Fun Week - Day 4

Day 4 of Fun Week was like Day 4 of most weeks, except that Big Sissy's swimming lesson was conveniently rescheduled for the same day as Little Sissy's tumbling class. Since Daddy doesn't normally get to be there, it was still fun to do as a family event.

Fun Week - Day 3

Wednesday was my favorite day so far. The weather was perfect, and we spent the day at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. I think this is what heaven looks like. I feel so peaceful there. I've already decided that when I'm old I'm going there every day in my slacks and white sneakers, maybe even with my fanny pack. What a life! We also got to eat at my favorite restaurant--Amighetti's on the hill. Perfect.

Fun Week - Day 2

We've been hearing about this fun place called the Museum of Transportation lately. I have probably seen the sign 50 times, and it finally occurred to us that we should go check it out--especially after Beth blogged about their great day. So this was Day 2 of our week of fun.

Try to ignore the fact that I'm wearing my "special pajamas." That's code for the same clothes I wore the previous day AND slept in. It was one of those days where we had a hard enough time getting out the door, so guess which one of us didn't get a shower. The girls loved exploring the inside of the trains, although they were quite disappointed that we didn't actually get to use the toilets in there.

The most fun for them (and the most challenging for me) was the play area called Creation Station. They had toys, crafts, a puppet theatre, and flowers you could "plant" in a cup with dirt.

The reason it was challenging for me was the worker, who was so right-brained it is amazing she could function in the world. She came up with all the crafts herself, and they were adorable.

I wouldn't be surprised if she painted all the murals herself, and she quoted poetry to me that she had written. The. Whole. Time. She would always end with an enthusiastic, "Do you like that?" Somehow between my grunts and short responses, she took me to be a goddess, full of wisdom. Then she started sharing her struggles as a single mom and a person who is very creative but has no logic (her words, not mine). By the time I was stealthily backing toward the door, she was telling Hubby that I should be a counselor and thanking me over and over for my enlightenment. That was really painful because the whole time I was scheming my escape. Funny how God uses even the times that we are not wholeheartedly into the moment. The more I thought about her later, the more I thought that the world needs more people like her. She was simple, honest, and beautiful. Check me out in the picture. Wonder. Amazement. And wondering how fast I could get to that door.

Fun Week - Day 1

Hubby is off of work this week for a much deserved vacation. Since we are going out of town this weekend for my cousin's wedding and going to Pigeon Forge, TN in October, we decided to make it a "stay-cation." We're getting a few--very few--things done around the house and mostly just having FUN. Monday we went to the zoo with our sweet friends who are children's pastors in Georgia. They came with their triplets, who are the same age as Little Buddy. We had 4 adults and 6 children ages 4 and under. It was just about the right ratio.

Mama and My Girls

One Person's Trash...

is 13 bags of treasure for me! This is what I've been doing all week--sorting, organizing, pitching, storing, and delivering. My dear friend gave me all of these clothes for the girls. I was then inspired to clean out the stuff I'm done with and pass it on. Final Tally: 2 bags to Goodwill, 3 bags to the pregnancy resource center, 4 big bags and 3 small bags to friends. 13 in and 12'ish out. I feel good about that. I am so blessed!

We've Already Spent a Dime

Hubby and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary next week. I fully expect us to have 75 or more years together. If you think of it like being handed 75 cents, we've already spent a dime. I feel like we squandered our first nickel with bickering, grudges, disappointment, and selfishness. After some counseling and some maturing, the last nickel has been more wisely invested in building trust, valuing our differences, forgiveness, and partnering in our call to parenting. I'm glad for the change I have left. In more ways than one. Happy anniversary to my best friend. If I had a whole dollar left I'd want to spend it with you.