A Mom Day with Michael

Short background: Nick was taking Nathan to the country with my dad, thus leaving Michael with me. I worried that Michael would feel left out, so pushed a bit for him to go with them. That would mean I could sneak to Houston (with the dog, my fearless protector and traveling buddy) to SEW baby bed stuff with my mom and Elizabeth. Oh, my machine was roaring-ready to go!

Michael chose NOT to go for 24 hours of the testosterone fest. Squish went the possibilities of sewing. I was a bit bummed, but delighted to spend the time with Michael. Maybe he was more wise than me: we needed some time "just us."

This morning, we scooted out to the World Hunger Relief Farm for their fall farm day. It was our first adventure out there, and definitely WON'T be the last. Super cool place. It makes me sad that I never made it out to Urban Harvest in Houston because it is probably very similar. I must take the boys sometime when we're in town. Farm Day was fantastic. It's a nice sampling of a farm environment.

We went on the hayride, pulled ever so modernly by a Dodge pick-up truck! Awesome! We saw goats, chickens, and turkeys ("happy turkeys" as the hayride dude called them with their days numbered--not so sure how happy they really are). We walked through rows and rows of crops in various stages of growth. We observed, we appreciated, we discovered, we talked. We held hands without protest.

And in the middle of this glorious time together, he randomly stopped, looked up at me, and said, "Mom, farm day is fun." Michael is a man of few words. He speaks when necessary, but it is often thoughtful and profound when he does. Farm Day WAS fun. It was more than just a trip to experience a farm. We needed some time together. And as much as I would've enjoyed some sewing and another dose of Houston, I realize now that what I really needed was a dose of Michael.

On the way home, we stopped for a date at Whataburger--HIS choice, not exactly mine. We came home, he beat me at Checkers, we made and ate brownies, and he's back to piddling around with toys. I'm glad he didn't go with the guys!

Fall is Here!

I've managed to fill up my "staying at home" schedule pretty well lately. That's a good thing, as I found that sitting idly can be pretty lonely. The weather seems to have taken the final turn from being sweltering hot--90 degrees yesterday--to pleasantly windy and nippy. It is a welcome change.
I spent the morning on a kindergarten field trip with Michael and his class. It was marvelous. I didn't have to take off from work and we had a great time picking out a collection of all the little pumpkins that Michael and my other little traveling friend could carry to the check out.
Lately, I've escaped to San Marcos, had a visit from my cousin, visited the Waco zoo, begun my volunteer job at the hospital, gone on the field trip today, done various chores for the practice (mostly decorating--fun!), and have been preparing to go to Houston this weekend. I think I'll always look forward to going back for a dose of Houston. We have several family events this weekend, and hopefully Nick and I can escape for a date...for real Indian food or something special. This weekend will mark 16 years that we've spent together, counting back to when we started dating.