Rough Re-entry

I am afraid I am going through "Grandma Detox" just like the kids after a weekend away. Yesterday I buzzed from task to task, but never did feel much of a sense of accomplishment. Instead, I felt like I was forgetting to do something more important. Even with the boys gone with Dad & Grandpa for most of the day, I had peace in the house, but did not feel it. I should be happy to be home after being away so many days in a row, but I still want to go somewhere else. Maybe it is because I had looked forward to last weekend so much and now it is over. I suspect it has something to do with being within the Sioux Falls city limits and not having time to stop at Hobby Lobby.
I think I needed more of a gradual re-entry into the Melius farm atmosphere. We weren't home five minutes on Monday before David was heading out to spray the crops and I was weeding the garden. The kids zig-zagged through the yard like little muddy bouncy balls after their long road trip and I was counting the hours until bedtime.
Today David will be able to put in another long day spraying fields. That is good for him, but a VERY long day for me. Our refrigerator is resembling its state in David's bachelor days (minus the fermenting orange juice), so I am trying to think of something fun to incorporate with a grocery run. We could go to the pool, but that wouldn't be until late this afternoon. I do not have enough milk or patience to make it that long. Maybe a trip to the park will do. With a stop for ice cream on the way home. For the kids, of course.

Fun 4th

I feel a bit jet lagged today, even though I have only been traveling the countryside in a minivan and never crossed a single time zone. It feels like Monday, even though it is Tuesday. I also think it feels much later in the morning than 9am.
We had a most wonderful weekend in Leola. Our family's float and "Rhubarb Queen Wannabes" entry (my mom & 2 aunts) won the Most Humorous Entry. I did not get a picture of them all, but do have one of my mom, sister, and me together.



We threw hundreds and hundreds of Mardi Gras beads. The float was covered when we started and by the end we were dismantling the decorations to make sure every kid in the crowd got one. On the last turn, one of my uncles turned and shouted, "Take everything off!" Then he quickly specified what he meant. I was telling my sister & brother in law that if we would have had to start throwing clothes, everyone would probably be lined up at the end of the parade next time. They thought either that or everyone would be sure to be at the BEGINNING. :o)
Spending the two days in Leola was much like being home again. I spent a lot of time there with my grandparents growing up. I went to so many weddings at the Catholic church and dances at the Legion hall that I once thought I would have my wedding there as well. (When the time came, it was much more practical to have our wedding in my actual home church and town of Eureka.) I lived there part-time after my freshman year in college when I babysat my newborn cousin and helped my grandma after she broke her heel. I lived with my grandparents as I student taught HS English at Leola HS during my last semester of college. I have so many wonderful memories there, when life was double orders of french fries at the cafe after Saturday night mass, falling to sleep at Grandma & Grandpa's house, and preparing for my teaching career and forthcoming wedding. I will always be thankful for the happy times I've spent in Leola--my second home town.
On Sunday we traveled down to MN to our niece's 2nd birthday party. We had a beautiful afternoon to visit and play outside. It truly was the "icing on the cake" for the weekend. David chose this Barbie trike for her and even assembled it at the party. What a nice uncle! I have to say he is getting pretty efficient at assembling pink toys! Happy Birthday to Lily today--our family's 7/7/07 baby!

Bonus Post

OK, so I lied. I am going to post tonight. We came home so the kids could go to bed at a decent time, but it's only 9:14pm and I'm not tired yet.
We really had a great time in Leola today. The boys can check off pony and tractor-pulled trolley rides off their list as well as a surprise--an intricate model train display a few blocks from my grandparents' house. We visited twice today and I am sure will make an appearance again tomorrow! Teresa was very good, aside from clingy as all of the extra people there were a little overwhelming. The float is built and ready for the parade tomorrow. David even surprised us and joined us for awhile this evening.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July. For the past 3 years, the 4th of July is a day I personally celebrate my Nathan. As I've written before, July 4, 2005 was very scary for David and myself as the amnio test results we had done were still days away. I did my best to enjoy our time at our neighbors' lake cabin, but I couldn't help but wonder if our second child would be alright. As we can now see from his independent spirit and beautiful blue eyes, he sure is!
Every 4th of July since then, I thank God for Nathan, and all of our children. If there is nothing critical weighing on my mind, I thank Him not only for placing me in this free country, but also for the freedom from worry--if only for the day. May you have a wonderful 4th tomorrow celebrating this country's freedoms and all of the other freedoms in your life.

Quick Super Nachos

My friend Cathy requested that I share my recipe for Quick Super Nachos. Since I don't have much else to share, I thought tonight would be a good time for another recipe post. It might even be a good meal for this weekend if you find yourself having to cook and don't want to put forth much effort.

Quick Super Nachos
Mix 1 can Campbell's Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup and about 1/2 can milk (more or less depdending on the consistency you prefer). Heat over Med-Low heat until warm.
Meanwhile, brown 1 lb ground beef and mix with 1 packet taco seasoning.
Pour a bag of tortilla chips into a 9x13 pan. Cover chips with taco meat, cheese soup mixture, and the taco toppings of your choice. This can be an excellent place to hide some fresh veggies.
This always goes over well at our house because the kids love having chips for their main course. I think it is especially yummy after the chips get just a little soggy from the cheese sauce.
Enjoy and have a safe & fun July 4 weekend! Our family fun starts tomorrow, so I probably won't post again until after the weekend.

Weighed Down Part 2

I just have to update that the lawn mowing went very well. Everytime I reappeared from behind the trees, I could see all three of them playing nicely together. The one time they did disappear for a few minutes, they all came walking back outside eating Ice Pops. They were just so cute & proud of themselves.
So, perhaps the days of getting a babysitter to mow lawn or having a rider are coming to an end.
Life is getting better all the time.