the problem in the long run for anyone.
The behavior, attitudes and habits of a barely-three-foot tall person is shaking the foundation of this family to the core.
How could I have forgotten in 2 years, how to handle a 2 year old?
In fact, I didn't.
I hate to say this - being all feminist & all about equality - but it's because she's a girl. I'm not saying Connor didn't have his moments. But it's NOTHING, nothing compared to the shit-storm a 2 year old little girl will inflict.
Ugh. I can't give up. I can't.
Are any of you out there dealing with this same disease?? The plight of a having a 2 year old daughter??

S.O.S

Sunday Morning Warm & Fuzzies

Yesterday, I spent most of the day tagging along with my mom as she shopped. Which means Ravioli had our two heathens. After a morning with them rooting on their Uncle FatMarc at a local bike race, Ravioli & the kids are awaitng my return & winding down.
I return home & am unloading some groceries. Ravioli meets me in the kitchen and says, "I have to tell you this story."
And now I have to tell you:

Ravioli: "I was sitting at the computer and Connor was resting on the recliner under some warm blankies. And I hear Connor giggle, this weird giggle."
I immediately hear in my head Connor: devilishgiggle, devilishgiggle, devilishgiggle.
Ravioli: "So I'm sitting there thinking 'what is he doing'? So, I say to him, 'hey, buddy? what are you up to?"
Connor: devilishgiggle, devilishgiggle, devilishgiggle. "Daddy, I'm not playing with my penis."
Ravioli: "Buddy, stop playing with your penis."
Connor: devilishgiggle, devilishgiggle, devilishgiggle. "But I like to. It feels good."

Bry got great amusement out of this. I, too, chuckled. And really, it's normal. And I shouldn't make a huge deal out of it. But here's the thing: I'm not ready for this.
And as I'm sitting here typing this, I'm questioning myself & whether this is even appropriate to blog about or not. I can't wrap this post up in a neat, tidy little package. I just need to put it out there, in an effort to laugh it off.

When In Rome

I had a hit on my page from Torino, Italy yesterday. Pretty cool, huh?? Want to know what the keyword search was on google that they used? Ready??
Anal fist.
Yes, that's right. You read correctly. Anal fist.
And, if that is not disturbing enough, my blog was on 'page' 22 on google for that keyword search.
So, whoever it is in Italy sat through 22 pages of Google until they landed here. At little old Mrs. Incredible with the key word search of Anal fist.
I'm scared.
Are you??

Talkin' 'Bout A Revolution (Sounds Like A Whisper)

President Bush.
"Military Commissions Act"
Habeas Corpus.
DOES ANYONE CARE???
That's all I have to say. Otherwise, I may be put on a list................ & arrested.

The above picture (as well as this Administration) scares the crap out of me. If I had the ways & means, we (and by we, I mean Ravioli, myself & little Ravioli's) would be OUT OF HERE.

Check out this blog and watch Keith Olberman's report. You must do this.

Thursday Thirteen Ramblings

THIRTEEN RANDOM THOUGHTS. Brought to you by: My scattered, crazy mind.

1) "His capa was detated." From last week's episode of 'The Office'. Michael was taken aback by his old boss passing away & he then finding out he was in an auto accident & was decapitated. That show is too funny & of all the 'wrong' things Michael says, this one just took the cake for me.
2) Without even thinking about it, my brain automatically will make a word/words/phrase out of the jumble of letters from the word verification when leaving a comment. I'm completely bizarre-o.
3) "He flicked me...with, with.....the end of himself." A quote from a "Mad About You" episode that I still find completely amusing. It has somehow come back to me after all of these years. I just love it.
4) I was sitting at the diningroom table with Connor while - making a project - and out of nowhere he exclaims, "BOOYAH!"

Where in the hell did that come from?? Where did he learn that??


5) I climbed into bed the other night. About an hour+ after I wanted to be in bed. Bry rolls over to me and says, "What time is it?" I replied, "Sex-o-clock".



6) There is nothing like a hot cup of coffee with Coconut Creme creamer on a chilly, rainy afternoon.


7) Lucky Charms - since childhood - has been my favorite cereal. However, a few months ago, I realized that the shapes of the oat pieces are the same shapes in 'Meow Mix' cat food. I'm completely freaked out by this.


8) I love thrift shopping. Monday, at the Goodwill, a clerk kindly gave me this hanging Tiffany-style diningroom lighting fixture. (I had been wanting one of these forever, but never wanted to pay the $).
I was stoked. After finding some cool clothes for Gracie, the light fixture was the cherry on top.

9) Has anyone else drawn the parallels between George W. Bush and Lord Farquaad from 'Shrek'?? I have thought this since the first time I saw the movie.

Especially when Lord Farquaad is amping up the Knight's to go on the quest to rescue Princess Fiona. He's addressing the knights in a public arena. He's speaking at his huge podium and says to the knights: "Some of you may die. But it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."
Sorry, but that sounds like good 'ole W. to me.
10) What is the point of cleaning my house?? When TWO MINUTES LATER, it is completely destroyed by two sets of little hands?
I've given up on having a clean house.



11) My heart melted into a goopy, syrup-y mess, when last night, my baby girl sang along with me to Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".
It was a beautiful little moment. Gracie sings it better than I do.

12) There are two people from my past that I was really mean to.
One was from 6th grade.
The other was from the winter of 2000.
I have made up my mind that, before I die, I must find and contact these two individuals to offer up my sincere, heart-felt apologies.
It's been eating me alive for years that I could have ever been so cruel.



13) Bryan is in a training class to work in the prison's for overtime. He said to me, "I think that I want to do the S.E.R.T. training." I ask, "What is that again?" He replies, "It is the Emergency Response Team in the prisons. You know, basically it's their SWAT team." I told him, "Do It." He says, "Yeah, but the training is five weeks long. I'd have to get into shape......." Me: "Honey, if this is something you want to do, then DO IT. Find a way to make it happen."
Why can't I take my own advice?

Sign Your Name On The Dotted Line

How cool is this?? Connor's first signature. He did this by himself. I felt such a rush of pride. And accomplishment. Maybe all of the OT he has received/is receiving is finally paying off.

WHAT. ARE YOU DOING. IN MY SWAMP????

I've posted before about how the kids always seem to barge in when I have to sit on the porcelain goddess. Or just as I'm turning off the water in the shower. They always time that one just so. They open the door & let in that blast of frigid air. Amazing, really. They're timing.

Here is my solution: to buy a Shrek mask, put it on and scream this at the top of my lungs: "I live in a swamp. I put up signs. I'm a terrifying OGRE!!!!! WHAT. DO. I. HAVE. TO. DO. TO. GET. A LITTLE. PRIVACY?!?!?!?!?!"

*crickets*
Not funny? Not even a little? Oh, well. I tried.

Somebody More Like You

Thanks to Pippajo for this idee-er. This was fun to do. It is how I spent my afternoon while Connor was at school. I really know how to prioritize.
For the record, though. I do not believe I look like any of these here ladies. Although, anything is possible with a ton of make-up.

(I Think To Myself) What A Wonderful World

I've done my fair share of complaining the past few days. And now that I'm over it, I need to reflect.

Tonight, Gracie was having a hard time soothing herself off to sleep. I decided to go in, lightly rub her back & sing to her via her homemade lullaby CD. In about 2 minutes, she's sitting on the edge of her bed, falling asleep - sitting upright. I began to cry. Looking at her pudgy cheeks, singing to her. I wasn't like bawling crying, just a tear falling here & there.

The beauty of her really struck me. She's so simplistic & complicated. She is so feminine.

She snuggles up to me, in my lap & we become this tight little ball of a mother & daughter. Sitting there on her floor.

It comes back to me. How I enjoyed singing/rocking my children to sleep. It was a part of their infancy I didn't want to give up. And most would argue against such night time rituals. As this does not promote them comforting themselves to sleep. I say: you don't know what you're missing.

I should have done this three days ago with her.

So many things come rushing back to me.

The countless times spent nursing her and talking to her. Singing to her. The quiet pleasure of being totally immersed in her. And her in I.

The power of my bosom still lingers with both of my kids. And the power of them still lingers with me. They hit me right at my core. They bring me back home. They always seem to lure me back to where I need to be.

They have no idea they're doing it.

As I, am not always aware that I'm doing it.

The draw of my chest. The warmth that I carry there. The comfort, security and muffled conversation of my heart beating that let them know they were, and still are, completely safe.

The powers that clash as I hold Gracie could almost wreck the room we're sitting in.

My power of being the essence of safe. The life-line. Being the mommy. The womanly strength you feel when you are nurturing your children. My mommy mo-jo.

And Gracie's ultra-feminine, mommy's little girl allure. It's powerful.

These two forces. Colliding. At one moment in time. Gives me chills.

I sat there, tearfully. Absolutely peacefully. Happily. Listening to Eva Cassidy's version of 'What A Wonderful World' and am so thankful for this.

That I've quieted down my crazy mind. Long enough to enjoy this moment.

With my beautiful daughter.

My Little Girl.

Tide Is High. But I'm Moving On.

I thank you all for your kind words during this trying, monthly time. You all put a smile on my face (Jen, Pippa, Jon, Hev). Thank you.
I just want to say this: I took Jen's advice. We managed to get the kids to bed early. I poured myself a TALL pint of Guinness (got a good buzz going, by-the-way), got a comfy blanky & watched 'Casablanca'.

The storm has passed.
I repeat.
The storm has passed.

Thanks for weathering it with me.