Ah, that's better!

That was just the breather I needed. Amazing how much easier life is without those two beautiful demanding kids around.

My parents took Anna and Colin for Wednesday-Saturday last week. And although I worked, we were on easy street here, and managed to go out EVERY NIGHT while they were gone. Hey, why not, we had child care covered, and it was exhilarating rather than exhausting. The first night we went to a MOVIE - this is a big deal around these parts, as Anthony's tendency towards vertigo means we usually only see one movie per year, and lately its been Cars, or Ratatouille, or some such Pixar picture with the kids at the Tinseltown. I suggested we see TERMINATOR SALVATION, a kind of throw back since Anthony eagerly anticipated T2 while we were dating, and indoctrinated me to the franchise. Anthony also hates the theatre because he'd rather be in the comfort of his own home... so of course I made sure we went to the Alamo Drafthouse. If you are not fortunate enough to be near one of these theaters, I am sorry, because they serve good local draft beer and wines even a snob could love (during the show!), as well as tasty gourmet foods, all for about the same price as a coke and popcorn at the mega-plex. "That seat was very comfortable," Anth said as we left. "We'll have to do that again." Yippee!

We also went to a wine tasting and a fancy dinner for an early birthday celebration for Anthony, which would have been quite impossible with children. Also! the house stayed miraculously clean and uncluttered. So refreshing, just like when my mom did all the kids' laundry while we were in Chicago. Life is so much easier when you only have to take care of yourself!

It also was way too quiet. Francesca didn't like it because we left her home alone all the time. And we did miss and think about the kids all the time. The tight enthusiastic hugs we got on Saturday when we picked them up in Brenham were priceless. Thanks again, Nana and Grandad!

Summer is in full tilt here - over 100 degrees every day now, and the birds are still singing when the kids go to bed. Removing school from the equation is making life easier - now its just swim team, piano, and ballet. Swim team will be over in 3 weeks.

Unfortunately now it is so hot every time I go outside it gives me a head ache. My book tells me that we people with migraines have sensitive brains, and so many triggers will give me a headache - lack of sleep, lots of screaming children, drinking super cold liquids, exertion in the heat, lack of caffeine, dehydration, super-sugary foods (don't even let me look at a doughnut) -- enough triggers in one day will give me a migraine. Some days, its like walking a tightrope. At least now I feel like I've caught my breath, and I'm ready for T2....