Monday, Monday

Yesterday Mike and I left the kids with my in-laws.

I miss them already!

I'm one of those weird moms who was the odd one out. When all of the moms were celebrating the kids going back to school in the fall, I was secretly missing them. Especially when they were getting older. The idea that I only have three more years with Aaron and four more with Bridgette until they are in college bums me out. I love those kiddos!

The good news is I have something today to keep my mind off of that. My sis, BIL, niece (who's in graduate school) and mom are coming over for dinner. I'm surprising my sis by making it a birthday dinner for her (her bday was last week, so she'll never suspect). That means that I have to get her a gift this morning. (What do I get her? I have NO CLUE! Hallmark, here I come!) I am grilling chicken and making a blubarb (that's blueberry rhubarb) pie ala mode for dessert. So, I'm busy this morning getting it all in order. I love entertaining, and I haven't had a chance to visit with my sis for a LONG time! They plan to be here by 3, so we'll have a little time to visit and catch up before Mike gets home from work. Then, tonight we'll be able to look at our vacation pics up on our big screen t.v.

My niece is bringing her big collie, Holly. (Hey, that rhymes!) When she first got Holly it seemed weird that Holly was always accomanying her. Every friend who brings dogs along to visit usually has small dogs - not a big one like Holly. But, Holly is a really good dog, and I don't mind at all, really. I know when I have to bring my little Papillon somewhere - like when I go to my mom's all day I have to bring her, it's nice to know my mom doesn't mind. (Granted, she could fit in my purse if I needed to keep her contained...) So, I want to be that kind of aunt...the kind who is accomodating and isn't a pill, you know? I want to be a gracious hostess. I've always tried to be the one people want to visit - the one you feel comfortable coming over to see....so, when my sister asked if my niece could bring the dog along, I graciously said it was okay. And I meant it. The thing is, I anticipated it a week ago - and I prepared Mike for it. I told him at least a week ago that she would have the dog. I think that's what I was worried about. Not so much about me, but about Mike's discomfort. I didn't want him to be on edge about it. But he was fine. So, that makes it so much easier! (Gotta love that man!)

Anyhow, I anticipate that we'll have a really good time tonight...even though the kids are gone. (They were a little bummed that their cousin and Aunt, Uncle and Grandma were coming for a visit that they would miss...but they do love being at their other Grandparents' house, so they aren't missing out...) Anyhow, when the kids come back NEXT SATURDAY, they'll return to overnight company when our friends come over for a visit...so they'll have visitors then! ;) Always something at the Bixler house...