Maid Service

Sometimes motherhood makes me feel like I'm the hired help.

I get to clean up the dog poo.

 And the Kitty puke.

And a host of other mundane duties.

Just when I think, "This job really sucks!" and I'm about to move by myself to a tropical paradise, Kitty says she loves me and shows me her "llama face."

And my heart is refilled with joy.

Tropical paradise ain't got nothin' on motherhood.

Calling card

Kitty was here.

Happy New Year!

I had a hard time believing we were ringing in 2020 on New Year's Eve.  If it's indeed 2020, then I ain't a spring chicken anymore.  

Let's not dwell on that.

Let's dwell on the fact that Kitty made me stay up until midnight. Midnight!  I thought I was really clever and had the Times Square celebration up on the TV.  We started counting down just before 12:00 EST and I was feeling sneaky that it was only 9:00 at our house, but Kitty wouldn't know.  The countdown began, "Ten, nine, eight," when Kitty indignantly interjected, "Why are we counting down when it's only 9:00?!" 

Dang.  She knew what time it was.  Why is my 7-year-old keeping track of the time?

So there we were, a Kitty and her old fogy parents, staying up until 12:00 PST.  We rushed outside at the stroke of midnight to explode our dollar store poppers.  Someone nearby was shooting off enormous fireworks that illuminated the dark sky, and we all shouted a merry, "Happy New Year!" 

Precisely 10 seconds later I shouted, "Yea! It's time for bed!"

But it was a nice celebration.  My sister was with us so we ate loads of delicious food and watched the tube.  She didn't stay up until midnight though - she was a really old fogy and retired after the first countdown.  Some people.

I must admit that I enjoyed the celebration even though it was late for my old bones.  Hey! Let's do it again next year.

Happy 2020!

Hardy Party

Have you ever planned a surprise birthday party for your dad with your 8 opinionated and bossy siblings?  

It's a feat.

So many opinions! Add to that the 9 fat mouths that have to keep a secret for months without blabbering and all the organizing involved, and you've got yourself a big task.

It's a feat.

But we did it.  We managed to plan and execute an epic birthday party for a truly remarkable Dad.  We stayed overnight at a cabin on the snowy plains of Idaho, way beyond civilization.  Our arrival was reminiscent of a traveling circus.  Noisy freaks everywhere!  (I'm one of the bearded ladies in our circus.)

 

But what a wonderful party we had!  We made lots of noise, stayed up late talking, went sledding, ate carnitas tacos and marzipan cake, kept the fire roaring, watched a tribute video we had made, had our annual gingerbread house contest (which I didn't win), and soaked in the chaos of our traveling circus.  It was a perfect gathering and the perfect way to celebrate my dad.

In addition to the surprise party, my mom ordered a new TV and surround sound for his surprise gift.  Mykey, my brother and my nephew successfully got everything installed before we left for the cabin.  So many surprises!

Everything went smoothly and we patted ourselves on the backs for successfully planning a surprise party with so many bosses.

And then it was time to go home.  We packed our car full of the wonderful gifts and trinkets acquired during our travels, then hit the road early in the morning for the long journey home.  We stopped at the gas station in Pendleton for our traditional picture with Sasquatch, where Kitty threw a fit and refused to stand for a photo.  I may have had to threaten to take away her candy if she didn't comply.  Maybe.  Look at her face and decide for yourself.

Oh, how I love going home to Idaho.  It was especially sweet to have all of my siblings together.  I sure love those circus freaks.  

Happy epic birthday to my dad!