I have been literally buried by laundry this week. I complained and complained about it, until a couple of days ago, my beautiful SIL Vicci (who was on the same cruise we were, but just the week earlier) said, ” I know, the laundry is so bad…but there’s sand in it. You been to the beach!!!!” So I kinda woke up, “Sheesh!!! How come I have so much laundry when we’ve been on a cruise all week, not cooking, cleaning, entertaining, we’ve swam with dolphins, took 3 naps a day, etc, etc…” Yes, I know. What a hard life… But yes, the cruise was fantastic. The children had a lot of fun at the kids club. We had three days at sea, so I rested a lot, went to the spa, ate chocolate covered strawberries everyday…Jealous? I could continue with the details, but I’ll spare you.
Today I’ve been avoiding housework all day. I’m so overwhelmed by all I have to do, that I don’t do anything. I realized Monday that the love of life, my firstborn, Julian, is having a birthday this Sunday. So we have a party planned for Saturday morning. Then we have a birthday party for some friend’s son, and then we have the High School Musical on Ice thing. I haven’t told the kids I got tickets for that. They’ll be oh, so excited!!!! I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I’m actually keeping a secret. My brothers and sister would have been happy about it–twenty years ago…
Thanksgiving is next week, and Jeff’s sister, brother (with their respective families) and parents are coming over. I’m terrified that I’ll burn or ruin the turkey (which I’ve never done before, ruined that is. I have made turkey before, you know), so I bought two, just in case…
Next Sunday is …ARELI’S 1st BIRTHDAY!!!!! AND I KNOW I’M YELLING! BUT WHERE, OH WHERE’S MY BABY? I had planned these little souvenirs for her party, lavender filled star little pillows. But when am I gonna make them? And of course, the day after her birthday is my birthday. The big 3-0. I can’t believe it. I feel the same as always, more tired, crankier, but the same…Sigh…
Joax allergies are coming back I’m afraid. His cheeks are all warm and rosy, but not in the healthy sort of way. He also has the infamous runny nose, and his temper, his temper was a lot better thank you very much. I’m debating whether he’s sensitive to something at home, or if all the hustle of traveling is too much for him. On the trip he was very good.
Yesterday he pushed Areli’s high chair, which went crashing on the floor with her strapped in it, he flung his rice with sardines all over the place, he scratched Maga’s face again, and he got into the bath tub again with his clean pajamas (I had just changed him for the night). Yes, Joaquin is so high maintenance, but he’s also my panda bear boy, so sweet and loving. He kisses me all the time, and he says “Te quiero” with such sweet chocolate eyes. I love him so tenderly, that my heart melts away when I look at him. Those are the times I remember when he’s being terrible.

On another subject, my dear friend just had a baby girl, after three boys, including a false girl ultrasound. Send good vibes their way. Her little one had brain hemorrhage and seizures after birth. We’re praying very fervently that all will be well with her. Her EEG (electro scan) will be in a couple of weeks. I’m praying that everything will be well.

I’ll go play with my children now. The weather has been very warm for November, and that way I won’t have to cook. Again!!!!!

PS: I did have my feet done on the cruise.