Time On My Hands = A Lot of Words

I'm sure Andrew's Friday night shenanigans were far more interesting than mine, but considering he's still not home, I'm afraid you'll have to allow me to suffer through my boredom with a mundane post to help battle the total amount of nothingness that's going on at the moment.

In reflecting upon this week, there are definitely moments worth remembering.

I have a solid total of three southern friends; well, technically they're from Utah, Minnesota & the Ukraine... but that's beside the point. One of the above mentioned girlfriends gave birth to her first child, a baby girl, on Tuesday. Not only do I share a birthday with this sweet baby, but I've secretly self appointed myself to be her fairy Godmother. Lucky for me, they live three doors down which gives me the opportunity to sneak down when I'm in need of a baby fix. Truthfully though, Henry is still "baby" enough for me and is more than generous with his cuddles. Not to mention, I sincerely enjoy sleeping through the night.

Thursday, Andrew and I "hired" a baby sitter for the first time, ever. Previous to this, we were in the position to free load off the kindness of family members and/or friends (I love you, Keersten) when the need arrived. It was more than a "good thing" to go out with my husband, child free. Sure, I still have separation anxiety when I leave my kids and confess that we arrived home an hour earlier than we told the babysitter. I learned that I'm that type of Mom that leaves notes of instruction all over the house for her benefit: how to use the remote controls, how to match the valves to the appropriate sippy cup, Eliza's bathroom routine, etc. Andrew was nearly pulling me by the ear to to get me into the car.

The dinner out was - dare I say - romantic? It's true. Andrew chose well, in regards to the restaurant. As for me, being eternally smitten with the fellow, have to say that I likewise... "chose well." I'm in love with him. Moving on.
Contrary to what the ultra white tone of my skin professes, I've been spending a lot of time in the sun. Earlier this week we fed the ducks & picnicked in the park. And since we're keeping it real, while we were there I forced my daughter to use the filthy public restroom after watching her do the "potty dance" for ten minutes. She screamed loudly. The echo made it possible for everyone within a three mile radius to be reluctant participants of that particular tantrum. She still struggles with the idea of using foreign toilets. And to be honest, judging by the state of that restroom, I can't blame her. She should still be soaking in a tub full of sanitizer.Maybe next time I will forgo the disease infested stalls and simply allow her to pee her pants.

I probably should be highlighting my week sequentially, but I'm too lazy to make the paragraph changes. My apologies to my OCD friends.

Last weekend, Andrew bought a riding lawn mower. It's "hot" - pictures will be forth coming. He's turning into quite the social butterfly. The couple he bought it from, have a four month old daughter. Andrew, stepping out of his comfort zone, bonded with the family. Two phone calls later, we have our first date with them this weekend.

Married couples know, the dating game doesn't end once you say "I do." Before your minds fall into the gutter, let me explain. It can be tricky making friends with other couples. The (non-sexual) chemistry has to be right with four people instead of two. Have you had a friend marry someone you didn't particular mesh with? As a result, the four of you don't hang out... like, ever?

When you're able to bond as couples, you create life long friendships. Getting to know each other as a couple can be awkward at times, but when you do find a connection, it's worth it.

So the male counter part of our potential future friends called last night, twice in fact. He and I made plans, he then talked to his wife and immediately called me back to change them, etc. Lesson learned, the wives should always do the planning. Anyway, we're planning on building a bonfire. That decision led him to ask this question...

"So what drinks do you like to mix?" Panic hits. I'm guessing this is an alcohol related question. I nearly put him on hold to call my martini mixin', alcohol consuming friends to confirm. I'm not that lame...so I stutter & stall. Finally I reply,

"Sprite and grape juice." I wait for him to laugh. He doesn't. The pressure is on here. We have to get passed the "We're Very Mormon" obstacle when making friends. If they were smart, they'd make us a sign a document that says: "We can be friends as long as you don't send the missionaries to our home." Mwa-ha-ha. So far, we haven't been shunned... but you never know. It could happen. Wish us luck.

As for Andrew, he spent Friday night on a "Father & Son's" camp out. He forgot to take Henry with him. Sad. Maybe next year, Henry!