Public Apology To A Delta Employee . . .

It is official.  I have a serious case of flyer's anxiety.  As in I'm up the night before and I feel queasy when I step into the airport with my four children in tow and my armpits start to sweat profusely and I get dizzy and generally confused to the point where I revert to a child-like state myself.  It is disturbing.

So can I use that as my excuse for being rude and impatient with a kind older fellow working for Delta Airlines in the Salt Lake City Airport? I mean, we were late getting out the door due to much cherished {albeit slightly prolonged} goodbyes to dear grandparents, so my stress level was already slightly elevated.

And then the Hubby left me alone while he went to return the rental car - and by alone I mean that I was managing eleven bags, one stroller, four children and the flyer's anxiety thing.  So, when the kind Delta man insisted that I use the electronic kiosk to check in, even though I assured him that it wouldn't work and that I needed to speak to an agent at a desk personally to explain a slight mixup, I'll admit, I heaved a great sigh, shot him a somewhat crusty look and dragged my caravan of craziness through a throng of busy travelers while barking commands at my mulitple offspring with added emphasis to make Mr. Delta appreciate my struggle.

Four attempts {and fifteen precious minutes} at the kiosk yeilded the same message from the computer: "Your flight cannot be processed.  Please see a desk agent for assistance."  So I marched back, circus a-followin' and proudly told my Delta friend that I was right and he was wrong.  He wanted to go through the kiosk process with me, but I refused and told him forcefully that I didn't have time for that! So I got in the 30 minute line to a desk agent huffing, puffing and sweating like a hog.

A few minutes {and no movement} later, the still calm Delta employee handed me the boarding passes for myself, Hannie B and RedDog.  He then explained that because the Hubby and Big C had the same first name {did you know?} and no middle initial had been indicated, the computer thought the same person was trying to buy two tickets and that they would need to see a desk agent no matter what.

Instead of thanking him for his help - and it was helpful - I snapped that he should have just let me in the line in the first place.

Because of his kindness, when the Hubby finally joined me, I was able to take Hannie B, RedDog and Ollie up to the gate immediately. And then I was able to get a seat for Ollie in our row so he wouldn't have to sit on my lap.  And then all my anxiety melted away and we ended up having a truly blissful flight home which included a long nap for Ollie and a short nap for myself.

But my guilt at how I treated that man remains.  So here it is, in case he's reading:

I am sorry for how I reacted in what was to me a very stressful situation, Mr. Delta.  Please forgive me for not treating you with the kindness and calm manner that you showed me.  I am a wreck of a mom and human being in airports and will seek professional help if possible. And I will try to do better next time by leaving all of my children at home.  Thank you for listening.

PS.  Lots of trip recap to follow in between loads of laundry.

  

Newell K. Whitney Store - Kirtland, Ohio . . .

It's proving a daunting task to sort through the 250 photos I took on our little 4 day vacation. How do I pick which ones to share when each one represents a new and fond memory? I must try!

We started our trip in Kirtland, Ohio - a city of historic significance to members of my faith. The kiddoes were very enthralled with the Newell K. Whitney Store. They love learning about history and were excited to see the types of items that would have been for sale in such a store during that period in history. Here are a few photos:

While much of the outside of the store has been refurbished, this door latch is original from the 1830's.

Knitting needles.

Quills and paper.

Bonnets {Hannie B's favorite}.

Crockery in the Bishop's Storehouse.

A game of checkers {RedDog's favorite}.

Saw Blades {Big C's favorite}.

I'll try to post several groups of photos as the day goes on, time permitting, of course, since it's Spring Break, Easter is in two days {still not ready} AND we have no milk, bread or eggs in the house.

Time To Fly . . .

We're off to see my sister for Spring Break.  A first for the Hubby and my kids to journey to her home.  A first road trip for my Ollie boy.  And a first for me as I am desperately and uncharacteristicly behind in getting ready.

Will be blogging in a sporadic fashion as I enjoy sibling time and play with my peeps.  Happy Spring to you!

Mini Vacay . . .

Last year during Christmas Break we surprised our kids with a three day trip to New York City, made possible by an offer from friends who allowed us to stay in their empty apartment for free. Great memories were made and our budget remained intact.

Two weeks ago, in the middle of a record breaking snowstorm, the Hubby exclaimed, "Let's surprise the kids and go somewhere during the Christmas break!" I immediately thought of the reasons why this spontaneous decision wouldn't work:

*We have nothing planned!*
*There's no budget for it!*
*We have a little often-times-crabby baby!*
* I don't want to pack for it!*

But he had a plan. And this is what it involved:

First, cash in some of his gazillion Marriott points for ONE night in a hotel just far enough away from home to feel like we'd actually gone somewhere but not far enough to make the car ride painful for the parents. {cost: free}

Second, take the kids out to dinner at a fancy-to-them restaurant containing Hannie B's FAVORITE FOOD EVER in the name. {cost: more than we normally pay, but discounted slightly because we went early enough to get lunchtime prices}


Third, on the way back to the hotel stop off at one of our usual holiday favorites, the Washington D.C. Temple's Festival of Lights to see not only the beautiful lights, but also the Nativity and tree displays. {cost: free}

Fourth, let Ollie roll around in the hotel room and suck on his toes while the big kids swim their hearts out in the hotel pool. {cost: free}

Fifth, eat pancakes the size of our heads for breakfast the next morning. {cost: minimal}

Sixth, take the kids into "the city" to do something really special -- visit the National Botanic Garden's Christmas Train Display {With bridges, buildings and miniature monuments recreated using all natural materials. Cost: free!}.

{Library of Congress reproduction - AMAZING!}

This mini vacation was just short enough to not do me in and just long enough for everyone to feel happy - including Little Ollie who was a trooper until the last hour of our time in D.C., which is when he let us all know he was done.

So way to go Hubby for coming up with such a great idea at such a little cost. {He's pretty darn good at that.}

A Departure From The Norm . . .

Because I am the Meanest Mom on the Planet, a usual meal at my house includes a hearty helping of fruit, a fresh vegetable, a whole grain, some sort of lean protein and a glass of water or milk. My kids sack lunches are never coveted by other children at school and dessert is a once-a-week {maybe} privilege which could include a whole fruit popsicle, a sugar free Jell-o pudding snack or a fresh fruit smoothie. Mean. Oh so mean.

Now take a look at a good portion of my grocery haul from yesterday. As you can see, I have entered a parallel reality and given in to pure, unadulterated JUNK. This junk will join my family once again this year for our annual Memorial Day trip to Bethany Beach.

Why all the junk? It has a lot to do with making this tradition of going to the beach an awesome memory for the kids. Bedtimes are pushed back, games a plenty are played, laughter abounds, and we let our kids eat all the cruddy junk their hearts desire {okay, I stopped short of buying the "Cookie Crisp"}. Usually they're dying to get in bed early at night after playing in the sun all day and the inevitable belly ache teaches a lesson so I don't have to: eating nothing but junk makes you feel junky. Still - it's fun for me to watch the RedDog marvel at the marshmallows in his Lucky Charms, to see Big C figure out how best to cook "this thing called a Pop-Tart" and to laugh at Hannie B licking her orange Chee-toh fingers.

And of course, it's back to reality {with vegetables} on Tuesday!

Happy Memorial Day to you all.

That's How We Roll . . .

Eat. Laugh. Eat some more. Laugh harder till you almost pee your pants. Try unsuccessfully to sleep. Wake up. Do it all again, this time laughing even harder. That's how these Lee sisters roll, and I am loving it.

I'm Goin' Back To Cali . . .

Do you think they'll let a pregnant lady ride the Santa Monica Pier ferris wheel? I'll let you know after I consume at least four In N' Out burgers and a milk shake. See ya next week!

New York, New York, What A Wonderful Town!

You've asked, so here it is . . . documented proof of our surprise trip to New York City with our kids before Christmas. We had a really wonderful two days in the city. Our kids thought it was a grand adventure and despite 16 degree weather on the first day and a whole, whole lotta walking, there was minimal whining and almost no fighting whatsoever (it totally helped to have our friends the Mecks along with their three kids!) I've included a brief explanation below each of the pictures. We did more than I've shown, but our hands were so freakin' cold, the pictures are fewer than I'd hoped. Great memories were made and we are so glad to have done this with our kids. Here's hoping your Christmas was great!

Here's our little clan enjoying a peek out at the Statue of Liberty - it's that tiny speck in the upper right hand corner. This was the very coldest moment (about 13 degrees with wind on top of that) on our trip and we are all trying very hard not to cry in this picture. There is a kid underneath the red hat and blue scarf named Big C who decided along with the rest of us that we didn't need to take the boat out to actually see the Statue since that just sounded cold.

Me and my boy outside the New York Stock Exchange . . . c'mon economy, you can do it!

Did you know that George Washington was inaugurated first President of the United States in New York City? Neither did I . . . until this trip. RedDog is hiding in the gray coat and black hat.

When the economy takes a turn for the better, you'll have my kids to thank. They all gave the Wall Street bull's nose a super good rubbing to help our country's financial crisis.

Rockafeller Center Christmas Tree - still cold Big C. The 9 foot Swavroski Crystal star on top was amazing - 250,000 individual crystals!

Amazing Christmas windows at Saks Fifth Avenue

Finally, the boy takes off his cold weather gear to show that he's a loyal Yankee's fan (and also a die hard pizza fan)!

Nothing cures a day of cold, long walking like a New York slice. YUM!

Big C took this shot from the top of the Empire State Building.

The Hubby and Big C went all the way up to the top! I stayed at the bottom with the chickens - which saved us $50!

Dragging Hannie B around the rink at Central Park!

Even the Hubby did a figure 8 or too! But where's the RedDog, you ask? He spent most of his time on the sidelines since he found ice skating to be a disturbing rendition of "Lord of the Dance" with his legs flailing independent of his body.

Much more to the Red Dog's liking - the stuffed animals at FAO Schwartz!

Meanwhile, Big C and I enjoyed the hat selection in the grand toystore!

See Ya!

We're off to whisk our kids on a surprise trip to this place before Christmas. I'll skate a figure 8 for you in Central Park. Hope the next few days are joyous and productive for all you !

Respite, Comfort, Beauty & Grace . . .

Took a little road trip to Ohio this weekend with my parents. I needed the recharge and feel grateful for all that occurred there. I'm home again, more grateful for my little family and sweet Hubby, and more ready to reflect on all my blessings and He who gives them to me. Tomorrow I'll show you a new Thanksgiving tradition we've started that I think you either already do or are going to want to start. Enjoy my meager attempt at photography from the trip.

A stream bed with shale, Lake Erie, Ohio.

The shore of Lake Erie as seen from Rocky River, Ohio.

Waking from Dreaming . . .

I feel like I owe an apology. So, sorry to anyone who regularly reads this blog. I didn't mean to take a blogcation, but I did it! I actually put down my camera, avoided the keyboard and didn't think about posting a single thing for an entire week. Instead of wondering if each little treasured moment was "bloggable", I just let my life happen in all of it's grandeur and glory. That may sound a bit presumptuous and a whole lotta cheesy, but it's very true. I have had a marvelous week!

My brother Matt and his wife -the fabulous Mindy- only come out here once a year. They haven't been here since November which was B.C. (before Cancer). They've been here for the past two weeks and my priority has been spending time with my family.

Being together with the whole family for the first time since my dad's cancer diagnosis was really special. I enjoy my siblings so much! They are all really amazing, funny talented people and being with them is my version of a 'happy place'.

I could never begin to give an entire rundown of what we did together, but I will say it involved a lot of food, a lot of story telling, a lot of laughing, a lot of sitting on the parents fabulous screened porch enjoying gorgeous weather, some serious sibling bonding, some game playing, some photographing by the big bro, and just general good natured teasing.

To wrap the reunion up, we spent a day at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania riding roller coasters and kiddie rides until some of us (Sorry Big Chris) were completely sick to our stomachs. I managed to snap a few pics at the park - although none of my brothers or the Hubby - to show you what the end of a family reunion high looks like. I'm especially proud of my dad who walked the whole park with us and did a lot of baby duty so we could indulge ourselves on silly and serious rides. What a champ!

I love you family!

ps. Thanks Tobi for waking me from dreaming . . . I'll try to do better.