Murphy's Law and Lemon Cake
Summer. One word that can strike up so many wonderful childhood memories of the beach, summer vacations and long days spent at the local pool. We, as parents, owe that much to our children, at the very least. To guarantee that they have just as many wonderful memories of summer as we have.
We are homeschoolers, so our summer really doesn't have a definate start, or end, not by summer break standards anyway. The start of our summer really begins when we put up our pool, and ends when it comes down.
This past Sunday, we decided to put up our pool. You know the type, the small ones with the top ring full of air, and you fill it with water. Ours is 3 feet deep,not much, but it certainly is more than enough to keep my boys happy and cool all summer long.
My husband helped with making sure the ground was level, and then it was my turn to bring out the pool, fill the ring, and start filling it up with water. Well I always leave the cap for the drain hole on the waterhose wheel. Well guess what? My husband tossed it out sometime between the time we took the pool down, and Sunday. Why? Who knows, I suppose he thought it was trash. I realize that I should have put it back on the drain, but hindsight is .. you know the saying. So here we are, two boys staring at us with great disappointment in their eyes. So I found a cap that ALMOST fit. (keep that word in mind)
Well, on Monday, we realized that it just wasn't going to stay, and my neighbor helped us .. um... what's the political correct term?.. um.. oh, ok. we rigged it to work, with um... ducktape. Problem solved!
Tuesday, the boys and I headed over to Walmart to get a few filters for the pump, and to run a couple more errands. In total we were gone an hour and a half. On our way home we talked about getting in the pool and how we were going to search for squid. Upon pulling the truck into the back of the drive, we exit the vehicle, and I saw the most unbelieveable sight. The pool was almost empty! The duck tape rigged drain plug had blown, and our little pool had almost completely drained in a mere hour and a half. My stomach sank. I was more disappointed than the boys were.
I finally found a cap that fit perfectly, and the problem has been solved, for good this time. While we were waiting for the pool to refill, (thank goodness for well water) we decided to play in the pool anyway. It was the perfect depth for the baby to play in, and he really enjoyed it.
SO when Murphy's Law and life gives you lemons... make a great lemon cake, and make sure you have your camera close by to record those memories.
Growing on Me
I am a girlie girl, by nature. However,since becoming a Mommie 5 1/2 years ago, things have changed. Instead of running FROM bugs, lizards, you name it, I now seek them out, catch them, then eventually release them. It only stands to reason that the turtles are now up my alley of fun.
Leo, seen here, is the larger of the two turtles. He is by far my favorite, as he has the most turtlenality. He watches people walk into the room, and is quite social. It's especially cute to watch him bask. He will (as I am sure most turtles do) stretch out his rear legs to make sure he gets sun all over. It's rather entertaining.
A few weeks ago, I noticed that Leo was swimming lop sided, known as listing. I knew this wasn't right, so I called the vet. I take Leo in to be seen by the reptile specialist. After an examination, Dr. Foy, determines that Leo has a respiratory infection.
Great... now what. I knew there was no way to give this tiny animal any sort of antibiotics, in pill form. His mouth is just too small. So what did they do?? They gave this creature, smaller than a sand dollar, an injection of antibiotics. Over the course of a week and a half, Leo received three shots. We were told to get a small kiddie pool, and let the turtles outside during the day. Natural sunlight is best for them, and they will enjoy the fresh air.
Well, what do you know.. Leo is fine now. His appetite is back, and he is happy as a pig in mud. He is eating like he used to, and swimming just fine. He really enjoys going outside as much as we like to watch him and Mickey swim around as if there is no end to the water.
And so goes the days of our lives, living, loving, and learning more and more about these wonderful reptiles.
Leaving the Nest
Hurry! Come quick! I heard him say as I was trying to cook dinner. I wonder what it is this time, I thought.
"Mommie, look how close I can get to this bird."
Oh boy, here we go... That feeling is one I often get when the Entomologist yells something like this. He usually wants to pick whatever "it" is, up. That just isn't a good idea with a 5 year old. They try to be gentle, but we both know they are a little heavy handed.
Then my eyes spotted him. Sitting on the rope ladder of the swing set.
"Is he alright?" I asked, thinking that perhaps he had been attacked by "our" dog, or the neighbors.
Much to my suprise, it was a baby, that most apparently was learning how to fly. He was visibly shaking, no doubt very fearful of our presence. He didn't chirp, or call out for his mommie. I had to wonder where she was, and if she was going to attack us.
Of course I had to run inside to grab my camera. By this time, the little bird was calming down, I suppose that he was getting used to the faces he was seeing, even tho very large. I took a few snaps, then he moved on. Hopping around, trying to find his way. He went into a flower bed, and that is where I was able to get this image. I wanted so badly to pick him up and place him back in his nest, but where was it? Before I could do a scan of the nearby trees, he was hopping off again. This time into the neighbors yard.
I decided that he was going to be okay, and that dinner wasn't if I didn't get back inside. The Entomologist stayed outside to make sure that the baby bird found safety.
I have to wonder where the Mommie bird is, and if she is okay this evening. Does she miss her little baby bird the way that I know I will when that time comes? Perhaps she found her baby, and he is safe back in the nest, or perhaps he went back home because he found out just how cruel the great big world is out there.
Either way, I am glad that both of my baby birds are fast asleep tucked into their beds safe and warm.... for at least another 15 years.
But I did it ALL by MYSELF!
It's Monday, that is apparent. All terrible things happen, on Monday, or so it seems.
Our oldest, the Entomologist, woke up before me, as he does every morning. Most days, he grabs his gameboy, and sits in our bedroom and plays for about 20 minutes. Just long enough for me to wake up. Today was different.
When the Entomologist woke up, he went into Mommie and Daddy's bathroom. Fine I thought, he is going to take care of morning things. At some point, I must have fell back to sleep. I woke about roughly 20-30 minutes later, ready to start the day. I walk thru the house to find Mr. Entomologist, to see what he wanted for breakfast. Well, I couldn't find him. So off to my bathroom I went, since that was the only place that I hadn't yet looked.
There he is... scissors in hand, a large pile of hair on the toilet.
He says with a most enthusiastic voice, "I cut my hair."
"I see that.", I said.
"You said you wanted my hair cut."
"No, I liked your hair just the way it was."
"Well Daddy wanted it cut. I cut it now, so no one else has to."
"Why did you cut it?"
"This part (pointing to his bangs) was tickling right here." (pointing to his forehead)
"I see. You could have told me you wanted your hair cut, and we could have went today to do it."
" But I did it all by myself, now we don't have to."
I know what you are doing right now. You are laughing. I suppose that as time goes on, I will laugh too. I want to, but I can't. The Entomologist HAD the BEST hair, EVER! It wasn't long, but longer than my husband wanted it. When I fixed his hair, it was really beautiful. The curls just lay perfectly, and the sides seemed to fall into the right place, all the time. Perfect hair, if ever there was to be perfect hair. I am sad. Very sad. I know it is hair and it will grow back, and that is a good thing. We will go later on today, and get his hair buzzed. I really dislike those type of hair cuts. They are so generic... so blah. No character, no charisma, no personality. Yep... It's Monday, welcome to it!
20-APR-2007
State Museum
My guys and I had the most wonderful day today! We went to the State Museum. I have other photos that I should upload, as this one was not the most exciting, but it's late, and I am tired. I will upload more tomorrow. Until then, Goodnight.
09-APR-2007
Because I can't say "NO".
Well here is proof. I have never really learned how to say, No. To my friends, family,my husband and especially my children. It does have a tendacy to get me into trouble, sometimes trouble that crawls, or hops, or whatever.
We had a neighbor that recently moved, and prior to the moved asked if we wanted 2 turtles that were given to her children. Apparently they smelled, and so she was considering letting them go in the yard,(the turtles not her children) or where ever it was, I am not really certain. Anyway, I couldn't bare the thought of 2 hatchlings being hawk food, or something of the like. So, being the friendly neighbor that I try to be, I said, sure, we will take them, and give them a great home. ALWAYS research these things BEFORE you agree to something. (I am a blonde, sue me)
So here we are about 3 months later with Leonardo and Michelangelo. No they are not Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, well....at least not yet. Did you know that a turtle can live up to 70 years, if taken care of properly? Yeah, neither did I. We have a history of long living pets, as we have a cat that will be 18 this year. Can you see where I am heading with this?
So here is my attempt at yet another PaD, (well, actually that should be more like PEOW, Pic every other week).
Not sure which one this is a picture of... he/she was the one that didn't run when the camera got really really close to the tank. ;0P
Mommy Flowers
"For you Mommie", he said. He always brings me flowers, usually they are dandelions.
Today, however, he decided to pick real flowers from one of the many flower beds in our yard. "I know they are your favorites", he said.
The Entomologist always seems to know exactly when I need flowers. He always brings them to me with a big smile on his face, a smile of sheer pride in the good deed he is doing. He is a good kid and tries really hard to take care of me. I guess he gets that much from his Daddy.
So here is my PaD, albeit well after midnight. I was unsure of what do take a picture of today, as I have been busy painting the deck. Then it hit me... these beautiful little Mommie flowers.. They always brighten my day.
29-MAR-2007
New Beginnings
I have let my PaD go to the wayside while I was/am in a deep photographic slump. I was going to wait until the first of April to start again on my PaD, but tonight I was out with the boys for ice cream, and thought of this Church window downtown, that makes me feel at ease. It's one of the most beautiful stained glass windows in our city, in my opinion.
25-MAR-2007
I'm in a photographic slump
The weather has been really beautiful here in the Southeastern United States these past few days. Yesterday was wonderful. I think we actually broke 90 degrees. Out came Mt. Tiki Soakie, a wonderful "sprinkler" for the boys to cool off, when the weather is not so kind. I have taken my camera with us, whenever we go somewhere, but I just can't seem to get the pictures I am wanting. My PAD has suffered the most. I am going to try to start anew on the first day of April. This is my contribution to my additction, for today, at least. Browsing pbase is very inspiring, and sometimes, intimidating.. perhaps that is my problem. *sigh*... Anyway... There is always tomorrow.
31-JAN-2007
The Dam Homes
In Pelzer, South Carolina, there is a dam that sits very close to an old mill, that is now being wrecked, and something new going to take its place. Progress.. Well that's what they call it anyway. In the area, there homes that are often referred to as Mill Houses. I suspect these houses were built back in the day, for the workers of the mill to reside. Close to the dam, on the hill to the left, there are several homes that most definately have a lovely view.
31-JAN-2007
The Things We Do
Addiction, that is what I would call need to take photographs. It's an addiction for me, something that I feel I have to have, and after it's over, I am in a euphoric state, of sorts.
I went to visit an Aunt of mine that lives in the upstate of South Carolina. It's very beautiful up there, where endless miles of farms and beautiful old barns abound. I felt that I needed to capture some of these beautiful places with my camera, if, for nothing else, but to make the trip seem more interesting. We spotted this farm along the right side of the road, and decided to stop to try to capture it's beauty. I pulled off the road, and looked to my right, and back in front of me, JUST IN TIME, to quickly swerve to the left to avoid this monsterous hole! I am not kidding you this hole would have done SEVERE damage to our Tahoe. It was deep enough for my 5 year old to stand in! There should be warnings on these things! Anyway, after that I managed to get safely out of the way of traffic, and photograph this farm. It was beautiful! The cows seemed to hunker close to the ground,and the geese were enjoying thier polar swim on the pond. It was beautiful and certainly worth the near miss of that big hole.
He Keeps Me Busy
Well we all know how busy little ones can be, and our youngest child is certainly no exception. When he wakes up, he hits the ground running, and doesn't stop until nap time, then he's off again. From the fireplace, to my desk and computer, nothing is safe from him. It's quite the change from our oldest, as he was a really mellow baby. Everything is seen as a challenge that must be overcome, by our youngest child. We have lovingly dubbed him "Bam-Bam". I should have known, from the time I could feel him moving around in my tummy, that he was destined to be different, full of life, and boundless energy. It's tough to keep up, but what choice do we have? Now you can see why there is so little time for much else in my days....
20-JAN-2007
Korean War Monument (South Carolina)
Located in Memorial Park in Columbia South Carolina
The engraving reads:
Dedicated to the men and women of South Carolina who served in the Korean War 25 June 1950 to July 1953
82,000 Palmetto State residents served in what has been called "The Forgotten War". Of that number, 26,000 served in the Far East, 1327 were wounded and 472 perished. These South Carolinans, part of the silent generation, are not forgotten! At the onset of "The Cold War", they fought against the expansive communist regimes, thereby expressing a deep commitment to ideals envisioned in the charter of the United Nations.
On the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the war the grateful citizens of South Carolina dedicate this memorial to those men and women and their families in rememberance of the sacrifices they made.
25 June 2000
31-AUG-2006
Forgotten
Has it ever happened to you? Have you ever put away a camera and forgot to upload all the photos from the memory card? Well it happened to me, today as a matter of fact. I went to the closet to pull out my little A80 and have a bit of fun with it. Well there are problems with that camera that will force me to upgrade. Not today tho, as I have 2 other cameras that operate quite well. Anyway, there was the CF card half full. So I uploaded to the computer and was quite suprised at my find. There are a few little snip it of movies of my children playing, and other wonderful memories on there. Like this little fella, for instance. There is a story behind this photo.
You see, back in the summer, our oldest son, (who we will refer to as the Entomologist) now 5, had a pet toad named Hoppy. Well we would find crickets and other "edibles" for Hoppy and give them to him all the time. This particular day, the Etamologist found this grasshopper and asked if we could give it to Hoppy. Sure, I said. Well a few days had passed and apparently Hoppy didn't find this grasshopper interesting, so we returned him to the backyard. Before we did so, we took a few pictures, as we try to do of all the bugs we find.
So there you have it, the story behind this forgotten grasshopper, and an almost forgotten memory of that wonderful lesson we learned about toads. They don't eat grasshoppers, on Wednesdays.
27-NOV-2006
Stuck in Traffic
After spending exactly two hours in the doctors office getting the baby's 12 month vaccinations, and added flu shot, we were finally headed home. Traffic was thick, as it was the 5 o'clock rush hour and everyone was ending their day. I certainly do not miss the hustle and bustle of the daily 9 to 5. We were listening to our favorite Christmas CD, and singing along. A car pulled beside us, with blaring techno pop. Now, normally this would have got me all in a tissy, only because I think it is rude to sit at a traffic light with your music as loud as it will go. Today was different. I wasn't mad, actually, I was thankful, as it gave me a few minutes to think about what I was really thankful for, these days.
I am thankful that I married a wonderful man, and have been blessed to love him for almost 13 years. I am thankful that he is a hard worker, and still honors our origninal plan of my staying home to raise the children, no matter how tight times may become. I am thankful that we have two beautiful and healthy children. I am thankful for our modest home, in a safe neighborhood. I am thankful for sidewalk chalk, and our large driveway. I am thankful for my ears, so that I can hear the laughter of my children, and for arms to recieve their hugs. I am thankful to be tired at the end of my days, because it means I have been entertained by my children.
I am thankful for many things. Today, I am thankful for that person and his techno pop. I am thankful that he gave me a few minutes to focus on what I am thankful to have, instead of worrying about what I do not.
03-NOV-2006
Falling Down
Not exactly taken today, but there was no photo taken today. I had a chance to play in Photoshop, and this resulted from a terribly out of focus, but rather adorable picture. Hey.. when life gives you lemons.. make lemon meringue pie, it's better than lemonaide.
01-OCT-2006
He Always Does It
I was raised an only child, so it stands to reason that I cherish my husbands two brothers as tho they were my own. They are both really wonderful guys, and are each as different as night and day.
The youngest, Mike, is the brother that I believe is closest to my husband. He always comes down for a visit, well at least once a year anyway. He is a good guy, and my huband really enjoys the time he spends with his baby brother. It's been a long standing tradition, that whenever Uncle Mike comes for a visit, or we go to New York to visit them, upon leaving, he buys the children an ice cream. This time proved to be no different. Entomologist loved it, but not as much as he loves his Uncle Mike.
21-SEP-2006
How it Started
It started out like many Wednesdays usually do. Making breakfast, cleaning the kitchen, and convincing a 4 year old that we CAN NOT stay in our pajama's all day, again. Once we were finally all dressed,I called my Mom and let her know we were going to pay her a visit. Afterall, a trip to Nanny's house is a guaranteed break for EVERYONE!
My Mom lives out in the country. It's a rather quaint place, where its quiet, and if you take in a deep breath, you will cerainly smell the great outdoors. Then if you half heartly listen, you will hear chickens, my mother's chickens. Oh, make no mistake, these are her pets. She talks to them everyday, and makes sure they are comfortable, because they give her eggs everyday! She collects, in total, about 2 dozen eggs a week from her chickens. Being her only child, we are guaranteed a dozen fresh beautiful brown speckled eggs each week.
This rooster here, she named Peace. I am not sure why since the other one is so mean. Yes, she has 2 roosters, and the other one, she named after my husband. (Hmmmm....) She has a total of 9 chickens.
This was the start of our Wonderful Wednesday.
23-AUG-2006
It was gonna be one of "those" days!
It's not how it looks! I promise I am a very attentive mother. Let me tell you the story, please.
It was Wednesday morning, and my dh was off from work. All four of us were piled into our king size bed, greeting the morning playfully. Suddenly the baby wanted down, to play on the floor/explore. So we put him down. The rest of us, (my husband, oldest son(4) and myself)continued to talk and play. The next thing, I looked into the master bathroom, and what do you know! there he was standing IN THE POTTY! He has been making a game out of seeing how fast he can climb on top of the potty when the lid is down, and I am putting on make up, or someone is in one of the bathrooms. Well this time he landed in the potty instead of on. I had to grab my camera. It was on my dresser, and I knew that this is one of those pictures that he will, hopefully, adore when he is older.
So there you go, that's how it happened. It took all of a minute!
*BTW, I know this isn't even a "good" quality picture, but it was all on a moments notice**
21-JUL-2006
In The Driver's Seat
I didn't realize that the Entomologist brought Hoppy into the house, until he came in here in the playroom and sat that toad on my shoulder. Needless to say it gave me quite a shock. I can play with Hoppy, but it has to be on my terms. He thought that it was great that Mommie let out a very high pitched squeal, and laughed uncontrolably for several minutes. After I regained my composure, I grabbed Hoppy, and sat him on my keyboard. He didn't stay. So down to the floor we went and brought out several large trucks to see how creative I could be with the camera. Hoppy enjoyed playing trucks with my son and I, or so it seemed. I am glad we decided to let our son have a pet frog. I must admit, I am rather attached to this ol' toad. I think he is rather cute... in a fairy tale kinda way. ;)
12-JUL-2006
He Counted to 60!!
Always expect the unexpected, a phrase that I am coming to know very well. Children suprise you with what they know. You can teach and teach subjects, or lessons all day everyday, thinking that you are just not getting thru to them. Then it happens... like today for instance.
Today on this fine Southern summer day we were having, decided to get into the children's pool. The Entomologist decides that he is going to be "Squid Man", thanks to a Discovery Channel episode about the Giant Squid. The pool was the (pay attention to the spelling here) giMantic ocean, and there were lots and lots of squid that were swimming around. Entomologist says, "Mommie watch out for their beaks, they will bite you!" Then he proceeds to tell me that he has to get the squid out of the giMantic ocean, and starts counting them. 1-2-3-4-5-6, and so on. He passes 20, (I knew he could get to 30) then he passes 40, 50, and gets all the way to 60! Then asks what comes after 60, and I told him, then he says 62, all the way to (trying not to giggle here) 69, and then 60, 60!!! LOL LOL I just didn't think all those "lessons" on counting were sinking in! I thought he was bored with me teaching him how to count. I guess he was paying attention, and decided that excitement and use of imagination was certainly worthy of showing me he knew all along.
Caleb is 4 1/2, by the way.
Go Squid Man Go!!!!