I've finally caught up to myself at work after being away for a long weekend, so now I can catch up to you blogger friends! You may recall last weekend I traveled to my hometown for my SIL's baby shower and time visiting with family. How did it all turn out? Exhausting could pretty well sum it up, but I'll give you more details.
I left after work Thursday night and had the most beautiful view of the Rockies. Seriously, that's one of the things I love about living in the West- the majestic mountain peaks. It was clear out, so I just got to gaze at the beauty while listening to my ipod. How wonderfully relaxing.
Friday was a full day. Dad came over and made breakfast for grandma and I, which was a nice treat. It was good to catch up with them both as I'm probably the closest to each of them in my family and love spending time with them. Then a short visit with a dear college friend and then the big family dinner. Everyone in my family was able to make it for a tour of grandma's new apartment and dinner afterwards. This was the first time I saw my mother, and she was in her classic form...following me around the entire evening, so I couldn't get a conversation alone with anyone in my family. How annoying, but that is her, so I wasn't surprised. She constantly wants her nose in my business as if she's going to miss out on something. Thankfully, I hadn't slept well the night before due to the trains passing by grandma's house every 1-2 hours, so I was in somewhat of a fatigued daze and could more easily ignore her rude comments and annoying behavior.
The one special part of the night was that the family was able to all be together (minus my DH) as it would have been grandpa's 88th birthday that day. He died last November, so this was the first year he wasn't here. Grandma treated all of us to dinner in honor of him. She said he would have wanted all of us to get together and celebrate, which was so true of him. I was glad I was present for an important family gathering, since I'm not able to celebrate most holidays with family.
Saturday I was able to sleep in a bit (finally) and then had a nice breakfast with grandma. Dad surprised us by stopping over because he was "in the area," which is so typical of dad. It's his way of showing he misses me and wants to spend more time with me when mom is not around. I love my dad.
Then lunchtime was another special treat- my first blogger meet-up. Patiently Waiting picked me up and it amazes me that I could get into a car with someone I had never met in person before and we could proceed to talk (basically non-stop) for an hour. I love that! We picked up lunch and headed to Joy Beyond the Cross's home since she was on bed rest for the weekend. We spent another few hours chatting away, and I seriously think we could have talked all day and night. And here we are "strangers" somewhat, yet know so much about each others lives because of our blogging. We got to see JBTC's cute house, her 2 cats, her new windows, and the plans for her nursery. How fun. Our time together went by nearly too fast and then PW and I were back in the car again chatting away until she dropped me off.
What a treat it was to meet both of them in person. Thanks, ladies, for a fun afternoon!
Back at grandma's house, it was time for a smaller family gathering with my parents, brothers, and SIL. It was nice, but it would have been nicer if mom wasn't there. She still was yakking away about herself as she frequently does, and I hardly got a chance to talk with my brother and SIL. Thankfully, they were feeling the same thing, so they made sure to stay behind and talk more after everyone left.
I really do like spending time with them, despite some of the jealousy that has come out because of their pregnancy. I also realize how young they are and how much they need a good influence in their lives. Neither of their parents have a good marriage and their friends aren't churched, so that leaves a lot of opportunities for me and my husband to be a positive influence.
Sunday was the baby shower and it was about as "bad" as I expected it to be- non-stop baby chatter from everyone about their own kids and grandkids, stories of their pregnancies, etc. I don't know how some of you have the strength to continually go to as many showers as you do. This was my first baby shower for a family member, and thankfully, I probably won't have any more to go to for a long while. I don't think I could attend many more.
My mother told baby and childhood stories about me throughout the entire shower. Can you believe it? I quickly spoke up and reminded her that this shower was not about me, but it was about my brother and SIL, but she still preceded to spend the afternoon telling stories about me, when I was born, how old I am, etc. It was dreadful, but I just walked out of the room. I felt bad for my SIL though. My mom is seriously nuts. I'm convinced she has a mental problem- bipolar, pathological liar, OCD, addiction to shopping, or all of the above.
I survived the weekend though, which is the good part, and I was able to hold my tongue and refrain from saying anything rude or hurtful to mom. That was the good news. I returned home and discovered fall had hit the valley while I was away. I was so surprised since I was only gone 4 days, but it is beautiful around town now. I just love the colors on the trees.
My husband's ulcer: I was so worried about getting sick this past weekend with the extra stress, lack of sleep, traveling, and more. Usually that combination results in a nasty cold, but so far I have been feeling fine. The irony is that while my husband stayed home, he came down with some major stomach cramps and ended up at Urgent Care on Tuesday. The diagnosis- the start of an ulcer! He's never had anything like that before and his diet doesn't consist of ulcer inducing food.
Here's the kicker ladies- he told me that lately he had been praying to God that if it would help me, to have God give him some of my pain and discomfort, so he could carry some of my burdens! I don't think it's a coincidence that I came back from the trip sickness-free while he's had to suffer through painful stomach stuff. He got my ulcer! Can you believe the saint I married? Oh my. I'm falling more in love with him by the day. Truly, he is amazing. And- even though he had 4 really painful days before getting on meds, he has not ceased praying to be given some of my pain! He is so much stronger than I. What did I ever do to deserve such an amazing man?
That amazing man and I are off on a fun adventure tomorrow since we both have the day off tomorrow. We have two fun options- I'll let you know what we decide to do later!
I left after work Thursday night and had the most beautiful view of the Rockies. Seriously, that's one of the things I love about living in the West- the majestic mountain peaks. It was clear out, so I just got to gaze at the beauty while listening to my ipod. How wonderfully relaxing.
The one special part of the night was that the family was able to all be together (minus my DH) as it would have been grandpa's 88th birthday that day. He died last November, so this was the first year he wasn't here. Grandma treated all of us to dinner in honor of him. She said he would have wanted all of us to get together and celebrate, which was so true of him. I was glad I was present for an important family gathering, since I'm not able to celebrate most holidays with family.
Saturday I was able to sleep in a bit (finally) and then had a nice breakfast with grandma. Dad surprised us by stopping over because he was "in the area," which is so typical of dad. It's his way of showing he misses me and wants to spend more time with me when mom is not around. I love my dad.
Then lunchtime was another special treat- my first blogger meet-up. Patiently Waiting picked me up and it amazes me that I could get into a car with someone I had never met in person before and we could proceed to talk (basically non-stop) for an hour. I love that! We picked up lunch and headed to Joy Beyond the Cross's home since she was on bed rest for the weekend. We spent another few hours chatting away, and I seriously think we could have talked all day and night. And here we are "strangers" somewhat, yet know so much about each others lives because of our blogging. We got to see JBTC's cute house, her 2 cats, her new windows, and the plans for her nursery. How fun. Our time together went by nearly too fast and then PW and I were back in the car again chatting away until she dropped me off.
What a treat it was to meet both of them in person. Thanks, ladies, for a fun afternoon!
 |
| JBTC, PW, and Me |
I really do like spending time with them, despite some of the jealousy that has come out because of their pregnancy. I also realize how young they are and how much they need a good influence in their lives. Neither of their parents have a good marriage and their friends aren't churched, so that leaves a lot of opportunities for me and my husband to be a positive influence.
Sunday was the baby shower and it was about as "bad" as I expected it to be- non-stop baby chatter from everyone about their own kids and grandkids, stories of their pregnancies, etc. I don't know how some of you have the strength to continually go to as many showers as you do. This was my first baby shower for a family member, and thankfully, I probably won't have any more to go to for a long while. I don't think I could attend many more.
My mother told baby and childhood stories about me throughout the entire shower. Can you believe it? I quickly spoke up and reminded her that this shower was not about me, but it was about my brother and SIL, but she still preceded to spend the afternoon telling stories about me, when I was born, how old I am, etc. It was dreadful, but I just walked out of the room. I felt bad for my SIL though. My mom is seriously nuts. I'm convinced she has a mental problem- bipolar, pathological liar, OCD, addiction to shopping, or all of the above.
I survived the weekend though, which is the good part, and I was able to hold my tongue and refrain from saying anything rude or hurtful to mom. That was the good news. I returned home and discovered fall had hit the valley while I was away. I was so surprised since I was only gone 4 days, but it is beautiful around town now. I just love the colors on the trees.
My husband's ulcer: I was so worried about getting sick this past weekend with the extra stress, lack of sleep, traveling, and more. Usually that combination results in a nasty cold, but so far I have been feeling fine. The irony is that while my husband stayed home, he came down with some major stomach cramps and ended up at Urgent Care on Tuesday. The diagnosis- the start of an ulcer! He's never had anything like that before and his diet doesn't consist of ulcer inducing food.
Here's the kicker ladies- he told me that lately he had been praying to God that if it would help me, to have God give him some of my pain and discomfort, so he could carry some of my burdens! I don't think it's a coincidence that I came back from the trip sickness-free while he's had to suffer through painful stomach stuff. He got my ulcer! Can you believe the saint I married? Oh my. I'm falling more in love with him by the day. Truly, he is amazing. And- even though he had 4 really painful days before getting on meds, he has not ceased praying to be given some of my pain! He is so much stronger than I. What did I ever do to deserve such an amazing man?
That amazing man and I are off on a fun adventure tomorrow since we both have the day off tomorrow. We have two fun options- I'll let you know what we decide to do later!
How cool that you were able to meet up with fellow bloggers! I know a lot of people focus on the bad in the internet, but this is so good!
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to Mom issues! I still pray for healing in our relationship, but it's hard sometimes to feel like you're parenting your parent.
The holidays are going to be rough for me-babies all around. My hubby has a very typical large Catholic family. Glad you made it through the shower ok!
Every time I meet a blogger, particularly a Catholic IF one, it always surprises me how well we all get along! You're definitely not alone.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that your mom was a source of stress. I can also relate, although mine has been behaving well since I told her about my surgery (she's good in crisis mode, thank goodness!). I pray for patience all the time and I try hard not to let her get to me, but that doesn't always help.
Aww, your story about your husband made me cry happy tears. What a sweet, sweet man.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the baby showers. When I first got married, I hosted like 5 of them in 2 years (all for my husband's sisters), and then I could not take it anymore. I haven't been to the last few.
So glad you had a good time with your dad and grandma. Your dad sounds so sweet.
Your story, plus the blog comments, make me wonder how many women with infertility also have mom problems. You're definitely not alone in that regard!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors of autumn as well -- especially bright bursts of red leaves high in the treetops :)
It sounds like your weekend overall went well. It is nice when we are able to deal with people who annoy us with charity. I have that problem with my dad. I usually fail. Yes, your husband is a saint! What a beautiful sacrifice to make for his beloved.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed spending time with you so much! You are so easy to talk to and made me feel at peace and hopeful! Your husband sounds like such a sweetheart. God Bless you both and Baby PPIW!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you have your hubbie to fall back on! My family is exhausting also which is why I'm so thankful it's small! I didn't get to comment on your quilt- it's beautiful, just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a man! I'm so glad that there were so many good parts to your weekend, but I'm sorry that it was difficult, too. Looks like some new snow on those mountains!
ReplyDeleteYes! Your husband IS a saint! What better husband could ask to take his wife's pain?!?!?!? Go hubby!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you made it through the weekend ok ... your mom ... wow! To tell your stories through the shower?!?!? That's tacky. I'm glad your dad and family were there to give you support and love.