Happy Thanksgiving...again

Last Thanksgiving I posted 10 things i was thankful for. When i decided to do it again, I went back to look at last year's post I realized I wouldn't change a thing...
1. Clean water to drink and bathe in every day. i know in much of the world that is a luxury.
2. An amazing husband who loves me as much as i love him
3. Three healthy, beautiful, smart, delightful, mischievous daughters who show me the wonder in God's creation every day.
4. Living in a country where my daughters can grow up to be anything they want to be.
5. Good friends I can count on for anything.
6. Knowing both my brothers (sis-in-law, niece, and nephews) are coming to visit soon.
7. Parents that aren't perfect, but they're mine.
8. A good job (that i really enjoy) in a bad economy
9. Gymboree online sales (that i am trying to resist this year!)
10. Still having my Grandmother to visit on Thanksgiving!

HI

Just a note to say hi, and I'm sorry I've been such a bad blogger. Follow me on Facebook and you'll have all the updates you need. I'll get back into blogging soon- I promise!
Take care,
Dawn

The Pity Party is Over

Ok, I admit it. Since Mai’s diagnosis I’ve been wallowing is self pity. It made me think about everything I want in life and everything I don’t have. Party’s Over! I’m changing my course, and contemplating everything I do have and should be thankful for.

I have a great family. My parents have been married 39 years, and did their best to set a good example for us. They instilled values in each if us: education, hard work, family, faith, kindness, compassion and respect for others. I have two brothers I love and admire, even though I haven’t always liked them;) I know they have my back forever.

I have a husband I have been with almost 15 years who still thinks I am the most beautiful woman he knows. He knows everything there is to know about me and loves me anyway. He shows me he loves me by cleaning the litter box and having the house vacuumed and the girls fed before I wake up on Saturday. That’s real love.

I have three angels I’m watching “swim” in the tub as I write. I asked God for three children and these are the three He chose- I am so lucky. They are beautiful, smart, kind, and opinionated (and stubborn just like Mommy). They love and defend each other fiercely (when they aren’t arguing) and I pray that never changes.

I have friends that would do anything for me, and I would do anything for them- from kindergarten, junior high, high school, college, church, work, and mommy friends I met because of my kids. We’ve laughed and cried and relied on each other and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. They are there when I need a hand, a shoulder, or an ear.

I have a job I really enjoy that God gift wrapped with a red bow and handed me on a silver platter (thanks to a good friend from college talking to a random stranger on the HOV lane). I take pride in my work and get to leave at 3:30 every day to come home to my family.

Most of all I have a very deep faith instilled in me by my grandmother at a very young age- the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I believe God has a plan for my life, and when I get off track He will always bring me back. It seems I almost forgot that.
Is life perfect? Never.
Do I have everything I want? No.
Will I always want more? I hope so.

Some things will come with time, and some things I will never have because the price or sacrifice is too high. I can sleep well knowing I am already blessed and always will be. If you’ve gotten this far, thank you. Thank you for listening, thank you for caring, thank you for being a part of my life.

With love,Dawn

I'm back!!

I admit it; I’ve been a bad blogger. Almost 2 months? Wow! If you follow me on facebook you know wheat’s going on.

August 28 I was in my first car accident in 15 years. I was rear-ended and pushed into the car in front of me in a 5-car pile-up at a red light. All the girls were in the car and they are all fine. The BMW that was totally at fault had plenty of insurance. After a lot of red tape, my van was repaired, the girls got new car seats, State Farm paid for everything and all is well.

I though I blew my first BOMA exam (certification for work). That caused me a lot of anxiety for a few weeks. To my disbelief I got an 80- whew!

I got a crazy suggestive phone call at 12:30 am on one trip to Ft Worth. The caller asked for me by first and last name, so the hotel put him through- SCARY! Luckily I had 2 male co-workers staying in the hotel and they escorted me to and from the building the rest of my trip. Since then I have been playing musical hotels. Don’t mess with a federal employee on official travel- homeland security got involved.

Speaking of Ft Worth, only THREE trips to go. I can’t believe this year is almost over!!!

The biggest think going on right now is that Mai was diagnosed with severe hearing loss. She will be getting two hearing aids. We are currently in a sea of doctors visits and insurance paperwork. First of all, we are changing insurance so that at lease half of the hearing aid cost will be covered. Today we saw the ENT to try to determine the cause of the hearing loss. He ordered genetic testing (a blood test) to see if Mai carries a defective gene. Mai ordered pink hearing aids with purple sparkles—what a surprise J

Hang in there- I’ll be around!!

Live from Ft Worth

I'm thinking of renaming my blog "live from Ft Worth" because that's the only time I have time to blog, when I'm in Ft Worth. Last week I was here for my monthly intern training, with Tai and the girls. They hung out at the pool and the zoo while I was at work. This week I'm back for a special training class.

I discovered today that I'm officially one of THEM. I'm a snooty business traveler. My car know the way to the airport parking garage, I don't even have to think about it. I get easily annoyed and frustrated with unseasoned travelers who hold up the security live. Today I piled my three totes (one for shoes and lip gloss, one for my purse, and one for my laptop) and walked around a guy fumbling to get is laptop out of his LV messenger bag and untie his shoes. I know where the good, and BAD, airport food can be found. I know exactly how to get to DFW's baggage claim when I get off the plane. I know what dress, sweater, and accessories to wear so I'm comfortable and never set off the metal detector.

Here's the good news: 8 flingts to Ft Worth down, 5 to go!!

Saying Goodbye

This past weekend was very surreal to me. We laid my grandfather to rest on Saturday. The day was crazy, sad, reverent, joyous and fun…yes, I said fun. My grandfather was a great man and had a great life, and we honored him accordingly.

Our day started at 5:30 am, so we could get dressed and pick Lily and Mai up from my in-laws’ house by 7:00. (They stayed there overnight so we wouldn’t have to take them to the Rosary.)

Quote of the day: we asked Lien if she wanted to go to the graveside service with me or go with Tai to take a nap at Honey’s house with her little sisters. Her response was, “I want to go to the graaaaaave yarrrrrrd.” (You must think in a spooky Halloween voice- remember, she’s 7.)

The funeral began at 10:00 am. My girls were remarkably behaved for a 1 ½ hour mass. I had to take Lily in the back for a little while because she was getting restless, not loud, and tried to crawl under all the pews. After Mai was scared by the Knights of Columbus during the processional, she sat on the floor most of the time playing with Otto’s prayer card.

After mass we had lunch. The bereavement group at the church did an amazing job preparing lunch for everyone. Since mass went long, we had about 30 minutes to feed over 100 people.

Then we went to the cemetery. It was truly the most beautiful service I’ve ever seen. The playing of taps and folding of the flag is chilling. My grandfather and his four brothers all served in WWII, and all came home. Otto was the first of the five brothers to pass away.

One of Otto’s instructions has always been that a keg would be placed on his casket so that family and friends could toast him. Well, we didn’t grant that request, but instead threw him a keg party. After the ceremony at the cemetery we returned to Otto and Honey’s house for a fish fry. Dozens of family and friends gathered to tell Otto stories, play horseshoes and raise their glasses in his memory… and eat some yummy fried fish and shrimp, and venison sausage.

We love you Otto. I hope we did you proud. Rest in Peace.

Goodbye to my Grandfather

Otto Hrncir

April 19, 1919- August 5, 2009

Sr. Kt. Otto Hrncir was born in Hallettsville, Texas on April 27, 1919. Otto was a star athlete at Sugar Land High School, lettering four years in five sports. He played softball for Imperial Sugar Co. Otto also played Army and semi-pro baseball, winning MVP honors.

Otto served as an artillery sergeant in the Second Infantry Division during WWII, landing at Normandy, through the Battle of the Bulge, to Pilsn, Czechoslovakia, where he served during the Occupation. He served in the VFW and American Legion.

After the war, Otto became a foreman for Tyler Fixtures in Waxahachie. In 1951, he took a position as sales manager for Joe Polichino’s beer company in Fort Bend and Brazoria Counties. Ten years later, he assumed the distributorship along with two partners. He was known as a formidable competitor in business. He taught his children what he had learned in war, business, and sports: that their ultimate adversaries, whom they must constantly strive to overcome, were themselves. Otto lived for his family. He worked long hours for many years, but always found time for his children’s baseball and football games, plays, and musical performances. He also treasured family trips to the beach and fishing holes.

Next to his family, Otto loved his Catholic Faith. His service to the Church included seventy years in the Knights of Columbus, with almost fifty of those at the fourth degree level. He served as past faithful navigator, and captain of the state champion drill team.

Family was the world to Otto. He is preceded in death by his parents John Paul and Millie (Sciba) Hrncir, sisters; Anita and Janie Jakubik, and several brothers and sisters in-law. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years; Gena Frances “Honey” Hrncir, brothers and sisters; Edwin Hrncir, Helmer Hrncir, Margaret Humpola, and Mickey Sebesta of Rosenberg, Leo Hrncir of Weimer, Guss Hrncir and wife Vinita of Amarillo, sons; Robert Hrncir and wife Loretta of Houston, Hal Hrncir and wife Debbie of West Columbia, daughter; Sharon Dennis of Nashville, Tenn., nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many step-grand, great and great-great grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him.

My baby is 7

Lien is 7 today- where has the time gone?

Lien got to choose anywhere she wanted to eat for dinner and she picked IHOP. After her pancake meal we went to the restroom to use the facilities and wash hands. Lien said, "I need to wash my hands first. I don't want to touch my nice clean butt with sticky hands."

Can't argue with that!

Lien opening her ipod. I don't have an ipod.

No more babies

My baby days are over.

Lily (2 1/2) says, "I not the baby. I a big girl."

Yes Lily. Yes, you are!

Catching Up

I swear it just took me 30 minutes to get logged in!!

Howdy-
Long time, no see!

I am going to catch you up on a bunch of random things because it’s been so long.

The mysterious bangs

This is a true story, Lien went to bed on a Thursday night, as usual, and woke up Friday morning with bangs- really short ones. It’s a mystery. We couldn’t find hair in her bed or any trash can. She must have gotten up and cut them in the middle of the night. We’ll never know what she did with the hair. If Lien knows what happened, she’s not telling Your guess is as good as ours.

Traveling

I’m in Ft worth again. Last month was really hard. Mai had her tonsils out, then we went on vacation, and then I had to leave. This month Mai gave me a big kiss on Monday morning and said, “Mommy go on airplane. I see you on computer, OK?” That’s much better than the usual, “Mommy NO airplane. Mommy come home to me!” Whew…I think we’ve turned a corner.

Not good news

My grandfather is doing okay. He’s in a nursing home. That’s not what they call it, but that’s what it is. I wet to visit last Sunday. Lien went with me inside; Mai was too scared of all the wheel chairs. Tai took Mai and Lily to the house with my mom. There isn’t a lot of time left. I know it, Lien knows, my grandmother knows it. They’ve been married 68 years- more than 2/3 of their lives. I don’t know what she’ll do without him.

My dad had a scare- skin cancer found on his scalp. It took two tries, but the doctor says he got it all. They’ll keep an eye on it. I know skin cancer isn’t usually fatal, but it was to my grandmother. So apparently it runs in my family on both sides.

Words of Wisdom

I’ve been attending lots of training classes, and I come home with good quotes. Quote of the day, “If you don’t have time to do something right the first time, when will you have time to do it over?”

Sea World Vacation

Hello from Ft Worth. I have been a terrible blogger, but at home I don't have time. By the time we get the girls to bed, I'm ready for bed myself.

Two days after our anniversary we left for 5 days in San Antonio. We bough a Sea World vacation package and stayed at the Hill Country Hilton. I highly recommend it!

Every day we had the same routine: breakfast, Sea World, hotel for nap, dinner, swimming, roasting marshmallows by the fire pit.

Day 1- look at that smile.

Lily and Lien would hold the fist and touch the dolphins, but Mai wouldn't.

Day 2- time to see Shamu.

The only family photo we got...

Finally, something lily could ride.

Back at the hotel...We called this the "dolphin" pool because of the walls. The whole thing was 18 inched deep with a beach entrance.

Day 3: we spent the day at the water park.

Lien's BFF from babyhood and her family joined us.

It was a great adventure.We will be going back in the fall. Tai wrote a letter because we had to ask for a crib 4 times and it was finally delivered at 10:30 pm, so we got a free night at the hotel.

Happy Anniversary Tai

To my husband on our ten year anniversary...6/5/2009

For ten years now I've been your wife, for 14 years you've been my life. We stood in front of family, friends and God and vowed to love, honor and cherish each other in good times and bad, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health...and we've lived every word. I know your love, faith and respect for me is second only to your love, faith and respect in God. It's not an easy life, but it's our life. To our first decade...and many more. I love you!!

Hand, Foot and What??

I haven't been a very good blogger this month because I‘ve been taking care of sick kiddos. Lily came home with fever on Tuesday last week. She also had spots on her feet and knees. Tai and I feared it was chicken pox (particularly problematic with Mai’s tonsils coming out the next week). All our kids have had the vaccine but we know kids can still get a mild case.

When Tai took her to the doctor she was diagnosed with “Hand Foot and Mouth Disease.” It’s just a scary name for a virus that causes fever and bumps on the hands, feet and in the mouth- very uncomfortable, but not serious. Lily stayed home the rest of the week, and of course Mai and Lien had to come down with it on Saturday (even thought we went through 2 cans of Lysol). Lien and Mai had very mild cases with no fever, just a few spots- mostly in the mouth. So, most of our three day weekend was spent comforting uncomfortable kiddos....and praying Mai would be all better in time to have her tonsils out.

What a difference a day makes

Mai had her tonsils removed today. She was a total champ. She went kicking and screaming into the operating room, but came out of anesthesia beautifully. The nurse said that when Mai opened her eyes the nurse asked if she was ready to see her mom and dad and Mai nodded yes. She wasn’t fussy or crying, she was just very quiet. I got to lay with her in her bed while she woke up.

They watched her for two hours before we could go home. We were home by 12:30 and Mai was bouncing off the walls- or trying to. We must attempt to keep her “calm and quiet” for the next ten days. It’s a good thing we don’t leave for our vacation for 11 days!

Adenoids, Anniversaries and Easter…oh, my

First, I’d like to wish a sincere and heartfelt congratulations and Happy 15th Anniversary to the Thrifty Expat and Slightly Cracked (tomorrow- May 7). Also, Happy 67th Anniversary to my grandparents, Frances and Otto. My brother got married on our grandparents’ anniversary so he would never forget.

Update on Mai…
It official, the tonsils have to go…and the adenoids too. Surgery is scheduled for May 27th. Hopefully Jekyll will pull through and Hyde will be left at the hospital.

Easter
Ok, I’m really late, I know, but Easter was so quiet this year. We didn’t make our usual trip to Grandma’s house because of my grandfather being in the hospital. We went to church with my parents, had seafood for lunch and spent the rest of the day like any other Sunday- doing chores around the house and grocery shopping.

Easter Egg hunt on Palm Sunday...

Girl on a mission...

Seriously, this is the best I could get on easter Sunday...

Lien and Mai's dresses were each two sizes too big, so you'll see them again for the next few years :)

Happy Birthday Otto

Today was a great day, for a lot of reasons, but mostly because I thought today would never come. Three weeks ago I visited my grandfather in the ICU- he had fallen and suffered cracked ribs, a nicked artery, internal bleeding and a collapsed lung. Tomorrow is Otto’s 90th birthday and today we celebrated! I thought I had said my last goodbye. How could I underestimate a man who was on the front lines of WWII and came home? He has a fighting spirit. Otto is not home; he’s in a rehab center (don’t call it a nursing home- the goal is for him to go home in 100 days or less). He’s doing remarkable well. Here are a few highlights from our day…

Lien Mai and Lily checking out the view...



Otto and Lily playing a game...

Honey and Otto, Me and the girls...

Sherry, Tack, Hal, Alvin, my Dad, Otto and Honey...

Me: "Otto, doesn't Honey look pretty today?"

Otto: "Beautiful."

Me: "You should give her a kiss."

Otto: (flashed me this smile...)

Otto and his siblings: Hilmer, mickey, Tack, and Margaret (turning 95 this year). Guss and Leo didn't make it to the party.

Lien found a great tree outside...perfect for climbing. I had to get a few shots.

My Favorite...

Back in Ft Worth

"I don't want to go to school. I don't want to go to school. Mommy NO AIRPLANE!!!"

This is the phrase Mai was crying as she got in the car yesterday. She's figured it out. If Daddy s driving Mommy's car, Mommy is going on the airplane.

Web cam at night is helpful, but I still hate leaving one week a month. It's only for a year...that's what I keep telling myself. Two years from now my monthly trips will be a distant memory.

My car knows the way to the airport. I usually go to the airport once or twice a year, usually to pick someone else up. After three trips in two months, my car knows te way. I realized I no longer have to look for the airport exit, or terminal exit, or what lane to get in to go into the parking garage. My car just knows the way.

Adam at the front desk already knows me by name.

April continues

I will get Easter photos updated sooner or later. He’s an update…

• Add 2 more birthday parties to the April agenda.
• Mai woke up at 4:00 am this morning with fever. It’s strep…again! We now have an appointment with the ENT to get her tonsils removed.
• My grandfather is out of the ICU and in a nursing home. He is sitting up and eating solid food…baby steps, it’s a beginning. Hopefully this is a trend and he’ll enjoy his 90th birthday this month.
• We had a very quiet Easter: church with my parents and lunch at Pappadeaux. Then Mai woke up in a coughing fit and threw up, and the fun began (hence the fever at 4 am).
• Oh, and Lien stuck a wad of paper towel in her nose today at school and got it stuck.

Life is never boring.

“Busy month” is an understatement

This is my April…

I just got back from a week in Ft. Worth. I’m home for two weeks, and then I go back to Ft. Worth for a week. In the meantime I have:

• 4 kids’ birthday parties to attend,
• a two-day training seminar,
• three egg hunts,
• Easter Sunday,
• a doctor appointment,
• a friend coming to town,
• a HOA board meeting,
• hosting a luncheon at work,
• Mai’s REAL 4th birthday (at least we already had the party, but I have to send muffins, juice and a poster to school),
• work about to explode with projects from the stimulus package
  
  And none of that matters compared with my grandfather being in ICU with cracked ribs, internal bleeding and only a 50% chance of living to see his 90th birthday on April 27th
  
  I really don’t know if I should laugh or cry…but I’ll make it. If you don't hear from me for a while, you'll know why.

I love Texas

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Texas? I love it particularly in spring...

Every year we go to Washington on the Brazos State Park to take photos in the fields of Bluebonnets.

Lien...

Lily...

and Mai (yes, she is wearing Mittens- she would not take them off)...

When you exit the beautiful fields, you follow a winding trail through the woods to get back to the park....

Random stuff

I'm in my hotel in Ft Worth, for the first of two week-long trips this month. I want to be home, I miss my hubby and girls, but don't want to complain about it because my husband is home alone holding down the fort.

I am NOT in the Roach motel this month. I have booked the Embassy Suites for the rest of the year! I feel like I'm at the Ritz- little shampoo in the bathroom, free breakfast buffet, and a hot tub. This is a good as it gets...when I have to be away.

We went on our yearly trip to Washington on the Brazos State Park last weekend. I think it's the best place to see a miraculous wonder of God's creation- the Bluebonnet. I'll post pictures when I get back home and I'm on my own computer- no photos on the laptop. The north can keep their fall leaves, DC can keep their Cherry Blossoms. If there is no other reason to live in Texas, it's the Bluebonnet in spring.

Mai might need her tonsils out. Large tonsils can cause sleep apnea in kids, and poor sleep can lead to crankiness and whining...and Mai is the queen of whining. Remove the tonsils, cut down the whining? Ah, if only it were that simple. I'll keep you posted.

I'm going to get chips and salsa at the manager happy hour reception.

TGIF

Interesting week….
Monday Mai woke up with fever. She went to the doctor and had Strep…again, for the second time in two weeks. The doctor said her tonsils are HUGE and “kissing” and she may need to have them out. Do you think that will cure the whining? If it does, I’m all for it.

Tuesday I had excitement at work. One of our 60 year old federal buildings had a pipe burst overnight and flood parts of the first floor with 3 inches of water. I go to learn all about emergency water extraction…fun, fun!

Last night Tai said one of the sweetest things I’ve ever heard him say and it made me love him even more than I already do. He said, “When I put Lily to bed I try to touch her fingers and toes because I know they are the last little fingers and toes we’ll see for a while.”

I’m so lucky.

Busy Busy Fun and Funny Day

Lily turned 2 last month. Mai turns 4 next month. We decided to split the difference and have a combined party this month…but more on that in a minute.

This morning the girls were playing and I heard Lien say, “This is the biggest damn house I’ve ever made.” The she said “This is the best damn house ever.” Thinking my ears must be deceiving me, I ran in the living room to find out where she has picked up such language. She and Mai were pretending to be beavers building a DAM house out of blankets and pillows. She spent the next 30 minutes talking about her dam house and I just smiled to myself.

Today was one of the best birthday parties we’ve ever had. The girls all had naps so they were rested and ready to play. Mai could not possibly have been more excited. Lily was happy as long as she was with Mom and Dad didn’t leave her. I think she was overwhelmed by it all, but still have a good time and lover her Calliou cake. Our guests were kind enough to bring identical or nearly identical gifts (thank you very much) so there was no arguing.

The only down side of the day…I rolled my ankle at the gym and It’s swollen and purple. I’m wondering if it will fit in a shoe on Monday.

Lily's Cake...
Mai's cake...

Mai on the rock wall..not willing to put down her goodie bag before climbing...

Lily checking things out...

Mai blowing out her candles...

At home before the party...

Quote of the Day

Me: Lien, how are you hungry enough to eat more chicken, but you aren't hungry enough to finish your baked potato?
Lien: I'm just that way

update on the sicky house

Wednesday-
I woke up with a sore throat but went to work anyway. Tai stayed home with Lien and Mai. He should have sent Lily to school, but he didn’t want to so she stayed home too.
Thursday-
I woke up at 4:00 am and seriously considered calling 911. My throat hurt so badly and I felt like it was closing shut. Tai stayed home to take care of the other girls. I went to the doctor. Amazingly I drove myself in the rain. The strep test came back positive- big surprise. (You can read sarcasm, right?) I slept the whole day except for the few seconds I woke up every 20 minutes to swallow in total agony.
Friday-
Tai returned to work. Lien returned to school. Lily returned to school. Mai went to Tai’s dad. I wanted to sleep but couldn’t. I rested, watched a movie (27 Dresses- one I got for my birthday over a month ago but hadn’t watched yet), rested, made a load of laundry, rested, played on the computer, rested. My dad picked up Lien from her western day program. I picked up Lily. My mom and dad took Lien to her belt test- she passed and is now first degree purple. Tai picked up Mai on his way home. We put he girls to bed and watched Juno. (We also got some very sad news I’ll share later.)
Saturday-
Lily woke up with fever. Antibiotics for all! Now everyone is on the same Rx regimen. Tai had to work. I can swallow without pain. It was a good day.

OH- Lien lost a tooth Friday night too, AND THE TOOTHFAIRY REMEMBERED!!!

The saga continues

Last night- around 11:00 pm- Mai woke up vomiting. Being the experienced parents that we are, we just assumed she had too much mucus in her belly from her sinuses draining, cleaned her up, put her back to bed and didn’t think much of it. Lily and Mai went to school today, Lien went to Grandma’s.

By the time I picked Lily and Lien up for their afternoon doctor’s appointments, Lien was covered in a rash- HEAD TO TOE! Of course we had to wait an hour to see the doctor we dearly love (not typical). It was a strap rash. Have you ever heard of a strep rash? Lien had strep and a strep rash. Lily had a good well-check but had to get two shots- not fun. I refused to have her blood work done- I wasn’t up for it- maybe next time. As we are waiting in the pharmacy for Lien’s antibiotics, Mai’s school calls. I have to come get her now because she has fever of 101- lovely.

I had the pharmacy call the doctor and send down another dose of antibiotics.

Three girls are sleeping. Daddy is staying home tomorrow. I don’t have any sick days.

Good night!

One of those days

I got up when the alarm went off at 5:30 without hitting snooze. I was very proud of myself for that, considering the time change. I was dressed and ready to get out the door at 6:03- now even more proud of myself. I made the rounds kissing all my sleeping angels goodbye. When I got to Lien she was sitting up in her top bunk crying… “The tooth fairy didn’t come.” OH SH!T- I though to myself. How did the tooth fairy forget? I gave Lien a $2 “loan” to hold her over for the day, and then left Tai to deal with it.

The morning went well. Tai called to say drop off went very well and Mai even kissed him goodbye- yea- small victories.

At lunch I walked 2 blocks for my $5 footlong to bring back to the office. Upon returning to the building I tripped over a crack in the sidewalk (the crack right next to the big orange cone so you’ll see it) and flew face first toward the revolving door. Fortunately, or unfortunately, my brand new LV purse Tai bought me for Valentine’s Day broke my fall. I jammed my finger and tore my nail. The Department of Homeland Security was promptly at my side to escort me to the “health unit,” and take a report. My boss happens to be a Commissioner in the local volunteer fire department, so he was very sympathetic.

After work I picked Mai and Lily up from preschool- all was well, no black eyes or biting today. Then I picked up Lien. I found her sleeping on the floor in her classroom- burning up. When we got home her fever was 103- oh great. On the bright side, by the time we got home (or by the time Lien got to her room) the tooth fair had dropped by and left a note of apology and $2.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I happened I have the afternoon off to take Mai to her 2-year checkup, so I got Lien an appointment for the same time. She’ll stay home with Tai’s dad in the morning. It can only get better, right?

Something different

I feel somewhat guilty posting this blog about my fun weekend of spending frivolously. My older brother and sis-in-law are doing an experiment is living without this Lenten season, and they are probably the only ones reading this blog- sorry guys, don’t mean to rub it in.

Friday was payday- my 4th payday since starting my new job. Paychecks 1, 2, and 3 went to paying for daycare for January, February and March. So for this one paycheck, Tai and I decided to have fun. Sure, we could have paid off a credit card or paid down our student loans- all things we plan to do in the future- but we NEEDED to have some fun. (And our taxes and summer vacation are already paid for.)

First, a trip to the outlet mall- 7 pair of shoes for the girls at Stride Rite for $130 (hey- that’s a really good deal). It’s the first time I can remember buying shoes the girls absolutely didn’t need, just because they were on sale.... and really cute.

Last night we took the girls to the Hilton Post Oak to spend the night for no good reason, other than because we felt like it. (Gotta love Priceline! Our hotel was about as much as a family trip to the zoo.) We ate a sit-down restaurant for 3 consecutive meals. None of my children have eaten at a restaurant 3 times in one week before. We called it practice for our summer vacation. The girls got to swim- the water was cold but the sun was out. We enjoyed delicious smelling hotel toiletries and comfy sheets.

It was a nice mini vacation- and gave us a lot to look forward to in June.

The roach motel

Ok, it's not that bad, but it is pretty crummy. I don't have much to report from Ft Worth. The kids are doing well. Tai's probably doing a much better job than I would do as a single parent for a week. The girls are probably having nothing but Cick Fil A nuggets and ice cream for dinner each night, but that's okay too. Humm...we're supposed to give up ice cream for lent as a family.

Anyway. Let me gripe and moan about my hotel room while I wait for my nightly web-cam meeting with my girls. I didn't get my travel card until last week, so by the time I could book a hotel room, all the good hotels with special government rate rooms. were full. I picked a quaint little private hotel sandwiched between the convention center and the federal building.

First the good points:

• free internet (they provide a cable if you ask at the front desk)
• no visible pests
• warm water
• TV
• a water cooler in the fitness room- i keep going there to refill my water bottle, not work out

The less attractive features:

• a hole in the shower curtain
• shampoo that smells bad
• water that smells worse
• no lotion -and I didn't pack any
• a cig burn in the lamp shade
• spotty, dusty mirrors
• no hand towels
• bedspreads from the 1970s
• only one working elevator that is usually occupied by large pieces of furniture- I've taken the stairs up 5 floors at least 5 times
• two light bulbs I though were burnt out, but it turns out the plug is just so old it won't stay in the wall

I've already made a my reservations for the next 11 months at a very nice all Suites hotel with free breakfast and happy hour. If I have to be away from my kids for 3 nights, that's the way to go.

Lily Turns 2

It’s official. My baby isn’t a baby anymore. At 3:37pm today Lily will be two years old. In two years she’s become a walking, talking, potty using, sister pushing, boy biting, chocolate loving, has to pick out her own clothes, off to preschool with a smile, easy going little girl. Bye bye baby days. I’m so excited about what lies ahead.

Some people

I saw a shirt in a 6 year old in my daughter’s Religious Education class, and I literally gagged: (square root symbol) 69 = 8 something
So I went over to the mother (Lily in tow) and asked her,
“Do you know what her shirt means?”
“Yeah, sort of.”
“Why would you let her wear that?”
“Her big sister gave it to her so she wanted to wear it. She doesn’t get it.”

Ugh…..I wanted to scream.

She strikes again

The biter strikes again…for the FOURTH time. It’s the same boy every time- his hand, his elbow, his thumb. He must have a crush on her, why else would he keep coming back for more? Tomorrow we have a birthday party to attend for another classmate…can’t wait to listen to the other mom’s trying to figure out who “the biter” is. (The school issues a report to the victim’s parents stating what happened, but not disclosing the offender.)

New year's Eve

Sorry, I'm playing catch-up from the holidays. For New Year's Eve my 2 BFFs from high school were both in town. I don't think that has happened in at least 8 years or so, so we left the hubbies and kiddos at home and had a girls night out. We had a 4 course meal at The Grove (over looking Discovery Green) and rang in the new year with silly hats and champagne- proper 30 something fashion!

For you April......Junior year is the best I could do.