We left Mayberry last Thursday. It was quite an ordeal trying to head out, actually. The idea was to pack and have everything ready to go so by 3:30 when Cade was out out school, we'd pick him up and head straight to Boise for the wedding of Kyle's sister, Heather. We lost track of time (more like I kept trying to get all the laundry folded and put away and the house picked up before we left. that's always my goal....never happens though) and we picked up Cade FIFTEEN MINUTES late. Oh it was so sad. My memory of him that day is forever burned into my mind and etched into my heart forever. It broke my heart. He was standing in the middle of the playground all alone crying. It really was the most heart-wrenching of sights to behold. Kyle jumped out of the car and ran to comfort him. In the mean time, I ran inside the school to turn in Cade's Reflections project (I swear it was just yesterday I was turning in my own). I discovered that the lady who usually watches the kids after school on the playground was filling in for the office ladies. The school was a little short-staffed that day, hence the scared Cade and the tears. We got him calmed down and after saying sorry a billion times we were on are way. Except I smelled something. It smelled BAD.
He had dog poop all over his shoes and pants.
I couldn't help but laugh. He spent about ten minutes and 50 baby wipes trying to get the stuff off. Once they were cleaned off enough to toss in the trunk we headed back to our house for Kyle to de-stinkify himself with new jeans and shoes and we tossed the dirty ones in the garage. I also took advantage of the house stop to get Cade some medicine. He was feeling feverish and was uncharacteristically tired. {Not the flu! I swear, we've been sick for 3 weeks straight! I thought we were done!}
And then we were off.
After about 15 minutes of driving Kyle asked me if remembered my temple recommend. I gasped and cringed. Nope.
So we drove back. Again.
An hour and some change later post desired departure time, we were finally on the road. Cade fell asleep and Savannah enjoyed watching movies on the handheld Fisher Price DVD player (a darn good investment by the way).
Kyle's brother and wife were are gracious hosts for the weekend and I was looking forward to an evening of conversation amongst adults after putting the kids to bed. Savannah was in rare (or her usual...??) form that night and insisted on sleeping on Kyle and I's bed. Every time I put her in the pack and play she squealed the high-pitched-bloody-murder scream of death. Not wanting to wake the rest of the sleeping children, I consented to letting her fall asleep on my bed. I snuggled up next to her expecting her to quickly sink into dreamland. The next thing I knew it was 2am and I was still in my clothes. So much for catching up with the sibs and spending a lovely evening chatting. I must have been tired.
The wedding ceremony was beautiful. I like to be reminded of the covenants I made and refocus on the eternal picture. It was also nice to all be together again. Just a few months prior we all had gotten together for Randy and Kristen's summer wedding. Heather and David were permasmiling and I was surprised how well the Mom's kept their emotions at bay. Cade and Savvy had a blast with their cousin Walker. On a purely selfish note, I loved the jewelry all the sister-in-laws (poor Heather is sister-less) were given to wear.
You know what else was really cool? Even though it rained that evening at her (I know, "their" but really it was hers) outdoor reception, Heather didn't have a care in the world. She had married her man in the temple and nothing else mattered. And that's as it should be, isn't it?
I have to shake my head at my mother-in-law's continued insanity enormous amount of ambition to make her own food for receptions. Those who know me know that cooking for large numbers of people (meaning my family of 4 or more) causes me to panic, and so anyone who desires to do it is borderline crazy in my book. I look forward to hiring a cater for my events. Mary did indeed cook for a large number of people and boy did she feed them some good food. She served a baked potato bar complete with shredded beef and shredded turkey topping (yummmm). My personal favorite was the hot chocolate bar. The rain was a great way to keep everyone huddled together under the tents and it didn't seem to deter at all from the celebration. It was lovely.
The next morning after a delicous bowl of eggs courtesy of my sister-in-law, I was laying on a massage table while Ursula was working her magic and kneading the last 4 months of stress out of me. Kyle reminded me about a week before the wedding that I should take advantage of being up in Boise and set up an appointment with my favorite masseuse. Ursula is one of a kind. I have had a lot of massages in my day, and I have never found anyone like her. I wanted to cry when my session was over. But at least I'll be back for Thanksgiving I told her. I suppose it's a good thing she's 6 hours away. I might end up spending all our savings paying her to get all the knots out of my neck.
Saturday afternoon Cade and I were off back to Mayberry while Savvy and Daddy stayed in Boise. I was actually looking forward to the quiet scenic drive, although I was afraid sitting in the car for nearly six hours would undo all of Ursula's magic. Cade fell asleep after being on the road for 20 minutes and he stayed asleep for 3 hours. He is a truly fabulous traveler. When he awoke, I stopped to get some gas and was feeling really generous. So I let him have one treat of his choice at the convenience store. After much deliberation he settled upon a pack of orange Tic Tacs. That little boy makes me laugh. Of all the chocolate candy bars and sucker pops he chose Orange Tic Tacs. When we got in the car I asked him if he wanted me to set up a DVD for him to watch. He declined saying, "No, I want to watch the whole wide world. It changes so much when I look out the window."
So Cade looked at the whole wide world for the next 2 hours, carefully rationing his Tic Tacs to last him the rest of the way home.
When we pulled onto Mayberry Street around 11pm, my neighbor across the street (the dark-haired gal with the sassy 'do who would do anything for anyone and doesn't sweat the small stuff) was in her garage packing up her car. What was she doing? Packing up her car for a road trip of course. She was surprising her kids in the morning with a trip to Mexico. See what I mean? Who cares that school is in session? She spontaneously decided with her husband the night before that they should go to Mexico. And so there she was loading up her car with suitcases and snacks, preparing for a very long road trip to Mexico to make wonderful memories with her kids. I love that woman. And then what should I find on my door step? Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies from another neighbor. Just because.
It's good to be home.
PS The beautiful singer-neighbor with the stilletto's just updated her Web site. She's famous! Check her out at www.jodileemusic.com. For your information, yes, she looks that gorgeous all the time. 6:30 am or 11 pm.
Sigh... :)
