Tag Archives: story

Tired.

Posted on July 5, 2010 by crazydaisy


Do you ever feel so tired you can’t really think about anything but being tired? That’s me right now. I’m tired. Note the tired eyes in the picture above. I went to bed before fireworks …. that’s how tired I’ve been.

I’m finally home and get to stay put for at least three weeks. I’m relishing the thought of not packing a suitcase, boarding an airplane or toting a backpack for three whole weeks. The hubbs keeps telling me “Chin up. At least we bot have good jobs. We shouldn’t complain.” And he’s right. I’m just so tired.

So, my attempt to make it back to the States before the Fourth of July was thwarted. I flew from Copenhagen to Prague and then … missed my connection to Atlanta. The very nice ladies at Czech Airlines tried to help me get home, since there’s no Delta counter in the  Prague airport, but their help just seemed to make things worse!

I ended up boarding a plane to Frankfurt. Hung out in the Frankfurt airport while Germany was winning its game in the World Cup. Then I went to Chicago, where I was suppose to be able to meet with a Delta agent and get a flight home to Arizona that night (July 3). Too bad every single stinking person who works for Delta had gone home by the time I landed in Chicago. And so, I had to spend the night in Chicago. It’s almost worse to make it so close to home, but not quite get there. On the morning of the 4th I was able to find a flight, get a ticket and travel to Arizona all before lunch time.

If all of this wasn’t bad enough … the train I took to Copenhagen from Aarhus, Denmark didn’t have working air conditioning. It was 95 degrees inside the train for the 3 and 1/2 hour train ride. I thought I was going to melt away. It was miserable.

Oh and I mention I “lost” my passport in the Copenhagen airport? I left it in a shop where I had purchased a bracelet and only realized I didn’t have it moments before I was suppose to board my plane. I had to run through the airport, find my passport and run back to my gate before my plane left without me.  This was seriously the WORST travel experience I’ve had in a very long time.

Meanwhile, while this is all happening … my husband hatched a plan to throw me a “Welcome Home” (and 4th of July) party. I travel a lot, so I don’t get welcome home parties much. We’d be having them all the time if that was the case. But since I was having such a cruddy time trying to get home, he planned a little surprise party. He let Shelby pick out all sorts of very cheesy decorations (steamers, balloons, party hats, flags galore, etc.) at Party City and they covered the house in 4th of July goodness. It was such a sweet idea and it made my weekend.

The best part? A huge sign that said “Welcome Home Mom.” The sign was all Shelby’s idea. And with the help of Daddy .. .she created it and hung it in out kitchen (it’s still up there and I smile each time I walk into the kitchen).



Even in the worst of moments, life isn’t all that bad. I did make it home. I did get to celebrate the Fourth of July with my family. And I know without a doubt I am loved by some very wonderful people.

 

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What a blessing

Posted on April 8, 2010 by crazydaisy

I was looking through our vaction pictures, one stood out above all the others.

The funny thing is … it’s not a shot of my kids at Disneyland. It’s not them enjoying the hotel pool. It’s not so much a vacation photo at all. It’s a quiet moment shared between the best of friends.



On our flight to California Shelby took over care of Cooper at one point and showered her little brother with love and attention. In this quiet moment, with not a single word shared, it was clear that these two souls share a connection that no one else will ever understand. The depth of their love is inmeasureable. And to think, there was a time I thought they wouldn’t be close and worse yet, Shelby would  harbor feelings of jealousy and resentment for Cooper. Instead, they have become the very best of friends.

As I watch these two together, I can’t help but think of my siblings. Earlier tonight I noticed I had a missed call. There was a message from my little brother. Mind you, he’s not that little anymore. But there was a time I changed his diapers, so he’ll always be little to me. The messages was short and sweet. He was just calling to check on Cooper and make sure he was on the mend.

My heart swelled when I heard his voice and as I type this tears are streaming down my cheeks. I am so loved. There are people all over the world pulling for me. Loving me. Thinking great thoughts all about me. What a blessing it is to have a family who loves you and supports you. I forget that some times. But I am reminded oh so quickly when my sister swoops in to save the day or when one of my brothers calls to offer good cheer. I used think having so many siblings meant you got lost in the shuffle. But know I know better. It means you are surrounded by a circle of warmth.

What a blessing it is that my children now have the same thing. No matter hat happens, I know that Shelby and Cooper will travel through this world together as team, forever united by their blood and deep love for each other.

What a blessing indeed.

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The best cookies ever

Posted on February 22, 2010 by crazydaisy

Monday musings. I think on Mondays I’m going to just tell you all a little bit about me. One of the major reasons I scrapbook is to tell my story and the story of those I love. I studied journalism in college and spent many years as a writer. I feel most comfortable tapping away at a keyboard and expressing my feelings than any other way. Since I want to preserve my stories, I can share some here … and hopefully I can turn them into scrapbook pages or mini books.

So here’s what I’m thinking about this Monday …



Cookies.

I wouldn’t say I’m the best cook ever. Most of the amazing meals created in my house are done so by my husband. He loves to cook and really revels in the process. Me on the other hand … not so much. We have a bit of a deal. If he cooks, then I’ll clean up. It works well for us.

I do however bake (something my hubby doesn’t have ANY interest in). A few Christmases ago, my parents bought us a KitchenAid Mixer in the most fabulous shade of cobalt blue. It sits on my kitchen counter and is the appliance I’m most proud of and love the very most. I had coveted other people’s mixers for years, but could never bring myself to spend the money on a KitchenAid … it just seemed so extravagant.



My father in law is diabetic. He’s incredibly diligent with watching his diet and has done wonders with his health since cutting out sugar and all things white (white flour, white pasta, etc.) As a family, it’s easier to eat what my father in law can eat instead of preparing seperate meals for family events. We’ve actually taken to eating a pretty diabetic friendly diet, since it’s really so much better for us. I also happen to have some issues with sugar and how my body processes it, so my doctor recommends little to no sugar for me!  

But, even though my FIL is strict about his sugar intact … he still craves treats. Don’t we all? A few years ago I decided to try and make some cookies that would be both tasty and diabetic approved. I found an oatmeal chocolate chip recipe online and tweaked it for our needs. And seriously … I  now have the world’s best cookie recipe. Everyone who has these cookies raves about them (I’m not making this up, just as my husband). But the most rewarding part is the fact that my FIL LOVES these cookies. He begs for them. He trades favors for them (he fixed my vacuum a few weeks back. And what did he want in return? Cookies!) It has become a family joke how much he loves these cookies. My daughter calls them Big Mike (that’s what she calls her Grandpa) cookies.

I’d make these cookies every week if I had the time. They are beyond yummy. I guess my hips are happy I don’t have a lot of time to bake these days! As a special treat, I’ll share my fabulous (and until now secret) Oatmeal Chocolate Chip  recipe with you. Enjoy!                                                                                                      


The Best Cookies Ever (or Big Mike Cookies as they are known at our house)

1 cup of margarine or butter
3/4 cup of packed Splenda Brown Sugar
3/4 cup of Splenda
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla (a little more if you like more, I usually do a cap full)
1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups of rolled oats
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat the over to 350 degrees.
2. Cream margarine and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla.
3. Combine baking soda salt and flour. Add to creamed mixture.
4. Add oatmeal and chocolate chips. Stir well.
5. If the dough seems too “wet” add some more oats.
6. Let the dough stand for about 15 minutes.
7. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes

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