With age comes.....

Easter 2012 (minus Layne & Blair)

This morning, as I was staring myself down in the mirror, I kept thinking of the saying, "With age comes wisdom.". There is some truth in this but I do not feel much wiser now than I did when I was turning 18. I know that I have experienced a lot since that time, but have I grown any wiser- really? Considering there are many days that I cannot recall what I had for breakfast, or even if I ate breakfast, maybe I have just forgotten how to be stupid. Maybe that is what really happens to us as we age, with memory loss (I blame mine of sleep deprivation and children) we just forget how to execute the stupid things that we did when we were younger. Great theory, huh? I guess my wisdom comes mainly from my parents and my spouse, both of which I turn to frequently to figure out answers, and from others that act as sounding blocks- something we all need. Some may come from knowing how to appreciate the gift of life and the gift of love- from truly loving and appreciating my children and their contributions to this world (they may be small but they are mighty). Also, from being able to share stories of my past without feeling embarrassed or stupid and to be able to shed a little light on right/wrong (or just to laugh at the craziness). I still have trouble not getting the last word in - something my husband is determined to break me of. I still have trouble being "idle"- but learning to knit has helped a lot in that department. I am still bossy, can come across as bitchy, teeter on the moody side, and my "filter" sometimes malfunctions. I love my family fiercely, enjoy tapping into my creative side (which is squelched far too often), and have a soft spot for non-profits. I am southern, I am baptist, and I am a card toting, registered Republican. I am not denying that I have "imperfections" but they make me the person that I am, so I am embracing them. Maybe I have gained a little more wisdom than I thought but I think that I am just becoming more comfortable with the true me.

I have received many birthday wishes today and with each one, I have paused to think about when the "wisher" came into my life and the impact they have had on me. I am 34 years old today, or as my Granny used to say, I am celebrating the 5th anniversary of my 29th birthday. In my 34 years, I have moved away from my "roots", survived college (with a diploma to prove it), gotten married- twice, gotten divorced, had four children, buried one child, and crossed a few things off of my bucket list. I know what love feels like, how your heart swells with pride when your children accomplish things, and what true heartbreak feels like. I love my life- the good, bad, and ugly and thank God for surrounding me with incredible things and people. Thank you all for thinking of me today, you have been a part of my life during a special time and helped shape me (in some way) into who I am today. I am blessed to have so many good people in my life (my Mimi told me that is key to living a long, happy life- she's on to something).

So, with age comes wrinkles and gray hair (and the wisdom to find ways to cover them up), another day to enjoy this thing called life, and friends and family to share the adventures with. You have to love it- I know I do!

Beach baggage

My parents have decided to embark upon a journey with Layne and Blair during Spring Break. They are headed to Florida for a little fun in the sun and the kids are bubbling over with excitement. As I am frantically trying to pull together their clothes for this trip and assemble Easter baskets, their main concern is the extras. Well, now that I have written that, it isn't exactly true. Layne has packed a football, Legos, and a few other odds and ends. Blair has packed a HUGE purse (complete with makeup, 10 tissues (because she doesn't want to have to stop if her nose starts running), and her jewelry), the other bag has books, Ella and all of Ella's clothes, more jewelry, playing cards, two box puzzles, red sun glasses, a purple hat, and another smaller bag. This is just what she is carrying in the car with her. This is just what they deem necessary to travel with them in the car.

This weekend, Blair and I had to go shopping. The child had outgrown most all of her clothes and swimsuits from last year and her wardrobe needed to be replenished. Saturday morning, Kennedy, Blair and I hit the stores for shoes, suits, and shorts. I had a plan of action (you have to with an 8 month old) and I was determined that we would be in and out of these places in record time, worst case scenario, I could just buy and make her try on when we got home. My plans quickly fell by the wayside, when the first place we went to, I was informed that she wasn't looking at clothes until she found a new beach bag for her beach toys she was taking. When I asked what toys, Blair informed me that she was taking all of the toys that we were going to be buying that day. I am still trying to figure out how clothing translated into toys. Then, she had to try on beach hats (big floppy ones), flip flops, and huge (cover half your face) sun glasses. Three stores later, she was still determined to purchase a new bag, sun glasses, and a hat (the toys had momentarily been forgotten). As Blair was busy trying on her beach accessories, and Kennedy was busy waving at every person that smiled at her, I hit the racks and snagged a few items. I had a lot of fun shopping with the girls but by 2:30, I was more than relieved to hear Blair asking to go home to rest. 

So, the laundry loads have started, the clothes have started being put into piles, and Blair has started issuing her orders. The first being, that Layne that he is only allowed to carry one small bag but she gets two suitcases because she has a lot more stuff to take. In the midst of all of this, I have started praying- hard. Praying for safe travels, a fun trip, but mostly for my parents' sanity and that they survive a week of Blair on the road. They are embarking upon a long road trip with a chatty little girl, couple that with the excitement of both of the kids, and it is a recipe for extreme overload. It's bad enough at the house right now, I imagine that car will be more than lively. I look forward to the calls and texts from the kids and my parents while they are away, I am sure that they will have a blast. In the meantime, Dean and I will be plugging away at work, and Kennedy will be enjoying being the only child (and the quiet of the house).