Joey's quote from the ride home tonight is priceless. "This may be the worst vacation I've ever had." I quickly reminded him that it was NOT the worst, but was definitely a "Christmas to remember." Poor Joey began his vacation last Wednesday with a horrific stomach virus. Poor Zoey had it too, which required me staying home to take care of them both; running a marathon across the house from bathroom to bathroom. This, all the while missing the birth of my one and only nephew. After the stomach virus finally subsided on Friday morning we were out and about to the mall in Muskogee to pick up a few last minute gifts that Joe was determined to buy for me and the kids. When we got to the mall he took off on his own, only to discover that he had left his wallet at home. So, this required me to be WITH him for all of his surprise purchases which he was pretty bummed about, but it wasn't the end of the world.
Our traditional Christmas eve gift exchange with his parents had to be postponed because my mother- in- law was now blessed with this same stomach junk. Since Joey was feeling a little better we decided to drive to Tahlequah and eat at Del Rancho. When we got there they were closed early so we decided to try other places.....which were ALL closed because DUH....its Christmas Eve. So we drove all the way to Tahlequah to eat at SONIC ladies and gentlemen. We had also tried to go see our new nephew only to learn their household was also cursed with the gift that keeps on giving.....stomach virus!
Saturday came and Santa brought Zoey an ipod touch which was her only request. We quickly learned that Santa did not do his homework before he brought this. We only have cable internet so there is no wifi for her to connect to. So now mom and dad must clean up Santa's mess and get a wireless router.......sigh....
Moving on to today.....Joey's last day of vacation. We decided to venture to Woodland Hills mall to exchange some boots Zoey got for Christmas at Journey kids. When she tried the boots on at home they were too small. I felt them.....there was NO room in the toe. So keep in mind this was our ONLY motivation to go fight the crowd in Tulsa.
Upon arriving in Tulsa, 71st street was a madhouse at 2pm. It took longer than normal to find a wheelchair accessible parking space but we finally accomplished that. The first 5 minutes in the mall I almost had a stroller fight with a dad who was rudely trying to cut in line in front of me and my wheelchair bound husband to get into the elevator. No words were exchanged, but I am pretty sure he understood that I meant business when I assumed my spot in the elevator. (my blood pressure rising.....) We got to Journey only to discover that the boots originally purchased did indeed fit and the larger size was HUGE......REALLY? how does that happen? And why did we drive all this way to fight the crowds???? So embarrassing......
On our way to the next store we stopped in Disney because Zade spotted Woody, Buzz, and Lightening McQueen. He attempted to run out of the store with as many items as he could and had a melt down when I stopped him and attempted to explain that he must first PAY for these items. (like a 2 year old cares or understands this concept.....) anyway, most of you can guess what happened next......Yes, he held his breath and passed out. Right in the middle of Disney with McQueen and Buzz in hand.....
Next stop was Claires so Zoey could spend some of her money. The line was to the door in Claires and Justice was insanely crowded as well. So, we ended up shopping in Claires. Yes, we drove all the way to Tulsa to shop at Claires and then we left.
When we got home I was putting Zades pj's on him and he decided to bite me on the arm for some strange reason. Joey was talking to him about this and his behavior when he suddenly fell forward and dropped Zade on his forehead and almost dumped himself on the tile floor. I quickly helped him up into his chair and proceeded to help my son who was having another of his "spells" from this whole incident. So this is how we have ended the day.
As I type this I am hesitant to post it because it sounds like a bunch of whining. I am annoyed when people complain that their days don't go their way. I truly believe our days go exactly the way they are supposed to. We have honestly been laughing about all of this. We realize we are so extremely blessed. Our kids are healthy, our parents are healthy, we have food and money to buy gifts, and we love each other and know God is in control. What more do people really need? So sorry if this is whiny.....
Objectives from this post:
1. Wheelchairs, strollers and crowds with rude people do not mix well.
2. Always double check sizes before driving a ridiculous distance to exchange.
3. Make sure your toddler has a nap before shopping.
4. Try to avoid shopping with a toddler.
5. Be thankful that your family didn't get the stomach ba hum bug!
later....
I enjoyed reading your post, Brette. I understand somewhat-as I'm also a fellow insomniac. I have lots of years on you--and unfortunately it hasn't gotten any better with age :) I was diagnosed in my 40s with PLMS (Periodic limb movement during sleep). I take a sleep medication but still wake most mornings feeling like I've run a marathon during the night. Did you get any news from your sleep study??
ReplyDeleteAs far as the shoe story--I have to tell you one from when our kids were small. We bought Matt new tennis shoes and allowed a thumb-width at the end for growing. It was only a couple of weeks and he was complaining about his feet hurting and his shoes being too small. I just couldn't imagine how he could have outgrown them so quickly. We went back to the shoe store to see if they had accidentally given us the wrong size when we checked out. Imagine my embarrassment when the sales clerk checked the shoes and pulled a sock from the toe of each shoe :) We had taught our boys to tuck their socks in their shoes at night and somehow they got stuffed down to the very end. I felt like the world's dumbest mom!!
I enjoy reading your FB posts and now your blog. I appreciate your godly heart and attitude. You're an amazing wife and mom--your family is blessed. (also if you're friends with Matt-he posted a picture of his wife with their baby girl. She got her belly-button line out today so they can now cuddle her. Hopefully Owen will be shortly behind his sister)
Hope you get some sleep tonight. I'll pray that you do!!