Ohhhh this boy! Last night we had a *talk*. His father had been in the middle of a conversation with someone when Jack interrupted. He was told to wait and he didn't - he kept pesting. So when they got home we (Bill and I) had a talk with him. When I told him that what he did was disrespectful and if he did it again Daddy would have to be disrespectful and discipline him in front of people (something we try not to do). He replied - without missing a beat - "but, you say that when some one's mean to me I shouldn't be mean back - so why can Dad be mean to me if I be mean to him.?" Oh, Lord, give me the strength not to cut this child's tongue out. :-)
I calmly explained that he was not Dad's equal and that God had employed Daddy and myself to raise him and Sally to show respect. That Daddy would not be mean to a peer if they were mean to him just as Jack should not respond with anger if someone does him wrong.
So, then we asked if he had any questions: (BIG mistake) "So, what happened to the round thing?"
"Round thing?"
"You know, when Dad says we'll go round and round - he doesn't say that anymore - why?"
I had to turn away so as not to totally loose it. How DOES he do it????
All this was a couple of days ago. Last night was curriculum night at school for Jack's grade. I was told my two people that he was very bright. I was also told he was energetic. I'm thinking "hyper smart mouth". :-)
We had company yesterday. An advocate for Sal and I dashed home to clean a little. Later, before bed Jack's in the bathroom : "Mom, is it ok to pee in the blue water?" (I had put a vanish drop in thing to kind of mask the rust in our toilet) Do you see why I roll my eyes every time the boy speaks?? ;-)
The best thing that happened yesterday (according to Jack) was baseball and all day at school. See, it's talk like that that saves his little life. How he can embody such pain in the arse and such touching moments is beyond me.
Sally did VERY well at curriculum night. Jack was at baseball practice and came late with Bill. Sal sat through the whole power point presentation without a sound. Even though she did look at me twice and cover her mouth. In general saying "this is hard". :-) She also enjoyed seeing Jack's desk (complete with eraser less pencils - in 3 days - how is that possible????) and his name on birthday list and helper for the day and such.
So the night ended on a good note. This morning Jack and Mabel TORE through the house "playing". I don't know who is crazier. I figure it's the best for both of them - they both get their energy out a little before he goes to school and she goes to the cage. :-) I swear I live in the psych ward - cat chasing dog, boy chasing dog, girl chasing everyone yelling (in her fish-wife voice) "guys, stop that - no rough housing" . Sade and I try and find a corner to sit and shake our heads. :-)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
One Down 179 To Go
First full day of school today. Both of them seem to be "in step". Sal had a good day and Jack came home "excited" that he was "paper passer". :-)
I picked them up around 4:30 and then we headed over to the park by the pond for Little League "Fall Ball". He was pretty excited and knew a lot of the kids. He is almost the youngest - by a lot and is still pretty "green" especially when it comes to trash talk. :-) He really wears his heart on his sleeve. So he was a little shaken and came home not wanting to play - but I think it will get better. AJ says he's got a GREAT swing and that they won't have to work on that at all. I told him I'd play pitch and catch after we get home tomorrow. That seemed to help. I also told him stories of how everyone starts out being "not very good". It's hard to come out of the little pond where you were a big duck and swim in the big pond with the bigger ducks. :-)
I do feel accomplished - I got my "launch pad" organized and transition from school to home and homework and such flowed well tonight. So every one's in bed and lights are out and they've all done homework, had a good meal and bath and read 20 minutes. Dang - put me down for Mother of the Year!!!! :-)
I picked them up around 4:30 and then we headed over to the park by the pond for Little League "Fall Ball". He was pretty excited and knew a lot of the kids. He is almost the youngest - by a lot and is still pretty "green" especially when it comes to trash talk. :-) He really wears his heart on his sleeve. So he was a little shaken and came home not wanting to play - but I think it will get better. AJ says he's got a GREAT swing and that they won't have to work on that at all. I told him I'd play pitch and catch after we get home tomorrow. That seemed to help. I also told him stories of how everyone starts out being "not very good". It's hard to come out of the little pond where you were a big duck and swim in the big pond with the bigger ducks. :-)
I do feel accomplished - I got my "launch pad" organized and transition from school to home and homework and such flowed well tonight. So every one's in bed and lights are out and they've all done homework, had a good meal and bath and read 20 minutes. Dang - put me down for Mother of the Year!!!! :-)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Pig Pig
Yesterday was the Police Pig Roast where the proceeds go to their benevolence fund. Public Works is always invited. This was our first year to go. What a GREAT time!!! There was the train, climbing wall, jumpy castle and all the cotton candy and soda and junk a kid could want.
:-)
They also had a dunk tank in which the chief, deputy chief and commander took turns being dunked in. ;-) I *used* to really like Chief Malloy - that is until he showed up decked out in Green Bay clothing. No wonder they wanted to dunk him!!!!! :-)
It was nice seeing so many police and introducing them to Jack. We figure they'll be seeing him in the future - might as well get a jump on things. :-) Sally had a wonderful time. You know how she loves police.
The roast was out of this world. If that cop thing doesn't work out for them they can sure fall back on chef. :-) There was chicken, potatoes, salad and chips and of course pig. :-) They also gave out Ty Beanie Pigs. (Mabel LOVES Jack's) :-)
After that we went to Wal-Mart and Sal and I picked out a bra for her. :-) Oh joy! Some *joys* of womanhood are hard for me to fake. :-) I convinced her that all 5th grade girls wear bras. So she picked out some cute sports bras and we're all happy.
When we got home we went over our chore list and what's expected during school. They got a bath and were in bed by 8:30.
They were both up VERY early this morning. Sally very excited about school - Jack a little nervous, I think. We had our traditional Cinnamon rolls and are donning our school shirts. They're all ready to go. :-)
:-)
They also had a dunk tank in which the chief, deputy chief and commander took turns being dunked in. ;-) I *used* to really like Chief Malloy - that is until he showed up decked out in Green Bay clothing. No wonder they wanted to dunk him!!!!! :-)
It was nice seeing so many police and introducing them to Jack. We figure they'll be seeing him in the future - might as well get a jump on things. :-) Sally had a wonderful time. You know how she loves police.
The roast was out of this world. If that cop thing doesn't work out for them they can sure fall back on chef. :-) There was chicken, potatoes, salad and chips and of course pig. :-) They also gave out Ty Beanie Pigs. (Mabel LOVES Jack's) :-)
After that we went to Wal-Mart and Sal and I picked out a bra for her. :-) Oh joy! Some *joys* of womanhood are hard for me to fake. :-) I convinced her that all 5th grade girls wear bras. So she picked out some cute sports bras and we're all happy.
When we got home we went over our chore list and what's expected during school. They got a bath and were in bed by 8:30.
They were both up VERY early this morning. Sally very excited about school - Jack a little nervous, I think. We had our traditional Cinnamon rolls and are donning our school shirts. They're all ready to go. :-)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Crop Night Last Night
For my "southern" fans I need to explain that "crop" up here doesn't mean the same thing as down there. :-) Crop Night up here refers to scrap booking. We all get together (there were 13 of us plus the owners) at our local scrap booking store and work on our books (or whatever). It's from 5 till Midnight! :-) So yes, I was a little out of it this morning. :-) Round about 11 or so your mind seems to kind of "haze out" and that means it's time to pack up and think about heading home. :-) But I did get about 6 pages done. The best thing is - it makes you want to go home and organize your stuff and scrapbook the next day too. And guess what? I actually DID it! Yes, I moved my stuff (most of my stuff) upstairs and out of ebay hell and I actually put together 2 pages this afternoon. :-) After a nap, of course.
I had to go in to work this morning and finish June work up. Just a tad behind due to vacation and then my week off for "mothering". :-)
Sally hasn't been feeling too well so I laid down with her this afternoon and told her that she could watch a movie with me but she had to be quiet. You know her and the CONSTANT talking. So she was quiet for a long time and then started kind of fake coughing. Just little bursts every once in a while. When I finally looked over at her she so shyly looked at me and said
"It's hard to be quiet, isn't it?" :-)
Yes, dear Sally for *you* it IS hard to be quiet. :-)
Fireworks tonight. We met Tallulah and gang over there and passed out the glow sticks and huddled on the blankets and watched the show. It was really nice. Our traditional ice-cream afterwards and then home to bed.
Everyone was out before the lights got shut off. School starts on Monday and I'm not sure who's more excited about it. Sal's planned her outfit already - down to the shoes. Jack doesn't say much. I think he might have a case of the nerves a little bit. I'm hoping Shaylynn is in his class this year. Then again if I have any hopes of marrying him off she might be better not knowing him too well. :-)
I had to go in to work this morning and finish June work up. Just a tad behind due to vacation and then my week off for "mothering". :-)
Sally hasn't been feeling too well so I laid down with her this afternoon and told her that she could watch a movie with me but she had to be quiet. You know her and the CONSTANT talking. So she was quiet for a long time and then started kind of fake coughing. Just little bursts every once in a while. When I finally looked over at her she so shyly looked at me and said
"It's hard to be quiet, isn't it?" :-)
Yes, dear Sally for *you* it IS hard to be quiet. :-)
Fireworks tonight. We met Tallulah and gang over there and passed out the glow sticks and huddled on the blankets and watched the show. It was really nice. Our traditional ice-cream afterwards and then home to bed.
Everyone was out before the lights got shut off. School starts on Monday and I'm not sure who's more excited about it. Sal's planned her outfit already - down to the shoes. Jack doesn't say much. I think he might have a case of the nerves a little bit. I'm hoping Shaylynn is in his class this year. Then again if I have any hopes of marrying him off she might be better not knowing him too well. :-)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Day #2
Well, I can tell you with MOST certainty that staying home with the children is FAR harder than going to work. Again - I say - Summer Camp Counselors, Daycare Providers, Teachers and STAHMs don't get paid near enough. :-)
So today we're meeting Daddy for lunch and then to the grocery store. (oh joy) so I can walk down the isles and say "no" over and over and over. :-) Then we'll come home and I'll have to entertain and wait on them for the rest of the day till Daddy comes home and I can *escape* to work - where I will enjoy sweet, heavenly, quiet.
Oh, they're not *that* bad. I mean - it's better than a sharp stick in the eye. :-) We have been having fun. We (Sal and I ) watched Little House on the Prairie yesterday and read books and then went for a "swim". Jack is busy with all his friends in the neighborhood. He hasn't seen them much since he's been at camp and now he's making up for it.
We celebrated Bill's birthday at the Golf Course on Monday. We had a really nice time. We got him some cupcakes and ice-cream and pigged out on that and the usual hamburgers.
Mabel went for her follow up Dr appt and she's gained a pound and still has the rash on her tummy. They're thinking it may be allergies. Just what I need. They sent us home with meds and we made her appt to be spay. Sally was very concerned about her having "surgery". She really enjoys another body in the house to boss around. ;-)
So today we're meeting Daddy for lunch and then to the grocery store. (oh joy) so I can walk down the isles and say "no" over and over and over. :-) Then we'll come home and I'll have to entertain and wait on them for the rest of the day till Daddy comes home and I can *escape* to work - where I will enjoy sweet, heavenly, quiet.
Oh, they're not *that* bad. I mean - it's better than a sharp stick in the eye. :-) We have been having fun. We (Sal and I ) watched Little House on the Prairie yesterday and read books and then went for a "swim". Jack is busy with all his friends in the neighborhood. He hasn't seen them much since he's been at camp and now he's making up for it.
We celebrated Bill's birthday at the Golf Course on Monday. We had a really nice time. We got him some cupcakes and ice-cream and pigged out on that and the usual hamburgers.
Mabel went for her follow up Dr appt and she's gained a pound and still has the rash on her tummy. They're thinking it may be allergies. Just what I need. They sent us home with meds and we made her appt to be spay. Sally was very concerned about her having "surgery". She really enjoys another body in the house to boss around. ;-)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
It Happened Again!
Big night in the household tonight. Michael AND the Bears on tonight! Picture in picture, baby! My oldest sister is taking up a collection for Michael's dental work. :-) I personally think that's part of his All American charm. :-) After his win last night - Jack says "he must never cut his fingernails." :-) I do find it a little "metaphoric" that for his very last gold medal he has to depend on a team. No matter how well he swims - no matter how fast he goes - if any of the other 3 screw up he's out of the gold. Hmmmmm - kind of like life - to become a successful individual - you must rely on a team.
We did the Jubilee carnival today. Jack had a BALL!!! Sally is getting too big for the little guy stuff and the other stuff is too much for her.
It happened again today. You all who know me know that I'm pretty much an introvert. I LOVE talking and hanging with people - it's just not in my comfort zone to really strike up a conversation. So as we watched the kids on the bouncy stuff in back of Town Center, I noticed I was standing directly in line with this ladies eyesight of her kid. When I said I was sorry and moved she said "oh that's alright - just watching my kids - two of them are autistic." I swear we're like magnets (special needs parents) we attract one another.
So she told me about the camp in Bloomington that I had looked into when Sal was smaller and decided she was too young. It sounds SO good. I have to remember to get a hold of Easter Seals early in the year and try for a scholarship. I think Sal would really enjoy it next year. We'll have to see.
Jubilee has nothing over the County fairs back home. I don't know how but they have more rides and more games, not to mention the food. But then again - they don't have Doggie Diner either - my very favorite. They just don't *get* hot dogs down south. They think Oscar Meyer rules. And Italian Sausage isn't heard of. :-)
So we're all pretty tired tonight. Just hanging out watching Bears and waiting for Michael to swim. U S A U S A U S A
Go Bears!!!!!
We did the Jubilee carnival today. Jack had a BALL!!! Sally is getting too big for the little guy stuff and the other stuff is too much for her.
It happened again today. You all who know me know that I'm pretty much an introvert. I LOVE talking and hanging with people - it's just not in my comfort zone to really strike up a conversation. So as we watched the kids on the bouncy stuff in back of Town Center, I noticed I was standing directly in line with this ladies eyesight of her kid. When I said I was sorry and moved she said "oh that's alright - just watching my kids - two of them are autistic." I swear we're like magnets (special needs parents) we attract one another.
So she told me about the camp in Bloomington that I had looked into when Sal was smaller and decided she was too young. It sounds SO good. I have to remember to get a hold of Easter Seals early in the year and try for a scholarship. I think Sal would really enjoy it next year. We'll have to see.
Jubilee has nothing over the County fairs back home. I don't know how but they have more rides and more games, not to mention the food. But then again - they don't have Doggie Diner either - my very favorite. They just don't *get* hot dogs down south. They think Oscar Meyer rules. And Italian Sausage isn't heard of. :-)
So we're all pretty tired tonight. Just hanging out watching Bears and waiting for Michael to swim. U S A U S A U S A
Go Bears!!!!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Jack A Roo
Baby I'm afraid you're a lot like me
you can't help feeling everything.
I can see you trying to hold it in.
I see your eyes and your trembling chin.
And for you and myself I will pray
let our weakness become our strength.
Baby there are some holes you just can't fill
you try and try but you never will.
Baby, I believe a God who can
he loves the boy and he'll love the man.
And for you and myself I pray
let our weakness become our strength.
-Sara Groves
He is a LOT like me in some ways. He loves the same songs I do - I can almost pinpoint
what song he'll say "Can we hear that again?" On everything else - I'm totally out of my league with him - always guessing wrong. And then there's the heart on the sleeve thing. I worry about him with that. I know how bad it can hurt. But I also know how wonderful it is when
that same heart is full. So, I'll give it to God and hopefully our weakness will indeed, become our strength.
you can't help feeling everything.
I can see you trying to hold it in.
I see your eyes and your trembling chin.
And for you and myself I will pray
let our weakness become our strength.
Baby there are some holes you just can't fill
you try and try but you never will.
Baby, I believe a God who can
he loves the boy and he'll love the man.
And for you and myself I pray
let our weakness become our strength.
-Sara Groves
He is a LOT like me in some ways. He loves the same songs I do - I can almost pinpoint
what song he'll say "Can we hear that again?" On everything else - I'm totally out of my league with him - always guessing wrong. And then there's the heart on the sleeve thing. I worry about him with that. I know how bad it can hurt. But I also know how wonderful it is when
that same heart is full. So, I'll give it to God and hopefully our weakness will indeed, become our strength.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
All the Teachers All the Books
and all the Moms are off the hook! :-)
School Registration!!!!!! Looooooovvvvveeee It!!!!!!
So we started with registration (2 kids) = $60, moved on to table #2 - Lunch (half a year - 2 kids) = $270 , #3 f PTO i(tee shirts, year books, dues) = $90, and then to #4 daycare registration = $70. Children back in school= priceless! :-) So much for a "free" education.
Haven't heard anything about Sal's computer. Figure I'll rattle the cages next week. Sally has "her boys" back. Quinn, Edwardo and Jacob all in her class. She is SO excited about that. Jack found out that Michael will be in his class again and that really pleased him.
We go to Jubilee tomorrow to ride rides. They have totally scoped out the grounds as we drive by to camp. Jack is thrilled that the boat is there.
Last day of camp today and then I "get to stay home". Lord, give me the strength. I would honestly NOT be surprised if we find out someday that WWII was actually started by woman so they could get out of the house - away from the children and go to work riveting. I mean - the noise would be LESS!!!! :-)
School Registration!!!!!! Looooooovvvvveeee It!!!!!!
So we started with registration (2 kids) = $60, moved on to table #2 - Lunch (half a year - 2 kids) = $270 , #3 f PTO i(tee shirts, year books, dues) = $90, and then to #4 daycare registration = $70. Children back in school= priceless! :-) So much for a "free" education.
Haven't heard anything about Sal's computer. Figure I'll rattle the cages next week. Sally has "her boys" back. Quinn, Edwardo and Jacob all in her class. She is SO excited about that. Jack found out that Michael will be in his class again and that really pleased him.
We go to Jubilee tomorrow to ride rides. They have totally scoped out the grounds as we drive by to camp. Jack is thrilled that the boat is there.
Last day of camp today and then I "get to stay home". Lord, give me the strength. I would honestly NOT be surprised if we find out someday that WWII was actually started by woman so they could get out of the house - away from the children and go to work riveting. I mean - the noise would be LESS!!!! :-)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Boy, the days are flying fast and furious. We're watching a LOT of Olympics! Jack is really into it. I knew he would be. To be honest - *I'd* watch golf right now to get away from politics talk. Please, wake me after the inauguration. ugghhhhh.
So what do you think of Edwards???? Oh - what an A**! It's not *just* the affair - I mean men cheat - pure and simple - esp men in power - or pants whichever. :-) But to do it when she needed him the most - when she was at her MOST vulnerable - to me it sends a CLEAR message - "You Are Disposable".
Do you sometimes wake up and just laugh about what the heck is going on? The Catholic Church is paying out 12.6 MILLION for settlements on sex crimes but you need not worry - the money is NOT donations - they sold some real estate they had. Like we're SO stupid that we don't *get* that the real estate was *given*. Heeellllloooooo - you're a non-for profit - it's not like you built a company and purchased this real estate with profits from that company!!!!! The lies people tell are unbelievable - and here I punish my kid when he lies. Silly me.
It's just all crazy, crazy, crazy. I'm honestly glad I have my goofball children to distract me. :-)
As we truckstered over to camp today we were going over when the last day camp was and when school started. Jack opinioned that he didn't want to go to school. Sally piped up with "Jack, you have to go to school, I'll miss you there."
What a sweet heart. This was, of course, only about 15 minutes after she cleaned his clock for throwing her sandals into her room. :-)
Sal and I had Dr's appointments yesterday. Her's was mostly so they could fill out her physical for Special Olympics. Mine was the annual female thing. She stayed in the room while Dr examined me. I felt it was a prime time to discuss what would be happening to her at some point in her life. Plus, you never know what the future holds and the more life experiences she can have while I'm still here, the better. She wanted to know why Jack couldn't come in. Lord, give me the strength.
So Dr confirmed what we've known since birth- Sal is as healthy as an ox. ;-) Dr agreed that her and I should start walking daily and after 6 months she'll check *my* blood for all the nasties.
The appointment made me realize (again) what I take for granted sometimes: how the body and the mind working together is NOT a "given". Sal can't open her mouth and say awe - like we do - I mean physically she can - but she can't get her brain to get her mouth to do it on command. Same way with deep breathing. She tries SO hard - but it just doesn't come together. It's amazing - isn't it - what we take for granted. Someone instructs us to do something - we do it - we don't even *think* about it. Sal's brain just doesn't make the connection. But yet she knows what's being said 3 rooms away. Gotta love that child. :-)
So what do you think of Edwards???? Oh - what an A**! It's not *just* the affair - I mean men cheat - pure and simple - esp men in power - or pants whichever. :-) But to do it when she needed him the most - when she was at her MOST vulnerable - to me it sends a CLEAR message - "You Are Disposable".
Do you sometimes wake up and just laugh about what the heck is going on? The Catholic Church is paying out 12.6 MILLION for settlements on sex crimes but you need not worry - the money is NOT donations - they sold some real estate they had. Like we're SO stupid that we don't *get* that the real estate was *given*. Heeellllloooooo - you're a non-for profit - it's not like you built a company and purchased this real estate with profits from that company!!!!! The lies people tell are unbelievable - and here I punish my kid when he lies. Silly me.
It's just all crazy, crazy, crazy. I'm honestly glad I have my goofball children to distract me. :-)
As we truckstered over to camp today we were going over when the last day camp was and when school started. Jack opinioned that he didn't want to go to school. Sally piped up with "Jack, you have to go to school, I'll miss you there."
What a sweet heart. This was, of course, only about 15 minutes after she cleaned his clock for throwing her sandals into her room. :-)
Sal and I had Dr's appointments yesterday. Her's was mostly so they could fill out her physical for Special Olympics. Mine was the annual female thing. She stayed in the room while Dr examined me. I felt it was a prime time to discuss what would be happening to her at some point in her life. Plus, you never know what the future holds and the more life experiences she can have while I'm still here, the better. She wanted to know why Jack couldn't come in. Lord, give me the strength.
So Dr confirmed what we've known since birth- Sal is as healthy as an ox. ;-) Dr agreed that her and I should start walking daily and after 6 months she'll check *my* blood for all the nasties.
The appointment made me realize (again) what I take for granted sometimes: how the body and the mind working together is NOT a "given". Sal can't open her mouth and say awe - like we do - I mean physically she can - but she can't get her brain to get her mouth to do it on command. Same way with deep breathing. She tries SO hard - but it just doesn't come together. It's amazing - isn't it - what we take for granted. Someone instructs us to do something - we do it - we don't even *think* about it. Sal's brain just doesn't make the connection. But yet she knows what's being said 3 rooms away. Gotta love that child. :-)
Saturday, August 09, 2008
He's Baaaaaccckkk!
We met in McClean this morning - switched "packages" , ate breakfast and came home. Jack didn't talk most of the way home. He said he had a good time, though. He still knows EVERYTHING.
When we got home, him and Daddy went to sign up for Little League. John O was there and totally glad to see him - said they'd take care of everything. Also said that he should have played last year. Not according to the info in the PD book. :-(
Sally went for a ride on the Paddle Boat down the Fox River today with Social Club. She had a very good time. She was slightly concerned about lunch but was relieved when I read the email to her that they would be stopping for lunch before the boat ride. :-)
She told me there were no foxes on the Fox River. When I asked if she saw any whales she informed me that there were no whales in the river - that they, in fact, live in the *ocean*. I was very impressed. :-)
So we're all our happy family again. Jack was down at Tommy's in a matter of minutes from getting home. They've been playing since. Sally's watching Animal Cops. Some things just never change.
When we got home, him and Daddy went to sign up for Little League. John O was there and totally glad to see him - said they'd take care of everything. Also said that he should have played last year. Not according to the info in the PD book. :-(
Sally went for a ride on the Paddle Boat down the Fox River today with Social Club. She had a very good time. She was slightly concerned about lunch but was relieved when I read the email to her that they would be stopping for lunch before the boat ride. :-)
She told me there were no foxes on the Fox River. When I asked if she saw any whales she informed me that there were no whales in the river - that they, in fact, live in the *ocean*. I was very impressed. :-)
So we're all our happy family again. Jack was down at Tommy's in a matter of minutes from getting home. They've been playing since. Sally's watching Animal Cops. Some things just never change.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Sade's Not Heavy - She's Rexies' Sister
This house is NUTS! I mean full blown CRAZY! Mabel is playing with Sadie - only it's to the point of kind of picking on her. Sade is just so nice she won't put Mabel in her place and maybe it's Sade being so old that she knows in the pack the young rule. Who knows - but every time Sade yelps - guess who comes to the rescue? Rexie! Rexie the Defender! (Sade isn't too keen about me writing about this - it's embarrassing you know).
Rexie had Mabel RUNNING from room to room chasing her - finally cornering her in Sal's room.
Mabel's tail between her legs and Rexie sitting on the floor hissing at her. It's HYSTERICAL!
The minute Mabel starts in on Sade Rexie comes in and starts the growling - daring Mabel to come over to her. As soon as Mabel gets close she swipes at her and hisses. Sadie can walk over to Rex and practically lay down next to her and not one sound from Rex but Mabel can't come 2 feet close to her.
Rexie lets them "play" till Mabel jumps on Sadie's back and Sadie yelps then Rex comes slinking in with her growling motor and swipes at Mabel. I've NEVER seen anything like it.
Mabel also likes to grab onto Sadie's tail and pull her down when Sadie tries to jump on the couch for security. I swear I'm the only SANE person in the house. Ain't that a scary thought! :-)
Rexie had Mabel RUNNING from room to room chasing her - finally cornering her in Sal's room.
Mabel's tail between her legs and Rexie sitting on the floor hissing at her. It's HYSTERICAL!
The minute Mabel starts in on Sade Rexie comes in and starts the growling - daring Mabel to come over to her. As soon as Mabel gets close she swipes at her and hisses. Sadie can walk over to Rex and practically lay down next to her and not one sound from Rex but Mabel can't come 2 feet close to her.
Rexie lets them "play" till Mabel jumps on Sadie's back and Sadie yelps then Rex comes slinking in with her growling motor and swipes at Mabel. I've NEVER seen anything like it.
Mabel also likes to grab onto Sadie's tail and pull her down when Sadie tries to jump on the couch for security. I swear I'm the only SANE person in the house. Ain't that a scary thought! :-)
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Riding Through The Country
Driving through the country with L today to get our hairs cut. :-) She started talking about the sermons at her church recently about "How Much is Enough" - as in how much are you going to make yourself and others suffer holding grudges. Her and I have been touched by cancer a LOT recently and it's made us both really look at things differently and think about what's *really* important. We were talking about the passage in the Bible where it talks about how we will all be judged in the same way that we have judged others. Makes you stop and think, huh?
Made me think of this story:
One day, I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for the airport . We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded and missed the other car by just inches. The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital."
This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, The Law of the Garbage Truck.
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage ... full of frustration, anger and disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it; and sometimes, they'll dump it on you.Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at home, at work or on the streets.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... Love the people who treat you right and love & pray for the ones who don't. Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.
That's a Garbage Truck full to think about huh? :-)
Made me think of this story:
One day, I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for the airport . We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded and missed the other car by just inches. The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital."
This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, The Law of the Garbage Truck.
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage ... full of frustration, anger and disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it; and sometimes, they'll dump it on you.Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at home, at work or on the streets.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... Love the people who treat you right and love & pray for the ones who don't. Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.
That's a Garbage Truck full to think about huh? :-)
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
She's Back With A Vengence
Well, we're right back to our Sally'isms. I took her to finish up school shopping today. We looked ALL over for the right color of notebooks that the list said we needed. For the purple one I finally found a pinkish purple one. I said "here - we'll call this one purple". Without missing a beat, Sal picked up a green one and said "Okay, let's call this one orange." :-) I laughed SO hard. That's Sal - she's back.
This morning her dad showed her an electronic game where you have to push all the buttons that light up and try to get all the buttons "off". It goes pretty fast and she pushed buttons for a while then she hit the off button and said "There, I win."
Now, I ask you - does this child really seem "disabled"? :-)
We called Jack this morning. "I miss you Jack - we go to the Golf Course when you get back for hangleburgs." She was all 'a buzz' to tell him about eating out at the Golf Course. Little did she know he had been there when she was gone. :-)
HUGE storms last night. LOTS of damage. Bill was out till 3 a.m. Sal told me she didn't like "funder" last night. But she didn't act scared when it was time for bed. We had to skip bath because of all the lightning. I've read somewhere that the tub is the worst place to be in a lightening storm. I figure why push it.
Daddy and Sal are going to put the pool up tonight. We took it down before we left. She's all excited - got a new beach ball at the $1 store.
I think we're all ready for school. So much for "free" education. :-) It's crazy what's needed for school supplies lately. Sally loves to pick out all the stuff so I left the bulk of it for her to do. Jack got to pick out his backpack and Sal did most of the rest. She's all about making sure Jack has his "stuff". :-)
This morning her dad showed her an electronic game where you have to push all the buttons that light up and try to get all the buttons "off". It goes pretty fast and she pushed buttons for a while then she hit the off button and said "There, I win."
Now, I ask you - does this child really seem "disabled"? :-)
We called Jack this morning. "I miss you Jack - we go to the Golf Course when you get back for hangleburgs." She was all 'a buzz' to tell him about eating out at the Golf Course. Little did she know he had been there when she was gone. :-)
HUGE storms last night. LOTS of damage. Bill was out till 3 a.m. Sal told me she didn't like "funder" last night. But she didn't act scared when it was time for bed. We had to skip bath because of all the lightning. I've read somewhere that the tub is the worst place to be in a lightening storm. I figure why push it.
Daddy and Sal are going to put the pool up tonight. We took it down before we left. She's all excited - got a new beach ball at the $1 store.
I think we're all ready for school. So much for "free" education. :-) It's crazy what's needed for school supplies lately. Sally loves to pick out all the stuff so I left the bulk of it for her to do. Jack got to pick out his backpack and Sal did most of the rest. She's all about making sure Jack has his "stuff". :-)
Monday, August 04, 2008
Pictures
I've been thinking about pictures lately. We had the family picture taken on Sunday - there were 22 of us. Before that I had taken my camera for the vacation and it turns out all I had left was black and white film - so that got me to thinking of taking some "artsy" pictures. I took some pictures of Sal and Jack on the bridge in front of our house. But then it occurred to me one night coming home to go up the gravel road and take some pictures.
Pictures - they're usually of something that really isn't true. Like our family picture - my kids NEVER look like that. For one - they're NEVER clean. And Sal wasn't on Sunday - on the way to get our picture taken "the marker marked on her". It was a brown marker and she was wearing a dark brown shirt. :-) But you get the idea. My kids don't sit or be still that long either. They're always in motion - if their bodies aren't their mouths are. :-)
Even my "artsy" pictures. The gravel road with grass growing in the middle - from the picture it looks like it goes no where. It goes to Quincy - I know that - see pictures are of things that aren't. They don't show the "real".
They don't show the anger in the hearts of family members. They don't show the worry in their hearts or the stress in their brains. Some don't even show the disease or the disability. No, pictures don't show the real us. We all do a HUGE job of hiding that everyday.
It amazes me that I can still - after all these years be so clueless as to a person's motives or convictions. I have to say I'm surprised almost daily at people. Sometimes I'm surprised at how kind people can be and sometimes (all too often, I'm afraid) I'm amazed at how clueless they are. How inconsiderate and unapologetic they are.
But then I thought about how pictures don't do us justice either. Like can they see the love I have for my husband and kids? Does it show the lioness that comes out when one of them is attacked? Does it show the sheer joy in their hearts? Or the pride we have for one another?
That gravel road - you can't tell from the picture how important it is to some people. How many times we went down it and squealed at the hills "getting our tummies". No, pictures don't show it all. I guess that's why I'm not as "into" pictures as I am words. But do words really do it either? :-)
I'm in the middle of "Autism and the God Connection". FANTASTIC book. I swear that Sally was one of the study samples! Finally a book that addresses our belief of telepathy and psychic ability not to mention the spirituality that she exhibits. "God kisses you goodnight in heaven."
She told me this when she was all of 6 years old and only had one year of talking under her belt. And it wasn't a question - she was stating a fact. Seems to me that maybe Sal can really "see" pictures.
Pictures - they're usually of something that really isn't true. Like our family picture - my kids NEVER look like that. For one - they're NEVER clean. And Sal wasn't on Sunday - on the way to get our picture taken "the marker marked on her". It was a brown marker and she was wearing a dark brown shirt. :-) But you get the idea. My kids don't sit or be still that long either. They're always in motion - if their bodies aren't their mouths are. :-)
Even my "artsy" pictures. The gravel road with grass growing in the middle - from the picture it looks like it goes no where. It goes to Quincy - I know that - see pictures are of things that aren't. They don't show the "real".
They don't show the anger in the hearts of family members. They don't show the worry in their hearts or the stress in their brains. Some don't even show the disease or the disability. No, pictures don't show the real us. We all do a HUGE job of hiding that everyday.
It amazes me that I can still - after all these years be so clueless as to a person's motives or convictions. I have to say I'm surprised almost daily at people. Sometimes I'm surprised at how kind people can be and sometimes (all too often, I'm afraid) I'm amazed at how clueless they are. How inconsiderate and unapologetic they are.
But then I thought about how pictures don't do us justice either. Like can they see the love I have for my husband and kids? Does it show the lioness that comes out when one of them is attacked? Does it show the sheer joy in their hearts? Or the pride we have for one another?
That gravel road - you can't tell from the picture how important it is to some people. How many times we went down it and squealed at the hills "getting our tummies". No, pictures don't show it all. I guess that's why I'm not as "into" pictures as I am words. But do words really do it either? :-)
I'm in the middle of "Autism and the God Connection". FANTASTIC book. I swear that Sally was one of the study samples! Finally a book that addresses our belief of telepathy and psychic ability not to mention the spirituality that she exhibits. "God kisses you goodnight in heaven."
She told me this when she was all of 6 years old and only had one year of talking under her belt. And it wasn't a question - she was stating a fact. Seems to me that maybe Sal can really "see" pictures.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
We're Baaaacccckkkkk - minus one
Well, vacation is officially over. Wow, it was a whirlwind! We left last Sat morning and got down there around 11:30. We quickly changed our clothes donned some sunscreen and went to the Adams Co Fair for kids' wristband day. There were only 5 kiddos. Big K was in MO belting out home runs for his baseball team. :-) Mad Dawg couldn't do a lot of the rides that the older kids could - and he didn't cry - just the arms folded and scowl. It was too cute. Sal and him aren't usually 'buds' because Sal tends to tell him what not to do before he even does anything and well - who the heck needs that. But when reduced to Sal being his only ride partner (she doesn't like the big stuff) he sure made the best of it. And she in turn held her tongue - well, as much as Sal can. :-)
We watered them around 2:30 - rode some more and then around 4:30 we headed to the park in town to eat a picnic dinner under the trees and just chill out for a little while. Linkie was picked up by the other grandma and by 6:30 we were off to the fair again - this time to see the bull riders. We had parked our blankets and so we had great seats. I should probably explain that to those who don't know the "blanket rules". Down state the rule is - if there is a blanket, or throw or afghan on the bleacher that means it's saved, you don't sit there. So we take two blankets and put them down long sided on the bleachers. Plenty of room for us - and a nice comfy seat too - not to mention a little something to help soak up "shaved ice" when it's spilled.
The bulls were pretty good this year. The track wasn't near as slippery and they had the shoots out in the middle of the arena instead of the side. I have to say that the clown and the MC act left a lot to be desired and it gets just a little cheesy with all the Proud to Be An American stuff. I'm the one who tears up at the flag going down the street in a parade or singing the Nat. Anthem - but this stuff is over the top and kind of fake. But hey - the MC was from MO - what can you expect.
So, by the time we got home it was around 10 pm. *I* was EXHAUSTED and in total amazement at how the kids could still be up running around. After getting them into bed - we all congregated on the front porch - hounds a plenty and breeze as pleasant as could be.
Sunday
The boys and Sal went to an Auction - Jack went to stay with Gpa and Miss and I went to help serve at Heritage Days. That was a lot of fun! Since I was the "rookie" I got to serve the tea. I kept a sharp ear out for the name "Jill" - thinking that's who everyone would think I was - but I forget that when we're together - that doesn't happen. But imagine my surprise when someone - who I didn't know - called me by name. When I asked "how'd you know my name" he said "I asked someone". I was too shocked to ask who he had asked. :-) Steve's dad was surprised to see me - wondered if Golden had run out of volunteers that they had to ship them in from Chicago. :-) Mom opinioned later that without his wife that will soon be the case. :-)
My sister is a nut and it was fun to follow her around and play in her sharpness. I can't think nearly as fast as she can. I concentrated on not spilling tea on anyone and trying to pick the right ear with the hearing aide. :-)
Sunday night was *exciting* to say the least. We had decided that we should let Sal stay with Gma because she didn't seem to care much for the Bulls the night before and we were going to see bronco busting on Sunday night,. It was probably the smartest idea we've ever had. We got to Bronco busting - found Debbie and Julie and gathered Tim and Cindy and watched *maybe* 5 bronks before all hell came loose. It POURED - I don't mean rain coming down steadily - I mean sideways rain coming down in BUCKETS! We were in the middle of the grandstand about half way up - thank God and we didn't get hit by rain but when the electricity went out - it got REAL interesting. Generators kicked on and we say for probably an hour as we watched the horses point their butt in different directions as the wind blew from ALL directions. Finally it died down a little and we were told over the loud speaker that we should go home because there was another storm on the way. So off we went with blankets and purses and jackets over our heads, holding on to one another so we didn't fall in the mud. I remind you this is a county fair and paved roads are nill. We found our way out - we made it home and found that Missy had not electricity either. We sat for maybe 1/2 hour before it came back on. What a crazy crazy night.
Monday we did NOTHING - reading, napping, playing in the yard - it was FANTASTIC. That's the best part of vacation - doing nothing. :-)
Tuesday was another resting day. Bill helped dismantle Missy's pasture fence. I have to admit it was sad with no horses. But we still have all the other critters. Tiny, Chunk, Ottie, Miss Kittie, Bob, Ferocious, and Buger. Mabel had the time of her life with all the smells and the big dogs and the cats. She got a fast lesson on cats from Miss Kitty. After a couple of swipes Mabel got it. We saw deer that morning - WAY out in the distance. I find it humorous that deer come closer to humans here in town than at my sister's farm. We also got to hear the cry of the coyotes at night as they howl to one another. Mabel was fascinated by the cows next door. She climbed the woodpile in her attempt to imitate a mountain beagle and stared them all down.
Wednesday
Demolition Derby! The weather was much better but the mud wasn't. The ground is SO saturated down there that there's just no where for it to go so parking and walking into the fair was adventurous. :-) We met up with Rachel and the kiddos. We had a really nice time. Jack and Mal are becoming great friends. Sitting together and being goofballs. :-) Mary is always so sweet and always a smile and then there's the little Liz'beth. She's a doll. Too bad she looks so much like her daddy. :-) So we stayed till the end of the derby and watched as the guy who "won" was disqualified. THAT was too funny. Most of the crowd missed that because they all left asap.
Thursday
Was the Brown Co fair - we went to see the harness races. Sal got to go this time and Jack stayed at Gma's. Sal picked 5 winners out of 10 races. We used her winnings to bet again and came out just about even. She had a wonderful time. Talked constantly. She liked the fact that the horses got to go to a special place (winners circle) and have their picture taken after they won. She was a lot of fun. Talked the WHOLE way home.
Friday
Gma and Gpa got BOTH children and the grown ups all went to Qcy for Missy's birthday (July). That was a good time. Chinese food - shopping - general merriment. :-) Then home to find that Tiny had gone "visiting". He was back by morning - so he couldn't have gone too far.
Saturday
Garage sales in Qcy. Oh my - just finding them was a huge project. We found all sorts of "treasurers". We lunched at Elders - which was a blast from the past. We did a little shopping - complete with new shoes for the kiddos for school. Sally was ecstatic! We did the fireworks at night - the kids loved them. The animals - not so much. :-)
Sunday
Family picture and then we hit the road. Sally talked the whole way home. Jack stayed with Gma and Gpa. We get him back next weekend. :-) Sal slept in his room. :-)
What a fun vacation. My sister cooked the whole week. She is really a good cook. I think we all gained pounds The kids love running all over with the dogs and looking at all the new stuff. I think we were outside more than inside - even counting sleeping hours. :-) There's nothing better than sitting on the porch with a nice breeze - drinking coffee - reading the paper and watching the sun rise. Oh - that's right - we ALL slept in. :-) Must be the country air.
We watered them around 2:30 - rode some more and then around 4:30 we headed to the park in town to eat a picnic dinner under the trees and just chill out for a little while. Linkie was picked up by the other grandma and by 6:30 we were off to the fair again - this time to see the bull riders. We had parked our blankets and so we had great seats. I should probably explain that to those who don't know the "blanket rules". Down state the rule is - if there is a blanket, or throw or afghan on the bleacher that means it's saved, you don't sit there. So we take two blankets and put them down long sided on the bleachers. Plenty of room for us - and a nice comfy seat too - not to mention a little something to help soak up "shaved ice" when it's spilled.
The bulls were pretty good this year. The track wasn't near as slippery and they had the shoots out in the middle of the arena instead of the side. I have to say that the clown and the MC act left a lot to be desired and it gets just a little cheesy with all the Proud to Be An American stuff. I'm the one who tears up at the flag going down the street in a parade or singing the Nat. Anthem - but this stuff is over the top and kind of fake. But hey - the MC was from MO - what can you expect.
So, by the time we got home it was around 10 pm. *I* was EXHAUSTED and in total amazement at how the kids could still be up running around. After getting them into bed - we all congregated on the front porch - hounds a plenty and breeze as pleasant as could be.
Sunday
The boys and Sal went to an Auction - Jack went to stay with Gpa and Miss and I went to help serve at Heritage Days. That was a lot of fun! Since I was the "rookie" I got to serve the tea. I kept a sharp ear out for the name "Jill" - thinking that's who everyone would think I was - but I forget that when we're together - that doesn't happen. But imagine my surprise when someone - who I didn't know - called me by name. When I asked "how'd you know my name" he said "I asked someone". I was too shocked to ask who he had asked. :-) Steve's dad was surprised to see me - wondered if Golden had run out of volunteers that they had to ship them in from Chicago. :-) Mom opinioned later that without his wife that will soon be the case. :-)
My sister is a nut and it was fun to follow her around and play in her sharpness. I can't think nearly as fast as she can. I concentrated on not spilling tea on anyone and trying to pick the right ear with the hearing aide. :-)
Sunday night was *exciting* to say the least. We had decided that we should let Sal stay with Gma because she didn't seem to care much for the Bulls the night before and we were going to see bronco busting on Sunday night,. It was probably the smartest idea we've ever had. We got to Bronco busting - found Debbie and Julie and gathered Tim and Cindy and watched *maybe* 5 bronks before all hell came loose. It POURED - I don't mean rain coming down steadily - I mean sideways rain coming down in BUCKETS! We were in the middle of the grandstand about half way up - thank God and we didn't get hit by rain but when the electricity went out - it got REAL interesting. Generators kicked on and we say for probably an hour as we watched the horses point their butt in different directions as the wind blew from ALL directions. Finally it died down a little and we were told over the loud speaker that we should go home because there was another storm on the way. So off we went with blankets and purses and jackets over our heads, holding on to one another so we didn't fall in the mud. I remind you this is a county fair and paved roads are nill. We found our way out - we made it home and found that Missy had not electricity either. We sat for maybe 1/2 hour before it came back on. What a crazy crazy night.
Monday we did NOTHING - reading, napping, playing in the yard - it was FANTASTIC. That's the best part of vacation - doing nothing. :-)
Tuesday was another resting day. Bill helped dismantle Missy's pasture fence. I have to admit it was sad with no horses. But we still have all the other critters. Tiny, Chunk, Ottie, Miss Kittie, Bob, Ferocious, and Buger. Mabel had the time of her life with all the smells and the big dogs and the cats. She got a fast lesson on cats from Miss Kitty. After a couple of swipes Mabel got it. We saw deer that morning - WAY out in the distance. I find it humorous that deer come closer to humans here in town than at my sister's farm. We also got to hear the cry of the coyotes at night as they howl to one another. Mabel was fascinated by the cows next door. She climbed the woodpile in her attempt to imitate a mountain beagle and stared them all down.
Wednesday
Demolition Derby! The weather was much better but the mud wasn't. The ground is SO saturated down there that there's just no where for it to go so parking and walking into the fair was adventurous. :-) We met up with Rachel and the kiddos. We had a really nice time. Jack and Mal are becoming great friends. Sitting together and being goofballs. :-) Mary is always so sweet and always a smile and then there's the little Liz'beth. She's a doll. Too bad she looks so much like her daddy. :-) So we stayed till the end of the derby and watched as the guy who "won" was disqualified. THAT was too funny. Most of the crowd missed that because they all left asap.
Thursday
Was the Brown Co fair - we went to see the harness races. Sal got to go this time and Jack stayed at Gma's. Sal picked 5 winners out of 10 races. We used her winnings to bet again and came out just about even. She had a wonderful time. Talked constantly. She liked the fact that the horses got to go to a special place (winners circle) and have their picture taken after they won. She was a lot of fun. Talked the WHOLE way home.
Friday
Gma and Gpa got BOTH children and the grown ups all went to Qcy for Missy's birthday (July). That was a good time. Chinese food - shopping - general merriment. :-) Then home to find that Tiny had gone "visiting". He was back by morning - so he couldn't have gone too far.
Saturday
Garage sales in Qcy. Oh my - just finding them was a huge project. We found all sorts of "treasurers". We lunched at Elders - which was a blast from the past. We did a little shopping - complete with new shoes for the kiddos for school. Sally was ecstatic! We did the fireworks at night - the kids loved them. The animals - not so much. :-)
Sunday
Family picture and then we hit the road. Sally talked the whole way home. Jack stayed with Gma and Gpa. We get him back next weekend. :-) Sal slept in his room. :-)
What a fun vacation. My sister cooked the whole week. She is really a good cook. I think we all gained pounds The kids love running all over with the dogs and looking at all the new stuff. I think we were outside more than inside - even counting sleeping hours. :-) There's nothing better than sitting on the porch with a nice breeze - drinking coffee - reading the paper and watching the sun rise. Oh - that's right - we ALL slept in. :-) Must be the country air.
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