The Old Man, The Diva, and The Stalker

My zoo consists of Tyler J. Woofington III, Professor Fluffykins, and Mr. Squeakers. It's a fun place to visit filled with lots of crazy antics. Some fun, some not so fun.

However, we received a notice from our vet informing us that since Ty is now a senior canine citizen, he now needs a more specialized visit. What? A senior canine citizen???? Then we started to notice little things. Our protector has slowly turned into an old man. He still has a lot of years left, but it is obvious that he isn't the spry pup he once was. :(

Then we have our little diva, Professor Cleo Fluffykins. She's actually older than Ty but she still has quite the spring to her step.

And, finally, Elvis. Little did we know when we named him that it was after Elvis, the later years. For such a large kitty, he has a small, high voice. He's a silent cat, unlike Cleo who is a talker. When he speaks, it sounds like a squeak. All the sweet baby does is eat, sleep, and stalk. He goes "to bed" around 10am and we don't see him again until around 6pm or so. His favorite activity, besides eating, is stalking Cleo or even Ty, sometimes. Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for Cleo, he can't jump up to high places. Cleo can with grace and agility. She just smirks down at him.

My zoo. I wouldn't trade any of them and would add more if we had the room, money, & time to raise a new baby!

This marked Lamb's first Homecoming Dance and Bear's first baseball game of the season. Lamb did not go with a date, but with a group of friends. We were so proud of her for going. Usually, she only goes places if her bestie is going, too. However, they go to different high schools so that was not an option. It really made us happy that she decided to go. She even went to the movies with one of the girls!

Another thing that pleased us is that she did not require a new dress. Sure, she could have used one. I would have loved to have been able to buy her a new one. But, the timing wasn't right. And she never even asked. She dug in her closet and found a dress she felt would work. Yay, Lamb!

Bear had a great game. The thing I like about Fall Ball is that Bear is able to shine. I'm not sure why it doesn't happen in the Spring. Maybe it's because there aren't as many boys playing in the fall so the competition isn't as intense? Who knows... He is the lead off batter which is great for his self confidence! He's used to being on the bottom of the rotation. He made contact with the ball every at bat. Unfortunately, he got left on base. But, hey! At least he was on base. He even got to play his old position of 2nd base. Hello, my friend, it's been awhile. :)

May I just say it was miserably hot? I really didn't enjoy sitting out there. And, how bad a mama am I for being ecstatic that practice got rained out today?

Yeah, that's what I thought.

The Grass Truly Isn't Greener

It's funny how life works out. It was so important a few months ago for Big D to have a position with daytime hours. We thought it would make him so much happier and make our family a better well-oiled machine.

So, if you remember, Big D took a position he didn't really want. The thought being it would lead to the position he really wanted. Then the recession hit.

Big D works for a national company. They have never been in danger of bankruptcy, but they also wanted to make sure they would never come close. Every one in the company had to take a pay cut. Raises, bonuses and extra benefits were gone. And the position Big D sought was cut (no one lost their job, just no one was hired to replace or new hire).

Here Big D is stuck in a job he hates. A job with daytime hours that doesn't really help. He works 45 miles from home. And if you know anything about Houston traffic, you know to double & sometimes triple that for travel time. He leaves the house at 6am and gets home, if he's lucky, at 6pm. In bed by 9pm.

In short, it's not all it was hoped to be.

But now he has the opportunity to go back to his original position. A job he truly enjoyed but couldn't stand the hours. However, this position is under a different company umbrella. They have their raises and 401k back. Right now, struggling with his pay cut, that sounds pretty sweet.

Not to mention the fact that he'd be available to transport Bear to school and Lamb home from school, and all those pesky appointments that crop up with kids.

Yeah, Big D is going back to nights. Sigh.

He Has My Heart

The news of his being came on the heels of a miscarriage. When I was 12 weeks along, I was in a car accident. And he has brought drama to my life ever since. His birth was even filled with drama. I didn't think I was truly in labor when I went to the hospital. Imagine my surprise to find out I was already 9½cms along. He was ready to be born. Big D calls him his little football because the doctor literally caught him like a football. Drama and more drama.

He came into the world with an oral fixation. He needed his pacifier. And, as we forced him to outgrow it, he replaced his need with words and noises.

Even though I "complain" about his loudness, I wouldn't trade those words and noises for anything in this world. Because some of those words and noises are the sweetest, most caring, and thought provoking sounds to my ears.

He is 12 years old today. My how the years have flown by. Years where he has taught me patience, the glory in getting things done today rather than tomorrow, and the capacity to love another human being as much as I love his sister.

I didn't think that was possible. And it wasn't, at first. But, as Bear lived day by day, he captured my heart. He is a persistent creature! A demanding creature! ;)

So much drama in the last 12 years. And they have been the best 12 years of my life! I am so lucky to get to be with him and his sister every single day.

Happy Birthday to my Bear!

Another One

In the past few months, we have lost someone iconic from my childhood, Farrah Fawcett, my teenhood, Michael Jackson, and now my young adulthood. RIP Patrick Swayze. He fought a long, hard battle but is at peace now.

I look forward to the day I can introduce Dirty Dancing, Ghost, and some other movies to Lamb.

The Generosity of Moms

Neither hurricanes-that-weren't nor hurricanes-that-were got in the way of Bear's birthday baseball game. For that, we are very thankful.

It was a great day for a baseball game. My mom generously purchased field level seats right on the 1st base line. Awesome!

For Bear's special dinner, we had Extreme Hot Dogs. Bear is eating a Texas Most Wanted dog. It comes with barbeque brisket, onion, and pickles. He opted to forgo the onions and pickles. I had the Cincinnati dog with chili, cheese, and onions. Big D had a Coney Island dog with chili, onions, and mustard. Chili and mustard? Lamb and my mom also had the Texas one.

For his dessert, we had ice cream in Astros helmets. Yum! We'll have his birthday cake on Friday, his actual birthday.

This weekend also had us going to the theater, courtesy of my mom. Lamb and I love Grease. The movie is the first movie I remember seeing in the theater. The first movie I fell in love with the moment I saw it. I have seen the movie and stage version several times. But, I never tire of seeing it.

So when my mom found out it was coming to Houston, she knew that the three of us would have to go. I must say, that this was probably the most interesting one so far. Before the show "Vince Fontaine" came out and sang, danced, and did some audience interaction. Fun!

Then we had Taylor Hicks as the Teen Angel. Frenchie had a new line. After he sang "Beauty School Drop-Out" to her, she told him that she voted for him. Ha! Once Curtain Call ended, he came out to sing his latest single to the audience.

When we saw Grease in NYC, Taylor Hicks had to leave before the show was over. He pre-autographed a bunch of playbills and the security passed them out at the stage door while we waited for the performers.

This time, he hung around for a few minutes and autographed live. Lamb was able to get one. He wasn't taking any pictures or really talking much. As a matter of fact, he seemed like he was in a big hurry. He wasn't rude tho! Just hungry, I'm sure. But it was still a cool experience for Lamb. She didn't like him on American Idol but she appreciated the opportunity to see him.

A pretty fun weekend which makes me very thankful to have my mom! It wouldn't have been possible without her.

Now why can't she just have a magic wand and make it Friday night again?

It's Been a Year

This time, a year ago, I was still carefree and naive. My biggest concern was Bear's birthday. By the time the darkest of night reached us, I witnessed first hand the fury of Nature. And it's scary.

In the late hours of tonight and the early hours of tomorrow, the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ike is marked. My roof, after many months, is fixed. My fence, while not pretty, is put back together. But, there are many things that still aren't fixed. One of my friend's condo is still exactly as it was after Ike. Such an injustice. Businesses such as the yummy Tookie's have decided not to reopen. (It's totally on my list of best burgers and I know would have made the Texas Monthly list as well.) Many families are still trying to put their lives back together.

It's unrealistic to hope this never happens again. But, that's what I do. Hope and pray we don't have another hurricane in this area.

We Will Never Forget

Good Grief

I am not a democrat.

I am not a republican.

I am an American.

I am not an Obama lover.

I am not an Obama hater.

I am a parent.

I read the speech. I did not watch it as our district did not air it during school.

I was not offended. There are some kids out there who need to hear those words. From someone not their parent. From someone not their teacher. From someone not their principal. A fresh viewpoint. A fresh voice.

I pray that some lost soul truly heard. That some lost soul was motivated to be a greater person. That some lost soul felt cared for and respected. I work with children who have already "given up", lost the drive, or, frankly, care more about surviving than their schoolwork even as young as elementary age. I want them to know, to believe, that they can do anything. Anything. that they set their mind to do. I pray that all children stopped to think. To feel empowered about who they can become and to feel that they can jump those high, high hurdles.

And I would pray those things no matter who said the words.

My Mother Did My Homework

Last Thursday,Bear and I went to Meet the Teacher night at his school. This was the first year I have gone with him. Usually, I know his teachers so we'd skip the info night. Truthfully, I wanted to skip this one, too. I figured I know how the school works since I went to Lamb's Meet the Teachers.

However, it was important to Bear to show me a glimpse of how his day runs. He wanted to show me the times he goes to his lockers, his seats, and where he sits in the cafeteria. So, I put on my Good Mom button and mustered up the energy to go.

Even though I hadn't been at home all evening and I was bone tired, I'm so glad I went. Bear made it quite entertaining for me. I was able to read this poem he wrote in English that brought tears to my eyes. I met one of his new friends. And overhearing a conversation convicted Bear that there is one more friend he needs to make. He never ceases to amaze me.

I also goofed. I love a good brain/math puzzle. Sitting in the Math class, waiting for the "tardy" bell, I saw this written on the board: How can you make 1,000 using eight 8's and only addition? Thinking it was from earlier in the day, I whipped out a pen and some paper. I solved it and discussed my strategy with Bear. Afterward, Bear laughed and said that they didn't do that today. Sigh. Ok. Then, before we were dismissed to the next class, the teacher told us to write the teaser down and for an easy 100, the student could turn it in on Friday.

Bear had a belly laugh then. He let me know that he would have figured it out on his own so he was going to turn it in anyway. I winked at him and told him that, in his shoes, I'd do the same thing.

My Mission

Today, one of my friends brought the magazine, Texas Monthly, to work to use as an example of non-fiction. On the cover was this scrumptious looking hamburger. I was unable to thumb through the magazine but it looks like they found 50 of the best burgers in Texas.

I love a good burger. My favorites include, but aren't limited to, Whataburger for fast food and Dyer's in Memphis. I miss that place! They are pretty famous. When they opened a new location, they had police escorts for the grease that was going to the new restaurant.

The one on the cover came from Fredicksburg, TX. Just a day trip from Houston.

It's my mission to try as many of these burgers as I can. Yes, I am watching my cholesterol but I won't do this daily. ;) I do believe I should decide for myself if Texas Monthly is correct.

Now, I just need to convince Big D that this is something that must be done.

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Choosy Moms

When I was pregnant with Lamb,for whatever reason, Big D & I were at the grocery store to buy peanut butter. I looked at all the choices available to me and felt overwhelmed. "Big D, what brand should we buy?????"

Big D looked at me and said: "Well, you are about to be a mom and choosy moms choose Jif."

So that's what we bought. And, to this day, it's the only peanut butter I'll buy because of Big D's words (and Jif's ad slogan).

I will also buy only Sunbeam bread. Living in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, we would drive by this billboard for Sunbeam. It is huge with a girl swinging across the sign. Sunbeam reminds me of home, of my youth.

What about you? Are there any brands you'll buy because of their slogans or sentimental value?

We Survived!

A few days after the end of 5th grade, Bear came to me late one night and whispered that he'd miss me, too.

A few weeks into summer vacation, Bear was excited about "starting his new life" and couldn't wait for it to begin.

A few days before the start of his new life, he was upset that his teacher didn't retain him.

The night we got his schedule and locker combination, he didn't have the confidence in himself. He struggled with the locker at first. I could see the tension in his shoulders and eyes. I wanted So Badly to step in and help him. But, of course, I couldn't. He had to learn that he could do things on his own.

And then there's Lamb. When we got her schedule, we saw that she was put into journalism instead of dance 2. I filled out the required paperwork to correct it. I told Lamb that if it wasn't correct, she had to take care of it. She told me that she'd rather keep it the same than try to figure out what she needs to do. ARGH!!!!! She LOVES dance and has never expressed an interest in journalism. I told her then that I would not be taking care of it for her. If that's the stance she was going to take,then sobeit.

The morning of the 1st day of school was the hardest I've had in four years. Leaving Bear with tears in his eyes was difficult. Unfortunately, with his school hours, I was unable to take him to school. For the first time ever. Fortunately, I have a brother who is able to transport him for me. I gave Bear a kiss in his hand and left with Lamb.

After I dropped Lamb off, it was the loneliest morning for me. No children in the car. No children at the school. Well, none of MY children. There were plenty of other people's children.

Both of them had a fabulous first day! Whew. Bear realized he could do this. He had no problems with his locker. The one time he got lost, he got a teacher to direct him. And he saw some familiar faces. He goes to a different intermediate school than the one his elementary classmates go to.

And then there's Lamb. She is taking journalism 1, not dance 2. Lucky for her, there is a good reason. Dance 2 is only offered during the same period that Production 2 is offered. Acting is more important to her than dancing. Plus, she thinks journalism sounded interesting.

Oh yeah, and there's a friend in that class. That's huge for shy, reserved Lamb. She also has a circle of friends to eat lunch with. That doesn't matter to her as much as it matters to me.

Yes, fabulous first days!

Bad News, Good News

I always like to start off with the bad news. That makes the good news even sweeter. Yesterday morning, we woke up to find Lamb's hedgehog, Charlotte (Charlie), had passed away. We were in complete and utter shock. She wasn't even a year old. We aren't sure what exactly happened. Needless to say, it was a sad day in our house.

Now for the good news. The beast that has kept me away this summer is finished! I can now cross off "make Bear's blanket" on my list. I am so happy to be done with it. But, I'm at a loss as to what do with myself now. ;)

I'm Alive!

Wow. I've done a horrible job of blogging this summer. I've done a tad bit better at commenting.

There really hasn't been much to talk about. I've been spending my days watching old shows & movies with the kids. Reading, reading, reading! Working on Bear's blanket. I scrapped the original one and started a new one on a knitting loom. Bear is ok with that. I will be finished before school starts. Oh yes, I will. I'll post a pic of it just for ya'll! ;) Oh yeah, and spending some time on that huge time waster, Facebook.

I've also caught up on some doctor's visits. Had some blood work done to check my thyroid. My thyroid is ok, my cholesterol is just over the high mark so I have to make some food changes. Never fun. Of course, with my thyroid ok, I have to wonder why I'm so tired and unmotivated a lot of the time. Maybe I'm just lazy. ;)

I will also have my very first mammogram next week. I'm not nervous about the results but I do have a lot of fibroids. I wonder how that will play out. We shall see. I am anxious about having it done only because it's an unknown world to me. Not sure what to expect. So, all in all, I'll be glad when it's over.

Last weekend, I went to Moms' Camp with Bubba's Sis. It was so nice to getaway. We went trail riding, skeet shooting (and I have the HUGE bruise to prove it), learned how to knit, and how to transfer a picture onto fabric for a photo quilt. We came away with some excellent ideas for Christmas presents. We were going to do archery but both of us decided that our arms just couldn't handle it after 25 rounds of skeet shooting. That gun was heavy!!

Back to the skeet shooting, I'm not sure why I bruised like that. I held the gun snug where the instructor told me. However, I bruised on the soft part of my upper arm. So weird. The gun wasn't even there. Sunday, I felt like I had been in a car accident. The kick of the gun really impacted me. It was fun, but I'm not sure I'd do it again. I didn't hit a one anyway. Hand-eye coordination is not my friend. Plus, with my astigmatism, moving objects aren't my friend either.

Cleo, our 8 year old cat, had to have minor surgery last week. She's recovering remarkably well. We've kept her separate from the boys for several days. Elvis can't stand it. For one thing, his man cave is under our bed. He sleeps under there All Day Long. Cleo has been recuperating in our bathroom/bedroom. Elvis doesn't like being denied. Today, we let Cleo free and have been keeping a sharp eye on all the animals. We don't want Cleo to have a set back. I'm pretty proud of her! She seems to be a healthy healer. Whew.

I've also been going to lunch, movies, & shopping with friends. That's always one of the highlights of summer for me. That and vacation but vacation didn't happen this summer. It's still been a good one!

I hope ya'll have been having a wonderful summer!

What Is Old Is New Again

Lamb is currently obsessed. With the tv show, Happy Days. It started when we took her to see the musical. I have been borrowing the series from the library (sadly, only up to season 4 is on dvd at this moment). She's like me in that she likes to watch things in order. So you can imagine her horror when season 4 came available before season 3.

She decided to be a rebel and watch it anyway. Because she's naughty like that.

Imagine my horror when she lamented that watching the show always makes her hungry. Mrs. C makes *the* best meals and they are always homecooked. There's always good food in the fridge and pantry.Poor Lamb. She grew up in the wrong era. Instead she got stuck with a mom who can't stand to be in the kitchen. There's not enough room with all the dirty dishes that Lamb hasn't taken care of yet. (I bet Joanie never neglected her chores.) It's hot. It's stressful. And I don't produce good meals.

Oh, happy days here in the 2000's.

I Worry Myself At Times

While at the Dr Pepper Museum, yes, yes, I know I have yet to share pictures. I plan to do that soon. Anyway, while there, I greatly embarrassed myself.

At the ticket counter, the lady told us there was a whale where you could guess how many Dr Peppers it could hold. At the end, I commented to the family that I didn't see the whale to guess. They looked at me dumbfounded. Then burst out laughing.

She said "well" not "whale" and I never even connected the dots.
Even though I took pictures of it.

Yes, It's Summer

We have been on summer break for almost a month. A month trying to entertain a high strung/high energy child.

My kids love each other, are best friends, in fact. But, they are kids. There's been a lot of bickering back & forth. Which means room time. Ahhh, room time.

When they were younger & were sent to their rooms, Lamb would get in her closet and Bear on his wall on the other side. They'd continue to talk back & forth using their imagination. Not so anymore.

One particular afternoon, they continued to fuss & argue even in their rooms. I had to demand no talking to each other. Lamb decided to be passive aggressive. She pulled out her recorder and started playing Hot Cross Buns. Over and Over again.

Bear could be heard in his room saying: "Bear wishes someone would kill the dead rat making horrific noises in Lamb's room." Over and Over again.

I have a lot of patience but even I reach my wit's end. I might have raised my voice. I might have been angry at Bear. The details are sketchy.

A few minutes later, I received this on my cell phone.Dang. He makes it hard to stay mad.

Ah, summer time.