Ruth. Ya dead Mon?

Update your blog loser. I do believe those were her exact words. SO. In an effort to appease the one friend I do have, and not being one to let down my favorite people, I offer you, updates.

1. Charity's appointment went as well as can be expected. She is testing about 1 year below her age for all except her social skills. Came by that one honestly. She's my kid. They've got her with a speech therapist, a fine motor skills therapy session, some much needed behavior therapy, and a developmental pediatrician. And all I have to do, is drive her the 45 minutes to her appointments. Thank goodness it's not winter anymore. OH WAIT!!, update number 2.

2. It snowed 18 inches over the course of the weekend. I pulled in Friday night, after a girls night out, gone somewhat wrong, and was unable to move my car This morning, due to the sheer amount of snow piling itself around my wheel wells. Don't you just love spring? Spring in Alaska. When you don't use your snow blower anymore, BECAUSE it's covered with snow.

Ah yes. These are good times. And I am clearly not going anywhere until I dig my car out. Rest assured, if you need me, I'll be here.

3. Even though "spring" isn't really here, the fact is,  in most parts of the northern hemisphere, people are doing spring cleaning. Us Kirby's are doing the same. I've never been a fan of this wretched time of year. Taking all the crap out of ones house, and kicking up dust bunnies which will surely render my eyes watery, and my throat closed, sounds like fun certainly, I'd rather Jazzercise in my two piece. BUT, the fact is, my father has invited several women, who are actually very nice people, I can't complain, to come stay in the casa de Kirby for a few weeks starting the end of May. Sounds swell. EXCEPT. This house holds 15 people, is 25 years old, and could stand for some TLC. Guess who gets to be the Loving Carer? Bingo Johnny, what do we have for her. A whole lotta housework, and very little thanks in return. I'm excited. Can't wait. So much so, I'm already faking an illness.  Tomorrow we begin the painting portion. This can only end in tears.

4. My operation fatrolls, is in severe distress. The onslaught of snow has left the roads a treacherous feat for even the most padded of runners, and I've been forced to turn to alternate methods of weight loss. As starvation was a no go, I made it until 9:21. I woke up at 9:15. I've decided to call for reinforcements. This new plan called for, buying a pair of really cute pants in a size smaller than what I actually wear, in hopes of tricking my body into wanting to wear said pants, and having the weight just fall off. What the plan failed to take into account, was that Ruth might jump the gun, and attempt to put these pants on, only to pop the button, making them completely unable to close. I will get into them one day. It might involve some vasoline and a pair of jumper cables, but there will be fittage. Just you wait. I could also use some advice on what I like to call, my "I might be 26, but  my upper arms compare to that of a 76 year old, upper arm problem. Case in point... THAT. Bow to stern, that upper arm must be at least 12 inches across. How does one combat such an atrocity? Weights? Push-ups? Surgery? DO tell. It's a problem. A Large one.

5. Birthday time is upon us. This part of the year always reeks havoc on my budget, and my party planning skills, not to mention not only is it my daughters birthday, it's the population of just about all those residing within these walls' birthday too. That leaves us with the always looming problem. What to do? Charity would probably be content with some cake to call her own, and a .25 high flying bouncy ball from old navy. I however, am trying to encourage some of that social stuff she actually excels at, and have her a party. But where? With what? Birthday's anymore are like weddings, only messier. You can't just say, meet us at burger king. We'll split some chicken tenders, and call it a day. Oh no. There must be cake's, bouncy toys, presents, pizza, clowns, lawyers, permission slips, dry clean only dresses, and heaven forbid we dispense with the formalities, and not send invites via email too. I can't do it cap-tuhn. I don't Ave the powuh. I think we may just buy some trick candles, and occupy them that way. Kidding. Kind of. Point is, it's alot of work for something she's not likely to remember. Suggestions are always welcome.

The saddest of updates, is that it's also my mom's birthday this month. Never before has her absence been so apparent. We really are managing as well as can be expected. We do what has to be done, and we put on a good front, but sometimes, it's like the bonus footage around here. The behind the scenes stuff you don't see, until you buy the DVD. When someone calls, and asks my 6 year old brother if they can talk to his mom. When the voice-mail from the phone kicks on, and her voice says,  just leave a message. When people who don't know, mention my mother, What do you say to that? I usually just smile, and say, she's doing good. Because deep down, I know she is. I hear it gets easier with time, and I'm certain that's true. I guess there's just a moment every once in awhile, I could walk into her room, and see her smile. Tell her how I'm dealing with the things I'm being faced with. Show her how much my baby looks like her. Which is really something special if you ask me, Looking into her sweet face, seeing so much of my mom.

I hate to end on a sad note, so I will say, my LT kit is on it's way, and I plan to scrapbook some more of my mom this week, maybe a little personal stuff about yours truly. I rarely scrap that. So maybe it's time. Might help air some things out I've been holding in. And just because, I'm a sucker for funny kids. I offer you Mia. Who's obvious position as an Akers/Kirby kid has just been secured. She knows exactly where to find the best treats for snacking. Why inside the couch. But of course ; ) Stay tuned for layouts. I'm sure you can hardly wait ; )

Comments

[Brooke]

I recently just subscribed to your blog, and love it. Keep your chin up. I can say I have personal loss as well and instead of typing here, I jusy want you to know it will get easier. In your OWN time. No one elses. Stay happy. Look at positive things. You do posess many treausures. Not to say there is never any negatives, but look at the good! I also got hooked on LT(through your blog) and will be getting my first kit this month! WOO HOO!! Can't wait to see more of your fantabulous work, girl!

[Courtney Kelly]

Girl, I freaking love you. But shut the eff up about your "fatness" you are one helluva hot woman, everyone knows this but you :) And yeah, that white fluff or whatever you call it... needs to go. I got contact frostbite this morning trying to get my windshield wiper unstuck... lol.

[gayle]

I can't wait for the new lay-outs. Your work excites me (hey, I am 65, something should). I don't know how you do the 15 people thing but God Bless you and take one minute at a time!

[tracyg]

When you figure out about the arm flab let me know too. Too bad scrapping doesnt fix it....hee hee.

Have a great day!
Tracy

[Shawn Lahr]

Arm Flab --- Weight Loss - Michael Thurmond's Six Week Body Makeover!!! You get to eat all the time AND it works! I'm just saying...give it a try!!!

You're gorgeous!!! Plain and simple.

[christi]

I need that arm fitness plan too! It's downright frightening when I wave...people scatter..they don't want to be in the path of destruction.

(((hugs))) to ya girlie..it will get easier. (or so I'm told) Can't wait to see your new pages!

[Sherry Wright]

I just love reading your blog Ruth, sorry about the snow. Arm flab.. lmk if you figure that one out I need a miracle too. ;0)I can't imagine how tough it must be to not have your mom beside you, but I'm sure she's looking down and oh so proud of the awesome daughter she raised!

[Melanie]

Thanks for the update. I hope spring arrives for you soon. Love seeing photos of the kids. You all are sooo beautiful!

[Jenn]

bleck I hate all that white crap. i'm sending you my heat wave....lemme know if ya get it! Keep us posted on how Charity does with all the appointments! I'm with courtney on shuttin the eff up about the fatness.....seriously......one more time.....your smokin hot! I cried when I read about your mom. I can't even imagine what you are going through but I know you are one heck of a woman and that you'll be ok. I can't wait to see some layout-age..esp of you!! Mia is friggin adorable!!! {{GIANT KICK IN THE ARSE}} (just tryin to help you get in the mood to workout!!)

[Denise Morrison]

oh my Ruth...you make me laugh so hard that at my age I almost wet my pants (note to self: more kegels) You are so lovely!! I will leave you with an Erma--

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."

You are doing fine Ruth...just fine! I think you are AWesome!

[Kelly]

Oh that's wonderful. I'm all teary eyed reading about your Mom, then BANG- outta nowhere, a kid eating crap out of the couch and my Pepsi is all over the keyboard. I LOVE IT!

[Debbie C]

I came across your blog from the LT site, and I must say, i'm not really a blog reading kind of person, but i am totally loving your blog. Your wit is great and your honesty about life is refreshing. Love your pics and your LOs. I have a title for the last one of Mia for ya-"Good Eats" hehe. Anyway, all I can say is more...please.

[celeste]

you need to write a book ruth really. you should.

[Linda]

Wow, you are a really amazing person Ruth. I stumbled across your blog tonight - through stumbling across someone elses blog - that I really don't remember how I came to stumbled across (in other words, I got lost...hahha - but am so glad that I did!). After spending just a short amount of time reading your blog, I figured that I really, really like you!, you are full of humour, wit and incredible charm, you're honest & have such a way with words! I think I will be visiting your blog quite regularly...so please keep more coming! And as Debbie said...you really should write a book!

[Kelly]

oh sister - where are thou???!!!

MISS YOU!