I don't know that word...

Do you know any ladies in their eighties? Yes. As in like 89, 85 etc. My Grandmothers, bless them, came to the final test in Katie and Jessica's starfish swim class. (I know, you are confused already) Okay pay attention. Katie and Jessica are 4. They like to hang out with their Great Grandmothers on a regular basis. They love old people. So when the grandmas found out today was their final swim class in this level, they asked if they could come watch. So Mom & Dad picked up Grammie Bea from the sorrority house (assisted living), Grandma Houlie drove down from West Sac and off we all went (including Grammie and Papa) to witness the glory that is the triumph of the Starfish.

So I'm sitting there with Grandma Houlie and she mentions she loves the girl's shirts they had on. I explained that they had their swimsuits on under them but these shirts are 50 proof for sunblock so it gives extra protection when they are out in the sun. She stared at me like I was speaking Arabic. She said "I don't know these words." (50 proof to Gram means something entirely different called Brandy) Huh? I tried to explain further "you know Gram, they have 50 times the sun protection so they are safer..." Still nothing. Then she says "you know, there are so many words today and I just don't know what any of them mean." So I said "that's okay Gram, we just are trying to keep them from getting a sunburn and the shirts help that." And she says, "yes, I understand the doctors are now saying you should be aware of the sun." It was then that I just felt it was best to move on.

But it got me thinking about my Grandma's vernacular versus mine. My Grandma uses these words on a regular basis: Hassock, Oleo, Pepsodent, Davenport, Pop and Word Processor. There are so many more but I can't think of them right now. One time, she was watching Katie and Jessica when they were little and Katie pooped. She took her dirty bottom over the sink to rinse it off. I showed her again where the wipes were. She stared at me with the same blank expression. After she left, I realized she had no idea what wipes were. There are so many things like that.

So Gram, next time you hop online (ha ha), you need to familiarize yourself with the following words: Twitter, Facebook, TiVO or DVR, Anthropologie, Bravo TV and Hogwarts. And I'd like to have all of your old jewelry. (sshhhh....don't tell her we now call it vintage!)

My Favorite Things - Summer 09 Edition

I love to pretend I am Oprah. I pretend (in my mind and all by myself) that I am a middle aged woman, struggling with my weight that loves to talk to people and share information with the masses. Oh wait. Hee hee. I ALSO like to pretend that people care about what I have to say and every once in awhile I come up with my favorite things even though I have no commercial endorsements and am not giving jack away to anyone. Here we go!!!

• Roy Yamaguchi. If you don't know who Roy Yamaguchi is, I feel so sorry for you. He is the chef that invented fusion cuisine. If you don't know what fusion cuisine is, well, you probably won't appreciate the rest of this either. Roy is the owner of Roy's of Hawaii which is a chain of restaurants that combine french technique and saucing with Japanese and Hawaiian ingredients. Roy just competed on Top Chef Masters last night on Bravo. He didn't win. But I LOVE him. He is such a classy guy, he never says anything negative in interviews ever. He embodies what Aloha means to me. And his Misoyaki Butterfish is by far the best thing I have ever eaten in my entire life. It is ordered as an appetizer on his menus. However, I would order in for my appetizer, then again for my entree, then again for my side dish and again for my dessert. Then, I would go back the next day and have it again. You might have a Roy's in a city near you. These chain of upscale restaurants are open all over the country. The closest one to me in San Francisco. I'm trying to think of some reason to go to San Francisco this weekend. If you go to Hawaii, please go there. If you live in Baltimore, please go there, etc. And order the misoyaki butterfish. Even if you don't like fish. Mike and I stood lookout for each other while the other one of us licked our plate. Sometimes Mike will look at me and say Miso Butterfish. It's as good as foreplay.
• Tanning. I know! It's so bad. But see, I have a little thing coming up called my 20 year class reunion. And jiggly parts of your body just look better if they are not glowing in the dark. I consulted my cousin Susan about whether to tan or not tan, to spray or not spray or to glow or not glow. She gave me excellent advice to tan gently and then make up for it by wearing major sunscreen for the rest of the summer and next summer. I have not even had a little bit of a tan since 2001 and we did a 10 week rotation in Hawaii. So I figure this little bit of pre-event tanning balances out and I am committed to 100% sunscreen after August 8th.
• Swim Lessons. Right now, Katie and Jessica are very proud to be Starfish. They will be Seahorses in a few weeks. They love swim lessons so much and tonight they fell asleep at 4pm and we carried Jessica to her bed at 9:30 p.m and she is sleeping still. Katie got up for 30 minutes to eat some cereal and fruit and then went back to bed. They are totally worn out. I finally found a pause button for 4 year olds. It's called swimming their butts off. Go Swimming Yay!
• The Farmer's Market. If I didn't have kids and a million things to do that I never get done I would totally become a localvore. That is someone who buys all their food and household items from local sources as well as patronizes all local businesses for their services. I think food is better tasting and for you if it is picked ripe and harvested or butchered locally. I think patronizing local businesses, non big box Wal-Marts and non chain restaurants is critical to our future survival. I hate when I have to go into the WalMarts. I do love the Target though. But I wish I didn't and that counts.
• New babies. Mike and Chuck set up their webcams and skyped from the hospital so Chuck could show Mike his new daughter. Katie drew her new cousin a picture and got to show it to her and Uncle Chuck over the computer. How cute is it that these two brothers set it up so they could share this day and the arrival of this beautiful baby together. It sort of made me want to have another of Mike's babies. And made me love Chuck a lot too. I love when Dad's fall in love with their daughters. I got over the baby urge very quickly as in like 5 seconds later but for a second, I had a little contraction. It was sweet. And Grace is so beautiful with a head full of curly black hair. Which makes me so happy for Amber. She has a Jessica (Emma) and now a Katie (Gracie) when it comes to hair. She'll have so much fun.
• Conan. He's just hysterical.
• Flat screen televisions. My parents just put up an awesome TV on the wall of their bedroom. It is sweet. K & J thought it was purchased just so they could watch a cartoon before naptime when they sleep at Grammie and Papas. We'll let them think that. I think a similar TV might be in my future. Although, I already love my bed too much. On the other hand, we love to have slumber parties as a family in our bed. We always order pizza and eat it together while we watch some sort of kid movie. How much more would we love our slumber parties with a big flat screen on the wall? See, it will promote family unity!
• My babysitter/Mom helper Kayla. I will do a separate post soon about Kayla. We hired her when I had surgery to help me when Mike is at work with the girls. Now she's just helping me a few hours/week because I'm still not able to do everything and I have therapy appointments and I'm trying to catch up on all the stuff that fell through the cracks over the past three months. Kayla is now part of our family, we love her so much. She is one of those people with the heart of a champion and a kindness that is so rare to find in people. She is so helpful and she made it possible for me to have had this surgery and for the girls to have their needs met. They love her so much and wish she could come over everyday. She brought her new kitten over the other day who is teensy tiny. This propelled her to hero status immediately. She is just heaven sent and I love her.
• My parents. I know I have mention how helpful they are before. But they are also so much fun and are such good friends to all of us. Katie and Jessica would prefer to play with Papa over just about anyone. And they say Grammie takes the best care of them of anyone and loves them more than anyone in the world. The girls cry when we show up to take them home from Grammie and Papas and Jessica asks to call them everyday. Katie HAS to talk to her Grammie everyday and she chats away and then says "Okay Grammie, pass over to Papa." They have just started calling my Dad "Pop" all on their own. They get to my parents and they run up and hug him and go "Hi Pop" or they get him on the phone and say "hi Pop!" It's so cute because I have no idea where they got it. They have the best time with my parents and so do Mike and I. Mike loves hanging out with my parents. He was driving home last night and called me and said "call your Mom and Dad and find out what they want for dinner from L&L. I'll swing by on my way home and pick up dinner for them and take it over and hang out with them and the girls for awhile." (They had the girls at their house) Even though I had told Mike I'd go pick up the girls, he preferred to hang out with my Mom and Dad on his own. He has met them for dinner and hung out with them tons since I had surgery. I'm very thankful we are all such good friends at that my husband loves my parents and vice versa. It sure makes life so much easier and happier.
• New CoverGirl Lip Stain. Go right now to Walgreens or Rite Aid. Find a color that is one shade darker than your actual lip color. If you wear more pink, red and blue go with one shade darker on the pinker side. If you wear more tan, brown or green go with one shade darker on the bronze or neutral side. This stain is not a lipstick. It gives just a hint of color to your lips and makes them stand out but looks like you have nothing on. The stain lasts forever (at least 4 or more hours) and it just gives your face a bit of color so you don't look washed out. You can put some on your finger and use it on your cheeks too if the color works. I would not recommend using it for lipstick when you want a glam look. It's perfect for slapping on when you are having a no makeup day. Most days I will brush a little bronzer, some mascara and lip stain and that's it because I have no time to do my make up.

I have so many things I could add to this list. But I'm so tired. I am now going to retire for the night. Do you think the girls are going to wake up super early cuz of the whole nap marathon thing? ugh. Better go grab some winks.

Sugar & Spice... It's soooooo nice!!!! I got a new niece today... Grace Isabelle joined our family! Chuck said Amber and little Gracie are great!

Friendship - a tribute to my friend Amelia Snelling

Every once in awhile, someone does something so nice for you that it brings tears to your eyes and makes you examine what it means to be a true friend. First, you need to get to know my friend Amelia.

I met Amelia while we were stationed in Nebraska during Mike's residency. Amelia's boyfriend, Dustin, was one of the Air Force family medicine residents along with Mike. The other girls were married to their spouses and Amelia was the "girlfriend". She was totally in love with Dustin and was so excited to meet and make some "couple" friends. We discovered we both loved English and Creative Writing. Amelia is a mid western girl through and through. She is open hearted, sincere, kind and we celebrated her engagement, her wedding and we prayed for her to be able to have a baby. All the residents graduated and we found ourselves going our separate ways. Soon, we got the fabulous news that baby Nathan was on his way. We held our breath and prayed some more while Amelia struggled with a pregnancy that had some very real risk of premature delivery. Thankfully, Nathan was born healthy and happy and is the cutest baby boy I have ever seen in my life. Honestly, the kid is gorgeous. Blond hair, great skin that is the perfect tan color even though he is a baby and obviously does not have a tan and these blue eyes that just jump out of his face. He smiles and my uterus contracts. And I am not a baby gushy person. This kid is just that cute. Dustin, Amelia's husband, just deployed to the desert. She is currently going through what is one of the most painful and lonely and difficult times anyone can ever go through. I think of her often. I pray for her daily. Even though I suck at emailing, calling and just all around being an attentive friend.

Amelia doesn't have my hermit and neglectful character faults. She is attentive to her friends, expresses her love for them and is generally just always there for everyone. Because I have been down in the dumps and literally "down", Amelia sent a care package to me. Inside held a treasure trove of her favorite books. Quirky novels by Nebraska authors, a book of poetry that I have poured over and a couple other fabulous reads. She had to order the books from more than one source, so she gathered them and mailed the package herself. However, the thing I treasure the most from her package was the letter tucked inside. It was handwritten and started with "Dearest Amy, ". She went on to explain why each of the books meant so much to her and what she thought I would like in each. She said she missed me and closed with the words "With Much Affection". She included a picture of Nathan.

This act of kindness bestowed upon me by my friend meant a lot to me. I think the best thing anyone can give anyone is a book. The only thing better to give someone is a letter. I felt loved and that I was not crippled and sick and boring and a party pooper. These feelings have been overwhelming my heart as of late. I think I'm lucky to have Amelia in my life. If any that read this could include safety for Dustin in your prayers I think that would be awesome. We are having a residency reunion of sorts in September. Amelia will be there without Dustin. I am determined to send her to take a nap or walk on the beach or get a massage while we play with Nathan. (Maybe all three) My other friend Ingrid will be there too. Her husband just got home from Afghanistan after a dangerous and difficult assignment. I am so happy for her that I cannot put it in words. I feel lucky to be the spouse of a military member. I feel honored to be among these women and so many others I have met and grown to love over the years. For all of you who have been there for me I just wanted to say thanks. And to Amelia, I just wanted to say thanks for reminding me what type of friend I need to become.

Summer Lovin' Happened So Fast

It is really the SEVENTH of JULY? When I was a kid, this was already the time I started to get sad about returning to school! Where did the summer go? I still have my red wool coat on the back of my desk chair! How did we get to the lazy days of summer when it was just winter? I guess when you have surgery and are in bed for over two months, time sorta gets away from you. It's sad, but I realized the summer was upon me when I realized the Bachelorette has almost made her final choice of boy. And The Office has been over for like ever already. It's true, summer is almost a memory.

Due to this fact, I thought I better share some quick updates of what has been going on in our lives. You know what's been going on with me. I've been sitting, laying down and watching TV. I have not been blogging because I feel like there has been nothing to share. How many posts can I write about the excitement of changing my sheets and reading another Debbie Macomber book? Not many. However, last week I got the green light to drive and to walk short distances. This has opened the world to me once again. I have been driving and taking the girls places and making memories that I have missed making. Even though I am slow and it hurts A LOT, it is so nice to have freedom. It made me EXTRA grateful this past 4th of July. Freedom took on a whole new meaning. I thought a lot about having the ability to walk, speak, drive and enjoy my life in the way I choose. Many women in this world do not have this luxury. I am so thankful for this blessing. My knee is popping and clicking which is not good. I checked in with my therapist today and she said I needed to call my surgeon because it feels like there is a lip of bone that my knee is having to pop over in order to bend. It hurts when it pops into place. I hope this is something that will go away as things settle into place.

Katie and Jessica have had a very busy summer. They went on vacation with Grammie and Papa to the beach. They went last year and it is becoming a tradition. They take Tony the trailer (Papa & Grammie's RV) and they visit Capitola and Santa Cruz. This year, they toured the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. They told me that they wished they could still be on vacation and that they had THE BEST TIME EVER. They have spent loads of time with Grammie and Papa since I've been down. I am so thankful for my parent's willingness, ability and love of all things Katie and Jessica. It helps us so much and brings so much joy to two little girls. Today, the girls learned how to make home made bread with Grandma Meeker. She brought over a loaf tonight with some freezer jam and the girls had three pieces because it was THEIR bread that THEY made. They were so proud. The most excitement they've had in a long time occurred today when they discovered that the ducks that have been living in Grammie and Papa's swimming pool had ducklings in the past two days and seven baby ducks are living in my parents backyard. The girls have been talking non stop about the baby ducks and how we are going to save them and make sure they are okay and feed them and help their mama. They called Papa as soon as they woke up from their naps to check on their duckies and ask what they could do to help. Katie sang softly to them at the window because she said she was "watching over them". I really hope nothing happens to those ducklings.

Mike has been either taking care of us or working. He has found out what being responsible for his job, patients and clinic along with figuring out what is for dinner, buying shoes that fit growing feet, transitioning winter to summer kids clothes, running the house, doing ponytails and braids, reading books, maintaining the cars, the dishes, the mail and bills and not getting any sleep is like. I feel so sorry for Mike right now. He's done so great and has had the best attitude. He hasn't complained or made me feel bad once. I have kept my mouth shut as I have watched the girls exit the house in striped shorts and polka dot shirts and tangled hair and faces with peanut butter and jelly smeared on them. I have said thanks when I ate seven straight nights of take out and cereal for breakfast and lunch. He has been juggling so many things and keeping it all running. We are all alive and even though life is disorganized and messy and sort of out of control, the girls are more in love with their Dad than ever because he has spent so much time with them. They are a lot closer to him and they rely on him in new aspects of their lives. I think it is rare that any parent that works FT gets to take significant time away from work and care for their family. It has made all of us a closer unit. The girls have been needed to help out and they are having so much fun drying dishes, setting the table, putting things away and helping prepare meals. It's amazing how much they've been able to do for themselves. Mike has a natural tendency to "teach" them how to do something where I have a natural tendency to just "do" it for them. It's been good for them to learn some independence. They are proud of themselves and working together to accomplish little things like folding laundry and picking up their room.

We went to a great 3rd of July celebration at Grammie Bea's new Assisted Living place. I have received a lot of email asking how she's doing with her Alzheimer's and moving to the Assisted Living community and out of her home. I'm so pleased to report that she is loving her new apartment and life at The Meadows. The staff are amazingly kind and wonderful. Her apartment is so cute and she is making so many friends and attending so many activities. She loves having her meals provided and visiting with "the girls" at her table. When I ask her how she is doing she says "I cannot lie. I LOVE IT!" This is so wonderful and truly a blessing from God. My Grandma is not a person who accepts change easily or generally looks on the bright side of life. So to see her so giddy and truly happy is such a joyful sigh of relief to all of us that love her.

We spent the 4th at my parents enjoying a BBQ, swimming and fireworks. We had brunch that morning with our friends Jen and Ray. Ray was Mike's best man and Jen was one of my bridesmaids, yet they did not know each other at the time we got married. They met at our wedding but did not date for a few years later. They ended up happily married and have four beautiful kids. It was fun to see them and catch up at my favorite place Boulevard Bistro. Then, I took the girls to Toys R Us for a shopping spree. We hadn't done a girls shopping trip since my surgery so we had so much fun picking out toys for the pool and a few additions to their doll house. We then went summer shoe shopping and joined the rest of my family for the BBQ and swimming/playing with our new pool toys and fireworks. I HATE the sort of fireworks you do yourself. They always make me so nervous and I had such awful experiences as a kid getting scared of fireworks. I like the kind you look up in the sky at that are set off by professionals. We had some of each this year so my stress level was only at about a six out of ten. Not too bad.

We are looking forward to our new niece Gracie-Bell being born this week to Chuck and Amber. We are waiting for her to be born any day. Technically, she could be born any time in the next two weeks but we want her to be born soon. I'm so excited to have a new little baby girl in our family. I wish I could go out and help Amber with the kids and the new baby but given my level of mobility, she would end up with a 4th kid (me) to take care of. We are praying that Gracie arrives safely and healthy.

The rest of the summer will be exciting. Swim lessons, our 2oth class reunion, camping, our 17th wedding anniversary, my birthday, Mike's residency class reunion (beach house in South Carolina-HOLLAH) and preparations for a Meeker boy elk hunting trip. It should be a fun few months. I love having 4 year olds. This is my favorite age so far. They are sweet, easy, loud, fun, creative, curious and they sing and dance everywhere they go. Life is good right now. Hopefully, I can begin to give Mike a little rest as I am able to do more.

A FULL BLOWN CONFESSION (about stuff nobody would ever care about)

Okay, let's just get it out there. I have gone over to a bad place. See, I've been home a lot since surgery. I've been sitting around. I quickly burned through my reading list and found myself out of new material as I await a delivery from Amazon. So what's a girl to do with that much time on her hands? Can't cook. Oh darn. Can't clean. Shoot. The only thing left is for me to do is to form unhealthy attachments to characters on reality TV right? Let's explore shall we?

Jon and Kate. Jon. Kate. Honestly, I feel sick in my stomach about this family. I have watched since the beginning. At first I identified with Jon and Kate: a couple thrilled with the birth of their twin girls, tried for one more baby, controlling chick full of bossiness toward all. What's not to love? I always turned to Jon and Kate when I felt like my life with the twins was hard, because here was someone who had it WAY harder. I got parenting tips from Kate ranging from how to get kids to and from the car safely in a busy parking lot, schedules for kids, dressing your kids alike so you can find them easily in public and not putting names on backpacks so strangers can't approach your child by name. Now, I find myself disgusted by Jon and his big diamond earrings and Harley Davidson and NYC apartment and excitement to start a new chapter of his life. I am disappointed in Kate for not realizing that fame and money has corrupted her family. Kate and Jon are Christians and have always said "when this doesn't work for our family anymore the cameras will go." But their marriage started to fall apart and they continued. In fact, they increased their public exposure. And now that their family has completely fallen apart, the cameras continue to roll. Kate is obviously super tan, sporting bigger and more perky boobs and a flatter tummy, Jon's hair plugs are full of gel and their bleached teeth glow as they sneer when speaking of each other. And the bottom line is there are 8 real live kids at the heart of this mess. Two 8 year old girls that can read the tabloid headlines and go to school where I'm sure kids are cruel. The disintegration of a family is one of the saddest things I can think of. And I feel just sick and sad. I told you, UNHEALTHY ATTACHMENT TO REALITY TV. Don't judge, I warned you ahead of time.

Now on to Jillian. If you don't know who Jillian is just stop reading because you are going to majorly judge me by the end of this post and you just should quit while we can still be friends. Okay so Jillian the Bachelorette. I actually threw a pillow at my TV on Monday night. This was the beginning of when I realized I had gone over to the bad place. Kicking off Jake and keeping Wes is the stupidest thing I've ever seen someone do on TV. Jake is the perfect guy and was by far and away, the best guy on the whole show. Wes is a scumbag who is using her. She must feel really dumb now that she's watching the show and watching how she got played by Wes. I hope Jake gets to be the next Bachelor because I think he is a big slice of dreamy. Mike is fully aware of my TV crush on Jake and he even watched Monday night with me and suffered along side of me as Jake tried to warn Jillian about Wes and she didn't listen. Girls can be so dumb sometimes. DON'T JUDGE ME.

Michael. What would I have done without the Thriller album? I can remember dancing for hours in my parents living room before they got home from work to this album. My mom had enormous Klipsch speakers as tall as me and even though I was only allowed to turn to volume to 4, I would blast it at 7 while I danced and pretended I was on stage while singing Beat It. I would pretend I was a zombie in the thriller video. Do you remember MTV announcing they were going to premier the full length version and waiting and waiting for it then calling all your friends when it was over to talk about how amazing it was? Remember Vincent Price in it? I know Michael was most likely a very disturbed man, but seriously, his impact on music and dance? Bigger than anyone EVER. Just watch an N Sync video, check out Brittany or Miley or any dance numbers anyone ever has done since 1985. They all start out in the Thriller formation. It's iconic.

Farrah. My cousin Bo had a dog named after Farrah when we were little. He and his brothers had the classic poster of Farrah in their room alongside a pin up of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. When I think of Farrah, I think of times spent with my cousin, going to the park, going camping, colored shoelaces, ditto jeans and a comb in my back pocket. And lots and lots of hairspray.

And finally the most embarrassing thing to admit ever. I am excited for Big Brother to start and I have started watching Lifetime for Women television. I told you, I think I might be headed for actual therapy.

I have so much more to get off my chest. I have engaged in some pretty spectacularly bad behavior since going under the knife on May 1st. But I think I shall stop for now. I have a hair appointment in an hour and the amount of gray hair on my head is worthy of a confession of it's own. So until next time, where I will reveal how much dead skin is on my feet since I have not had a pedicure in three months. I know you can't wait for too many details about THAT!!!

Dad Day

What would my life be like without fathers in it? On Mothers Day, I was happy to be celebrating motherhood and womanhood in all it's shapes, colors and sizes. Then I went through the last six weeks unable to walk. Suddenly, the word "Fathers" has taken on a whole new meaning. Mike has stepped forward to be all things to all people in an amazing way. He has continued to work three or more days/week, has taken care of the girls the other four days/week and every night. He has provided meals, shuttled the girls to school, dance class, to appointments and has driven me to physical therapy and other appointments. He has bathed them, learned how to do pig-tails, washed clothes, changed sheets, done dishes all while playing with them for what seems to me like endless hours upon hours. Every time I hobble my way out to the family room with my walker, I witness girls laughing, pillows flying, races being raced, games being played, pictures being drawn, playdough being molded, snuggling being had on the couch and snacks being consumed. I think Jessica's gift to Mike for Fathers Day sums up how we all have felt about spending so much time with Mike over the last weeks. She chose a Boston Red Sox baseball hat on it, because it had a letter "B" on it. And when I asked her why she chose that hat she said "Because it stands for "Be Home" like Daddy has been home with us since your operation and I always want him to be home". I could never thank Mike enough for all he has done for us over the past weeks. There are times in the past 17 years that I have thought to myself "how did I get here?" and not in a good way. I think everyone has those moments. But I have had more moments when I have wondered "how am I continuing to fool him into thinking I'm worth it?" I have to say, that I feel like my love for Mike has grown so much in the past few weeks. I guess there's just something about a man in a desert camouflage uniform with an apron on bringing you breakfast in bed that warms my heart!!! I am looking forward to walking again but the girls and I will miss Mike so much when life returns to normal.


And then, I think of my Dad. Anyone who has known me just smiled right now. Everyone smiles when they think of my Dad. His stable influence in my life continues to hugely impact me today. He has helped me so much always, but especially since we moved back to California. Just in the past weeks, he has driven the girls to school, watched them for me, gone to the movies with them, brought me meals, kept the girls (along with my mom) overnight, made sure the girls had shoes that fit, made sure I had everything I needed and is taking the girls on vacation with my Mom this week. My Dad stayed home with me when I was sick as a kid, coached my softball and powder puff football teams, drove car loads of girls to and from the skating rink and slumber parties, was cool enough to drop me off down the street when I was sooooooo embarrassed of him at age 13, cooked countless meals, spent hours playing catch in the yard, drove on countless Sunday drives as a family, took me to a million movies just me and him, helps me with any home project around here that Mike is too busy to do or that happened when he was deployed and he is the best Papa two little girls could ever have. The girls love their Papa so much. They think he is their own personal playmate. Katie always tells me she is going to marry her Papa because he has a truck and he can drive her home and if she gets married to Papa she can live at his house and that is her favorite house in the world. My Dad is just great. I think if you can be great at something, being a great Dad is pretty awesome.

So to all the Dads out there, keep on doing what you do. It matters more than any award at work or sporting event on TV or success at any hobby you might wish you had more time in which to devote. Your kids are paying attention. They'll remember that one time they were sick and you brought them special colored pencils and paper to draw with or that one Valentines Day you bought them a toothbrush with hearts on it or all the nights you bring home a chocolate milkshake with three straws so the three of you can share it. There is nothing that can replace a great Father.

Oh those Meeker girls just crack me up!

So since I currently have NO life being stuck in healing positions 1,2and3 after surgery, I thought I would do some careful observing of Katie and Jessica and share some recent funnyness.

• Katie has recently read Donald Trump's book "The Art of the Deal" and has made it her personal mission statement. She starts her sentence with "Mom, I have a great idea do you want to know what it is? (super excited voice) "Sure Katie tell me", I say. Then she'll say something "Wouldn't it be fun to eat our cupcakes before dinner so we could be silly and really laugh about it?" Or she'll say "My idea is to have sissy and me go into our room for a nap and as long we play quietly that wouldn't be so bad right?" She is making deals and talking people into everything from taking her places, letting her stay up late, letting her just about get anything she wants. And because of the way she presents it, you sometimes feel happy about going along with the plan until later when you are sitting on the couch and realized you got hustled, conned, scam-a-ram-a-boom-banged by a curly haired four year old.
• Jessica and I were having a very loving and deep conversation after naptime. She put her head on me and said "Mama, there have been 10 good things that have happened because of your operation and 10 not so good things. Let's make a list" I said okay let's do it. Then she said "The best thing, the very bestest most wonderful thing that happened because of your operation was that Daddy got to go to our Mothers Day party at preschool because you needed help getting around and no other daddys got to go but our daddy. That was the best thing that happened cuz of your operation. I said, "well, I can see how that would be awesome, but another good thing is that my leg is going to get better right" And she patted my arm like okay sweetie whatever you say and then said "Another best thing is that we got to spend a lot of time with Daddy because he took days off work! And I'm like "Mmm hmm, hanging out with Dad is the best, but also isn't it great that I won't have to walk with it hurting?" Her response was "Yes it is because you can play with us and Daddy now." Does anyone else notice a common thread? Think the kid is in love with her Dad? Just a bit.
• The girls have taken to picking out their clothes. Jessica wore a violet shade of purple Tshirt and turquoise/aqua sweat pants and purple tennis shoes today. And she thought she looked gorgeous. She looked at best "refugee chic". Katie wanted to wear a hideous fake rose in her hair and a cream silk headband that has a organza bow attached to it. She also wanted to wear green socks but had nothing green on. I was like "whatever, if you think you look good go for it." But I gotta say I'm glad the school year is ending because the outfits they pick are not so hot.
• The curtain broke in the formal living room. Okay it did not break. It was broken by two adorable sweet demolition experts that live in my house. When my Mom asked Katie how it got broken she said "You know Grammie, sometimes you just sit down and things break." Yes Katie they do. Especially after you had spent two weeks pulling on the curtains until the screws that kept the rod up came out.
• Mike was talking about something work related and at the end of the conversation he said "I know I gotta do it but I'm just pissed about it." And Jessica came up to him and said "Daddy what does piss mean?" And we said "it means upset but it's better for you to say upset and not say the word piss because it is not a nice word and it's not for little girls to say that word." And she goes "But Daddy if I tell someone I am pissed, then I can explain that piss means upset!" I think Mike and I will be talking in our secret parent code for the next few years.
• Notice the title of the post was Meeker Girls, so I fall into that category also. I have to use a walker to get from point A to point B. When I'm all alone at the house and nobody (not even Mike) is around, I pretend I am a 90 year old lady and I talk to myself. Today I said this and then laughed for like 20 minutes "Ahhhh lawsy. I lost my glasses. Ethel, Judy have you seen my glasses? I can't get my hair rolled and set today if I don't find those dad gum glasses. Oh here they are on my head. Well isn't that just pretty as a picture?" Seriously, did this out loud in my house, nobody was there but I was laughing my hiney off.

Breaking News...no pun intended

So I went to the surgeon today for a follow up on Miss Knee. He told me my range of motion was great, much better than he expected. (yay) I told him I was being the ever obedient patient and keeping my leg in the brace and not putting pressure on my leg and doing mild stretching exercises and that I was only taking pain medicine at night right before bedtime if my leg was really hurting. (yay) I then looked at him with hopeful eyes and said "so ummm...what are my physical limitations at this point in regards to ummmm...driving and walking?" And he was all..."oh. you can't drive for at least 4 more weeks. And you can't walk without a walker or crutches for at least 4-6 more weeks. " (no yay) And I said "come again?" And he said "the bone has to heal and grow into the grooves in the screws we put in your leg or you could just strip the screws right out of place and cause a very bad break in your leg." (no yay) And I said..."say what?" And he said "look idiot. Did you not hear me when I told you this was a 6-9 month recovery period?" (fer sure no yay) and I was all "Well Mr. Surgeon sir, I guess did not hear that part thank you very much." (still no yay) And he said "Get out of my office. No walking. No driving. No jumping for joy. No life. Got it?" And I was all "got it dill hole." (sarcastic yay)

The End

P.S. None of this actually happened except for the fact I can't drive for 4 weeks and can't walk without a walker for 4-6 more weeks and I have to go to tons of PT. Everything else in the above post is my attempt at satire because if I can't be snarky and sarcastic I will die.

Out Of Touch Friday Confessions...(on a Saturday)

Boy I feel out of touch with the world. My life feels all upside down and backwards. My roots are gray people. Gray hair on my head. And I need some serious retail therapy, lunch out and park time with the girls. One large order of Vitamin D please. But what's better than a healthy dose of Friday confessions (on a Saturday) to put things in perspective. Let's get started shall we?

• Well obviously we'll start with the decline of my personal care and grooming. The aforementioned gray hair, prickly legs, scratchy feet and I don't think the girls have seen a brassiere in like weeks. It is unacceptable.
• I find myself frustrated with people. My love for my parents, my husband and my daughters has increased during this time. But I find that I am finding fault with other individuals in my life much quicker than my normal snarky self. There are individuals (okay just one) that I want to pull by the hair and slap. The level of irritation I have towards this person is hard to take because I truly love them and I will not be expressing my irritation because I know it is just a product of my frustration with being cooped up. But still, it bothers me to think badly of someone I love. If you are reading this, it's not you...I swear. Unless it is you. But what are the chances of that?
• I reeeeeeaaaaalllly did not want to gain weight during this time. It would be super easy to do given that I am just sitting around all day doing no physical exercise. So the first four weeks I was really careful with what I ate. Then I went to the doctors and found out I had lost 12 pounds. So now I have been having a hot burning passionate love affair with Hershey's Nuggets in milk chocolate. The problem with this is that the nuggets are like three hershey's kisses in size. They don't have that hard to unwrap foil that surround the kisses therefore you can get them into your mouth at a much faster rate. And the kisses at least poke the roof of your mouth so you eventually have to stop due to roof of mouth pain. The nuggets do not cause any pain at all. And they are more delicious than you can ever imagine. Thus, my affair continues. Me and the nuggets are burning up the sheets. It must be stopped immediately.
• Trash fiction - I have gone through my reading list of books I wanted to read post surgery. Some were fluff but others were books I have always wanted to want to read and I figured if I stuck them in my nightstand I might be tempted to crack them open when stuck here for hours on end. So I did and it worked. I've read them all. Now, I have resorted to re-reading trash fiction that I had thrown in the donation bin. You know the kind where "her bosom heaved with unreleased desire" or "he unsheathed his manhood and..." well you know how it goes. So between the chocolate, the gray hair and the late night reading about the brutish Scottish Lord who claims the virgin maid as his prisoner in order for her father to surrender the land that was his by birthright - I am in sad shape. Give me a couple of cats and some gray socks and call it a freakin day.
• I didn't do a shout out to my brother in law Chuck on his birthday which was two days ago. I love Chuck. I shall remedy this by the end of the weekend with proper birthday postings.
• My daughters put on many plays yesterday while Mike filmed them. They rehearsed and performed all while I had no idea any of it was going on. I got to watch the movie version last night. I felt sad and disconnected and impatient. I tried to make them redo their play this morning and they were not in the mood.
• I have been bad about wearing my leg brace. It goes from my hip to my ankle and I just got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore. So I am trying to lay with my leg very straight. Do you think that will work?

The Tonight Show

When Mike was a little boy, he'd go to bed at an appropriate bedtime and lay awake worrying about this or that. As time ticked by and the night grew later, he would start to hear his Dad, out in the living room, chuckle. The chuckle got louder and pretty soon, full on laughter could be heard coming from the family room. Mike would wonder what in the world could be causing his Dad to laugh harder than he ever did around the family. Before long, curiosity would overtake him and he would begin to sneak out of his room. He would crawl on his belly, the way GI JOE would crawl through the mud on the commercial. He would crawl behind the sofa and peek out from behind to see what his Dad was laughing at. There on their small color TV would be Johnny Carson and Mike didn't quite understand the jokes but he would silently giggle along with his Dad. Before long, a commercial would come on and he would scurry back to his room and eventually fall asleep.

The year Mike and I got married, Johnny Carson retired as the host of the Tonight Show. I remember the last show with Johnny Carson when Bette Midler sang One For the Road. It seemed like the whole world stopped what they were doing to bid farewell to Johnny Carson.

So when Leno bid farewell last Friday, Mike and I set up to record the final episode and figured we would feel the same sentimentality that we did 17 years ago. But as much as I wanted to feel something, I felt flat, uninterested, meh. I asked Mike why we weren't feeling anything about Jay leaving and he said it was probably because we didn't care. Good answer Mike. Glad I asked you. Way to be there for me. So I called my Mom and asked her why I felt so blah about Jay Leno leaving and she explained that Johnny Carson was the host for-EVER like as in 30 years. But Jay was only the host for 17 years and Johnny was the host during your childhood. You don't remember a time when Johnny Carson wasn't on TV. So it's natural that you would feel more sentimental. Ohhhhhh. That helped me a little bit.

But now, I have watched two episodes of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brian and I realize none of this was the case. It's just that I love Conan. I really truly do.

Magic Dust

Dear Katie and Jessica:

I know I wrote to you on your birthdays and that it wasn't so long ago. But as I watched you walk the hallway of our home tonight, your pajamas seemed too short for your legs and rode up when you lifted your arms. The cadence in which you walked seemed more elongated and the questions you asked seemed more...I don't know...thoughtful. You both cleared your plates tonight without being asked and threw your trash in the garbage. We have moved past bottom wiping, clothes dressing and today you both selected and attached the hair bows you wanted to wear to preschool. I have always heard parents say about their children, "they grow up so quickly, you blink and one day they are in college." So I want you guys to know that I appreciate moments in your life that are not monumental or considered milestones. Throwing your trash away can't compare with the day you took your first step or said Mama for the first time. I know the day you go off on a school bus will be bitter sweet and I will remember it forever. But I want you to know that I will also remember nights like tonight. A Tuesday night in which we had Chicken Sonora from Dinner My Way. I still can't walk from my knee surgery. Dad has a bad cold. And I will remember you both in the half light of the hallway in pajamas that you have outgrown just a bit asking me what I thought your dance teacher will teach you tomorrow at dance class. When I told you she might teach you how to skip on your tip toes, you laughed and said you already knew how to do that and then proceeded to show me as you traveled the rest of the hallway to your bedroom. It is past 11pm. You both should be long asleep by now. But you have been quietly visiting since lights out. I have listened at your door tonight and heard words like "magical" and "ghosts" and "rainbows" and "dancing" and "let's pretend". These are the words of childhood. Pretty soon I will need to teach you more about being alert regarding strangers, body parts that are private, riding your bikes on the sidewalk and why girls are mean at school. With each of these lessons some of the magical dust that covers children gets swept away until one day you are all grown up. When that happens I just need you to know that you guys really were kids once upon a time and I will do my very best to make your childhood awesome and keep the magic dust around for as long as I possibly can.

Love,
Mama

Thanks Amb

I like my new background and I always make my sister in law Amber change it for me. I love her. And it's not like she has anything better to do. Her husband is getting his PhD and studying for the LSAT, she is pregnant with their third, yes I said THIRD, baby, my niece Grace who I will call Gracie Poo because I can't help myself. She is busy volunteering at church, has friends and younger siblings that she spends time with and has much better things to do than change the color of my blog background. But I love green and pink but I hated the Happily Ever After banner that was on my last background because ewww...it's just gross. First, I'm WAAAAYYY too young to have Ever After anywhere near anything I've done. And I don't want to give people the idea that we are this gross couple who say we are happily ever but then rip each other's throats out when no one is looking. We are average. Some days we are happy and some days we are all..."meh." Most days we are just trying to get through life and not screw up our kids too badly. We eat casseroles and order take out and collapse on the couch once we get the kids to bed just like everyone else in the world. So Happily Ever After had to come down.

Today, I sat. Then I got up and sat some more. Then I tweaked my knee when I was hobbling around with my walker. I said ouch a lot. Then I sat again. Tonight I have big plans. I'm gonna do some sitting and oh! some more sitting. Life is rad.

Jessica is a cuddles today because she's not feeling well. I love when my kids are minorly sick because they curl into me and I hold them and I smell their heads and kiss them and I love it. She is currently watching me type and wrapped around my left arm with her head on my shoulder. I love this kid. Katie is resting in my bed. I normally NEVER let her sleep this late but Jessica said she wants to snuggle with me so we should let Katie rest some more. I think J is needing some alone time. So it won't end the world if we leave Katie alone for a few more minutes.

Mike is minutes away and has my Rachel's yogurt. Praise be. I love Rachel's yogurt. If you have not tried it you are missing out. Lavender Honey is the best.

Remember

We did nothing special for Memorial Day this year. Mike prepared to go back to work tomorrow. The girls planted and did some gardening in Grandpa Meekers yard. I read a book. (Still can't walk yet and won't be able to until June 9th) But all across our country, there are people who are taking a moment to remember those they have lost. My Dad took my Grandmothers to East Lawn today where several of my family members are buried. Both of my Grandmothers have outlived their husbands and parents. My Grandma Houlie has outlived all of her siblings. My Grandma Bea only has her baby sister left. As this day exits quietly in my house, I find myself extremely grateful that I did not have cause to visit a grave today. I am thankful I have my husband and my children in the other room and that I can hear them laughing as they do the dinner dishes. I am thankful that my Mom only has a cold today and that I could call her on the phone to see how she's feeling. I am glad my Dad and my Grandmas were together today and that I can call them after I post this to find out how their day went. I know it will not always be so, but this Memorial Day, I find myself extremely thankful. As I say my prayers tonight, I will remember those of you that I love who have lost those close to you and I will ask God to comfort you and to ease any sadness that you might be feeling. Instead of remembering those who have been lost, I hope we can all take a moment to think of those that are doing the "remembering" today.

God Bless & Love Wins... Amy

Good Fathers - New Babies

Mike and I were talking about good fathers the other day. I was thanking him for stepping up and carrying our family through this time that I've been down with surgery. He has taken time off work and has taken care of the girls on his own. And instead of feeling resentful or wishing the time would go quickly so he could get back to normal life, he has been so grateful for the time with his girls. In his words: "Normally I work super hard and if I work super hard and get everything done, my reward is to get to go to Afghanistan again. It just sort of sucks. But now, I've had this time with my girls that I would never have had if you didn't have surgery and needed me to be home. I got to actually take care of them and spend real time with them instead of just an hour before they go to bed at night." I think that makes Mike a pretty awesome Dad in my book. I feel so happy when I watch the girls with him and how they are so in love with him. I know because of their relationship with their Dad, they will have a better chance of picking a guy who will be kind and a helpful companion to them when the time comes because they had that example. My Dad was the same way. He raised me, spent time with me, took me shopping for my homecoming dress, cooked, did - I mean - helped with all my science fair and such projects for school. I never felt like my Mom was the caregiver and my Dad was the distant father figure. And I picked to share my life and children with someone who feels that it is a privileged to be a father and spend time with his girls doing the mundane chores that make life run.

As Mike and I discussed fathers and what it means to be a good one, Mike mentioned that my cousin Jeff was one of the best fathers he knew of as far as our peers go. I totally agree. Jeff is an amazing father to his wonderful daughter Emi. He is the perfect blend of fun, attentive, worry when necessary, teaching, coaching, leading all with love as the overwhelming focus. And Jeff became a Dad for the second time yesterday when his son Luke was born. Jeff's kids are so lucky to have him as a Dad. (They also have a FABULOSO Mom in Jeff's wife Ali) We are so happy they have a new life to cherish, nurture and love. That baby is one lucky little guy and we are so glad to welcome a new member of our family. Jessica is DYING to call Emi today to tell her "congratulations on her new brother and for getting to become a sissy." So we'll be doing that later today.

Fathers Day is rapidly approaching. I want to do something extra special for Mike this year but I am sort of limited in my mobility. If you know of a creative and fun idea, please share it. If I don't get help, I'm afraid Mike is going to end up with a tie and a grilled steak. LAME. Help please.