Wow! What a week! & Single Parenthood...

I'm going to attempt to quickly recount the last week. On Monday, Barry left for Bullhead City for work for a couple of days. That evening, I drug my children across the valley for a concert with my choir--my first time back since having Tessa. Since Barry, was gone we had to pick-up Mikelle and Bobby on the way to watch the children while I sang. We had planned to have dinner before the concert, but had to make due with McD's drive-thru that I scarfed down on the way (I just can't get out the door when I plan with all three of these guys, especially when you have to turn back for a potty break!). The kids weren't too noisy during the concert, but kept M & B on their toes (Trenton especially). We got home late and put the kids to bed.

By Tuesday, I was feeling the effects of single parenthood keenly. I had to drive the morning carpool to school this week and had a hard time getting all of us out the door each morning. I had to go grocery shopping with T&T (takes 4 times as long) and had to cook dinner for my dinner group and the kids just weren't cooperating. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed and discouraged. Luckily Barry made it back late that night.

He was able to do some of his work from home Wed. morn, and frantically worked to check a few things off of his list before the next out of town stint. That afternoon we all went to Surprise for family pictures. It is always a big deal to plan and coordinate for that and try and get everyone looking good at the same time. Tessa was pretty grumpy by the time we made it all the way out there, but hopefully we have some good ones...I'll post soon.

Thursday, Barry had to leave for the Tohono Reservation where he was scheduled to work 12 hr. shifts for the next 10 days! Fortunately, he was able to run a couple of errands for me before he left. The other good thing about Thursday was that Barry's sisters came over and helped install my birthday presents, which meant organizing my pantry and kitchen gadget drawer for me. Thanks girls! That night was the dance recital (previous post). Late night.

Friday Tessa slept better and I was able to get a few things done. Rachel, my friend & neighbor, invited us to her house that night for some food, hot cocoa, and Christmas movies. I got her started on blogging while we were there! (Still waiting for a new post, Rachel. :-)) Another late night.

Saturday was a full and crazy day! We put up the nativities and some of the other Christmas decorations. Then we got ready for a full day away which began with a stop at Target followed by a quick visit to the Poinsettia Festival. Every year since we moved to this part of the valley, I have wanted to check out the Poinsettia Festival at Gardner's World on Baseline. I finally decided we would check it out this year, even if we only had a few minutes. I guess we missed the most impressive display of poinsettias (in the big building in the back), but took advantage of some photo ops., let the kids bounce in the bounce house, and had one of Santa's elves paint their faces, before we left.

Then I dropped the kids off with Bobby and Mikelle, where they made cookies, while I went to a belated birthday dinner with my good friends Carla, and Kameron who sing in choir with me. We went to Posh Nosh on Main Street in Mesa, which is super cute and has the most decadent desserts and gelato (Yum!!!). We had a great time, but in the shuffle I managed to lose my cell phone in the car and couldn't make contact with Mikelle to hand off Tessa before I had to get on stage to sing. Debbie's husband, who had been with us in Europe last year, took care of Tessa the whole time we sang. He was so sweet! He didn't want her to get cold so he sat with her inside the Visitor's Center and missed the whole concert. Afterward, we walked around and looked at the lights. (Here is Trenton in front of the camels, and Kira on her own camel--Corbin.) We also looked at the beautiful nativity scenes in the Visitors Center. This one is from Oberammergau, Germany, where we sang last year.

Another, very late night.

Sunday began with a trip to the Findlay's house to put together the number I was going to be a part of that night at the stake music fireside. Then we dashed home to finish getting ready for Stake Conference. We had to be there early for choir practice (I was late). I handed off my children to my home teacher, whose wife was also involved in the music that day. Not only did they have to watch kids while the choir sang, but also for the 40 mins. + that it took Tessa to nurse, and the time I had to spend with Trenton in the hallway. Between musical numbers, Tessa, and Trenton, I got more exercise during Stake Conference, then I did all week. And sadly missed most of what was said. :-( We had to stay late to practice our number for the night. Ran home, made dinner, switched car seats to Barry's car (my low fuel light was on) and then back to the church for the fireside, where our number was first, so I couldn't be late. Btw, I was so impressed by the caliber and variety of talent in our stake! Not just good singers and pianists (some very good!) but strings, oboe, harp, guitar, and more! Some one was thoughtful enough to arrange for child care during the fireside, and it was run by the stk. primary presidency, so it was well organized and calm. Thank you! Thank you! But after refreshments, and runaway children (Trenton), it was another very late night!

This is Trenton when we got home. Which is about how I felt!

Nothing on the calendar today, except carpool pick-up in a few minutes. So I am trying to catch-up on laundry, dishes, and many misc. to-do's, as well as finally getting up the Christmas Tree for FHE.

On the subject of single parenthood, I'm not sure how anyone could do this long term and not go a bit insane. I wouldn't be surviving at all if it weren't for good people willing to help us out. We miss you, Barry!