My Mommy Vacation

Well, I haven't left the blogging community quite yet. ;) I like the comment made by "anonymous" that said it might be good to leave the blog open for when the mood strikes to write.
This is one of those times. It is a COLD, quiet afternoon at my house--Gemma is napping and Hannah is watching "The Lion King" (for "kind of" the second time today, as she watched a short portion of it at the mall during their free movie screenings--brilliant!) I figured I could write about my trip to see Senia, since that was particularly noteworthy, and then maybe that will get my blogging moods back in swing.
I visted Senia two weeks ago tomorrow, and it was such a wonderful time! I hadn't flown anywhere in years, so it was a big deal for many reasons. I actually had the blessing of going to our church women's retreat the weekend before, so I was feeling a little teary at the thought of leaving the girls & Keith again, but I made it through the good-byes without shedding any tears! :) Getting through security was interesting, as the last time I flew, although you had to go through the security screening, they hadn't quite made everyone take off their shoes, all metal (even the metallic in my scarf!), and practically strip down to the bare minimum before going through the metal detector that felt more like an MRI machine. Crazy!
I discovered it is kind of lonely to fly by yourself. I didn't like that part. As Senia and I were discussing later, you don't have anyone around to raise your eyebrows to, make funny comments to, or watch your stuff while you go to the bathroom! I made it through the flight, and other than having to use the restroom the SECOND I got off the plane, I really enjoyed flying!
After a joyous reunion with Senia and realizing I had overdressed for the weekend, since Minnesota was currently warmer & dryer than Vancouver, we headed to her apartment to settle in for the night.
The weekend was then filled with lovely facials at the Aveda institute (highly recommended, by the way!), trips to some of Senia's favorite eating establishments, multiple french press pots, shopping, visits with friends, and walks...lots of walks. I thought I walked fast, but after being with Senia, I realized I'm like a turtle! :)
One of the most important visits was with Senia's boyfriend Kevin. I can happily tell you that I approve with two thumbs up, and that I can see why Senia is so giddy these days. They are so cute together! They both respect each other, and yet are comfortable enough in their own skin that they can tease as well. (Very important in our family, as we like to joke around just a little bit. ;) I was really honored to be able to be the first one in our family to meet Kevin as her boyfriend, and I am excited for their upcoming visit this weekend! (Scheduled after my trip was planned, but very perfect because then I didn't have to say good-bye for an indefinite amount of time when I left Minneapolis.)
So the weekend was a wonderful get-away for me. I got to sleep in every morning, we watched "The Today Show"--a rarity for both of us!--and we spent lots of sister time together. I loved seeing Senia as an adult in her own place, and I can tell she's really developed her own routine & lifestyle. She's got a cute apartment, and the area is very fun & convenient, with a Trader Joe's within walking distance! We tried out a new frozen yogurt place that I can picture Senia enjoying in the summer months, and she showed me all sorts of fun areas as we toured around. We also got to attend a ballet (a first for both of us as well, outside of the community theater version of "The Nutcracker.") Those tickets were made available to her through work, which meant they were free! :) Yay!
I was thankful to be with Senia, and I'm so happy that I got to see her as an adult in her adult life. :) She's become quite the confident, happy, healthy woman...although she's still my little sister, and it's amazing to think of all she has accomplished in the last four to six years. Love you, Sen! :)

Something to think about...

I am thinking my blogging days might be over. The last few times I think about writing on here, I honestly get stressed or frustrated even trying to think about how to describe all that has gone on in the last few weeks. There have been some positive changes to Hannah's behavior, possibly helped along by the dietary changes we are experimenting with in our family, I continue to be busy with women's ministry at our church, Gemma is almost two (WHAT?!), and Keith celebrated his one-year anniversary with Convergint. In addition to that, I am joyfully anticipating our church women's retreat next weekend and a VERY long-awaited trip to Minnesota to visit Senia. I think we're going to look back on March and think "Where did the time go?!" For now, I am trying to enjoy each day thoroughly, especially when we have gorgeous sunshine like we have today!
So what do you think? You who are reading this are the reason I continue to blog, but I'm not even sure I have many followers anymore. :) (Let's face it, Senia, if it's just you, I can call you! Haha.)
Anyway, I'll spend a few more days considering the blog community, and after that, I think I may put an end to this chapter of social media.
Blessings to each of you!

I'm still here...

...I just can't get inspired to write anything lately. There are lots of things I feel like I "should" write about, but I haven't had a lot of motivation to do so. I have a teeny, tiny understanding of the term "writer's block..."
Hannah & Gemma are busy and full of girly activity & drama. (Yes, it's amazing to see the amount of drama that a 4 1/2-year-old and almost-2-year-old can create. Lots of screaming, swatting, mean looks, hands on hips, etc. One day I warned Keith about the amount of estrogen in the house so that he could be prepared before coming home.)
This weekend we are hosting Patrick & Theresa, and the girls are both thrilled! Hannah even got to stay up a little later to see them tonight, and she was pretty good about it. I'm getting a haircut and highlight tomorrow, which is long overdue and will feel so indulgent after months & months of waiting. :) The rest of the day will be spent with the fam, and then Keith & I get to go out on a date night. Dinner and a movie; the whole works! Yippee! I insisted that it be part of my birthday celebration WEEK, because that's what you should do during birthdays!

One thing I should have blogged about earlier but didn't (and I still will...) is that Hannah & Gemma are now in one room together. I want to post more about that with pictures and all, but for now, you can know that it is actually going pretty well and I'm excited they are getting to have the experiences (good and bad) that Senia and I had growing up in a room together.

Anyway, I'm hoping that I will get into a really reflective, provocative writing mood when my birthday comes around (the big 3-0!) so stay tuned for that! :)