Just realized something, this evening.

I had to text Adam, and tell him just how long it’s been, since the last time he seriously spanked my ass! I’m feeling proud!

“Today the world we live in, realness tends to wash and fade away. That’s why if you ain’t walking shit, then I don’t care for shit you say. I met the folks I idolize, and so far they’re some white ass lies. Just country faking good disguise, now tell me how that tends to fly. I’m on my southern rhyme twang, baby, come and roll with me. Backwoods as it gets and not the shit that you see on T.V. I’m talking Chevy C10, kicking up some brown rocks .30-06 with a cedar-stained wood stock…”

~Upchurch & Luke Combs

We have a name for tourists, when we see them on Broadway. You typically see several bachelorette parties, and we call them the “woo girls”. We don’t go downtown, to Broadway, very often. I think it’s been over 3 years, since we went to any Broadway bars. I do love seeing live music, but it’s always so darned crazy! Lots of drunk “woo girls”, and too many liquored up “tough guys”, acting like idiots.

The last time we went out, on Broadway, there were several members of our dominant 1% biker club there. Adam and I were standing outside, waiting for our Uber to pick us up. I didn’t see what was happening, but one of the bikers had walked up behind me, and as he went to put his arm around me, I suddenly saw Adam step over and holler, “WHOAAAA!” Let me say, I have absolutely nothing against bikers. I’m very much about living your life on your own terms, so long as you’re not harming anyone. I know enough about biker culture to know, had that guy stepped to Adam, the entire club would have joined in. Adam knows that, too. Still, he was going to protect me, whatever the risks. As it turned out, the guy held his arms up, apologized, and moved on. One of his buddies also approached Adam to apologize, and offered to buy him a beer. We declined that offer. To this day, remembering how unafraid Adam was, when it came to keeping me safe, is one of the most attractive memories I can recall.

I baked a loaf of chocolate chip bread, for Adam and the kids. I don’t particularly like much chocolate, but they love it.

I’ve gotten all the stuff around the house done. The sun decided to make an appearance. That helps! I opened a couple of windows, letting some fresh air inside. Adam had an appointment, with Google’s local headquarters, today. He calls that place “Fort Knox”, because they don’t allow your phone to be out. They check ID, and make him go through more security than a military base. It’s always cool to hear about the different places he sometimes ends up going to.

Pj is going to see the pediatric cardiology specialist on March 1. I’m so anxious to see what they have to say. I’m proud of my sister, for having the attitude she has, about it all. She said she thinks Pj’s hemangioma was a blessing, because they’d never have known about her heart, otherwise. It’s the same condition that so many young athletes die unexpectedly from. We don’t do EKG’s at well child visits, so it’s often undiagnosed.

Y’all, I have not so much as rolled my eyes at Adam, lately. My rebellious spirit seems to have quieted. She’s still in there, but not so loud, anymore. There’s a sense of peace and security to that. Adam’s got me, and I’m trusting that.

~BlackBerry Smoke

We were in bed by 9:30pm, last night. Adam went to work, but I could’ve slept in. Instead, I woke up, wide awake, at 5:45am. My school days alarm goes off at 5:41am. I always set alarms for times that don’t end in increments of 5 minutes. If I need to be up at 5:00am, I set my alarm for either 4:59, or 5:01. It drives Jackie crazy, but I have a weird thing about alarms. It’s just one of my “quirks”.

I’m doing lots of laundry, today. I kind of neglected my household stuff, this weekend. We had such a full, fun weekend, but I didn’t get much done around the house. I’m playing catch up, now. I’m making potato soup, for supper. I add diced ham to it, because Adam is a big “meat and potatoes” type of guy. He never once has complained about something I’ve cooked, but I still know his preferences, and I try to always keep them in mind.

I was listening to a podcast, earlier. They were discussing “intrusive thoughts”. He said, if you’re plagued by thoughts or memories of something that still haunts you from your past, the best way to help yourself, is to intentionally bring these things to your mind once in awhile. Think the memory through. Tell yourself what you can do to prevent this ever happening again. Remind yourself that you’re stronger and wiser, now. I thought that was neat advice. This is something that happens to me, occasionally. I can be going about my day, when I’m slapped with “intrusive thoughts” about an old trauma. I hadn’t ever heard this advice, but I did do something like that, after I was sexually assaulted. I told myself the story, sometimes. I reminded myself that I hadn’t done anything wrong. I didn’t deserve it. I remembered how I thought, felt, what I was wearing, all of the ways I had nothing to do with what happened to me. It helped me to get past it, too. I don’t really struggle, when it comes to that memory, anymore. I do still have some other issues that I might have to try to work through, using his advice.

I’ve got music playing, now. The dishwasher, washer, and dryer are all going. The kids must be recovering, from the busy weekend, because they slept in, and have been pretty quiet and lazy. I’m just letting them be. It’s about 65 degrees, outside, but it’s cloudy and dreary. That makes it extra hard to find motivation! I suppose I’ll go get the rest of my list checked off, before I get too sleepy from standing still. I’d like to vacuum and sweep and mop. We’ve had a lot of people in and out of our house, so the floors need a good cleaning.

If Heaven is anything like the last several days I’ve spent, with my family, I can’t wait. I wish I could bottle these times up, so I could drink them in anytime I wanted to.

We had family and friends over for burgers, brats, and hotdogs. Adam did a perfect job grilling them. We had some cucumbers soaked in vinegar, water, and onion. Jackie made some asparagus with lemon pepper and olive oil. We had macaroni salad. Jackie’s sister brought chips. I’m stuffed.

We played a few games of cornhole. Jackie, Justin, my sister, and her husband just left. They’re going bowling. We’re babysitting Pj. I held her, as we walked circles around the house. She fell asleep. Now Adam’s snuggling her.

Adam is working tomorrow, but nobody else has to get up for work or school. It has been such a fun weekend! I just bought a new pack and play crib, for the babies. We have Jackie’s niece and Pj over here so often, I decided I need to get one here. Adam was teasing me, because we donated our old one, right before we moved. I did not expect my sister to be having any babies, though! I just bought Pj a new bottle. She’s breastfed, so it can be a challenge to get her to drink from a bottle. I’d noticed, when we’ve had her, she might like a wider bottle neck. I spent about 45 minutes researching, and came up with one I thought she might like. It’s called “Comotomo”. We tried it, the other day, when my sister was here with her. She actually took right to it! I told Adam about how I’d got it for her. He’s always so fine with buying things for the kids and babies. He even turns the thermostat up, when the babies are here. If Jackie’s niece or Pj is here, he’ll quietly turn the heat up, for them.

I suppose I should get the kitchen cleaned up. I have a feeling we’re going to be ready for bed early, tonight. It’s bittersweet, having this weekend come to its end.

“Applebees on a date night…”

We all went out to eat, at Applebees. Then, we decided it would be fun to do some “booze cruising”. Jackie’s boyfriend, Justin, drove. We were all singing along to a 90’s Country music playlist. It was a blast! I had so much fun! I was very ready to come home, and go to bed, by the time we finally got home. I don’t usually drink too much. I love a beer, or two, but I overindulged, while we were driving around. I’m rallying, because we have Jackie, her boyfriend, Jackie’s sister and niece, my sister, her husband, baby Pj, Adam, I, our kids, plus 2 of our daughter’s friends going to be here to BBQ and play cornhole with us. It was awesome getting out, and hanging out with some of my favorite people, though! Time to go have another amazing day with some amazing family and friends ❤️

~The Trews (featuring Kid Rock)

My daughter played her guitar and sang this song, at a talent show. She dedicated it to her uncle, my brother. She performed it beautifully.

My brother called me, one summer day, 15 years ago. He announced that he had just signed papers to join the Navy. I wasn’t the most supportive sister, at first. He hadn’t said a word about considering joining the military. 9/11 felt like it had just happened. We were in such a scary time. We were so young! I pelted him with questions and comments. Still, I wrote him everyday, while he was in boot camp. I’ve waited and watched, as he’s arrived home from deployments. I prayed for him. We hung a yellow ribbon around a tree, out front, all 7 times he went on “tour”. I held my breath, every time an unfamiliar car pulled into my driveway, scared it was someone coming to tell me something terrible had happened, while he was deployed. Most of them were spent in dangerous places. He’s seen things I can’t imagine. He’s risen the ranks. His last couple deployments were as a Navy Seal. He shares the funny stories. Antidotes from his time at various training camps. Various outings in far away countries. I have no idea what he really even does, though. I know he isn’t the same person. I have serious respect for him, and for anyone who wears that uniform. I also know, it’s not for me. I don’t think my brain could handle the things he’s seen and done. I don’t want to be “hard”. I don’t want to look at the world through cynical glasses. I know he loves his family fiercely, but I also notice how difficult it is for him to just enjoy anything. There’s always this air of paranoia around him. He’s on guard. I see him constantly watching, waiting, for something bad to happen. Having said all that, I couldn’t possibly be more proud to have my brother, for a brother. There’s another song, “Soldier’s Eyes”, that makes me think of him, every time I hear it.

Enjoying this day, full of sunshine and children’s laughter, makes me appreciate what I have, even more. I don’t want to pretend like I know everything, when it comes to international conflict. I do know, I don’t want war. I don’t want to send more people to fight. I don’t want anyone to have to see the world through a “soldier’s eyes”. I am still able to find so much beauty, peace, and pure happiness. I just don’t want to take that from anyone else.

I was thinking about all of this, so I decided to write it down.

It’s only about 58 degrees, this afternoon, but we sat out on the deck and watched the kids play. They jumped on the trampoline. They played basketball. They played baseball. The ice cream truck went by. They chased after him, and got some overpriced ice cream bars. Mj’s best friend is here. Her friend, who lives across the street, is also here, playing with them. I hear so many little girl giggles. They’re sitting on the garage steps, singing songs together, now.

Jackie and I are going to get ready, to go out to eat with the guys, together. I ordered some pizza, for the kids and their babysitter to eat, while we’re gone.

It’s been a pretty quiet, easy day. Not much to report on here. My heart is happy. I love hearing the sounds of my kids laughing and playing. Our son joined them, for all their outdoor games, but he wasn’t up for doing karaoke with them! I wish I’d have thought to take pictures, while they all played.

We had a blast hanging out with my sister, last night. Jackie, my sister, and I sat in my kitchen. We talked and laughed until nearly 11:00pm. Such a simple thing is so much fun, when it’s with my people. Adam snuggled sleeping baby Pj, while we had our “girl time”.

I try to make sure I write on here, at least once a day. There’s not a whole lot to say, but this is what our day has been. In a little while, Jackie and I will start getting dressed and ready for our night out. We’ll probably grab a beer, put on some music, and get silly. I’m excited 😊

I have posted this recipe, once before. It’s super easy, and so yummy. Especially on a cold, dreary day!

My sister came by, this afternoon. I’m making some chicken soup, so I had that going, in my crockpot. I also baked some brownies. It’s cold, today! High was only 41 degrees. It’s a shock, after several days in the 60’s and 70’s. It’s supposed to be sunny and 60’s again, on Sunday. I got some burgers, hotdogs, and brats for Adam to grill, then.

Justin is coming over, later. My sister, her husband, and Pj are coming by, too. We’re going to play some cards and hang out.

Mj’s best friend is coming to stay with us, tomorrow. The kids are off school, for President’s Day, on Monday, so she can stay here for the long weekend. They’re excited 😊

We’re going out to eat, with Jackie and Justin, tomorrow evening. Our son has a baseball “banquet”, tomorrow afternoon, too. He sold tickets to the dinner, and the team will help set up, serve, and clean up. It looks like it’s going to be a full weekend, with lots of fun with family and friends!

When Adam is looking for something, I tease him to “take off your man eyes”, because it’s often right there. Looking for ketchup? Just move the mayonnaise out of the way, it’s literally right there. I’ve also suggested he remove his “man eyes”, when I’m trying to point out an issue that he isn’t seeming to comprehend.

Adam and I had a bit of back and forth about something that was starting to seriously bother me. Both of our kids are involved in various extracurricular activities. Our son just finished wrestling, and baseball season has started. Adam has been helping our son practice. He has been to his competitions. He will help drive him to or from practices, sometimes. All of those things are great, but my issue is that, he has never once made it to a single thing our daughter has done. I alone have attended her awards ceremonies, plays, concerts, talent show contest… It has always been understood that Daddy has to work, but he’s supporting them. I feel like with his son, he’s making an obvious effort to be there for his stuff. Adam was rearranging his work schedule, so that he could attend a parent meeting for baseball. I guess that was my “final straw”, because I finally said my peace. I told him, I know he’s your only son, but you have a daughter too. If he thinks she won’t notice that he never goes to her things, but is willing to pencil in the time to attend her brother’s things, he’s very sadly mistaken. I said, if he does want to start being there for more, he needs to also be there for some of Mj’s stuff. He cannot ignore the things that are important to her, just because they’re not as “interesting”, to him. I wasn’t bitchy. I didn’t insult him. I simply addressed this issue that I saw. He did seem to understand what I was saying, but I really hope he takes it to heart.

We are not “perfect”. Obviously, I screw up, sometimes. Adam does too, though. I will not hesitate to call him out on it, either. A lot depends on the way I address a problem. I’ve learned to approach him with a calm, level headed attitude. To refrain from yelling, cursing, or insulting him. Do I always do that? No. I did, this time. It was handled without any big argument. We were able to spend the rest of the evening happily. That’s the lesson, here. When I stick to an issue, and treat him with respect, while I’m addressing it, we can solve a problem together. I don’t want to insult him as a father. He’s amazing. I honestly don’t think he even realized he was doing this to our kids. I just feel it’s very important that he makes time for our daughter, too. I think they both deserve time, attention, and support from both of their parents.

Because of the crappy weather, yesterday, our son’s parent meeting, for baseball, was changed over to a zoom meeting, instead of in person. It worked out so that both Adam and I were able to be on that zoom call. Our daughter was also supposed to have gone to a choir event, but it was canceled. I would never suggest that Adam should avoid participating in our children’s activities. It’s great when it works out for him to attend. I swear, sometimes teachers and coaches can get on my nerves a little bit. The way they talk to us like they do the children they teach, ugh… I’m an adult. You do not need to do that! It’s good for Adam to get a taste of what I put up with! 😆 Oh well, everything worked out, last night.