Grateful Friday

It's been a long week. I came home yesterday afternoon and hit the couch with my cats who were in nap mode. Mike was in his office, Lils was taking her AP Psych exam at the dining room table and Ted was golfing. That's a pretty quiet Casa Wags these days. Of course, The quiet didn't last. My dad came knocking on the door, Ted came home with stories of birdies and bogies,  Lils ran out the door to get to her game and the cats woke up refreshed. 

Grandpa came down for Lily's game, but JV and varsity were swapped last night at the last minute so he came to see us at home instead. It was a nice surprise visit.

Another nice surprise was the pizza dough Ted promised proofing on the counter for dinner. Never mind that I had to run to the store to get the toppings. I will gratefully take what I can get.

Ted and I each made a pie. I went with margherita and he opted for the margherita with Italian sausage. Lily recapped the game while the two of us rolled and tossed dough. Dinner was at 9 o'clock. The pizzas were yum. This is summer.

Ted and I retired with the kit kats to watch an episode of Below Deck, which is often cringey to watch with a child. Again, I'll take what I can get and he is an almost 21 year old child. Poor Lily had more homework after a long day and Mike was on a date with Pete. At one point, all three kitties were taking up space on my lap...all the space on my lap. They are growing. Ted was a little jealous. I handed them off when I went to bed at midnight. That's about an hour and a half past my bedtime, and probably why I'm sleeping in later in the mornings. Yep, summer.

I'm grateful today is Friday because I'm ready for the weekend. It's going to be hot and humid because...summer.

Confirmation Weekending

Sunday was a beautiful day. It felt like early summer, the sun was shining and Lily was filled with light as she was confirmed in the presence of loved ones who filled an entire pew. As we gathered outside the church before mass, we had a private meeting with Father Tim. The impromptu hugs and handshakes were a little pre-sacrament bonus for our family. It was my first time in St Casimir Church, but I immediately felt the chi. It was airy, open and inviting. The altar was the most ornate feature. And it was quite something. There were only 14 candidates so Father Tim was able to spend a little time with each one, and he acknowledged he's known most of them for most of their lives. Lily was last. It's the curse of the W name. I got a little teary as she approached the altar, but I laughed when Father Tim bellowed, Lily you are anointed! He said it loud enough that his voice carried over the music for the first time during the presentation. We all noticed. We were the first excused from the church and as Lily descended the stairs, Father Tim greeted her with a Lily! Lily! Lily! and a hug. I mention this because I know how good it feels to be seen and known by this special man. I know she felt the love.

I know she felt the love all day long. She doesn't relish in being the center of attention, but she was gracious and grateful for the kind words and the gifts, and also to share the spotlight with the Kits Kats. She was also a little stressed that she was visiting instead of studying. AP exams are looming, but this is important too. Teddy made not one, but two trips to Qdoba to pick up the catering. They forgot the guacamole and that's a star of the meal. It is my favorite thing to do for a party now and I have to say that everyone enjoyed it again. Plus it's Lily's favorite and it was her day. I ordered a lemon cake, at the confirmant's request, and that was also a party favorite. All I had to do was put together a fruit platter and mix margaritas.

Everyone was on the way home before dark full and happy. It was a blessing to be able to gather in celebration again. It's been a long time since we were all together. Too long. 

And, of course, we missed the missing. I wore my k necklace so my mom would be near. Neither of Lily's Godparents were present, but we focus on who is over who is not. Mark wanted to be there, but couldn't and Lily's Godmother has been absent since before Lily can remember. I don't think she even knows her name to be honest. Naming her is but one of the things I regret in my life, and yet Lily is surrounded by love. My regret is in that there were other deserving loved ones on which to bestow such an honor. She chose my aunt as her sponsor. That was a very good choice.

Evidence of a lovely day...

Little Things

The Kit Kats have been gone for the last 24 hours. The house feels empty. They had to go back to their foster home and then to the vet for 8 week check ups. I asked Ted to take them by 4 o'clock yesterday. He delivered them at 4 on the dot only because he didn't want to see them go.

When I got home from work, I went around picking up cat toys. I lost count at 25. Then I ran the vacuum without worrying about traumatizing anyone. And then I didn't know what to do with myself in the tidy, quiet house all to my own so I had no excuse to forgo my workout. Turns out I needed a good sweat.

Lil's came home from practice famished. She requested dinner before dark and then she got to work making it for all of us. The kids have been more helpful this week and I appreciate it beyond measure. Unloading the dishwasher, gassing up a car, running an errand...it's one of my love languages. Ted came home from his workout and Mike arrived home from his business trip, but the full house still felt a bit empty. Hopefully, the Three Amigos return tonight.

I slept like a log last night so I woke up feeling refreshed. It's a sunshiney day and on the warm side and it's my Friday. I decided to wear my cute new camo Birkenstocks, which were a generous Mom's Day gift from my girl and I am wearing a new old scent that my hubby gave me. Caylx was one of my scents decades ago. It's adding to my happiness today.

It's the little things...cute kitties, a good night's sleep, an act of kindness, a nice day, a grateful heart.

 

Smitten Kittens

 

Yesterday Teddy spent most of the day with the kitties who discovered that they love to snuggle. He stayed prone on the couch under an afghan and the Three Amigos made themselves comfy atop their big brother. It is a win win because he is still decompressing after a grueling semester not needing any excuse to relax, but thankful for the invitation. We decided to let them have the run of the back of the house when we left for Lil's soft ball game. As far as we could tell when we got home a couple hours later, they hadn't budged. They were all three tangled up in the Ugg throw purrfectly content on the couch.

It was a beautiful day for a game. The sun was shining and it was warm enough that we didn't need jackets. Lily played well at first, but the team lost. Bleacher Coach Ted concluded that they are just a young team, and it's true. I have a few other thoughts, but I'll bench them for now.

The Kit Kats woke from their fifth or sixth naps of the day to eat, but who's counting. Gus is voracious. He seems to have an endless appetite and I worry that I'm not feeding him enough. He runs laps around the house and is up and down and has to be burning crazy calories. Finn tries to finish Gus's bowl after he cleans his, and Hazel is such a lady always leaving some leftovers. After they eat, it is always always play time. They have fuel to burn. The family room has become kitty central. They have a blast chasing, hiding from and pouncing on each other sometimes for hours at a stretch. They also take every single toy out of the bins and scatter them around the house. Hazel and Gus have been bonding. It's good to see because Gus was a bit of the odd man out. The two smaller kitties can play chase for hours without fighting. I think they both appreciate a break from Finn who can be a little rough at times. A new favorite game is king of the pillows. Gus has finally mastered getting on top of the chairs and he is so very proud. He perches on a pile of pillows and tries to keep the other two off. Last night he slept in said chair behind a heap of pillows in his own little cat cave. He's claimed the chair. The other two slept together on the cat condo.

While they were getting out their shpilkes, I made dinner. It's almost impossible to cook with them underfoot so I have to be deliberate. We were eating burrito bowls at 9 o'clock, which is late even by Casa Wags hours of operation. Lily had homework to do so Ted and I settled in to watch a movie. I started with Hazel. Finn joined us until he decided to go to the boy couch with Ted and Gus, who Ted is now calling Gustavo. These three are going to have a million names btw. I didn't last long and was woken up by the sound of Gus sucking on Finn's leg. It was as cute as it was weird, but Finn didn't seem to care.

We left them in the family room for the night. The night before they were locked in the kitchen. Hazel and Finn decided that sleeping behind the washer and drier was preferable to their bed. Gus not wanting to be left out, slept in a shoe in full view of the machines lest his brother and sister emerge. I was hoping the three of them would sleep together again and be a little more comfortable.

I worried about three, but so far I have to say that it's perfect because there is always someone to play with unless Gus tires out the other two and then he just runs around making his own fun. There's really never a dull moment...even when they're sleeping. We're smitten...they're smitten. Life is good.

Mom to Five

This was quite a Mother's Day weekend...a whirlwind...a what have we done? But there's no turning back now. We came home with three 7 week old kitties Friday night, and there's no way we can keep only two so three it will be. I've never had a kitty so young and I've never had three. And Gus is the runt still not weighing in at a pound. It's a little crazy, but in the best way. I've long argued that pets make a house a home, but in the six months we've been pet-less, I started to forget the amount of heart they bring to the family. It's worth the hair, the inconvenience, the less than house beautiful look of cat towers and toys around the house. I've placed three orders on Chewy in three days for more stuff. Not too mention that visitors came bearing gifts. Bring it on. When I went to bed Saturday night bone tired after crawling all over the floor day and night, I told my husband that I felt like it was the day we had Teddy because we saw just about everyone we knew in 12 delirious, glorious hours. It was sweet, and everyone is smitten. I can tell you, if we didn't keep Gus, he'd have his pick of other homes. But the three amigos; Just Gus, Finnegan McGoo and Sister Hazel are staying here at Casa Wags.

When the boys brought them home Friday night, Gus was the first one out of the carrier. He strutted out and started looking around without a single fear. He's small, but he has no idea how small. He's our mighty mini and that makes us love him all the more. His other nicknames thus far are Lil G, G Money, G Man, Baby, Babes and Goofy. He loves to play, eat and snuggle. His favorite snuggle spot is the crook of the neck and he often gives eskimo kisses. He loves mice and balls, wagging tails and wiggling toes. He attacks the broom too. He tries to hang with his brother and sister. When he's had enough, he mews and finds the nearest human for rescue. He sits at your feet and looks up with his baby blues begging to be scooped. We oblige. He can also be the instigator though. Watching him chase the pounders is pure comedy.

Finn aka Big Brother, Finster or Sleet is a firecracker with a big, sweet heart. He is the strongest of the three and can be a bit of a brute, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't mean to be. He's just all energy until he isn't and then he'll crawl up in your lap and snooze. He's black and white with very cool markings. He has one black leg and three white. There's a black heart stamped on his pink nose, he's got long white whiskers and big blue eyes. He loves to perch on the back of the couch and look out the window, and also to hide behind pillows for the surprise pounce. He's already made it atop the kitchen counter, and he's uber curious about what lies behind the kitchen and family room doors.

Sister Hazel is black with small amber eyes and a white star on her chest. Her legs and her under belly are tone on tone tiger striped. She has a high pitched diva cry and she purrs like a fast, unmufflered motor. She is the shyest and the smartest of the three, but she's warming up to us every day. She just curled up on the couch with me for an afternoon nap and I am so happy she is wanting to be near. The boys were on the other couch with Teddy: Gus curled up like an ascot around Teddy's neck and Finn sprawled out in his lap. Sometimes I call her Sister, Sis, Girlfriend, or Honey, but mostly she's Hazel.

They've been with us for less than three days, and yet we are noticing changes in aptitude and demeanor already. They are trusting us, loving us, seeking us out. They're going to be social that's for sure, and definitely loveable additions to the family. The tv wasn't on much over the weekend. The three amigos were more than enough entertainment. The best is to get on the floor so they can use you as a bunker, a climbing post and then a cuddle spot.

By Mother's Day night after a long weekend of bonding, all three kit kats were curled up on me sleeping. It was a sweet end to a special evening spent with my little growing tribe. I didn't lift a finger during dinner prep. Mike made fall off the bone ribs and they were the very best he's ever made and not just because I was famished. I opened a bottle of Cattoo for the occasion and felt gratitude for motherhood. After a game of Golf, I was spoiled with gifts and touched deeply by the messages written in my cards. I tell you, I am blessed to get their love.

We tucked the kitties in for the night in the kitchen and I exhaled. I enjoyed the last of my wine alone...the only one awake in the house. It was bliss. It was my time with my mom after the beautiful commotion of the weekend. Eleven years later, her absence is still a presence. Palpable. Pervasive. I will spend the rest of my life missing her and mothering in her honor because that is her legacy. She is largely responsible for the mother I am today. I'm lucky to have a tribe of sturdy, seeing women in my life. I learn from them too and I honor them with my whole heart as well.

 

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

A friend of Lily's is fostering a litter of kitties. We are going to meet them this weekend and hope to pick out two to bring home when they are ready.

Getting our animal fix. We're dog sitting for Bailey this weekend. 

Coming across a recipe for a new salad. It was so easy and different and delicious. And it went perfectly with my roasted tomato soup.

 Taxes are in to the accountant. We'll see how much Ted's day trading costs us him.

He's got his first exam Sunday, he'll be done with his sophomore year by Thursday and home by Friday.

Pops of color around the house.

 

Buds and blooms.

Binge watching. This week it's HBO's The Leftovers. I was immediately hooked.

An end of week treat. I took myself out to lunch today.

A favorite new pair of camo capris. I took a chance and ordered them online at the Gap because I can't get petites in the store. I ordered another color because they are going to be perfect for summer.

Lils has been working on her swing after practice every night.

 Spring storms.

Mom Rant

Last night was Lil's first softball game of the season. It was a bone chilling, wind off the lake six innings. I had on my spring jacket, but I was wrapped in a wool blanket. It was a little surreal to be sitting in the stands with so many fans. I'd call it a reunion. I eventually remembered how to be social. I haven't seen some of these people in almost two years. Once the awkwardness of gathering and cheering through masks faded, the feeling of comradery took hold. Walking back to the car, Mike and I both commented on how good it felt. Our endorphins were elevated and we didn't even exert ourselves.

Lily didn't exert herself much either because she didn't start. Her bat is off. It's one of the struggles of playing golf and softball...swing confusion. She's not happy about it, but her attitude is still positive. That's my girl. There are like 30 games in the next 6 weeks. She's got some work to do, but I've got no doubt she'll earn more play time. Too much work right now with school, ACTs and AP exams too. I worry about her.

She left from the field to go to church for reconciliation. I sure hope that time with Father Tim brought her some peace. When she got home at 8:30 after leaving the house at 7 that morning, I had dinner waiting. It's all I could do. She ate every bite of her pizza stuffed pepper and even a couple bread sticks. 

And it's not all I can do. I've been giving extra hugs and listening and indulging her in a little retail therapy. We went in search of a confirmation dress last weekend. I wasn't too excited because she has a closet filled with worn once or never worn dresses, but I get her desire for something for the occasion. Then to my amazement, the very first dress she tried on was THE dress, which didn't mean we stopped shopping, but it was much less stressful. 

Truthfully, I'm looking forward to summer vacation for my girl so she can decompress and have more fun. She's already said that she wants to spend lots of time at the beach this summer and that sounds like an excellent plan as far as I'm concerned. It's a happy place and we can all use some more of that.