All in all, one great weekend

Returned today from a long weekend at my mom's near St. Cloud, and I am rested and rejuvenated once again. And, once again I am in awe of my mother. Now, I know so many amazing moms who constantly inspire me, but my mom just so takes the cake. She has this overflowing cup of patience and selflessness that I am desperate to share. Wow. Not only did she happily take the kids for the entire day on Friday so I could "play" (aka run errands and shop), babysit the next night while I helped my cousin celebrate her 21-ness, but she also let me read and rest while she did literally everything else. The best part? She did it all with a smile and sincere heart. She rocks. So thanks, Mom. You too, Andrea... Auntie was there part of the weekend and gave the kids every ounce of her energy. They lapped it up, as usual!

While we were gone, Paul did his best to make a mess of the basement... oops! I mean work hard in the basement. Progress is visible, which means so is the light at the end of the remodeling tunnel. He exceeded my expectations, and while he was at it, had a few nights of poker to boot. Tonight, incidentally, he is at an AC/DC concert. In a box! I can't decide if I am jealous or repulsed. (o: Let's hope he's "shook all night long..." or at least until a reasonable hour. 

Back to St. Cloud... we were able to see lots of family this weekend, and that brings me great peace. They ground me, humble me and remind me of how we're all really connected and loved. We all need a little more of that. The best part (aside from all the hilarious jokes and pokes we shared) is how easy it is to love them and tell them. I love you guys!! This makes me miss my dad... we need to see you more, Papa!

And as for the napping plague which has settled upon our house, well, it ain't leavin' any time soon. I am praying for perspective and flexibility about this; I am one structured chica when it comes to the kids' schedule. Admitting it is half the battle, yes?

And if you're still reading: 1) thanks! and 2) say a prayer for a friend Crissy, who has lymphoma and needs all the prayers she can get. Thank you. Nighty-night.