5540

That's the number swirling in my head today:  five thousand, five hundred forty.  My fourth grade teacher always, always, always told us to leave out the "and" when spelling out or reading out numbers.  She said the more educated, more intelligent way is to leave it out.  Did it make me sound more intelligent and more educated?  Hmmm.

Yesterday the number was 21.  I took my beautiful firstborn shopping for her first homecoming dress and we scored with a gorgeous one - for just $21.  It was originally $80.  Thank you, Kohl's.

A couple of days ago the number was 98.  That's the amount of money I need to send to my county for faithfully protecting and serving its citizens by ridding the streets of speeding housewives.

Shortly I hope it will be 15.  But I probably won't see it because apparently Coach doesn't like our boy Tebow and he will likely sit the bench.

But no, the number in my head today is 5540.  I can't quite get over it.  It's bigger than the elevation of our nearby Mile-High City.

5540.

I tell you, everytime I think we're going to finally get ahead in this lfe, something else happens.  Today 5540 happened with our first trip to the orthodontist.

$5540.

That's $230 a month over the next two years, not including interest.

Almost $198 a tooth.

He's worth it, though, right?

Right?

Right.

Thanking the Lord though that so far it's just Joshua.  Christianne, it seems, does not need any orthodontia.  Grace, of course, is too young to evaluate for that.  (I figure about the time we get Joshua's head - I mean teeth - straightened out, we'll be ready to pay for Grace.)

Christianne, too, is thankful, although she could care less about the cost.  She's more concerned about how it would interfere with her trumpet.

Right.

And just a wee note, a wee off-topic - I hope the Broncos shatter the Raiders.

42.

Yesterday, I turned 42.  That's a pretty big number.  I'm pleased as punch to be even again.  There's something unsettling about being odd, something... odd.

On the way to school a couple of days ago, we had this conversation -

Me:      You know, Chris, tomorrow's my birthday.
Chris:  Yes, Mommy, it is.  And I think 42 is going to be a very special year for you.
Me:      It is?  Why?
Chris:  Because last year in Marching Band, I was number 42.  Plus, 42 is the secret to the universe, according to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  I don't exactly know what that means, but it must be something cool.

Looking forward to a very special year...

As promised...

I have returned.

At the moment, I am sitting here enjoying the silence.  Most everyone is gone, the radio is turned off, and all I hear is the tapping of my keys and the birds singing outside in the rain through my new storm door/screen that my sister and beloved so sweetly installed for me this weekend.

I'm not sure what to do at the moment, actually.  I started to respond to some e-mails.  I started to update my Facebook page.  I thought about doing some housework. (Notice I didn't say I started!)  But no, I think I will just sit here for a few more moments and let the quiet sink in.  Maybe it will work its way to my overstimulated brain and bring some calm. 

What a summer we've had.  Busy, busy, and we didn't really go anywhere!  This year, everyone came to us.  It was a blessing to have our family around for the past two months, but I have to admit, I'm tired.  I am ready for a regular routine again. 

Plus I eat way too much when we have family come.  And we all know it's their fault.

Well, apparently the pizza has arrived, along with my boys.  The silence will be broken for a bit... but I'll be back!

I *will* return...

... but probably not before September 6th.