End of semester blues

Last night was the final exam in my summer class.  It is always difficult to end a class that's so much FUN.  This whole class just clicked.  I enjoy teaching so much  more when the students are willing to discuss and banter.  Not to mention, I personally knew over half the class.  Welcome to small town living!

Three more days till my baby is home.  This has been the longest month of my life.  My son should never be this far from me.  Well, I suppose when he goes to college, it will be ok.  But not at TEN!!!!  I will never understand how so many fathers can walk away from their children and not see them for weeks, months, even years on end.  I have been a complete wreck.  How can any parent stand knowing their child is on this earth and not want to be with them as much as possible?  I am not only talking about my ex, but my girl's ex, my sister's, numerous friend's exes.  These men just go on with their lives as if there are not babies out there that miss them?!!?!?  It's not just men, either.  I know of mothers that have walked on their kids and I simply cannot grasp that mindset.

My girl's grandma is still hanging on...even ate some broth.  She may outlive us all!

This has been a week of ups and downs.  Today, my mom and step dad have to allow their basset hound to make his journey to the rainbow bridge.  Having just done that with my boxer a few months ago I can understand their pain.  Bailey has been a great pooch.  He's lived at least two more years than anyone ever thought he would.  He's survived being hit by a truck (ASSHOLE REDNECK DRIVER), cancer/tumor dealy and numerous other ailments.  We will all miss the old man.

The Rainbow Bridge...For Bailey.

The battle has been won and life moves on.

Curly Sue has started asking for things.  HALLELUJAH!

On to other items.  

My redneck girl's grandma is in the last stages of her life and ready to move on.  Shes 93 and has lived a good life.  Of course, that doesn't make it any easier.  We are anticipating nastiness from three certain members of her family when we attend the inevitable funeral.   Close-minded, homophobic, irrational, slightly unhinged.....all good descriptors of certain people that we will be encountering.  To her credit, my girls is PISSED.   It took 7 months but she's finally flipped her internal switch from "I did this" to "Dude, ASSHOLE!?!?"  I am so glad to see it. 

In better news, the boy is coming home next week!! He's been with his dad 22 days.  My mom and I are heading down to get him on Friday.  SO READY. 

Redneck Lesbian Mom vs. Screaming Curly Headed Banshee

This is day two of my battle of the wills with the 18 month old.  Curly Sue refuses to talk.  She CAN say certain words, she'd just rather scream to get what she wants.  Soooooo.....guess who doesn't get what she wants unless she says the word?  There has been 24 hours of straight tantrums around here all because she won't say "milk" or "up" - both of which we KNOW the bratling can say. 

I will say, as amusing as this has been, I'm really ready for her to give in.  Rest assured, I will win this.  I'm done being screamed at by a curly-haired, blue eyed dictator. 

YOUR REIGN OF TERROR ENDS TODAY 

OH CURLY HEADED ONE!!!

What a day!

I've never been so happy and content in my life. 
Today was so normal and fun and incredible.  My lady and I, with my longtime BFF, took our pooches to the river.  I'm happily sunburned and exhausted.
I feel so blessed to have friends in my life that are completely accepting of my life, my love and my family.  L, my BFF, and I have been friends since I was 15.  That's, ahem, a while.  :D  Then I have my group of sisterchicks that make up my group of closest friends here in town.  They have all been there for me through this time of figuring out who I am and have loved me, my boy and now my new family.  How did I get so damned lucky?

Too much!

Why is it that stressors can't happen individually?  It must be one after another after another. 
Yesterday, our oldest left for a month with his dad.  In a DIFFERENT STATE.  My baby is going to be in a DIFFERENT state than me for an ENTIRE MONTH.  A MONTH, people.  That is a long, honkin time.  Let me qualify by saying that I am thrilled that he gets to spend that much time with his Daddy.  I just wish it were happening closer to home so I could still hug my man child regularly.
Then....my redneck girl got bad news.  Nothing life threatening, just stressful and sucky.  I won't go in to detail, suffice to say we will be fine.  She will be fine. 

In better news, we are kid free all weekend!!!  WOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!  I am quite looking forward to "us" time.  With two kids, jobs, the dog and all of our other obligations, us time can become a precious commodity.  I can't wait to just be alone with this woman I love.  No matter what challenges get thrown our way - we can make it because of this HUGE love we share.  It's amazing.  And I love her. :)