the week in review

I realize I haven't posted in a week ... several times I would catch myself thinking, "ooo! I've gotta write this down!" However, by the time I'd have the opportunity to get to my laptop, I'd either have no memory of whatever it was I wanted to write about, or I'd be too tired to type and went to bed instead. SO ... what were these great, potentially prize-winning entries? I have no idea. Missed opportunities, and all that. Never fear, I'll get over the disappointment of loss. --I just hope you can, too. (hahaha .... I am so funny.)

Monday started well. I had the car for the day, and had many places to go; things to do. This would likely be the only day of the week in which I would have the car, so ... on your mark, get set, go!! 7:30 am, drive husband to train station. 7:50 am, try out new coffee shop- Conscious Cup. [Being a believer in fair trade coffee's (don't forget the chocolate!!) I absolutely loved this shop, and have already been there a second time!! (Equal Exchange is an excellent source for information and coffee orders, too) ]

After a coffee for myself and breakfast and juice for the kids, we were off! We went to the Library. --Now, here's a funny little story for you -- We used to go to the library on a weekly basis. We hadn't been there since just before Christmas, however, because (like an idiot) I was avoiding what I thought to be a large fine. I finally decided that I missed the library so much, and my daughter was missing it as well, that I would pay the darn thing, and move on with my life. $13. My avoided-the-library-for-7 months huge fine was $13. See the above idiot comment.

After the Library we were off to Walmart. (or was that before the Library?) I know, I know ... I shouldn't shop there, I know. (Target doesn't have a sewing & craft section and I didn't want to end up at Joann Fabrics.) Then, it was shopping at the local market -- Joseph's. They have great (and cheap) milk and fruits and veggies! Next stop Culver's!!! Whenever we spend so much time running all over the place, the kids get lunch out -- if they're good. :-) Their salads are soo good, and I always tell myself that I'll be good, and get one. I believe it, too ... but, somehow, when I'm verbalizing my order "cheddar burger" always comes out of my mouth. Darn. Yum. yum. yum. Sigh ... oh well. You win some, you lose some.

Thus concludes the crazies of Monday. After the exciting morning, there was children napping, mama cleaning, and LOTS of book reading.

Tuesday I know I didn't have the car. I know I had a library book to read. I don't remember, besides the usual bevy of cleaning and such, what we did. Sorry!

Wednesday was fun! My Mother-in-law and sister-in-law (ref. sister #2) came to play. They live a little over an hour away, and we don't see nearly as much of them as I wish we did. (note: I should explain--most readers may be shocked that I want my husband's mother to visit. We are friends. In fact, I will go so far as to say we are good friends. I talk to her and my toher sister-in-law more than my husband does. I guess I'm just lucky, that way!!!) With caution as to my Mother-in-law's health and energy levels, we set out for lunch. (At Culver's ... I was sooo bad, last week!) I always save the free kiddie sundae coupons, and Mom gave me sister #2's (she's 9), so I now have 5 free sundae coupons! YAY! Anyway -- after lunch, we went to our lovely downtown area for some meadering and (gasp!) shopping! I didn't really think any purchases would be made. Our downtown is just pretty to walk down ... boy, was I wrong! Shop, shop, shop. I should have known better. I was with Mom, afterall. We were joined by my husband's other sister (sister #1), and went into the local ice cream shop. Again, I say YUM! More shopping ensued. Sister #1 departed. Mom said she was doing okay, but could use a rest, so we headed to my new favorite coffee shop -- the aforementioned Conscious Cup. Home again, home again, rah rah rah ... we went home. The kids played. My mom called, and I invited her over for dinner. Dinner was nice. Sister #2, me and the kids, Mom in-law, and my Mom. pleasant. (Note: our mother's get along very well, and even enjoy each other's company. Another oddity, I think. Very neat, though.) My mom couldn't stay too long, though. After dinner she had to go home. Mom-in-law and sister #2 helped clean the toys up and everything, then left for sister #1's home, where they spent the night. (Unlike, us, she is able to provide bedrooms, beds, and privacy!!)

Since Thursday was awesome!!! I live in Crystal Lake my family gets into the beach for free. We may also bring 10 guests (per each resident adult)!! Sister #1 is a teacher, but is nanny-ing for the summer. She and "her kids", a friends of her's and "her kids", Mom in-law, sister #2, the kids and I all went to the beach! How fun. We picnicked, we played, we stayed for many hours. I even got to spend some quiet time (read: no kids around) reading on a blanket, in the shade. How perfect! After the beach, we went home for rest and to regroup. I made a strawberry cobbler, put together a salad, and off we went to sister #1's home for pizza. They just got a pretty new t.v. with surround sound. We were all captivated by Finding Nemo. It sure was pretty on the 'old HD. My husband joined us there, after work, and we all had a good time. :-)

Friday was spent cleaning and then chilling out at my mom's house. My husband picked us up, that night, and we went home.

Saturday I had a committee meeting to atend, in the morning. I came home, took a nap, and then had a real-live date with my husband. (read: no kids!!) My mom had agreed (on short short notice) to watch the kids so we could use some of the gift certificates we had been given for Christmas. Yes, Christmas. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Olive Garden, and then saw Pirates of the Carribean. (-----> sigh ... Johnny Depp ... grin)

Sunday started out with cleaning. (The place looked utterly trashed!) Then a nice family lunch out at Noodles and Company. (I heartily recommend the Thai Curry Soup) A quick trip to Joseph's and we were home again, for the kids naptime. I pitted cherries for a vanilla cherry cobbler, and took a very short nap. We packed food and ingredients and set off for the home of some good friends of ours. We cooked them a delicious dinner of fajitas, salad, and cherry cobbler, and had a great time talking.

END WEEK. This is why I was too tired to write. I'm hoping this week is a little bit slower, in pace. Last week was great, but I need some time to recoup!