fun times at playgroup

I love everything about our Friday morning playgroup. There's usually 7 of us moms who are the "core group" and then others join when they can. Everyone lives in the neighborhood, and gets along sooooo well. As I've said a million times before, I couldn't ask for a better neighborhood. I wouldn't trade it for anything. The moms hang out with the little ones who can't play by themselves yet, and the older kids have a wonderful time playing with each other. Andrea, my neighbor who lives directly behind me, has three boys. This morning, she was laughing about how horrible her husband dresses. For example, he refuses to wear anything but white sweat socks -- even with dress shoes. And evidently he wears disgusting white t-shirts under his work shirts, and wears them alone all night long -- holes, frays, pit stains and all! LOL... He's an engineer, so maybe that explains it ;-) The conversation then turns to Matt and one of the other husbands. Evidently, they're known as the "snappy dressers" in the neighborhood. Evidently Carolyn and I are married to metrosexuals!!! Fine with me. Thankfully I never have to dress Matt or tell him what to wear. It's wonderful! I have two kids to take care of, I can't imagine having to dress a grown man!

Caleb was a little stinker at playgroup today. I don't know what's been up with him lately. He's always been a momma's boy, but today it reached a new level. Caleb went over to play with one of the toddlers, and I was sitting on the floor playing with Tiffany's little girl, who is 9 months. When he saw little Audrey on my lap, he threw himself on the floor and just started wailing. He was inconsolable. When I went over to get him, he wouldn't have any part of it and cried even harder. Quite the scene, let me tell ya! After he finally got ahold of himself, he wouldn't leave my side for the rest of the morning. UUUUUUGH!

The kids and I went over to my parents house after they woke up from their nap this afternoon. My grandma was over there, and her 88th birthday is tomorrow. We went over to spend some time with her. Monday afternoon we are headed to the nursing home for her birthday party. The party is at 2:30, which is right during nap time so it could get interesting.

Tonight I went to dinner with Kelly, who was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Des Moines. We had an absolute blast. Dinner, drinks and girl talk can do wonders for the soul. Besides, since Matt was gone all week, he definitely owed me!! When I got home, the kids were in the jammies and he was shocked I didn't stay out later. Next time!!

Before Katherine went to bed, we snuggled up in my room and talked about our day. She then looked at me and said:

K: Close your eyes Mommy. I've got a secret for you.
M: OK honey
K: You're the best mommy in the whole wide world. I love you so much.
M: I love you too sweetie. You're the best daughter in the whole world.
K: No Mommy, I'm serious. You're the goodest woman I've ever met.

*sigh* I could just squeeze her, she's so adorable. Sugary sweet, and tenderhearted. But strong willed and stubborn at the same time. She's so perfect, and I'm so glad she's mine. It's these little moments, these normal every day occurrences that make me realize how blessed I am.