Adventures at Grannie's House

I am sitting here with my Cafe Rio tortilla in one hand, trying to figure out how to type one-handed as I scarf (yes, scarf!) my tortilla-dipped-in-house-dressing.

Today was a pretty typical day for me: I gathered up my 60 library books (voracious readers at my house), drove to the library with Mimi & returned them, then drove far out of my way to accommodate Mimi's craving for Cafe Rio rice. At first I was grouchily doing this, and then I began to crave tortillas. We returned home just in time to greet my friend's two kids, whom I watch every Wednesday as part of a mom-switch; she watches Mimi every Monday. We do this to enable each other to volunteer in the 1st grade classroom. (Just typing that out loud increases my volunteerism-satisfaction level...) I called Max's teacher & got myself on the schedule for his classroom, also. So I'll be at school every Monday from 12:30-2:30 and then back again every Thursday from 9:30-11:30 to help with the Take Home Reading program. (volunteerism satisfaction thermometer rising as I type...) I am a big believer in being a part of my kids' classrooms; I like having my finger on the dynamic, both of the teacher with my child and of my child's social interaction.

At 3:30 I met Wendi to get our nails done together, which was a treat. I am usually ready to expire from boredom when I get out of there, but today I was having fun friend time! I was forced to practice my Stuart Smalley Daily Affirmations, though, because Wendi has perfect willowy hands and I have....Man Hands. *sigh* (see bottom clip: 1st 1:45)

I do like my non-dangly earlobes, though. See! Affirmation!

Then I came home and made a delicious dinner for my family, showing my love and devotion via culinary affection. Yep, Ramen. I was tired! It was 5:50pm! Enough said. Tomorrow is another day (Scarlett O'Hara-style).

Here are some more pictures from the Thanksgiving holiday at my parents' house. Below, Max is exhibiting his Rubiks Cube prowess! The kid can solve the cube (with a cheat sheet that gives him a few moves of guidance).

My mom set up her tree and had the kids put on the ornaments, which I considered to be an act of love and patience. Thanks, Mom! They are still talking about it.

Mimi, of course, got to put up all the Barbie ornaments. She kept trying to take them off again and play with them. Again, patience and love.....!


This is official documentation of Sky's inheriting the gene for "Chair Time," my Dad's favorite form of relaxation.
Max conquered the tree! And spent time spying on the neighbor's backyard activities and also fighting the resident squirrel for Tree Time.

The van is loaded and ready to pull out for the drive home. You keep smilin', buddy.

Sis has emotional trauma every time she has to say goodbye to Grannie. It's heart-wrenching to watch and causes ME emotional trauma! There I am, saying goodbye & trying to be a big girl, and then Sis' wails of distress cause me to unravel.

She actually said a well-adjusted farewell this time, but has been crying herself to sleep for three straight nights. Tonight seems to be a bit better; I snuggled in bed with her for a while and we made an agenda of Christmas activities for Grannie's December visit. That seemed to bring her emotions into check. (crossing my fingers)





***HEY!*** I forgot to add that I got up at 6:30am to haul my tired self to the gym! After a night of revelry at Chili's until 12:00am the night before! (exercise satisfaction increasing as I type...)