Sadness and Beauty and Smells

First... Mom and Dad had to have Snickers euthanized yesterday. I haven't talked to them yet... but, I followed the day's events on Mom's survivor web site. It sounds like the time had come. I know that it has been an agonizing week for them. I pray that they will find peace and comfort in knowing that Snickers is now at peace and suffering no longer. Mom wrote that she is finding reminders of Snickers all over the house today. I wrote back that we found Oscar poop for months! LOL!! And, just a couple of weeks ago when I pulled a comforter out of the attic to put on James' bed, we found more Oscar hair. At first, the reminders will make you cry... eventually they will make you laugh and smile about the time that you had here with her. I'm not sure when that transition actually occurs, but it does.

On a related note, I am still investigating the option of adopting a Great Pyrenees dog. Really, the big thing standing in the way of it right now is not having a fence in the backyard. I've been e-mailing back and forth with a lady involved in the GP Rescue group. She's been very helpful... sending documents, answering questions. I just really want to have a dog. That is what it comes down to. I want the kids to have a dog... and I want a dog. We'll see what happens.

It is an absolutely beautiful day. It was in the low 60s this morning when we got up. Right now it is in the low 70s with a nice, light breeze blowing. The sky is so blue... It really feels like fall.

Isn't it funny how certain smells can take you back to a certain moment in time? Yesterday, we were out on our daily "get James to sleep" drive. It was pretty nice, so we had the windows in the truck down. I smelled a smell that reminded me of the first few days of school when I was in elementary... mown grass. But, not freshly mown grass. Grass that has been sitting out in the sun for a day or so. Of course, I can't adequately describe it because it is a smell. Anyway, the elementary that I went to had no air conditioning. So, we would always get this mown grass smell wafting in on the first few weeks of school, when it was still hot.

This morning, I smelled a smell that reminded me of mornings at college. I went in to the bathroom and smelled the fresh air from open windows / shower / soap / shampoo smell mixture. It took me right back to Oakwood Hall... a mere 15 years ago. I mean 15 years! And the elementary school smell was... dare I say 30 years ago!?! How can smells be such triggers to memories?

Gotta run... Amanda needs some cuddle time...

Day 3

We have officially completed Day 3 of our homeschool adventure. Each day is getting easier than the one before it. I know... it's only been three days... I was so afraid to start, not knowing exactly what to do. But, really we are following the guidelines for our curriculum and supplementing a little here and there. Today, Amanda said the cutest thing. We were learning about Adam and Eve and how they were naughty by eating the apple off of the forbidden tree. I explained to Amanda that we are all bad every now and then, but God still loves us and forgives us. She looked at me and said, "But, Mommy... I only pick the leaves off of trees." So cute... and true. She has never picked fruit off of a tree... forbidden or not.

Snickers is still hanging in there. I'm so glad that Mom and Dad didn't decide to have her put down earlier this week. It is a tough decision... I know that first-hand. It sounds like she really still isn't in discomfort. Of course, we all understand that given the diagnosis, it won't be long... but, every day with our pets is a gift.

The kids and I made "rainbow" crayons today. We melted all of the broken pieces and chunks together... to have recycled crayons that color with surprise colors. They turned out pretty good, but are tending to break into smaller pieces. Really, that works out better, as you get more surface area to color with... hence more colors. Amanda doesn't see it that way though. She sees them as broken again. It all depends on your point of view, I guess.

Doug is starting to have to work more hours again this week... yuk.

Salsa!

Today was our annual salsa canning day. Doug was a huge help! Even with his help, my feet and legs are just aching like mad. I knew that we had a lot of tomatoes, but had no idea how many until I started cutting them up. We wound up with 30 cups of chopped tomatoes! That translated into 17 pints of salsa. We lost one though... the bottom busted out of the jar when Doug put it in the hot water bath. Wierd. We had never had that happen before. So, now everything is done... we just need to wait 'til a cold Fall evening to crack open a jar and reap the rewards. Right now salsa doesn't even sound very good to me. That is how it usually goes...

It is beautiful outside tonight. There is an awesome full moon shining bright out there. We just got back from a walk with the kids. It is wonderful to be able to stay up late with them... exploring things that otherwise they might not get to enjoy.

Can't wait to crawl under the covers tonight... Yawn.

Snickers Kitty

We received some sad news yesterday from Mom and Dad. Their cat, Snickers, was diagnosed with a rapid-growing cancer tumor on her jaw. As for now, they decided to bring her home. They'll probably have to have her euthanized soon. So sad... I never really bonded with Snickers. For some reason, she was always more tolerant of Mendi, who always seemed to torture her by holding her until she meowed and meowed. But, nonetheless, she is a beautiful cat and it is sad to know that Mom and Dad will have to make tough decisions soon. It brings back memories of having to say goodbye to Oscar... and Taffy.

Oh a happier note, I am sitting here watching the Indy Air Show on my PC. It's a pretty cool deal. I'm actually listening to a great friend of mine and his buddy commentating the Warbird part of the show. The weather here is pretty iffy, but for now, it is holding out.

KC had her annual check-up at the vet this morning. She did great... checked out just fine.

That's all for now. Gonna watch some of the air show.

Critters and Such

I fell in love a couple of nights ago... We were out celebrating Doug's rewards from all of the extra work that he's having to do lately. He had called that night and said to pick somewhere "nice" to go eat. I said, "Oh, how about Steak 'n Shake?" Isn't that hilarious? If he had asked me that six or seven years ago, the answer would have been St. Elmo's, Fletchers... maybe Ruth's Chris. Anyway, we wound up at Don Pablo's. It was very good... the kids had fun. James ate a ton of beef, beans and rice. He's such a good eater... While we were there, Doug handed me a card. I opened it up and found a very nice "thank you" for keeping the homefires burning while he's been MIA with his job. Also, he had been given a substantial gift card for his work. He said that I could spend the entire amount on myself. Wow! I have little idea on what to do with it... my kids and family are my life. I really don't have my own life right now. Any ideas?

Anyway, after dinner, we went to a craft store and a couple of pet stores. Inside one of the pet stores, I met a Great Pyrenees young 'un. Oh my... love at first sight. And, it just got better when I petted her and played with her. What a sweet dog. I did some investigating online and found that there are quite a few Pyrs around here that are in the rescue program. Here is one that just looks perfect for us... But, I'm trying to keep my head on straight. I need to wait just a little longer until the kiddos can help out a bit more. Oh, but what a big teddy bear of a dog...

Ok, so a couple of days ago when I turned on the "monster tank" (the 180G), I thought to myself that it felt kind of hot. Other than that, I didn't really think anything of it. I went about my day, doing what I do... playing, reading, dissolving disputes, cleaning, laundry, surfing the computer... I had noticed that one of my favorite fish in that tank was doing a bit of strange swimming, with its head pointing up a bit. While sitting at the computer near the end of the afternoon, I glanced over and there was a dead fish sitting at the bottom of the tank... I got to looking and there was another. I started putting two and two together and checked the thermometer. It was over 96 degrees F in there!?! The fish were literally baking. By the time the dust settled and the tank had been partially drained, cleaned, etc. We had lost six fish (including my favorite) out of that tank. Oh man... that was bad.

Right now, James and Amanda are still asleep. Don't know how long that will last. But, for now, I am enjoying the peace and quiet. Perhaps I should go back and try to sleep some more... I'm not sure what we will get into this weekend. The Blue Angels are in town. I'd like to see them, but I'm not sure if it will work out. There is a media day today for $5. If I'm brave enough, perhaps I'll load up the truck and head over... or not.

Cool Things

Tonight, I had a couple of really cool things happen... The first was when we were on our way home from the park. It was dusk, and I was just kind of watching the world go by out my window as Doug was driving. I looked at just the right place at just the right time and saw an owl landing in a tree along side the road. It was a pretty big one... probably over a foot tall (the owl, not the tree). I could make out the little tufts on top of his head and everything. It was very awesome.

The second thing happened after we got home. I was trying to get James to go to sleep (which, for the record, didn't work...), when Amanda came in and informed me that she needed to give me a hug and a kiss. She proceeded to do just that and told me that I was her "best friend". What a cute and warm moment. I'm sure that when she is in her teen years, I will not be thought of as her best friend... so, I will savor that title for now.

We have officially made our reservations for a very nice, secluded cabin in Eastern Kentucky. We'll be heading there in mid-September for a few days. Can't wait! It will be nice to get away from here for awhile. The cabin is on a property that has a creek and waterfalls (if there has been enough rain). It is also very remote... you have to park your vehicle and walk about three minutes to get to the actual cabin. Should be an adventure, nonetheless.

Well, time for bed. Yawn...

Blonde Moment

I've been e-mailing back and forth with a friend who lives in California. I commented to him that I had never really seen the Pacific Ocean except from an airplane while flying to Hawaii a few years ago. He was quick to point out that Hawaii was surrounded by the Pacific Ocean... and henceforth, I had in fact seen the Pacific up close and personal. Oh yeah... I guess so. Perhaps I need to go back for a refresher... or at the least, I need to dig out the pictures from that vacation. It was an awesome trip. I'll never forget it, even if I did forget the Pacific.

On a more solemn note, I did see on the internet where our friend's mother did in fact pass away on Friday. Continued prayers to the whole family for peace and comfort during this difficult time for them. She had lung cancer but was not a smoker - her husband was. This is the second case of this happening that I've heard of in a year or so. The same thing happened to one of Doug's brother-in-law's brother's wife (follow that?). I am just petrified that the same could happen to me, growing up in a house with two smokers. At least I have been "smoke-free" for nearly twenty years.

We've been getting a lot of rain here lately. It's been wonderful! Yesterday, the kids and I were outside when it started to sprinkle. Amanda immediately headed for the door to come inside. James just stood there, looking up, enjoying the drops falling from the sky.

Oh boy... WWIII is breaking out here. Both kids are screaming... pieces of our newest Thomas the Tank Engine layout are falling around the room. Guess I should go. Gee whiz.

We Took the Plunge!

Swimming lessons went very well today. Both kiddos did a wonderful job. I was SO proud of Amanda for being so brave. She did a great job for it being her first time. Every time I looked over at her, she was being very attentive and was trying everything that her teacher was asking of her. She even jumped in from the side of the pool! I think that her teacher is going to be super. I could tell that she was gearing the lesson to each child's experience level. With Amanda, she held her up so that her head wouldn't go under water when she jumped in... with another girl, she let her go under. James had a very fun time... lots of singing and playing. He wasn't too fond of trying to lay on his back in the water. Nor was he excited to put the toy balls back into their crate. His favorite part of class was jumping off of the side of the pool wall (while sitting). I just had fun in the water. It was nice and warm.

Below are pictures from class... a "before", a couple of James and me in his class... a couple of Amanda (in the pink and purple swim cap) in her class... and an "after" shot.








This is Amanda's new swimsuit. She decided to wear her other one for class today, though. This one is very cute, and it came with a matching swim skirt.



Here is Amanda showing off some flowers from her garden. I told her to make sure to hold them up so Felix couldn't get them. She look slike the Statue of Liberty with flowers, doesn't she?

Can't I Mow?

All I wanted to accomplish today was to get the backyard mowed. Well, I got about 1/4 of it done... I guess that it just wasn't in the cards. But, it was such a beautiful night tonight. I just wanted to be outside. What did I do instead? Well, I drove the kids around. We wound up at Michael's tonight. If I had a dime for every mile I've put on the old Beast this week, I would be able to pay for all the gas that it's sucked down. (not quite... but close). At first, I could drive everyone around and get James to take a nap. He's become a bit more immune to it as the week has progressed. It took two tries today.

Doug is working late again. Boy, if he came home and said that for whatever reason he quit/lost his job, etc. I can't say that I would be sad. I know that I sound selfish, but I am just totally tired of this single parent thing. I am totally exhausted... totally alone... totally sad. It has just really worn me out. My neighbor once (recently) told me that I am at the loneliest stage of parenting... and boy is she right. If Doug isn't around, I basically have nobody except for the kids. How sad is that? Don't get me wrong, I love to be with the kids, but I honestly get NO break... ever. And, I have nobody close to me that I could just call up and say, "hey, let's go get a coffee... or go hit the mall... or..." I know that a lot of that is my fault. It's hard to keep contacts with people when you are a mommy (hence, my neighbor's comment). But, my family isn't even close really. Mendi is in GA. Mom and Dad aren't too far away, but really they are involved in their own things (which is totally understandable). This will pass, I'm sure... Just needed to get it off my chest.

Amanda did the sweetest thing last evening. I had loaded up the truck to go get my dinner - a Papa John's pizza. Of course, the two kiddos fell asleep while we were out and about. I brought Amanda in and put her in her bed. Her eyes fluttered open for a brief moment to figure out where she was. At that same time, Doug appeared and poked his head in her door. She sat straight up, eyes wide open and said, "I saw Daddy!!!" Even though I saw him, I told her that she must be hallucinting. She said that she wasn't. He came back in and she was ecstatic. I guess that I'm not the only one who's been wishing him home more often.

Tomorrow is the big day... Swimming lessons for both kiddos! Should be fun :)

This Should be Good

Wow. I've had lots of random thoughts rolling through my head lately... this blog entry is sure to be a mish-mash of some of them. Prepare yourself...

Mom and Dad leave for Georgia today. I really thought about tailing them down there with the kiddos. Doug has been working insane hours this week... home at 10:15 p.m. on Monday at 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday... and, he was blessed to be able to leave work yesterday at 6:00 p.m. He and I both are getting really sick of it. I just cannot believe that projects can be so poorly managed and lead. I was so lucky when I was working to be able to work on projects with great customers, who were able to give clear requirements. The project teams were staffed with great and capable people who did what they said they would... This project he is on is just a total disaster. I could go on, but enough said.

The other night while trying to get to sleep, I got to thinking about criminals. I don't know why... but, anyway, I was thinking about three people that were in my graduating high school class (or at least started out in it) that have wound up in jail. What leads people to do things that could land them in the slammer? I mean, why would you steal, beat, whatever... your fellow human beings. What went so wrong in these peoples' lives to turn them that way? And, really the three that I am thinking of turned "bad" at an early age. It's really sad. I just think that it is so important to let you kids be kids... surround them with a loving and secure environment... let them know that you love them and will always be there for them. I'm pretty sure that the aforementioned three didn't have that.

While reading a random blog yesterday, I discovered a song. It's country, which I don't listen to normally. This song came on as background music... and it totally stopped me in my tracks. By the end (middle really) of it, I was literally sobbing at the computer. It's called "Let Them Be Little", by Billy Dean. Here are some lyrics from it:

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand.
You felt so good in it; no bigger than a minute.
How it amazes me you're changin' with every blink.
Faster than a flower blooms, they grow up all too soon.

So let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give 'em hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.

It is so true. Our two are growing up so quickly. If I think about it, it really does sadden me. We will be starting Amanda's preschool year soon. Didn't she just learn how to crawl and say mama and daddy?

The excessive heat is nearly over with. We're supposed to get some storms later that will usher in some cooler air. Saturday is supposed to be great. I hope that we get to enjoy it with Doug...

A good friend of mine is going through a really tough time. Her husband's mother is in her last days with her battle with lung cancer. I pray that their family can get through this difficult time with the peace and strength of God. Their two young boys will be losing their grandmother. I pray for their precious little hearts... I pray for the man that will lose his mother. And, I pray for my friend to be there as a pillar of strength for her family. Peace be with you all. I love you.

Kiss My...

Well, technically I think it was a donkey. But, anyway, I got some Grade A sugar from the sweetest donkey at the State Fair last night. There were several there enjoying the air conditioned Draft Horse building. We were able to see some sheep, goats, cows and pigs, as well. The kids had a great time... aside from the fact that we felt like we were all literally going to melt. We ran into a guy that I used to work with in the Swine barn. It's funny, we usually run into him on Purdue Day... but, this year we both took the cheap way out and went the night before the fair officially starts. Translated - FREE.

Amanda loved the donkeys. She couldn't get enough of them. There were several mommy/baby combos. Very cute. I'm not sure how many pictures we took of them. Here is one of my favorites.



When we were in the Cattle barn, they announced that all of the animals were released for tie-out. I have no idea what this meant, but apparently, it was a pretty popular deal. There were several folks who immediately started leading their cows out of the barn... to this tie-out thing. We were finally able to cross the cattle line and make it outside ourselves, only to see the following "cow parade." It was quite a sight...



We found an open Elephant Ear stand and had to share one of those. It was hotter than blazes outside... but, the ear still tasted good. The picnic table that we selected for our break was devoid of any air movement. And, again, we thought that we might just melt into oblivion right there... We didn't.

We managed to get back into the infield just in time to see the hot air balloons inflating for the glow. They were all beautiful... however, my two favorites would have to be the Oliver Winery balloon (pictured below) and the Pioneer Seeds balloon. Someday, I would love to go down on opening morning to see the balloon race liftoff. I am certain that would be awesome.

Good, Good Day!

I was very busy and very productive today. One might think that these go hand in hand, but they don't necessarily around here. I am not sure when the last time was that I got so much accomplished. All of the laundry (except for what we wore today) is caught up. The dishes at one point were caught up. I had all the beds made. I vaccumed the back end of the house and the dining room. We did our weekly trip to the library. I went and enrolled the kiddos in swim lessons. I made a double-batch of pizza dough. I think that Doug thought he was in the wrong house when he arrived home.

After dinner, we loaded up and went shopping. We were on a quest for a tent and a swim cap for Amanda. We had luck with the tent. We got a nice, new, BIG tent for the whole gang to fit comfortably in. There is even room for Doug to get a cot and for the rest of us to have an air mattress and/or sleeping bags. It should be very nice. I can't wait to set it up and try it out! The kids had a blast trying out all of the tents in the store. A few had little doors that kind of looked like cat/dog flaps. The kids found that they could easily fit in and out of those. It was pretty funny.

We got a LOT of rain today! It was wonderful. I think that it rained off and on for about an hour pretty heavily. I checked the rain gauge and it showed 2 inches! Some of that fell last night, too... but, still. That is fantastic! The yard, garden and flowers will definitely be smiling tomorrow.

Well, I am tired for now. Good night.

Sauna Central

It is SO hot and humid here. We did get some rain overnight, but I think that it only added to the high humidity levels. The raindrops on the windows will probably stay there all day... I did manage to get the yard mowed yesterday. It took nearly all day, off and on. I would mow for awhile, stop and come in for some water, get cooled down and try it again. Parts of the yard were dead and crunchy, other parts were lush and nearly 8 inches tall. We hadn't mowed for a long time...

We had a super time with Dana and her family on Saturday. The caching was great. Her boys just loved it. I think that we did six or seven caches with them (some others on our own on the way there and on the way home). It pushed us over our 600 milestone. After caching, we went back to their home. We had an awesome lunch comprised of all kinds of fresh goodies from their huge garden - YUM! The kids played... I got a preview of the Math-U-See curriculum that she is using for her youngest (very cool). Since it was such a hot day, we cooled down in the pool. We also got to see all of their cool critters - cats, baby kittens, pigs, Salad (the dog), miniature horses... oh, and her oldest boy's caterpilars. Her husband hitched up one of the horses to a cart and took the kids for rides. It was just a perfect day. We all had a wonderful time!

Yesterday was kind of a lazy one. We were all pretty worn out from our big day on Saturday. We didn't make it to church. Doug did tackle all of the dishes, though. And, like I said, I tackled the yard. We did get some things around here accomplished... so much to do, though. There always is.

Last evening, Doug and Amanda played hide 'n seek. This was the first time that she had played, and it was a riot! I would help her get into an awesome place, Doug would coming looking for her... and she would be singing or just give herself up immediately. How funny... One time, Doug was hiding in the shower. I was helping Amanda find him. I was coaxing her to look in the shower, but she wouldn't. I said, "I think that I see some legs in there" (through the frosted glass doors). She looked and said, "No, Mom. I think that it is just dirt." I just rolled. Anyway, they had fun.

Not sure what is on the docket for today... staying cool is a priority.

Picture Time!

Here are some recent pictures...

Enjoying frozen custard at Culvers. It is SO good, James needed two spoons:

Mom and Dad's DeSoto looking good at Port Tobacco:

James opening his presents. Notice that nearly everything visible is Thomas...

The Cookie Monster Cake:

Enjoying the Cookie Cake and Ice Cream. It's fun to eat and wear!:

James' new tricycle. He has yet to try riding it. For now, he is happy just pushing it around the driveway. Gotta start slow, I guess.

Amanda with a baby carrot from our garden. Of course, she wouldn't eat it. I did. It was very yummy.:

A beautiful butterfly on our butterfly bush. We've had so many different species enjoying it this year.:

TGIF

Boy, I am so glad that it is Friday... and that it is almost over. The last couple of weeks have just been so tiring. I think that after this weekend, things should drastically slow down.

I got my stitches out this morning. I waited in the waiting room for about 20 minutes. It literally took 20 seconds to have the stitches clipped out. Oh well. The quiet time was nice. The nurse said that everything looked nice and clean. The wound did pop open a bit though at Music Class, as I had to carry James around a lot. So, it's covered back up with a Band-Aid again. I can't believe the number of Band-Aids that we have gone through around here in the last month...

It is very hot here and looks like it will be for quite some time. I've had to water the gardens lately. That has really flared up my wrists. I've given up and started wearing my braces and doing my exercises again. Getting old really stinks... I think that I've said that before.

James had a great two-year check-up the other day. He passed with flying colors. He is now at the 60% for length and up to the 30% for weight. He was so funny while we were waiting for the doctor (geesh, how much time have I spent waiting for doctors the last two weeks... anyway, I digress). James walked over to the door, got up on his tiptoes and starting saying "go!" while reaching for the doorknob. He couldn't reach it that well... So, he found a doorstopper on the wall for where the doorknob hits. He tried pressing that (like the handicap accessible doors at the library) to see if that would open the door. That didn't work either... It did show that he was trying his best to problem solve.

I'm trying to get laundry and dishes caught up this afternoon. Tomorrow is our fun day with Dana and her family - caching, swimming, eating... who knows what else. I would like to try and come up with a nice food item to take. She has planned a feast, and I feel bad just showing up. I need to peruse some recipe books. LOL.