Happy Halloween!!!!

I can't believe another Halloween is here. It seems like just yesterday it was summer....oh, wait....it is always summere here! LOL....truthfully though, we have had the most wonderful weather here lately. Of course, I just took a gander at the seven day forecast and....appropriately enough, it was quite scary. We are looking at high 70's with a chance for 84 on Saturday. Yuck.

I'm not sure what the plan is for this evening. Every year we go to my mom's to trick or treat, and then enjoy a chili supper afterward. However, this year wee one wants to trick or treat with the kids in the neighborhood. I hope that mom will be okay with that, and come here for the chili. I know she wants to be home part of the time to give out the candy she bought....although she could just empty the candy into a bowl and have the kids serve themselves. We don't get many kids here at our house. Since we are on a cul-de-sac, and there are no other streets in our neighborhood, the kids tend to skip us altogether, and head out to neighborhoods with more houses. Which, of course, means lots of extra candy for us!

I feel bad because wee one's class did not plan anything for today. No party or "autumn activity"....we must be politically correct here.....for the kids to enjoy. See what happens when I'm not in charge? LOL....wee one told me that they would have a much better time if I had "signed the sheet before that woman did!" I told her I was across the room at orientation when the room mother sheet was passed around....but apparently she thought I should have taken a running start and dove for it across the room. LOL....oh well.

Betsy had a great time at her Halloween party on Saturday night. She said that there was a great turnout. One of her best friends was hosting the party, and her dad allowed the girls to decorate however they wanted. They had tombstones and balloons, and candy galore. They watched scary movies and the dad even made steamed oysters! The kids dressed up, and apparently Betsy was a hit as Daria. Of course, she failed to take her camera....grrrrr....but said that her friend took pictures. I will post them when she gets a copy. I'm glad that they got to do this. It was one of those fun "teen" parties I remember as a kid. And props to the single dad who hosted it....he is of the belief that the kids should enjoy their teen years, and does what he can to make it happen. Obviously, Betsy won't be trick or treating tonight. She will probably be the designated "candy hander outer"....

Okay, I'm off to clean this scary mess of a house....seems as though the dirt devils were out this weekend....Have a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween!!!!

 

Happy Halloween!!!!

I can't believe another Halloween is here. It seems like just yesterday it was summer....oh, wait....it is always summere here! LOL....truthfully though, we have had the most wonderful weather here lately. Of course, I just took a gander at the seven day forecast and....appropriately enough, it was quite scary. We are looking at high 70's with a chance for 84 on Saturday. Yuck.

I'm not sure what the plan is for this evening. Every year we go to my mom's to trick or treat, and then enjoy a chili supper afterward. However, this year wee one wants to trick or treat with the kids in the neighborhood. I hope that mom will be okay with that, and come here for the chili. I know she wants to be home part of the time to give out the candy she bought....although she could just empty the candy into a bowl and have the kids serve themselves. We don't get many kids here at our house. Since we are on a cul-de-sac, and there are no other streets in our neighborhood, the kids tend to skip us altogether, and head out to neighborhoods with more houses. Which, of course, means lots of extra candy for us!

I feel bad because wee one's class did not plan anything for today. No party or "autumn activity"....we must be politically correct here.....for the kids to enjoy. See what happens when I'm not in charge? LOL....wee one told me that they would have a much better time if I had "signed the sheet before that woman did!" I told her I was across the room at orientation when the room mother sheet was passed around....but apparently she thought I should have taken a running start and dived for it across the room. LOL....oh well.

Betsy had a great time at her Halloween party on Saturday night. She said that there was a great turnout. One of her best friends was hosting the party, and her dad allowed the girls to decorate however they wanted. They had tombstones and balloons, and candy galore. They watched scary movies and the dad even made steamed oysters! The kids dressed up, and apparently Betsy was a hit as Daria. Of course, she failed to take her camera....grrrrr....but said that her friend took pictures. I will post them when she gets a copy. I'm glad that they got to do this. It was one of those fun "teen" parties I remember as a kid. And props to the single dad who hosted it....he is of the belief that the kids should enjoy their teen years, and does what he can to make it happen. Obviously, Betsy won't be trick or treating tonight. She will probably be the designated "candy hander outer"....

Okay, I'm off to clean this scary mess of a house....seems as though the dirt devils were out this weekend....Have a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween!!!!

 

Two days and no entry....how lazy can I be????

Thursday I had a room mother meeting with three other moms at a local froo-froo restaurant. It's a little bakery/catering joint that has charming bistro tables, classical music playing, $5.00 cappuccinos....I was a bit nervous going because I didn't know what any of the women looked like. So I arrived 15 minutes early, and sat in the parking lot until I saw someone who I thought looked like a room mother....which basically meant she would have a pen and paper with her to make notes. Little did I realize that this place is a popular hang out for the "working mom" crowd, which meant every woman going in there had a pen/paper/briefcase. However, I did follow the correct woman into the place....as a matter of fact, she recognized me and we sat down to wait for the other two moms.

They were all very nice, and willing to make this year a fun one for the kids. It was obvious that they were new at the whole "party mom" thing, me being the one with the most experience....11 years as head mom, but stepping down so that next year when I have nothing to do (sniff, goodbye elementary days!), it won't be so traumatic....lol. We have decided since they are not having a Halloween party, to give them a real Thanksgiving dinner....complete with turkey, taters, and pumpkin pie. When we presented the idea to the teacher, his eyes lit up and he said, "Can you all come back next year?" lol. We ended up sitting and chatting for two hours....and I have to say it was nice getting out and spending some time with women my age. I think I need to get out more.

Today we had the pizza party for all 7 kids who made the honor roll. Six boys and one girl. We had pizza and breadstix, chips, pop and cupcakes. One little boy didn't want the pizza and opted for the chips and dessert. The teacher let them watch cartoons, which of course slowed down the eating. At one point they were all staring at the tv, pizza getting cold on their plates with 5 minutes until the rest of the class came in. However, they managed to eat the cupcakes and thanked us for the food. Wee one came in and gave me a big hug. She likes it when I am in the class helping out, and will even give me a kiss when I leave....of course, next year will be an entirely different story in middle school.

After the party I went home for 30 minutes, then went back to school to pick her and her friend up. I brought them home and grabbed Betsy and my mom and off we went to the eye doctor to get Betsy's glasses. They look so cute on her! They are black, wire rimmed and rectangular. Of course they didn't have her contacts so I have to go back and pick them up in a few days. Now, this place is a good distance from my house, but I chose it because they were running a special. Contact wearer's eye exam, 2 boxes of contacts and a pair of glasses for $129. Of course, Betsy didn't like the styles that came under the "free glasses" description, so she chose a pair that were $20 more. However, the woman forgot to write it down and did not charge us for them. Being that today was Friday, I had to sit in horrible traffic and burned 1/4 tank of gas....and now I have to return for the contacts. I probably should have just gone to WalMart like I always do and forget the deal. I've made up whatever I would have saved with the coupon in gas alone! LOL....serves me right though, for not mentioning that she forgot to charge us the $20....karma baby....

I also finished my sewing order....205 straps in two days. Go me! AND....the lady that does the billing was actually in today, so all of my paperwork has been filled out and all I'm waiting for is the check to be cut. I wanted to get this load in so that we would have some "fun" money for Universal Studios....which is coming up soon. Betsy actually forgot about it. I told her to be sure to remind the boss that we will be gone, and she looks at me and says, "Gone? Where are we going?" Sheesh....

So, I am now sitting here enjoying my ice water whilst JB watches tv, wee one is in bed and Betsy is reading. The weather has been so nice. Cool, cool, cool! I am totally loving it. I have my bedroom windows wide open so that when I'm done here, I can get in bed and snuggle down for the night. Mmmm, sounds like a plan.

Have a great weekend!

Cool and crisp....yeah baby!

What a wonderful week this has been weather-wise. It's been COLD every night and cool during the day. It got down into the low 40's last night....I had our bedroom windows wide open and snuggled down under the covers. You get the best sleep that way! Of course, with the loss of humidity comes the dry, itchy skin. Wee one and I both have it and let me tell ya, we've been itchin' and scratchin' like crazy! I went out yesterday and stocked up on Aveeno lotion and shower gel. Mmmmmmm....smooth....

JB was outside washing the car when our next door neighbor came home from a three day trip to Dallas. He said that he had noticed a trickle of water coming from her garage while he was washing the car, and wondered what it was. Well, it turned out that her toiled had overflowed on day one of her trip and the entire house was flooded with four inches of water! Can you imagine? She has a company there right now, soaking it all up. I have offered my house to her and her daughter if they need it....I feel so bad for them. What a thing to come home to!

It's so quiet in the house right now. JB is studying, Betsy is showering and wee one is at a "Fall Festival" at church. They got to dress up and she went as a hippie. She looked cute but was a bit upset that she didn't have the proper shirt to go under the vest. She ended up wearing a sweatshirt which, although a bit bulky, works for the chilly temps. She got her report card today and I am so proud of her. Four B's one A and only one C. That kid worked so hard, and brought up her grades . She was relieved. The teacher is having a pizza party on Friday for the kids that made the A/B honor roll. I'm helping along with the room mother....and both of our kids won't be there due to their one C! LOL....wee one said only five kids made the A/B honor roll....and I bought 30 plates! LOL....

Yesterday, wee one said that she was talking with a boy she has been friends with since second grade. Apparently, the kids are already trying to decide who they will be asking to the "fifth grade dance" in the spring. This boy told her that he is going to be in trouble because girls keep asking him, and he says yest to them all. Then he says to her, "I don't know why they keep asking me," and she replies, "Well, you are an attractive guy." LMAO....gotta love the innocence!

And, of course, I must give a shout out to the Chicago White Sox....let's go all the way boys! (This from a die-hard Cubs fan no less!) WooHoo!

What the.....

I got a bit of surprise when I went into my bedroom last night. I suppose I should have seen it coming, being that I have been spending late evenings on the computer, whilst John lies in bed, alone, waiting for me. I just didn't think he would do it in our bed....and with her. I mean, she has her own family....why wasn't she at her house, sleeping in her bed? The two of them made quite the picture, snuggled together, oblivious to my presence. I watched as they laid there before me, no guilt, no shame....only contentment. I wondered for a moment if I should wake them, disturb them from their peaceful slumber, but decided against it. What good would it do? It was obvious that she had clamed her territory....so I did the only thing I could do....I climbed into bed with them. As I did, she raised her head a bit and with knowing eyes gave me a look while gently touching John's arm. I don't quite know how I'm going to handle this. What I do know, is that she isn't going to be in my bed again, if I have anything to say about it. But then, how am I to compete with this little vixen?

It's finally finished!!!!

After six months of careful planning, designing and building....Chateau La Wee One is finally done! I have to say, it is just adorable. The pics do not do it justice. Today John put the swing up, then we put the carpeting in. I am very happy with the way it came out....even if I have rug burns on my legs! As you can see, the girls also tested out the swing, and it works just fine....JB and I tried it too....but there is no documented evidence of us having done so....lol.

Today was absolutely gorgeous. It never got above 68, and was cloudy all day. When we got home from church I changed into shorts and went outside to work. It was like I was awakening from hibernation! I re-mulched half of the backyard, planted an entire flat of flowers and vacuumed the swimming pool. Oh the joy of working in semi-fall like weather....it was like God was chewing Dentyne and breathed on me his refreshing, minty breath of autumn!

We did take a break, John and I, and went to Steak n Shake for lunch (the girls had gone shopping and to lunch with my mom). I had to choose between the double fudge shake and the caramel apple shake. I was in a chocolatey mood today, so I got the fudge. Can we say Mmmmmm? Very, very good. Last year Sonic had a caramel apple shake that was wonderful, but they don't have it this year. I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to it....kind of like when McDonald's has their Shamrock shakes. I love those things....

Wee one just finished up the last of her homework for the weekend, as did Betsy. John is relaxing in front of the tv with a trucking movie, and I'm getting ready to call it a day and enjoy an hour of DH. When I was at Betsy's eye appointment the other day, I downloaded a wallpaper for my phone....I now have the approving smile of Bree VanDeKamp looking up at me every time I make a call. We obsessive-compulsive cleaning maniacs need to stick together you know....

Night moves....

I decided to take a few night pictures. We got home from picking Betsy up at work, and decided to check out the treehouse in the dark, since JB ran all the electric today. It is so awesome! The fan works, the lights work and she has a cute little outlet in there as well. When we came out, JB pointed out the tree frog. It's the biggest one we have seen yet! They are so cute, and I had to get a pic.

Tonight we went to Lowe's and got the carpeting for the treehouse. We will lay it tomorrow and it will finally be finished. I can't tell you how wonderfully it has turned out. Even Betsy can't wait for it to get done. It's going to be a great place to escape....I'll be up there during the day while the girls are at school, talking on the phone and reading....lol.

I got some flowers to plant as well. It seems so strange planting flowers this late in the year. I got a huge flat of impatients. They spread like wildfire here, and since my backyard is mostly shade, it thrives for me. I also got some rosemary to put in a pot. I don't like to cook with it, but I love the smell of the plant. Let's see....what else did we get. Lightbulbs, carpet glue, a square battery and a monkey swing for the treehouse. I forgot about that! It's the round plastic swing, about a foot across, with one rope that goes through the middle. You can swing on it or stand on it. I remember having one as a kid, and I loved it! It was blue with a blue/orange/yellow rope. We were going to get her a tire swing but they wanted....get this....$89 for one! Sheesh. No wonder kids get no outdoor exercise anymore. It's cheaper to buy a Playstation game than a swing! LOL....

Oh yes, I should congratulate my daughter Betsy, on her VIVI award nomination....wtg sweetie, you deserve it! Let's see, that makes one nomination for Betsy, the actual winning of the award last year for wee one....and zip for mommy! LOL. I should have John start a journal....

Last night we had a pretty good storm. We lost electricity for an hour....and of course it had to be the hour that Supernanny was on! Dang it. I missed the entire thing. I hate when that happens. But, I did get to see the newest episode of Degrassi; the Next Generation. I love that show! I grew up on the original Degrassi shows which...BONUS....they are running on the-N every night at midnight! It is so funny to see a show revolving around teen angst in the 80's. It's amazing what we thought was so terrible back then, seems to be so tame now. Kids sure aren't as innocent as they were "back in the day".

Okay, I'm off to put wee one back in her room for the, oh, 100th freaking time. Sheesh....she says she can't sleep. Of course she can't....she keeps walking inhere! Nighty night....

 

 

Nothing much....

Betsy stayed home from school yesterday, complaining of dizziness and nausea. Guess who is complaining of dizziness now? Yup....wee one. She looked bad when I picked her up from school today. You can always tell when she is sick because her eyes get all red. She came home and fell asleep on the couch for an hour, which is not like her. I gave her some Tylenol and she perked up a bit, ate dinner, took a shower, did her homework, and now she says she isn't feeling good again. Sigh. Betsy feels much better today, so hopefully it's just a 24 hour thing.

Today is my mom's birthday! She is the big "59", but doesn't look a day over 50....brownie points!....lol. We had her for dinner and I made her favorites....meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas and pearl onions, yeast rolls and homemade peanut butter pie. I think she enjoyed it. Earlier I caught her sneaking a little taste of the potatoes when she thought I was outside. It was so funny....she looked like a kid getting caught in the cookie jar! Betsy and wee one got her a little snowman light from her favorite store, and JB and I got her another sheep to add to her collection. She has so many sheep. Big ones, little ones, primitive ones, holiday ones....I think she was a shephard in another life....

Why is it that the pile on my desk keeps growing? Dang. I have so much crap on here, and I just cleaned it off the other day! It's a catch-all for everyones "I don't' know where to put this" stuff. I think I will throw all of it away and see who realizes that it's gone. That'll teach 'em.

Guess what? It's finally going to cool down in this God forsaken state. The forecast is calling for....get ready....a week of 70's with Monday being....holy crap....68! I can not tell you how freaking excited I am. I am so behind in my seasons....you really get screwed up when it's 80 in October. I keep thinking that Christmas is a long way off....but in reality there are only 65 days, 3 hours and 22 minutes until the big day. (Check out the Christmas clock at christmasdepot.com!) I really should think about what I'm going to get the girls this year. Actually, I have a plan, but won't know until Thanksgiving if it is going to work out.

I've been falling asleep too early lately. I usually watch tv until 11 or so, but last night I fell asleep at 9:30, waiting to see the season premier of two shows that I like. Needless to say I missed both of them. And the baseball playoffs have really been messing with my tv viewing. You know....I've been thinking about TiVo or something like that. I don't know how it works or how much it costs. I'm also too lazy to look it up tonight....so if anyone has it, leave me a comment and let me know if it's worth it! I have DirecTV and I think they offer something....I will check when I pay my bill tomorrow.

Okay....I'm going to go pack wee one's book bag, sign her reading sheet, wash my face, moisturize (gotta get to those wrinkles before they start), brush the teeth and settle down to read....oh, who am I kidding. I'll get to chapter one and fall asleep!

Finally.....pictures!

Finally my freaking AOL is letting me put pics in again. It has been running so slow lately.

How about the spider? That thing was outside near the treehouse. JB called me outside to look at it....gee thanks honey. Just what I want to see. Maybe he knew it was getting close to Halloween....

I love the way the treehouse has turned out. JB ran the electric today, so now all we have to do is get the carpet and she can use it. It turned out so good. I told her we will get some bean bag chairs and a little table to put in it. She is so excited.

We are going to be closing the pool up soon. It's still warm enough to swim, but no one is using it. Well, wee one and her friend did swim the other day, but that was the first time in two weeks. Seems like when school gets rolling, they forget about the pool. I still have to find a cover though.

I got all of my ironing done....and even ironed what came out of the dryer today! Woohoo! I'm ahead of the game....go me! No burns either. I'm on a roll.

Right now Betsy is at work, and wee one is watching "Twitched" on the Disney channel. I started watching it with her whilst ironing and it was really cute. She said that she had seen a promo for it the other day and wanted to see it. Before that we were watching Sprout....the channel that took over PBS kids in our area. They had a little penguin on there named Pingu....he was so adorable! I'm so out of the little kid loop....I don't know a lot of these new characters. But this one was so adorable. Wee one was laughing her butt off.  I looked it up online and it's been around since 1986....of course I was 17 then and not really into that genre. LOL.

Okay, I'm outta here. Tonight is "My Name Is Earl". I freaking LOVE that show. It's the one show that my husband and I sit and watch together.....awwwww, how sweet!

Dang pictures....

I wanted to put some pics of the treehouse in here, but of course the "add picture" feature is not working. I'll try again later....

I have to say it was a nice weekend. Although the day time was warm, the mornings were in the high 50's, and the evenings cooled down to mid 60's. Ahhhhhh, I feel the relief coming. The humidity is moving on out....thank you Lord!

Saturday evening John and I spread 2 yards of mulch under the tree house....and we need more! It looks really good. Unfortunately, St. Augustine grass and shade doesn't mix well, so we have quite a bit of sandy soil to cover. Wee one was very excited about it, as she can see it out her bedroom window. I can't wait for it to all be finished. Electric, carpet and 2 more yards of mulch and we will be done! Two people have asked if we are going to have a tree house warming party....lol. I think it's a good idea! I may let her have a few of her friends over to celebrate. They can rent a movie and order pizza and have a great time in her new diggs.

Sunday morning we went to church, then to Wal Mart. Afterward we went to my mom's new condo. She made us a good, old-fashioned, homemade Sunday dinner. It was wonderful! We had ham, mashed taters, beans, zucchini casserol and fluffy lemon pie. Mmmmm. Later on Betsy went to work, wee one stayed with her Gram, and JB and I went home. He had a ton of homework and I had a few things that needed to be done. All in all it was a very relaxing day.

Wow, this entry is boring. I'm bored typing it! I'm trying to think of some funny tidbit to share, or interesting fact....but my mind is blank. Right now my iron is heating up, and I'm getting ready to work for the afternoon. I hate when I leave it till the last minute. Wish me luck....

   

 

All by my-seeelffff....

Today is a "teacher planning day", so the girls are off. Of course Betsy immediately asked if she could spend the night at her friend's house, so I haven't seen her since 6:00 last evening. However, wee one was not invited anywhere so it was going to be she and I today.

This morning she climbed into bed with me, all sleepy faced and smiling. She snuggled close behind me and we fell asleep. I woke up to the sounds of breakfast being made in the kitchen. She has her own little recipe for an egg and cheese bagel that she likes to make. She came in the room to talk to me and I told her that I was glad she was home with me because last weekend she was gone from Saturday morning to Sunday evening with her aunt, and I missed her.

I must have dozed off because the next thing I heard was the phone ringing....then a squeal of delight from the living room....then footsteps running into my room. She took a flying leap and landed next to me and said in a run-on sentance, "Mom Rachel wants to know if I can go to the zoo with her and her dad because her mom is working and since we are off today and I'm not doing anything and I have never been there so can I pleeeeeeeeease go with them pleeeeeeeeeeease", and for good measure she threw in the "puppy dog eyes".  Sigh. Who could say no to that? (Not to mention the fact that I was still guilty due to the "sucker incident"). Of course I let her go.

So, she hangs up the phone and runs to her room to get dressed. I follow, looking for cash for her to take being that they were leaving in 15 minutes and I had spent my last $20 on the damn Napoleon Dynamite pen....I went into Betsy's room to see if she had any and wee one followed me in. At this point she was putting on her shorts at lightning speed. I was about to irritatingly say, "Slow down it's just the freaking zoo...." (no, I'm not jealous that she chose the neighbor over me....) when she turns around and slams smack into the bedroom door that had closed while she was talking to me. She looked at me for a second, and I really hoped she wasn't going to cry, and started laughing hysterically. We were both cracking up....(she wasn't hurt, she's fine). She said, "I better slow down!" Yup, sometimes that mama-karma works....

So now, she is off for a fun-filled day at the zoo, Betsy is spending the day with friends, and I am here with that damn pile of ironing that just will NOT do itself....

TGIF my butt!

How was I supposed to know????

This morning on the way to school, I was chatting with wee one about nothing in particular. She was telling me things that were going on at school with her friends and such. Then, eyes sparkling with excitement she says, "And yesterday during lunch, my friend and I decided to try to find out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop." I stopped listening when I heard the phrase, "how many licks".

Earlier I had been cleaning out her bookbag, and repacking it for school. I came across old papers, a few kleenex and....a half eaten tootsie roll pop (in the coveted "blue" flavor), with it's wrapper percariously sticking to one side. I thought nothing of it as I threw the whole mess into the trash. Now, on one level, I am not at fault being that if she had wanted to save the lollipop, she should have taken it out, or at least re-wrapped it neatly so that I didn't think she was done with it. However, when I threw my hand up to cover my mouth in order to prevent the audible "gasp" from escaping, she looked at me with huge eyes and said, "You didn't throw that sucker AWAY did you????"

Whoops. I told her that I didn't know she was saving it, it looked like it had fuzz on it, why didn't she tell me she wanted to keep it....and heck, if she had cleaned up her own backpack, which she is old enough to be doing, this would not have happened. It all fell on deaf ears, however, as she sat there with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. Of course, seeing that caused me to start to laugh uncontrollably. I couldn't help it....I did manage to stop laughing long enough to ask her how far she had gotten. She answered in an irritated tone, "1000!" Which of course caused me to laugh even more. She, needless to say, was not happy with me. However, once we got to school she was fine. She did tell me that I owe her not just one sucker, but an entire bag of them. And there had better be a blue one in there. I believe I am forgiven at this point....

I had to call my phone company this morning to fix my DSL. I wasn't able to get on for a few hours which was not good. However, the man on the other end patiently helped me and I am good to go. Yippee.

Okay, I'm off to do the sewing I didn't finish yesterday, as well as the ironing I didn't even attempt to do after writing about it. Later....

Wednesday....

Mmmmm, candy corn....I bought some a few weeks ago, and it is still sitting in my glass pumpkin. I buy it because it brings to mind memories of past Halloween's, not so much for eating it. I usually have a handful and that keeps me until next year. I love looking at it though....

I really don't have much to say today. So far I have cleaned, shaved the gams and now I'm going to vacuum. I have dinner thawed and ready to go, and I'm caught up on my laundry. Well....on the washing/drying/folding....not the ironing. I hate ironing! The board is set up....so I guess I should do it. I could watch my soap opera whilst working.

Okay, I have a confession to make....I am freaking out in my own home. I keep hearing noises and it makes my heart race! I never thought about it before, because I knew the noise was most likely coming from Percy. But now....yesterday I was sitting here and I heard something in the bedroom. I crept in there and was poking my head around the door like an idiot. Then, I went into the bathroom and pushed the shower curtain back, really fast, like something or someone was in there....lol. I'm such a dork. But it is kind of unsettling being here without Percy to protect me. Of course, he probably would have just licked the intruder....but still. It would have given me a chance to run!

Okay, I am going to vacuum and then do the dreaded ironing. Yuck. Oh yeah, I read somwhere a fun little thing to do when you are bored. Go to Google and type in (with the quotations marks) "Your name is" (i.e. "Sherry is") and then see what it comes up with. I'll give you a few of the good ones I got....

"Sherry is a miraculous accompaniment to
food." (You just know I am!)

"Sherry is produced only in the southernmost part of Spain, near the town of Jerez"....(this is not true, I asked my mother and she said she had never been to Spain.)

And my very favorite....

"Sherry is consumed almost exclusively by vicars, grannies, the aristocracy and alcoholics."

 

(*I remembered who I got this game from....Jimmy over at StupidSheetGuy....I felt guilty not giving him props....so here they are! ;o)

Tuesday....

I just left the cave to run to the post office. I never really considered myself a cave dweller until my husband made a smartalek remark the other day. He was outside paintint wee one's tree house and asked if I would come out of my "cave" long enough to see how far he had gotten. I didn't realize it, but I have been spending an awful lot of time in the house. As a matter of fact, the only time I leave is to:

a. Take Betsy to the bus stop (1)
b. Take wee one to school (2)
c. Pick Betsy up from the bus stop (3)
d. Pick wee one up from school (4)

See there? I do get out....four times a day! Although, I suppose that isn't exactly what he meant.  However, during the day I don't actually go outside. I do get the mail, so I suppose that constitutes getting some fresh air....okay, not fresh but stale, humid air. I am just waiting for the humidity to drop off and the "fall" weather to get here. I see the seven day forecast is calling for temps in the low 80's....and you wonder why I don't leave the house?

Sometimes this bothers me, my indoor lifestyle, but more often than not, it doesn't. I'm just a homebody. I know people who are never inside their house....and they are just as happy. I figure, we need to stop worrying about what other people think of us, and enjoy the life that we want to enjoy. So, I enjoy cleaning and decorating, staying home and taking care of my family....soon enough my girls will be out of the house, and I will have plenty of time to go outside. In the meantime you bet your booty I will remain in the cave, enjoying my little world....

In other news....

Has anyone ever trained a therapy dog or know how to get started? I have been researching this, and it seems that Goldens have the perfect temperment and personality for this kind of service. If I get a puppy, I am thinking of looking into the training that is necessary to become certified. I would love to be able to take him or her to hospitals or nursing homes to brighten someone's day.

Oh! I forgot....Betsy said that her hair was a total hit, and that she had never had so much attention from so many guys before. LOLOL....she said that one of her old boyfriends told her that she looked even "more beautiful than before". And the boy she is sweet on, told her that she looked great, and that the dark color brought out her blue eyes. She told her friends that her parents hated it, and they said, "What do you expect? They are your parents!" lol....smart kids. The aforementioned boy also asked her to go out with him to Starbucks. Wow. Who knew a simple change in hair color could do all of that! She was pretty smug last night, being that I was wrong about how she looked. I hate when that happens! But, I am happy that she is happy.

Alright....I'm off to balance my checkbook and start my sewing....have a good one....

 

Monday again....

What better way to start the week than an early morning trip to Wal Mart? Over the weekend we ran out of toilet paper, so I had to steal wee one's last roll from her secret stash under the bed. I can hear the confusion now...."Wee one keeps toilet paper under the bed? Why?" Well....according to her I do not buy the correct brand. She prefers Charmin with the *red* packaging. I won't go into detail why she prefers this brand....but no other will do. I apparently committed a cardinal sin by buying Cottonelle. She emerged from the bathroom with a scowl on her face, demanding to know just "what kind of crappy (no pun intended) toilet paper did you buy mom?" So....the next time we were at the store I bought her her own personal 4-pack to keep hidden in her room. Thank goodness she hadn't used it all.

In any case....I went to the store to buy toilet paper and copier paper. $146 later I was leaving the store with a new comforter, sheets, matress pad and curtains for Cruella DeVille....I mean Betsy's room (still hating the hair!), a new purse, candle, razors for me, cereal for wee one and deodorant for JB. Why do I do that? Every freaking time I'm in that store I buy, buy, buy....wayyyyy beyond what I am actually looking for. I think Satan is their PR guy....

Coming home I stopped at Walgreens to buy milk. The milk prices here are outrageous. Over $3 a gallon. I got it for $2.49 this morning. I could have walked out of the store spending only $5 on my milk, but right next to the register....sitting there just for me to see....was a Napoleon Dynamite pen that when you press the button says seven phrases from the movie. I couldn't resist....I couldn't. I reached out and picked it up and bought it. I didn't even know how much it was. Turns out my impulse buy was $5.99. I know, I know. What was Ithinking. I don't know. I just liked it. It wasn't my fault though. Proper product placement does that to me. Apparently they have the same PR guy as Wal Mart. Yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Do you know what I did this weekend? I was online looking at puppies. I don't know why. I just was. It's so lonely around here. Did you know that we spent $250 for Percy, 12 years ago....apparently the prices have gone up some. $1500 to $2500 for the kind I want. I don't think I am going to get one at those prices. Unless, of course, they are sitting next to the register....

Getting back to "normal"....

I thought I'd share a few pics of some of the things we have gotten in rememberance of Percy boy. I still am in amazement at all of the wonderful and kind words from all of my friends....what a wonderful community we all belong to!

Things are getting back to normal. Of course, there is the occasional thought that we forgot to let the dog out, or did anyone give him his medicine....I suppose that will last for a while. The house is cleaned out now....food is gone, medicine thrown away, shampoo down the drain. I did keep his chain, his leash, and a little snip of hair from his ear....I used to love to feel the fur on his ear....it was softer there than anyplace on him. I admit, I have sniffed it once or twice, just to remember. I am going to get a locket and put it in there to have forever.

In other news....

Wee one is spending the night at my aunt's house. They went to the springs today, then to St. Augustine for shopping and dinner. She told me that at the springs she was feeding the fish, and when she would stand still and wiggle her toes or fingers, the fish would nibble on them. She said that she did that for an hour, but then had to leave her "little fishy friends". I asked her where they ate and she said at a British Pub in St. A. It's a new place and she had "cottage pie". I asked her how it was and she said, "Oohhhhh man, it was delicious!" They had coffee ice cream for desert and then went shopping. She said she got some sort of big spider that has bendable legs, and wore it around the town. People were calling her spider woman. LOL. I will take a pic of that tomorrow.  I'm not sure what the plan for tonight or tomorrow morning is, but I am sure it will involve sitting in the sauna that my uncle built (I know, who needs a sauna in Florida?!), and grinding wheat for flour to make pancakes in the morning. (My aunt is one of those "natural" gals. No hydroginated oil for her!) I'm sure they will have a great time, and wee one will not want to come home to do the homework she saved for the last minute.

Betsy decided to color her hair for the month of October. It is a lovely shadeof....black. I hate it. She got the kind that washes out in 20-something washes....but I'm praying it won't take that long. She was insistant that she was going to do it, and I told her I didn't think she would be happy. She adopted the typical teenage 'tude, and did it anyway. And guess what? Mom was right....she looks like:

a. Morticia Addams
b. Elvira
c. Lily Munster
d. The sister from The Incredibles
e. All of the above

If you answered "e" you are correct. I was going to forbid it, but then I thought, what would Dr. Phil say? Pick your battles. This one wasn't worth a fight....and I won anyway, being that she didn't like it. So, it all worked out....lol.

We went to my mom's new condo this morning and helped her paint. We painted the entire living room, and John put up a new light fixture, ceiling fan and curtain rod. It really is amazing what paint can do....it looks wonderful. I think she is happy with her new home. My sister and her husband are here until Friday, which is nice for mom. This way she can ease into her first home she has ever owned without my dad. I know it's hard for her, but having my sister stay with her has made it easier.

John, Betsy and I went to church tonight, and then to dinner. It was strange being without wee one, but I think that Betsy secretly enjoyed it. LOL. No matter how old your kids get, they still like that one on one time with mom and dad. She even hugged me a few times tonight. (Sorry Bets, your secret is out....you do love me! LOL).

Okay, I'm going to get ready for bed....I'm exhausted. And thirsty. I had breakfast for dinner at the restaurant and the bacon was really salty. Mmmmmm, pork products!

Thank you....

You will never convince me that online friends are not the same as "real life" ones. My heart and mailbox is overflowing with the love that I feel from everyone that has written and commented and sent hugs and love via the internet. I have heard from complete strangers, as well as friends I've known for a long time. I can not begin to tell you how much each and every comment/mail/thought and prayer has meant to me today. Losing a pet is never easy, and when that pet is more like a human than some humans we interact with every day, it makes it even harder. But the overflowing of love that I have been blessed with here in j-land has eased the pain, and taken the edge off of my sadness. And for that, I am eternally grateful to everyone. I only hope that someday I will be able to return the love and comfort that has been shown to me today.  ((((My Friends))))

Wednesday night when we took Percy out to do his business, he was unable to stand at all. It was like someone had pulled the rug out from underneath him. He lost the strength in his front legs as well, and was beginning to cry even when laying down. I spent most of the night on the floor with him, trying to soothe him. I would bring him water and he would try to drink, but he was so weak that he would end up resting his chin on the bowl. By the time John and I took him out yesterday morning, he was completely out of it. I had decided at that moment that I was not going to prolong his suffering. It was the very least I could do for him.

I can't tell you how my heart raced as I dialed the phone to the vet. I ended up crying while talking to the receptionist. She was so sweet....she set everything up, and told me when to bring him in. I called John and he agreed to meet me there. I have to tell you, it was the longest morning of my life, lying there next to Percy, knowing what was going to happen. It was a mixture of sadness and relief....he needed to go, but I would miss him so much. I had told the girls to be sure to tell him goodbye before school, "in case". They have taken this so well. Better than their parents! At least on the outside....

All morning I sat next to Percy, getting up now and again to do a few things. He would realize I was gone and try to bark, getting himself all worked up. It was so sweet how when I would come back in and sit with him, his breathing would go back to normal and he would be comforted. When the time came to take him, JB and I put him in the car and I cried all the way there....so much for being the pillar of strength I wanted to be! We were taken into a private room, and spent some time with Percy. He laid there on the table, dozing off a few times. When the vet came in I was crying, holding Percy's little face and telling him I loved him. John was behind me, crying as well. The vet was so sweet....she said that we shouldn't be sad, we had done everything possible for him. She also said that she felt he had a soft tissue tumor because he had gotten so bad so fast....

She explained what she was going to do, and that it would be fast. As she readied him, John said goodbye and allowed me to be the one to hug and caress him as he took his final breath. The vet would whisper what she was doing as she did it, and I just kept talking to Percy, hoping that his last thoughts would be that he was loved more than he could ever imagine. It was so quick and so peaceful....one small breath and he was gone. I have to tell you I cried and cried....but I knew he was better off. I could just imagine my Dad kneeling down, arms open as Percy ran to him. I know he is in good hands right now. I can just see my dad, eating a piece of cake, and laughing as Percy nudges his arm, begging for a bite....

The vet was unbelieveably caring and compassionate. Both of the doctors came in and hugged us both, expressing their sympathy. It takes such a special person to be able to deal with that every day. We were blessed with wonderful care for Percy for the entire time we have lived here.

When we got home, I did the only thing I knew to do....I got my windex, fabreeze and mini vac and cleaned out the car! LOL....John worked right along side of me, sucking up the dog hair. I couldn't bear to see it....I then picked Betsy up from the bus stop. She was obviously upset when she got off the bus, not saying anything until we got home.  When we went inside she asked when we did it and I told her. She has been quiet all evening....I'm thankful she had to work to get her mind off of it. I went into her room and sat with her a while. She loved Percy so much. He was a gift to her from her dad before wee one was born. She named him. I knew she mourned in her own way today.

Wee one did very well. She didn't cry at all. Before school she had eaten her cereal next to Percy, and when I looked in on her, she was on the floor, rubbing his face and talking to him. She knew what was coming. She gave him kisses before she left for school. When I picked her up she asked about him and I told her. She was quiet most of the way home. I laid down as soon as we got home and she came over to me and rubbed my head. She said, "You know mom, he's in a better place now. And he's with Papa so you should n't be sad."  What a kid.

When I woke up from my nap, I heard the mower and John was outside doing the lawn. I went out to talk to him and he was all red eyed. He said to me, "I can't believe I'm crying because I ran over a pile of poop and it reminded me of him!" I have to say, I was laughing and crying at the same time when he said this....he has been so emotional. Percy was his buddy for so many years. He said it will be hard to go to work in the morning, without his usual good bye from Percy. And I don't know what I'm going to do all day without my partner. He kept me company for 12 years as I vacuumed, dusted, did laundry....

We will all miss him so much. I'm not angry that he had to go....I'm thankful and blessed to have had 12 years with him. He enriched our lives in ways that are unexplainable. How could I not be thankful for that? My sadness is that I won't be greeted every morning with his sleepy face, or annoyed by his barking that I would love to hear just one more time. God blessed us with Percy....and for that I will be forever grateful.

 

Percy

The world lost a gentle soul today....and my family lost one of our own. My sweet Percy could not hold out any longer, and we let him go. I know he was greeted at the gates by my Dad, calling to him, waiting to give him a good scratch. I was fortunate enough to be with him when he left this world....I can not tell you how my heart is breaking right now. I miss you my Purdle Wurdle the Turtle....no one will ever take your place in my heart....you were and always will be a part of our family and a part of our hearts....forever.

Wednesday....I think....

Let's see, what is my sleep deprived, stress filled brain going to write today? Probably a lot of nothing!

I forgot that it was an early release day today, but fortunately my neighbor called and reminded me. I just got back from picking Betsy up. It's raining like crazy here....there is a tropical storm warning that should hit tonight, which is making things rather soggy! She also got called from the grocery store that she applied at, so she is going to call back and see if they want her in for an interview. I hope she gets it. It's a slight cut in pay, but more manageable hours and no psycho boss....lol.

Wee one is home today after a night of stomach trouble. Poor thing is stressing so badly over the rain I had to take a Zantac to school for her yesterday. When did life get so stressful for 5th graders?

Percy did horribly last night. He had begun perking up yesterday afternoon, and even walked well. However, it was all downhill from there. From loss of bladder control to absolutely no strength in the hind legs. It's time I think, to do what needs to be done. I am going to call the vet in the morning. He ate 1/2 of his breakfast today, and that was with canned food, something he loves. I got no sleep last night, between sitting with wee one and with him. 

Anyhoo....I am going to go try to clean before my husband gets home from work. I didn't realize how late it was. I steam cleaned my bedroom today so far, and did a load of wash but that was it. Okay, I'm outta here.... 

Not so good news....

John and I picked up Percy yesterday, and when I saw him I knew he wasn't feeling good. He barked and all....but his "smile" was gone. Percy has this smile thing he does when he sees us....and it just wasn't there. The doctor showed us his x-rays and his hip and knee are awful. Arthritis has ravaged him terribly. His disks are bad as well. She told us that he is able to stand, but not take many steps. I was determined to be positive, and once we got him in the van, you could tell he was relieved to be going home. However....

Once we got home, I was shocked. He had absolutely NO strength in his hind legs, and his front legs are, I would say, 30% weaker. She gave us a wheelchair to try, and he can't even stand with it. It's too much on his back. So John put the support on him that we already had, and I rolled up the old one and put it under his hind legs, and between the both of us we could barely get him to the yard. He also has a side effect from the steroids, the "d" word, so it makes it that much harder to keep him "clean" after doing his duty. She did give me medicine for that as well, so I'm hoping it will help.

This morning hasn't gone too well. He refuses to eat, and is breathing very heavily. He did it all evening and all night too. It's like he has run a race and can't settle down. When I looked that particular symptom up online, it said that when an animal breathes like that it's either a respitory problem or pain. I tend to think it's the latter. And when I moved him this morning, the blankets I had him on were wet. I don't think he is able to control his bladder very well.

I know what all these signs are pointing to, and it breaks my heart. But he looks at me with those eyes that seem to say "help me". I have not seen that look before. It was always determination and strength. I will watch him closely for a few days....and pray. It's all I can do for my faithful friend.

Monday....

Well, the weekend is over and today is nice and rainy. I love it! If I can't have cooler weather, at least it looks fall-ish outside. And it smells it inside. I have my candles burning and a huge pot of chicken soup simmering for dinner. Hey, a girl can dream....

I included a few pics of our decorating this weekend. I don't know what happened to the pic of my haunted house, but I'll put it in later. Wee one and I decorated yesterday whilst Betsy and my mom went to the airport to pick up my sister. She is here for two weeks to help mom move. Thank you Lord....now I'll have help with all the painting! LOL. We all went out to dinner last night and had a great time. We ate at our favorite seafood restaurant....which has the best blue crab crabcakes in the world. Mmmmm. We ended the evening relaxing at home....nothing too exciting going on here!

I have not heard from the vet today. I expect she will be calling this evening. I'm looking forward to having Percy home. We all miss him so much....I just hope that he is better today, with the two extra days of treatment.

I did watch DH last night....I thought it was okay. No spectacularly funny moments beyond the paperboy taking a nosedive. And really, who in their right mind would be able to push Mike away if he were kissing you? WHO I ask???? Sheesh. Susan has more will power than I will ever have!

It is so quiet in the house right now....I love it. There is no tv or radio on....just the humming of my Dell and the occasional click from the ac turning on.  I can't wait until it's nice enough outside that we don't need air or heat. My checkbook can't wait either. I was looking for a pool cover at wal mart yesterday, but they didn't have any. I bought the last one there on clearance, two years ago for $15. I was hoping to find another bargain....but alas, no such luck. I guess I will have to shell out the big bucks at the pool supply store. I'll try K-mart and Target first though.

Okay, I'm outta here for now. I have a pile of bills just waiting to be paid....

Friday night at my house....and yes Kim....I know it's Saturday! LOL....

Just a few pics to show you how ever-so-exciting my Friday nights are, now that I'm a middle aged woman.

I just got a call from the vet. She said that Percy is definately doing better and definately not giving up. However, he is only taking between 5-10 steps and that is not good enough for him. So, she proposed that they keep him over the weekend (at no charge....wow!) and continue with his therapy until Monday. She likes the idea of the wheelchair and is going to give us theirs to use along with the one John made, so that we have an outdoor and indoor one. (This is the senior vet I'm talking with now). They said that Percy has such a great attitude and is so easygoing....I know they want him to make it as long as he can. I'm really thankful that we have been blessed with such caring vets. They have been wonderful since we have moved here. I know that they will try everything in their power to help him. So, we are Percy-less until Monday....I really miss the guy, I must say. I haven't visited him since Tuesday. Not because I don't want to....but because it upsets him so much when we leave. He tries to pull himself up and follow us, and that is not good for his back. He needs to lay still. And he just gets so sad when we leave him....I can't stand to see it! But I know that he is getting the best care. They don't even have him in a cage, just on some blankets in the doggie room (since he can't get up anyway.) She said everyone comes in and says hi to him and he loves it....I know he isn't lonely.

Today wee one and John are painting the inside of the tree house. She is painting each section in alternating colors. Neon green and pink....with blue trim. It should be wild! She has settled on the blue indoor/outdoor carpet to match. I can't wait to see what it looks like! I'll take pics later on today.

Betsy is going to vacuum out the pool, and I am going to get my butt off of here and go to the Hallmark open house. WooHoo! There is also a festival/bazaar at the local Catholic church that I would like to go to. Maybe that will get my crafting juices flowing! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! HAPPY OCTOBER!!!!