Where did the day go?

As I talked to several friends and family throughout the day, I realized it was the first day in a while that I had successfully managed a day where Jack was happily busy, and I was too. He's four years old, and sometimes our ideas of a fun day just don't mix. Well, that's an understatement, but I'm addjusting to not having babies, but having kids. Kids need interaction and just don't sit in that shopping cart like they used to. Jack went to a gymnastics class today, where he was highly stimulated, while Henry & I worked the bargains at the Wal-mart. I did the coupon offer for V8 Splash juice. It's the fruit juice w/veggies. If you use the on-line coupon for $2.00 off at Wal-mart where it sells for 2.98, it's a deal. It contains no HFC(high fructose cornsyrup), and actually incorporates real veggie juice. No it is reconstitued, however, it is still nutritious, and low in sugar. See the deal for the on-line coupon at http://coupons.smartsource.com/ . I really will figure out how to hide the web address soon, but wouldn't you rather know about the deal instead. I also purchased Stouffer's frozen bag pasta & chicken dish for 3.92 a bag. Now, that is a serious convenience food. But I have needed a few quickie meals lately. That aren't papa johns pizza. One bag will feed our family of 4 (2/2) if I add 1 squash or 1 zuchinni, or one broccoli. Just wash, chop, & throw in. We usually always have salad, and that really seals the meal. The one I purchased today was the Chicken Alfredo. It is really delicious. I've had the others and they are good too.
I have to tell you about the first time I had my brother -in law Mike over for dinner. He & H, my SIL, were engaged, and we were just getting to know each other. They came for dinner.
I am a souther girl, whether I like it or not, and you must have 3 veggies with meat and bread at a formal dinner, even if everyone is wearing flip flops. So I cheated, in a Godly sort of way. I purchased 3 boxes of frozen Stouffers creamed corn at a premium price, I think they go for about $2 buck each right now. So $6 for a dish, and dumped those puppies in a casserole. Baked them, and served them as if I'd scraped it right off the cobb that afternoon. Mike raved. He of course had been a bachelor in recent months, and was enjoying food prepared with loving hands by his prospective bride. Heidi is no shabby cook let me add. But I fooled them all. Unintentioinally. But to this day, Mike looks in my garbage can to look for any evidence.
This is a belated happy father's day to many DH's. We celebrated at Bass Pro shop (?) eating in their new dining establishment. We saw the Adam's and heard the Shaw's were there too, but never saw them. We sat next to the fish tank, which helped keep Henry entertained. It was a fantastic lunch, and then off to the Capitol building to see the sites. Baton Rouge's Capitol building is a don't miss, even if you are driving through on your way to Texas. Stop, and take it in. HP Long had an Art Deco vision that is worth taking in. The steps leading to the doors have the states in order of their becoming states, with the 13 star circle emblem from the flag denoting the first 13. The year of statehood is beside each one. Their are enormous statues outside that represent the Acadian people coming from Cananda leaving religious persecution. The inside is breathtaking. The Senatorial halls are recently resorted and are a perfect example of the period. The chandeliers are fabulous. Here, I will digress momentarily, for at this point we went up the elevators. I am terribly, terribly afraid of heights, especially open spaces. I will never have a open loft style stairway in my home. I have been to the top of the world trade center, before 9/11, and pressed my nose to the glass, but I knew the glass would hold me. I can fly anywhere and and can be seen on a roller coaster. I've even been up the Empire state building. HOWEVER, when there are open spaces, over 30 stories high, with railing only at your waist. I told Eric, never, & I repeat, never will I go up there again. I left the elevator, to watch my children run to the observation deck, and almost collapsed on the floor. I suffered a mild panic attatck, and scared another family who had just been outside. I told the clerk in the gift shop, who said he'd never seen that kind of reaction before, that I'd be down stairs praying, and to tell my husband to bring 2 children back with him. Safely.
There is no describing a phobia. Can't put it into words, but if there was a check for a million at the top of the Eiffel tower made out to me.... it would eventually blow away, because I'll never ascend those open cages of elevators, leading to a window to the world.
Don't get me started on the Grand Canyon. Eric wants to go there too.
So, back to fathers. I'm grateful for all the Dad's out there, including my own, who are men of integrity, honor God, and love their families. Thanks Dad's for doing your best, giving when it hurts, & doing your best 'under fire'. Love you, Eric, Dad, Bob, Mike & Drake.
Must go and cook the Stouffers dish.
The boy's napped after our long, long, day. & time to wake them, so they'll go to bed!