by Claire on August 23, 2010
Well, it’s really a weekend at Cindy’s and Cody’s, only without Cindy and Cody. Just me, the boys, and Dug the Pup™. We are having a grand time. The first night was a bit rough – mostly me getting settled into things. Learning how often to take Dug the Pup™ out to go potty, and getting the timing off a few times meant a lot of cleanup. I think I’ve got the hang of it now, so Dug the Pup™ is no problem.
Friday evening, I was having so much fun with the boys, I forgot my prior experiences on their trampoline and joined them. It is the most fun thing to do with these kids. I jumped and jumped and ran around in circles. But I now know – without a doubt – that I can no longer do this. My lower back will not tolerate the trauma. Later that evening, and the next day, and even today, my back is very, very sore and painful. So, sadly, that’s one activity with the kids I can’t do any more.
Saturday, was a big day. The boys – particularly Evan – had to have a bath. That was a challenge. But we succeeded (I won) and they both came out clean and happy, and then we headed off to Tar-jay to purchase some birthday presents for a birthday party later in the afternoon at a jump place – one of those places where they have the huge inflatable bouncy pens and slides. This, followed by pizza and cake made for some highly energetic boys. Later, Auntie Stacy and Baby Laila came up to visit (and help out) so I could run to the grocery store. Evan came along and he’s so cute. His current favorite question: “is that?” (dropping the “what”). He was such a good boy in the store.
Right after Stacy and Laila left, this is what I found on the couch. They are so precious. My favorite line of the evening was when Cayden snuggled up to me and said, “Damma, I am having a great weekend with you. Even when I’m mad, I’m happy.” (Did you just hear the gush of my heart melting?)
Sunday, we woke up to light rain and soggy ground. I wasn’t really sure what I’d do to keep the boys entertained. As much as I hate digital babysitters, playing Wall-E really calmed them down and gave me a chance to get showered and ready. We planned to go shopping (I needed a new baking mixer) and then go to my house and do some artwork and bake a cake. By the time we left, it was 1:30 and I’d forgotten about Evan’s nap. Sigh. And I forgot the stuff for the art project (good thing I didn’t tell them about it.) We met Stacy at the store and did some shopping. It always amazes me how a trip for a $20 mixer turns into $100 – it’s the grandkid factor. I cannot resist buying a toy – or several – and some cute pink baby clothes.
Finally we made it to my house. Fed the kids an early dinner (late lunch? Boy, I’m a bad grandma.) Didn’t get any baking done. Played with Laila a bit. The boys played with their new toys and after cleaning up the dinner mess, I was beat. Time to head back to their house so we could let Dug the Pup™ go potty before I had a mess to clean up (again). By the time we got home, Evan was asleep in the car. I carried him in and set him on the couch. He promptly went back to sleep and now, at 6:30 Monday morning, he is still asleep. (No, he didn’t sleep on the couch all night!)
I really should use this quiet time to get ready for the day, but it’s more fun to blog and read blogs with a quiet cup of coffee. The parental units come home this afternoon and for that, I’m sure two boys will be very, very happy.
Tagged as:
babies,
children,
family,
grandchildren,
life,
vacations
by Claire on August 20, 2010
I recently had someone unfriend* me on Facebook. I didn’t expect it at all. Even though I didn’t want to have a romantic connection with this person, I’d hoped they could remain my friend. Evidently that was too much for this person, and that’s okay – their choice – and I respect that. I can’t say if the tables were turned that I wouldn’t have done the same thing. Still, it was a surprise and I have lost a friend – someone I thought was a real friend, in real life – not just virtual life.
This led me to start thinking about friends and the ones I do have in my life. I have friends who I’ve known nearly all my life. One friend I’ve known since I was 13. She lives in New Zealand now, but we were best friends and nearly inseparable as teenagers. We can go years without talking to each other, but when we do, there’s a connection, a bond, that’s unbreakable.
Then I have friends who I’ve known only a few years, and the bond is just as strong. I feel like they are a kindred spirit to me and I’d do anything for them, and know that in any situation they would be there for me also.
Then there are the social friends – those you know casually. Those who pass through your life for a brief time to help you through something – perhaps a tragedy, or a phase in your life where you need them or they need you for whatever reason.
I’ve been thinking about friendship a lot lately. What is a friend and what makes some friends able to stand by you no matter what and vice versa. It’s nothing I have an answer to – just something I’ve been thinking about since I was unfriended this time. Today, a friend – one of those who I bonded with the moment we met – sent me this passage in email today, and I thought it was rather interesting. There are some threads of truth to this, although I’m not sure I agree with all aspects of what it says.
*unfriend – the common term for someone deleting you from their list of friends on Facebook.com
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
To aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled,
and their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has
Come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
Relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Tagged as:
family,
friends,
friendship,
Relationships
Well, it’s really a weekend at Cindy’s and Cody’s, only without Cindy and Cody. Just me, the boys, and Dug the Pup™. We are having a grand time. The first night was a bit rough – mostly me getting settled into things. Learning how often to take Dug the Pup™ out to go potty, and getting the timing off a few times meant a lot of cleanup. I think I’ve got the hang of it now, so Dug the Pup™ is no problem. 
