Just doin' Life

This week I heard my language teacher, Barbara, say (in German of course) "September is what we Austrians call old lady weather. It's not too hot, it's not too cold, it's just right." Barbara is a prophet. That's exactly what we experienced this week. One day after school, I was feeling like a Mother-of-the-Year candidate so I decided to surprise the girls by putting off homework and all other after-school routines by throwing caution to the wind and going to the park. That's just what we did. While they threw their hands in the air like they just didn't care, I did a little homework ... ok, so I tried to do a little homework. I mostly sat in the sun and drank my favorite little treat drink, Cappy, and pretended like I was doing my homework.

Side note. I'm trying to add a picture, then write about the picture, then add another picture, then write some more ... but I can't get it! Justine, or anyone else who is a Blog expert please help!

Ok, so ... back to the matter at hand.

This week we got three packages from home. One of them was actually a package that was sent early in July, was addressed to Parker, was sent back to the states and was lost, reported as stolen, only to be found and sent back to Shirley (Chris' Mom), the original sender, who then sent it right back to us, but addressed it to Chris. Whew! That wore me out!

Lesson learned: always send something to us under Chris' or my name.

The other two were from Chris' sister, Lori. She is adorable! She sent all of us girls late birthday surprises. She took Hershey's candy bars, put labels on the back addressed to each one of us, and then a great chocolate quote. It was so much fun! She is one of the most thoughtful people I know. She is always doing something little to remind us the beauty of family, the joy in friendship, and the simplicity of life.

But, one of the best things we got in our packages this week was ... a little blue porcelain car. Chris' Mom has had this little jewel sitting on her stove for at least 53 years. (OK, I just randomly picked that number ... I really don't know how long it has sat there.) Anyway, she put it in a little package and attached a note that said, "This has sat on my stove for years. I have kept toothpicks in it. Keep it on your stove and everytime you get a toothpick you can think of me." Awwwww ... group hug! Is that not the sweetest thing?! When I showed it to Chris, I swear that big ol' 48 year-od man melted into a 7 year-old boy and shared his memories of always seeing that little car on his mother's stove. At one point, she kept matches in it. So, guess where this little blue car now sits? On my stove, with matches in it. You better believe everytime I see that car I will think of my dear Shirley (that's the new name I'm giving her ... I will no longer call her my mother-in-law ... from here on out she is my dear Shirley.)

Just doin'life,
Christina