Shoes, Soda, and my Search for Sanity

I haven't felt in a very humorous mood, and I don't want to write and be Debbie Downer. 

Bottom Line:  Even the most fabulous lives have challenges.  My dad who I was wrought with worry and concern is seriously dating a woman he met on the internet, just a mere few weeks after my mom's passing. More like days...after the funeral.  It's thrown me for a loop to say the least.  I need some time to work through my feelings... so far, I'm just a mess. Does time really heal all wounds?  I think I'm about to find out. 


In other news: I am making progress left and right on little house projects, even though I'm working on a shoestring budget. That dang pool went crazy over budget and it's cramping my style. It was worth every single penny, even if I have to wear the same clothes for the next 30 years.

Also,  I'm working on a super secret project that is very fabulous and I will unveil in mid-June, not even Mr. Man knows about it.  I can't wait to see it all come together.

In the meantime, I had some gift cards that were burning a hole in my pocket and my shoe guy at Nordstroms had been leaving incessant voicemails, "You don't write, you don't call, you don't shop anymore... and I have the perfect shoe for you. Call me! Smooches!"

So, I indulged and called him back.  Turns out he had a few shoes for me, because he knows me, loves me, and only wants the best (shoes) for me.  I hate the dowdy mama image, but like to have comfy shoes for outings with the kids.  He knows the summers entail endless trips to the zoo, museums, and kid friendly adventures. Enter Sparkly Toms, which I love!

Then I got these shoes, which are unbelievable.  They are part of this whole minimalist shoe movement, and so light.  They are perfect for chasing after Rupert in the hills, and I ran 300 miles (uphill both ways of course, in snow, sleet AND hail) in these babies with no problem.  Ooo they are on sale.  I wonder if I need some in tan.

 

 You know when you discover something that just makes you say, "Why didn't I think of  this sooner?" 

 I got one of these gel insulated reusable cups, and it is genius.  It keeps my water cold, my ice cubes don't melt, and I love it.   It keeps my Beloved (aka Coke Vanilla Zero) chilled all day.  I swear I love Coke Zero too much, and considering what a natural junkie I am, I hate that I love it.  I guess this is what makes me so complicated... I'm full of irony.

Perfect Nights

Last Sunday night, I was playing four square with Mr. Boy in the yard.  The deer were around munching on the snacks I'd left out for them. The fog had rolled in and the temperature was dropping into the 50's. 

Suddenly, the pool lights flipped on, and Mr. Man runs out to dive into the pool.  Mr. Boy & I shrieked with joy and ran to put on our swimsuits.  The pool was 80 degrees thanks to our solar heating system and the sun.  We swam and swam while the deer watched with curiosity.

 

I floated on my back and looked up at the stars and the moon.  I was struck at that moment with overwhelming gratitude. Two years ago our plans to move to Seattle fell through, and I remember thinking, who knew where our family would end up. I couldn't see a bright future, due to the constant chatter about the down economy.   I love this house and I love my family.  The Chalet turned out way better than we ever dreamed, and Mr. Man is home in time for dinner.  I could not have gotten through this year without Mr.Man, he has been my rock. As our family splashed, while the deer watched on, I paused to give thanks for the many memories that lay ahead. 

Mother's Day 2011

I often tease my children that Mother's Day is the "Most Glorious Day of the Year!" and usually sing it Oprah Style.  I woke up to find the kids had been fed and made me breakfast!  A banana, orange, apple, and my beloved Vanilla Coke Zero. These kids know me well.  I thought it was genius and loved it.  Mr. Man made a Cajun Feast for lunch just like the kind he used to make when we were dating.  Mr. Man lured me into Matrimony with his cooking skills that disappeared after we exchanged vows. It's okay, I think downplayed just how quirky my personality was, so let's just call it even.

 

I am grateful to share Mother's Day with this lovely Doe, we have named Jane.  Get it... Jane Doe! Jane has been sticking around our house with her gorgeous new baby. that we have named Juan!  She won't let me get close enough to photograph the baby, but when she is snacking on her own, she doesn't seem to mind being close.   

Royal Wedding Fever

Amore is in the air!  Ever since Prince William announced his engagement, I knew I wanted to have a Royal Wedding Party.  I got up early, and watched a few tidbits, but waited until late afternoon to watch the wedding with my friends. AK wore a dress that came from the UK and a crown, and I donned my latest "Fascinator Hat"    

We had Party Favors...

And British food... although hummus doesn't count as British, but they eat it over there.. I'm sure of it. 

I took zero pictures of the party... I was having too much fun with our small crowd. We had a "Yankee Room" showing cartoons for those friends who didn't care to watch.  I was shocked that AK and her friends mostly wanted to watch cartoons and eat the Union Jack inspired cupcakes my friend brought. We didn't even make any of the princess crafts I had planned!  So, the moms and I were left to swoon by ourselves over the gorgeous dress, the wedding fashions, and the pomp & circumstance. I loved every minute of it.

 

Of course, it wouldn't be a special occasion if we didn't document it with our beloved Juans.