It is well...

I want to sit down and write something eloquent about peace and tranquility but it's just not there. Sorry.


A week spent on a beautiful--and surprisingly sparsely inhabited--island did wonders for my body and soul. Even managed just fine with no internet. Though there were times it simply felt like a geography change--same stress, different location. I suppose that's just the way it goes while vacationing with two younglings. Who were actually fairly amazing all week. However, a fearless 4-year-old and his equally fearless almost 2-year-old sister unleashed on the big ol' ocean are a whole other type of stress!

The up side of being awoken at 6 in the am while on vacation is that one gets to enjoy one's coffee while being surrounded by views like this. Almost enough to make me a morning person. Almost.

Throw in a hurricane and a tropical storm and it's good times had by all.



I'm grateful we were able to go this year and the timing was perfect. I love the time with my sister and her family. The cousins adore each other--we're sorting through a gazillion pictures that prove that fact!

Sean beat us home by half a day. I allowed the little ones their time to cling to him and soak in that Daddy was indeed home. They also went to bed early.

On vacation...

Back later. With pictures. I promise. In the meantime, go read this...after all these years, the man still makes my heart thump.

I've been to school...

Baby, I've been the Teacher...

And now? I actually just might be able to cook! I feel like I can kick some major booty in the kitchen! Meh...who am I kidding? That's like the kid who jumps off of the roof thinking he can fly just 'cause he's got a cape. But when I'm baking, slinging bread dough and flour around--I'll look HOT!

This showed up in the mail yesterday. Sent by the loving Gone-For-6wks-Home-in-10-Days-Husband. A man who long ago accepted that while he posed no threat to our marriage, Jon Bon Jovi would always have a place in my life.

Interestingly enough, I'm not the only one posting about aprons today. Slightly different styles. But that's just fine. Stephanie, any time you want to borrow my Bon Jovi apron just let me know!

Sheesh...Police wives...

We're just not normal, are we? And this reminds me...I'm way overdue for an other ride-along. Oooh, and Sean picks up his new police truck when he gets back...sweet!



Happy Sunday!

Still still moving to me...

Last night I think I enjoyed the best night's sleep I've had since summer of 2004. Yes, I remember. I got pregnant with Jacob in September and my nights have been restless ever since then. Even on the rare occasions I'm away from my children for the night--I toss and turn because my routine is different and I feel all discombobulated. Not because my children define me--far from it--more because as a parent of two younglings I find myself in "survival" mode most of the time. Just trying to keep up. And when I'm given respite, I find I don't downshift fast enough to allow myself to truly relax.

For the past two days and nights my children have been soaking in quality grandparent time. We drove out to Kimbilio Monday morning and at the end of the day, once both were bathed, bedtime storied and put to bed I drove the hour drive home. By myself. Yesterday was a frantic day of housecleaning and errand running in 100 degree weather. Take out Indian food for supper. And then I crashed. Hard. The past three and a half weeks of single parenting combined with the past five years of living on little sleep. Even the animals recognized it was a sacred morning and remained silent. Exhaustion is a funny thing. Gone were the feelings of being out of sorts. Just quiet and restful sleep remained.

I miss my babies...even the chaos that comes with them. The house is far too quiet. I miss my husband even more--something terrible right about now. But over the years I've learned to be still. My soul needs that. Chaos will return soon enough.

"Dear Mr. Vernon: We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. And what we did was wrong. But we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. What do you care? You see us as you want to see us." ~Breakfast Club (1985)

RIP Mr. Hughes...

It's always good to have a back up plan...

Here comes the sun...or, more ways to wear out my children...

The local children's museum has a really great sand and water backyard. Huge sandbox and a winding river with fountains spraying along the way. On a hot August morning--it's just the thing! And please forgive the phonecam pictures.

Lots and lots of other mommies had the same idea!

Oh, and for those keeping track...we've survived two weeks without Daddy just fine--albeit lonely--and have four left to go.