Thank you for loving us ... and update

My Book Club friends, "The Book Slots" (another story for another time) just left. Before they left, one of them coaxed me into letting them empty my dishwasher ("I'll just empty it, I won't fill it! I know where the stuff goes!") and then while my friend Monica chatted me up about meal planning, the others proceeded to clean my kitchen. I mean spraying the counters and everything. To a girl who loves nothing better than a clean kitchen in the morning, this was very meaningful. Know this: I was fully prepared to bed down and leave it in a very dirty state ... this has been quite the week, and I had no desire to clean my kitchen. I am so thankful for the friends surrounding me.

I had big plans for dinner, but only made it as far as getting the soup made (roasted elephant garlic soup with pesto - much easier than it might sound, and incredibly delicious). I had a couple of unpleasant realities with the pasta (including moldy broccoli) so I scrapped it and I had one of the Book Slots stop for pizza on the way. I decided it just wasn't worth the trouble to try and pull something together last minute. I needed a rest, and I needed to be intentional about relaxing with my good friends. I have been tired this month. While tiring, it sure has been fun!

Pat's sister Erin and her husband Tom, with their 3-year old daughter Olivia, came into town on Sunday. They were in Seattle for a business meeting so came down to PDX for a few days). I had to leave Monday night for a 3-day training in San Jose, but we were able to fit in a quick visit to the zoo on Monday. Very fun, but Graham missed his midday nap (which might have been the setting-out point for a tough week). We were so thankful to share our home and time with Erin & Tom! Quality time is so hard to find. We hope they come every year for this annual meeting!

My training in San Jose was good and I learned a lot, but on Wednesday evening I learned an even more important lesson about trusting in my husband's capabilities. On Wednesday Graham's daycare called Pat to tell him that Graham had a 102 degree fever. It was the end of the day and Pat was already on his way to pick Graham up, but having had the fever at daycare meant he couldn't come back the next day. And I was still in San Jose. We scrambled and had some help from our friend Nicole watching Graham for the morning so Pat could attend a meeting, then Pat worked from home in the afternoon while Graham napped.

Pat accomplished a lot in those three days, kind of a crash course I suppose! And he did so well! I learned a lot about what a great dad he is. And also what a loving patient husband he is, as he encouraged me, so many miles away listening Graham crying on the phone.

And now back to the Book Slots, I have to get a few words in. I need to say thank you, ladies. Thank you for ~six years (WOW!) and thank you for love. Thank you for quietly sharing your time and knowing when to ask how I'm doing and when to let sleeping tears lie. Thank you for hugs and books and sharing in my Tear Soup. Thank you for loving my mom. Thanks for letting my husband be quiet or share, as he chooses, and thanks for letting me share endless stories about my boy.

I like having a clean house, just because I like it that way, but I am finding my priorities are changing. Because I haven't had much home time this week, it was nice to be with you all evening knowing that you didn't mind the stacks of stuff on the other end of the table, or that there was a pot of forsaken pasta rigate on the stove. It has taken time for me to find this kind of ease, and it feels so good to have it with you. Thanks for being you and for letting me be me.

And a note to the rest of you readers - thank you also for loving us! Thank you for the care you have given us over the last two months (and over all the months prior!). Thank you too for all the times you let me be me ... and the love you share with us daily. We love and appreciate you so much.