Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Grubby Hands

Some people drink, some take a hot bath, some people shove their mouths with chocolate, and some just write.  I do a few of those.  When I have had it up to here, and I just can't handle much more.  God is trying to hand me some grace, and I'm trying my best to receive (with grubby little hands).

Today is not quite halfway over, and I just need a time out.  For me.  And apparently some airing of my complaints!  Today we'll not use any more mechanical thingies with glass screens.  We've broken two already.  Today.  Fortunately, thank you, Jesus, I purchased the warranty for my new iPhone, so for the deductible of only $49, a new one will be here tomorrow (thank you, Square Trade)(and Lord help me transfer all my stuff over, since I don't have a clue how!)   Unfortunately, I don't have a warranty on the iPad.  Another trip to the fixer for $100 will do.  (Crap, says my husband.  Or what he'll say when I break the news.)

We've also lost a sensor again to crazy blood sugars.  Last week I called to find out when the bad ones would be replaced, and they did come immediately, but I also have $1500 in new charges on my credit card.  They are just too expensive.  When I told the girl that Medtronic agreed to replace them, she said since we are using them "off-label" (under 16 years of age), they don't replace them for free.  So..that's the charge?  I didn't get a bill or ANYthing.  Frustrated.

We're on like the 14th snow day this year.  The kids are loud, riding Carter's toys around, and they are generally bored with the Apples to Apples we've been playing.  I can't let them go wild, since ambulances and fire trucks happen when I'm not looking.  (Yes, had both here on Sunday when oldest hit youngest accidentally with the swing.)  (Try explaining that one to the 911 operator.  And then to the paramedics.)

My husband has been teaching online only this semester (but he still goes in for office hours Tuesday through Thursday, so don't be all sorry for me), but this week he's a ghost.  He was out till almost 10 last night, and out the door before the kids were up today.  So..they never saw him.  (Of course I didn't tell them there was no school today! ..so they bathed and were in bed by 8:30.  This momma's got s-k-i-l-l-s.)  He's out all day, but said he'd be home by six, and not to make dinner. (No need to tell me twice.)  We're going out!  (Ok, with kids.)

Anyway, my days continue..and I did sheets today.  After my bed was nice, fresh, and scrumptious (don't you *love* sheet day?!), my baby wallowed all in the big pillows up at the top.  All 11 of them.  They were all squished in, messed up, and flattened, and he was laying right in the big middle, almost passed out from the intoxicating Downy softness and comfort all around him.  Ok, I've always wanted to jump into them too, but you just don't.  'Specially when you're the one making the bed. 

And the floor.  I swear I dust mop at least 7 times a day.  And I've already met my quota today.  Sucks.  I try to think of meals that don't require crumbs.  Lasagna (if you don't allow extra parmesan).  Broccoli, chicken, rice casserole (ditto).  Spaghetti (if you don't let them cut up any noodles) (and no bread).  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans.  Chicken and dumplings.  Beef stew, no crackers.  Potato corn chowder, only shredded melty cheese on top.  Ok, that list took me a while.

And I got this beautiful new Pottery Barn gray rug (took six weeks to get back into stock!), and it's in my entry way floor.  Rolled up in plastic. (I'd snap you a picture.  You know, if I had a camera that didn't cut my fingers when I *slide*.)  There hasn't been 30 minutes to get help to cut it to freedom, and put it in the middle of the living room floor.  (again, probably need help, and not from kids!)

My baby doesn't stay in bed anymore.  He's not quite ready for a big boy bed, but he scales the sides and plays around before he goes to sleep.  And when I ask him to "Look at Mommy", and say "Don't Get Out of Bed. (!)"  He laughs.  Like throw your head back, and find your unshowered mommy hilarious.  She just wishes.  Silly old thing, wanting a shower.

So, there's the lack of shower.  I had a bath last night, but hate to wash my hair at night, 'cause then I have bed head.  So, I still need a shower.  I mean, hey, I'm going OUT tonight!  (remember, for dinner?)

And also, the (girl scout) Cookie Invasion of '14.  They need to be delivered, yo.  And they don't drive themselves.  I had a flat last week (long story short: nail too close to the edge of my tire, didn't want to replace just one or two tires, so I got four new ones).  Then Ches had a flat on Saturday (long 4" screw).  So, let's just say we are being extra cautious now that we have wheels again.  And there's ice on the ground hiding the nails and screws just waiting to nail us.

My laundry is making babies faster than me, and I'm just trying to stay in the clean.  They wear them and dirty them faster than I can say, Stop Wearing Clean Clothes!  So, there's the constant music of my washer and dryer (no way to silence the machines' sing-songy happiness).  And then, I have to vacuum the floor/rug to fold them, and then the actual folding, and then the putting away, and repeat.

And the ice (again).  We are this Arkie family that creates stupid solutions.  We actually put our electric blanket out over the pool pump and equipment to keep it from freezing up in our 6 degree temps.  Yes, we covered it with a waterproof air mattress.  And six just-washed quilts and blankets and comforters for insulation.  (I told him they'd just been washed! and he asked if I wanted to buy a new pump after it busts or wash the quilts again.  Duh.)  At least they're in the back of the house.  (No, those dinosaurs and denim and stripes hanging out there are not for sale.  We're using them.)

K, I'm feeling all aired out.  Thanks for that!  No need for me to continue.. with the baby carrying around the toilet brush (touching only God knows what-seriously, He knows!), or the snotty noses around here.  Or the prescriptions that need filling.  And missed conferences and appointments due to snow and no babysitters.  Like my missed mammogram today.  (I better not have cancer, or I'll be ticked I didn't find it sooner.) (My make up date is in APRIL!).

It's a good thing I have good color on my hair.  And my heat is working.  And we have food to eat.  And faces to kiss.  And you know, the clean sheets.  And dinner out. ; )  God is giving to me, let me just open my hands.

Praying you are feeling the blessings, and you open your little hands too. : )
Hugs, y'all.  Stay warm.

2 comments:

Mary Ella said...

Hope your days get warmer and less busy!!! Miss ya!

Holly said...

April!! Thanks, I can't wait to see warm days again!! miss you too, girl!! : )