Can I Get a Manager, Please?

I like routine. It is a good thing. When something happens to change our routine, it takes a while to adjust.

Super Wal-Mart is a normal spot for Lindsey and I to visit. Unlike most, I have no problems with the place. In fact, it seems as if I spend more time in line at Kroger than I do at Wal-Mart. Anywhooo. Our Wal-Mart routine consists of a slight struggle to get Lindsey into the basket, we visit the lobster tank, proceed on to the moo-moo cow pictures in the dairy department where we usually enjoy a string cheese, check out the kid's clothes for clearance and then head to check-out. Simple and easy...until a couple of weeks ago when we turned the corner in produce and saw an empty space. "Mommy, where are the lobsters. I need to see the lobsters. Please Mommy, get the lobsters." Oh gosh, you can't be serious, you have taken the lobsters away? I ask the seafood man about them and he tells us the dreaded news, the tank broke and since the store is slated for a complete remodel they have decided the lobsters would not go with the new design. Wait, no one asked me, dont' I get a vote, I don't need a new and improved Wal-Mart, I need lobsters for my little girl!

Every trip since then results in the same questions about the lobsters. Well, last night she asked about the lobsters as she was going to sleep. We are in the stage of asking "Why" right now. I could not get her to stop so I told her that we would ask the manager why they took them away next time we went. I thought she would forget overnight, but no such luck. First thing this morning, "Mommy, let's go get the manager and talk." Oh goodness, what have I done? All day I heard about the manager. So, since I needed milk anyway we headed to Wal-Mart. I was thinking of just telling her the checker was the manager, but lo and behold guess who was out roaming the store, the store manager, the big kahuna, the man with the power, the man with is picture on the wall. I explain our situation and he expresses heartfelt sympathy to Lindsey and explains the lobsters weren't safe because their tank was broken. (Must have kids of his own) He tells us that other children have been upset since the lobsters departed and if there is anyway he can get them back safely he will. She said okay and it is the last I have heard of the manager and the lobsters! Hope this is a long term solution! :)

Random Things to Remember

One day when I am old, hopefully I will look back at this blog and things that I have written will make me smile. I had been writing in my journal faithfully for almost three years, but recently I have lost steam. The little things I had been capturing on a daily basis seem to slip by and I don't like it. My goal is to get motivated again so I don't lose these precious memories. So in no particular order, here are this week's highlights.

1.) We are still trying to potty train. We were at work and did not have our potty seat with us. Needless to say, it was our first and hopefully last trip into the toilet. Not fun, but I guess I should be grateful it wasn't at the mall or a gas station, uggg.
2.) Lindsey seems to be developing a stronger bond with Maxwell. Maxwell is her stuffed dog. She called him puppy forever and then one day I heard her talking to him. I asked what his name was and she said Maxwell. We have no idea where it came from, but there is always a chair for him at our table.
3.) Lindsey saw a grasshopper for the first time this week. He was on the glass door at work. She studied him for a long time. I am imagining all of the things that could be going through her mind. She turns to me and asks, "Mommy, do gasshoppers eat mac and cheese?"
4.) Lindsey was busy coloring while I was working on the computer. She stood up to show me her art. The look on her face was full of fear. She started to limp and hang her foot. She froze, unsure of what was happening to her. My best guess is her foot fell asleep. How do you explain this to her? It's okay, it will go away, just hang on. Of course, it passed quickly, but it is so hard when things we as adults totally understand happen to them for the first time.

Ohhhh, the stories are endless, but I smell dinner so I better get back to it and make it look like I have been busy! ;)

Delicious Autumn!

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a
bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.
~George Eliot

What a great quote! I love autumn. Our leaves really don't turn like they do in the East, but the cooler temperatures are certainly welcome. I was able to work in yard today in a t-shirt and jeans and I didn't die of heatstroke and soon the mosquitoes won't carry me away!

We pulled all of the fall decorations out last night. Lighted pumpkins, plastic pumpkins, painted pumpkins and of course pumpkin candles. Yummm! I even made a pumpkin roll for MOPS yesterday. That is another thing about fall, MOPS starts back up and I am able to share time with other moms. What a great program!

Halloween is fast approaching. I wonder if Lindsey will wear a "real" costume this year? Then it is time for Thanksgiving. Yummy food and the perfect time to be thankful for all of our many blessings. Then, yes, it will be here, Christmas. I almost fell over in Target the other day when I saw Christmas decorations out. It was like September 25. Come on, put the brakes on, enjoy this season, it has so much to offer!

Anyway, this is a totally random post. Mimi will understand because I think she loves autumn as much, if not more than I do! Hope you all have a terrific autumn!

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

The good news is, I do know when I will be back again. My much awaited trip to Atlanta (yes, the land of overflowing rivers and torrential thunderstorms) is here. I depart tomorrow morning. Today has been a whirlwind of preparations and a whirlwind of emotions. Printing brochures, packing, making sure my instructions for Lindsey are as complete as possible, being excited, being nervous, just plain being tired.

So much races through my head right now. I am so sad that I won't see Lindsey until Friday. It feels so odd, so wrong honestly. I know she is in good hands, John and MiMi Betty will be fine with her. I just keep thinking what will I miss, will she forget me, will she be sad? Crazy thoughts as John puts it, but I just can't help it.

This trip does make me put things in some perspective though. I am thankful that I don't have to do this on a regular basis. At one time, my old job had me on the road quite a bit. I can't imagine leaving my baby girl on a regular basis. I am also grateful that I am on the exhibiting side of the meeting. Having been on both the hosting/planning and attending side of a trade show, I can say it's much easier being the exhibitor! This trip also made me think, this is what John does go through on a weekly basis. Every Monday through Thursday we are in Rosenberg working. I wonder if his heart aches a little bit when we are gone?

So, I guess I just need to try my best to focus on dazzling potential clients and signing them up for business. :) Just remember honey, Lindsey likes the yogurts pops in the freezer and there is such thing as too many mandarin oranges.

Waiting For the Leaves to Change

It is September. Wow! Part of me is thankful because it means cooler temperatures are getting closer. Part of me misses summer, because although I love Aggies, (afterall, I am one of them) I hate the traffic that the students bring back to town. The town does seem to have more pep with everyone back though, especially now that football season is starting.

I seem to find myself in this position alot these days, trying to catch up in one big blog what has been happening. I keep telling myself I am going to be better, but alas something else seems to come up.

1.) Preschool was a blast! Lindsey loved it and continues to talk about going to school. She made some terrific crafts and enjoyed her monkey lunch kit. I also loved my "time off." It really is amazing how many things you can get done all by yourself.
2.) We have been without our shaw for more than two months now. I am thankful that it went smoothly.
3.) Lindsey continues to obsess over Speed Racer. She constantly wants to watch John's DVD's. Her speed racer coloring book must go with us everywhere. He also must lay under her head when she falls asleep. Together we can pull off most of the theme song. I must admit, I did not like Speed Racer when my brother forced me to watch it 30 years ago, but I am trying to me more understanding since John and Lindsey both seem to love it so much! ;)
4.) Lindsey's vocabulary is amazing. I am so proud of her. It is a constant battle as a parent though to not let things slip. Not even really bad things, just little things I sometimes don't even realize I am saying. One of her favorite things is, "Are your surris?" and "Surrsly" (seriously) When I get annoyed at something I tend to say these, obviously more than I thought. She also likes to say, "Who is that guy/girl" whenever we meet someone new. She pats my back when I hug her and says, "I love you so much." Melt, melt melt. I don't want to forget these things. I want my video camera on all the time.
5.) Sissy has been having more health issues. We have had to up her medication again, but for the time being it is working. Maybe I need to ask Obama to offer a pet option in the new health plan.
6.) Work has been incredibly busy. We are putting several stores in this fall in addition to moving our headquarters. I can't wait for this. Due to so much happening, I have been spending three to four days a week in Rosenberg working. It is getting hard. I am ready for the move so I can spend more time at home with John and stop living out of a suitcase. I am excited about an upcoming trip to Atlanta where will be exhibiting. I am excited because I feel like I might finally be able to contribute something. I mean, I know what I do matters, but this is more like what I did in my previous life. Only drawback...four days away from Lindsey. Must admit I am a little nervous about that.

I am sure there is more, but John will be home soon. Off to have some family time! :)

Preschool Fun Days

Earlier this year I signed Lindsey up for her first preschool adventure. For each Thursday in July from 9 am - 12:30 pm, Lindsey would be playing with friends and Mommy would be out of the town. I have been dreaming about this for months. Three and a half hours of doing whatever I want!

After a rough night (we haven't had our "shaw" in almost a week, but last night she really, really wanted it) I had to wake Lindsey up to get ready. I asked if she wanted to go to school and she literally sat straight up and said "Yes!" We got ready and headed out the door. As we were getting out of the car and I put her backpack on and put her lunchkit in her tiny hands, it hit me. My baby is going to preschool. School will be next and oh my gosh, one day I will have to send her to college! I signed her in and took her to her class, she hands everything to her teacher, says bye bye and is off to play. I turn to leave and it starts. I quickly lower the sunglasses to hide the tears. So I sat in the parking lot, cried and called Marti to discuss these Mommy feelings. I knew John would just think I was crazy as all I could talk about was my three and a half hours of whatever.

After reassuring words from my veteran Mommy resource I was off for my whatever. Today's whatever included a pedicure and trips to the bank, optical shop, Office Depot and James Avery. I picked Lindsey up and was thrilled with a huge hug and a Mommy squeal. She was asleep before we made it to the house and I am now waiting for her to wake up so we can play.

For some it may sound silly, tears over preschool and one day a week for one month at that. This is a good thing, for both of us. However, it is yet another sign that my little baby is growing up. How time is flying.

Gone But Not Forgotten

I didn't want to let the day go by without remembering two important people. My Dad, Sigmund Lipinsky and John's Dad, Lonnie Williams.

So much of what I know of Lonnie is from stories from friends and family, as Alzheimer's had already taken his spark when I met John. He was a remarkable man. The stories always mention Lonnie's love for life, his giving heart and a joyful attitude. I know they are true because I see these very same qualities in John. A note about the picture of Lonnie and me at my wedding. As I planned our wedding, I realized April 24 was going to be a Saturday that year. This was my parents and my grandparents anniversary and I was thrilled that I would be able to share the same day. As it turned out, our church was booked all day and I had to select another day, March 20. How thankful I am it turned out this way as Lonnie's illness took a turn for the worse very shortly after our wedding. Had we married on the 24th Lonnie would have missed a day that he truly enjoyed. He was dancing and laughing and dancing and dancing. The man loved to dance! You could see the joy in his eyes.

The stories of my Dad come from family and friends as well. My Dad was quiet and reserved, dedicated to his family and his church and one of the hardest working people around. Since he passed when I was so young, I don't remember many specific stories of my own. I do remember him having surprises tucked in his nail pouch when he would come home, learning to polka while standing on his feet in the middle of our living room, him playing the accordion, snuggling next to him at church on Saturday night and us all going home and eating popcorn while watching Emergency on TV. (This was the real popcorn too, he made it in a pan with oil and everything!)

We love you and miss you both very much!