We decided to take a few days in Breckenridge over Spring Break. We looked forward to our nice, relaxing vacation away from all of the troubles of the world. In a cozy cabin in the woods, we’d hide away from reality and make some new family memories! Peace at last!!

First, though, the house must be straightened to perfection. After all, Ms. OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) can’t even begin to pack until everything else is “just so.” Once the house is picked up, there’s always some “rearranging” that must be done, something I’ve been thinking about doing but haven’t gotten around to doing. This time, it was moving William’s chest of drawers and bird cage across the room so that the molting bird wouldn’t get feathers on William’s pillow while he’s sleeping (when we get back home, of course!). The chest replaced the drumset so I had to move that into the hallway for Rowland to deal with later. (I’m good at creating new projects while I’m working on an existing one.)

Next task is to begin the hunting and gathering part of the trip. KeKe was back and forth getting the right number of panties, then pajamas, then jeans, etc., etc., for Jia and for her. William grabbed his clothes, along with Carson and Rowland getting their clothes. I got all of mine together and found lots of duffel bags so that all could be packed in the car carrier. Dog toys and food had to be put by the door, litter box changed, food and water for the cat left out in a couple of areas. Then came the tedious task of packing the car. Rowland and Carson were responsible for the packing while I straightened the house once again.

Much sweat later, we were FINALLY ready to go. The trip was a short one, but we did have to make a couple of quick stops on the way, and there’s always traffic thanks to road construction! Several hours after the process began, we arrived at the cabin. All of the beds had to be changed, the bathrooms cleaned, lots of laundry done, a grocery list and run, and clothes and toys put away for the week. By then, it was dinnertime, and Rowland set to work on dinner. Relaxation was right around the corner. I could ALMOST see it!

Then, the phone rang. There was a minor family crisis in Arkansas that needed my attention. (No, Mom, I didn’t mind so don’t apologize again! I love you!) Once dinner was cleaned up, the kids sat in the hot tub, then took baths, ready for the movie, “Daddy Day Camp.” Oops, the return phone call! I was on the phone for about an hour catching up with my cousin with whom I hadn’t talked in a couple of years. Meanwhile, the Daddy Day Camp movie ended, and Mommy had missed out on the relaxing family fun. No big deal since bedtime had arrived.

I was awakened to Rowland in the kitchen cooking pancakes and bacon for the kids. As I lie in bed listening to their laughter and chatter and smelling the wonderful bacon scent, I realized that vacation had begun…..or had it?

Rowland and Carson left for the slopes, and the phone rang again! I had forgotten to cancel the cat’s boarding so Rowland had gotten chewed on by the cat people. Oops!

Another phone call……the burglar alarm at home was going off! Of course, Rowland and I don’t have the phone number of Joe across the street to have him check on things. The police were dispatched, and I called Grant (yes, we owe him yet again!) to go investigate. Grant and Joe met the sheriff and took care of everything at home. Joe had gone in to check on the cat and had set off the alarm accidentally. All was quiet was again.

As I cleaned up the kitchen from breakfast, I noticed a little leak under the new sink. The cabinet had to be cleaned out, dried, and a towel placed on the bottom before all of the “stuff” was put back under the sink. Rowland will have to deal with this one when he gets back!

But for ME……..

FINALLY - VACATION HAS BEGUN!!!!! I’m headed upstairs to lie on the bed and watch my favorite show, “The View,” then I’ll read for a while and probably nap with the girls later. Peace and quiet - until the next thing happens!!