Whew!

When I got to Mason's school today to pick him up, a group of moms were coming out with their kids. They noticed that one of them had just been robbed. Her car window was smashed and her purse was missing.
So here's the deal. There are apartments adjacent to the school. They're pretty nice apartments... nothing shady as far as I can tell. Apparently, once a year or so, something very similar to this happens. Someone is watching from the apartments, waiting until they see a mom go into the school without a purse on her shoulder. That's probably what happened today.
I never take my purse in with me. Never. Heck, I often don't even bring my purse with me to the school, but when I do, I don't think I have ever brought it in with me to get Mason. Ever. Not a single time. It so could have been me, but it wasn't. I dodged the bullet, perhaps because I was running just a little bit late today.
And I must say "Whew!" I'm real grateful that I am not the one feeling victimized and fretting over my identity being stolen and having to shell out $500 in deductibles to get my car fixed. I can say this, though. That guy wouldn't have gotten a dime out of me had it been my purse. I have exactly zero dollars in there, not even any change. And Landon is so on top of our credit cards that they would have been canceled before the guy could have made any purchases, even if he immediately ran to the store.
But still, I'm so grateful I don't have to worry about that tonight. And also that I got a clear reminder that it's probably never a good idea to leave your purse in your car when you are out of sight, even for a few minutes.

The Moments that Make it all WORTH it

Moment 1 --
Me: Frustrated. Angry. Right at the brink of becoming the crazy, screaming lady.
Mason: "Mama!"
Me: "WHAT?"
Mason: "I love you."

Moment 2 --
Me: Tired. Spent. "Marissa, are you ready for some milkies?"
Marissa: Nods in the affirmative. Spits out pacifier and pants with anticipation.
Me: Lays down. Offers the breast.
Marissa: Coos with appreciation. And is quiet. And still.

Moment 3 --
Me: Posts on Facebook, "Robyn would very much like a vacation. Without any kids."
Landon: "Robyn, we should go away next month, just the two of us. Without any kids."

This job is hard. Sometimes I think I'm going crazy. And just when I feel like I might lose it for real this time, the perks kick in and I remember how incredibly lucky I am.

Rain Boots Rock

Mason loves jumping in the puddles. He wants to do it at every possible opportunity. So, I try to let him as much as is reasonable (like after we leave the store). Anyhow, I've been watching him jump in these puddles and wishing I could join him. I've been looking all winter for some grown up sized boots that 1) I liked, and 2) were not exorbitantly priced. I finally found some this week at Target.
Last night, it was raining. It had been raining for about 24 hours straight. There were some kick ass puddles all over the place. Landon got home from his trip to Vegas and wanted to sleep. So, after I put the Rissa to bed, Mason and I headed out to our neighborhood diner for some pancake dinner. And, boy oh boy, did that diner parking lot have some puddles.
Mason was very tempted on the way in. So was I (I was in my maiden voyage with the new boots). But, we refrained with the promise of jumping after dinner. We had some hot chocolate and pancakes and bacon and juice. When we were full, we rushed out to that parking lot full of puddles. And we jumped. And jumped. And waded through some parking lot lakes. And jumped some more. People inside the restaurant laughed as they watched the two of us have a blast. A couple on their way into the restaurant encouraged Mason to make bigger splashes and then joined in a bit. We laughed and jumped and got very, extremely wet. Mason was soaked up to his waist and into his rain boots.
It was the most fun I have had in a long time.
My new rain boots rock. I'm so grateful for them. And for the joyful memories they helped us make last night. And for all the memories they'll be part of in the future.

Pure Luck

On the drive out to my parents' house, there are a few views that make me catch my breath every time. This bridge is one of them.This bridge haunts my dreams. I have fantasies about capturing it at different times of the day, different times of the year. I just really love the bridge. It speaks to me, or whatever you want to call it.
Now, the reality of the matter is 1) I'm not as great of an artist as my mind's eye is; 2) When I'm going to/coming from my parents' house, the lighting is almost always wrong (since I'm almost always going around midday or after dark; 3) When I'm going to/coming from my parents' house, I have two kids in the car who aren't all that interested in hanging out in the car while I walk down the side of a busy 2 lane highway to take pictures (not that I would leave my kids even if they would be okay with that); 4) The air quality is almost always not good in this particular little valley; and 5) Did I mention I'm not as great of an artist as I imagine in my own head?
Anyhow, on this particular day in November, I had gotten a fairly early start out to my parents' (since it was a weekend, we didn't have to wait for Mase to get out of school). Also, my husband was with me. Also, the valley was completely clear. The water was still. The light was beautiful. And, most importantly, I had brought my camera. It was serendipity (I always want to use that word, but I'm pretty sure I never have before! Hooray!). Pure luck.
And I am so, so proud of and so, so grateful for that beautiful shot that comes very close to replicating the amazing portrait I've had in my imagination for a long time now. Content. :)

Hooray for Rain... and the Sun too.

We're in a drought. And up until a week and a half ago (or there about), we had basically no rain yet for this "rainy" season we're in. Then it started raining. And it rained for many days on end. And it was good. And I was grateful. Amen.
But today, the sun is out. And let me tell you, after so many days in a row of rain, I am grateful today for the sun. I think I'll be taking the kids for a walk this afternoon. Hallelujah!

Feeling better... WooHoo!

After getting sick about three weeks ago, I've pretty much felt like crap. Last weekend, I was finally starting to feel like I was getting over my cold, only to develop a bad sinus headache. A headache that lasted until yesterday.
Last night, Landon suggested that I try using some saline nasal spray. I was dubious, but also pretty desperate. A four day headache will do that to you. Anyhow, I used the saline spray several times before bed and then took some advil.
This morning, I had no headache. Hallelujah! In fact, I've felt pretty great all day.
So, today I am so, so, so, so, so grateful for feeling better!

Amazing

Today, I had a parent-teacher conference at Mason's school. Landon did the last one, so it was my turn to go meet with Joanna, Mason's wonderful, amazing, super nice teacher.
She brought me into the meeting room and immediately started gushing about how great Mason is... She told me he is kind, sweet, funny, sensitive, helpful, friendly, well-rounded and a bunch of other really nice things. Then she told me everything he is working on in class, and that he should be doing addition and reading soon. There were only very complimentary things said about my son... she told me several times how pleased she is that Mason is in her class. I asked a few questions about some minor concerns/issues we're having, either at home or relating to school. Joanna gave me some great answers... some really helpful feedback... and then told me some more nice things about my kid.
Every day, I work very hard at being a mom. Some days I do better than others. Some days I totally suck at it (those are the days when lots of yelling occurs). Some days I'm brilliant. It's exhausting. It's challenging. It doesn't ever end. You're always on call. But, every once in a while, you get to see little glimmers into the person (or people) you are helping to shape. It is those moments when I am reminded how amazing motherhood really is.
I am so grateful for the two little people I am raising. I am grateful that Mason is kind and sweet and funny. I am grateful that he is sensitive and helpful. I am grateful for the person that he is and the man he will become. And I am so grateful that he decided to come and live at my house.