I think I mentioned that Eva has been getting up at 6:00 or earlier every day, and that I have been going to bed late in order to maximize my alone time at night. The cumulative effect has made me pretty tired. Tuesday night after I got into bed I had the idea to sneak into her room and put some books in her crib. It worked! I'm not sure when she woke up, but she "read" happily in her bed until 7:45! Hallelujah! Of course I tried it again last night. No deal. I guess it's true what they say -- lightning doesn't strike twice...
Yesterday I was feeling stressed with all of the things that I had to get done, and was venting to Jill on the phone. Very shortly thereafter, who should come to my door, but Randy with lunch! He said a little bird told him I needed a treat. What the heck? Now I not only have Jill looking out for me, but she's getting Randy in on the action as well!
Then I had a most unexpected surprise -- this adorable package from Lara! On the front of the box, it says, "Single-Parent Survival Kit". Inside the card she wrote, "I hope this isn't too overbearing, but a mama alone for 18 days needs a little pampering." She sent me a book I've never read, plain & peanut m&ms (oh joy) AND the newest version of Pride & Prejudice!! (Lara, no I didn't already have it -- Jill and I saw it in the theater on my birthday and I absolutely loved it, but I haven't seen it since.) And to top it all off, the most cheery tissue and a very happy card. How is it that I got all this goodness from a blogging friend that I've never actually met? All I can say is: 1) I didn't see that coming, and 2) what a woman. Thanks, Lara! You definitely made my day.
Last night all the book club girls came to my house to celebrate Amy's birthday and the birth of Alexander. (thanks for accomodating me and coming to me, girls) Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos! But, of course, Jill took many, so I will have to rely on her excellent documentation. We had a yummy dinner, complete with pink, yellow, and orange m&m party favors that Jenn made. Now, come on, any day that has multiple interactions with m&ms is a good day, right? We gave Amy the birthday book Jenn made and we all contributed to, as per our tradition. Jenn showed her genius once again, this time it was in a darling circle tin. Amy then opened her baby gifts while everyone had a chance to hold adorable little Alexander. To finish it off, we ate a fabulous flourless chocolate cake.
But wait, there's more! Jana and Collette had both brought us back gifts from their recent trips, to Nauvoo and D.C., respectively. Then Jenn pulled out another one of her totally amazing handmade gifts for everyone: banks to save for our trip to Paris! {For those of you who don't know, Marc & I are taking our family to Paris for another Study Abroad session next spring, and my cute friends are planning to come visit us and have the ultimate book club.} So Jenn had the brilliant idea to make us each an inspiring, Paris-themed bank, and she put a few coins in to get us started. She is all a master of presentation. In true Jenn form, she made each of them different so they're very individualized and just way too cute. If anyone were going to do that, shouldn't it have been me? The problem is, 1) I never have those wonderful ideas, and 2) if I did, I don't think I would follow through on them, nor would I do it so well. I don't know how you do it, Jenn, but you're my inspiration! I'm eating a croissant with Nutella right now, and I'm in a very Paris frame of mind.
Lastly, I just finished watching last night's delightful 2 hours of So You Think You Can Dance. Man, that is some good TV. So good, in fact, I'm going out on a limb and saying that it is my favorite show. I might even like it more than Idol. I just sat there with a silly grin on my face the entire time. The dancers: amazing! The choreographers: wow! It does my heart good to see that kind of talent. I even like the judges! When Nigel condemned Dmitry for always having his shirt open and commended Benji for having it all be about his dancing and not having to show his chest, I wanted to get up and do a little dance myself. My hero. The energy and emotion on this show are so infectious. It just makes me feel good. And of course it makes me want to dance. For you fellow fans, I really like all the dancers that remain, but I am rooting at this point for Benji, Donyelle, and Travis.
To sum up, I am feeling incredibly bolstered, supported, and happy right now. I feel like I can handle the next 6 days until Marc's return. I have energy and I am in very good spirits. Thanks to all my wonderful friends! {FYI: I am fully aware that there is an overabundance of exclamation points in this post. You know I'm powerless against it.}
10 comments:
Okay, since I have had my own computer installed at work, I cannot stand to wait until I get home to check blogs, and I am afaid that I spend way too much time having fun at work, which I am not used to! I can only say, YOU HAVE WAY TOO CUTE FRIENDS! Cute, cute cute, very cute, so cute, CUTE!!!! I want to be that kind of a friend. I am going to pick someone and start! Glad you are surviving and please be practical and honest about having company next week. I promise we will spend time with you the szme as if we were sleeping at your house. This is the first I heard about the Paris plans, of at least that it is for sure. Better get back to work for now! Love,
GREAT post Michelle! I feel the same- I thought I was excited to bring gifts and I came home with so much more and that always puts me in a better frame of mind! Thanks for having us (and for the chicken salad- you were a lifesaver!!)
You do have the best friends, and you deserve it. Jenn is a genius, those banks are SO cute! Jenn, where did you get them?
Wow, mom using a computer of her volition- this is revolutionary! And one one typo- She must have tamed the the mouse into cooperating.
And lastly, I don't know if I could root for someone with a name like Benji.
Your welcome. I'm so glad you got it. After 18 days I'm sure you are in need of a break.
I love Pride and Prejudice. I watch it everytime Adam is working at night- which means I watch it almost every week. He thinks it is hysterical.
It sounds like you had a wonderful day. I'm so jealous you get 6 weeks in Paris. How exciting for your family.
It was fun to be at your house last night -- and to finally see Eva's adorable nursery. We do have good friends.
How delightful to be able to say you feel completely bolstered, supported and happy right now! (Tarts anyone?)
I don't know how you managed to get your house ready, make a very time-intensive lasagna, plan and go to scouts, take care of your kids, and make cute pages for Amy's book yesterday, but you did it all very well!
You do have good friends. What an awesome package. I need to go rent Pride and Prejudice, I am tired of being the only one who hasn't seen it.
It was fun to see you today. I hope we can overlap there more often and torture Jill regularly.
I am totally envious of your black and white plates I saw in one of Jill's photos. I was like, ooooh, I wonder whose plates they are as I have been looking at ones that are very simiiar (but they are plastic). I was not shocked to see that they belonged to you, because you seem to have an awesome house (from pictures from your nursery, etc.)
What great friends. Envious about the friends eating off the plates too.
Sounds like the get together was great fun. I love the Paris banks, what a good idea. I watched So you think tonight too, sad to say I have only watched intermittently, but I agree with you, benji and donyelle were my two favorites. Oh, and flourless chocolate cake? How do you do that? Please share this recipe.
Did you like reading Mrs. Mike? It is a favorite of a few Americans living in Canada that I know. I keep meaning to read it.
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