today...

Sitting amidst yet another snow dump, I'm reminded of how much I love warm weather. I could use some about now. It's been sort of a blah day. We couldn't get out of the driveway, so Sophia is home in spite of the fact that hers was one of the only schools open this morning. Truth be told, the roads are fine, but when you're buried and the snow is blowing, well, there's only so much you can do.

This leaves me with a trying day. Sometimes the kids play wonderfully together and I am in awe of their friendship. Other times they are on the verge of strangling each other and I am in awe of my lack of patience. Today is one of those lack of patience days. I am just tired I think, and giving up coffee creamer means giving up coffee which means CRABBY mommy. Does anyone else think it's perfectly sane for me to drive 20 minutes to the nearest Starbucks in spite of the snow?

Right now, Sophia is emptying her piggy bank, marveling at the fact that she has quarters from New York, Georgia AND Florida! She was, however, completely unimpressed with the French coin that found its way in the little pig. (This just in... we now have RHODE ISLAND too... and I have to tell you I'm completely disgusted by how dirty her fingers are just from going through change. ew.)

Sam is finally snoozing after putting up a good long fight. I realized he has to fuss at least a little bit before he's good and tired... which is REALLY hard for me to listen to.

Ethan is following Sophia around wearing inside-out sweatpants and I'm sure - nothing underneath. He is a master of leaving his underwear on the floor somewhere and throwing all caution to the wind. He's - at present - my easiest one.

Then there's mommy. A list of things to do as long as my arm, and I don't WANT to do any of it. I want to curl up with my latest Karen Kingsbury book (This one is called "Remember" - I LOVE it.) and read. I have officially turned into a reader. I swear. Adam thinks I'm reading trashy romance novels, but there is substance to these stories. This one (OH WAIT - BREAKING NEWS... WE NOW HAVE A QUARTER FROM CONNECTICUT TOO. IT HAS A TREE ON THE BACK.) - this novel deals with September 11th, which truthfully, I really don't like. I hate even thinking about that day, but I remember it so well. I'd just gotten to work, baby carrier in tow (Sophia was born in March of that year) and everyone was gathered outside our office watching tv. It reminded me of being in the newsroom watching the Columbine tragedy unfold.

My thoughts aren't any different, I'm sure, than anyone else's on the subject. It was sheer, utter terror. I think more than anything, I felt afraid. I remember seeing that second plane crash into the World Trade Center. I remember the building when it slammed to the ground. I remember looking at this little baby and wondering how in the world I'd managed to bring someone else into this kind of a world. Of course, now that she is older and telling me "I JUST GOT A QUARTER FROM CAL-I-FORNIA." (all syllables punctuated.) the fear of that day has waned... unless I think about it. Which is why reading about it is difficult. Even so, I love the way Karen Kingsbury's books draw me in.

A few things occurred to me after I posted my book cover. First of all, I had nothing to do with how cool this turned out - which is why I feel it's okay for me to rave about it in large decibles and for many minutes at a time. A designer at F&W named Kelly (I hope I'm right that it was Kelly) designed it. I think she is amazing because this cover rocks.

Also, if you happen to do a search for my name at Amazon, you'll find my other book and then one called "Lipstick and Thongs in the Loony Bin." This is not my book. It's written by a wonderfully talented writer who happens to have the same name as me - different middle initial. I guess in some ways I'm nervous people will confuse us because I don't think in my current position at the church I could get away with writing a book with that title without a little flack. I'm wondering if I should follow her lead and use my middle initial too.

Anyway, it was just on my mind...

and you'll be pleased to know we've secured quarters from Virginia and Illinois as well.

Isn't my life exciting?? :) 

Comments

[Amanda]

I had to laugh at your "lack of patience" because I think maybe I'm having one of those days too. All day I've been blaming the "bad day" on the kids because they've been "too wild" or "too loud". Just a few minutes before I sat down and read your blog Evan came up to me and asked, "Mom, why are you being so grumpy today?" I just had to laugh and then he thought he was all funny because he said "grumpy". Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself and realize that you're the one being ridiculous (as much as you don't want to admit it). I wish you a little more patience for the rest of today! :) Thanks for writing - it made me feel better!

[Jeanne]

You know that it is ok to admit that "Lipstick and Thongs in the Loony Bin" is also one of your books:-)

[julie]

i, like you and the rest of the world, will NEVER forget that day. i was one of the ones standing in the hallway of the church watching everything while my jaw hung on the floor.

wow.

that really does bring back memories. we had the best times working at the church together didn't we? sometimes i miss those days.

well again i love you and miss you tons!

oh - and i read that book a while ago and LOVED it. my sis and i started a book club with a few friends and will more than likely read some of her books. my sis loves them. i am a big time reader, but she blows me out of the water. i think she has read all of karen kingsbury's books, including her newest ones that have come out. i am a few series behind. i think i read two in the series that you are reading and then there is a whole nother one. yikes! i am so far behind and this post has got to end.

love ya!

[Anne]

Thank you for brightening my day! As a preschool/daycare provider, I can SO relate to this!!! Hang in- spring is coming...people keep promising me, I have got to believe its true...

[Sherry Wright]

I'm so ready for Spring too Courtney. Someday!? Congrats on the new bok, very cool cover. :0)

[April Lister]

interesting reading and wonderful layouts. i am always searching for ideas and you had some nice ones. Please take a moment to visit my friends blog at mccplg.blogspot.com and tell her cowchipper sent ya. Keep up the great ideas and posting of them!

[amy]

nice hearing from you, courtney...love the cover of your book...look forward to taking a look at the inside in the near future...

[Kristi Martin]

Courtney, Karen Kingsbury is my favorite author and if you are reading "Remember" make sure you read the whole Redemption series as well as her two follow up series about the same Baxter family. The 2nd series is called "Firstborn" and the newest series which isn't complete yet is called "Sunrise". She also has a 2 book series just about 9-11. Sorry to go on and on, but I just love her books and always like to share about them!
Please tell Sophia that we understand her fascination with those state quarters. :D I have two teenage boys and all 3 of us are always on the look out for new quarters to fill up our Quarter State Map!