navy or army?

Benjamin and I spent some time talking to recruiters today. He is leaning towards the Navy...

We got home and it was time to leave with Miss Birthday Girl, Kathryn Grace, 12 years old. She chose to go to the Chinese Buffet. It was supposed to be just her and I and maybe one or two of her sisters....but since we have awesome company, we took Stine and Caroline, and Abigail and Margaret and Charlotte Claire. It was cozy and fun in the restaurant on such a chilly rainy afternoon...and we spared Kathryn, we didn't sing Happy Birthday there.

Target was next....I didn't get very much, just new ruffly bikinis for the two little girls....so sweet! And a teaset for them, probably for one of their birthdays or a rainy day.....at the register, I got a coupon for $1 off a purchase at the cafe, so I let Kathryn get a large Icee, she sat next to Charlotte Claire on the way home and they each had a straw.

We hurried home so all the older girls could go over to my niece Susan's house for the evening. The boys went out to eat separately with Joseph and Aaron, then to a friend's place for the evening....so it is just Paul and I and Ben and Sam and Kathryn, Evelyn, Suzanne, Sonja, Jonathan, Charlotte Claire, and Camille. We are watching American Idol.

I feel disconnected and frazzled, having been gone all day...Joseph watched the girls while I was gone with Benjamin, and Mirielle held down the fort this afternoon. She doesn't just hold down the fort, however, she CLEANS it. She washed towels and some lights and gave the kids dinner. She is wonderful. And the nice thing about it: she was fine with it. I offered her to take Kathryn out, and she said, "Mom, I really don't mind staying home. Just go." Well, don't mind if I do!

But now that I am home, I feel like I missed out on so much here. I enjoyed having fun with Kathryn though....and i can't be everywhere....Camille is sitting here wanting attention, and punishing me for leaving her today.....so...