Big "goings-on" in Gravois Creek

Well, not really. It was a change in the weather that brought me up to the closets to pull out some pants and pajamas for the boys. Lately, the youngest is the only one wearing pj's to bed, the older two are now "too cool" for them. Actually, they both complain they are too hot for pj's, and they are only required to wear them if they are sleeping over somewhere else. Anyway, all I wanted to do was pull out the pants and pajamas, and 90 minutes later, am now knee-deep in clothes from newborn up to 4 years of age. I know what you're thinking--don't get rid of it, because that's how you'll end up with another baby. I'm telling you that even if I had quadruplets, I'd still have too many clothes. My goal is to get it down to one box per year of life--down from 2-3 per age/season level. The rest are going to consignment first, then Goodwill, then rag box donation centers.

In other news, tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. My question is regarding the traditional anniversary gifts. We've had wood, steel, leather (that would have been interesting), and last year was lace (interesting again). Today, my groom left for work complaining of a sore throat, and my ears have been clogged for a few days. Is 14 years "virus?" I'll have to check the Hallmark cards recommended gifts.

I do love the healing power of Dr. Pepper.

Is it irreverent to play "Holy God We Praise Thy Name" on the kazoo? Seems that if I tell him to stop, it's stifling good clean fun and if I don't, it's an offense? I personally like it. I think I'll let him go.

I have something to say today, but am having a lot of trouble trying to organize how to say it. On one hand, I thought I would just rant and babble about the cruddy crap going on right now, and on the the other I thought I should just focus on what is good. Focusing on what is good does a world of guilt to anyone, and sometimes a healthy dose of guilt is good for one's over-inflated, self-centered self (okay there I go, ranting about cruddy crap). Unfortunately, I want this dose of guilt to be dispensed on someone else. Yes, yes, I know, God, I know I suck, too. And I do. But can't You for once show the other one that he/she sucks, too? Can't that swell of guilt be rushed over that person? Am I alone in this? Okay, here's what is good:
1. My children, family and myself are healthy
2. My husband and I both have jobs and prospects
3. The stupid re-fi is finally over
4. My children, family and myself are healthy (again)
I am struggling with the "good things" today.

Those krazy kids!

"Where are your brothers?" I ask the 10-year old, as he lumps down the steps.

"Upstairs. They're listening to the Frank Sinatra Christmas CD."

Dear Friend,
It was so great to see you the other night. I do enjoy chatting with you, and I'm sorry things are going rough right now. I hope you will soon have some peace.
I always enjoy running into you and talking for that few minutes before we both have before we run our separate ways, and I especially enjoy running into you when you have your little guy with you.
I don't suppose you know why I like seeing your little guy and hearing about his antics. You see, I lost a baby that would have been his age by now, so I am reminded of how fast the time goes, how precious time is, and how important it is to enjoy our kids even when they drive us a little crazy trying to wash their own hands. :)
Anyway, thanks for that little bit of therapy the other night, whether or not you knew you were doing it. I knew it, and I thank you very much.

Your Friend,
Jenny

Delicious yumminess

Is there anything better than a piece of rosemary bread, topped with cream cheese, sliced tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of olive oil?
Yes, the wine that goes with it. I didn't drink any this time (kids on their way home and all), but the sandwich was yummy without it. I just might do it again tomorrow.