failed resolutions

Why- why do I do this to myself? I just had a frightening experience. It is a reoccurring one. I was missing library books. Now one reason I blog is so that I don't feel alone in my stupidity. So please, help me out here.

I finally found the blessed books and I was so thrilled. They are always in really strange places that my kids have put them. One was in between the guest room mattress and box spring. Why would I look there? I had to pay a hefty fine. A fine which I can not put into print for fear that my husband will read this. Anyway- I paid the fine and told my children, "just look today and we will read here". Because, of course, I was recommitted to no longer checking out any books. Of course moderation is not the answer, no. I can't just check out 4-5 books. Not even 10-12. So I just ban myself, (and my children), from getting any. Well I start to wander the library with my three little ones in tow. They, like me, pick up anything that strikes their fancy. Soon I have gathered up all I, the stroller and my six year old can carry. I move to check them out when my oldest reminds me of my resolution. I quickly talk my way out of it. He, of course, lets me. Why do I do this to myself? Why, why? I have that syndrome that people that survived the great depression have. You know where they hoard food because of their survival instinct? Of course I was never deprived of books. My dad was a professor. My house was lined with bookshelves brimming with them.

I guess the more appropriate example is those people that go to receptions or all-you-can-eat events and they feel compelled, because they can and its available, take a napkin with a few of the snacks to go. Why? They are full? You can only eat so many mint and chocolate brownies? I have a loved one who does this. But she shall remain nameless because she raised me so I don't want to give her up. I hope I didn't give anything away there.

I get into that library and there are no limits! I feel the need to check out any and every children's book I see. I try to tell myself, like I do my children, I can get it next time. But like my children, I pretend not to hear me. Unfortunately, I am a very slow learner. I better start saving my change.

hmmmm.....

This morning as my oldest drank his protein, peach and banana smoothie, he observed in dismay that a smoothie can never be a milk shlakie. Shlakie is my husband's word for milkshake, I have no idea why we have an alternate name for everything. I agreed with him. Indeed a smoothie never can be a milk shlakie, just as I can never be 5'9, our outside cat can never be an inside dog, and our pond can not, despite our best efforts, be a hot tub. "hmmm," he pondered for a moment, "well there is something we can do about the smoothie."

Happy Birthday Carrie

Carrie(top left), Katie, (top right), me, (bottom right), Mitch, (bottom left)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARRIE! Today is my amazing sister's birthday. I actually have 5 amazing sisters, this is the one just older than me. I always aspired to be like her. Carrie- sings like a diva, cooks and bakes like a pro, plays the guitar and piano beautifully, has a solution for everything. She is a person that would and does anything for the people she knows,(twice has driven 6-7 hours to pick up my kids when I was desperate). She is a patient and gentle mother to 3 children 3 years old and under. Carrie- I love you!

We just got home from a 4 great family reunions. One for my husband's family, mine, my father's family and my mother's. It was so much fun. My sister Carrie, http://www.cwelton.blogspot.com, took so many darling pictures so I am waiting for her to send more my way! My battery died so I have to use hers. Which is fine by me since she is an amazing photographer! We had so much fun riding trains and water slides, taking hikes, swimming, visiting a petting zoo, visiting family graves, learning about ancestor's and just visiting. Being around family is so refreshing. It is amazing to be around people who really know you and that make you feel like you are home. We miss you all!

BACK IN BUSINESS

I am almost back in business!  My computer problems are almost solved thanks to my generous sister Carrie and her husband James! (cwelton@blogspot.com)  Because I haven't been able to print anything, I've been able to spend my time creating new pieces.  I have two new prints all ready to be put on the computer!  Having lived in California, summer to me means the beach and of course 4th of July parades--can't wait to publish these two new prints!  I have been reluctant to do any advertising because I am still acquiring the right software and working out my constant hardware problems--thanks for being patient with me!   

Computerless

I am still without a computer! I am trying to work on finding a solution. I am at my sister's house and just wanted to give a shout out- HELLO-I'm still alive!

Memorial Weekend

Isn't this beautiful?

Highlights from the weekend- Big Mac singing "You Lift Me Up" (Josh Grobin), at the top of his lungs to me while I fill the car with gas; hearing Big Mac's talk in church where he unexpectedly exclaimed that his little brother wasn't just a brother, but his best friend; seeing hundreds of American Flags all around our town, (it always makes me happy); going exploring around town and country with my family; Bike rides; Admiring my husbands tiling job that he just finished in the guest bathroom; talking to my children about those who have gone before us.

Now for the not-so-highlights-- Painting my entry for the third and, I am afraid, not final time- (the lighting is so weird, I can't find the right color); realizing that  I have a major problem making decisions, tripping over my laptop cord and watching it crash to the ground; losing my portable phone while spring cleaning.  I still can't locate it.  I am beginning to think it was left in one of the boxes I was going through in the storage shed!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!