A week or so

Since the last time I blogged, I’ve done all the mundane, everyday things that I do each week, as I am sure you have too. Groceries were purchased, several trips to Target were made, work was endeavored, gas was pumped, laundry was done … blah, blah, blah.

Yet, in the midst of that blah, there were some notable things. Here goes: 

School is over and my son is now considered a freshman in high school. He is done with middle school as of last Wednesday and he would tell you it was a great experience – the opposite of my own experience – and I am so glad for that. He won several awards for academic excellence and musicianship (he rocks – literally). Proud of my nerdy cool kid.

Lorri vs. dental floss: floss, 1; Lorri, 0. I was flossing my teeth Wednesday night and the floss inexplicably shredded, bunching up in a big, inaccessible mound between my teeth, rendering it utterly impossible to remove. And painful. And completely ridiculous. I had to visit an emergency dentist the next day and pay him an inordinate amount of money to magically floss what felt like a sock out of my teeth.  

The dog got a bath. Here's the thing: we don’t give him baths at home; he goes to a bathing station at a pet supply store. But at 11:30 p.m. Thursday night, he came in from the backyard reeking of rolled-in death and so in the tub he went, all 80 indignant pounds of him. And then I had to clean the whole house to mitigate the loose dog hair and wet dog stench. 

Hello. My name is Jax and I immediately regret my decision to roll in or otherwise associate myself with materials of a possible organic origin that may or may not currently be dead. Furthermore, should such an occasion arise and I am not able to resist such activities of my own accord, I do solemnly swear to avoid coming back into the home my family has generously provided for me and make a run for the den sofa, despite the pleas of said family to “freaking stop right now, Mister.”

The house was full of teen boys. They celebrated the end of school with a matinee of the latest Star Trek movie, video games, DVDs and a round of paintball as part of a sleepover at our place. Observation: teenage boys eat a lot.

My sister came to see me. On Saturday, we shopped. We ate lunch. I introduced her to Home Goods, her new favorite store. Members of my own family rarely come to see me, but she does with ever more frequency and I enjoy the time we share.

Brick patio is done, complete with fire pit. My guy? He’s awesome. He did it pretty much by himself, with a little help from our son and me. My wish of sharing the space with friends came true last night. And after everyone had headed home for the night, hubs and I sat outside together under the moon’s creamy glow warming ourselves from the chill and enjoying the last dance of the fire. Damn romantic if I do say so.

A 12 x 11 slice of backyard brick paradise.

Dreamy moon on a cool night by the fire pit.

We hosted a cookout. Twenty-three friends joined us at our humble little house for good food – what is better than a potluck, really? - and laughter. We are so very blessed with good friends.

Lawn Twister for the kids. Spray paint the circles and play in the grass.

My son sliced off part of the tip of his finger. He is ok. No stitches even; just a notch missing. He was slicing potatoes as prep for our cookout yesterday and, well … um, culinary school is not in his future. And judging by his drop in blood pressure at the sight of blood at the Urgent Care Center (there was a lot of blood), he can also rule out a future in the medical profession. Could have been worse, but, thankfully, it wasn’t.

Murderer.

Planted all my flowers and veggies. There is no better therapy than digging in the dirt, as its rewards are plentiful. Taking a little something and nurturing it into something more, something glorious, something that lives and reveals God’s love to us through its beauty … that’s cool. 

I took nap today. A long nap. It was scrumptious. Never underestimate the power of letting go in the middle of the afternoon, surrendering to your dreams and visions, to really right yourself.

None of these things were grand events. But I greatly appreciate the fact that I was able to do these things in and near my home because I have a home and my heart goes out to those who have recently lost their homes and so much more due to catastrophic storms.

And on this Memorial Day, I send a heartfelt thanks to veterans still here, and those already gone, for their service. My little life would be forever changed were it not for their sacrifice, and I am humbled. Thank you.

Finally, I also spent part of my time last week at the hospital with someone I love who is struggling, both physically and emotionally. Prayer. That’s all I got to offer.

I hope you have a blessed, wonderful week.