Dear 5:00 (of the post meridian persuasion),
What is it about you that turns perfectly lovely children into crazy, loud, lunatics? It seems, at least in our household anyway, that whenever you come around the kids just go nuts. One minute they're playing happily and quietly, the next they are screaming about something-or-other, or else running around in circles. I'm really having a hard time grasping the meaning of this change in behavior.
I know that it is probably unintentional on your part, and I know that it is impossible to keep you from coming around the house every night, but couldn't you do something to keep the children calm? Because when the Crazy Children arrive, Monster Mommy is not far behind and I am not so terribly fond of her, either.
Getting the riot gear ready for your arrival,
Nomes
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
To Those of You Wondering If I Have Fallen Off the Face of the Earth
Dear Those-Who-Have-Been-Wondering-if-I-Have-Fallen-Off-the-Face-of-the-Earth,
No, I have not. I am still around. Life has been exceedingly crazy the past two weeks. We spent the week leading up to Halloween discovering that my husband was going to Iraq, deciding that the rest of us should go live at my parents' house for the duration of hubby's tour, packing up/cleaning our rental house, withdrawing children from school, and preparing for a cross-country road trip. All went fairly well, except for the fact that trying to pack an entire house and subsequently cleaning it all by oneself while dealing with four children is not and enjoyable experience. Thank goodness for friends who took pity on me and watched my children for me! And we did not get the house cleaned to the management company's requirements. I know we didn't. So bye-bye, deposit. You will be missed.
The drive across the country was actually rather enjoyable. We did the first leg right after we turned in our keys to the management company. It was hard, seeing as we had spent the whole day cleaning. But we made it. I have to say that the South in the Fall is just absolutely breathtaking. And the further north we drove, the more beautiful it became. The kids did well in the car. Not too many meltdowns. Thank goodness we have adaptable children!
(three and a half days later...)
Nebraska is not very, shall we say, lovely. But Wyoming along I-80 is worse. Much worse.
We arrived at my parents' house Sunday evening, just in time for dinner. Dinner is good. Especially after living off of fast food. *shudders* Fast food, while good on occasion, is not at all good more than two times in a row. So not good. So thanks, Mom and Dad, for the delicious meal. It was very much appreciated.
We spent the next couple of days getting settled in. It's amazing how moms (and I am speaking of myself at this point) are given the gift/curse of being able to run off of pure adrenaline when the need arises. I had a sinus infection (did I mention that) for the whole packing/moving/traveling ordeal, but was still able to unpack. I knew a crash was inevitable, but things must be done to preserve sanity in an insane situation.
Hubby and I were able to get a night all to ourselves at a quaint little hotel two nights before he left. It was wonderful. And that's all that needs to be said.
It was difficult saying good-bye to Hubby. And that's all that needs to be said.
(The following week...)
The kids have started school. It's nice to have a routine, again. It makes things seem more normal. My family has been wonderful. They've been so helpful, and I just can't thank them enough. The kids are calming down, as well. It almost got to the point where we were all ready to sell them on eBay, but they are quickly redeeming themselves. Except can anyone please explain to me why children seem to become hyper after 5pm? Or is it just my children?
So there you go. I have not fallen of the face of the Earth. I'm just hanging on the edge for a bit.
The End,
Nomes
No, I have not. I am still around. Life has been exceedingly crazy the past two weeks. We spent the week leading up to Halloween discovering that my husband was going to Iraq, deciding that the rest of us should go live at my parents' house for the duration of hubby's tour, packing up/cleaning our rental house, withdrawing children from school, and preparing for a cross-country road trip. All went fairly well, except for the fact that trying to pack an entire house and subsequently cleaning it all by oneself while dealing with four children is not and enjoyable experience. Thank goodness for friends who took pity on me and watched my children for me! And we did not get the house cleaned to the management company's requirements. I know we didn't. So bye-bye, deposit. You will be missed.
The drive across the country was actually rather enjoyable. We did the first leg right after we turned in our keys to the management company. It was hard, seeing as we had spent the whole day cleaning. But we made it. I have to say that the South in the Fall is just absolutely breathtaking. And the further north we drove, the more beautiful it became. The kids did well in the car. Not too many meltdowns. Thank goodness we have adaptable children!
(three and a half days later...)
Nebraska is not very, shall we say, lovely. But Wyoming along I-80 is worse. Much worse.
We arrived at my parents' house Sunday evening, just in time for dinner. Dinner is good. Especially after living off of fast food. *shudders* Fast food, while good on occasion, is not at all good more than two times in a row. So not good. So thanks, Mom and Dad, for the delicious meal. It was very much appreciated.
We spent the next couple of days getting settled in. It's amazing how moms (and I am speaking of myself at this point) are given the gift/curse of being able to run off of pure adrenaline when the need arises. I had a sinus infection (did I mention that) for the whole packing/moving/traveling ordeal, but was still able to unpack. I knew a crash was inevitable, but things must be done to preserve sanity in an insane situation.
Hubby and I were able to get a night all to ourselves at a quaint little hotel two nights before he left. It was wonderful. And that's all that needs to be said.
It was difficult saying good-bye to Hubby. And that's all that needs to be said.
(The following week...)
The kids have started school. It's nice to have a routine, again. It makes things seem more normal. My family has been wonderful. They've been so helpful, and I just can't thank them enough. The kids are calming down, as well. It almost got to the point where we were all ready to sell them on eBay, but they are quickly redeeming themselves. Except can anyone please explain to me why children seem to become hyper after 5pm? Or is it just my children?
So there you go. I have not fallen of the face of the Earth. I'm just hanging on the edge for a bit.
The End,
Nomes
Monday, November 12, 2007
To Baking Bread
Dear Baking Bread,
I just wanted to let you know how much I LOVE your smell. I seriously think someone should figure out how to bottle up your aroma and market it, because I would so buy it.
Of course, I could just keep baking more loaves of bread...
*deep breath and contented sigh*
Nomes
I just wanted to let you know how much I LOVE your smell. I seriously think someone should figure out how to bottle up your aroma and market it, because I would so buy it.
Of course, I could just keep baking more loaves of bread...
*deep breath and contented sigh*
Nomes
To the Next Six Months
To the Next Six Months,
I know that at the end you are going to seem to have just flown by, but we are not at the end, we are at the beginning. My dearest husband (out of all of my other husbands) is going to be serving a tour of duty in Iraq during your lifetime. Please, I ask you, to go by quickly. Don't feel as though you have to dawdle. I know that we should enjoy time, but for you I can make an exception. During your passing could could you also just keep an eye on him and make the time go quickly for him, as well? Thanks. I would really appreciate that.
Hoping you are very, very swift,
Nomes
I know that at the end you are going to seem to have just flown by, but we are not at the end, we are at the beginning. My dearest husband (out of all of my other husbands) is going to be serving a tour of duty in Iraq during your lifetime. Please, I ask you, to go by quickly. Don't feel as though you have to dawdle. I know that we should enjoy time, but for you I can make an exception. During your passing could could you also just keep an eye on him and make the time go quickly for him, as well? Thanks. I would really appreciate that.
Hoping you are very, very swift,
Nomes
To the Baby
Dear Baby,
You really must stop doing headers into table legs. I mean, I know that you're brain is still young and growing, but constant bangs into table legs can't be good.
Love,
Mom
You really must stop doing headers into table legs. I mean, I know that you're brain is still young and growing, but constant bangs into table legs can't be good.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, October 21, 2007
To Kim's Scar
Dear Kim's Scar,
You really need to leave Kim alone. She tells me that you are bothering her with your itchiness. That's really not very kind of you. She has a life she needs to lead and you are very distracting.
So stop. Just stop.
Sincerely,
Nomes
You really need to leave Kim alone. She tells me that you are bothering her with your itchiness. That's really not very kind of you. She has a life she needs to lead and you are very distracting.
So stop. Just stop.
Sincerely,
Nomes
Saturday, October 20, 2007
To Exhaustion
Dear Exhaustion,
What is going on? Are you trying to kill me? I have not had a decent night's sleep in, oh, about forever! I have even had to resort to drinking the occasional caffeinated soda to even function. I am most displeased.
Yes, I know that I have a bit of stress, but I'm sure no more than the next person. I know there are many people out there with small children, that there are other people up to their eyeballs in debt (ours is of the student loan variety, as you well know). I know there are other women besides me who are wondering if and when their husbands are going to be called up to go over to Iraq. It is not just I who volunteers, and runs a household, and cares for others. I know there are women who are going through much more than I, and for that reason I am going to defeat you.
I am going to start exercising. I am going to eat right. I am going to go in for a physical. I am going to take time for myself once a week. I am going to do more service. I am going to reserve time each day for spiritual contemplation and meditation. I am going to look at what I can do and not focus on what I can't. I am going to celebrate each day as a gift. I am going to cultivate my sunny attitude. I am going to compile a list of things I am grateful for. I am going to keep courting my husband. I am going to cherish my children.
By doing all of these things and more, I am going to defeat you, Exhaustion. Our time together is limited. You have been warned.
About to kick you to the curb,
Nomes
P.S. You can thank my dear friend Cathy for reminding me how to care for myself. She's got your number!
What is going on? Are you trying to kill me? I have not had a decent night's sleep in, oh, about forever! I have even had to resort to drinking the occasional caffeinated soda to even function. I am most displeased.
Yes, I know that I have a bit of stress, but I'm sure no more than the next person. I know there are many people out there with small children, that there are other people up to their eyeballs in debt (ours is of the student loan variety, as you well know). I know there are other women besides me who are wondering if and when their husbands are going to be called up to go over to Iraq. It is not just I who volunteers, and runs a household, and cares for others. I know there are women who are going through much more than I, and for that reason I am going to defeat you.
I am going to start exercising. I am going to eat right. I am going to go in for a physical. I am going to take time for myself once a week. I am going to do more service. I am going to reserve time each day for spiritual contemplation and meditation. I am going to look at what I can do and not focus on what I can't. I am going to celebrate each day as a gift. I am going to cultivate my sunny attitude. I am going to compile a list of things I am grateful for. I am going to keep courting my husband. I am going to cherish my children.
By doing all of these things and more, I am going to defeat you, Exhaustion. Our time together is limited. You have been warned.
About to kick you to the curb,
Nomes
P.S. You can thank my dear friend Cathy for reminding me how to care for myself. She's got your number!
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