Silly morning, and so forth

This morning at 4:20am, I was awakened for the second time by darling Oliver. First he was thirsty and needed to go to the bathroom (OK, great, but why this needed to involve me is unclear); then, wait for it, he was beset by dueling boogers, one in each "nose" as he calls his nostrils. "Mom, do you have Kleenexes?" "Of course, honey." "Can you help me with the boogers in my nose?" "OK." "First this side, yuk."

Yuk it was, and I'll spare you further detail.

"Now there is one in this nose." "Got it, Ol." "Where is Tool Sheet?" "Honey, I don't know. Please go back to bed." "OK, Mom. I love you. I want to kiss your nose."

This is all very dear but I suspect Oliver has mastered the art of loving, procrastinatory BS. Ya think?

By 5:40a, I was starting to feel hostile so hauled it down to the basement where I slept until 8:45, then woke with a start, raced upstairs to make sure everyone was fine, found that T had actually made lunches and was about to take the kids to camp (husband of the year) and then noticed a very strange tinge to Ol's legs. As I came to find out, he had taken it upon himself to color his body with black marker. Jack had very helpfully smothered Ol's back in this nightly hue, and then they had sort of air-brushed everything with their hands. Long story short, Oliver looked rather gray all over but it was too late to do anything so I simply sent yet another email to camp, this time clarifying that no, the children aren't filthy so please ignore all discoloration. Truly, it is always something. And I sometimes question my fatigue and spaciness. For the love... They are pretty amusing children most of the time so there's that.

I just got back from the doctor because two days ago, the baddest day, while in the dressing room of a favorite workout wear store indulging in some serious retail therapy, I noticed a golf ball-sized lump just to the left of my upper spine. I'm not much in the way of a physical health worrier, but this was odd so I scheduled a look-see. People, it seems it is a lipoma which is nothing more than a fat deposit. Is it all the ricotta I eat? Shite, this is just nasty but benign it is, so c'est la vie. The doctor said I could get it ultrasounded (ridiculous; this is the prob with our healthcare system; to his credit he did not recommend this!) or just wait and see. I'll just wait and see.

Always something.

Simple dinner, awful chili, exciting news

Despite the hot weather, Jack asked for chili tonight, red chili with beef and beans to be precise. Now red chili is not something I make very often, so I did a quick search for a recipe and came across one that sounded simple and good. Cubed sirloin, beans, nice spices...I made it all, served the boys, tasted it myself and we all went "BLECH!" and on to dinner #2. What a waste, but it is not good, just no good at all. Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run. Brilliant words Kenny, just brilliant. The Gambler is such a great song.

Anyway, for my own sup, I made a simple salad of mozzarella di bufala, shaved fennel, lemon, salt and olive oil (I swear I saw some version of this somewhere about six months ago), opened a can of best-quality vegetarian stuffed grape leaves, toasted some bread and called it a meal.

Do you know what I just registered for and am going to?? BlogHer 2013, a fantastic conference for bloggers in Chicago in two weeks. I am even able to attend the pre-conference day! I cannot believe this all came together, and I thank, profusely, everyone who is helping me with the kids (husband, father-in-law, friends!) as well as dear friends who are hosting me in Chi-town. Unbelievable and exciting opportunity.

Study of Wondie, gorgeous jam

Since his birthday, Oliver's love for Wonder Woman has not waned in the slightest. While in NC last month, I bought him a Wonder Woman coloring book, and you'd have thought I'd given him the greatest gift in the world. Perhaps it was! Since camp began, Ol has drawn at least one picture of "Wondie" every day, and because he seems slightly bashful about his love for her -despite my entreaties that he be proud; she is cool- he has his counselors (or maybe he does this by now) wrap each picture up like a scroll and tape it shut with painter's tape so the paper doesn't get nicked or torn. At pick-up, he proudly though somewhat shyly presents me with his newest work(s), and I am excited anew because these are truly wonderful and darling. Sometimes Wondie lacks arms, and in one -gasp- she wasn't wearing her star-spangled undies, but Ol never forgets her tiara or golden lasso. Sometimes Wondie is alone on the page, at other times, she's amidst words or some other scene (see: hand-crabs). I treasure these pieces and had to share.

It's another gray day here but blessedly both kiddos are at camp (especially blessed because I slept in the basement with Jack last night and was kicked more than once, coughed on and awakened by his loud shout-outs to Oliver and other subjects playing prominently in his dreams), so I've enjoyed quietude and coffee. I'm about to get back to work on my newest puzzle but did make a glorious batch of peach-apricot-almond jam earlier. Just four half-pints and I spooned the rest over some fresh yogurt for a wow breakfast.

It's actually that color- incredible, yes?

Lastly, an enormous thanks to all who wrote in response to yesterday's post. I'm so grateful that you read Em-i-lis and let me know when things resonate with you!