Well, this is it, folks.

My last post of my 100 day project.

I thought and thought about what I could say on this post - the grand 100th - that could move, inspire, embody the essence of this entire challenge.

Instead, I spent the day celebrating.

This morning found our little family at a parade. (A parade with four bagpipe bands. That's how you know a parade is serious.) The kids gathered goodies tossed from floats (yes, floats!). We scored handfuls of candy, miniature beach balls, samples, fliers, coupons and 2 t-shirts.

Then we headed to the park where a carnival was in residence. We walked the booths and scored tiny water bottles, stickers, more coupons/fliers and a 2 week Karate Lesson trial for Wyatt. And a brochure for Zion's Bank - because I may or may not be interested in switching.

"What's your name?" Tony, the bank rep, asked me - offering his hand.
"Stepper," I said with a smile and a hand-shake.
"Stepper?" He asked, and received points for getting it right the first time even in the noise of the crowds.
"Yes, Stepper!" I said. I don't delve into THAT story unless asked.
"Wow. That's a beautiful name." he said.

First time anyone's ever said that to me. "interesting", sure. "unique" yes. "different" all the time! But beautiful? That guy really wants my business.

I pressed on through the crowd with my gigantor double-stroller bouncing along the un-even grassy terrain, trying not to lose any of the many things we piled on top, underneath, tucked into sides, etc. Ali sidled up to me as I pushed forward.

"Well," she said in mock tone, "My parents actually named me Leper, but I changed it."
I laughed. "I finally came of age," I said.
"Yes. It's so unfair. They named my sister 'Pretty'."
"HA!" I said. 'I love it!"

And then I had the story of Leper and her sister Pretty running through my head. Such a great relationship they had, but boy - their parents sure did favor the one!

At some point, we all got a bit sun-toasted. Wyatt's ears were the only thing that suffered on him because for some reason I did a much better job on him with the sunblock stick (never used one before, I could claim as my excuse, but somehow that falls hallow as it was ALI'S sunblock stick because I completely forgot sunblock altogether). Daphne, poor thing, has random streaks all over her face from where I sticked, but didn't smudge. But my little Henry is now a cherry-face. All except where his binky formed a nice barrier around his mouth. It looks painful. It's hilarious when he smiles. I feel terrible.

Bill and I got crispy, too, but like I was telling Bill. I was running a bit low on freckles, anyway.

After the carnival, we came home to feed small faces and force naps. Bill mowed the lawn and I sat in the air conditioning, eating chips and folding laundry.

Then at five thirty-one, our babysitter arrived.

Now - this was momentous. Because this is the first time (very, very first time) we've hired an actual babysitter that wasn't family and wasn't a family friend and who was a fifteen or so year old girl who lived in the neighborhood. We're branching out!

And, of course, I fretted about it through the whole movie. We brought our little cherry-face with us (peace offering for the damage to his countenance) and together with Mom, Dad, Ali and Steve enjoyed the heck out of X-Men First Class.

Henry has decided he'd like to be a superhero when he grows up. They get to fly the coolest jet planes!

So that's it. The unceremonious - yet very adventure-filled - end to my 100 day project.

Stay tuned (Monday) for a summation of lessons learned (or new curse words I learned) as a result, and - of course - the thanks-for-stickin-it-out-with-me Reader Appreciation Giveaway!

(Cheryl, don't laugh)

4 comments:

Hel said...

I have LOVED being able to read all your posts. I tried to do an every day post once.... I lasted five days. So you are a better woman than I!! Can't wait for the summation.

Stephanie said...

Yay for 100 days of Stepper. :)

MikkSolo said...

I have LOVED 100 days of Stepper. Thanks for all the laughter, tears, and pure joy.

Risch

Grandpa Rusty said...

And now you move on to doing 101 to 200 days, right?