Morning Jibber Jabber.....

We woke up a little late to get Ian to the bus this morning so I ended up having to drive him and Evan both to school. On the way to Ian's school, we came across an accident. Our streets around our neighborhood are pretty little tree-lined streets where most people observe the speed limit so I am not sure what in the world caused the horrific scene we witnessed this morning. There is a little park that I have posted pictures of the kids playing at before. Somehow this car looked as if it had backed up over the curb and through the park fence.....there was a pickup truck facing it nose to nose as if it had pushed the car backwards over the curb and through the fence. The car was wedged so tightly between the fence posts that the firemen had to literally saw off the top of the car to get the person out. They were sawing as we passed. When we came back the other way after dropping Ian off, they had gotten the person out and had packed them onto the stretcher.....they appeared to be alive which was a relief. It serves as a reminder that some of the worst accidents happen right around the corner from home.

Meanwhile, Addison managed to undo her carseat belt....a new trick she is trying to master...and had climbed out of her seat onto the floor of my van. The only reason I had realized this was because she announced that she needed to pee and then proceeded to pee right where she stood. I heard the trickling and looked back to witness it. Nice. Suddenly I am missing diapers.....Ok, I take that back, no more diapers! Any ideas on how to keep her contained in her carseat now that she has figured out how to unlock it?

I had the thought yesterday that I am really entering a new stage in my life. For the past 8 years I have basically focused all of my energy on my kids and family. And I have been totally fine with that. I would do anything for my family....sacrifice anything. However, I have been feeling like maybe its time to allow myself a little time for me....not a lot of course because my main priority is still here at home but you know here and there.....lunch with a friend, bunco once a month, voice lessons. I still have to fight the urge to justify it....just like I am doing now. It is difficult for me not to feel tremendous guilt when I leave the kids with dad or with a babysitter. Even though I dont do it that often, it is hard for me. But, it feels so nice to get away even for an hour. Is that horrible? I just decided that I am already 37 and I dont want to be 57 and thinking, why didnt I do that? So, slowly I am entering this stage and kinda enjoying it..... I am meeting friends for lunch this weekend.....next week I have a bunco game and a voice lesson..... In Jan/Feb Im going on a 3 day girls trip to Taos, New Mexico for some skiing..... Its nice to have me time and I think it will make me a better mom too! One of these days when I get in better running shape, and I will, Im going to start making little running trips to different races. I plan on bringing the family to those though! Im hoping my kids will catch the bug to run and be healthy with me..... Anyway, I am just jibbering this morning but wanted to "write" down my thoughts.

For those wondering, my father-in-law Don is not doing very well. Some are saying they hope he makes it to Christmas, others are more positive. It is difficult to really know how he is doing from here of course. He fell a week or so ago and really hasnt gotten out of bed since. He wont eat. We think he should stop taking the chemo for a little while to try and get his strength back but others are to afraid to allow that......I hate to hear how he is suffering. I hate that my kids probably wont get to see him again. I hate that we cant help somehow. I hope he knows how much we love him...... We are going to send Denver there for a couple of weeks over Christmas so he can spend time with his dad. They did get a new medication yesterday that is supposed to help him eat. I hope it works. He can use all the prayers he can get......