Saturday. (An Abby Gabs Video Blog)

My phone dinged as soon as I turned it on this morning. And I received a cheerful text from friend and fellow blogger, Laverne.

I'd never lie to Laverne So, here it is, readers. A video blog, all about my typical Saturday.




*If you can't see the video, click HERE, or point your browser to this link: http://youtu.be/AFgvGp021zM

**Also, if you're insanely jealous of the coolest coffee mug on the planet--it was a Hanukkah gift from Aunt Tina--never fear. You can buy a TARDIS mug HERE. (What you didn't see on the video is that it is a heat changing mug. Pour hot liquid into the mug, and the TARDIS disappears on one side, and reappears on the other. So. Freakin'. Cool.)

***Lastly, if you're curious about the music in my video blogs, today's featured songs are "Saturday's Child" by the Monkees, and "Hail to the Chief," played by the US Army Band. I own both songs, so don't sue me.

The Gift of Godchildren--Summer Series with My Pal Laverne, Part II

This blog came to me in fits and bursts over the past month, and I've been itching to publish it. But it was never quite complete. I'd poured my heart onto the empty white space, and yet I felt like something was missing. When Laverne and I decided to do a 3-part series this summer, this idea resurfaced while we were brainstorming blog ideas. There was never a moment of hesitation as I pitched my idea: I had the words, could she provide the artwork? There are few people in the world I would trust with such a precious subject matter, and Laverne is at the top of the list. And so, with a full heart, here is part two of our summer series.

♥   ♥   ♥

Excitement jitters just beneath my skin as we turn onto the curvy country road. The sun peeks through the tree limbs, and the horses in the pastures graze in the summer heat. Brian guides our car past farm houses and patches of forest, instantly knowing when to turn into the driveway. As many times as we've been here, I still don't know which house is Jenna's until we arrive.

Anxious for our day to begin, I leave bags and presents in the back seat and drag my husband to the back door. As soon as I step up onto the stoop, I see that she's been waiting, and is as eager for our arrival as we are.

She wraps me into a one-armed hug, and it's like no time has passed at all.

Bub peeks shyly from behind Jenna's leg, and I know he'll need a few minutes to adjust to new visitors. I crouch down to his level, keeping my distance, and reach out to ruffle his dark hair. "Hey, buddy," I say quietly. Noting the graphic on his t-shirt and hoping to draw him out, I say, "Is that a puppy dog on your shirt?" He glances down, long lashes brushing round cheeks, then looks back up, a big grin on his face. "NO!" he says with authority. "Flower!" And he bounds into the kitchen with the excitement only a 2 year old can possess. 

Brian and Jenna are sharing small talk about the weather, the drive, his schooling. I stand by quietly for a moment, fingers itching to hold Baby Girl. Jenna, sensing I'm there, hands me the baby without breaking the conversation. I welcome her weight with surprise. "Who's a big girl?" I croon. I look at Jenna, eyebrows raised. "It's only been 4 months! How can she already be this big??"

We settle in at Jenna's big dining room table, making plans for the day, talking about all we've missed in the last few months. 

In what feels like minutes, Bub gallops into the room and announces that he's hungry. Jenna checks the clock and, just like that, it's lunch time.

PBJ's, fresh fruit, and strawberry daiquiri pie are served with a quiet efficiency. Bub eats enthusiastically, occasionally breaking into baby babble, and even serenading his grapes with a rousing rendition of "Old MacDonald." 

After lunch time comes nap time, and we decide to load the kiddies into the car and let them sleep while we take a quick road trip a few towns over to visit with another family member. No sooner are we out of the driveway than Bub and Baby Girl are snoozing away. Conversation turns to more adult topics: work and life, future plans, bills, mortgages. 

And Buffy. Of course.

We arrive at our play date destination. 

I disappear to grab my camera and as I walk back into the laughter-filled room, my eyes land on Brian. He's holding Baby Girl, whispering something into her ear. 

Inside, I weep from the pain of being unable to provide him with this in his own life. I push it down, swallow the lump in my throat, and paste a smile on my face. There is time for tears later.

Our two hour play date comes quickly to a close, and it's time to load back into the car and head to dinner with Jenna's mom and step-dad. Bub is talkative this time, and so we sing, and we count, and we make animal noises. I glance up into my visor mirror to see Jenna plant a kiss on a squirming, giggling Bub. I laugh.

Dinner feels like a party. We drink margaritas, we share salsa and stories. 

I am simultaneously in the moment, and distracted by the beautiful baby sleeping in her car seat next to me. Bub sits across from me, eating his beans and rice with gusto. Jenna's husband, Reid, is finally able to join in the fun after a long day at work. 

Conversation turns to Brian, and questions are flying about his upcoming graduation, job prospects, what his future holds. I let their words fall away and turn my focus onto Baby Girl. Thinking no one is watching, I run my finger lightly over her little foot. I straighten her hair bow, and tuck a stray corner of blanket back into it's rightful place. Just a moment. I wanted just a moment with her. And when it's over, I rejoin the conversation. 

And the evening rolls on.

As we emerge from the restaurant, the sun and moon are struggling for possession of the sky. It's a three hour drive back to our house,

We drive Jenna and the kids back home. Gifts are exchanged, a few more pictures are taken, and it's time to take our leave. I hug and kiss each child soundly, knowing they'll have grown even more by the next time I get to visit. Brian and I fight over who hugs Jenna last. More waving, hugging, promises of future visits. And then it's just the two of us again, heading back toward home.

Our headlights pierce the darkness and the tears I've fought all day finally come. I cry because my best friend lives so far away. I cry because I'm so happy that we got this time together, however brief. 

It is nearing midnight when we get home. And still, I pull out the memory card from my camera, loading the pictures onto my computer screen. And Brian and I relive our day--all smiles and giggles and songs and love--before heading to bed.

Summer Series with My Pal Laverne--Part 1

There are fewer things more awesome, more epic, more FUN than doing a guest-post on one of my favorite blogs. My pal, Laverne, invited me to take part in a 3-part series with her. And in a stroke of genius, I accepted. (I am no fool.) (Usually.) (Unless there's wine involved. Or beer. OOH...or TEQUILA...)


Ever wondered what it was like to travel without kids? Laverne and I swap stories in this post, written by Laverne, and illustrated by moi with badly drawn pictures like THIS one:

Visit me on akaLaverne.com to read more!

Meet Laverne

Actually, you'll be meeting Laverne again. You see, once upon a time, in the fairyland known as Abby Gabs, Laverne attended a very special Princess Party with me. Let me refresh your memory. This is Princess Laverne:

Isn't she lovely?

I know, I know...it's hard to really see her surrounded by all the ruffles and frills. So here's a shot of Laverne "in real life."

Again, I say...isn't she lovely?

I met Laverne through the magic of the internet. She is co-author of the always charming Kindred Adventures with her best friend, Shirley. It all started as comment love, and quickly blossomed into a full-blown Twitter friendship. Laverne is one of those special people I've met since I started blogging who takes kindness to another level. She's always willing to jump in with both feet when it comes to supporting bloggers she loves, and she's been a devoted reader of Abby Gabs since we first met.


When I say she's one of the nicest people on the entire internet, I do not exaggerate.


In the not-too-distant past, Laverne reached out to me on Twitter, letting me know she was taking the plunge and creating a blog all her own. By writing under a pen name, Laverne has found her voice, and she's eager to finally share it with the world. And so, I'm pleased as punch to introduce you to akaLaverne--a blog that, I think, could take the world by storm.

Just visit her at www.akaLaverne.com!

Let's break it down here for a second. I've read a lot of blogs. I've also written my fair share of blogs. Most "first posts" are all about the author. What I mean is that more often than not, that first post is all about the introduction. Just read my first post. Often, you'll learn their name, their style, their likes and dislikes. Occasionally, you'll learn a little about their life. Those first few words published by a shiny new author can tell you a lot about the person behind the keyboard. 


That's what makes Laverne's first post so special. Because what you learn about her isn't her real name, or that her favorite color is aqua, or that she's a tiny bit obsessed with Ryan Gosling. But you do get an honest peek into the beautiful person that is Laverne. Why? Because she started her blog by starting a Karma Revolution--by reaching out and thanking those who inspired her to start writing, and by calling to the rest of the blogosphere to spread around some gratitude. That spirit, that kindness, that unequivocal appreciation of those who inspire her----that is Laverne.


And so I raise my glass to her. I'm all on board to christen her brand new blog with the biggest bottle of proverbial champagne that I can find. And I wish her all the luck in the world in her new endeavor. 


Although I know she won't need it. Because she's ready to spread her wings and fly.

Bon Voyage, my friend! Can't wait to see what your new adventure will bring!