Happy Birthday Bambi!!!

Today is Bambi's birthday!  Go on over and wish her a happy one!

Happy Hour Friday and Happy Christmas to All!

Today is Friday, so for Bambi and Otin, that means Happy Hour Friday.  Go check them out.  They've always got something to be happy about.

Today I'm happy it's Christmas.  A few of Mom's neighbors came over for a Christmas morning feast.  I'm happy that after breakfast we loaded up the gang and went over to a park near the Truckee River to walk around.

I'm happy we've been having some nice quality family time.  Here Aunt Bambi and her nephew are checking out the dart guns Santa left under the tree.

There's lots more to be happy about.  Check out Bambi's post for the happy tale of our walk to Emerald City and the happy story of the turkey.

Have a happy Friday, everyone!

George has Found A Forever Home

Last night I got some wonderful news from Jackie at Hope Rescues .  Our latest foster dog, George, has found his forever home.  George wasn't up for adoption when we took him in shortly after Thanksgiving.  The rescue was worried about placing him in a home because of his medical issues.  George had distemper as a puppy.  It is a horrible disease and it left George with lasting neurological damage.  He has some obvious defects; his facial muscles don't work and his eyelids don't close.  He walks a little funny too.  But he is the sweetest dog.

When he first came to us, Jackie said she wasn't sure if he could bark because they never heard him.  For the first few days, he was very quiet.  Then one day, as Ginger and Sassy barked at the door, he joined in.  He also would not go up or down the stairs.  We weren't sure if he was unable to climb them due to his neurological issues, but it seems he just didn't know how.  Once he got the hang of it, he was running up and down like a regular dog.

I'm so happy for George.  What a wonderful Christmas for him.  I don't know the family he went to.  But I'm sure they are going to love him like we did.  Merry Christmas, George.  We'll miss you!

He's Touching Me!

Today I've had the 3 boys home by myself.  I know, I'm their mom.  It's my job.  But it was a somewhat difficult day.  Hubby wasn't here, it's cold outside, and everyone was in a grumpy mood.  At one point I yelled at them to just not touch each other.  Next thing I knew, one of them was saying "He's touching me because he's touching the couch, that is touching the floor, that is touching my chair, that is touching me!"  There are days that I think I can't win.
Will I ever get caught up on the laundry?
Will I ever get caught up on the dishes?
The dining room table has needed to be cleared off since before Thanksgiving.  What am I going to do with all that crap?
What the hell am I going to make for dinner?
Will I be able to teach these kids to love and respect others?  I've obviously failed at teaching them to love each other.
How are they ever going to be able to navigate this big scary world?  I want to be a good example for them, but I'm not perfect.  I get frustrated and lose my temper.  I yell more often than I wish I did.  But I don't pick up the nearest toy and throw it when I'm frustrated.  I don't hit back, or kick back, or pinch back.  How do I get them to understand that they can't do that?  Why would a kid think it's OK to be mean to his own brother?  Especially when that brother is younger and smaller?
How do any of us grow into responsible adults?
It's really a big responsibility - to raise kids.  And sometimes I wish I was doing a better job.
But I'm trying my best every day.  Hopefully, something is getting through.  My youngest got a "gold slip" every day last week for being generous at school.  My oldest has been volunteering his time helping  at the adoption days for a local dog rescue.  The middle kid is my most empathetic, and is the kindest to his brothers when he's not being mean.

You may be wondering why I'm thinking about this at 10:25 on a Saturday night.  Well, I was just over visiting The Mother Load  and found her description of life as a mom so true.  At least my hair was clean today.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Hour Friday

Hey Everyone.  Thanks to the Wizard of Otin and Rxbambi we have something to be happy about on Fridays.  So go check them out, link up, and tell everyone why you're happy today.

Today I'm happy it's Friday.  I'm going out to dinner with my hubby, then we're going to the St. Louis Blues hockey game.  Lately, since we only have two seats, we've been taking turns taking one of the kids to the games.  But tonight we are going together!

I'm happy that there are lots of presents under the tree.  Only a few are for me, but that's ok.  I hope the kids aren't too disappointed.  Their lists were long and they are not getting everything they asked for.  But it should be good Christmas for them.  And Santa will be bringing a few other things too.

I'm happy I got to go to the skating rink with my 3rd grader's class yesterday.  It was fun to see all the kids (well, all the ones that got to go.  if they hadn't behaved during the semester they had to stay at school) skating around with their teacher.  My son's teacher is a really funny guy.  He was wearing an old blazer complete with a couple of rips and a buffalo hat complete with horns.  It was cute to see him out there helping the kids that couldn't skate well on their own.

I'm happy I remembered to take my camera yesterday but I couldn't get many good pictures.

I'm happy I'll be attending my 1st grader's Christmas holiday party today.  Just think.  An hour with 21 first graders, excited that today is the last day of school until next year and pumped up on sugar plumbs.  If this is my last post ever, you'll know why.

I'm happy I have dogs. It makes me happy to see Sassy sitting up in her chair.  And I like how Ginger follows me around the house.  If I'm home, she's usually in the same room with me.

I'm happy we're going over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house for Christmas.

So.  What are you happy about?  If you want to play along, go see Otin and link up.

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

Today I've been married to my wonderful hubby for 21 years.  (21 long years, he'd say!)

This is us on our trip to Scotland.  We went to celebrate 20 years together.  We are on the shores of Loch Ness.

I just wanted to say "Happy Anniversary, Hubby!" and let everyone know how lucky I am.

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Thanks to Little Ms Blogger, we can rant and rave on Wednesdays!  Go check her out.  She's always funny.   And Rxbambi has some good ones too.  

Santa said last week that I couldn't have any more rants until after Christmas.  So I guess I'll just rave.

* Rave: hmmm.

ok, ok,

* Rave: I'm just about done buying Christmas presents.  We are not really going overboard this year, so it wasn't too hard.

* Rave: I still have one kid that believes in Santa!

* Rave: I was totally glad to see that Mean Owen did another post!  Check him out. :)

* Rave: I stopped by Hope Rescues yesterday and got the scoop on Tommy's new home.  It's on several acres, with a family of totally devoted "dog people".   He's got 2 doggie siblings, both girls, who have already put him in his place.  (he needs that, according to Jackie).  And he's as happy as can be.  A true rags-to-riches story if I ever heard one.  Go to the website and read his story on "Tommy's page"  if you don't know it.  But be prepared to cry, tears both of heartbreak and of joy.

I may add some more raves as the day goes on.  Thanks to Santa I won't be giving any bad thoughts long enough to rant!

Happy Wednesday!

Clifford and the artist

Clifford, as he has been named by Hope Rescues, was hit by a car and left on the side of the road.  When Hope learned about him, they called Animal Control.  Animal Control already had him in their truck, and were on there way back to their facility to euthanize him since he was so badly hurt and had no identification.  Well, of course Kim and Jackie would not hear of that, so they convinced the Animal Control officer to take the dog to the hospital for treatment.  What they didn't expect was that after two very involved surgeries to repair his injuries, including a shoulder broken in three places, they would have spent their whole December budget on this wonderful dog.  I don't know the exact numbers, but the first surgery cost over $1600.  They put a donate button up on their website but have had few donations for his vet bills so far.

Enter the talented artist Charlie.  Charlie is the mascot at one of the Hope Rescue foster facilities.  He has contributed paintings before for the purpose of raising money for the homeless dogs and cats at Hope Rescues.  For Clifford, he has painted some beautiful Christmas wreaths.  These will be auctioned off in a silent auction to be conducted by email.  If you'd like to bid on one of these beautiful paintings, or would just like to learn more about Clifford, please visit their website here.

And thanks for stopping by!

Happy Friday!  Thanks to Otin and Rxbambi, we can be happy on Friday :)!  Go see them.

I'm happy today because:

* Even though I have a kid home today, his fever is now gone so I can send him to the Parents' Night Out at the University tonight.  He will go with little brother, then Hubby and Big Brother will go out for a nice dinner with me.

* I'm happy to be going out to dinner with my Hubby even though 13-yr-old is coming along.  He likes going to "grown-up" places for dinner so it will be fun.

* I laughed when my kid said that I should play a game with him so he didn't become a "potato couch".

* George is a great little dog and I'm enjoying being his foster mom.  I hope he doesn't get too depressed when we drop him off at the shelter before our trip for Christmas.

That's why I'm happy.  How about you?

Update on Tommy

Some of you may remember that I posted the story of Tommy, the dog thrown away like trash back in October.  (see the post here)

Well, I just wanted to give you the good news.  Tommy now weighs over 50 lbs and has been given a clean bill of heath.  His neck is healing beautifully and he was released for adoption.  On top of that, he has a new home!

The first picture was taken on October 29, 2009.  The second one, Tommy running in the yard with his ball, was taken on December 3, 2009.  What a huge difference!

If you are looking for a great animal rescue to support or to adopt from, please go visit Hope Animal Rescues at www.hoperescues.com.

Thanks for reading!

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Thanks to Little Ms Blogger, we can all rant and rave about stuff on Wednesdays.  What a great way to get it all out there!  Thanks LMB!

Rant: Sassy doesn't seem to like our foster dog George all that much.

Rave: Ginger is playing with George as I write and they are having a great time.  Maybe Ginger does like him, despite the growling when he tries to steal her toys.

Rant: George needs to be wormed again.  I didn't feel like making the 30 mile round trip to the shelter to get the med, so I asked my vet here for it.  He wouldn't give it to me without seeing George, then he charged me a $40 office visit on top of the charge for the drug.  I'm fine that he needed to see George.  It is a prescription and all.  But I didn't really think it was fair to charge me for the visit when George didn't need an exam.  He didn't even check for worms or eggs.  Just took my word for it.

Rave: I like that I don't have to kennel George when I go out.  He's (almost) completely housebroken and I haven't had a problem leaving him out.

Rant: I am tired of cleaning up puke, though.  Poor George.  Because of his neurological problems, he coughs and pukes alot.  I know he can't help it.

Rave:  At least he does try to clean it up whenever he pukes. :)

Rave: I'm glad my friends and I got our book club back together.  We met at a friend's house last night.  Talked about our kids.  Drank wine.  Ate snacks.  And chose 3 books to read during the next 3 months.  We are going to read The Girls From Ames this month.  Looks like it will be a good one.  I'll let you know.

Rant: Bambi was busy being a bingo rockstar last night so she didn't come to book club.

Rave: I have Bunko tonight, which is just a hoax.  It's basically just girls night out.  Tonight we are exchanging gifts.  It's supposed to be a funny gift.  I'm bringing a Snuggie.  (oops, hope none of the bunko girls read my blog!)

Rave: My 13 year old kid went to the bingo thing with Bambi last night and was actually helpful.

Rant: I need to catch up on laundry (as in clothes), but I have two sets of wet bedding to wash from last night and one set from the night before.  I need the pediatric urologist to come to my house and do my laundry!

Rave: Neither of the kids (7 and 8) woke up wet in the middle of the night to tell me about it.  We all found out together in the morning when I woke them up.

Rant: This bedwetting thing is really hard on their self-esteem.  It especially bothers the 8-yr-old, who is already a really sensitive kid.

Rave: I've been able to keep my exasperation about the excess laundry to myself (and you!) so that they don't know how much I hate this!!!!

Well, I guess that's it for this week.  I'm off to strip beds and get that washer a-goin!

Monoword Manic Monday

Stop by and see Ace at Dancing with a Full Deck to see her MMM.

Ginger and Sassy contributed today's word:

GRRRRRRRROWL

Green Giveaway!

Hey, there's a new green giveaway from The MotherLoad.  I thought I'd play along!  Go check out her site.  It's great.

OK, so the question is, what are we doing to be more green.  Well, actually, I've been trying to be green for quite a while.  Here's what I/we do:

• I bring my own bags to the grocery store (most of the time).  I think they are better anyway.  They are easier to carry and hold more than bags the stores offer.
• I try to buy locally produced products.  This is both in the grocery store and at the local farmer's market.  Next year we may even be part of a garden co-op.  I've got to send in my application.
• We have a compost bin in the back yard.  We put vegetable and fruit scraps, used coffee grounds, egg shells, etc. into a cute little container on the counter.  When it's full, out to the compost bin it goes.
• We have a vermicomposter as well.  Yup.  Worms.  We started it when we were at the botanical garden at the university.  We put veggies and fruit in there with the red wiggler worms.  They eat the scraps and produce worm castings (aka: worm poop) that are good for the house plants and garden.  We've only had it a few weeks, so I've yet to harvest the castings.  Should be fun.
• I make my own card stock from the paper in the shredder, then make greeting cards from it.  It's a fun little hobby.
• The kids bring home lots of papers with writing only on one side.  That paper goes into the printer, is saved for grocery lists, etc.  
• We have 3 recycle bins we fill up every week.
• I shop thrift stores.
• I've gotten stuff from freecycle.
• We turn our thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer.
• We turn off lights and watch our water consumption.

I guess that's it for this list.  We may do something else, but I'm not thinking of it at the time being.

Thanks for reading. Be sure to check out the green giveaway at the Mother Load (above). 

Happy Hour Friday

Happy Friday Everyone!  I'm playing along with Otin and Rxbambi on their Happy Hour Friday fun.  Check them out!

• I'm happy it's Friday.
  
• I'm happy to be giving George a happy home experience.  He's really super sweet.
  
• I'm happy I got up early to have some alone time before having to get kids up.
• I'm happy I got to spend time with my sis yesterday and I'll see her today at the gym.
• I'm happy I'll be dragging my ass to the gym!
• I'm happy for my hubby that they will be building a new science building.  The governor and the president of the university were here this week to make the announcement.
• I'm happy hubby will get paid this month.  We'll see about next month!  (Can't touch the new building money for payroll, BTW).
• I'm happy to catch up on bloggy friends' lives.  
• I'm happy Bambi reminded me that number of comments is not directly proportional to one's worth as a person!

I suppose there's more to be happy about.  But I've got to get those kids moving.  And I'll try to be happy about it, despite the impending whining, bitching, fighting, yelling, etc. :)

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Hi All,

Today is Wednesday so I've decided to play along with Little Ms Blogger and do a Rant and Rave Wednesday.  Check out her blog, I'm sure she's ranting and raving today!

Rant: I can't seem to keep up with everybody on the great little questions.  But Ali of Inner Ramblings of a Mid-Life Momma asked a great question the other day about favorite christmas decorations.  I'm late, but here're some of mine:  1. Santa made from seashells from our friends Uncle Charlie and Aunt Eleanor.  They brought it back from Grand Cayman.

2. Handmade ornament by my dear hubby when he was but a boy. 

 3. Hawaiian Santa (?!)

Rave: Great idea, Ali!  Sorry I'm late. :)

Rant: I can't figure out how to put my pictures where I want them in my post.  I must be doing something wrong!

Rant: I'm sick today.  I hate being sick.  Mom's are not allowed to be sick.  Does anyone do the laundry, or the dishes, or the whatever-needs-to-be-done when Mom is sick?  No.

Rave: My 7-year-old came down crying this morning.  When I asked him what was wrong he said he was frustrated because he was trying to put new sheets on his bed (we have bed-wetting issues) but couldn't get them on right.  I was so surprised and proud and happy that he'd even think of doing that himself!  (I went up to investigate and found that he was trying to put queen-sized sheets on his twin bed.  That was the problem, poor guy).

Rant: Laundry (including 2 sets of sheets and 2 blankets that were clean when I put them on the beds last night).

Rave: High capacity washer and dryer that will hold two sets of sheets and at least one of the blankets.

Rant: George is a pacer.  He seems to have a hard time just settling down.  He flops his big (adorable) feet.  Plop, plop, plop, around and around and around the room.  I have to put him in is kennel at night or he paces around all night!

Rave: George is the sweetest little thing.  It shouldn't matter that he has neurological issues.  He needs a home.  Is there anyone out there who wants a super sweet, totally house-broken (absolutely no accidents in the house yet!), completely quiet lover with a few neurological problems?  He'd give you more than enough love and joy to make up for them!

I guess I could come up with more, but the washer is done so I've got to tend to the laundry, and do a bazillion other things before I give out.  Have a great Wednesday!  Thanks for stopping by!