Change is in the Air!

Last night I dreamed that Tony had either committed suicide or gone awol. We didn't know which, since he was just missing. Well, this morning he's being processed out of the Navy, and I'm hoping that this will improve all of our lives...in the long run.

For now, it's adding a new dimension of chaos, as we begin a job search and put our house up for sale. And I thought this next week was going to be SO relaxing!

Things I will miss about the Navy: the commisary (I went and said goodbye this morning), cheap swim lessons in nice pools, seeing my husband in uniform (he thinks he looks like a big, brown potato, but he really looks super-hot!), and free medical care.

Things I'm looking forward to outside of the Navy: Not feeling like a single parent with a trust fund, maybe living in the same place for more than two years, and a husband who isn't super stressed out and depressed because of his crappy, demanding job. I hope that works out.

Wanna Trade Addendum:

Feel free to e-mail me for my postal address if you don't already have it: annaliar@juno.com

I nearly posted it, but came to my senses.

Wanna Trade?

If you send me one of these (the letter, dummy! I already have a type writer.),...



...then I will send you one of these! Unfortunately, it won't have the cute twine wrapped around it. My ideas for adorable, nostalgic packaging don't appear to be compatible with modern USPS package-sorting machinery. You should have seen the looks they gave me when I tried to mail a package wrapped in Japanese Furoshiki. I don't know what their problem is? It had a label on it. Maybe UPS would be more cooperative?

Sweet

They may not always be kind and loving to each other, but I think having brothers and sisters can teach you some of the best lessons in unselfishness and love. Reportedly, I was a kind sister until I reached puberty, but, even in the midst of those tumultuous years, I gleaned a few life lessons from my siblings.

My brother Jonathan taught me: it's easier to get along with your parents if you don't talk back. They might mistake your quick wit for sass.

My sister Sarah taught me: not to take for granted that you know a person and their potential - they might be blooming into your best friend.

Becky taught me: if you don't care that someone is teasing you - you are unteasable. (That was always such a let-down to me.)

Rachel taught me: not to try to change people into yourself. It's our differences that make us interesting. If everyone were alike, we'd just as well sit around talking to ourselves.

Little James (yes, I know you're an adult now) taught me: that sometimes you have to grab onto someone's leg and not let go, to show that you want their attention.

So far, seeing my kids learning to enjoy and be kind to little children and babies is what I love most about having a large family. I'm going to have to keep lots of younger nieces and nephews around when Boo and Cozette are older. I wouldn't want them to miss out on that...since Tony probably won't let me keep having babies forever.

Aren't You Glad?

Aren't you glad it's cooled down, so we can all wear pjs to bed again. Well, I am! What if there was a fire in the middle of the night...or a neighbor banging on my door because his wife has gone into labor and they need an emergency babysitter...or kids puking? I just can't be slowed down by needing to get decent.

Potato Paradise

I love being at my parent's house. It's a paradise for kids of all ages (even 33). There are so many lovely little spots as you walk through the garden. Shady grape arbor. Rows of corn and cabbages. Plenty of places to sit in the shade.
Last week, when I asked my dad for a potato (to make a stamp out of), he said, "put on your shoes, and we'll go dig one." How fun is that? Apparently the good potatoes are the ones that volunteer next to the chicken coop - plenty of fertilizer! He has big plans for an even grander chicken coop - complete with a hen turret.
I'm sure I'll cry some day when they move.

Highjacking

Ok. I admit it. I totally highjacked Jonny's party. I used his birthday as an excuse to hang out with some of my favorite people. On the plus side, he was too busy hanging out with all of his friends and cousins to notice.
He said everything about his birthday was great. I love six-year-olds. They're easy to please and anxious to enjoy the world around them.

Give-away Winner: Kriste! - I admit it. I didn't even draw names. I just want her ric-rac. But, to compensate for my selfishness, I'm going to invite everyone over (who's interested) to make zippered pouches. ...and the zippers are on me (but they probably won't be the vintage ones - sorry.) Date: to be announced after I determine next week's schedule.