A Return to Innocence

A Return to Innocence - Egnima 

Confession: I never went on a Spring Break trip (gasp!)  I know, right?! Can you believe it?  I never got drunk on a beach, flashed my boobies, and made out with a drunk guy.  What a prude, right?!  My parents weren't fronting me the money when I was in high school - (It's like they didn't trust me or something?!).  My freshman year in college, I was travelling with the Tech Pom squad to the Sweet Sixteen tournament.  I can't remember what I did the rest of my college years - couldn't have been too eventful.

In 2005, my mom, the boys (then ages 19 months, and 2 months), and I started taking trips up to Nebraska to visit my grandparents.  That's how our spring breaks have been spent ever since.   The trunk contents back then was somethings like: 2 boxes of diapers (sizes 5 & 1), 2 pack and plays, 1 booster chair, 1 bouncy seat, and one double stroller.   Traveling is easier now that the boys are older.  These days, the back seat is a sickening reminder of how spoiled American children are.  They have the DVD player, and if they get bored with that, they can switch to the DS, and lastly, if that gets too boring, they can play on the iPhone.  (I did bring books too.)  As a Gen X-er, I didn't have the cool electronic gadgets until I was older (hello Walkman!).  When I was little, I LOVED the Disney books on tapes, "You will know it is time to change the page, when you hear the chimes like this (chimes ringing).  A road trip meant a new box of crayons and coloring book- even when I got older.  (Confession: I still love coloring.)   

The number of grandparents has dwindled from four to one, while that makes me sad, I feel infinitely grateful we've taken these trips.  Seeing the joy on my Grandpa's face is priceless (doesn't stop him from being an ornery coot, but we love him anyways).  I get such a sense pride having 4 generations in one room.  Also, I never grow bored of hearing stories.  For instance: a few trips ago, I learned my mom knows how to dress a chicken - and I don't mean, catch it and put clothes on it.  That was one of her chores: from start to finish...   My mom, the prissy, 'I won't go camping', Doris Day mannered, always put together, yes,her!  My mouth still gapes trying to picture her killing a chicken.  This trip I learned they used to go pitchfork fishing.  Maybe similar to Hillbilly handfishin'.. except with a pitchfork!  My mom is so casual cool about it too, like, 'Oh yeah, we used to do that.  We'd follow along, and he'd jab the pitchfork around the banks a few times, to get the fish riled up, then he'd stab them, and we'd have it for dinner the next night."  Ummmm..... Mom, I didn't realize how Little House on the Prairie you grew up!!  

My friend Amelia* detests the Midwest (her husband has family somewhere in the Midwest [KS]).  She feels too isolated (understandable).  Personally, I LOVE time spent there.  It reminds me of some of the happiest times spent with my grandparents.  The freedom I was allowed there, was like NONE I had in Plano.  I could walk to the park, the post office, or even the Cafe (for a coke and candy bar).  I freely did what I was too embarrassed/too cool to do back home.  While the boys won't get quite the same experience, they understand how much it means to me.  Few things make me cry like a six year old; leaving my grandpa is one of them.  I can not help it!   I've tried, year after year, and fail miserably.  I sob phrases like, "It's not fair we have to leave.  I just want to stay here with him.  Why do we have to live so far away from him?!"  - I told you, I turn into a 6 year old!  So, when it's time to leave, we all know what's coming.  

You also can't discount the uncontrollable smile you get after receiving the '2 finger wave' from oncoming drivers.  You anticipate each oncoming driver, ready and eager to return it.  Okay, the novelty doesn't last long, but it makes you feel like you're a part of them. (Plus - do you know HOW fast you can travel down those desolate highways?!)

  

Without further adieu, here are a few pics from our trip. 

Aidan, Grandpa, & Liam

Aidan & Grandpa.  

Liam, Grandpa & me (I'm fighting off tears)

Why a picture of a coke fountain? Because they had this IN the hotel available to ME, for my drinking pleasure!  Hello, heaven!

I'm not a bootlegger, but.....  these days, the trunk is stashed with  ~ case (or 2) of Wine from Superior Estates Winery.  Turns out, all that fertile soil isn't just for corn & Milo, grapes do quite well too.
Honestly, it's my favorite wine.  I have to stock up when I'm there, as it's not available here.   

*fictitious name used to protect her identity - Midwesterners, please don't hold this against her, she's a good person.  

Laissez les bons temps rouler

Good Time Roll, The Cars

Whenever I hear the cajun expression, I think of The Cars song.

Today is Fat Tuesday, and while I've never been to Rio or Mardi Gras, it remains on my bucket list.

Our day remains like any other Tuesday.  We have snacks, relaxing, homework, dinner, showers, and bed.  I've successfully given up things in years past, other years, failed miserably.  I'm having a hard time deciding this year exactly WHAT to give up.  2012 has started off as a really good year.
My oldest has been in school 3 years now, and the time prior to school years seems so distant.  I refer to the early childhood years as, 'the Mansfield years', referring to the city we lived.  I was 5 months pregnant moving there.  I literally let my mom and best friend unpack and set up my house.  When we found out we were pregnant with Liam, Aidan was only 8 months old.  Wanna know something funny?  We thought that was old.  Having the boys so close together, was tough on me, and tough on our marriage.  Jeremy spent long hours away from home to provide for us.  It was a very lonely time for me.  I listened to people when they told me it would go fast.  Looking back, it was a blur, but at the time, it didn't feel so.  I remember going on dates with Jeremy, where I literally couldn't think of things to say.  I spent so much time with the two babies, I felt incapable of formulating conversation.
Although, I don't necessarily look back on those years, as 'Good times', I did the best I could.  I don't have mega cutesy scrapbooks, marking their EVERY first.  I felt proud if I remembered to write it down.  When the boys are grown, I hope they'll forgive and realize, I did the best I could.  I often referred to those times, as "deep in it (labor intensive, selfless giving, child rearing), or 'survival mode'.  If at the end of the day, both had dry diapers, been fed, and dry clothes, the day was marked off as a success.  I also will say, I'm over-joyed I was able to stay home with them.  I know it's not for everyone.  I can't emphasize enough, how much respect I have for the working mother.
When we moved to Plano, both boys were potty trained (for some time), and I hadn't carried a diaper bag in over a year.  It felt like a new start.  We wouldn't change a thing either!  As tough as it was, the rewards are infinite.  They are best friends.  They've NEVER known a time without the other.  I'm not sure when we would've decided it was the right time for #2.  Seems like God knows what he's doing after all, go figure.

Mothers Day 2005,  Aidan 17 months

May 2005, Liam was 2 weeks old 

a few years later, 2007, Liam almost 2, Aidan 3

Those early years of child rearing are tough.  Babies don't know when you need a break.  So many of my friends have new babies.  Jeremy and I give each other the knowing nod.  Yep, they're in the club now.  It does get better.  I love and adore our family time.  15 years ago, if you would've told me, Friday and Saturday night spent at home, with your family, will be some of your favorite times.  I probably would've given you the, "Okay" bitchy nod.

I'm still struggling with what to give up for Lent:
Some suggestions from friends have been:
Facebook
Sweets/Desserts
Wine
complaining
dining out
my thoughts: diet coke or Facebook.

I'm thinking maybe it will be Facebook.  If our year has been this good, how much better would it be without being a slave to my iphone?  What if I focus on Stella&Dot, projects, Scouts,  blog, and home obligations?  Does this mean, I can't post my blog to Facebook? Can we make the exception for that?  I'm thinking we can, as long as I promise to only post blogs.  I can do that! easy. (gulp)

Just a Girl.

Immediately after No Doubt's Just a Girl, I adopted it as my anthem.  I still feel like that (mumbled fifteen) years later.  How many times did I hear: "It's not YOU we don't trust, it's ALL those CRAZIES out there."  The responsible adult in me, now realizes, it was all in my best interest.  The girl in me still resents that scared feeling, being petite, and wants to shake my fist, OR jump up and down at a No Doubt concert, like I did a few years ago~ I digress.

I'm pretty much a girly girl.  I am without a doubt,  an unapologetic, acknowledging, and accepting: high maintenance girl.  I own it.  I have to. What good would denying do?  Why not, openly admit, and move on?  It's no secret to my parents, friends, or husband.  He's known this for some time now.  When Jeremy and I bicker, often I throw out the phrase, "Look, YOU'RE the one that married me.." (as if it's not really my problem, but his.) 

In honor of being a girly girl - I have a small celebration to share:

 A Good Eyelash day!

No clumps, just long, luscious lashes - hells yah!!!

Never underestimate the power of a good eyelash day!  It makes, just about EVERYTHING better!  It's almost like a guarantee that you're going to have a GREAT day!
Wait, it gets better: 2 days in a row!!

I mean, I must be living right, or all the planets are aligned, just so.

Confession time: When I was pregnant with BOTH boys, one of my prayers for my babies: (aside from health and happiness): for them to inherit MY eyelashes, and not Jeremy's!!!  Seriously - I did, AND (exhale) prayers answered!  I'm happy to report, BOTH boys inherited MY lashes, and NOT Jeremy's.