Updates...

Ok, here goes...

Paul found out that his passport would arrive in time for his trip & he PASSED his latest exam, all on our 9th wedding anniversary. I'd say that was a good day!

As of today, Paul is in Budapest. They are 9 hours ahead so he's probably still sleeping or just waking up right about now. ( I am getting ready for bed!) They have a pretty detailed itinerary so it's fun to check and think about what he's doing. Houghton likes it too. We've been keeping track on where Paul is with google maps....I think Houghton understands it a little better when he can see just how far away dad is. As far as Mary knows Daddy is either at work (what she says) or on the airplane (what I tell her)

Houghton had swim practice today and he did well. He's getting ready to swim with the older kids (7-8 yrs) but probably not until the fall when school starts.
Funny story though, when leaving practice Mary was quite upset and wanted to go in "Daddy's car". I took a minute but I realized that parked next to us was a Mazda 3....just like Daddy's (different color) Mary was very upset that she could not get into that car....usually when we have taken both cars...Mary prefers to ride with Daddy.....I don't think she really understood that it wasn't our car!!!

It was a little sad though. I am already missing Paul. I have a hard time being alone in the house at night...I hear all the noises and probably make some up too. I do enjoy having the whole bed to myself though! I am nervous about all of the logistics of working and taking care of the kids by myself. I don't know how single mothers do it! I am really thanking my lucky stars that I have Paul and he really is a great participant in parenting.

I hope that I can get things done around the house while he's gone. I really am realizing that I do take his help for granted sometimes. I hope that I can remember that when he comes back!!

Today I took the kids to church with my mother....It was Mary's first time in church since Christmas (I think) I do know now why that is....she has no inside voice at all....and when she doesn't get her way she screams. Our cathedral is very traditional and any noise at all echoes very loudly!! I really had a hard time concentrating but fortunately my mom was there so Mary was content to stay with her. Houghton on the other hand was a little squirmy but was interested in following along, I did enjoy showing him the ropes! I also explained to him that he is now old enough that when school starts he will be going to ccd classed (sunday school) during the week so he will be able to go to mass. He seemed sad but curious about the changes. I just hope that having to help him learn will also further my understanding as well.
Our new priest for the church presided over mass tonite...he was very well spoken, seemed a little nervous but did very well, I am looking forward to introducing myself to him and welcoming him to the parish...he seems really nice. He was just ordained in June. I figured he must have made an impression since he was appointed to our church which is the cathedral for the diocese and also where the bishop resides....

Back to the "updates"...

Houghton has a swim meet next weekend in Tucson. We are going (as well as mom and Glen) thank goodness since we have to be there at 6am Sat. morning. We are staying at Julia's hotel (La Paloma) which will be a mini vacation too!! I am looking forward to it! Julia and Rene will be staying Sat. as well, so we'll be able to spend some time with them! The kids love to see their "Nina & Nino" as well as Bela!! (she gets to stay at the hotel too!!)