Blog Revival

Alternate Title: I Just Keep Talking

Last week I dared myself to neglect the computer and this week I'm going to swing in the other direction. My poor blog is practically on life support and I'm challenging myself to revive it. So get ready for a steady stream of wordy mediocrity!

During Sunday school yesterday, Curtis quoted our missions pastor, William Taylor, who had once told him "I raised my kids to leave, not to stay." That's something that Curtis thinks about a lot. (I agree with it but I'm not having it painted on the playroom wall.) Curtis, in fact, left the nest at age 20 and flew twelve hours south to live in Houston, Texas. I am grateful that he planted his life in this city with me and I know that he has sacrificed a lot to do that. He has a wonderful, loving family that he doesn't get to see very much.

We had the great blessing of Curt's parents visiting us this weekend. They spoiled my kids with love and attention for three days. We had such a fabulous time.

Steve and Cozy drove down on Friday afternoon. That evening we took them to our favorite new restaurant where you can eat greasy organic burgers outside while the kids entertain themselves in a mound of sand. After everyone went to bed, Curtis and I snuck out of the house and saw Source Code, which I loved.

On Saturday morning we got up really early and drove to Chappell Hill, Texas, for the Bluebonnet Festival. (We went there three years ago when Jackson was exactly Annabeth's age.) We got there an hour early and it was great because there was no traffic, there were hardly any people around, and the vendors were already in action. The only downer was that there weren't a lot of bluebonnets due to the severe lack of rain in the area.

Late that afternoon we went to a gymnastics birthday party. The kids had the time of their lives. Annabeth was too young to really participate in Jackson's party at the same place last year, but she lived it up this time.

On Sunday morning we went to church. After that, we deviated from the norm of Pappasito's and went to El Tiempo for some Mexican food. I was so excited to find out that they serve breakfast on Sunday mornings! I got a breakfast taco, which was phenomenal, and a little pecan pancake. Next we went to The Dump to look at some furniture. No one bought anything, but I eyed a set of mirrored furniture for the guest room. It was supposedly marked down but still way too expensive.

After naps, we let the kids play with the water hose in the back yard. I let Annabeth wear her new swim suit without a diaper and I'll spare you the details of how that turned out.

Speaking of diapers, Annabeth has taken hers off at least seven times in the last week. Her sheets and blankets have been washed four times. Tonight she went to bed wearing a sweet duct tape belt. Perhaps this new habit is a sign that she is ready to be potty trained. However, I am not ready for the battle of wills that is going to take place when we embark upon that season of tribulation. So duct tape it is.

Lord, how did I get two strong willed children?

Oh, I forgot you were there.

On Sunday evening we went to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. I had their Chinese salad, which is the greatest salad in all the world. My mother-in-law got the BLT pizza and, bless her heart, no one wanted to try a bite. I think it was the mayonnaise.

I am totally on a roll with interesting details tonight.

We made a quick trip to Target because Annabeth needed some spring shoes like yesterday. I bought three pairs for half the amount I would have spent on one wide pair at stupid Stride Rite. I'm so sick of the lack of selection and the high prices I supposedly need to pay for my kids' wide shoes. I think the Target shoes we ended up with will work, at least for a while. When we got home, Annabeth did a little fashion show of her spring and summer dresses paired with her new shoes. I have to say, I love this part of having a daughter.

The other thing I love about having a daughter is watching her care for her baby dolls. Her favorite thing to do is pull all the diapers and wipes out of their containers and "change" her babies. She makes me laugh. Except when I'm picking up the diapers for the third time or stuffing twenty wipes back in the box. I try to keep it all out of reach but that little turkey seizes every opportunity. She also really loves to carry one wipe around with her, sort of in the spirit of a handkerchief. She likes to blot her face with it.

This morning Annabeth brought one of her baby dolls in the car with us. She was strapped into her car seat - clearly, she's still my baby - and cradling the doll in her arms like a real infant. It broke my heart but in a good way. She just looked so innocent and sweet.

Well, my eyes are starting to blur and I'm sure yours are too. I'll be back tomorrow with more exciting, cutting edge content for you, dear reader! Realistically, it will probably consist of all the pictures my eyes are too blurry to look at right now.