Birthday Trip and Other Updates

It's late, and I should really be in bed right now, but I wanted to pop in really quickly and share a few things. ;)

First off, the lice is almost gone!  Hooraaaayyy!! :D  We're down to just a few eggs now every time I comb the girls' hair.  Don't worry, I'm not foolish enough to think that we're in the clear yet. ;)  There's definitely an end in sight, though, and that's encouraging.  Thank you to everyone who prayed for me and/or offered tips.  It was helpful to know that others had been through the same thing.

What's worked best for us is a combination of combing with a fine tooth comb at least twice a day, numerous olive oil treatments (including the shower cap overnight...thanks for the idea, Amber!), and washing bedding and clothing daily.  I also did one Rid treatment on each girl (and will do a follow up on each on Monday), and then my mom found a "Licefreee" spray that worked pretty well.  It makes your hair smell like black licorice, which is not my favorite scent (or food), but it's supposed to be more natural than the strong chemicals used in the Rid.  I don't know if it's one specific thing or a combination of all of the above that's done the trick, but there is definite improvement.

I will say, even though this isn't the way I would have chosen to spend my week, it's been a good learning experience.  It's times like this that confirm my suspicion that God has a good sense of humor.  I had been praying about the whole soccer thing and how crazy our schedule was.  I wasn't sure how I was going to make it through all of the activities, and I might have been having just a teensie bit of a bad attitude about it (not in front of Oldest Gal, of course).  God answered my prayers about how to cope with the schedule, but definitely not in the way I was expecting.  I didn't have to worry about ANY activities this week.  And you know what?  I'm really pumped about heading to all of those soccer games now. It's all about perspective. ;)

I also learned to find joy in the small things this week.  There are many special memories I will take away with me, from watching girly movies together while I combed lice out of the girls' hair to finishing up our summer devotional project to enjoying a day outside together during the first cool spell since the summer. :)

But that's enough about bugs and what I've learned from them. ;)

Some of you may remember that at the beginning of the month, my mom and I were hoping to take a trip to the AG Place for our birthdays.  The lice thing kind of complicated things a bit, but it's under control now, so we're moving ahead with our plans.  Mom, Mimi and I will be heading out for our trip tomorrow. :D  It couldn't come at a better time.  I'm REALLY ready for a break. ;)

My daughters will not be coming with us on this trip, which makes me feel only slightly guilty.  It is my birthday, after all.  And yes, I know most women celebrating their thirty-third birthdays would not do so by going to the AG Place, Toys R Us, and the Disney Store.  But that's how I roll. ;)  (Most of you would do the same, which is what makes all of you so awesome!) :)

My original plan was to try and do some sort of meet-up with as many readers as possible for this trip, especially since the girls would not be there.  I had so many grand ideas.  I was going to lose that elusive ten pounds that have refused to go away (dazzling all of you for our first visual meeting).  I was going to get my hair cut again to the length that works just right.  I was also going to be highly organized and give people as much notice as possible so they could come.

And then the lice escapade hit.  I've spent this past week doing NO exercise and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.  I didn't get my hair cut because I didn't think the salon would appreciate me possibly starting an epidemic of head lice. :}  At the beginning of the week, I didn't even know if I would MAKE it to the trip, much less have enough energy or organizational skills to arrange an official meet-up.  I'm so frazzled, I'll be lucky if I remember everything and stay standing. ;)  I even have a stupid big zit on my chin.  Of course.  Perfect timing.

So, I know it's short notice and all.  I have no clue what time we'll be there...it would be 1:00 or 2:00 pm at the very earliest.  I'm not going to make it official, and I can't promise I'll be pretty or completely coherent.  But if you happen to be in Palo Alto tomorrow and feel like going to the AG Place, and if you happen to see a dopey, pleasantly plump thirty-something wearing this shirt:

...and wandering around carrying a camera and this doll:

...be sure to say "hi". ;)  I'd love to meet you.

And now, I really must go to bed.  I've got a big day tomorrow! ;)