On The Fourth Day...

...of solo mom work trip I called home to say good morning to my Brown Eyed Girl. I am enjoying the quiet, the ability to head to the gym in the hotel, carefree dinners every evening, but I am missing my little girl. I miss my little blue eyed boy as well, it's just easier on me since Mr Blue Eyes can't talk yet.

Just a couple more days.

Today is about mid trip for me. Although only four days in, I was feeling like I had been away from my family for over a month. I was in need of a different time and place. I grabbed my co-worker and friend, Hilary, and we just checked out.

Literally...

Come on Hilary, let's twist the night away!

But to be honest, I think we are all in need of a little peace and love this week.

Hilary, have you been working out?

Nice fro...

I think I make a very good Travolta.

Every year my youth kids choose a theme for the show. This year was Through the ERAbs. A play on words for the different time periods and decades. Each of the 18 regions of our association were assigned a different period of time for the week. 

Each year, we have an opening ceremony type event - a Parade of Regions. Each region gets to decorate a single golf cart based on the theme and then parade their masterpieces in center ring. Here were some of my favorites!

Nothing says the Great Depression and the 1930's like feed sacs. Even the dog will work for bones.

This region flew right into the Turn of the Century.

Thanks to a little help from some dads, these cuties brought back the 50's in their Pink Cadillac.

And the mom's helped with some custom poodle Arabian skirts.

The region even had rehearsals every day in order to teach about 30 kids how to dance to a few moves to the soundtrack from the movie Grease in the first ever flash mob in center ring - that I am aware of. 

The cutest!

Flashback from my youth - The Mystery Machine and Scooby Do

Rock'n the 80's boombox.

Even a Viking ship.

These kids really outdid themselves this year!

And to think this is my job! If only every day was this fun... but in Colorado.

On The Third Day...\

...of solo mom work trip I called home to see how Handy Man was dealing with being a single dad. He said things were going well. The kids were doing great. They had already gotten up early, headed to the store and went grocery shopping. Mr Blue Eyes was already napping. My Brown Eyed Girl playing. 

Everything sounded great.

I asked if I could talk to my Brown Eyed Girl. I missed this cute little face.

I had a little ache. I wanted to sweep her up and give her a little squeeze. I love the weekends with my kids.

My Brown Eyed Girl got on the phone and my heart melted with, "Hi Mommy!"

The best thing about talking to a three-year-old... 

You get the truth about what's REALLY going on back home!

My honest little Brown Eyed Girl informed me in the first 30 seconds after "Hi Mommy!" that Mr Blue Eyes had eaten dirt that morning, "a lot of dirt!" That Daddy had to put him in the tub because he had mud all over his face and tummy. 

I learned she had a new dolly. Which means that Daddy bribed her at the grocery store in the morning to be good and if she was, she would get a new toy. Ohhh Daddies!

At least she didn't tell me that the kitchen had caught on fire. 

She asked me if I was coming home in five days. Daddy must have tried to quantify when I would be home. I told her I would be home soon and I missed her.

I told her I loved her. Asked her to help Daddy. And most importantly, I told her I loved her. 

Counting down the days!

On The Second Day.

...of solo mom work trip I was awaken at 3:30 in the morning by a text message from a co-worker informing me of a tragedy back back home. A gun man had opened fire on a theater back home in Aurora, Colo. during the midnight premier showing of the new Batman movie. Several dead. Over 50 wounded. 

At 3:30... how do you digest something like that? After confirming the news on a few websites, I forced my self back to sleep. 

A few hours later while getting ready for my day, I watched the news unfold. Unbelievable. Watching the interviews with witnesses and victims, I couldn't help but think about Columbine. 

I was in a funk.

I had a long, long day ahead of me.

I need a vente, overpriced coffee and a mood change.

I headed to the horse show.

This morning was our youth board meeting followed by the kids' youth convention. Just what the doctor ordered. We efficiently went through our morning agenda and then started decorating for the convention. Convention was short and sweet this year but over 80 young equine enthusiasts had a wonderful time.

Our new Executive Youth Board was elected. I really am privileged to work every day with such an amazing group of kids young adults. They are all passionate, horse crazy and oozing with potential. Every job has it's ups and its downs. Without a doubt, mentoring these kids is the most fulfilling part of my job.

I rented a photo booth this year for the convention kids and had fun jumping inside and forgetting my real age and every graying hair. 

However, I also forget how much pressure there is involved in a photo booth. The timer ticks away and you have to come up with three different poses, faces, expressions. It's the ultimate coordinated event.

As you wait for that little photo strip to be ejected, you just pray that you don't look like a compete idiot. 

But what the doctor really ordered for the day came at the board dinner that evening at Bucca de Beppo. A wonderful serving of perfectly rich chocolate cake. 

I order a whole chocolate cake for the dinner. A $50 worth-every-penny chocolate cake.

On The First Day...

...of solo mom work trip I found that procrastination comes naturally when you don't have children.

I fiddled and drug my feet getting out the door this morning on my way to the airport. Typically (when hauling kids via planes anywhere) I feel it is mandatory to be at the airport a minimum of two hours ahead of time. Plenty of time, no rushing is my motto.

With out children...

Well, I get to the airport about an hour before. Surely enough time for a solo flying gal, right? I am forced to stand in a ridiculous line to check my luggage. I finally make my way to the next available kiosk only to have super awesome bag checker lady inform me I am checking my bags after the 45 minute time frame therefore they won't guarantee by bags will make the flight. (Even though I stood in their ridiculous line for 20 minutes. Not to mention this technicality is over two, TWO (2) little minutes.)

Plagued with a dilemma here - I mean I'm traveling for 9 days - I politely ask her if they don't make the flight, when would they be sent. She says on the 6:30 pm flight that night - okay, not the end of the world. I then ask her what is the probability they will still make it... Miss Helpy-Helperson informs me that if I would stop asking questions and "just let her tag the bags and do her job," the better the chance of my bags getting on the plane.

Oh no she didn't!
Did she really just say that to me?
Two can be snotty Missy!

So I replied, "Well then you better tag away and earn that paycheck of yours."

Yep, sure did.
I will not let her dampen my mood today!

After getting through security and boarding the tram to the terminal, I realized Miss Cheery never told me what gate I was boarding from. A little fancy finger work on my iPhone - thank you once again for being such a smart phone - I was strolling in the right direction.

After a short glorious flight, (having a seat to myself, not having to pick up dropped toys, shhh kids, entertain anyone....) we landed in Albuquerque.

Yes it's a business trip...
Not really a vacation...

But the room is worth it. My own little retreat.

Southern Company

A couple weeks ago my dear friend from college (and former roommate), Paige, was in town for a visit. It had been ages since we had seen each other, ten years we estimated. Far too long. She had come into town last year about the same time but Mr Blue Eyes was just a few weeks old and we couldn't make a reunion work. 

But hell or high water, we were finally getting our kids together. 

We took the kids to this cute little splash park that had the cutest little zero entry pond. It was hot and the kids were in heaven. 

My Brown Eyed Girl was of course adventurous, climbing rocks and scurrying around with out a care in the world. 

Mr Blue Eyes, content on a rock. Just hanging out.

They also had this little fountain area that was a little more everyone's speed. 

Hey Mr Blue Eyes, pull up your shorts!

Kai was soaking in all the commotion.

Aren't those little Crocs the cutest?

Are you taking notes Mr Blue Eyes? Do you see him? He's walking, running, frolicking in the water. And he's not that much older than you.

My kids like crawling.

After the splash park we ventured out with three very, very tired kids to lunch - out to lunch. It's amazing we made it out of there alive! They really were pretty good considering... there was an incident with a full side of ranch, something about milk and mini shrieking contest.

We loaded the kids back up in the car and we headed back to where they were staying. All three were asleep before we even made it out of the parking lot. 

We chatted with ease like old times and when we arrived at our destination we realized that as moms we really didn't get to visit very much at the park or at lunch. We were too busy chasing kids around. 

We laughed.

We stayed in the car talking for over an hour while our kids slept. I left the car running, air conditioning on, and I probably wasted a quarter tank of gas. But it was worth it. It was worth sitting there with an old friend talking about life. Talking about marriages, motherhood, mortgages and how much we missed each other. Mmmmm it was great. 

How different our conversations were from ten years ago.

How much we had changed as women. 

And yet, we were happy to know that even after ten years, two different roads traveled, we could still sit and talk like not a moment had passed between us. Like two girls in flannel pajamas sipping wine coolers and watching Sex and the City on cable. 

I must make it to Atlanta!

Growing Independance

My sweet little Brown Eye Girls has been trying desperately to turn the corner from being a back-talking-too-big-for-her-britches-destined-to-live-in-time-out-for-the-rest-of-her-life little girl. We still have our moments and setbacks where it is everything I can do not to find the biggest switch I can and.... but for the most part I can see she is really, really trying. 

Lately I can tell that she is trying to think of ways to please me. Searching for that little reassurance that in fact she does make me happy - she really does make me happy (most of the time.) 

Every afternoon when I say, "It's time to get your shoes on so we can go home." I can see her start to form a bratty expression and I prepare for protesting words, fits, tears. But just as quickly, I see her smile, look up and say, "Okay Mommy!" (in her sweetest face and tone.) I can't help but think to myself, Yes, one less battle to fight tonight. Lately she always follows up with, "Mommy I was sweet and I didn't yell at you. I get to watch my movie in the car?!" And I can't help but glance at my sitter, embarrassed because I know she knows that my kids get to watch a movie every day in the car. It's no special treat. It's expected. And I wonder if she thinks my kids are spoiled - they are.

In reality, it's the only form of recourse I have in the evenings if I have to haul her out by her hair kicking and screaming when she doesn't want to go home. And it is hell, the whole ride home as she whales from the back seat like she's been forced to give up breathing for 20 minutes. 

I find myself secretly nodding to her and by-passing the comment with another, "Let's go get those shoes on!"

But I think it's more than just craving my approval. Because I really do complement her often and remind her every day how much I love her and how happy she makes me. I think more than anything she is trying to understand her own independence and master it at the same time. She is proud to be getting bigger. Proud to take ownership of her accomplishments and her growth into a the world of being a big girl - even if that is just taking the initiative to dress herself in the morning without me asking.

At three, she is all girl and knows what matches and what doesn't. I actually trust her independent wardrobe choices more than I trust Handy Man to choose an outfit for her to wear in public. Matching mean nothing to Handy Man. Color coordinating is obsolete to the color blind man who has had only two fashion evolutions in 12 years - flannel over t-shirt and hooded sweatshirt over t-shirt. 

This morning, my beautiful and sweet Brown Eyed Girl greeted me after waking with a kiss. She then announced with oozing pride that she had made her own bed this morning. 

I smiled and confirmed, "You did? You made your own bed this morning?"

She beamed and said, "Yep! All by my self!"

I've never asked her to make her bed. Never really expected her to. It is something I just do every morning as I tidy up the house on our way out the door. 

I made a point to immediately stop what I was doing and go check out her handy work.

Not too shabby.

She pulled the blanket and comforter up over her pillows.

Even attempted to smooth out the wrinkles. 

We are not talking about landing on the moon here, but I was truly so proud of her this morning. I gave her a great big old hug and told her again how proud I was that she made her own bed. Commented on how big she was getting.

My little Brown Eyed Girl is getting so big, right before my eyes. Where did the time go. It's all happening so fast. My heart skips a beat and before I know it she'll be heading off to college. 

All morning I have been wondering if it's time to start making a chore list for her. Give her things to do that will make her feel big, important and give her some pride in her own accomplishments. Nurture her independence and recognize her contributions to our family. No pressure for performance, just a list of things she can do to help. She is obviously searching for more.

I wonder if she's still too young to mow the lawn???

Family Values

I am pretty sure I am still recovering from last week's Handy Man Family Reunion. Not in a I-pulled-my-hair-out-all-week-having-to-deal-with-my-in-laws kind of recovery - truth be told, I love Handy Man's Family. Recovery had more to do with the fact that I am an old lady, an old lady in bed by 8:30 p.m. every night. Five nights in a row of staying up past 10:00 p.m. is way past my bedtime. My children are unforgiving. They never sleep past 6:30 a.m. That schedule (when you aren't used to it) can be drawing.

Every morning I have struggled with my alarm. I have packed around a couple of extra suit cases under my eyes. I have put in for a special order coffee IV drip system. Portable stand not included.

But it was all worth it.

My Brown Eyed Girl ran wild for five days. Laughing and wrestling with her cousins - once a year just isn't enough for these kids. I have decided that everyone needs to move back to Colorado.

There's nothing like catching bugs first thing in the morning in your jammies.

The crisp mountain air waking your lungs.

Brand new bug nets thanks to Grandma Debbie.

 

Doting Aunts also came bearing gifts. 

 

Like matching sunglasses, bubble necklaces, lanterns and 4th of July outfits for the girls.

The boys were happy with bug nets and fishing poles.

 

Grandpa Matt hung out for hours on the boat. The only adult in a sea of kid-lets all under the age of seven. 

At least he stayed dry when it was time to jump ship.

Grandpa Matt, Uncle Pat and Uncle Drew were the ultimate sports. They even spent a whole day taking the little kids out on the lake so they could fish. First, they took all the little girls. After about an hour on the lake they came back and took at the little boys out fishing. 

While our Brown Eyed Girl showed off her fishing skills she acquired in Iowa, Mr Blue Eyes worked on his trick riding. 

He makes his mother proud.

Scares the crap out of his Grandma Debbie. 

Isn't this the cutest little rocking horse? 

I was told a certain Handy Man put a lot of miles on this handsome steed back in the day.

We enjoyed several walks down by the lake. 

The girls scared away the fish warmed up our pitching arms throwing rocks into the water.

Mommy and Aunty Nicki devised their secret plan of gradually wearing all the small children down with fresh air, sunshine and physical activity. Such terrible mothers.

They were successful.

While the adults played horse shoes, sipped on adult beverages and laughed about life, kids got dirty. 

Busy little bees building log cabins.

There is only one easy way to get all these little monkeys clean while on vacation. 

Stick them all in the tub, form an assembly line, wash and repeat.

There is nothing like cousins. 

As the oldest cousin on both sides of my family growing up, I found that I was always floundering somewhere between being too old, too cool to hang out with all the kids, and yet not old enough to hang out with the adults. Xavier gets it. He's 16.

I can't help but look at my Brown Eyed Girl and Mr Blue Eyes and all of their cousins playing from sun up to sun down and my heart is filled with joy. 

Eight cousins all within a six year age span. The fun is just starting. The Mommies and the Grandma's daydreamed about what fun they will be at five... and ten. How we will leave them all at home when they are fifteen and just the adults will head to the cabin because everyone agreed there would be way too many hormones under one roof. Or, we will just make all of the cousins sleep outside in tents.

Since none of the Mommies were pregnant or sleep deprived from nursing small babies, we brought back the annual Poker Night. 

$5.00 buy in. You could buy back in once - unless you were Grandma Debbie, then you could buy in as many times as needed because she pays the propane and light bills.  

Someone let this Berg guy be in change of the bank. 

I really didn't care if I lost that night. I just had to out last him. 

It's a long standing grudge. A history of Poker Nights. Many nights (before kids) that went long into the night.

I was successful in outlasting Berg this year, but Sha-Sha took the pot when all the dust settled. 

Sha Sha and I have been friends since we were nine. Friends for 23 years this fall. We used to pretend we were sisters. We spent enough time together, we could have been. And thanks to her, we are now cousins (by marriage.)

On the last day at the cabin, Handy Man made his way up to the mountains. After golfing with Sha Sha and Uncle Pat, he taught Mr Blue Eyes how to shoot.

Grandpa Matt and Uncle Drew took two of the princesses out fishing one last time. 

Lunches packed. Life jackets on. They were ready.

Brave Grandpa Matt and Uncle Drew. 

 

 SIX HOURS LATER....

 Two smiling little girls (who had not napped all day and learned to pee into the bait well on the boat) returned.

It was a wonderful week surrounded by Mannicks, Hills, Mosiers, Bergs and Korpelas. 

A whole house filled with generations of cousins.