Eventually, I'm moving. Well, actually, we ALL are moving. My hubby of 15+ years is currently working in Grand Junction, and I'm here in the Denver-area, trying to get the house ready while working part-time, raising 3 kids (one of which is home all day), trying to be mom, dad, writer, psychologist, photographer, entertainer, teacher, chauffer, warden, fashion director, doctor, hair designer, nail tech, researcher, activist, handywoman, and more, all at the same time! Life is crazy, that's for sure!
Truthfully, I'm having a hard time with how incredibly FAST this last year went! Here we are, just 3-1/2 weeks away from 2009 already! Where does the time go?
Anyway, I just realized what time it is. I've got to get up eary; our school does not have bussing, so I am the chauffer every day! Nighty-night!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
I've heard about the "Lucky Duck"...
Now meet "Lucky the Sparrow!"
It's 2:15 in the morning on Thursday, July 24. Mousie the cat comes meowing in my bedroom, waking me from my just-barely-fell-asleep-sleep. Nothing abnormal; we have the loudest, most talkative cat you've seen (as long as you haven't seen a siamese cat--he's not quite THAT obnoxious). He meows more, sounding like he's saying "mur-Ow. mur-Ow." Still nothing abnormal...
...until I hear the tiny "squeak! squeak!" one usually associates with a small rodent, a dog's squeak-toy, or the wheel of the shopping cart I've inevitably chosen to push up and down the aisles of Target.
Now, one must keep in mind that a) my hubby has been out of town, and b) we've been finding dead voles and deer mice in our yard on a regular basis, presumably hunted and killed by Jezebel, the neighbor's intrepid hunter of a cat, and Mousie, her ever-present side kick.
So, I find myself thinking, as I get out of bed to locate the "rodent" that's hiding from my cat and my guinea-pig-dog, that "I can't believe I'm getting up at 2:30 am to find a RODENT in my bedroom!" Imagine my surprise when I find that, WHAT?! It's not a rodent at all...
... but a poor little baby sparrow. Juvenile, really. Baby sparrow fluff mixed with adult feathers, unable to fly but able to eat birdseed. Cute. Scared (more like terrified). But alive. (Thank you God, that I didn't have to dispose of bird guts in my bedroom in the middle of the night!) Now, instead, I find myself having to figure out what to do with a living, breathing, possibly - no, probably -injured bird, in the middle of the night, with a cat that is trying to find it and knows it's there. Will it survive the night? Did my cat actually catch it? Did the guinea-pig-dog catch it? Did it fall out of the nest? Was it pushed? Was it running away? Will the cat eat it while I'm sleeping? What do I do? I'm so confused!
This morning, I got up, and the bird was alive. Not only that, but she/he seems to be fairly healthy. Unfortunately, it really isn't able to fly. It falls, more than flys. The kids want to keep "her," but I'm concerned "he" won't survive captivity for very long. (Not only that, but, what if the cat gets sick, and I need his carrier to take him to the vet? Nope. The irony of the bird living in a cat carrier does not escape me.) Ah, we'll see. In the meantime, "her" name is Lucky, and I'm looking for a rescue place for "him." (Have you gotten that we can't decide if it's a he/she yet?)
Here's the link to see her & the girls....
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=156658672&albumID=1781043&imageID=23287384
Update.... She was released four days later. Flew to a tree, hopped up the trunk & branches.... The kids hold on to the hope that she will come visit us. I hope she does well!
It's 2:15 in the morning on Thursday, July 24. Mousie the cat comes meowing in my bedroom, waking me from my just-barely-fell-asleep-sleep. Nothing abnormal; we have the loudest, most talkative cat you've seen (as long as you haven't seen a siamese cat--he's not quite THAT obnoxious). He meows more, sounding like he's saying "mur-Ow. mur-Ow." Still nothing abnormal...
...until I hear the tiny "squeak! squeak!" one usually associates with a small rodent, a dog's squeak-toy, or the wheel of the shopping cart I've inevitably chosen to push up and down the aisles of Target.
Now, one must keep in mind that a) my hubby has been out of town, and b) we've been finding dead voles and deer mice in our yard on a regular basis, presumably hunted and killed by Jezebel, the neighbor's intrepid hunter of a cat, and Mousie, her ever-present side kick.
So, I find myself thinking, as I get out of bed to locate the "rodent" that's hiding from my cat and my guinea-pig-dog, that "I can't believe I'm getting up at 2:30 am to find a RODENT in my bedroom!" Imagine my surprise when I find that, WHAT?! It's not a rodent at all...
... but a poor little baby sparrow. Juvenile, really. Baby sparrow fluff mixed with adult feathers, unable to fly but able to eat birdseed. Cute. Scared (more like terrified). But alive. (Thank you God, that I didn't have to dispose of bird guts in my bedroom in the middle of the night!) Now, instead, I find myself having to figure out what to do with a living, breathing, possibly - no, probably -injured bird, in the middle of the night, with a cat that is trying to find it and knows it's there. Will it survive the night? Did my cat actually catch it? Did the guinea-pig-dog catch it? Did it fall out of the nest? Was it pushed? Was it running away? Will the cat eat it while I'm sleeping? What do I do? I'm so confused!
This morning, I got up, and the bird was alive. Not only that, but she/he seems to be fairly healthy. Unfortunately, it really isn't able to fly. It falls, more than flys. The kids want to keep "her," but I'm concerned "he" won't survive captivity for very long. (Not only that, but, what if the cat gets sick, and I need his carrier to take him to the vet? Nope. The irony of the bird living in a cat carrier does not escape me.) Ah, we'll see. In the meantime, "her" name is Lucky, and I'm looking for a rescue place for "him." (Have you gotten that we can't decide if it's a he/she yet?)
Here's the link to see her & the girls....
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=156658672&albumID=1781043&imageID=23287384
Update.... She was released four days later. Flew to a tree, hopped up the trunk & branches.... The kids hold on to the hope that she will come visit us. I hope she does well!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Oh, Say, Can You See? Or hear?
She went through with it. Really. She did. And it turned out pretty well.
The day before the permission slip was due (I mean, like, 15 hours before it was due!), BratGirl2 came to me and asked if she could be in the talent show at school.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Good-night, Miss Myrna
I received notice today that a woman I know passed away. She had been sick with cancer for a very long time, and is now living pain-free in Heaven with our Lord. But, I was very taken aback by how strongly I reacted (emotionally) to the news of her passing.
I didn't know Miss Myrna very well. I met her at a concert, where she and BratGirl2 exchanged stones with their names on them, committing to pray for each other. As a family, we have done so, pretty faithfully, for 5 or 6 years now. We've never stopped. It may just have been "God bless Miss Myrna," but we always had her on our hearts.
When I gave birth to BratBoy, I was given a diaper bag, which was lovingly made by--you guessed it--Miss Myrna. I used that diaper bag almost daily for over 1-1/2 years. She made them for all new moms in our church.
Occassionally I would run into Miss Myrna, and she'd always give me a huge, warm smile. She had a joyful spirit, and a way of making me feel like she was genuinely happy to see me. She'd always ask me about the kids, and how our family was doing, and she would tell me that she continued to pray for us. I would tell her that we pray for her, too.
I knew she was sick, but I didn't realize how sick. I had thought about visiting her in the hospital, with the kids, but was concerned we'd give her a cold, so I didn't go. How silly of me! I meant to send her a card, but I never did. Why did I wait? I guess it's true what they say about "good intentions."
I was shocked when I heard that she'd passed. Did I thank her for the diaper bag? I think I did. But I don't know that I ever told her how much it meant to me that she prayed for us daily. I don't even know if I realized it before today. I hope she knew what a difference she made with her small gestures of selflessness. She set a wonderful example for me, my children, and all whom she came into contact with. She was warm, sincere, and caring, and I will treasure the brief moments I spent with her. I'm grateful to have known her.
What have I learned from all of this?
-Don't procrastinate. When I feel the need to say "thank you," or to let someone know that I appreciate them, I should do it right away. The opportunity to say so may not present itself again.
-Find some way, even if it's small, to give to others around you. Small things, like praying for someone every day, can make a huge difference in someone's life. Even if it doesn't, it can make a huge difference in your own life!
I hope, some how, some way, and some day, to make a positive difference in someone else's life, as Miss Myrna made in mine. I pray that the BratKids can learn to be giving, selflessly and sincerely, not because I expect them to, but because God does.
Thank you, Miss Myrna, for all you've done for me and my family. I look forward to seeing you again, someday, in Heaven. Sleep well....
I didn't know Miss Myrna very well. I met her at a concert, where she and BratGirl2 exchanged stones with their names on them, committing to pray for each other. As a family, we have done so, pretty faithfully, for 5 or 6 years now. We've never stopped. It may just have been "God bless Miss Myrna," but we always had her on our hearts.
When I gave birth to BratBoy, I was given a diaper bag, which was lovingly made by--you guessed it--Miss Myrna. I used that diaper bag almost daily for over 1-1/2 years. She made them for all new moms in our church.
Occassionally I would run into Miss Myrna, and she'd always give me a huge, warm smile. She had a joyful spirit, and a way of making me feel like she was genuinely happy to see me. She'd always ask me about the kids, and how our family was doing, and she would tell me that she continued to pray for us. I would tell her that we pray for her, too.
I knew she was sick, but I didn't realize how sick. I had thought about visiting her in the hospital, with the kids, but was concerned we'd give her a cold, so I didn't go. How silly of me! I meant to send her a card, but I never did. Why did I wait? I guess it's true what they say about "good intentions."
I was shocked when I heard that she'd passed. Did I thank her for the diaper bag? I think I did. But I don't know that I ever told her how much it meant to me that she prayed for us daily. I don't even know if I realized it before today. I hope she knew what a difference she made with her small gestures of selflessness. She set a wonderful example for me, my children, and all whom she came into contact with. She was warm, sincere, and caring, and I will treasure the brief moments I spent with her. I'm grateful to have known her.
What have I learned from all of this?
-Don't procrastinate. When I feel the need to say "thank you," or to let someone know that I appreciate them, I should do it right away. The opportunity to say so may not present itself again.
-Find some way, even if it's small, to give to others around you. Small things, like praying for someone every day, can make a huge difference in someone's life. Even if it doesn't, it can make a huge difference in your own life!
I hope, some how, some way, and some day, to make a positive difference in someone else's life, as Miss Myrna made in mine. I pray that the BratKids can learn to be giving, selflessly and sincerely, not because I expect them to, but because God does.
Thank you, Miss Myrna, for all you've done for me and my family. I look forward to seeing you again, someday, in Heaven. Sleep well....
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Monday, July 9, 2007
Shake Your Groove-Thing!
My BratKids are too funny! BratGirl1 is shy in public; she doesn't speak above a whisper, if she even speaks at all. BratGirl2 is the strong-willed, extraverted, take-charge one. BratBoy--well, he's two-and-a-half (need I say more?) At any rate....
They like to put on "shows." Yep--major events. The top of our stairs is where the action is. It's our informal stage. And, being the animal-lovers they are (tree-huggers!), almost every show is about animals. Still, that's neither here nor there.
What makes these shows so special? The way all three BratKids embrace the spotlight. It amazes me that, tonight, BratGirl1 composed her songs, performing as "Lea, the Queen of the Dogs," singing (and not quietly, I might add!) and dancing. BratGirl2 didn't try to "take over," as she so often does. Instead, she played her supporting role as the Puppy Assistant/MC so cooperatively. And they included BratBoy, funny hat and all! No one yelled at anyone. No one said "stop it!" or "stop touching me!" or "you're in my spot!" No one whined "you're not singing it right!" or "Be quiet! It's my turn!" No. Instead, it was a harmonious moment in time. A breath of fresh air. The perfect example of cooperation.
Don't pinch me.... I must be dreaming....
They like to put on "shows." Yep--major events. The top of our stairs is where the action is. It's our informal stage. And, being the animal-lovers they are (tree-huggers!), almost every show is about animals. Still, that's neither here nor there.
What makes these shows so special? The way all three BratKids embrace the spotlight. It amazes me that, tonight, BratGirl1 composed her songs, performing as "Lea, the Queen of the Dogs," singing (and not quietly, I might add!) and dancing. BratGirl2 didn't try to "take over," as she so often does. Instead, she played her supporting role as the Puppy Assistant/MC so cooperatively. And they included BratBoy, funny hat and all! No one yelled at anyone. No one said "stop it!" or "stop touching me!" or "you're in my spot!" No one whined "you're not singing it right!" or "Be quiet! It's my turn!" No. Instead, it was a harmonious moment in time. A breath of fresh air. The perfect example of cooperation.
Don't pinch me.... I must be dreaming....
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Fare-thee-well, Bella & Linda!
Well, it's done. The mice are gone.
No, the cat didn't eat them. We sold their cage at our garage sale this weekend for $5.00, including food, bedding, accessories...oh, yes, and two pet mice.
I thought the kids would protest, but they were fine with it. They "held them good-bye," and that was it. No tears. No hysterics. Just a wave, and....
I know I sound callous, but, in my defense, the kids said it was fine with them to sell the cage, mice included. They knew I was tired of cleaning the cage, and that BratDad was tired of smelling it. The BratGirls only held their respective mice about once a month (I think I held them more!), and rarely checked their food/water levels. And, the BratCat was always after them. So, it's probably for the best.
Are we done with rodents? Probably. I don't mind them, though. I think they're cute, and I don't mind holding them. However, any pets we get in the future will be cleaned up after by the BratKids, not me! (That's the only reason we have a BratDog, y'know?!)
No, the cat didn't eat them. We sold their cage at our garage sale this weekend for $5.00, including food, bedding, accessories...oh, yes, and two pet mice.
I thought the kids would protest, but they were fine with it. They "held them good-bye," and that was it. No tears. No hysterics. Just a wave, and....
I know I sound callous, but, in my defense, the kids said it was fine with them to sell the cage, mice included. They knew I was tired of cleaning the cage, and that BratDad was tired of smelling it. The BratGirls only held their respective mice about once a month (I think I held them more!), and rarely checked their food/water levels. And, the BratCat was always after them. So, it's probably for the best.
Are we done with rodents? Probably. I don't mind them, though. I think they're cute, and I don't mind holding them. However, any pets we get in the future will be cleaned up after by the BratKids, not me! (That's the only reason we have a BratDog, y'know?!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)