Reading Between the Lines

Here's a quick update of the things going on around here:

1.  My dad is doing better.

{Read as:  He has been the recipient of 2 ambulance rides to the hospital in a one week period of time, has been a candidate for pushing daisies at least twice, and has suddenly become a devout vegan.  As trying as it's been for our family, it's been an opportunity to grow as individuals, to come together as a family, it's allowed for some relationships to start to heal, and has been a spiritual experience.  I am grateful for hospitals, for the power of the Priesthood, and for the fact that my dad is still here with us.}

2.  Shaw is getting smarter on a daily basis.

{Read as:  Kennedy is teaching him to count to 10 in Spanish and French.  Keep in mind that he's not yet two and his favorite vocabulary word is still "puppy" - which he says at least 3,892 times per day.  I guess he'll be able to count at least 10 puppies if he visits France or South America anytime soon.}

3.  We should start digging for our new addition within the next 2 weeks.

{Read as:  Huzzah!}

4.  I now have a 14 year old.

{Read as:  Teenagers are expensive.  I think all I asked for on my 14th birthday was some electric blue mascara, an Esprit shirt, and perhaps a bottle of hairspray.  I certainly did not hint for - nor receive - an iTouch. Thanks to all the grandparents for pitching in.}

5.  My half marathon is in just over 4 weeks.

{Read as:  I'm so sick of running I want to cry.  I'm ready for the race now and want it to be over now so that I can ease up on my running now. Does anyone have any suggestions of how to keep a positive vibe going when you're running for 2 hours?  My long runs aren't so physically draining as they are mentally draining.  Can you say bor-ing?  Is it possible to be too ADD to be a runner?  'Cuz I think I would fit into that category.}  

6.  My Girls' Getaway is one week away.

{Read as:  Tower of Terror, Monte Cristo sandwich, and the musty smell of Pirates of the Caribbean can't come soon enough.  This past week and a half has been emotionally exhausting and I need to get out of Dodge.}

7.  I love the sunshine.

{Read as:  Sunshine makes me happy.}

8.  I need a Chevron striped shower curtain.

{Read as:  I want a Chevron striped shower curtain.  I'm ready to redo the upstairs bathroom but the whole design is centered around a black and white Chevron striped shower curtain which I can't find anywhere.  I'm even willing to just get the fabric and somehow hot glue or fabric glue or staple one together on my own, but I can't even find the fabric.  Any internet navigators out there want to help me?  I'm considering offering a finder's reward for anyone who is willing to lend a hand.}

9.  I'm a mean mom.

{Read as:  I really do think I'm a mean mom.  I give consequences and stick to them.  I make my kids try hard things.  I make them brush their teeth twice a day and call them back after each brushing to clean out the nasty toothpaste film in the sink.  I won't do McDonald's. I make them empty the dishwasher.  I force them to give me hugs and kisses regardless of their gender or age, and I won't let them wear the same pair of pants the entire week.  See? MEAN!}

10.  Prayers are answered.

{Read as:  We have a Heavenly Father who knows our hearts, hears our prayers, and answers them according to His will.  He is there.  He listens to us. He loves us.}