Why do they grow up

Someone posted a thing on Facebook the other night about the "Last Time".

When was the last time I nursed Pixie-- clearly there was one time that was the last time. There was one time that I held her close and had her nurse.  I don't remember when this was- which is sad- I feel like there should have been a way to mark that.  This is true for all of the kids (except LittleDude) who is still nursing.

When was the last time I picked up Stinky and carried him to bed? Or put him on my back? There obviously was a last time but I don't know when that was.

I don't know what "last time" will be next.  Will it be the last time I "muggle" Pixie and Peas?  Will it be carrying them to bed? Reading them a story? When will it be the last time to hold their hands to cross the street?

Even knowing that that this last time is looming- it can be hard to appreciate the little things.  It can be hard to remember to cherish the snuggles, the talks, the hand holding. I hope I can learn to value this time as much as I should.

Kids tell it like it is

My wonderful grandmother died. 

She was sick and unwell for a while before she passed and in hospice care for a short time.  So it was not unexpected.

However, for a while before she passed we had not been grocery shopping. 

I looked in the fridge and realized our option for dinner included spoiled leftovers or dijon mustard.
We had to go to the store.  There was no way around it. 

I took Princess- she is getting old enough now that she actually can be helpful- and she loves helping.  More importantly- she was closer to my grandmother than the other kids and was having a hard time with the loss.  I thought it would be important to have some time with her to talk about our grandmother's death.

While we went shopping she chattered on- like nine year old girls do.  When we got to check out the cashier was making small talk. Here is what ensued.

Cashier: Hows your day going?
Princess: Its awful.
Me: (getting nervous)-- Yep, it sure is hot out.
Cashier: It certainly is.
Princess: Yeah- that and my grandmother is dead.

*cue awkward silence*

I don't think she ever checked anyone out faster after that. 

Maybe we need to find a new grocery store.

But looking back it is hysterical.  I mean- she just laid it out there, no sugar coating. 

My office supply obsession

I may have a slight problem with my somewhat minor office supply addiction.

It started when I was a kid and was focused more on school supplies. School supply shopping excited me thoroughly. Markers! Crayons! Paints! Pens! Yay! There were so many colors and varieties! I could hardly contain myself.

Now- I do not have the excuse of a new semester to shop for supplies- and my need for folders and Trapper Keepers (remember those? Do they still make them?) is severely limited, my obsession is more focused towards pens and post-its. You never know when something will need to be posted! This could be extended to stationary of all sorts, writing a note on loose-leaf paper is not nearly the same as writing it on pretty paper with a fancy pen.

Recently, I saw a commercial for "Ink Joy" pens, which is write up my alley. It is like Papermate's marketing department was sitting in my head thinking about what I look for in my favorite pens. I had to have one. CVS did not have them, I was distraught. I had to go to Walgreens anyway- and they had them! When I found them, I clapped and was so excited. What would I write first? Would they live up to the hype? I was giddy.

Stay tuned for how Ink Joy pens actually work.