When it rains...

I am starting to really feel a personal connection to that saying, "When it rains; it pours." It seems that one thing after another has happened in the past few days and I really feel like I have lived a lifetime in less than a week.
Of course the first issue is one I don't even need to bring up. (Let's just say I am proud of my husband and love him every day, no matter where he is or what he is doing.)
But, needless to say, I have been a bit gloomy. It doesn't help that random small issues (losing my debit card, stress at work, PMS, a defiant daughter and a mile long list of "Accomplish This Before September" items) have all contributed to a lot of pent up frustration. This all leads up to this evening when I pulled into my driveway after a very long day, so happy to finally be home. I grab the 18 bags that for some reason I can never consolidate plus Addison and juggle my way up to the front porch. But what's this? Where are the house keys?
Oh, that's right. I left them in my office door at work... SO I WOULD NOT FORGET THEM. Because surely if they are the last thing I see as I leave the office I will grab them. Going back to the office would have been a possibility if the alarm was not already set and the security code was not safely stored in my dead-battery of a cell phone. I tried to enter my house through the garage, but to no avail. See, I had been smart and safe the night before and locked the door that goes from my laundry room into the garage. Because I thought it would be unsafe if someone broke into my car then they could use the garage door opener to get into my house. Well when that someone is ME it sounds like a freaking PERFECT PLAN. Ironic how I was the one to foil my last glimmer of hope.
So with no one to call, and no where to go and a child who is reaching her limit because it's dinner time I did what any over-tired, over-worked and over-ambitious mother would do. I set Addison in her stroller, grabbed a hammer and beat the crap out of the doorknob. (Don't worry, not the front door, the garage door.) After about 10 good whacks and the use of that other random side with the prongs, what's that for anyway?, I managed to severely mangle the doorknob. But it was still locked. So I gathered up all the force I could muster and heaved myself against the door until the lock finally made a glorious "ping" and the whole doorknob fell right out.
Now I just need to figure out how the heck to replace a door and doorknob. I guess I have a project this weekend after all.

Birthdays & Goodbyes

Although Addison's birthday is not until the 18th we decided to celebrate a bit early because of some extenuating circumstances. Overall the party was a success. Would I change some things? Of course. (Like not having the party at my house!) But it was wonderful to be surrounded by friends and family. We were especially glad that my family and Alex's best friend and his wife made the trip from Chicago. The gesture was overwhelming, especially since they were here such a short time, and they all have such busy schedules.
Addie Grace was a bit perplexed as to why 30+ people were in our house and touching her. There were a few times she and I had to take a break in her bedroom, calm down and then go back out in the crowd. But for a little girl who was dealing with only a 2-hour nap the entire day, she was perfect.
Now the next few weeks will be all about getting into a new routine. But it is something I am looking forward to. A challenge is always an exciting part of life and although there are some challenges you don't necessarily look forward to, they are a part of life. This too shall pass. And with strong faith and constant prayers I know that our family will overcoming any obstacle.
Hopefully I will be more inclined to update on our lives mores, especially since I have gained at least one new reader (wink wink my better half!)