Too Crazy For Words

Yesterday was way too crazy to even try and describe. We are in one of the craziest ice-ins I can remember. I think we received something like 4 inches of ice and it is almost all still on the ground, so what looks like beautiful snow is nothing but an ice-skating rink! The kids and I ventured out of the house yesterday for the first time since this all began on what I think was Friday or Saturday. I don't remember because everyday recently has been just like the last!

So, the highways are fine and some of the main roads in Tulsa are fine. But, Jenks doesn't spend that much money on street scrapers so we have 4 inch thick ice ruts in our roads and on all the non-main roads in Tulsa. Yikes! You either gotta stay in the ruts or on top of the ice where there is at least a little dirt or sand that has been spread or it is nothing but a slip and slide out there.

Anyway, we went over to Keri's house so that both of our girls could play and we could actually see another adult besides our husbands. I knew I wasn't going to park in her steep driveway, but it wasn't until I parked, got out of the car, and looked up at her door that I said to myself, "How am I going to walk up the driveway with two kids?" So, I was quite proud of myself to think analytically, see next door to her house wasn't as steep, and that it was a little broken up, and that I could carry the kids up the minor hill instead. So, one at a time, we did it, slipping and sliding and praying the whole way. We made it, stayed for two hours and decided it was time for home, lunch and a nap. Isaac was the first child carried back out to the car, then I had to go back and get Camille. I don't know what happened between those two hours, but neither Keri nor I could get back up what seemed to be a very small hill. We both would just make it a few inches and then slide back down. I haven't laughed that hard in a while. It was great fun, and for a moment I felt like the high school girls that were playing with a sled just down the road from us. We finally made it and I determined I'm good for driving in and walking on the ice for now. That is until I am iced/snowed in for another week. This weekend is a 90% chance of more snow. I love it and hate it all at once. We just better still have MOPS next week or I will go nuts! These four walls of this house sure do close in on a mother.

The other new experience was sitting in the floor with Camille last night watching "Once Upon A Potty" and singing the silly song about going to the potty. Something I never really thought of when I had kids and something I don't think I'll forget anytime soon. It's been quite a beginning process for us (Camille and me) and we are making progress. Her changing pad is gone from her changing table, we make frequent stops during the day to just sit and pause on the potty, there are quite a few deposits, we'll say, in the potty and quite a few deposits in the diaper as well. I'm up for any and all advice on potty training as this is new and shaky ground we are both walking on. You may leave a comment in the section below. So, pass on the wisdom mothers and fathers, pass it on!!

This week I am thankful for...
1. My kiddos. They are really great fun and I'm blessed to be able to be with them everyday.

2. Cheese toast. It's a timeless tradition from my childhood and now Camille loves it just as much as I still do. You take one piece of whole wheat bread, put one slice of your favorite real cheese such as cheddar, colby jack, or monterey on it and place it under the broiler on hi temperature in your oven for about 6 minutes. A quick, easy and yummy meal. You can top it with pretty much anything to tailor to your tastes. I know salsa is good, but I bet pepperoni or other toppings are yummy too.

3. Blue's Clues. Silly show, but Camille loves it.

4. Rest time. Here's crossing our fingers, they are both down at the same time today.

5. My weekly babycenter.com emails. I love reading about the journals of the other two moms with kids around Camille and Isaac's age and seeing the similarities in our families.

6. The baby shower this weekend for one of the ladies I used to work with. I hope it is not cancelled because of the snow!

7. Getting out of the house when I can.

8. Icecicles. They are just cool to watch drip.

9. Good food. Jason has been making some really yummy dishes lately, and he actually thanked me last night for letting him cook. Of course, I said you're welcome. Another crazy part about yesterday.

10. All of the family and friends that read this. I appreciate you just letting me jot down my thoughts and sharing a part of our life.

Have a great day!

Serenity

Serendipity, sanitary, solidarity, solarium, sanitarium....what is that word I am trying to think of?!?! For what seemed like forever yesterday as I was doing dishes, I could not think of the word serenity. I needed it then. Made me feel like I needed a sanitarium after that.

We are finally back in the swing of things after the holidays and I am now one year closer to 30. I guess everyday is one year closer to 30, but now that I am 29, it seems so official! I love it because I don't feel any older than I did when I was about, oh say, 24. So, that's my go-to age when people ask how old I am. I may say 29, but in my mind, I am all about being 24.

Boy, have I missed MOPS. For those of you that don't know, MOPS is a group of moms with kids preschool age and under that get together at different churches (I go to 2 different groups) to just be around other moms and have some "fresh air" away from the kiddos and do fun little crafts. I missed, missed, missed that over the holidays. I am sooo glad to be back in that routine.

So, on to my thankful list...
1. I am so thankful for our home. It may come and go in my mind of what I am thankful for, but I am really so glad to have it and be blessed with it's comfort and warmth.

2. Madagascar. It has occupied a good amount of Camille's time in the late afternoon when I am needing some quiet time (like right now).

3. My relationship with my husband. He makes a great best friend and an even better provider. He is truly a blessing in my life, and I appreciate the heck out of him.

4. My relationship with my mother. That was something that was covered at MOPS today. I really love my mom and appreciate everything that she did for me growing up and even today. For that I am truly thankful.

5. My relationships with my friends (see a trend...MOPS was all about relationships). Each one of them fills a very special place in my life and accomplishes more for my sanity than they will ever know. I dearly love each and every one of you. We may not talk often enough, but you are loved so much!

Okay....back to the blog. That was around 5pm earlier today and now it is almost 10pm. But, I came back!

6. The email from Jess A. and the phone call we had today. It was 45 minutes of fantastic conversation. I know I probably talked her little ear off, but it was great to chat with her about motherhood. Another childhood friend is taking that leap and it is so fun to be able to share it with her!

7. The amazing wonder of bearing children. Okay, family reading this...I have NO plans on bearing another child anytime soon. But, it truly is amazing and I am thankful that I have been able to be a part of it twice. Speaking of bearing children....

8. My sis-in-law is also expecting another wee one! First my sister and now my sis-in-law! Two at once! I'm pumped, for that is more love to give with new nieces and or nephews.

9. Quiet evenings.

10. Going to be at 10pm. Good night and God bless.