February

Today is Valentine's Day.  Not really a big deal at our house.  But I got some seriously excellent presents...and it made my day.  So thanks, My Love.  You. Are. The. Best. 

 Anyway, Jeff has a new phone.  The iPhone 4s.  Apparently, even though our contracts were purchased at the exact same time, he gets a new upgrade THREE months earlier than I do.  Is that fair?  No.  No it's not.  And sometimes I am just so jealous I can't stand it.  On the other hand, I love, love, LOVE my iPhone.  I would hate for anything to happen to it.  But having a new and improved one is even better...so I anxiously await my upgrade.  And I'll get it in April when everyone in our family is getting a year older and getting tons of presents...so I guess I won't feel too left out.  Anyway, that's just what I've been coveting, lately. 

 I kind of like it here.  This month has been nutty weather-wise.  One day it's almost 70 degrees, and the next, it's snowing.  

 Pretty sad that it's been an entire month, and that's all I can come up with, right?
In all honesty, I'm ecstatic.  I'm thrilled that's all I have to occupy my small mind.  It seems like this last year I've had this weight on my chest.  This really depressing weight that had stuff to do with Sydney's development, personal changes, family issues...things that I really couldn't talk about, and things that were not helping my fight against personal mental insanity.  But things have taken a turn for the better.  And then better again.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that life stays at this place for a while.  In no way do I want to jinx it, but I feel like I need to acknowledge the way things have gotten continually better, in all areas.  So  there it is.  Syd continues to surprise me everyday.  Stuff I just assume is too difficult for her, she gets immediately.  And she and I have actual conversations.  It's kind of surreal.  Especially when I think of last year at this time.  How I just prayed she'd be able to say more than 50 words.

  Jeff and I have been dating again.  It's fantastic.  We have a daughter old enough to babysit for her allowance, and extra expenses she might have here and there.  And I know that she knows her way around, and I can trust her, and the kids feel comfortable with her.  Also, if we are out longer than we thought, she's easily bribed with more money.  Should she really have a problem with something, I know she'll tell me...but she's pretty flexible.  I'd kind of forgotten what it was like.  We went from last year having a total of FOUR dates, and this year we've already been on three.  Believe me, it's a whole new world. 

The kids are doing well.  Riley is enjoying her friends and being a preteen.  She's emotional, and it's weird to take it seriously, sometimes. But I remember what it was like to feel that way, so I try to be patient, and give the proper sympathy or advice.  She's as always, my Riley.  I trust her completely to do the right thing.  And I know that's a lot of pressure on an 11 year old, but there it is.  She's fantastic.  And at the age where she's changing so quickly...losing her girlhood.  And in a way, it makes me sad, but happy for her. 

Cole is having a harder time.  He has this hair that I love.  And he likes it.  He doesn't want to cut it.  And certain classmates, and his teacher, and your basic old farts that don't realize it's a different time and generation, and why do they give a crap...think they need to voice their opinions--about his hair being too long.  Seriously.  These people think that he should be used to the comments, or realize that that's their right, because if he's going to have that hair, he needs to accept criticism.  It makes me angry.  Because it seems like they should have something in their lives better  to worry/comment on.  Anyway, I have decided to just start putting people in their place.  You heard it here, first, folks.  Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing my kiddos sad.  So I've decided I'm just going to be that ball-busting mom that will take no crap from anyone.  And that thought makes me happier.  I want my boy to know he's wonderful.  And what he decides about his hair, is his choice.   I needed to vent about the hair thing, because lately I've just had enough of Cole questioning what he thinks he likes, but others think he shouldn't like.  That's crap.  And I'm tired of it.  Other than that, he's liking school, he's still sensitive, but he's kind.  And let me tell you: I think he's overly handsome. Soon the girls will be noticing him.  And then he'll have a whole new set of problems. 

See?  A hunk.  Anyway, it's time for bed.  I need to get up early, do the morning carpool and then go to the gym.  Which I know is another one of the reasons life has been so good--having a gym membership.  I'm getting less and less timid about figuring out the weight machines.  And I even completely fell over an elliptical trainer and got three gigantic bruises on my leg, and still felt like I needed to work my abs, (or lack thereof), instead of slinking out to my car, and home.  For me?  That's pretty big.  Good big.  Hope this week is great for all of you.  Lates.