Random Thoughts and Musings

So, I have been trying to introduce new (healthy) foods into our diet. Lil Lady has been very patient with me, and doesn’t complain **too** much.

When we were up north (more stories of that time to follow, eventually-I needed time to decompress/process), we had Indian food, tried Moxie (sp?) soda, and had hummus in a few variation. I also tried a new cooking method for chicken that turned out pretty yummy. So, I think we did well for two weeks!

Now that we’re back home, I had to think of something new again. I picked up more asparagus (and hopefully will cook it so it doesn’t go bad), fresh plums and peaches, and … an eggplant. I’ve always been afraid of eggplant.

I asked friends for a few ideas, and liked some of them. Most suggested Eggplant Parmesan … but I don’t particularly like Chicken Parmesan, so I wasn’t keen on that idea.

I came up with the idea of eggplant fries & thought it sounded good, and one of my friends said he’s made them that way and loved them. I didn’t like that they needed to be breaded though, so I hesitated on making it. Then, I thought maybe I’d make eggplant spaghetti - just substituting eggplant for the meat in the sauce. I still think that would be good, so we’ll save it for another month.

Then, today, I had a stroke of genius. I turned it into something I’m comfortable with! EGGPLANT TACOS!

I LOVE TACOS. Plus, they’re easy. PLUS, they are HEALTHY! WIN, WIN, WIN!!

So, here’s my recipe:

1 Eggplant
2 carrots
1 onion
garlic (to taste)
chili powder (Mexene is preferred, of course!) 1-2 Tbsp
Cumin - 1 tsp
Cinnamon - 1/4 tsp
S&P to taste
Adobo seasoning (to taste)
1 bell pepper (i used yellow for brightness)
Refried beans (if you like)
Shredded Cheese
Tortillas
Olive oil

1. Place small amount of oil in pan, add chopped/diced onions and carrots. Saute until onions are translucent and carrots are tender. Add garlic to taste, continue to cook down.
2. While onion & carrot mixture is cooking, peel, slice, and dice your eggplant.
3. Remove onion, carrot, garlic mixture from pan; put a small amount of olive oil in the pan, then add eggplant to cook down until translucent (white meaty parts mean eggplant is not cooked!). Salting the eggplant a little helps release the liquids.
4. Slice bell pepper, heat refried beans (or any other bean, actually) while eggplant is cooking.
5. Mix onion, carrot, & garlic mixture into cooked eggplant. Add chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and Adobo seasoning. Continue to cook until well blended.
6. Steam tortillas, then build tacos!

My perfect tacos were:
Tortilla, light spread of refried beans, 3 slices of yellow bell, eggplant mixture, small amount of shredded cheese, heaping spoonful of Rotel (I would have used fresh tomatoes and peppers, but I was done with the slicing and dicing,a already!). DELICIOUS!

They would have been just as yummy with lettuce/spinach leaves/other greens and some sour cream (or, as I’ve been using lately, Greek yogurt). But honestly, they were perfect exactly as I had them. Hot, cool, crispy, soft, sweet, and spicy were all in each bite. Perfect.

This is what I call a successful experiment in facing fears.

This morning, Lil Lady and I headed to the local park that has a water-play area for the kids. BFF was already on her way with the daycare kids …

She called to ask if I could go by her house and get the diaper bag, because Baby S was busy making a mess. Sure, no problem. By the time I showed up, she had borrowed wipes from another mom and was *trying* to clean up the baby. Trying. It was EVERYWHERE! Up her back. On her legs. On her tummy. On her clothes. On the towel BFF had laid down before trying to clean up the mess. All over a half dozen wipes. On the baby’s hand, because she wouldn’t keep still for three seconds much less the five minutes they’d been trying to contain the mess. Ew! *shudders*

Yes, that *did* need to be shared, dammit!

I left Lil Lady with BFF and headed south ‘into town.’ This really means I was driving to the next town over, about 40 minutes away. I managed to finally change my address for a few of my bills (oops! I am only a couple few five months late!), which is good because I am sure that the post office is sick of sticking yellow change of address stickers on my mail. I drove into town right on time, and whipped into the parking lot of my favorite thai eatery: Bankgkok House. Last year, when I was trying the various Thai places around town, I was complaining to my Mom about this or that, and none of them being as good as Nida’s International Cuisine in N’ville, which closed down last year. I still have not found a single place that makes Pad Gra Pao like she does … I seriously need to track her butt down and pay her to just make me a huge batch from her home kitchen!

I digress. Mom and I were on the phone one day and she asks if I have tried Bangkok House yet. You mean the drycleaner? *Insert laughter from Mom* Apparently, there is a drycleaner on one corner, restaurant on the other. She and (step)Dad used to have date nights there, and they loved it. Ask for XXX (she gave the owner’s name, which I remembered the first time I ate there, but have since forgotten). I did, and I did, and I fell in love. THIS was what I had been searching for (tho, they still do not make Pad Gra Pao as good as Miss Nida). THIS was food worth paying for!

Don’t get me wrong - a few of the places in town have good this-or-that. This place? GOOD EVERYTHING (just not-as-good-as-Miss-Nida’s-Pad-Gra-Pao .. I forgive them … nobody is perfect). So, I had invited June Cleaver to lunch, and since she has this great new job that she loves, which happens to be right around the corner from her home, and her son’s school, and the Bangkok House, she agreed to meet me there and try it out.

I have to give her credit. She tried to sound like she was enjoying the food. Unfortunately, I do not think Thai is her thing. That’s okay - I pigged out (sue me - if I was paying for buffet, I was going to get as much into my tummy as I could without making it literally burst at the seams!). I was in Thai food heaven. Green curry. Red curry. Ginger chicken (except i kept biting into ginger slices, which was *not* good), spring rolls (purrrrrrrrrrr), steak and peppers, chicken this, chicken that, chicken the other. Yum. *sigh*

About halfway into our appetizer plate (doesn’t that sound more dainty than ‘first plate piled high with everything we could cram onto it’?), BossBro showed up to meet us. He was supposed to be bringing me money, but our check didn’t get in, so he was empty handed (damn!). However, he joined us for lunch, and we had fun. I was the only one satisfied at the end, I think. June Cleaver was not particularly impressed with the food. BossBro seemed to enjoy the food, but was shocked at the sticker price ($10.02 for buffet AND sweet tea - I think it is a fair price, myself). The company and conversation, though, was good for all of us. It was a great lunch, and the only thing that would have made it better is if BFF could have ALSO been their sans children. Us adult siblings (because I insert myself as a family member in their family) rarely get adult-conversation-time without being interrupted 500 billion-trillion times by children with questions, comments, and complaints.

Today is a good day. Thanks BossBro … I know you’ll probably read this eventually. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did (or, at least half as much!).

xo

Today, BFF’s hubby spent all afternoon making us a DELICIOUS friggin meal! He grilled T-bones for us adults (well-done for BFF & I), made baked beans (he starts with Bush’s original, adds to it … makes it a delicious, delicious side that we all want to be the main course), grilled corn …

My steak had a garlic & red pepper seasoning on it, and it was friggin delicious. I ate 95% of it without steak sauce ( a very very rare occurrence for me). I put butter on my corn, then rolled it in cajun seasoning. YUM. The beans … they were perfection. B, you are phenomenal - thank you!

I love when he goes into “grill’ mode. He really makes a day of it, and he enjoys catering to us for a little while. I had bought gallons and gallons of sweet tea at Publix as my contribution, so we had plenty to drink, too.

Perfect day with friends and acquaintances (BFF’s friend was there with her two kids). Although, I do have to say … holy SHIT she (BFF’s friend) spoils her 13 yr old daughter. The girl demanded her mother cut her corn off her cob. Later, the friend got up to clear her space, and as she walked away, the daughter looks at her and screeches, “Aren’t you going to take care of this for me?” while pointing at her own plate. So, the friend says, “Yes, give me a minute.” SERIOUSLY? She’s THIRTEEN and has NO DISABILITIES - make her take her own fucking plate up! GAH!

Anyway … Lil Lady and I came home and had Blue Bell Ice Cream of the “Groom’s Cake” variety. I quote, “Groom’s Cake Ice Cream is a luscious chocolate ice cream with chocolate cake pieces and chocolate coated strawberry hearts, surrounded by swirls of strawberry sauce and chocolate icing.”

Holy delicious, Blue Bell! I am filled with happy tummy foods today!

xoxo

**Disclaimer: @cajunvegan, please do not voodoo doll me … or place a curse on me … or smack me with your CIS. Please? Pretty please? I love you muchly, really I do! /Disclaimer**

I spent the morning and early afternoon helping out with BFF’s daycare kids. We had a great day … in fact, the ONLY two kids to cause any trouble were BFF’s older two who were with me! Talk about insane.

We had craft time, made spaghetti for lunch, did naptime (storytime first, though!), outside play time, and …. I am sure there was more, but … I cannot remember. Whew those kids wear you out fast!

BFF’s son, Lil C, paid me a HUGE compliment though. “Aunt [Devyl], I don’t even like spaghetti, but I DO like yours. This is good. It has better seasonings and flavors than Moms. This is so good!” That, coming from a boy who asks for his noodles plain, or perhaps with ranch dressing, is saying a lot. Thanks Lil C for making my morning/lunchtime. Love you!

xoxo

Tonight, my BFf hosted a birthday party for me. Her sister, June Cleaver, her brother (my boss/M), and their mother were all there (along with June Cleaver’s two boys & BFF’s four kids). We had a spaghetti dinner (nummies!), complete with garlic bread, salad, and sweet tea.

We opened presents (ok, I did) - June Cleaver & her two boys got me a necklace/earring set. C got me a necklace that says ‘angel” in English & Chinese (from China in Disneyworld). Mama got me the box set of the first four Janette Oke movies. Or, the movies made from her books. LiL K made me a birthday card … she drew a princess, a girl, and wrote my name (or, yanno, something that was meant to be my name ;)).

After presents, I was presented with my cake. BFF worked all afternoon on it - a chocolate cake with homemade chocolate icing. She had put flowers on the cake to decorate it, and she’d put a basket weave pattern all around the edges. Delicious, beautiful, perfect.

After cake, we played Trivia Pursuit. I think I answered two things. My team member, thankfully, is a genius with random knowledge, and we won. WOOT! (Go, M! You rock!)

The game finally ended about 10:30, and we were all exhausted … so then we came home. And, like a good lil Devyl Gyrl, I logged on immediately to tell you all about it.

xoxo

Last night was so great - Lil K had a blast with Lil Lady and I. As soon as we got home, I set up a tea party for them with hot tea, cheese and crackers, pickles, grapes, and carrots with ranch dressing. The girls put on some music and sat down to have their tea time.

Afterwards, they watched movies and relaxed and played with the kitties. I made spaghetti for dinner, because Lil K requested it, and we dined late in the evening. She did not once ask for either of her parents. I think she enjoyed the peace and quiet, which she doesn’t see very often at home!

C reported that Baby S slept in the bed with her last night, and did not press the nursing issue nearly as hard as we feared she night. She actually slept rather well.

Tonight, I plan to sleep for more than three hours. Wish me luck!

Baby S did beautifully last night. She woke up several times. The first two times, she cried. From there on out, she just woke up, fussed a little, then lay down when I moved towards her, and allowed me to stroke her back until she fell asleep.

C woke up feeling rested and ready to tackle her day, since it was the first night of uninterrupted sleep she’s had in over a year!

B’s Mom is in the hospital, in total kidney failure. She had an ulcer bleed out, or something, and didn’t go in to get it checked out when she should have. She ended up in ICU this weekend, and probably will not be released for a few days. We’re worried about her, so please keep her in your thoughts. B & C went to visit her today, so I had a little quiet time with the kids. Lil C, Lil K, and I put the “Toddler Tunes” and “Kidz Only” digital music channels on, and sang, danced, and partied for about half an hour. Baby S didn’t know what to make of us, and she was crawling around and bopping on her knees, til I picked her up to do the “Hokey Pokey.” She LOVED that, and so we did it a couple of more times, even though the song wasn’t on anymore.

After, I got a GREAT video of Lil C singing along to Alvin and the Chipmunks singing “Bad Day” and dancing around. It made B & C laugh, because Lil C is all OVER the place, and totally throws his entire body into the dance. He’s a trip to watch. If I could figure out how to upload a video, I’d share with you. He cracks us up.

I am not sure why, but I was wide awake through most of the day. It wasn’t until late in the afternoon that I felt that zone come on, when I needed to get to a bed so I could crash. I ate a bowl of the delicious curry that B made for us, and headed on down to my nephew’s room to crash.

Tonight, Baby S seems to be resting a little better. She got to sleep a little later, but hasn’t woken up hollering yet, despite the late hour. I’m quite proud of her. We’ll see how the night goes on!

xoxo

I was so proud of me this morning: I got up and made Lil Lady a pancake breakfast. I do *not* do mornings, and I do not cook breakfast (SHUT IT: I told you I’m a bad Mom). Why was I up before 10 am? Before NINE a.m.? Because I woke up to what sounded like someone banging on my front door. I staggered over there, and there was nobody. Not a soul. WTF? I am convinced that Rascal Lee Kitten and Willow D. Kitten managed to do something that sounded insanely loud, just to get me out of bed so they could be fed!

I am not sure if I mentioned this yesterday, but while we were playing frisbee on the beach (in the sand), I was carrying Baby S. This meant no diving, of course … but since I didn’t want to chase a frisbee either, I did end up squatting and lunging, a LOT. MYLEGSHURTLIKEIRAN20MILES. That is all.

Today is laundry day. BFF & family are driving her oldest son back to his dad (boo! we miss him already!), so I am at her house, taking care of her puppy and doing my laundry. And folding her laundry - she had at least four baskets of it that needed to be folded and sorted. I do not put her stuff away, because she is very particular, and I do not understand her system. I am sure it makes perfect sense to others: it does to her. I just do not get it. So, I fold and sort, and even put a few things on hangers, but do not put them away. Except towels. I am confident in my ability to handle towels. **grins** When she reads this she’s gonna text me and tell me I’m a brat and her laundry system is perfectly sensible and I need to get with the program.

I still have no signs of burn from the many hours of sun and fun yesterday. The shade was a good thing, but so were the several applications of sunscreen. Despite not being sunburned, I am exhausted. I cannot wait to go home and relax!

I really need a day to sleep. Please? I miss sleeping in … it has been ages since I slept in … what happened to the 10 o’clock rule, dammit? **sigh**

xoxoxo

I was out of the house by 7:45 to head to BFF’s. We left her house by 7:55, went to Wal Mart, headed into town to meet up with her sister. We stopped for ice around on the way (we waited to get in town so the ice wasn’t melted - it is a 40 minute drive). We got the coolers of food (we’d each contributed $20, A did all the shopping/preparing).

Off to the beach!

We arrived probably around 9:30, and claimed our spot UNDER the Destin Bridge, so that we’d have shade all day. There were people camped out EVERYWHERE: They’d spent the night to ensure they got THEIR spots! We put sunblock on all the fair skinned little ones, sun protection on the rest of us. Then, we headed to the water. The water was cool at first (it WAS still morning, after all), but we hopped in anyway, and spent some time splashing around and lounging in the gentle current while basking in the sun.

Once the rest of the group arrived, we spread the coolers out, spread out a sheet, set up the chairs, and sat down to eat. The drinks were nice and cool by then, the food  (cold fried chicken, watermelon, oranges, green & red grapes, ranch dip with chips/broccoli/carrots, and three flavors of potato chips) was delicious, and the company was wonderful.

We all had a great day! The kids stayed in the water all day - literally. I think they came up for a total of an hour and a half, and we had to FORCE them to do that, because they’d been out there for five hours without eating! We adults read, played frisbee, played with the little ones in the water, and talked. I laid out for a little while (no sunburn!), then  went for a walk to say hi to my brother (we spread his ashes in the pass 9 years ago on the 4th of July).

By the evening, the kids were good and tuckered out. The three youngest took naps, the other kids just lounged on floats in the water. We were all ready for fireworks so we could pack up and go home! Since the sun wasn’t beating down on the beach after about 6pm, we moved out of under the bridge and claimed a spot from where we could watch the fireworks. C, her sister, brother, and mom played games with the kids (the rumor game, etc), and I read some more of my book.

The fireworks were bright and beautiful, and we listened to the radio station that was playing the background music. We were the only group to stand during the National Anthem (shame on all of you who did not!), and it brought tears to my eyes to see our kids shoot up like arrows and stand still as statues!

After fireworks, we did sparklers and packed up the vehicles, then headed home … it took us twice as long as necessary, despite our trying to delay past the traffic jams. It was after 11 pm when we reached home, and we shuffled the kids inside and through quick showers and into beds.

Despite the bittersweet memories for me at this particular spot, it is still my favorite spot to celebrate, and has been for the last 20 years (when I was a kid, we brought our boat from Poquito Bayou across the bay and to the Destin Pass for the day). I didn’t get sad until the end of the evening, and so I just kept to myself and let everyone else go about their partying.

All in all, a spectacular day.

I hope you all had a great day too!

I wish M had work for us this past week, because I really need to get some income. However, I really enjoyed going over to BFF’s and helping with the daycare, spending time with her and the kids, and enjoying some time with Lil Lady. Also, the week of non-work allowed me to spend some time with my two nephews, who came to stay with me for a few days.

Today is Fun Friday at BFF’s daycare … so, she takes the kids to the local park, where there happens to be water-play fountains and such. The kids love it, they wear themselves out, and she gets to enjoy a little sunshine without being overheated. I was able to join her today, so I got a couple of hours with her on a day I normally wouldn’t have seen her. My friend & BFf’s sister, A, was also able to join us, with her boys. She arrived a little late, so until she arrived, BFF, her oldest son, and I read out of Jane Eyre (one of his summer reading books), trying to catch him up. He’s been putting off reading it, because of the complicated paragraphs that take up half a page saying the same thing a five word sentence could say. Despite the style of writing (which, while I find it amusing and sometimes annoying, I love reading), he is enjoying the *story* itself (as are BFF & I). So, the morning was well-spent with two great friends and tons of lovable kids!

After cleaning up and whatnot, I picked up Lil Lady and she and I went into town to meet with A & her boys again. A wanted to celebrate the life choices she’s making right now, and wanted us to be there with her. We went out for Mexican (mmmm fajitas, margaritas, and queso dip), then took the kids to see the new Ice Age movie. We had a great day, and got home much later than planned.

Whether I look at the day’s points individually or overall, the day was a complete success!

xoxo

Saturday was a busy day: Lil B’s birthday is coming up, and we were celebrating with a chicken-and-hot dog-grill out and a slumber party. BFF & I went shopping for goody bag items, and since Lil B is entering the “tween” stage, we bought lotions and potions and pretty pretties to make them feel grown up and beautiful. GREAT FUN! BFF & I enjoyed it, and went through several ideas on how to handle it, but feel our final selection was perfect.

In the evening, BFF’s hubby grilled out the chicken (he marinated it in wine, then made a new BBQ sauce - he always makes his own - out of amaretto & miscellaneous other kitchen goodies.) FABULOUS food - it was perfect! After dinner, we had the cake (see below) and presents. WOOT! Lil B made out, for sure, and had a great time with her friends. Then, it was time to send the girls in to slumber (or, party … yanno, whichever ;)) and BFF & I got to watch a movie we’d been saving on her DVR for a couple of weeks. Beautiful day, for sure!

The weekend fun continued, as BFF’s older bro invited all of us (BFF, her kids, her sister & sister’s kids, their mom, Lil Lady, and I) over to his place for a BBQ. Friday, I went down to help clean up the yard, and then he and I went out to dinner (steak, veggie skewer, baked tater, sausage … yummmmmy!!!). Come Sunday, the pool we’d set up on Friday was filled and the water was nice and warm (but cooler than the hot summer day). The grill was put to good use by A (former roommate, BFF’s sister), who grilled our steaks, burgers, and dogs to perfection. I had made a quick potato salad the night before, and BFF had decorated another cake (see below) for Lil B, so we had a family celebration for her birthday.

The day was an absolute success - M’s backyard is huge, and there was plenty of room for a bundle of kids to run around and have fun. The pool was refreshing and fun, and enjoyed by EVERYONE (some of us *ahem* such as myself, do not typically like chlorine pools), and the kids wore themselves OUT splashing and diving and swimming and creating a whirlpool that caught most of us adults at least once!

After we left M’s townhome, BFF, her kids, Lil Lady, and I headed back to our side of the county. We had been told about a Church function by Lil C’s tball coach, so we headed up there to see what else we could do to tucker out the children. *WEG* Turns out, there was a fairly large event going on - Caring For Our Community - and there were bounce houses, live bands, a rock-climbing wall, face painting, balloon animals, and goodness knows whate else. We were surprised to see a booth set up for free haircuts, and we also saw booths where people could sign up to get a free box of food if they needed, which was pretty cool. (I made a mental note to donate to this particular Church’s food pantry whenever I donate to my own Church’s pantry.) Everything was free except snacks (ice creams, cotton candy, etc). They even had a water wagon going around, offering bottles of water to everyone. The kids participated in a couple of the games, had a snack (cotton candy OR ice pop), got balloon animals, and got their faces painted.

All together, the weekend was wonderful … thank you, M, again, for the fabulous day!!

Lil B’s Friend Celebration Birthday Cake:

Lil B’s Family Celebration Birthday Cake:

Thursday, BFF & I took Baby S to Pensacola for some testing. One of the side effects of chemotherapy is loss of hearing, so Baby S was going into the sound booth (with Mom, of course) to see if she responded to different pitches, sounds, etc.

The testing turned out fabulously (as far as I am concerned), because she has some inner ear damage, and loss of high pitch hearing, but nothing major. She hears all the normal sounds, voices, and pitches. BFF & her hubby are quite upset at this loss (they of course only want the best for Baby S), but I think she’s quite lucky to have escaped with a few scars and mild hearing loss. I am grateful, every time I lay eyes on her, for the outpouring of support, prayers, and love from all of you.

After the hearing tests were over, we sought out the Big Easy Cajun Cafe (which is also the Big Easy Tavern in the evenings) for lunch. We got there just on time - a few minutes later, the place was PACKED full of ‘regulars.’ We perused the menu while we waited for our sweet teas to be delivered, and had a hard time deciding WHICH items to order!

We finally decided to start with the “small” order of Buffalo Hot Wings (8 pcs for $6.95) to start, and I ordered a cup of jambalaya. One of the two $4.95 lunch specials was red beans and rice, so that is the meal I ordered. BFF decided to order the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich ($5.95), which turned out to be HUGE. We ordered Baby S some Chicken Tenders ($3.95) off the “For the Lil’ Tigers” menu.

Everything we ordered was delicious, including the sweet tea (you all know how much I love my sweet tea). We decided we head out there, we’re going to order the Cajun Sampler Plate (one cup each of red beans and rice, jambalaya, chicken okra & sausage gumbo, and seafood gumbo) because we want to try the two gumbos.

Thursday night, Lil C got to spend the night with Lil Lady and I. He had a BLAST. He sat on the couch with me and cuddled a bit, he played wii with Lil Lady, he chased our kitten & cat around, and slept on the floor (he was offered a mattress, he preferred the floor) of Lil Lady’s room, after watching a movie & playing DS. Lil K officially put in her request several times already, so her turn will be next!

xoxo

My nephew, Lil C, is six. He is cute as a damn button, has huge blue eyes and a winsome smile. He’s energetic and bouncy and has an imagination that runs wild and free. You cannot help but love him.

Even when something like yesterday’s mishap happened.

I was with BFF, hanging out, helping with the kids, snuggling with Baby S. At lunchtime, Lil C walked to the table with his stuffed dog in hs hands. “Lil C, no toys at the table,” I say.

“Why not?” he questions.

Seriously, doesn’t this kid know me by now? LOL “Because I know that your mom and dad have told you that A LOT of times before.” I am willing him not to argue. PLEASE my mind is screaming. PLEASE don’t argue!

“But, Aunt Angel! That is for electric toys! Like the DS or something that can get broken.”

“No, it is for ALL toys,” his mom and I say in unison.

“But,” he manages to say before I snap his name.

“BUT AUNT ANGEL THIS IS NOT A TOY!”

“What? Are you insane? It is TOO a toy. Go put it away.”

“But…” he says again, and so I take the dog out of his hands.

“Ok, I get to keep this now, thanks!! I’ve been wanting a new stuffed dog.”

He stomps, screams, growls at me and then hollers, “I was ONLY gonna say that it is a STUFFED ANIMAL, not a TOY!”

I laughed at him, because he was so earnest, but held my ground. “It is STILL a toy. And I will keep him if you don’t stop.”

Poor kid. He DOES NOT EVER know when to stop. He always pushes and keeps on and on … he must have been distracted by the food, though, because yesterday he actually sat down. I took the dog to Lil C’s bed, then came back out and told him where I’d put it. I told him next time, I was taking it home.

Yeah, I’m the mean Aunt. And Lil C and I butt heads all the time, because when I ask him to do something, I just want it done … I do NOT want a ten-minute explanation why he doesn’t usually do it that way. Sometimes, I just listen and send him to do it anyway. Other times, he argues when I am dealing with something else, so I cut him off. The whole time he’s walking away, he continues to scream about how it is unfair and how I am wrong and why. Once I get past being irritated at him, I *always* laugh. He really just does not know when to quit.

He and I have a date next week. We’re going out for Mexican, then he’s coming to spend the night with Lil Lady and I. He has been asking for weeks. I can’t wait! He’s calmer when he’s not around all the other kids, so we actually talk more. If I am really lucky, he’ll tell me a few stories that he makes up on the spot. I *love* his imagination!

xoxo

Today was quite the busy day. We had Church this morning, of course. Tween and I rushed around getting ready (we took advantage of the 3-day weekend to stay up late and watch movies til totally inappropriate hours of the night :)) We ran downstairs in our pretties, jumped in the car, and started her up … kind of. She sounded like she wanted to start, but then she … didn’t. I had let her roll out of her parking spot, so I had to get out and push her back in … and managed to slip on the wet pavement, twisting my ankle fairly well. It started swelling almost immediately, of course - because it has been a whole three months since I screwed it up! *L* I also slipped up on the car from the truck to the fin in the back … and broke the fin off. Brilliant.

Not to worry, BFF will pick us up instead of us meeting at her house. It has rained for three days/nights more or less, so my poor car (who hates getting wet) probly just needs to dry out. Being a sunshiny morning, that should happen by the time we return from Church.

Service was fantastic as always - our Pastor is amazing, and I really enjoy the messages he passes on to us. We sat in the coffee shop, and kept Baby S with us one last time. Next week, she goes to the nursery: it will be her first time without one of us with her, which will be interesting. She’s such an easygoing baby, though, I do not forsee any issues.

We also had lunch today for all the May birthdays in BFF’s family. Her birthday is later this week, her brother’s birthday was earlier in the month, and two of her kids’ birthdays were earlier in the month. While we normally go to a buffet for family lunches, her brother really wanted to hit up PoFolks, so that is where we went! BFF & I both had grilled pork chops and they were delicious. Most of the kids had a piece of fried chicken and some mac & cheese. Lil K had her “pickabur” (hamburger) with lettuce, tomato, and mustard (the ONLY way she eats them!). Baby S had some of my pork chops, some rice and gravy, some baked apples, and some mashed taters. Overall, delicious lunch, and not nearly as expensive as we expected.

Our area is a cluster of towns separated by woods… so while none of our towns is very big, and none of them offer very much, they’re all within a 30 minute drive of one another (unless we wanna go to the ‘big town’ - Pensacola). As such, while it isn’t impossible to get form one place to another, we rarely hit the “next town over” unless we have good reason. Since Po Folks is in “the next town over,” Niceville, we decided to hit the KMart there to see if we could find the girls dresses for the wedding next month. We were very unsuccessful, but were in good spirits. Instead of going home to veg out for the afternoon, we decided to stop by the hospital & let the BFF’s kids see their daddy - who was working a 24 on the ambulance there - and then head down to one of the OTHER clustertowns.

BFF’s mom happened to pick up two dresses she thought might work for the two older girls. They were the SAME DRESS I had seen online two weeks ago, but were out of stock at the time! I was so excited I squealed and clapped my hands and squeezed Mama tight! The girls tried them on - Tween’s needs to be adjusted to pull the front higher. It is short on her (think “cocktail” length), but we’ll put them in pretty flip flops instead of heels like originally planned, and it’ll bring it back to “young girl” status. Lil B’s needs to be taken in and the front needs to be raised, and hers will be longer on her b/c she’s so tiny in the first place (she is the same size as her 6 yr old brother, despite being 4 yrs older … and is only slightly larger than her 4 yr old sister). The alterations can be done by a friend of BFF’s, so we’re golden! AND, there was a dress at the thrift store in a similar style that can be altered to fit Lil K. We’re hoping it is still there!!

Dress shopping: DONE! We stopped by payless to look at shoes, and saw a few we liked. We were headed to Wallyworld when suddenly Lil B’s allergies/cold/sinus infection flared HUGELY and she spiked a fever, grew a migraine, and was suddenly nauseous. We headed home - a 35-40 minute drive - and they dropped me off before going back to tuck her into bed.

Tween and I sat for a few so I could ice my ankle, but we had errands to run still. Headed back down to the car and hopped in, fully expecting it to start right up.

Nope. Not even a pretend turnover this time. I get power. It whines when I turn the key. NOTHING HAPPENS. Except the whining. And the lights. But, you know what I mean … the damned car doesn’t start. It whines and groans. Damn thing. Grrrrr.

I flew into one of my freakout fits, because I feel like just when things start into place, something else tries to knock me down. I vented for a few minutes, then I iced my ankle and went to sleep. I woke up in a far better mood, thank goodness. Tomorrow, I will go down and see if there is anything I can do to make the car feel better. If not, hopefully I’ll find a way to make myself feel better. I may have to use next month’s rent money to get a junker if it is more than the starter and/or sparkplugs!

Anyway … overall, the day was great. The kids were well-behaved, the psuedo-family was well-behaved at lunch (usually SOMEONE is in a bad mood, because we’re all moody people!), and the dresses were found for the wedding (ok, 2 outta 3 dresses ain’t bad, right?).

And looky how beautiful Tween is in the dress!!

Saturday, we had a busy day. Tween and Lil B had a 10 am softball game. At 12 & 2, Lil C was supposed to have T-ball games at another field a half-hour away. I stayed with the girls at their game while BFF & the rest of the family went on to Lil C’s games.

Tween & Lil B (who won their game, btw, if you didn’t read yesterday) and I went to the bakery to pick up the cake for the party that was being held that afternoon for Lil K and Baby S. We also got some sweet tea, some chips, and … something else that I have since forgotten. *L*

The girls and I went back to BFF’s house, made un-sweet tea and one more gallon of sweet tea, two pitchers of fruity drink for the kids, and fed the outside dogs. BFF called to say Lil C’s game was canceled, and they would be home soon. I did everything on the list that BFF had left for me, then skedaddled back home to rest before the evening filled with tons of people (have I mentioned I do not like crowds?).

Tween and I went back to the party, and I started serving hot dogs and chips to the munchkins. Lots of munchkins - so cute, all of them! B served up steak and mashed taters and baked beans (he makes ‘em super yummy), and I took over Baby S duty so B & C could entertain their guests.

The kids ate, the adults were chatting … suddenly Lil K is brought in and taken by B & C to the bedroom, where we heard screaming. Turns out, she had a splinter. DEEP splinter. Daddy was trying to get it out, and suddenly BFF hollered for me. I put the baby in someone’s arms, threw down my plate and cup, and went into the bedroom to help. They needed help holding down the newly 4-yr old Lil K, because she’s a strong booger!!

This is the funny-but-sad part. Lil K is laying on her tummy, one leg in daddy’s lap, while he tries to hold her foot down enough to get the splinter out. Mommy is holding her as still as possible, and she is STILL squirming all over the place. I rotated between trying to help with splinter, trying to help get the foot clean, trying to help calm her down, and trying to help HOLD her down. Stinker. Lil K starts screaming at us with actual words now:

“Daddy let me go!”
“I want you Daddy, hold me.”
“Mommy stop!”
(Looking at me), “GET OFF ME!”
and, the clincher that made us want to laugh and cry: “PEOPLE, LET ME GO!!”

We were dying. We felt awful for her, but it was a HUGE splinter. HUGE.

Finally, Daddy took off to the emergency room with Lil K so a doctor could numb her up properly and get the splinter out. Apparently the docs tried to treat him like an over-reactive father and send him home … but he insisted. Good thing. When they sliced her foot open and found the splinter, it was about an inch long. They started lecturing him at that point, “This could have traveled up her blood stream and into her heart.” Duh. Why do you think he’s there? He works on a friggin ambulance, he KNOWS an emergency from a non-emergency.

Meanwhile (we know nothing of any of this, because B left his phone at home - which pissed C off b/c he would FLIP OUT if she’d left her phone at home and failed to give him updates), C is home and upset because Lil K didn’t get to open her gifts, and she won’t get to see the pretty cake b/c we have to cut it open for all the guests. She did calm down after a few moments, and we went back to the party.

Baby S had her piece of cake - so cute!

The party, overall, was a huge success.Lil K made it home late in the evening (I’d already gone home again) and was able to see the cake (we’d cut the outside edges to feed to guests, leaving the decorations and “Happy Birthday K” intact) and open her gifts.

Today, Mother’s Day, is another big family day for BFFs family (who is also my surrogate family). We got up this morning and went to Church - again sitting in the 415 coffee shop to watch the service, since we can enjoy breakfast and the service at the same time, while keeping Baby S with us and avoiding any interruptions to anyone’s worship.

BFF’s brother, M, went to the Olive Garden to reserve our table a little while before we got there, so by the time we showed up there was only a 15-minute wait. We all exchanged gifts before lunch, and by the time we were done, our table was ready. WOOT!

The food was scrumptious, the staff was amazing, the kids were all well-behaved. I was impressed, surprised, and thrilled. Having 16 people at one table, more than half of which are children, is usually a recipe for some sort of disaster. B & C paid for my lunch (thank you, again. I love you guys!) to thank me in advance for watching their children later this week when they take Baby S for her (final??!??!!?) surgery. We hope she will not have to endure anything else, she’s been through so much!!

After lunch, C & B, their kids, Tween, and I headed back to their house to watch Baby S tear into her 1st birthday cake (we’re not sure what she’s going to feel like on her actual birthday, since it will be after her surgery). She had a blast, was a mess (again), and wanted to share with me (by wiping in my hair or on my dress … **giggles**).

After the cake show, Tween and I took our leave and came home to our little apartment. We popped in “Wedding Wars,” and laughed our hearts out at the hilarity held within.

After returning the movie to the local Redbox station, we came back home to much on leftovers for dinner and relax.

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day … I hope that all my mom friends, and all of my single-dad friends, ALSO had a wonderful Mother’s Day.

xoxo