So today I get to be kicked back, coffee in reach, the season premieres of my favorite shows on, and exhaustion threatening to take me down. I have to get ready to head out to work in an hour, I've had 5 hours of sleep since 0830 Sunday morning, and yet, I feel the need to get this updated. If only for myself. I was able to thoroughly enjoy my time off by spending maximum time with family, friends, and the kids. As a friend said, it was more of a "staycation" than anything. How I love that word! Being off work is just as much of a vacation as the struggle of packing, traveling, coming home, and unpacking again! That will happen during our MUCH anticipated trip to Florida for Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to it so much, as are the kids.
I did get to take a day trip to Kure Beach with April, the boys, and my nephew Micheal. Ahhh, the beach. The sight, sound, smell, and taste of the ocean does something to my soul that words cannot describe. It's like a balm to the aches and pains of life. I can stay for hours without the need to speak or move. There have been times that I felt like weeping upon driving away. Wondering how long before I can watch the waves lick the shore, feel the wind in my hair, and the sand between my toes. The sound of the waves crashing into the shore reminds me that no matter what happens, some things will never change. It is a constant, a never ending motion that will forever touch me.
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| The picture speaks for itself |
My birthday was Wednesday and I was so tickled to have someone special with me to be the first to wish me "Happy Birthday" as the clock turned midnight! The entire day was wonderful, minus the hives.... Nicholas came in the door at 8 after riding his bike with a rash on his back. Within hours he was covered from head to toe in hives. An hour after Loratidine his lips were comically enlarged, one eye swollen shut, and hives ON his tongue. Yep, you guessed it....five hours in the ER getting steroids and being watched. Thankfully the steroids plus more Benadryl cleared them up and he was able to be discharged @ 3 am. During that time I was supposed to be on the clock but because I have the greatest friends in the world, I was able to be there for my son. They also had remembered my birthday and surprised me with a delicious cake, chips, and dip! How else do you celebrate WakeMed style!!! There were threats to sing but thankfully I was not subjected to that torture :) A few hours of sleep during the day Thursday and then it was time to celebrate!! Momma, Jenn, April, David, Charnell, Mishie, Katie, Anna, Gebeaux, and Richard were all present to help me toast with a few cold ones on the patio of the Draft House! Of course, the pixs were taken before everyone arrived so a few of my friends were not present yet. We were also celebrating Katie and Jenn's birthdays and I believe I remember a shot being passed around. Of course, the pitchers of beer kept coming. Katie and Anna sang Karaoke (and were REALLY good!) Unfortunately, when I did get carried in the house that night, it was only for us to discover that Nic was AGAIN covered in hives. A dose of Benadryl and steroids were able to help clear it up though we are still unsure what is causing the allergic reaction.
Friday was a half day of school for the kids and Erin spent the evening with Harley. It was their one year "anniversary" together and they hung out all afternoon. The boys and I had lunch, visited Leigh at work, and then spent an amazing afternoon playing at the park. Sitting on the bench, watching my children play on the same playground I played on when I was their age while the sun warmed my face, the kids giggled and ran, and the ever familiar sound of squeaking chains of a swing reminded me that these are the moments I'll remember forever. The hives and their health, the struggle to raise them alone, the worry over bills, all that stops when you see the grin on your childs face as they yell, "Hey Momma, come swing with us!"
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| Jumping out of the swing never gets old! |
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| Though sometimes it takes MANY tries to capture "that" moment |
Nic's 12th birthday is Friday and as is tradition with us, it's his "day" and his choice for dinner. He hasn't made his mind up yet but I look forward to an evening out with the kids. We will be cooking out at Momma's house on Saturday with friends and family. I am looking forward to seeing everyone and sitting on the front porch to catch up while the kids play. My Dad, Pam, and Savanna will be staying in town for the night and getting to spend extra time with them is so special!! Savanna is learning so much and AJ keeps asking how long until he gets to see her.
Which leads up to AJ's quotes. This boy CRACKS me up, while also making me a bit queasy sometimes. The other day he is laid back on the couch watching tv when I hear him say, "I am so hungry I just accidentally ate a booger! Can I make some toast Momma?" As I am not so quietly throwing up in my mind, he gets up and heads into the kitchen. I yell, "WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST!" "Why?" he asks. "I licked my finger pretty good." EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Ok, so he washes his hands and proceeds to drag the toaster out and make toast. A few minutes later I begin to wonder what that smell is. Unfortunately, when we make toast for breakfast, we butter the bread, put it on a cookie sheet, and brown it in the oven. AJ knows this and had buttered his bread prior to putting it in the toaster. SIGH I am still cleaning butter out of the toaster and may have to just throw it out.
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What can be said but, "BREATHTAKING"
(credit for the photo goes to Jason Newhouse...thanks for sending it to me!!) |
So, I close with this reminder...To all, but mostly to myself. There is beauty, passion, love, and humor everywhere. Find it, remember it, capture it (be it on film to be forever preserved and shared or in your minds eye to revisit during moments of despair), and embrace it. As one of my favorite quotes goes.... "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~ Robert Brault
~trish
You are amazing...your writing is captivating! Keep it coming! Love you!
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