An Old Lady Who Lived In A Shoe

Calvin's Speaking Debut

2009-06-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Let the Soccer Season Begin.....

2009-03-23T05:59:00.001-07:00

Why is it that after a long day of soccer, I am always used as a bed?

The Boss's 8th season (I think) with the Stars! What a great team this has become. Not only do they play great together but the parents are equally as amazing.

Monster's team has improved drastically this year! It is so much fun to watch them grow.

The Boss and I had a great time at her best friend's birthday party. Afterwards we went shopping until Firewheel mall practically closed.

The Crib is Gone.....

2009-02-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

After 9 years of having the crib in our home (at times converted to a toddler bed) we have replaced it with Doodlebug's first big girl bed.

Before . . .

After....

Eventually she will have one that matches her sister's. We wanted her to first get use to sleeping in a big bed before we put it up on a frame. The Old Man also needed some time to re-finish her head board and foot board. The beds were once a part of his room when he was a little boy. Just one of the amazing things from his child hood he has been able to pass along to the children.

Busy Weekend At the Shoe

2009-02-09T06:18:00.000-08:00

Friday Night was the Daddy Daughter Dance. This was Doodlebug's first year to be old enough to attend. You whould have thought it was Prom she was so excited!

Saturday Doodlebug had her first sleepover guest. They had a BLAST playing dress-up, with doll houses and just hanging out as four-year old's do.

On Sunday I took the crew to see Click Clack Moo at Dallas Children's Theater where we met up with former daycare friends!

Do I Even Remember How to Use This Thing..

2009-02-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

Been awhile.... I took some time this morning to review through where I left off in the blog world and realized how much I enjoy having this as a scrap book or sorts. I had every intention of posting after out Disney trip at the beginning of December but my law firm had other plans for my time. Now that I have completed my work on the patent case from hell, maybe just maybe I can come back to the blog world. I am making no attempt to "catch up" but am only going to move forward!

With that being said, I can't go on without a Happy Birthday (very much belated as her birthday was December 1st) to the Doodlebug. I do think I get some credit since she did get to spend her birthday having bruch with Cinderella and the other princesses in Cinderella's castle.

On the First Day of Third Grade....

2008-08-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today was Boss's first day of third grade and Monster's first day of Kindergarten. Boss, much like Kindergarten, didn't make it through the day without vomiting. She started public school for the first time and just like when she changed schools for Kindergarten, I think the stress got to her. She swears she had a great time and loves her teacher.

Monster thought Kindergarten was "cool" and his teacher started reading him Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. Doodlebug is just glad she didn't have to make any changes.

Who Missed Mom the Most

2008-08-25T18:27:00.001-07:00

I was out of town for 9 days to provide trial support in Texarkana. I think the one who missed me the most is not actually pictured here...

Summer! Summer! Summer

2008-07-07T19:44:00.001-07:00

We started the summer off with a party at our house to say farewell to Rachel from Mommy's office.

Then let the swimming begin!

Ella Grace discovered the sprinklers.

We took a family trip to Fossil Rim.

More swimming!

Calvin off the diving board for the first time! In just the first few weeks of summer, he has become an amazing swimmer!

She Finally Did It!

2008-06-14T19:58:00.001-07:00

For over three years she has been growing out her hair to donate it to locks of love. Today was the day! She looks so much older now!

Great Weekend!

2008-05-04T18:00:00.001-07:00

This weekend was one of those dreamed of by myself as a small child. Friday I escaped from work a little early to hang out with The Old Man. On Saturday The Boss and Monster each had soccer games in the morning. Saturday evening we invited the soccer Coach and his family to join us at the Mesquite Rodeo.

While The Boss and the coach's daughter didn't win the calf scramble, they had fun trying.

Today we went to church and then as Moster called it, we had a "free day". Nothing planned. Nothing scheduled.

I took the crew to KidsQuest while The Old Man mowed the yard. We swung by Braums for ice cream on the way home. When we arrived, we broke out the water guns Grandma had left us for a family water gun fight on our freshly mowed lawn!

One Happy Doodlebug!

2008-04-04T17:14:00.001-07:00

When she realized what I had in the bag...

The perfect Bride!

So much love in our house!

Caught dancing in front of the mirror in her room.

Happy 5th Birthday Monster

2008-03-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

To the Monster, also known as my lucky charm, happy 5th birthday! He seemed to have a great time at PumpItUp!

And Then There Was One....

2008-02-17T18:37:00.000-08:00

Yep you read that correctly! The family that came to pick between the two black puppies took both black puppies. While I am glad they are staying together and going to a great family, a place in my heart is empty. Lilly will go to her family some time this week. The OldMan isn't ready for a puppy and I told him if we found homes for all five, I would have to let them go. Each of their new families promised to keep in touch.

And Then There Were Three

2008-02-17T18:35:00.001-08:00

Due to the rainy weather, and the healthy report from the vet, Dora's family picked her up a week early!

And Then There Were Four...

2008-02-17T18:33:00.001-08:00

On their way to the vet on Saturday! All were healthy and from 7 pounds to 8 pounds.

The Begining of the End....

2008-02-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

The always wonderful M&M will be adding to their family today and taking to their home "Cappy". We are very excited that she is going with them as we will be able to visit her often! Now the big question is how to finally explain to Doodlebug that she can't keep them ALL!

It will be interesting to see who misses Cappy more, her sisters or me!

This will be a member of Dora's (a/k/a Dasiy Belle - her new name) new family

Sick Day!

2008-02-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

Doodlebug got rejected from daycare today because she has a cold. At least it give me time to post more puppy pictures! We have found homes for both of the tan colored ones so now it is time to focus on the black ones.

Weekend of Puppy Firsts

2008-02-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

First Kisses!

First Ride In A Car!

First Real Food!

First trip outside

Puppies First Bath

2008-02-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought Belle was getting tired of the puppies, I found them all sleeping together.

Puppies at 3-Weeks

2008-01-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

We moved them to their new home! When we arrived home from Church on Sunday, they were all peering over the side of the pool. We decided they need room to move around but not enough room where they get lost.

The requested group photo!

Some Days are Just To Hard To Take

2008-01-22T19:08:00.001-08:00

This puppy hid itself from the world. Some days I can understanding wanting to do this very thing.

We took the puppies to the vet on our day off. We learned they are likely a Lab mix and believe it or not, they are all girls!!!!

Puppy Portraits

2008-01-19T17:23:00.000-08:00

Two Tired Moms!

They are starting to open their eyes! The Old Man and I are both off of work on Monday along with Doodlebug. We are hoping their eyes will be open by the time we return to work.

Puppies - 1 Week Old

2008-01-16T03:55:00.000-08:00

We moved them into one of the kids old pools. They kept getting out of Belle's kennel and couldn't get back in!

This one loves to snuggle and to sleep on it's back!

Puppies DOL #3

2008-01-10T04:07:00.001-08:00

PUPPIES, PUPPIES, PUPPIES

2008-01-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

While we were coming to grips with the fact that Belle would be having puppies, we had no idea it would be TODAY!

I came home from work to find four very wet and sticky puppies with Belle in her kennel. About 45 minutes later she had a fifth puppy without any problems. While Belle is now so very skinny, her puppies have very round little bellies and seem so very healthy. She has four black and white ones and two tan ones. No way yet to determine what type of puppies.

Newest Member of The Shoe

2007-12-17T04:03:00.000-08:00

For my upcoming 35th birthday my wonderful husband got me a possibly pregnant Basset! The children named her Belle! The vet took an x-ray which did not reveal any current little ones but we won't know for certain for a few more weeks. She was found "at-large" by animial control and is the sweetest dog ever!

Happy Halloween

2007-11-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Boss chose to wear my cheerleading uniform from my senior year in High School. Yes I pinned it up slightly. I was not the size of a seven-year-old as a Senior.

The Old Man also continued his tradition of carving pumpkins with them.

Family Vacation!!!

2007-06-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

We went to San Antonio to join The Old Man while he had a conference. Sea World and the Riverwalk for four days was amazing! Photos to prove it.

Too much fun on the RiverWalk for a two-year old!

The Old Man, Boss & Monster after riding the new Journey to Atlantis which they did three times in a row!
Feeding stingrays!

Photo Op with a star performer from the Beluga Wale show!

Feeding Dalphins!

The Ruined Vacation

2007-06-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

The Boss had the week off of daycare this week as she was scheduled for VBS in the mornings and soccer camp with her team in the evenings. I was to take her to VBS each morning while stopping by La Madeleine for an amazing breakfast. The Old Man was taking off the afternoons and had a list of fun activities for them. Such was not the case.

On Sunday after a couple hours of swimming The Boss ate some chips and fell asleep. We couldn't wake her up for dinner but such is often the case when she has been swimming. A couple of hours later she woke up profusely vomiting. She continue to do so through Tuesday. So, no VBS and we re-scheduled soccer camp but she of course won't be attending with her teammates. I felt so badly that her "vacation" was ruined. I also didn't want The Old Man and I to continue to take time off with her when there wasn't anything fun we were willing to subject her to (i.e. a day at the water park). When we contacted daycare about her attending Thursday & Friday, we were told we would have to pay for the full week. So, once again our great friends M&M to the rescue. Mrs. M offered for The Boss to come play there for Thursday & Friday! Not only was that helpful to The Old Man and I for work reasons but now The Boss feels she is getting to do something special with her "vacation".

There is nothing better than good friends!

The Monster....

2007-06-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

As I have seen my daughters firmly wrap their Daddy tightly around their little finger, I have to admit that this little man has stolen my heart. While I don't understand why every toy, sandwich, fishing pole and hair brush (just to name a few) must be utilized to shoot something we do share an appreciation for snuggle time! He will start Pre-K in August and is excited at being at the big kids school with The Boss. In the meantime, I am going to try to continue capturing every precious moment and try not to be so frustrated with the no-so-precious ones.

You know you have had to much rain when....

2007-06-07T14:10:00.001-07:00

water fowl mistake your front yard for their home!

Do I even remember how to use this thing......

2007-05-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Okay I make no promises but maybe I'll venture back into the blogging world! I have recently changed jobs AGAIN! After being at one law firm for five years, I followed two attorneys to a new firm. That firm did not work out for me and a short five months later my dream job fell into my lap. I am now the Litigation Support Coordinator for the Dallas office of one of the largest and oldest law firms in Texas. I've only been here two weeks but the people have been so nice and the work has been fun and challenging.

During my blogging break the kids at the Shoe have continued to grow and amaze me. Doodlebug is two and has a split personality. She can go from being the sweetest child you can ever imagine to pure hell. When she didn't like what I made for dinner the other night, she dumped her plate on the table. After returning from time-out she sat in her chair and dumped her glass of milk on the table. Needless to say dinner was over for her! Monster is well a monster. He is beginning to show signs of being a real person and I've adjusted to the fact that he is always going to be a boy! The Boss is about to finish first grade and has now officially made it through the entire year without missing one single spelling word. I am so very proud. I don't have photos with me today but you can count on many to come!

One big change in my life is that my mother ran off and got married. Fortunately I have always liked her new husband and will enjoy having a new step-father as well as an amazing new step-grandmother. Before she did this, she came to Big D to help me out with the children while The Old Man hosted a big city event and was basically AWOL for four days. While Mom was here we did some shopping and found these really cute outfits we both liked. Since we had the time, we decided to go have our pictures made together. So much fun!

Be Careful What You Wish For...

2007-01-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

The Old Man is heading to Arkansas to visit his parents. We have been in possession of an antique bookcase that was once theirs which we no longer have space for and we fear all those children at the Shoe will eventually break the glass front in the case. He has decided to take it back to his parents and thus make the trip alone as the bookcase would fit in our van without the back seats. Turns out it fits in the back of the van with taking out only the 3rd row of seats. Since he has space he has decided to take The Monster with him and make it a boys trip.

While I am very excited about having some "girl time" at my house and I know The Monster will love having his best friend Buck (Grandpa) to himself I am strangely sad. I haven't been away from him other than a quick weekend trip for a funeral in Houston at which time I had so much going on with the funeral that I really didn't have time to think about being away. Then I was also away from him for a day when Doodlebug was born. Having just the girls with me will make things so much easier with The Old Man gone, but it doesn't mean I won't miss them both!!!

It is a great idea for everyone at The Shoe but I am a little sad.

Bragging

2007-01-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

After waking up from an hour & a half long nap I find my home to be empty. My first thought was that The Old Man got smart enough and left me but then I realized if he were that smart, he wouldn't take the kids. Turns out he is at the grocery store with all three of them. Yes, I will have his sanity checked very soon. So on yet another rainy day in Big D (I think we've had a week of either rain or some sort of winter mix) here I am in my clean home with no children. (The Housekeeper The Old Man got me for my birthday started yesterday.) I am the luckiest woman alive and here is photographic proof!

The classic picture of a father teaching his daughter how to dance!

On one of the cold, wet days this week The Old Man went into our attic and re-appeared with a giant box of his lego sets from when he was a boy.

The Monster promised to be extra good so he could play with the Lego sets. He was even willing to play with Doodlebug!

The Boss shows off the icicle she found on the first cold, wet day!

Doughnut Soup

2007-01-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

'Tis true that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, even if that man is 3 1/2 years old. The Monster has always had a speacial place in his heart for the "Chef" at his daycare. From the time he was an infant, when he was upset and no one could reach him, they could always call in Ms. Faye and all would be right in his world.

This morning The Monster decided he has a new reciepe for a dessert that Ms. Faye can make him. He stated she needs doughnuts (which in his world are doughnut holes) some ice cream and two cups of surgar. Place that in the oven until it melts and you have doughnut soup. When she reported she didn't have those ingredients, he replied that they come in a box (he has witnessed The Old Man creating to many dinners and believes entire meals come in a box). When she asked where she could get such a box, he quickly replied "The Doughnut Soup Store".

Wanna take bets on whether or not Ms. Faye comes up with some sort of "Doughnut Soup" for snack today?

Christmas at The Shoe

2006-12-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

The Girls and I made cookies for Santa! (Yet another joy of having Grandma around -- there are actually pictures of me doing things with my children.)

The Boys did help decorate the cookies!

Nothing better than new Christmas Eve Pajamas!

Aanother reason we will miss Grandma when she leaves. Not only is she a great story teller, but she released all the toys which were wired or sewn into their boxes.

While Tammy may believe she has the loudest, most annoying toy, this fire truck is louder than a real fire truck. I think my neighbors can hear it.

Thank God for family - including crazy cousins- who come to visit and bring more presents!

Sometimes even Christmas becomes to much to take when you are two!

Grandmas Are The Best

2006-12-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

Taking a cue from Lynliu, Grandmas are the Best. I remember going to my Grandmother's for one New Year's Eve. The next day we asked my Mother if we could stay at Grandma's a little longer. She said for us to call when we were ready to come home. We went home on January 7th. Each day Mom would check in and we would choose to stay another day.

Now it is my Mother's turn at being the Grandma and she is truly the best! Today she managed to get all three Kids to nap AT THE SAME TIME!!!!! The Old Man and I have to work this week but our daycare chooses not to do so. Therefore, my amazing Mother volunteered to come in and stay at The Shoe in our absence. While I am thankful for the assistance, I must admit I've been a little worried about dear old Mom. I keep thinking she doesn't realize what she has agreed to do. However, when I called to check in this afternoon and she reported on the nap situation, I am no longer worried! I guess my brother, sister and I trained her well!

At almost 58 years old, my mother took her first commerical flight to get here. Doodlebug now thinks we found Grandma at the airport and we can just go there and get her whenever we want to see Grandma. The Monster declared he had a great idea. He thinks Grandma should just move all her things into our guest room. The Monster also declared that he wants to marry me. When I informed him he is to late that I am already married to his Dad, he said that was okay, he would marry Grandma since she isn't married. Needless to say, we will all be sad when Grandma has to go back to the airport on Thursday morning!

Calvin & the Snowmen - Enjoy!

2006-12-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

Remind you of anyone?

Happy Birthday to Me!

2006-12-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

No you didn't forget it and you are not late, the actual event isn't until tomorrow. Yes I will be celebrating (well, not really) the fourth anniversary of my 30th birthday.

However, in anticipation of the blessed event, I had such an amazing weekend!!! Mrs. M and I took The Boss and her Princess to see The Nutcracker! I have 1) never been to the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, 2) never seen the Nutcracker and c) never seen a Ballet. Hard to say who of the four of us enjoyed it more. Mrs. M. played various parts in the Nutcracker as a small child and enjoyed being the "veteran" while The Boss, Princess and myself took in the full experience. Just a super great day!!!

On Sunday, some of my Tuesday Night playgroup pals and I went to see The Holiday and to partake of some adult beverages. Again an amazingly wonderful time with nothing really outstanding to report other than how amazingly good-looking Jude Law is in that movie. Having not seen a movie since the last Harry Potter, I was just excited to be part of the real world.

Throughout all of these adventures it did not escape me how wonderfully blessed I am. I have amazing friends as well as an amazing family. Lately I have reminded myself that about 14 years ago I had dreams of running the world. I was going to be the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Now all I dream about is running a bubble bath. However, I have realized that while I may not be Queen of the world, my kids think I'm a Superstar, my Man thinks I'm amazing and in the four walls of my home I am the Queen. What could be better!

Amazing Friends & Grounded Kittens

2006-12-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

Every person should have friends that you can count on no matter what! I have been bless with several such friends but few rank along with M&M. The Old Man went to college with Mr. M and Mrs. M. I meant Mrs. M at my wedding but have known Mr. M since I was a Sophomore in College (when I started dating the Old Man). We have been blessed that we have lived in the same general area since college and now they live 13 minutes from my front door.

On Saturday we declared it a Stay-At-Home day for the little two and myself while the Boss played in a very cold soccer tournament. We had a great day playing around the house and finding whatever I could to entertain two small children. Later in the day, The Old Man volunteered at a local Holiday event. I decided that it would be different to eat dinner by candlelight. So, I and the three children were peacefully eating out dinner when Doodlebug asked for more juice. I got her juice and when returning to my candlelit table, I noticed something moving on the floor. The kittens had brought in a snake!!!!!

Now there is a disclaimer here. I am unreasonably icked out by snakes. They scare me worse than any other creature I can imagine. I called the Old Man twice but no answer on his mobile phone. So, desperately trying to think who could come and get this thing out of my house, I remember the Fire Chief (who works out with The Old Man three days a week) lives just up the street but I didn't have his phone number. Dialing 9-1-1 would just get The Old Man laughed at all week at the office. The next closest would be Mr. M. So I called.

In the movie version of this story he would have slapped me on the face and all would be well, however, that was a little difficult through the phone. He did, in his very calm lawyerly voice, talk me through getting my broom and sweeping the creature out my back door. Now keep in mind this offending creature was under Doodlebug's highchair while she was still sitting in it! All I knew was I wasn't picking the thing up but it kept eyeing the leg of her chair like it was looking for higher ground! Once I bravely swept the thing outside, I locked both it and the kittens out in the yard. It looked much bigger under my table but with these creatures, to me, size really doesn't matter. It's mere existence in my house was more than I could take.

So, I am once again very thankful for Mr. M and now whenever The Old Man is not home, the kittens are grounded from going outside!

Merry Christmas!!!

2006-12-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Doodlebug!!!!

2006-11-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

Yes Boss, There is a Santa Clause...

2006-11-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

yep the dreaded question was spoken at the dinner table at The Shoe! Fortunately it was at the dinner table and I could convince my 6 year old first grader that then was not the time to discuss it. She simply stated that some of her classmates don't think Santa Clause is real. I changed the subject.

Catching Up

2006-11-13T03:41:00.000-08:00

The new job is going great! There are some growning pains this firm is suffering which make each day a challenge but I'm trying to keep in mind I'm here to do a job, not save the world. My team tried to save the world at the last firm and look what happened. We got so sick and tired of feeling like we were banging our heads up against the proverbial brick wall that we abandoned all hope and left. Now we are trying to do the best work we can for our clients and increasing that client base.

My children never cease to amaze me. Last night I had one of those moments when I truly thought I was losing my mind. Whoever thought up daylight savings time did not have small children. Before DST I was able to get up at 5:30 a.m. and have some quiet time. I would spend some time with God and then browse through the Blogging world. Since the dreaded DST, Doodlebug also now gets up at 5:30 a.m. No matter how late I put her to bed, she is up at 5:30 a.m. So, last night when I realized how much I need that 30 minutes, I vowed to move the alarm clock and get up at 5:00. This morning the alarm and the coffee went off at 5:00. I grab my book and snuggled into the couch for some me time. At 5:15 the Doodlebug was calling! How could something so cute drive you mad.

Life is all fresh and new.....

2006-11-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

I made it to the new firm. On Monday I sat in Boywonder's office and ask "so, what do we have going on today?" just as I did each weekday morning for the past three years. It felt like coming home after a long vacation. Commissioner Gordon then joined us and we discussed a new case they had and then I was off to do research at the courthouse! Nothing like starting off a new job a month behind. I could immediately tell I have been missed and hope I made it clear to them how thankful I am that I have been brought along for the ride!

The new firm is like any different place. Some things they do are great others not so much. They are experiencing a lot of growing pains but I hope coming in on the early growth will allow our team to have some input into how this place will look in the end.

I am settling in and it was made easier by a beautiful basket of flowers sent to me by The Old Man. If I had known changes jobs is what it took to get flowers, I might have done it sooner! I think it was his way of marking his territory and it worked. A good impression was made and now all here know how lucky I am!

Happy Halloween 2006

2006-10-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

For those of you expecting to see a Storm Trooper here, a very long story about why one should not buy expensive costumes for 3 year olds. While he was so incredibly excited about his costume, we apparently warned him so often about not getting it dirty that he is now to afraid to wear it. He did get to wear it for "Real or Pretend" day at daycare yesterday and sparked a very lively discussion as to whether or not Storm Troopers are real or pretend.

The kids at The Shoe did go to their Aunt's house for Trick-or-Treating as has been our tradition since The Boss was born. Despite a difficult start (trying to reason with a 3 year old), they had an amazingly good time!

Ending of an Era

2006-10-30T06:15:00.000-08:00

The time has come, the time is now, Marvin K. Mooney would you please go now! -- Dr. Seuss

This is my last week at The Firm. I have been in this same Firm for a little over five years, which is the longest I have held a job since graduating from college (or I guess ever). I have seen a lot of great people come and go and I now it is my turn.

No one here is surprised that I am leaving to join my recently departed attorneys as we had been together for over three of those five years. I had a committment to fulfill here and have now done so. I am very excited about the change but also sad to leave behind some amazing people. It makes it easier knowing that my new office is across the street from The Firm so I won't be going far.

So, that is why I haven't been around for the last month. While all the details and particulars were being finalized, there were to many things that I couldn't say so it was easier to say nothing at all.

Now to the BEACH! When I last posted I was packing for our vacation. We had an unbelievably good time! All 8 children were amazingly good. The house was perfect and the friends and fellowship formed memories that will last my lifetime as well as the lifetime of at lease The Boss. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself.....

I Think I Hear A Baby Crying...

2006-09-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

When my mother needed extra time to finish up something on which she was working, she would tell me "I think I hear one of your babies crying". Each time I would run to check and then no doubt get sidetracked with something along the way and give her the time she needed to finish up. Well, amazingly this trick survives the test of time and works amazingly well (except I ended up stopping what I was doing to take pictures.)

And by the way, if you don't like the way something looks, change the way you look at it. Once I convinenced myself to change my outlook on things, all is so much better.

Dear Me

2006-09-27T03:59:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this letter to try and tell myself it is time for me to feel better. While the last two weeks have been less than ideal I'm always the positive person. I can see the good in anything.

All of sudden, without warning I went from enjoying my career, the work I do and the people with whom I work to pure discontent. I don't hate it. I just don't enjoy it. At times there is more work to do than probably two people can handle and by the end of the day my stress level has maxed out. Then I go home to three amazing, yet stressful children (and two kittens who keep thinking they need to help me type).

Two days after my work life exploded everything at The Shoe seems out of sorts without A/C. The Old Man and I moved into our guest room/playroom to escape the scorching heat in our upstairs Master Bedroom but moved in right across the hall from all those children. (Yes I do realize there are only three of them, however, they seem to multiply by tens when I have a headache.)

I had to move my office up to the 20th floor of The Firm. Couldn't bring myself to unpack 5 years worth of family photos, odd gifts and desk toys. So, everything has been uncomfortable at the office and at home. Most disturbing is everything has been uncomfortable in my head. I'm such a planner and right now there is nothing in my life that is under my control. I seem to be battling issue after issue in my head for which there are no black and white answers.

So, as I said in the beginning it is time for me to feel better! I now have cool and dry air circulating through out the Shoe (the humidity has been almost as bad as the heat). I can sleep in my own bed snuggled up with The Old Man with no little bodies sneaking across the hall to disturb my slumber. Most importantly, in just Two Days, while Lynilu starts her new journey, I'll be headed for the BEACH! While there is a little stress trying to coordinate the journey for three families, I REFUSE to be stress about this trip. We will all get there when we are meant to get there and eat whatever is available. Even if it rains and is cold the entire time we are there,

all 8 kids (ages 6 and under) will enjoy just being away from home!

I keep telling myself I will feel better after a break, but now I've decided it's time for me to feel better NOW. My home is comfortable and somewhat orderly again. I have a "team meeting" with one of my new teams today. My departed co-workers have been on a business trip all week so they have seemed so distant. They come back tomorrow and one will come by to visit and pick up some remaining files.

So, it is time for me to feel better!

-- The Old Lady

DAY 9 WITH NO A/C

2006-09-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

A Parting Wish

2006-09-19T03:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the last official day of working along side my crew. For the past four years I've taken care of them or most importantly they have taken care of me. They've seen me through two pregnancies (however they will tell you I'm always pregnant and my excuse for EVERYTHING is that I was on maternity leave), the loss of a friend's child and another friend's mother.

They understood when I needed the time to say farewell to Kosmo.

They allowed me to travel to Conroe, Texas in August to review documents kept in a barn on a golf course, while five months pregnant but more importantly one went with me on that adventure just to be safe.

One has taught me the fine art of wines and one has taught me that God has His hand in everything.

We've shared numerous victories and defeats and learned so much from both.

So, to my crew...

I hope each road leads you where you want to go.
I hope your dreams stay big and your worries are small.
I hope you never look back but you never forget.
I hope you make all the choices that feel right, weather or not they turn out to be right.
I hope that you will always have someone to take care of you, and someone for which to take care.
My wish for you is that all your dreams come true.

She's Like A Squirrel Hiding Acorns!

2006-09-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

As you may recall, Doddlebug said farewell to pacifers awhile back. So, how is it that randomly I find this! Where is she hiding these things!!!!

Given that The Shoe is a million degrees inside and the humidity is literally dripping off the furniture, I can't really make her give this up! And there is the fact that she took a 3 hour nap today!!!!! God really does know when He has pushed you to the limit and you are considering jumping off a cliff.

When life gives you lemons.....

2006-09-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

make lemonaide!

Along with everything else going on, our A/C at The Shoe died on Thrusday afternoon. It will be Tuesday before it can be replaced (yes replaced for mucho $$$$$). So, we took an adventure outside The Shoe to Fossil Rim wildlife park.

Life Ain't Always Beautiful....

2006-09-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

But the struggles make you stronger, and the changes make you wise. Life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride! -- Gary Allen

Tuesday I went to The Firm in a funk. I realized I could not, nor did I really want to, compete in the billable hours race with my peers. I realized I was having to work with other attorneys in order to get enough work to keep me busy. I've worked pretty much exclusively for the same two attorneys for over three years. I didn't like the idea of having to branch out.

When I returned from lunch those two attorneys told me they were leaving The Firm. Now would not be an appropriate to discuss if I could go with them. I like to think I am a pretty smart girl and I know they do not have the volume of business to justify my expense.

While I have already began work on my next adventure, security doesn't make me less sad. I think this is the closest to a divorce I hope I will ever experience. Five days a week (and sometimes seven) I spend a majority of my waking hours with them. I worry when they are sick and rejoice in their victories. I know their families and what is going on in their lives. While I have no doubt we will continue to have a working relationship of some sort, there is just no way it will be the same.

I guess this goes along with things happen for a reason.

I hear tell....

2006-09-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

the road to Hell is paved with good intensions.

While I had planned to stop by and visit the neighbors this weekend, it did not happen. Saturday morning the stomach bug that has been creeping around The Shoe found me. While I want to check in the on neighbors (see previous post) I didn't think it would do much good to check in on them and then make them all sick. My In-Laws arrived Saturday afternoon in time for the crew to watch my first Texas High School football game. My neice was playing her first home game in her high school band. So family took up the rest of the weekend. I'll try to visit this evening and let you know how it goes.

Things Happen for a Reason

2006-09-08T03:51:00.000-07:00

One evening I was taking the little two on a walk. Monster was riding his tri-cycle and Doodlebug was in her stroller. We crossed the alley behind our house and when we turned in front of the house behind our house (separated by the alley) there was water everywhere. While we were attempting to maneuver the minor flood, the home owner came up and stated "feel free to cut across the yard. We are a calling this lake Armstong." The city water main had broken in front of their house.

The homeowner introduced himself and we remarked about the fact that they had lived there for four years and we had never met. He did the proper ohhing & ahhing over Doodlebug and Monster and stated he and his wife had four boys. (I would guess he is in his late 50s early 60s.) He then tells me that he and his wife are going through a very hard time. Seven weeks ago they lost one of their boys. He says he is still in denial and minor shock but his wife is having the worst time.

I find it incredibly odd that this set of circumstances just happened to be. We talked for as long as the Monster could be patient, then I asked if he thought it would be okay if I stopped by to visit with his wife. He claimed "It couldn't hurt."

As most cannot, I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. The closest I have been to that pain is 2 years ago standing by our college friends while they buried their two year old son who had downed in their pool. While that was the hardest thing I have ever done in life, it was also the most inspirational. P&B have an amazingly strong faith that has carried them through the last 2 1/2 years. Even when P called the Old Man to tell him what had happened, he stated that his son had had a greater purpose in life that we may never know. If it hadn't been the pool, it would have been a car in the road. P&B's faith even touched the emergency workers who responded to the scene and despite proper protocol, many of them stopped by to check on them after the incident.

So, I have to believe there is a great purpose to my walk with Monster and Doodlebug. I feel called to go visit these people. I was thinking about having the Boss make a card (she is, among so many things, an amazing artist) and baking some cookies. The Boss and I could just stop by and see what happens. What do you think?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

2006-09-06T03:59:00.000-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday to The Boss!

Those Cute Kiddos!

2006-09-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Maybe Blogger is behaving now and we can get back to pictues of my amazingly beautiful children!

You can see in Monster's face how he has impulse control issues. Grandma said it best about the Doodlebug "I've never known any other child who got some much out of life." That is her! Despite being in her church dress, she jumped into our backyard pool and had a blast. The Boss tries to reason with her, but no such luck.

Here is the Boss on the first day of first grade. She turns 6 on Wednesday. Where does the time go! I'll no longer be able to say I have three children under the age of six and get the "you are crazy" glares from people.

And we can't forget the kittens!

For The Kept Woman

2006-08-31T03:51:00.000-07:00

When TKW departed TheFirm to enjoy her life of caring for her beautiful girls, she called me up and said something along the lines of "Hey Old Lady. While I was off on maternity leave you failed to keep up the database of software users and the status of their training and you failed to keep up the database of databases. I can't live like this, I'm moving on." While she claims this to be in jest, deep down inside I think the element of disorganization was more than she could take.Well, this is why TKW should not have three children.

The conversation with myself went something along the lines of "Do I really need to take the time to separate the collard shirts from the T-Shirts, put them by color and whether or not they have stripes?" Sadly, I answered myself NO. When I found out I was very, very, very surprisingly pregnant with my third, my OB explained to me through my tears that at some point your house reaches a state of Chaos. There is not an amount of Chaos. Once you are there, you are there. Embrass it. Well fans, we have reached Chaos. I ceased the ability to organize closets, to place the lego sets into their labeled clear plastic containers, to sperate the closet of games by age level and size of the game box, to put books neatly on the shelves so that they are in order by size. I have reached CHAOS!

Impulse Control

2006-08-26T03:37:00.000-07:00

So how does one teach impulse control to a three year old? I've realized that is what is Monster's biggest problem. Grandma was none to thrilled that I failed to complete the drowning story so here you go.

Last weekend we were at the aquatic center which has the little kids area where there is a playground type area in a shallow pool and then there is a about 5 feet deep pool. We take the kids to the 5 feet pool to teach swimming. The Doodlebug is fearless about water. She was jumping into the pool to me and she would pop out of the water, rub the water from her eyes and sign "more". (So, while she looks just like Grandma, she doesn't mind getting water in her face, unlike Grandma.)

Later in the afternoon, Doodlebug and I were having a snack while the others played. She decided she was done with her snack and started off back to the pool. I called for her but she didn't hear me so I followed her just to see where she would go. She wondered through the shallow pool and then off to the deep pool where she walked to the side of the pool and calmly held onto the side of the pool and tried to get in. The Old Man and Monster came over shortly there after. They were on their way to the snack bar which was just past the big pool. We were all walking by the big pool together when Monster decided to shove Doodlebug into the pool. The Old Man jumped in right after her and she came right out of the water screaming "MONSTER". She wanted to be certain we knew exactly who did it.

Did this, however, teach her a healthy fear of water, NO. When asked WHY Monster replied he had seen her jumping off the side to me and wanted to know what happens if she jumped in by herself. She sinks, I explained. It took hours for me to get the image out of my head of her little pink hat floating on the top of the water and her fuzzy pink bathing suit deep in the pool.

On to happier matters!

This week was the first week of 1st Grade! The Boss got a 100% on her first ever spelling test (she gets that from her Dad)! She LOVES her teacher and she is very existed about 2 hours of math every day (obviously having M present at birth and her influence over the past six years has had an impact). She brings home a book to read every evening that is the equivalent of "See Jane Run." " See Spot Jump" She reads her school book and then reads The Cat In The Hat to her sister before bed.

This week was also Monster's first soccer game of her third season. Despite it being a million degrees outside, her team won 8-1. She was a trooper and ran the whole time. Unlike her mother she is so athletic!

Doodlebug and Monster have both been sleeping in their beds through the night. We realized it was daisy and Dash that were waking them up. Once we implemented a back-to-school bedtime routine and lock Dash and daisy in the playroom all night, it is night time bliss at the Shoe.

So, there is a recap of the week. I've gotten some relief at The Firm and hopefully when trial is over I can reliably re-join the Blogging World.

Pandora

2006-08-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

No time to really tell you how the Monster almost drowned the Doodlebug this weekend but do want to share my new favorite toy. Go to www.pandora.com and check it out. Tell it what your favorite song or artist is and it will play you music all day. You also get to tell it which songs you like and which you don't which help it play music you enjoy. I have a Jim Brickman Station for when I need to get my blood pressure under control and a U2 station when I want to get my mind off EVERYTHING. Try it!

Proud Parenting Moments...

2006-08-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

The Monster's note on yesterday's daily sheet from daycare:
"Not a good listener. Monster bit a friend on the back & put his bottom in a friend's face and passed gas."

When I asked the Boss, "

What are we going to do about The Monster?" without hesitation she responded "Sell him!" I ask to whom, who would buy him, she again quickly responded "The Zoo".

Good Job Bat Nurse!

2006-08-17T03:52:00.000-07:00

I have been called many things in my career as a paralegal but yesterday made a first for "Bat Nurse". I must say Iam enjoying new attorney's sense of humor. Yesterday we were attempting to finalize a huge document yet he needed to be out of the office after 10:00 a.m. As most often happens in the legal world, we were being delayed waiting on an element from our client. I asked Bat Guy (new attorney - explanation to follow) if he would sign the document and once I received the final portion from the client, I could then e-file it with the court. He complied and responded "If I were a surgeron, I'de say 'nurse you close please'". He rushed out there door leaving me a message with his "super secret, always attached to the hip, Bat phone" number. I responded that I would attempt to utilize the Bat Signals for emergency purposes only and would e-mail him once the document was closed and in recovery. The responds "Good Job Bat Nurse."

I realize this speaks highly to my state of mind. Hopefully after the end of the year some sort of normalcy will return to the Firm.

Might be AWOL for some time

2006-08-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

My lawyer population at the Firm has almost doubled. The Firm brought in a new partner who needs some assistance on two document intensive matters. Being that 3 of our 6 litigation paralegals are pregnant and one is out on leave for the month of August, that left me and one other. For those of you who have no understanding of the term "billable hours" count yourself fortunate but I lost the billable hours race so I get to inherit the new guy. Then one of the 3 pregnant paralegals was sent home on bedrest yesterday. So, if I'm absent from the Blog world, it likely has something to do with the 5 lawyers or the 3 children.

Stolen from Lynilu. Sounds like me?

Your Brain is 80% Female, 20% Male

Your brain leans female
You think with your heart, not your head
Sweet and considerate, you are a giver
But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you!

What Gender Is Your Brain?

The Wet Kids at the Shoe

2006-08-07T03:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend was swimming weekend at the Shoe. On Saturday we attended a bithday part at a wave pool and on Sunday we went to our new favorite neighborhood pool where The Boss can jump off the diving board and the Monster goes down the slide!

For a day that started so horribly...

2006-08-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

We spent the evening at the City Aquatic Center. The kids had a BLAST. Doodlebug is fearless when it comes to the water. She would jump off the side of the pool and before the night was over, she went down a slide all by herself. The Monster is figuring out how to swim underwater all by himself. The Boss is such great help teaching them how to do everything.

Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, MOMMMMYYYYY

2006-08-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

I now know where Lucky Lum's headache went.

I timed it this morning. The most time that elapsed between MOMMYYYY was 3 minutes. From 5:30 until I finally escaped at 6:45 the longest span between MOMMYies was 3 minutes (and that was while I was in the shower). When I did manage to escape, the Monster and Doodlebug were screaming so loudly that I not only heard them outside but I could still hear them after getting The Boss in the car and closing the doors. Don't you wish you were my neighbor?

At the Firm I switch from three small children to three lawyers. We are trying to figure out what happens when our one big case settles and that leaves us with just a few little cases. Do we start handing out business cards at car accidents???? Chasing ambulances?

I'd like to give Lucky Lum back her headache now.

One of My Favorite Places....

2006-07-28T06:23:00.000-07:00

and this weekend it is going to be to hot to spend much time there!!! What will I do with all these children if we can't go outside?

The Boss will be taking Dash and Daisy to the vet on Saturday. I'll go along but she is very excited about taking them in for a check-up. The experience will be a little bitter sweet for me as this is the wonderful place that took care of Kos during her last days. At some point we have to move on.

This Has Got To Stop.....

2006-07-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

At least she brings with her a pillow and blanket!!! Granted she is so adorable but how can one small child take up so much space. She sneaks in between 4:30 & 5:00 when The Old Man and I are deep asleep and there is no chance we are getting up to take her back to her room when within an hour our alarm is going to go off. Last night, the Monster joined in as well so something has got to be done!

Speaking of getting done, here is the new kitchen Before (well with the new stove as The Old Man forgot the full Before shot) and After (and granted it helps that the kitchen is actually clean in the after picture).

Next will be the replacing of the countertops. The new vanity for the Master Bath should be in next week so more home improvement photos to come!

Stolen from Tammy

2006-07-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops? No but last night I was patted down to get into the Cowboy game.

2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters? From what I remember I do not. It's been a decade since I've been on a roller coaster.

3. When's the last time you've been sledding? I live in Texas, nuf said.

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? With someone else. Here at The Shoe we have slumber parties every Friday night and all sleep in the loft. However, I usually sneak into my bed after the kids are asleep.

5. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes

6. Do you consider yourself creative? Not in the least but I somehow managed to have creative children.

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife? Don't really care

8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? Jen.

9. Do you stay friends with your exes? Some

10. Do you know how to play poker? I do but only play with M&M

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? Very close once when working for an attorney who was representing a doctor in a peer review hearing.

12. What's your favorite commercial? I don't watch TV.

13. What are you allergic to? As Tammy can tell you lemons flavoring, peaches flavoring and the antibiotic Ketek.

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around do you run red lights? No.

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? I have secrets only some know, but nothing that no knows.

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? Neither.

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating? Once

18. How often do you remember your dreams? Yes and it isn't always a good thing.

19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?

20. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatles? No.

21. What's the one thing on your mind now? Preparing for trial, The Boss's sixth birthday, how to control the Monster, what to wear to work today, did I get everything done this weekend....

22. Do you know who Ghetto-ass barbie is? No.

23. Do you always wear your seat belt? Yes.

24. What cell service do you use? Sprint

25. Do you like sushi? No.

26. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident? Yes. I'm always driving and Tammy is with me..

27. What do you wear to bed? When The Old Man is lucky something silky and red. More often than not comfy 10 year old pjs.

28. Been caught stealing? Nope.

29. What shoe size do you have? 81/2 (thanks to being pregnant three times in 4 years)

30. Do you truly hate anyone? No.

31. Classic Rock or Rap?Neither.

32. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be? Matthew McConaughey

33. Favorite Song? Today, it's "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts.

34. Have you ever sang in front of the mirror? Yes.

35. What food do you find disgusting? I'll eat almost every type of food.

36. Do you sing in the shower? No. Out of courtesy for others I never sing.

37. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours"? Yes apparently when I was about 4.

38. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back? Of course. Tammy is one of my best friends after all. How could you not!

39. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? Yes.

40. Have you ever been punched in the face? The Monster broke my nose once. Does that count?

Let me know if you steal.

Conversation with a 19 month old

2006-07-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

The Old Man handed Doodlebug a cup of juice. She came running to me while saying Thank You to her dad. I told her, he can't hear you, say Thank You real loud. From Doddlebug "Thank You Real Loud Daddy!"

Love this stage!

Those Silly Kittens

2006-07-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Life at the Shoe with our newest members...

Daisy is the playful, independent type...

Dash is the cuddly, snuggly one...

Dash can also be very helpful...

And when the kittens nap, we take to the pool! Doodlebug perfers the pool in the buff and enjoyed it when her sister repeatedly dumped an entire bucket of water on her head....

but eventually I talked her into wearing clothes and even posing...

And just so Grandma doesn't ask, yes the Monster was still around....napping. See photo of cuddly Dash.

Farewells...

2006-07-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am horrid at saying goodbye and so thus I choose to say farewell. Last night I co-hosted a farewell happy hour for the Firm's MIS person. I have worked with her for almost three years and though she will continue to assist from her new location I will miss having her around every day. I, however, am so horrid at goodbye that I just snuck out the door last night without so much as even a farewell. I did, however, manage to get this amazing photo of my Boss giving a toast while a turtle reads a newspaper in the background.

Still missed...

2006-07-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

While we here at the Shoe have really enjoyed the addition of Daisy and Dash we fooled ourselves into thinking it would help us miss our beloved Kosmo any less. Kosmo was our 9 year old beagle. She had been diagnosis with epilepsy at around the age of 5. She continued to have seizures off and on for years but none of them severe and never severe enough to treat. On the day my beloved Tammy was relieved of her duties here at the Firm (we worked together for almost 8 years) I went home to discover the Boss had found Kosmo unresponsive in the back yard. After a two day battle, it was determined that Kos had a brain tumor and it was likely that had been causing the seizures over the years. It was determined that she would not recover. The Old Man tried his best to grasp onto any glimmer of hope but alas we realized she would need to leave us. We buried her in the back yard where we also planted an oleander bush. Her bush blooms periodically and makes me smile. I still miss her so much though! Pets are wonderful addition to your family.

On a happier note, the kittens just make me laugh. Last night they managed to take a basket of toy pegs and scatter the 24 pegs throughout every room in my house. I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of something else to pick up after.

Newest members of the Shoe

2006-07-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

I went to pick up The Boss's kitten, Daisy. When I got there, only she and her brother were left in the litter. They were snuggled up together and so cute that I decided to take both of them. So yes, we are now the freaky cat people down the street with our 4 cats. Daisy and Duke join Kato & Kramer who are 11 & 12 years old. These poor kittens will be loved to death I fear. I warned Monster when I got home that his kitten was a little scared and tired. I later went in Monster's room and he was sitting on his bed singing Rock-A-Bye Baby to his kitten. The decision to get two of them will likely be one of the best decisions I ever made, despite what The Old Man thinks (however, it didn't take him long to agree with me).

Like a Junkie Needing a Fix

2006-07-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

The Doodlebug is the very classic "baby" of the house. Knowing (for CERTAIN this time) that she is my last baby, I have not forced her to release the baby things that I did with Thing 1 and Thing 2. One such example is her pacifier. While I dutifully removed the pacifier when The Boss and Monster were right at one year old, Doddlebug, at 19 months, was still sleeping with hers. Well, last night when I was putting her to bed, no "night-nights" could be found. I decided well, no better time than the present. Thirty minutes of heart-wrenching screams and tears later, she fell asleep. I have no doubt that what appears to be such a sweet little girl, would have clawed my eyes out if she thought she could get a "night-night" as a result.

In the end, I couldn't be more proud. I fully expected to be woken up no less than three times throughout the night as the need for the "night-night" fix would arise. Surprisingly, I only heard from her once. I rocked her for just a few moments and back to sleep she went. Way to go Doodlebug. Now, we'll see if I can hold out tonight as I have now located the lost "night-nights" and the second night is usually worse.

Good news is the new baby kitten (Daisy is her name last I checked) is coming home tonight. Hopefully the excitement will be more than the Doodlebug can take and she will slip peacefully off to sleep.

The New Master Bath

2006-07-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Now keep in mind The Shoe is almost 30 years old so we would be talking major renovation to make a "modern" master bath which would have to be the size of the Monster's bedroom. So, we take what we can get and here's what we've got!

Before..... During......

After....

Now we have to replace the 1977 yellow vanity top and a fresh coat of paint and we'll be as good as new. Coming next.... Finalizing new appliances and counter tops in the kitchen.

The Saga Continues

2006-07-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well thanks to all for you kind words regarding the Pet Sitting Saga, however, it isn't over yet.

We had decided to return Kona to her own yard as it was obvious our fence was not going to keep her contained and M&M really didn't want us turning her into an inside dog. Each night various members of The Shoe would travel over and visit Kona. Fortunately M&M had recently added some swings to this awesome fort in their backyard so the kids at the Shoe felt like they were getting to go to the park each night.

On Saturday night The Old Man and Monster went to visit Kona. Later in the evening I received a call that they may be there for awhile. When they arrived, the beloved Kona was no where to be found. She had dug out of her own yard. M&M claim that she wasn't a digger before now. She either really misses them or really despises having us around. I'm going to hope for the former more so than the latter. Fortunately, The Old Man called Mr. M who then called their answering machine to find a message from the local shelter. The shelter had Kona. Since Mr. M was coming home on Sunday, we opted to leave Kona at the shelter in hopes they could better confine her.

Meanwhile, we have yet to find a replacement for Dirk. The Old Man was a little sidetracked with World Cup Soccer over the weekend to go search. Today he is home as we begin the remodeling of the master bath at the Shoe. Look for before, during and after pictures to come.

Never do a bad job well!

2006-07-06T06:22:00.000-07:00

Great advice I once received from the Nap Queen, however, I have failed to do a bad job well and in no way on purpose.

On Friday my DEAR friends (not to be confused with the "dead" friends from the previous post, thanks JHC) the M&Ms entrusted to the Shoe their dog Kona and their fish Dirk as they traveled to the great north for a couple of weeks. All the children at the Shoe were thrilled to play with Kona as our beagle had passed away in April. The children played with Kona most of Friday night and as Kona is an outside dog when we went to bed on Friday night she seemed to be resting comfortably on the patio. The kids had done their part of the job and tired out dear Kona.

Saturday morning I was awaken by one of the children. I grabbed a cup of coffee and decided we would go outside and visit Kona before it got to hot. I quickly realized no Kona!!!!! The fence at the Shoe is very old and in need of some repairs so I realized Kona must have escaped through one of the weak spots in the fence. We spent most of Saturday morning searching for Kona. With every errand we ran we would drive through the neighborhood calling for her. Alas at around 3:00 in the afternoon, I admitted to myself we were not going to find her. The Old Man had completed the paperwork at the animal shelter just in case she ended up there. It was my job to call M&M and let them know what happened just in case someone had called them to report her lost. Later that evening we got a call from M&M and someone had found Kona and was keeping her in their back yard until we could pick her up! I was so incredibly thankful!!!

How I wished the story ended there. Last night when I went home I smelled something odd in the kitchen. I first checked the Doodlebug's diaper, not her. I checked the trash, not there but I could tell I was getting closer. Looked up on the bar in the kitchen and there floated Dirk at the top of his bowl. Now I have an entire aquarium of fish that have been fine for more than a year. Granted Dirk's water was a little cloudy but it was that way when M&M brought him over and they stated not to worry about it. Now I have to send The Old Man out to see if he can take the frozen Dirk carcass to the pet store and find a twin.

Lesson learned: never entrust your pets to The Shoe. (however I would like to defend myself by saying Tammy's dog has visited on more than one occassion and survived each time)

What We Know Here At the Shoe

2006-07-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

BIRTHDAYS!!!! If there is one almost constant topic here at the Shoe it is Birthdays!! We have to keep a running tally of whose birthday is next and how long until the next birthday party for our crew. The Boss (a/k/a the Sister who I now realized is really the Boss) is next in line for the big day and she is counting the minutes.

Here at the Shoe we have experimented all levels of Birthday party's. For the Doodlebug's 1st birthday I managed a city wide Christmas parade followed by homemade BBQ and Spring like weather on December 1st. We've done everything from the bounce house/burger affairs which are common (including the Boss's last brithday which involved 64 people at The Shoe midst the Katrina disaster and the Old Man was absent for almost 72 hours straight) to the Monster's last birthday which just involved our dead friends The M&Ms who also have three children the same age as ours. We have discovered when you mix the M&Ms with the residents of the Shoe the 6 of us make a party.

Now it is America's birthday! The Old Man spent the entire weekend putting together his City's birthday party. Much like the birthday parties at the Shoe once the party is over and you survey the mess and the expense, we always start thinking why do we do this to ourselves. Well, the Old Man's City is no different. There are ramblings of canceling the expensive fireworks and party. Much like parties at the Shoe, the City has tried the elaborate affairs to the simple inviting a few friends to hang out. What I'm afraid they miss is all the happening outside of the actual fireworks.

This year we here at the Shoe invited ourselves to join Tammy's crew (well, we did have the VIP parking passes so it was a bit of a trade off). We had so much fun that the Boss has declared the discovery of a new best friend and the Doodlebug actually let another human being hold her. I hope that the City will remember that despite the cost, the birthday party memories seem to last the longest.

As an aside, I have to say how blessed I am to be so easily incorporated into a family that is not even mine. For at least the past 6 years I have always been able to join in on the happenings with Tammy's family much as if they were my own. We have shared memories of these types of celebrations and yes all those birthday parties!!!!!!!

Welcome to the blogging community, where you may or may not know your neighbors.

2006-06-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Lynilu who stopped by and left a note and the title for this post.

For the past 11 years I have had the privilege of share every morning with The Old Man. We have always gotten up together and prepared for the day. Many days this is the only time we can have a conversation without something having to be spelled out to avoid the lingering little ears. Yesterday's conversation went something like this....

The Old Man "Hey, I was reading Tammy's blog last night." I FROZE in my tracks. Not that I mind him reading Tammy's blog (other than I quickly tried to figure out if it was Half Nekkid Thursday) but I had never told him about mine. He actually asked, "what happened to your blog". He was referring to the initial blog attempt where I quickly realized every serial killer who attempts to secure government housing from The Old Man could easily locate my family. I informed him I had changed the name and patiently waited for him to voice his displeasure.

The Old Man is an EXTREMELY private individual. I, however, will tell anyone anything. Makes for very entertaining evenings when I have to accompany him to a City function and try to play the wife. I inevitably end up telling someone some story about him snoring, talking in his sleep or worse and end up in the dog house when we get home. So, I just assumed that he would not be thrilled about me posting the happenings in the Shoe for the whole world to see. Oddly, he was cool with it. Guess after 11 years, he's still full of surprises.

Where this leads me is to the Blogging revelation. While I just picture this to be the world where each of us somehow connected through The Kept Woman post our thoughts and check in on each other's lives, your really don't know who's out there checking in. Keep in mind it very well may be The Old Man.

Gotta Love the Independent 3rd Child

2006-06-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I had trouble falling asleep and just as I gave up just falling asleep and decided to read some fluff novel in hopes to get my mind off everything. I snuggled in and then heardthe Doodlebug moving around in her bed. Next thing she is standing in my bedroom with a cup in her hand asking for "Milk please". I scooped her up and she put her head on my sholder basically going back to sleep being that it was a little after 1:00 a.m. I did get her some water and returned her to her bed. I got back in bed and no sooner had I settled down than I heard her again. She showed back up in my room with the sweetest face and just simply held up her cup and asked "more". I got her more water and snuggled with her on the couch for just a moment. Put her back in her bed and finally didn't hear any more from her until this morning.

I have no doubt if she were 6 inches taller she would have helped herself to a glass of water and put herself back to bed.

6 reasons not to mess with a child

2006-06-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have been SWAMPED at the office trying to catch up from being out with Doodlebug while breathing through the mud that has taken up residency in my nose. I received this in an e-mail from a co-worked and felt it worthy of a lazy posting.

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible. The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah". The teacher asked, " What if Jonah went to hell?" The little girl replied, "Then you ask him".

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to "honor" thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill." One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed thather mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white. "The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"

The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture. "Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawyer,'or 'That's Michael, He's a doctor.'A small voice at the back of the room rang out, "And there's the teacher, She's dead.. " A

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray: "Take only ONE. God is watching." Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A child had written a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples.

You can force her to take medicine but....

2006-06-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

your 18 month-old is likely then to just throw it up on your foot. Such was the scene this morning at the Shoe. While I believed it to be pure spite which lead to this episode, Daycare has now sent the Doodlebug home with a stomach virus. This virus on top to the cold she and I seem to be unable to shake makes for a wonderful Monday.

Meanwhile, yesterday the Sister was able to meet the soon-to-be newest member of the Shoe. In reward for her amazing ability to be resposible for her siblings, the Old Man and I decided to let her get a kitten. Luckily for us a secretary at our office took in a stray that had kittens on May 23rd. So, we were able to visit yesterday and pick out the one we will adopt so that she can find homes for the remaining 3 and the momma cat. The Sister immediately fell in love with the only female and it is the Monster who now asks every day, when can we bring home the kitten.

Time Flies....

2006-06-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Doodlebug had her 18 month check-up yesterday. In answering the question from the previous post, it must have been the angle at which that photo was taken because Doodlebug measured in the 60% for height and for weight. She did measure +95% for head measurement (read extremely large brain). Her weight has leveled off and so I have hopes that she will grow into that baby fat.

Meanwhile, I also received the Monster's 3-year portraits. For those who may recall the 1-year portraits in which he was crying, these are much improved.

All of this while I am still trying to cope with the Sister's (gotta find a better nickname) kindergarten graduation. She has also just completed her first Vacation Bible School. She has grown so incredibly much just this week that I don't know what to do.

There seems to stopping this passing of time thing.

Extremely Short Or Just A Bad Photo

2006-06-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Day Care has apparently recently acquired a digital camera and while I could not be more thrilled to have daily "candids" of my youngest two in action, today's candid provides an overly worried mother an area for concern.

At her 15 month check-up Doddlebug charted in the 15 percentile for height (out of respect for Doodlebug we won't mention where she charted for weight). At that time her doctor thought it likely to be the fact that she was screaming uncontrollably and despised the fact that people were getting into her personal space [I will have to remember to Blog about the amazing fact that I gave birth to Tammy's child] and thus the measurement was not accurate. However, take a glance at this photo and let me know what you think. The Doodlebug would be the one that cannot stand in line with the others and has to be the star up front.

Now, in continuation from the Cutting Off of the Head (see below), following is the Monster's photo. He would be the one reaching for the neck of the little girl standing next to him, and no she is not the one he traumatized. While his behavior has made a dramatic improvement with the return of the sister, he still has his moments.

Your Parents Are Going To Cut Your Head Off

2006-06-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Humor me while I leap into the Blog world I always swore to avoid but my dear friend Tammy at Rant & Ravin Haven dragged me kicking and screaming into your Blog world.

I am the working mother of three children under the age of 6.

My son, The Monster and the middle at 3 years old, provided the material Tammy felt was worthy of an initial posting.

The Monster has been exhibiting normal 3 year old behavior which includes both good and bad moments. However, his older sister was at "Boots" Camp (an explanation for another post) for a week and the adjustment to the fact eliminated any "good" moments. The final straw occurred at Day Care on Wednesday. While at snack, he looked and the precious little girl setting next to him and informed her "Your parents are going to cut your head off." When asked where he got such an idea, he proudly boasted "Star Wars". Being the proud parent I am, I expected his head to spin wildly and for him to begin profusely vomiting at any moment.

Luckily the sister has returned and yesterday yielded some "good" moments, however, I am certain there will plenty of more stories to come.

Please comment to let me know you are out there.