good thursday

warning: long meaningless entry..

I woke up at 5:30 and put on my fave workout outfit and hit the streets.  I ran to our family vacation soundtrack and because it was dark and I was alone, I danced/skipped more than I ran.  As the sun came up over the desert my heart filled with gratitude for all the good things in my life.  my family and friends were at the top of the list. but more than anything, I felt so much joy to have good health.  I felt strong and alive and content.  The sunrise literally filled up the entire sky and I was reconnected to the powerhouse spirit inside that often gets overshadowed by tasks and errand running and laundry.

I came home, kissed my husband who was still asleep, showered, put on a real outfit and makeup and made waffles for my darlings.  Simon insisted on having a pancake instead (I did promise him last night, but what's the diff?) I put one pancake on the stove while I used up the rest of the batter in the waffle maker and forgot about it, of course.  Our house smelled like burnt pancakes all day. Luke kept saying it reminded him of camping and that made me smile because it was a good kind of burnt smell.  The kind that makes you wonder if you own a woodburning stove or roast chestnuts.

I took the carpool to Blue Diamond and was reminded (again) of the beauty that surrounds us everyday.  The beauty was louder than the kids in my car and the Halloween tunes we were jamming to.  I was counting my blessings.  We played at the park for a minute and walked to Jane's house to return a pair of Batman underwear.  Simon had to borrow it last week when he soaked while dancing in the rain.  (and came home in only a pair of underwear, which was not unusual at all.)  Simon went to preschool at Jamie's and could not have been more excited about it.  He wore a pair of sunglasses and bounced when he walked up to the door.  His body looks like a teenagers and he's not even three yet.

Luke, Ro and I vacuumed out the big van at the gas station.  Best 8 quarters I've ever spent.  Then we hit the library because we had nothing else to do and that's our go-to place when there's down time.  I read through a recipe book and got excited for fall cooking.  On the way home we hit the grocery store for a few veggies.  Roma was so lonely driving around in the double seated grocery cart car.  At one point Luke tried to climb in with her and he got stuck.  It was awesome and if I hadn't been so busy trying to pull him out, I would have snapped a picture.  Since when did he become daddy long legs?

We picked up Simon on the way home and he blabbed all the way out to the car, "I like school.  But I have to sit down and be quiet and not talk that much."  These were new rules for him.  I would never enforce them at home because his voice is my favorite.

We made lunch at home.  Turkey sandwiches and left over lasagna for Luke.  Then we read stories before nap time.  Luke is on his 6th chapter book this week.. I believe that's a record for him.  While the kids were napping/reading, I decided to mop the kitchen floor and get prepped for dinner.  While mopping, I listened to a relationships DVD by John Gottman that I came across at the library.  I liked it.  The therapist talked about his own marriage problems even though he does marriage therapy for a living.  He said his wife always says to him, "If your clients could only hear you now" when they're in the middle of a fight.  He also said that during his seminars he always uses a recent fight between he and his wife for an example.  I love that.  It convinced me that I need to document some classic arguments Aaron have gotten into.  I might start on one tonight if Aaron doesn't get home from basketball soon.  I have a hard time falling asleep without him...

Jane picked up the boys after school and took all four of them to her house to do crafts..  And then Katie came over to drop off a game and took Roma back to her house.  I didn't know what to do with myself!  I blasted Christmas music (Martina McBride) and finished vacuuming...  Dinner prep was long, but we had time and the rest of the house was clean.  chicken noodle soup, homemade rolls and a fresh salad. The boys played while I set the table which hasn't happened in a long time, but it was nice.  Aaron picked up the baby on his way home from work and was super impressed with the spotless house.  That's what can happen when kids aren't around, yo.

I quickly ate dinner and ran to the church for 3 hours of RS business, new callings and VT assignments.  Aaron put the kids to bed and came to the church to play basketball.  We crossed paths in the hall and gave each other a high five.  I rushed home to 5 sleeping babies.

Now I am all cuddled up in bed.. the windows are open and Christmas music is playing (Michael Buble).  I never listen to Christmas music this early, but I'm getting pumped up for my entire family together this year.  It's been a long time since I've seen my parents.  I've never gone this long before... I can't believe they've never seen my baby.  She's almost not a baby anymore.  Which reminds me, I should stop blabbing and add her picture to my sidebar.  After a year+ I think she's officially earned a spot in our family.  Here I go!