Not avoiding Spring

Spring Break – Day two. Day one was full of glorious sunshine, some spring yard maintenance, and slight sunburns on my young en’s after a run through the sprinklers. Don’t you love spring-sunburns? I remember them all to well. A few hours out in the yard, on those all too scarce sunny Seattle days. I loved them.

Today though, the sun has hidden her warm face. The kids have watched at least two movies, did their homework, pearler beads (no idea how to spell that, you know what I mean), played legos, given wet-willies, and are now out in the overcast-ness of the afternoon.

I - have avoided today. You know this about me. Right? The great avoider; then full steam ahead? I’m just about ready for full steam ahead…Just as soon as I check hotmail, facebook, various blogs, spend a couple hours reading http://thepioneerwoman.com , catch up on my own blog, snack in between each of these, and CURSE!! Why am I STILL so fat?! Arghh. Oh, I better check my email again…

Yes, a good second day of spring break. Mt. Saint Laundry is really showing it’s ugly side today. Good gracious, someone save me before its internal rumblings stir and it explodes all over the house! Run for your lives!

Okay. I guess the time has come. I really do have to get something done today, it is 4:57, p.m. Oops. The day is quickly slipping through my fingers. I did ‘avoid’ by playing legos with Si today though. It really is therapeutic. AND, that counts for quality time, right? I hope so.

Beach Combing and Getting Organized

Yesterday my kids decided to go to "the beach." They set out all of our treasures from last summers fun in the sun, and began "collecting shells" again. Just like they did on the actual beach.

Later we made shell necklaces that had to be worn until bed, and cried for in the morning. Utah has a lot of great thing, but ocean beaches are not one of them. And, oh, how I miss them.

Last night I went to a short class on "Getting Organized." I felt pretty good about most of the things they were talking about. I do a lot of "organizing" on my own, and didn't feel too discouraged. I feel pretty lucky that we have quite a lot of storage space for all of our "treasures." (aka, JUNK)

But, funnily enough, when I got home, I started getting all of the kids home work, and what not, ready for the day ahead. I needed a paper clip. I know for sure where I keep them; in the office in my drawer labeled "office supplies." (of course) But the 20 second trip across the room was more than I wanted. So I thought I'd simply check, what we call, "the drawer next to the sink." Please see the above photo for a view into "the drawer next to the sink."

I really do have a "place for everything" it's the getting "everything in its place" that's the problem. I am not the worst at organinzing, but I am certainly on the best. And in a hurry, this drawer is also know as "the dumping grounds." If you leave something out, anything smaller than a baseball, look in here.

The papers when to school sans-paper clip. Oh well.

Miracles really do happen

Yesterday an all out, full fledged miracle happened.

I went skiing.

While I’m sure this means nothing out of the ordinary for most, for me, these days, it was a HUGE victory. You try getting four kids pawned off and my excessively large body on the mountain.

But, with the help of miraculous sisterhood-of-the-heart friends, I was able to go. And have a fantastic time!

I got a call around 11 am yesterday, from a “friend of a friend” kind of person. (Now BFF for life, of course!) She was in town, had connections for a free pass at Sundance and wanted to know if I wanted to go with her. Like, right then.

“Uhh. Mmm. Oh, I wish I could. Uhh. Ohh. I’ll call you back in a bit. Let me do some checking.” Oh, and by the way, I needed to find a sitter for her little boy as well.

So the plan to leave entailed finding spots for five kids for five hours. With an hour notice. I know, you’re thinking, “impossible!” I thought so, too.

Wrong.

With some diligence, I was quickly able to find three homes of my dear friends who understood the great need of such an adventure. Only other mothers of big families can truly understand “the call to action” for something so frivolous as me needing to go skiing.

Oh Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, my dear friends! What would I have done without you?!

Pouted.

But, with three lovely girls being willing to help out, I was able to go.

So, I put my “gear” on, load up the car (including port-a-crib), and went on a passy search. TWENTY MINUTES!!! Twenty! I was so mad, hot and sweaty by the time I found one and left. Sheesh! But I couldn’t leave Chubs without his passy at nap time. For the sake of Jenny, more than anything.

During the horrific search I almost had myself convinced that I must not be supposed to go, that Heavenly Father is trying to tell me something. That perhaps I’ll die, or something awful will happen to the kids while I’m gone. Do you ever do this? Well, I do.

But I put it out of my mind, found a passy, (in the cup holder of the stroller!!!) ran the kids around town, and was up the canyon.

Fantastic fun! That’s what I had.

It was a much needed break, and a giant boost, as well. Once in a while I need a reminder that I’m not a total stay at home, nerdy, mom. (I almost put overweight in there, but in fact, that IS true.)

So thanks everyone. Let me know when you need a “dip” into your bucket for some past life fun. I’d be happy to help.

Three really neat things from yesterday, besides the great snow and fun:

I saw the life flight land in the snow. Really, really cool. And was VERY grateful it wasn’t’ me.

Saw the avalanche rescue dog riding the chair lift. Loved it.

And, fellow bloggers, it was Ski for Nie day. I was happy to be reminded of my blessings. In good health, with a fully functioning body, enjoying the beauty of God’s creations.

Thanks, friends close by. Let’s all go together next time! And friends afar: Come and see me! We’ll pawn off the kids and spend the day at Sundance.