Our Gold Medalist

I just have to say, I have the greatest mom in the whole world. She came to visit us for a month this summer, but didn't realize she'd be helping us through a huge move as well. She was so great to watch the kids while Brad and I made a house hunting trip, help me get the house ready to sell and move (which included all sorts of unglamorous jobs like washing out refrigerators, painting, fixing and cleaning blinds, cleaning carpet, spackling holes in the wall, etc.), take Lucy to the mall so I could get things done, help with meals, read with Charlie everyday, and drive 12 hours with Brad and the boys to Kansas while Lucy and I flew. So, amidst all the hype of the Olympics, we were having our own Olympic experience. As far as I'm concerned, my mom earned a giant gold medal.

And through it all, she had a great big smile on her face and cheerful attitude. Her only requirement in return was being able to exercise (she'd go to the fitness center every night for 3-4 hrs. Yeah, it gave me a whole new perspective on the whereabouts of my obsessive/compulsive tendencies- both my parents can get pretty focused on projects when they set their minds to it...) and visit her favorite clothing stores. Not to mention a personal shopping trip with our friend who's a podiatrist. (I wish I had a picture of my mom's black and blue big toe. She thought it was fingernail polish that wouldn't come off, but no, it was a serious bruise from hours of walking on the treadmill with shoes that were too small). Thanks so much mom, we couldn't have done it without you. You're the best. I'm already counting down the days til next summer...