Nothing says home like

When returning home last night after being gone for almost 3 weeks straight I'm discovering nothing says home like

. . .the musty smell of, is that the garbage disposal, sponge or dirty rag in the sink?

. . .looking out in your yard to see your garden and flower beds taken over by weeds.

. . .taking a hot shower for as long as I want.

. . .a dirty car to empty, clean and vacuum.

. . .pouring a half gallon of curdled milk down the drain.

. . .going to bed naked, a luxury I indulge in every once in a while (hot body+cool sheets=pure heaven.)

. . .5 loads of dirty laundry.

. . .being woken up to nightmares and "mom, I think Zoe pooped on the floor and I just stepped in it"

. . .cleaning out all the rotten food in the fridge.

. . .20 messages on my answering machine- one from my credit card company for possible fraud on my card.

. . .grocery shopping and errands after having driven 15 hours the previous two days (not to mention the hours of driving all the other days) and not wanting to get in the car.

. . .showing up at 5 and having to think- what will I make for dinner?

. . .waking up in my own bed and being able to stay in my pjs until noon and make a late breakfast for the kids, and enjoy the peace and quiet of my own home.

Despite trips and all that entails coming back- I LOVE being home. There's nothing quite like it!
Thanks to everyone we saw who made the trips wonderful!

Perspective

Perspective is an interesting thing. Something can look totally different when you change perspective. It's funny to hear someone say "We're so laid back" and yet you think they are very uptight. And how many times do we do the same? In our minds, we see ourselves a certain way and yet others see us totally different. Kids are very good about helping you with that very problem. They tell you exactly what they think. I love it. Really. It's very refreshing. In general, I appreciate honesty over falseness. I'd much rather someone be completely upfront with me than smile and say stuff behind my back or make snide comments all the while acting "nice". Mara gave me a little perspective this week when she drew this portrait of me. I had to stifle the laughter when she gave this picture to me and told me it was me. I mean, I've always thought I was a little hippy-- but these, THESE are child-bearing hips. And my hair, yes, it can be a little frizzy, but WOW I had no idea it looked like this. On the other hand, I've thought my lips were a little thin but apparently they are very nice and full. She did get one thing right- I'm completely flat! From now on, I will ask my kids how I look because I know they will tell it like it is!