I love pretending

When I have tons of people I need to thank for 'this and that' (usually helping me watch my kids or something similar), I LOVE to pretend to be Papa Jay from my childhood. He was a neighbor, always happy and willing to share a piece of his world-famous jerky. He was incredible. My hometown only had about 250 people in it, give or take a few depending on if Sister ____ was pregnant again :-) 

Totally kidding on that last one, I don't think the population ever seemed to change so the deaths equaled the births.

Anyway, each year Papa Jay hosted an AMAZING fireworks show. When I go back to the little town, and picture thousands of people there watching fireworks, I often stand in disbelief, for it is truly unbelievable. But, I was there. I helped clean up all of the mess people left and the firework pieces strewn all over my lawn. There were even a few years I helped wrap fireworks for the cool ground-displays he did. This was all set to music too, so my other neighbor Debbie gets lots of kudos for that.

I should post about the "Fireworks Extravaganza" again because it inevitably makes me happy.

Back to being Papa Jay, we all called him that, by the way. He was that kind of man. He passed away, I am thinking about 8 years ago. His funeral was one of those where you are laughing your head off, and then shedding a tear simply because of the legacy he left.

So, I am happy to patron the store that still bears his name. I buy, I share, and I proudly proclaim, "This is the best jerky you will have ever tasted and it is from my hometown."

If you'll do something nice for me, I will give you one too :-).

Hair Issues

What do you do when you have hair issues that are out of your control?

It seems I always do, however this time I am NOT exaggerating.

Awhile ago, I had a little benign cyst taken out of my scalp (TMI? sorry, but not really that sorry). It was teeny and I thought no big deal, but now I can see what has come of having a little thing removed from my scalp.

I don't think this picture really does justice to this "issue".

I have to use special gel/palmade to slick this thing down every day.
You know, between this "issue" and the Starvation Vacation post I did, I am realizing everyone has about a million little issues that sometimes become big issues and sometimes don't. Nevertheless, we all have them.

New Definition of Underwear Line

Since, I have been out of comission this week, others have taken care of my responsibilities. Monday, my daughters have violin lessons. My husband took the girls. When he came back home, he told me our youngest has given "underwear line" a new definition.

Each violin lesson, the teacher kneels across from my 3 yo, who at times sits cross-legged for a few of the activities.

Well, unbeknownst to me (what a great phrase), my daughter had an accident at some point during the day and changed her own clothes. However, she didn't think to add underwear to her change of clothing. We put our teachers to the test, that is for sure.

Immodest Dress

I am on a "Starvation Vacation" in the hospital. I had a surgery the other day resulting from "big babies" (childbirth issues). I am staying here for another couple of days. I am in minimal pain and really quite enjoying some time reading books and watching movies. I can't eat anything but ice chips, so that is a bummer, but other than that, I love having nurses take care of my every need.

Having my children and husband visit me each day is the highlight. They are so dear and sweet. Here are a few of my observations:

• 6 yo has been wearing the same mismatched socks for three days now
• 3 yo has been wearing the same outfit for two days, with the exception of a brand new pink belt; my husband claims she has no other pants and this pair doesn't fit so he went out and bought a belt. I kindly pointed out that there is a pile of unfolded, clean laundry on the couch in the living room
• 8 yo son stays right by my side the entire time they visit each day; he is so sweet. Today he brought in a letter he had initiated, in part saying, "Mom, home is just not the same without you."
• All three children are fascinated by my catheter 

Yesterday when the kids came in, this is what they brought me:

They had each chosen flowers to add to the beautiful boquet. I love to look at it and smell it.

6 yo came in today and walked right over to my bedside, touching my hospital gown she said, "Mom, you are still wearing that immodest dress."

If You Give a Mom a Minute . .

If you give a Mom a Minute, she might brush her teeth.
If a Mom brushes her teeth, she might turn on the computer.
If a Mom turns on the computer, she might turn on the internet.
If she turns on the internet, chances are good she will log on to facebook.
If a Mom logs on to facebook, her daughter might tell you "I don't like that smell"
and Mom will realize she doesn't "like that smell either".

Then, Mom just might remember she has a waffle cooking in the kitchen still.

 Happy Friday!