a whole lot of nothing

That's what's going on in my head right now. It's been a few days of post-parents-visit and post-birthday-party organizing and settling. I'm always left with a cloud of sadness that's challenging to navigate for a day or two after seeing my parents. The miles between us and everyone's work and school schedules make visits few and far between, and the short time that we get to spend together is always somewhat bittersweet. For the first day or so, it's simply joyful to watch them hang with the kids and marvel at their current ways, but by the second day (of a three day visit), all I can think about is the impending goodbyes. The fact that they won't get to see their grandchildren for another extended time just tears me up, because I know how much they value that experience. Ugh. It's just sad. But focusing on the positive-- it was marvelous to watch Red and Mem be all girly together, and Pudge and Pepe bond over a shared cupcake, and JAM simply be comfortable with the grandparents he hardly ever gets to see. Man, do they love these kids-- and how amazing it is to be witness to it. We really have to make it work to see them more often!


So, after reorganizing the master to-do list, I realized how insanely behind I was in my reading and posting for 5M4B. In the last 24 hours, I have submitted seven, yup that's 7, reviews! Okay, so three were children's books, and three were short nonfiction guides, but one was for a fantastic novel that I recently finished. (Look to the right of your screen for a hint!) I'm really looking forward to that one posting, because it's going to be part of a big Summer Giveaway on the site, and it really does make me so happy to know that someone out there will get a free copy of a book that I loved! Look for some info closer to Memorial Day on that one! So now that means I get to refocus my reading efforts-- this time I'm narrowing it down and trying to have only one novel and one nonfiction piece going simultaneously. Trying to tackle too many books at once is like trying to juggle for me-- I just can't seem to make it work.

Seeing as this post is really not going in any one specific direction, how about it simply coming to a close. It's late, my brain is tired, and tomorrow will be here soon enough with its neverending to-dos and as usual, a finite amount of time for effort!

Missing my mom and dad,




**Edited to include a much sought-after (by at least ONE reader!) photo of Red and her carousel birthday cake. (After ten years of teaching preschool, you'd think I'd be more talented with a bunch of popsicle sticks...)**