On the Move

I remember reading once that moving is second only to death as far as the level of stress it induces. I believe it, too, because I have occasionally wondered if this move would be the end of me. Other times I just wished it would.

It certainly does not help that we are currently responsible for two houses. You know it's bad when Tim texted to inform me that he would be working on the front yard, and I had to ask at which house?

Aside from the mounds of boxes to be unloaded (with special assistance such as the above work Laura did in the pantry), and yards to manage, I think the hardest part is the disruption to routine. Mostly mine, since school and sports, etcetera have continued apace (which also heightens the insanity). Laura finally got a nap today, her first in four days. And I did manage to squeeze in a short run. There is hope.

Friends have been so kind, offering rides and shelter. Clearly it is hyperbole to compare this with death, especially since there is plenty of excitement along with the exhaustion. Nevertheless, I hope we don't have to do this again for a long, long time. And when I do, a toddler won't be involved!


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"Tonight is about piano music and red meat"

Another year of piano lessons culminated with a recital for Clare and Danny. As I was crabbing about various home-for-sale related woes, Tim admonished me, "Tonight is about piano music and red meat." And so it was. Both kids performed admirably, with Danny adding some oomph to his by swaying to the music as he played!

Donna and Larry were in town for the event, and Laura was with a sitter, so from the recital we headed out for dinner to celebrate Danny's birthday. He chose a Brazilian steakhouse, where he could eat all the meat he desired. He LOVED it, and courteously said, "Thank you, sir!" to each and every gaucho who served him."

 As usual, we are living large and loving it!

Eight is Great

Despite our pleas, Danny insisted on turning eight this year. As usual, we had multiple opportunities to celebrate, beginning with me bringing him lunch to school on his big day. I don't know why I don't do this more often, because Danny is always filled with genuine, unadulterated joy when I visit him at school. He could not sit close enough to me, rubbed my back, spontaneously told me he loved me. It was awesome.

He was clearly pleased to have his class sing to him, too, before enjoying brownie cookies. It is very obvious that Danny is a well-loved classmate!

In the evening, we enjoyed a family dinner, followed by presents (dominated by Playmobil's Roman series) and then cake (it's a Roman shield - trust me, I looked it up online).

But the fun did not stop there! The next day being Friday, we opted to host his party immediately following school at the local laser tag place. All but one of the boys in his class accepted the invitation, so we had quite a crew (plus Clare and Abby to round things out - Laura was kindly kept by a friend). Tim evidently dominated the laser tag portion of the party, so it's a good thing Danny was on his team.

Throughout the party, Danny was spirited, gleeful, but also kind to friends who weren't always in step with the group, and quick with his manners. No matter his age, Danny truly is a GREAT kid!