Helplessness Defined

On Friday it wasn't totally hot outside, but it was in my driveway. And I'm sure it was extra hot to 2 year old Tinkerpot, dressed in a long-sleeved shirt buckled tight in her carseat...locked in my car in the noonday sun. The moment I let go of the handle, I knew that I had not only locked my car keys into the front seat of my car, but I also locked my purse and cell phone there also.  I wore a short sleeved shirt and standing there next to her, I was sweating and not just because I was helpless.

I was just leaving to do a few errands and I left the back door open just in case Bugs came home from school and I was delayed for a minute or two so she could get in. If I hadn't done that, I'm sure I don't know what I would have done.  However, it was still bad. I raced inside through the back door and called Triple A. But I only have one phone in my whole house because who uses their land line anyway? And the phone I have is not a handset. So, while I was racing through information to get the number, and then trying to convey the urgency to the AAA operator, I was stuck INSIDE while my poor baby was out in the driveway alone and hot and crying and not knowing what was going on.  I was dying. 

I finally was able to go back out there but that was just the start of a 15 minute wait until the police and the AAA guy came. During that time, I toyed constantly with the idea of breaking through the window. At one point, I was able to get Tink to release the bottom buckle on her belt and she was able to wriggle out enough to take her shirt off.  At this point, she was sweating and flushed and I was freaking out. Her eyes leaked tears but she was so brave and her eyes locked with mine the whole time like she knew it was serious.  But although she was 75% out of the seatbelt and able to reach the door handle and door lock, I could not bring her to understand how they operate. (she knows now).  That was the most infuriating part - knowing her hands were on the door lever and lock button but unable to get her to engage.  And my frustration transferred to her because she started to cry again and I knew I had to just stop encouraging her to keep trying.  It was too upsetting.

I'm so grateful that it wasn't July or August. Had it been, I would have broken that window, no question.  I'm also so grateful for the two men that came as fast as they could knowing that a child was locked in a hot car.  They were so nice and worked so quickly.

After getting Tink cooled off and both of us calmed down, we went on only one errand.  To Ace Hardware where I made about 4 extra car and house keys.  I will not stand helpless outside a car again watching my child suffer.  It was unbearable.

A Few Changes Around Here

They're actually kind of big in terms of impact to the scheme of things.

First of all, I downsized my company.  I let go of about 1/3 of everything (employees, contracts etc.) and am now focusing my efforts geographically in a more efficient area.  I will be working more strategically now.  I've been doing this for 2 weeks so far, and I am a new person.  I feel amazing!  I wish I'd done it earlier but I learned some valuable lessons about priorities.  This was an extremely difficult decision to make and if it weren't for the Lord, I wouldn't have been able to do it - decide or implement the changes. It was frightening even if the money is the same. Here...on the other side of the decision, I can see how much I was guided and protected and I'm so grateful.

By changing the way I work, I have freed up my time to enable me to spend more of it doing things that I love.  Like spending time with my kids...quality time.  I was able to spend time with them before but I was constantly checking my phone, answering calls & texts and stressing out the whole time about work I needed to be doing.  That was wretched!

This change has also enabled me to have time for other interests of mine, like going back to sewing. My poor sewing machine has sat on my sewing desk very neglected for almost a year and I've been so sad about not having the time to play.  I was getting into it so much right before my life got out of control.  I'm back now...with plans.  Today, I made the girls these cute little swim cover-ups out of bath towels. I had one just like it when I was a girl.  I've been wanting to make these ALL summer. Too bad summer's nearly over but they'll be great for next summer too.

The last thing is that joined our stake orchestra. I haven't played my flute in years, like 15 of them. I believe I played at my grandpa's funeral in 1996 but since then haven't done much besides pick it up now and then and blow into it.  It was in rough shape when I pulled it out of the case but had it repaired and it's good to go.  I'm amazed at how much I suck!  But, I'm also amazed at how quickly it's coming back to me and how good it feels to be playing in an orchestra again.  I've spent many years sitting in an orchestra and it was so great to do it again; feel part of that group. And I actually have time to practice...daily even! My fluting muscles (hehe) are not in shape and I'm having a great time working them out :)  Wanna see a funny picture? I think I was like 15 in this picture.  Shortly after I decided I was too cool to do this anymore and have always regretted that decision but that's hindsight.

All in all, things are getting better by the moment. 

Super Super Something

I've spent the last year of my life so busy that to even find time to clean a toilet throws me over the edge.  Fast forward to this summer and the thoughts I keep having about being the kind of mom I always envisioned.  In short, I have TWO children now who are relying on me to be a super-awesome, super-fun...Mom.  No, that's not exactly what I aspired to be but it did have something to do with being super.

Needless to say if I go along in the fashion I've been hurtling along for the past year, my kiddos would get the shaft this summer, spending a lot time jumping on a tramp over a sprinkler. NOT that there's anything wrong with that - lots of good wholesome fun, but not necessarily what I want them to remember the summers for. I want them to have great memories of fun things that we did.  So every Monday, we try to do something fun, irregular and summery.  It's only mid-July but so far we've had some good times...

Bowling...

Liberty Park Seven Canyons (twice)...

 

Lagoon (twice)...

 

Spenser Eccles Dinosaur Park:

 

Not to mention the Gateway Fountains numerous times, tons of swimming, a Drive-In movie and every other kid movie that has come out this summer.

Summing it up like this, I guess I shouldn't have any fear that my kids aren't have any fun.  Not to mention that doing these things has reduced my stress immeasurably. Imagine that :)

Now That's What I'm Talking About!

It is so great that we no longer have a little "lump in the carseat" but rather an active participating member of our family. Tinker is just another one of the kids now and it's awesome. It made for some terrific fun this weekend.

We had a great time this weekend...a few minor hiccups...but all in all, it was everything a 4th of July should be.

Saturday, we packed up the truck and went camping.  We pitched a tent and slept under the stars. Well, The Marshmallow and Tinker slept in a cabin but Bugs and I slept on the cold ground in sleeping bags. We played games [on my iPad] and ate trailmix until we tipped over.

We came home early the next day with The Marshmallow's sister's family and we packed (again) and got lazy at Liberty Park while the kids played in the Seven Canyons exhibit. It was HOT, but we found shade and ate hot dogs and drank energy drinks.

We got home just in time to throw together a full fledged bbq for a bunch of our nephews and their girlfriends and our houseguests (The Marshmallow's sister and her fam).  True to youth, the nephews rushed off to a club shortly after eating leaving us the mess and an empty Sunday evening which we put to good use...with our heads on our pillows. We were pooped.

Monday morning brought our houseguests wanting to have more fun...this time the plan was Lagoon.  Lagoon hasn't been on our radar since the last time we went, Bugs was terrified of even the Carousel.  But she's been itching to go try the roller coasters after experiencing the milder forms at Disneyland last year.  So we went.

That's when my bro-in-law talked me into the freefall swing.  What the...  2 times might I add. The first time found me in a fetal position, screaming my head off with my hands over my eyes...the entire time.  The 2nd time however I enjoyed it much more.  The first plummet is quite terrifying and you can literally feel your guts floating as they suspend against gravity.  24 plus hours later folks, I am still nauseated...really.  You can see the vid on my FB page but here's some entertaining pictures. 
click on these pics for closer up fun :)

OOOOOORGAmi this looks good

 

Peanut Butter S'mores

• 8 large chocolate chip cookies
• 4 teaspoons hot fudge ice cream topping
• 4 large marshmallows
• 4 peanut butter cups

Spread the bottoms of four cookies with fudge topping.Using a long-handled fork, grill marshmallows 6 in. from medium-hot heat until golden brown, turning occasionally. Carefully place a marshmallow and a peanut butter cup on each fudge-topped cookie; top with remaining cookies. Serve immediately.

I'm having a family get together tomorrow evening where we're going to cook dutch oven...everything.  And while the dessert I'm making is definitely kid-approved (an easy Strawberry Shortcake recipe I recently got from a friend), if the kids decide to partake, there won't be enough for the grown-ups (like there won't be the 3 servings a piece that this shortcake incites).  So, I'm thinking I'll pull out the ingredients to make these S'mores. They look awesome!  And, any leftovers will do for my midnight closet-snack!

I forgot to say why I'm hosting this gathering and that's the most important thing of all!  My cute niece who all of the sudden graduated from high school and (I say all of the sudden because it literally to me was yesterday that she was in diapers), and is headed off to basic training in the next couple of weeks.  I am so excited for her and think it's such an amazing decision. I'm grateful that she's had responsible parenting that can guide her into making healthy decisions about her future.  Anyway, I'm going to miss her so much. She's such a remarkable girl and I can only hope to have my girls grow up into the woman she's become.