“Ever told your child, ‘We’ll do it tomorrow,’ and in your haste, not see his sorrow?”

This quote really touched my heart. I also saw on a friend’s blog how she has loosened up as a parent (Thanks, Bronwyn!). She had a picture of her three children at her kitchen table with paints galore. She wrote about how she used to not even let her children have markers. Paint was for school where others could clean up the mess. I could so relate. I can’t tell you how much play-doh I’ve thrown away in my children’s lifetimes. I, too, almost never have paint around the house. They might make a mess. Post-it notes are a disaster waiting to happen in our home. I know as soon as I buy them that they will one day be stuck all over the walls of someone’s bedroom, my kitchen, or the den.

Have I loosened up? Sure. If I hadn’t, I’d lose my mind. Try making four children act as OCD as you are. Not possible. It’ll send you right over the edge. Quite literally! Everything doesn’t ALWAYS have to be in its place, although it does have to end up there on occasion. I’ve even given in to allowing my children to have one drawer or container that makes no sense whatsoever, full of all sorts of odds and ends. That’s huge for me!

I’m still bad about telling my children that we’ll do things “tomorrow” or “next time.” I want to get better. I’m trying to get better. They don’t always make it easy, though. For the past several days, I’ve been trying to watch a two-disc movie of “Little House on the Prairie.” When KeKe and I rented it last week, I was excited to watch it with her. I’ve enjoyed every time we’ve laid down together to see it. The problem is that she wants only the two of us to watch it together. It shouldn’t be a huge deal since everyone watched the whole thing on the way to Breckenridge and on the way back this weekend; however, reality is that there are six people living in this house, and they all like me (most of the time anyway).

Tonight, KeKe and I laid on the bed next to Rowland to watch the last segment of the movie. All was fine, and I was enjoying cuddling up with my princess. About 20 minutes into the movie, Jia came in and laid down on the bed next to me - on the opposite side of where KeKe was. Several minutes passed before KeKe realized that her sister had joined us. Jia hadn’t spoken; KeKe hadn’t had to move over or been affected in any way. Upon noticing her sister, KeKe immediately threw a silent fit, turning her back to me and saying, “It’s not fair!” I tried to calmly talk to her and make her see that nothing had really changed. Waste of air! She just kept throwing her silent fit, occasionally making a jerking movement with her body and saying, “It’s not fair!” Maybe I over-reacted, but it ticked me off. She was just being a spoiled brat. I told her to go to her room. She stomped around and made lots of noise getting there, still screaming and crying, “It’s not fair!”

Let me tell you what’s not fair! I wanted to watch the movie with her, to cuddle up together and enjoy the ending. I was enjoying our special time. I had made a point for several days not to say that we’d wait until tomorrow or next week or some indefinite time to watch the movie. What’s not fair is that my night was ruined. Maybe I know now how my children feel when I put them off and tell them to wait. Maybe I understand their sorrow a little better. Bottom line, it wasn’t fair!

Congratulations, William! William tried out for his third grade class musical and won the lead role!! He’s the Big Cheese in the play and even has a solo. He sang his song for us after he had tried out, and we were so impressed. He has a wonderful singing voice, and we all know what a “ham” he can be!! Watch for pictures from his big day!! Break a leg, Buddy!!! We’re incredibly proud of you!!!!

William in PE at School Dancing

Jia went to the doctor yesterday for her four month check to see how she’s progressing with her growth hormone injections. She had grown a full inch, and her velocity is at 10 cm per year now whereas before it was at about 4 1/2 cm per year!! Obviously, the shots are working. She’s also not exhibiting any side effects so far! Thank you for all of your prayers!!

Our TALL Princess

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday, dear Carsonator!!!! Happy birthday to you!!!!

Our sweet boy is 13 today! If you read this and feel like calling him to wish him a special day, please do. He isn’t doing anything special for his first teenage day, and I’m feeling so sad about that. He and his daddy went to see Van Halen a couple of weeks ago so he had an early birthday gift.

Today’s our last day at sea, and we’re ready to get home to our babies. Oh, how I can’t wait to hear “Mom-mom” and feel their precious arms around my neck. Maybe we’ll do the “family bed” tomorrow night!!! Please pray for me today as my heart is really aching to be with my babies and especially to give my big guy a special day. I can only pray from here,though.

We’ll have a fun day with the Carons and a really special, nice dinner tonight. Of course, I’ll be receiving a massage at 3:00!!!!

Can’t wait to post pics when we get back!!

The goofy dreadlocked kid on the end is the birthday boy!!!

We’re having a blast!! We left our last port of call today, Manzanillo, after a fun Jeep (or “heep” as we called it!) adventure. Rowland’s quite the off road driver. Yesterday, we were in Ixtapa and some place that I can’t spell (so I won’t try). We went to Ixtapa island and sat under umbrellas with the natives. The pelicans offered the most excitement for the day. Oh, yeah, and Carrie’s injuries! She bumped her head on the dingy boat, then busted her toenail getting onto the dock. The sad thing is that that was BEFORE the alcohol! For Valentine’s Day, the love of my life had a dozen beautiful red roses on my dinner table. I wouldn’t have expected any less!! He’s awesome!

The first port of call was Acapulco, and we enjoyed margaritas at Senor Frog’s before doing some shopping in town. We also walked around the Princess Hotel - absolutely gorgeous!! That night, we watched the divers go off the cliff. I begged Rowland to let me jump, but he’s so overprotective - just wouldn’t let me do it. I think the idea of my standing on top of the cliff without a shirt on is probably what scared him away from the idea!! HA!!

I have to throw in that the first night on the ship, my incredibly romantic and thoughtful husband gave me my anniversary present a little early. He gave me the most beautiful and original necklace with a diamond hanging off of it and gorgeous earrings with three channel set diamonds in each ear. Speaking of rocking!! He rocks!! He also took me to a special top-of-the-ship restaurant where we enjoyed the best meal I’ve ever had - yes, I even ate green peas which I HATE - and romantic dancing. I’m thinking about keeping him around for another 14 years!!

He’s looking over my shoulder now telling me that I”m going to be late for dinner if I don’t quit typing. I’m gonna sign out, but I”ll post pictures later. Rowland’s dear other brother Grant has my flickr upload working again! He rocks, too!!

Off to dinner and MORE wine……..

After a wonderful dinner last night in the San Diego Gas Lamp district, we are ready for the ship. I’ll let you know how it all works out as the day comes to a close. It’s been great to see Dave and Carrie - lots of laughter!!

Bon voyage!!

We’re flying to San Diego today, then catching our ship tomorrow. Woo Hooo!!! Wasting Away Again in Margaritaville!!!! Can’t wait!!!! We’ll meet our friends from San Jose, Carrie and Dave, in San Diego. We’re doing the Mexican Riviera, eight day cruise. Acapulco, Manzanillo, and Ixtapa!! I’m gonna swim with the dolphins and love on my husband. Hopefully, I’ll be able to upload some pics while I’m gone. (I’m having some trouble right now, but Uncle Grant’s gonna help me out!)

No walking the dog, no laundry, no grocery store, no errands, no whining (yes, wine, though)…….

Love ya, but I’m outta here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m lying down with Jia, the child who asks me every day if I will take a nap with her. She’s so like her momma, LOVES to take naps! We were cuddled up on the bed, but for some reason, she didn’t want to take a nap. She kept sobbing and sobbing. Eventually, I fell asleep. Just as I fell asleep, my little princess awakened me, “Mom-mom, Mom-mom….” “What, Jia?” Crying, “You’re ruining my entire life.” What????????

Those of you who know me even a little know that I am tired of having little ones. Don’t get me wrong. I adore them. I love their cuddles and the way that they think that I’m the center of the universe. At the same time, though, my nerves have just about had it. After 13 years of little ones, I want them to grow up - just a little. I’m actually only talking about the girls, 7 and 5.

This morning, while taking my shower, I was interrupted no less than 5 times EACH by my girls. “Mom, do you know where the tank is that goes with that jacket I bought at Justice?” “Kitty, what jacket?” “You know, the one I got at Justice?” “Huh? Come over here closer so that I can hear you.” Etc., etc. “Mom, can I have fruit snacks for breakfast?” “No, Jia, those are for lunches. When I get out, I’ll get you some real breakfast.” “I hate breakfast! I don’t like to eat breakfast. I don’t like to look at breakfast. I’m not going to do anything you say.” Then, whine, whine, whine…… I’m in the freakin’ shower. Do I jump out and spank her? Do I scream, “Get out of my bathroom!!!!” Do I send her to her room - good idea only she’s too tired to walk! HELP!!!

Then, as it was time to go to school (an hour late because of the snow), Kitty wasn’t ready. Shock! She’d been getting ready (supposedly) since 6:44 when she woke me up. (By the way, I NEVER woke up my mom!! NEVER!!!) I told her she’d be grounded if she made William late for school. Of course, she’s been grounded every day since Sunday and is even missing a playdate today, but all she could focus on was that William was playing, too. “Yes, Kitty, but William is ready to go!” Can I scream, “GO TO SCHOOL!!!!”

As William and Kitty were leaving for school, I reminded them that they weren’t staying for Spanish today. William doesn’t like it and usually forgets to stay anyway. Kitty likes it, but sometimes forgets to stay. I’m tired of writing a check for $82/month when they forget half the time and don’t seem to be learning anything anyway. I know that I’m supposed to be teaching them to finish what they start. In this case, I’m quitting. I asked Kitty yesterday if she wanted to continue. She thought about it and thought about it and couldn’t decide. When I told her that she wasn’t staying today, she said, “I still haven’t decided!” That’s okay. I’VE DECIDED!!! If it takes that long to decide, it’s not worth $46/month for her to go.

As I’m typing this, Jia is rubbing on my leg and pushing my chair around. Joy! I’m glad she likes me, but, “Pleeeeaaaassssseeee, leave me alone! My skin is crawling!” While wrapping her blanket around me, she’s saying over and over again, “I love you, Mom-mom. I love you with all my heart!” She’s so sweet, but I have to answer her EVERY time she says it, and I’m trying to vent right now!!

I’ve decided that I have let my girls get away with everything short of murder. Guess what? I’m done! If they have to live in their rooms when they’re not at school, that’s okay with me! It’s time for the fast track! They’re about to grow up - just a little!!!

Going into the SuperBowl last night, I could not have even told you who was playing. I decided rather quickly that New England would win because they were undefeated, and really couldn’t have cared less. As we sat with friends and visited, I watched a few plays here and there but mostly watched the clock to see when the Halftime show would be. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were great!

Everyone left when the second half started since no one was a big football fan. Once we had the kids in bed, and the kitchen was cleaned up, there were only a few minutes left in the game. It was so close that I actually watched the end of the game while I was working out. Believe it or not, I found myself VERY excited about the Giants. They were the underdogs, and I REALLY wanted them to win. I was watching closely, rooting on Eli Manning and loving watching his brother watch from the stands. Of course, I was into the “human interest” side of the game. Payton Manning won last year, and now his brother could win this year. Cool! The Giants were the wildcard; the Patriots were undefeated all year. I wanted the unexpected ones to get the victory. I could feel their excitement, their hope….

Once the last touchdown was made, I held my breath (didn’t help my working out any) while the last few minutes S-L-O-W-L-Y ticked away. I was so afraid that Brady was going to throw an amazing last minute touchdown pass and ruin it for MY Giants, the same ones I didn’t even know were playing a few hours earlier! I watched the entire celebration after the game, falling more and more in love with MY new team.

When all was said and done, I felt a great sense of satisfaction. The Underdog had pulled it out and beat the almighty ones, blown their undefeated season. Isn’t it funny how we root for the underdog? There’s just something about an unexpected win that makes my heart swell with pride! (Of course, by this time next year, I’ll have forgotten who won and who played, but it was fun while it lasted!!)