Instead of a relaxing visit to the hot springs in Canada to celebrate Cooper's birth, we took our kids to a seizure inducing, sensory overloading, urban entertainment mecca called Triple Play in Hayden Idaho. It was great. We saved hundreds of dollars, cut our travel time in half and were even able to meet Grandma and Grandpa for dinner at Olive Garden. We bowled, rock climbed, laser tagged, mini-golfed, dropped tokens in video arcade games and rode the water slide delicately named, "the toilet bowl." You can't beat Holiday Inn Express to accomodate a family of 7, although we pretty much wipe them out of bedtime cookies and inhale half the breakfast bar. Most importantly, we made memories and the kids expressed gratitude.
Eliza has been introspective lately. She whispered to me during sacrament meeting, "Mom, who created Heaven?" On Monday I told her the story of King Soloman and his wisdom in deciding the true mother of a baby the women were fighting over. Later that afternoon she asked, "If Marcos was that baby, what would you do?" Today she described in elaborate detail the story of Moroni fighting for "faith." It's amazing to see her serious, contemplative side.
On a less impressive note, Max introduced me to his puppet "Smegma" today. I would say this is an example of one of the major drawbacks of a father who insists on using clinical terms with his children.
A short list of recent blessings include:
My LASIK eye surgery- I know a little bit how the blind man felt when Jesus healed his sight--nothing short of a miracle, especially considering that the highway was closed the day of the surgery and we barely made it home.
Marcos' surgery to retrieve his undescended testicle resulted in discovering an inguinal hernia--all is well in that department.
The clutch cable just snapped in Tony's jeep--only a block from our house. Could have happened in the middle of nowhere with no cell service.
Ivy Workman is home safe--I'm feeling thankful all over again for that blessing.
Last week I had unexpected company twice for dinner and it nearly put me over the edge. I'm going to take a poll among my friends on ways to cope with this most difficult challenge in my life.
On Valentines Day I found a wrapped chocolate bar, book, and two of our favorite movies in asundry locations around the house. We had a romantic candlelight dinner with our five children and I felt thankful-again-that Tony didn't take no for an answer almost 16 years ago.
2 comments:
“smegma” lol. I like the humor in your writing. Wow, that is a lot to be thankful for, if you have a thankful heart. I am glad your eye is going to be ok! You would have to be very Zen to be out driving in that weather. Ooouuum. I am glad the ‘force’ is with you.
Your trip to Hayden was a good move. I bet you feel peaceful about it. Aaw, the kids expressed gratitude. Way to go Kelly. You are instilling a love for The Word in Eliza’s heart.
Brainstorm
How to cope with unexpected guest: Invite these folk to blog with you. Offer them itty-bitty feedback and affirmation now and then. This should satisfy, right? Remind them to call if they are coming. Turn on the answering machine and hide. Ah, simplicity. Your pursuit of balance is a good one.
I can't believe how grown up Marcos is looking. It looks like Cooper had a great birthday bash. We'll have to give that place a try sometime.
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