The Blog Post Where I Drag Myself Out of Retirement...

Well, you know the old saying. When it rains it pours. And ya'll have been so sweet to email me in the last week or two (pretty much everyone at once; did you conspire?) asking when I was coming out of retirement. And since my self-imposed but much needed retirement did not offer me any benefits or government checks, I've decided to dust off my keyboard and get back into it. So thank you, to those of you who were so thoughtful and took the few minutes to send me an email. I really do appreciate it. It is always nice to know when you're being thought of. I supposed I needed the little nudge from all of you.

I must say though, I have really enjoyed my little break. Not that I didn't miss my fellow preps, but I really needed the time to grieve and be sad and . It was much needed after the loss of my precious girl. So what's been going on around here, you might want to know? Nothing to exciting I assure you, but I'll share and get you up to speed none-the-less.

1) We built a home in Webkinz World Okay, so technically, we've been building two homes in Webkinz World, but that is but a minor detail. Since February, the mini monogram's have adopted a total of 11 Webkinz pets (included are a kangaroo, tiger, all 3 Labrador retriever colors, a google, etc.). If you don't know what these pets are or what Webkinz World is, consider yourself lucky. For you are not one of the tens of thousands of us who have become addicted to this little world of taking care of pets, feeding them, exercising and socializing them, and playing games to earn "kinzcash" (webkinz money) to then buy things to decorate your home or clothes to fill your Webkinz closets with. Yes, it is such an addiction, that a few of my girlfriends and I find ourselves playing during the day while our children are at school. Sigh...
More to follow on this at a later date though.

2) I realized God only gave me 2 feet so I should take care of them So for the last year or so I have been walking around in excruciating pain. Mostly my left foot, often times my right foot. Some days are so bad I literally can't walk on the foot and feel like my 94 year old grandmother. So at the recommendation of a good friend of ours who is a prominent spinal surgeon here, I finally got myself to and orthopedist. Long story short (or is it already long?), i have severe plantar fasciitus and two heel spurs. Ouch. I've let it go for so long and done so much damage that it looks like I'll be having surgery at some point this summer. Thank heavens for Cortisone shots because he did give me a shot in my foot a couple weeks ago and WOW- let me just tell you what I've been missing out on in the past year not having a functional foot. This appointment also led me to #3...

3) I broke down and begrudgingly purchased a pair of Crocs I know, the great preppy debate. To wear crocs or not. I have very firmly been in the NOT category, but my orthopedist said I am rendering myself disabled with all my flip-flops and bare feet. So I am now a closeted croc owner since I only wear them as house shoes around the house because he told me I can not be barefoot around the house anymore. As painful as it is for me to admit, they really do make my feet feel better and are helping (and at least I got the Mary Jane in cotton candy so they're semi-tolerable for cleaning up around here and doing laundry).

4) New dogs learn new tricks easily New preppy puppy has been growing like a weed. I suppose I just really forgot how quickly preppy puppy grew because new preppy puppy has really shot up like a weed! She's very bright and you can definitely tell she was bred to hunt (not for show as preppy puppy was) and has some amazing natural instincts. She's fully potty-trained, loves her crate, riding in the car running errands, going to the boy's baseball games, and has been a super quick learner. So far she's mastered waving goodbye to guests, shaking, speaking, sitting/staying, kenneling up on command, and a few more. I haven't taught her to help with the groceries or get the phone yet like preppy puppy could do, but she's still a bit young for those. She needs a little more patience first. Next week I'll post pictures of the new girl.

5) Kids extracurricular activities are not what they used to be I already knew this one, but I was reminded again how much more competitive parents and kids are these days with their extracurricular sports. Last Saturday we were gone nearly 8 hours that day between mini #2's t-ball and mini #1's baseball pictures and games and meal. But you know what? I can't say it was a crappy way to spend a day, as the weather was beautiful and everyone had a great time (however you should know we were all in bed by 6:45 that evening).

I think that about brings you up to speed on the comings and goings of the Monograms. As I said, nothing too exciting or earth shattering. I've really noticed the boys have matured so much these last few months and are making such an effort to get along and co-exist peacefully. It could be that me slowing down and relaxing more means that I've just been noticing it more, but whatever. Hectic crazy schedules aside, things have been looking up.

Thank you again for sticking with me and letting me give up on my creative outlet, Monogram Momma. Until next week when I return with a great giveaway from one of my favorite companies, enjoy the spring weather and Play Ball!