I read, or heard, somewhere that with children we should discipline them, not punish them. That there is a clear difference between the two.
For the life of me, I cannot recall where I heard it; if it was on TV, from a friend, in a magazine, or possibly church. But I have been trying to remind myself of the difference between discipline and punishment frequently since then.
I like the difference and since I am consciously thinking about it, I decided to share it with you as my daily pause (between work meetings).
The word discipline comes from disciple. Jesus taught his disciples, and we are to teach our children.
Two forms of the definition of discipline on dictionary.com are:
1. training to act in accordance with rules
2. activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training
So there is a difference. When are kids are doing something wrong, incorrect, annoying, frustrating, mean, cruel (oops...am I going on in too much detail here?)...our job is to instruct them how to act through discipline. We should teach them the proper way, not punish them.
Oh boy, it's easy to say and makes sense when you hear it...but to follow this in the heat of the moment? I think really only Jesus is capable of this constant ability. I know I am incapable of following this all the time, but if I keep it in my forward conscious, then perhaps I will succeed more often than not.
Now, if I could only practice some discipline in my household chores...perhaps then Wonderful Husband would have had a clean white undershirt for work today. Thank goodness for his patience with me in my sleepy response last night 'can't you wear a black one?'.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Action on the tooth front...and tales from Michigan
Oh, I've had such a great and long weekend. My brother got married this weekend in Michigan. It was a goregous wedding, outside reception, and so much fun.
We had a great time, everyone looked goregous, and things went perfect. Good food, good drinks, lots of great company from family and friends.
Oh yea - my minivan died...it wouldn't start after the rehersal dinner (10:00 at night)...we got it jumped by AAA after a failed attempt from jumping with my father's car. Luckily, the resort we were staying at was the reception locale. So, when the car wouldn't start when it was time to go to the church...we left it, hopped into my parent's second car they drove up, and had our minivan towed during the reception. I went back to Michigan Monday night after the dealership replaced the battery. My wonderful mother took the trip with me.
Thank goodness it is only an hour and a half to drive from Illinois, through Indiana, to get to Michigan, on the other side of our Great Lake.
Anyway...Friday was the best day on the eldest advocacy front EVER.
I got ANOTHER call from Dr. Wonderful Dentist's secretary. YES! ANOTHER CALL! I was honestly surprised she called so soon, after she had so many questions on where we left off.
Bottom line: Dr. Wonderful wants to see the eldest every 3 months, in preparation for Dr. Genius Geneticist and to monitor the eldest's teeth. We have an appointment for October 15 at 2:00 pm.
...
1 HOUR later on Friday, I received a call from the Developmental Pediatrician who I called during my tearful day a month back. They reviewed our intake form, and want to setup an appointment. GREAT! October 15 at 10:15 am.
Have I told you how LUCKY I am? Well, here is proof: 2 appointments, both downtown in the city, both the same day. It will be good. We can go as a family of three to the first appointment, go out to lunch, maybe visit Lincoln Park Zoo, and head to Dr. Wonderful Dentist. Holy Cow - this should work out great!
Two steps back with lots of tears...and never giving up, gets us one hopeful step forward. Always having faith does get us somewhere. At least the promise of getting somewhere is there.
Hope is what drives all things forward.
We had a great time, everyone looked goregous, and things went perfect. Good food, good drinks, lots of great company from family and friends.
Oh yea - my minivan died...it wouldn't start after the rehersal dinner (10:00 at night)...we got it jumped by AAA after a failed attempt from jumping with my father's car. Luckily, the resort we were staying at was the reception locale. So, when the car wouldn't start when it was time to go to the church...we left it, hopped into my parent's second car they drove up, and had our minivan towed during the reception. I went back to Michigan Monday night after the dealership replaced the battery. My wonderful mother took the trip with me.
Thank goodness it is only an hour and a half to drive from Illinois, through Indiana, to get to Michigan, on the other side of our Great Lake.
Anyway...Friday was the best day on the eldest advocacy front EVER.
I got ANOTHER call from Dr. Wonderful Dentist's secretary. YES! ANOTHER CALL! I was honestly surprised she called so soon, after she had so many questions on where we left off.
Bottom line: Dr. Wonderful wants to see the eldest every 3 months, in preparation for Dr. Genius Geneticist and to monitor the eldest's teeth. We have an appointment for October 15 at 2:00 pm.
...
1 HOUR later on Friday, I received a call from the Developmental Pediatrician who I called during my tearful day a month back. They reviewed our intake form, and want to setup an appointment. GREAT! October 15 at 10:15 am.
Have I told you how LUCKY I am? Well, here is proof: 2 appointments, both downtown in the city, both the same day. It will be good. We can go as a family of three to the first appointment, go out to lunch, maybe visit Lincoln Park Zoo, and head to Dr. Wonderful Dentist. Holy Cow - this should work out great!
Two steps back with lots of tears...and never giving up, gets us one hopeful step forward. Always having faith does get us somewhere. At least the promise of getting somewhere is there.
Hope is what drives all things forward.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I got a call from the dentist!
Yes - they called...and they weren't returning my call. It was Dr. Wonderful Dentist's secretary, who I really like and know she is the gatekeeper to get Dr. Wonderful moving.
Whoa...hold your horses...let's not get excited or thinking there is finally movement...not much came of the call (yet). How often am I saying "yet?"
Here is how the call went:
Dr's Office: Did you make the appointment with Dr. Genius Geneticist?
Me: Yes - we have it all set for March 2013 {6 months out}
Dr's Office: Is that okay with you?
Me: Well, frankly, if Dr. Wonderful would have given me his number to call 3 months ago when we first met, we would have had the appointment in December. 6 months out is just how this goes. We know this, these specialists just take a long time to get into. Not sure I have much control to change it.
Dr's Office: Why are you meeting with him? What is it you are trying to find out?
Me: {UH...REALLY?! } We don't know. Dr. Wonderful told me he wants me to meet with him, and he would write the letter as to the specifics of why. So I don't know why we are meeting with him. We need that letter {THE ONE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SENT WEEKS AGO}.
Dr's Office: Okay. I understand, I'll get Dr. Wonderful on that right away.
Me: While you are at that...can you also bring to his attention, we still don't know what to do about my eldest's teeth and how they are falling out. Are we really just sitting here & waiting for this geneticist? Because what will happen is that we will meet with him, we will have to re-meet, re-meet and re-meet, and nothing may come of it. We will be spending a lot of time with possibly no result, and I still don't know what I'm supposed to be doing about his teeth.
Dr's Office: Did he lose more since the last one?
Me: Not yet, but Dr. Wonderful said 2 more are loose. So, what am I suppose to do? Just sit here and wait until they all fall out? Is there anything we can do? Do we look to impants or dentures like he briefly referenced at one point? I need Dr. Wonderful to tell us what we need to do about his teeth.
Dr's Office: I understand. I'll make him get to it.
Me: Okay, great. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks for calling.
So...who wants to start throwing down bets on when and what we will hear back from them. I'm going to sit down and figure out odds.
Weeks: 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks...
Requiring me to follow-up with them: 0 times, 1 time, 2 times, 3 times, 4 times...
Not sure where I want to put my money yet...but I can tell you, the big bucks won't be on 1 week or 0 times.
Whoa...hold your horses...let's not get excited or thinking there is finally movement...not much came of the call (yet). How often am I saying "yet?"
Here is how the call went:
Dr's Office: Did you make the appointment with Dr. Genius Geneticist?
Me: Yes - we have it all set for March 2013 {6 months out}
Dr's Office: Is that okay with you?
Me: Well, frankly, if Dr. Wonderful would have given me his number to call 3 months ago when we first met, we would have had the appointment in December. 6 months out is just how this goes. We know this, these specialists just take a long time to get into. Not sure I have much control to change it.
Dr's Office: Why are you meeting with him? What is it you are trying to find out?
Me: {UH...REALLY?! } We don't know. Dr. Wonderful told me he wants me to meet with him, and he would write the letter as to the specifics of why. So I don't know why we are meeting with him. We need that letter {THE ONE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SENT WEEKS AGO}.
Dr's Office: Okay. I understand, I'll get Dr. Wonderful on that right away.
Me: While you are at that...can you also bring to his attention, we still don't know what to do about my eldest's teeth and how they are falling out. Are we really just sitting here & waiting for this geneticist? Because what will happen is that we will meet with him, we will have to re-meet, re-meet and re-meet, and nothing may come of it. We will be spending a lot of time with possibly no result, and I still don't know what I'm supposed to be doing about his teeth.
Dr's Office: Did he lose more since the last one?
Me: Not yet, but Dr. Wonderful said 2 more are loose. So, what am I suppose to do? Just sit here and wait until they all fall out? Is there anything we can do? Do we look to impants or dentures like he briefly referenced at one point? I need Dr. Wonderful to tell us what we need to do about his teeth.
Dr's Office: I understand. I'll make him get to it.
Me: Okay, great. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks for calling.
So...who wants to start throwing down bets on when and what we will hear back from them. I'm going to sit down and figure out odds.
Weeks: 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks...
Requiring me to follow-up with them: 0 times, 1 time, 2 times, 3 times, 4 times...
Not sure where I want to put my money yet...but I can tell you, the big bucks won't be on 1 week or 0 times.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Back to School! Exciting & Heartbreaking
My twins will finally be 'in school' this year, not daycare. When my eldest was younger than they, we had him in private preschools, activities, nothing but the best to get him 'the best.'
Well, with twins, and then our eldest needing all his special services, the twins really got 'daycare.' Though I love our daycare, and it has an element of school integrated into it, the teachers are still not all 'early childhood' teachers. You can tell by 1) their age, 2) their ability to spell (a cute penguin hand print should be 'Arctic Friend' not 'Artic Friend'), 3) just the way they are. It may sound snobby, but it is true.
They took great care of my children and we will happily be sending them back their on breaks and probably for next summer. They really cared about my kids and they thrived there. The twins know how to write, know their letters, know that a shamrock is a symbol for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It's great.
But...this school year, the kids will be going to my Alma mater. The private grammar school next to my parents house and they couldn't be more excited. Me either. Wonderful Husband either. I had such a great childhood there (even with all the teasing about having no boobs, or living next to nuns...but I regress).
They have been counting down the days for weeks, and on Wednesday I can't wait to drop them off at the door, taking their pictures, and seeing a lot of my neighbors as fellow parents.
With this excitement for the twins, also comes a lot of anxiety for me regarding my eldest. He is excited too. He is excited to see his friends, though I think he feels bad about having to go to a different school, because he keeps chiming in that he gets to go the same school as the twins for Religion Class.
Anyway...with the start of the school year, comes IEP, parent advocacy, reassessing if my eldest is getting what he needs, the constant questioning of what is best for him, etc. etc. etc. It had me up last night already and we aren't even at the start of the year.
It has been such a wonderful break these last 2 months after the heart wrenching battle we went through with my eldest's last IEP planning and meetings.
I will tell you, I woke up and all day I have felt like crying from the fear and anxiety of being a special education parent. But I can't tell if this is the lack of sleep from camping outside this weekend, from tossing and turning last night thinking about his 1st grade school year, or my depression/anxiety.
I can tell myself that I need to take it one minute at a time, and focus on how fun the first day of school will be on Wednesday for everyone. It is a start of a new year, a fresh start, and hopefully lots of great learning and partnerships.
Well, with twins, and then our eldest needing all his special services, the twins really got 'daycare.' Though I love our daycare, and it has an element of school integrated into it, the teachers are still not all 'early childhood' teachers. You can tell by 1) their age, 2) their ability to spell (a cute penguin hand print should be 'Arctic Friend' not 'Artic Friend'), 3) just the way they are. It may sound snobby, but it is true.
They took great care of my children and we will happily be sending them back their on breaks and probably for next summer. They really cared about my kids and they thrived there. The twins know how to write, know their letters, know that a shamrock is a symbol for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It's great.
But...this school year, the kids will be going to my Alma mater. The private grammar school next to my parents house and they couldn't be more excited. Me either. Wonderful Husband either. I had such a great childhood there (even with all the teasing about having no boobs, or living next to nuns...but I regress).
They have been counting down the days for weeks, and on Wednesday I can't wait to drop them off at the door, taking their pictures, and seeing a lot of my neighbors as fellow parents.
With this excitement for the twins, also comes a lot of anxiety for me regarding my eldest. He is excited too. He is excited to see his friends, though I think he feels bad about having to go to a different school, because he keeps chiming in that he gets to go the same school as the twins for Religion Class.
Anyway...with the start of the school year, comes IEP, parent advocacy, reassessing if my eldest is getting what he needs, the constant questioning of what is best for him, etc. etc. etc. It had me up last night already and we aren't even at the start of the year.
It has been such a wonderful break these last 2 months after the heart wrenching battle we went through with my eldest's last IEP planning and meetings.
I will tell you, I woke up and all day I have felt like crying from the fear and anxiety of being a special education parent. But I can't tell if this is the lack of sleep from camping outside this weekend, from tossing and turning last night thinking about his 1st grade school year, or my depression/anxiety.
I can tell myself that I need to take it one minute at a time, and focus on how fun the first day of school will be on Wednesday for everyone. It is a start of a new year, a fresh start, and hopefully lots of great learning and partnerships.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Update on the dentist
I am trying very hard not to be mad. I do feel like we have wasted a lot of time and got absolutely nowhere. However, through these advocating years, I have come to realize that sometimes when it seems like nothing is happening, things get geared up and fast in no time flat.
I called the geneticist this week to get an appointment, the one that Dr. Wonderful Dentist referred. First problem: he gave me his fax number. So I had to call the office to get the phone number.
My appointment is scheduled...for MARCH 2013.
The thing that angers me is that when we met Dr. Wonderful Dentist in May, he said for us not to call Dr. Genius Geneticist, that he will lead it all. Well, he didn't. In July, we were to call Dr. Genius Geneticist. Two full months wasted. Oh well, so I would have gotten an appointment in January, compared to March. Time flies, that is one thing I am certain of.
BUT...do you recall that letter Dr. Wonderful Dentist was supposed to write 3 weeks ago? Well, he still hasn't written it. Nope, not even after I called to remind them last week. They want to first know when I got the appointment.
Okay - I know where this is going. Nowhere. It is just another thing I have to add on my balance beam of life to remember to get on top of them, sometime at the end of the year, to get that letter finished in preparation for my March genetics meeting.
The only way I can spin this to be good is that the eldest was in front of Dr. Wonderful Dentist when his tooth was falling out. He took pictures, he saw what was happening. This is the best because right now he is all gums.
Now it is just a waiting game until March, or until the next tooth falls out. Stay tuned....where is my 'to-do' list? I have to make sure I mark this on there.
I called the geneticist this week to get an appointment, the one that Dr. Wonderful Dentist referred. First problem: he gave me his fax number. So I had to call the office to get the phone number.
My appointment is scheduled...for MARCH 2013.
The thing that angers me is that when we met Dr. Wonderful Dentist in May, he said for us not to call Dr. Genius Geneticist, that he will lead it all. Well, he didn't. In July, we were to call Dr. Genius Geneticist. Two full months wasted. Oh well, so I would have gotten an appointment in January, compared to March. Time flies, that is one thing I am certain of.
BUT...do you recall that letter Dr. Wonderful Dentist was supposed to write 3 weeks ago? Well, he still hasn't written it. Nope, not even after I called to remind them last week. They want to first know when I got the appointment.
Okay - I know where this is going. Nowhere. It is just another thing I have to add on my balance beam of life to remember to get on top of them, sometime at the end of the year, to get that letter finished in preparation for my March genetics meeting.
The only way I can spin this to be good is that the eldest was in front of Dr. Wonderful Dentist when his tooth was falling out. He took pictures, he saw what was happening. This is the best because right now he is all gums.
Now it is just a waiting game until March, or until the next tooth falls out. Stay tuned....where is my 'to-do' list? I have to make sure I mark this on there.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Who is ready for a nap?
 |
| Nap Mats |
I haven't felt prouder of myself when I made a button hole. It is not really a talent, just actual proof that I can follow directions.
The nap mats were pretty easy, thanks to a FREE tutorial online from Jenny Garland! http://jennygarland.typepad.com/jenny_garland/2008/09/not-your-everyd.html
 |
| Carrying Strap |
SOOO...what is going on with the rest of my life? School? Dentist? Well...today I got a call from the twins' new pre-school telling me that the picnic today is relocated due to the rainy weather. Picnic? I said. So I didn't get the postcard, but I did get the tuition bill, so I knew they were registered okay. I took this opportunity to ask about the nap mat to the teacher. She said: 'Oh, yes, they are ordered. We buy them as part of the book registration fee.' DOH!
 |
| All rolled up & buttoned |
"Who cares!" I am telling myself. This was one SUPER FUN $400 project. Let's just forget that I said the ending price. I'm too expensive of a crafter, even for myself, but I have absolutely no regrets about doing this. It was not frustrating and it was very rewarding.
Once we start school, I'll still send them with these kick-butt nap mats instead of the school distributed ones...why the heck not?
Friday, August 10, 2012
$370 later after visiting JoAnn Fabrics
The nuts lady (me), couldn't shake that itch to make those nap maps. So, on Wednesday, I went to JoAnn Fabric and bought myself:
> A sewing machine ($190)
> Fabric & supplies for the nap mats ($180)
> A crazy shopping high
Yesterday, I setup the sewing machine and read the directions. Remember...I really don't know how to use a sewing machine. But, I do know how to sew by hand...I'm guessing this is going to be along the same lines of tools: First master the manual, then you can move to the automated.
I practiced by fixing holes at the seams of two character pillow cases. I did it! The holes are repaired and they look good - I think I have the basic automatic sewing thing down (at least one stitch).
Now, I just need to start making those nap mats. I am thinking I will have some time this weekend...I've been finishing chores around the house so I can do my 'fun stuff' without all the guilt (or grime).
$180 is pretty much what it would have cost to buy the one I wanted online...but the kids are already excited about the skeleton pirates and rainbow cupcake patterned fabric I got. (I didn't take them with me, even though that was 'the plan').
> A sewing machine ($190)
> Fabric & supplies for the nap mats ($180)
> A crazy shopping high
Yesterday, I setup the sewing machine and read the directions. Remember...I really don't know how to use a sewing machine. But, I do know how to sew by hand...I'm guessing this is going to be along the same lines of tools: First master the manual, then you can move to the automated.
I practiced by fixing holes at the seams of two character pillow cases. I did it! The holes are repaired and they look good - I think I have the basic automatic sewing thing down (at least one stitch).
Now, I just need to start making those nap mats. I am thinking I will have some time this weekend...I've been finishing chores around the house so I can do my 'fun stuff' without all the guilt (or grime).
$180 is pretty much what it would have cost to buy the one I wanted online...but the kids are already excited about the skeleton pirates and rainbow cupcake patterned fabric I got. (I didn't take them with me, even though that was 'the plan').
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Homemade nap mats?
I'm this granola wannabe, or a stay-at-home-mom wannabe, or just nuts. I will not deny, I am potentially all three. Why if I'm walking daily on a tightrope, would I EVER want to do anything homemade?
Today I got a hair-brained idea that I would make, yes MAKE, the twins nap mats they need for school this year. Nap mats are these all-in-one mat/sleeping bags, that roll up with a strap and are washable. The nap mats online are not outrageously expensive, and I can afford them, however my hair-brained idea is that 'wouldn't it be fun to have them pick out their own fabric, and make it myself?'
Oh brother! I often think of these 'wouldn't it be fun if...' and they are NOT usually not in the best interest of:
1) my time
2) my sanity
3) my pocketbook
The keyword 'my' being everyone around me, including Wonderful Husband and my kids.
This goes along the same thing that I want to be a farmer. Why would I want to do all this? Maybe it's idealistic, maybe it's romantic, or maybe, just maybe, it is fulfilling the crafty side of myself that is lacking in my daily grind.
What is crazy about this home-made nap-mat is:
#1: I don't have a sewing machine. I called my sister - her's is broken.
No problem, I say! I can buy one...it can be my early birthday present.
#2: How much time will this take? In all reality, I don't know how to sew. I have faked it about 4 times in my life with curtains.
No problem, I say! We need the nap mats in 3 weeks from today. I have a 1 week break from painting class, and a break from physical therapy. I don't want to jinx myself, but on the 18th, there is NOTHING on our calendar.
#3: Why would I WANT to do this?
It's obvious, I say! I could be doing housework, or even fun family time, play time, or pool time? The answer...respite. Sometimes I need a break from adventure & challenge myself.
This is nuts...we will see how far I get when I visit the fabric store sometime soon. 'Sometime soon?' Didn't I just say I had 3 weeks to do this? Guess I will be visiting the store sooner than later. Even as I type this I know it is a bad idea...but why can't I stop myself? I already told you in the first sentence 'I'm nuts.'
Today I got a hair-brained idea that I would make, yes MAKE, the twins nap mats they need for school this year. Nap mats are these all-in-one mat/sleeping bags, that roll up with a strap and are washable. The nap mats online are not outrageously expensive, and I can afford them, however my hair-brained idea is that 'wouldn't it be fun to have them pick out their own fabric, and make it myself?'
Oh brother! I often think of these 'wouldn't it be fun if...' and they are NOT usually not in the best interest of:
1) my time
2) my sanity
3) my pocketbook
The keyword 'my' being everyone around me, including Wonderful Husband and my kids.
This goes along the same thing that I want to be a farmer. Why would I want to do all this? Maybe it's idealistic, maybe it's romantic, or maybe, just maybe, it is fulfilling the crafty side of myself that is lacking in my daily grind.
What is crazy about this home-made nap-mat is:
#1: I don't have a sewing machine. I called my sister - her's is broken.
No problem, I say! I can buy one...it can be my early birthday present.
#2: How much time will this take? In all reality, I don't know how to sew. I have faked it about 4 times in my life with curtains.
No problem, I say! We need the nap mats in 3 weeks from today. I have a 1 week break from painting class, and a break from physical therapy. I don't want to jinx myself, but on the 18th, there is NOTHING on our calendar.
#3: Why would I WANT to do this?
It's obvious, I say! I could be doing housework, or even fun family time, play time, or pool time? The answer...respite. Sometimes I need a break from adventure & challenge myself.
This is nuts...we will see how far I get when I visit the fabric store sometime soon. 'Sometime soon?' Didn't I just say I had 3 weeks to do this? Guess I will be visiting the store sooner than later. Even as I type this I know it is a bad idea...but why can't I stop myself? I already told you in the first sentence 'I'm nuts.'
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Vacation Bliss
Rejuvenation. Respite. Relaxation. Three good words for the week that we just ended.
There is nothing like going only 60 miles from your house for a week to be unplugged, slowed down, and hang with family to give the soul exactly what it needs. How could Michigan, or a just a cottage, give you such a difference in life that your house, even if you were on a staycation, couldn't?
I'm not going to dare try to explain or theorize that question. It is the core reason cottages exist, especially for the Chicagoans who flock to Wisconsin, Indiana, or Michigan for that very experience. They are all certainly on to something.
We had a great week, which is why you have heard nothing from me. The five of us played, swam, and hung with our family and cousins. There was nothing but swimming, sandboxes, laser tag, beaches, playgrounds, tennis, cops and robbers, beer, wine, and talk. There were many days last week where there wasn't even a cloud in the sky. We couldn't beat it if we tried.
I will confess I didn't think of work, the eldest's upcoming doctors appointments, school IEP, the school schedule for the twins while I was up there at all...unless of course it was after many glasses of wine and I was crying to my cousins. Oh, drinking? Wasn't that a new years resolution? Yes...and I have still been stinking at keeping that one.
Next week is the last day of 'camp' at daycare for the kids. It's a fun week too with lots of big-bang adventures planned: Navy Pier, Bowling, Chuck E Cheese, Gymnastics. Then, a week of calm before the school storm starts.
Today everyone is still sleeping, or quietly playing, and I'm preparing for my day of shopping for school supplies, wedding attire, and a bachelorette party gift. I feel a bit guilty in taking the day to myself to shop like this, but on the flip side, I'm looking forward to spending some more alone time before the manic Monday returns tomorrow.
While there were lots and lots of tears just a week ago, there is nothing but a huge smile, and weight off my shoulders and out of my heart today. Life is good. I'm blessed. I knew this, and it is what keeps me going, but it is still nice to remind myself.
There is nothing like going only 60 miles from your house for a week to be unplugged, slowed down, and hang with family to give the soul exactly what it needs. How could Michigan, or a just a cottage, give you such a difference in life that your house, even if you were on a staycation, couldn't?
I'm not going to dare try to explain or theorize that question. It is the core reason cottages exist, especially for the Chicagoans who flock to Wisconsin, Indiana, or Michigan for that very experience. They are all certainly on to something.
We had a great week, which is why you have heard nothing from me. The five of us played, swam, and hung with our family and cousins. There was nothing but swimming, sandboxes, laser tag, beaches, playgrounds, tennis, cops and robbers, beer, wine, and talk. There were many days last week where there wasn't even a cloud in the sky. We couldn't beat it if we tried.
I will confess I didn't think of work, the eldest's upcoming doctors appointments, school IEP, the school schedule for the twins while I was up there at all...unless of course it was after many glasses of wine and I was crying to my cousins. Oh, drinking? Wasn't that a new years resolution? Yes...and I have still been stinking at keeping that one.
Next week is the last day of 'camp' at daycare for the kids. It's a fun week too with lots of big-bang adventures planned: Navy Pier, Bowling, Chuck E Cheese, Gymnastics. Then, a week of calm before the school storm starts.
Today everyone is still sleeping, or quietly playing, and I'm preparing for my day of shopping for school supplies, wedding attire, and a bachelorette party gift. I feel a bit guilty in taking the day to myself to shop like this, but on the flip side, I'm looking forward to spending some more alone time before the manic Monday returns tomorrow.
While there were lots and lots of tears just a week ago, there is nothing but a huge smile, and weight off my shoulders and out of my heart today. Life is good. I'm blessed. I knew this, and it is what keeps me going, but it is still nice to remind myself.
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