BMX Superstar

Friday night, Colter and I went for yet another walk. I decided to take it out of my neighborhood for a change of scenery. I have been stalking houses looking at the landscaping and getting ideas. I like to stay in the "older" parts of town. The trees are large and many of the flowers are what grandma would have had. Right up my alley.

I passed the Kerrie Meyer residence and her door was open. I saw movement, so I yelled Kerrie Meyer Rocks. No one came running out, so I assumed they thought there was some crazy outside and went into hiding. :O) We did manage to get into one house.....but it was family. They didn't have much of a choice. After visiting with family for a bit, I decided to head back home. Colter was getting tired and so was I.

When we were a block from home, I see the naughty little neighbor kids are out. Naughty, because I don't think they have much adult supervision. One of the boy's starts yelling at me.

Boy: Hey! Will you watch me? I want to show you something.
Me: (argh.) What do you want to show me?
Boy: Just watch. (dragging a ramp out to the sidewalk.) I can jump this on my bike.
Me: (Oh!) You should be careful. You could get hurt.
Boy: No I won't. I have done it before.
Me: Okay. Be careful.

I continue walking, because I really don't want to witness this kid crack his skull open. And I really just want to get home.

Boy: I'm ready. Are you going to watch me?

Awe fiddle sticks! I could tell this kid was just dying for some attention. I very well couldn't just ignore him. So I stopped and turned around to watch him.

Me: Okay. I'm watching.

He rides like mad, gets to the ramp and his bike gets stuck on the top.

Me: Good Job!
Boy: I can do better. I can go much higher. Do you want to see? Please?
Me: Okay. Lets see it.

Once again, he rides like mad and this time he clears the ramp.

Me: (clapping.) Wow! That was great! Your pretty darn good. You better keep practicing. Some day when your a famous BMX superstar, I want your autograph.
Boy: I can do it with no hands. Will you watch me?
Me: (I had to draw the line here.) No way. I don't want to see that. That would scare me.

I turn around and take off for home, as quickly as I can. I am trying to make my escape. The boy comes riding his bike past me and turns the corner. When I get to the corner, I turn the opposite way, because my house is across the street.

Boy: Where are you going?
Me: I have to go home.
Boy: You do?
Me: Yep.

I felt so bad for the little guy. He seemed very bummed that he couldn't follow me on my walk. He was obviously desperate for some attention. I hope our 10 minutes of interaction made him feel good, but I know it was no where near enough.

Lovey Dovey Curtain

My Mission? Buy el cheapo shower curtain. Why el cheapo? Let me explain.

It is a boys bathroom. Not exactly a glamorous setting. Far from spa like. The floors are covered with a hideous linoleum. The walls? Some kind of board that looks like it was suppose to have looked like fake brick at one time. Now it is covered with layers of paint. The sink is old and has what looks like legs from a walker. Their purpose? Not sure, but I assume it is to hold the sink up. The best feature of the bathroom? The shower. :O0

Someone really handy installed the shower. It is obvious that at one time there was a claw foot tub. It was replaced at some point with another tub. A half wall had to be put in to accommodate the knobs and faucet. I am not sure what type of material they used to build that wall. I don't think they wanted anyone to know, because they covered it with contact paper that is suppose to look like wood grain. Pretty. Later, someone decided they wanted a shower. If your going to have a shower, you need curtains. So, rather than make walls and have some type of surround, they rigged up some rods that form a circle all the way around the tub. The rods are held up by 1/4in cotton rope that is tied to hooks in the ceiling. Because of the lack of wall to hold the shower head, they decided going with the wand type would be best. Soon, they realized that holding the wand over their head made their arms very tired. So what better way to fix that problem then to get a board, attach it to the super curtain rod and drill a hole in it so the shower head could be fixed to it. The duct tape is to help keep it from falling through that hole.

Because the boys bathroom has the hillbilly theme, I am sticking to el cheapo curtains. I found some real cheapies at the dollar store and picked up three of them. Three because I have to go all the way around the tub. Once I got them home, I threw them on a shelf and forgot about them for a while. When I finally thought about them and had a moment, I put them up. Apparently, they were so thankful, because they have been trying to suffocate the whole family with big bear hugs every time you are in there. How awful they must feel at the constant whining and punching that they receive when they try to show their love. No one in the house feels the love.

Poor shower curtains. Perhaps I will let them stay a few more days.

Attempting to get a hello........I could'a had'a V8.

Happy Mother's Day

To all of the Mother's, expecting Mother's, Grandmother's and Step-Mother's out there....

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

An extra special Mother's day wish to my Mom and my Mother-in-law!! These are two very special women in my life. Both have given me life, just in very different ways. I can never thank them enough and I hope they know just how much they mean to me and how much they are loved.

Love ya Mom & Ma B (or S)

You Rock!!

Howdy

I am getting horrible at updating. I know this. My family has been holding me hostage. Well...the 1 1/2 year old has been anyway. I love being outdoors, but he is an addict. His every waking hour is spent outside, or trying to convince me we need to go there. I am enjoying it though.

It has been a couple of years since I have been able to work in the yard. Believe that I have been stalking the yard/garden isle for months now. Every green house has been receiving a visit from me at least twice a week. Sometimes twice a day. :O) When I am not chasing Colter around, I am thinking about what I can put in my yard. I have lots of idea's, but no where near enough funds to complete them all now. Besides, what fun would that be? What would I do next year?

Colter's vocabulary is constantly growing. I would say he says at least 30 words. Some of those, only mom understands. He says a couple of two word phrases like....oh no, all gone and where at. And of course he jabbers up a storm. He witnessed mom talking with her hands a while back, and now he likes to jabber and move his hands like mom did. He saw his dad spit and now he imitates that. However, he doesn't actually spit, he just looks down and says blah blah. He cracks me up.

All is well at the homestead. We have just been getting out and enjoying some fresh air. Hope all is good with you all.

Spring Showers....

Hi everyone. We are still staying very busy. Rather than one long rambling post, I did a few different ones today.

Every year, we have wanted to attend the Kingswood rummages to see what all the fuss is about. Every year, I find out about them at the last minute and don't get a chance to go. This year, I did my research and found out when they were in advance. I took Thursday, the 24th off so we could go. Lucky me, the day we picked to go, there was a monsoon. We went anyway.

The morning started off well, but after an hour or so, it unleashed. We were about 6 blocks from my jeep and decided to run for it. Unfortunately, I got stuck at a busy intersection and the motorists did not feel sorry for me. The just kept on speeding by, splashing up water all the way. By the time I finally made it back to the jeep, it was to late. I looked like I had just jumped into a swimming pool.

Rather than let it dampen our spirits, we headed to Walmart for some dry clothes, umbrella's & poncho's. After we found the much need gear, we headed back out. This time, only our calves and feet got wet. Al and I compared it to playing in the rain like we did when we were kids. Because of the rain, we did not hit nearly as many sales as we would have liked to. I didn't find a single thing for myself. But despite all of that, we had a blast. I can't wait to do it again next year.

Spring time in SD

For those who don't know what spring time in SD is like.... That date is no typo....
The weather man said chance of rain/snow mix. No accumulation expected. The ground is to warm. You should receive a Budweiser toast as a real man of genius. Because of you, Mr weather man, I wore my blue foam shoes. Croc's as you may know them. Croc's minus socks. Only you could predict no accumulation. Leaving many unsuspecting, trusting listeners to go into work expecting nothing. Only to come out to something. And not just a little something. A whole foot of something. White blowing flakes of cold. Cold that falls into the holes of blue foam shoes. Cold flakes that seem to become even colder after they collide with sock less feet that cause them to melt. Melting into puddles of freezing cold ice water. Freezing the little tootsies of your faithful listeners. Here's to you Mr weatherman. One of a select few men who tell a lie to thousands without flinching.

The kids

Not to much new as far as Tanner goes. He will be 13 in a few months. Those of you that have teenagers or remember that age, know what that means. Girls are now interesting, puberty s^cks, and parents are lame. The only other thing on his agenda at this time, is completing the hunter safety course.






Colter's vocabulary is growing right along with more teeth. He loves to play outside and is becoming a pro tantrum thrower. Melt downs occur every time we go in, get close to the door, or when mom pretends not to know why he is handing her his shoes. Mom is becoming a pro tantrum dis tractor. One episode was cured by making a chocolate pie. Colter got to lick off his first "spoon". Which of course, eventually lead to more melt downs. Good times!!

Kitchen progress

The kitchen has been coming along, slowly. It will be done someday. For now, I am happy that I have a few cabinets.... Some counter top.....
and something to cook with.
I am getting a bit anxious to get a sink back, but the above will pacify me for a bit. Al is going to have to call in a reinforcements to help him cut the rest of the counter top. He is not exactly fond of that task which causes him to speak in bizarre tongue. He is not excited that I threw a miter into the mix. Luckily, he has a relative who is an expert in diy home improvement. Hopefully, that relative will be willing to lend a hand, or some advice....for Al's sake. And for my SANITY!!!

Princess Chopper

While demanding my attention this morning, I noticed that princess Chopper is starting to get white around the eyes. My little princess is starting to age. It made me shudder to think about her getting old. I love my princess like mad. Yes. I am one of those crazy folk who think their pets are their kids. :O)



Until next time.....

Swinging

Big & small, having a ball

Kitchen

I have not had anytime to post lately. Well, I am sure that I could find a second, but I have been taking every opportunity mother nature has given to get outdoors. When I haven't been outside, working, chasing a toddler or cleaning, I have been trying to help Al get the kitchen done. We didn't have much of a kitchen before, but we have not had one at all for the past 3 weeks. Al has been working on it when ever he gets a chance, but he is not a huge fan of the mudding & sheet rock part. So, that has taken him a bit longer. This week we should be able to get most of the cabinets set, hung and my stove back in there. No more to go food! I can only eat pizza and chicken so many times. Fast food is not even an option. Yuck!!

This is the kind of mess I have been dealing with the past few weeks.....
You have no idea how happy seeing painted walls has made me.

Enjoy the weather this week! They are talking 70 for tuesday. It will be a great day to spend shopping with my Sis-n-law! I can't wait!!

Mom email

Hi everyone. I recieved an email that I would like to share with you. I am sure most of you have seen this one before. I know I have, but I think its a good one.....enjoy!

Being a MOM...

We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of 'starting a family.' 'We're taking a survey,' she says half-joking. 'Do you think I should have a baby?'

'It will change your life,' I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

'I know,' she says, 'no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations.'

But that is not what I mean t at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.

I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, 'What if that had been MY child?' That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of 'Mom!' will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moments hesitat ion.

I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.

However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs. I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.

My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromanti c.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike.

I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time.

I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. 'You'll never regret it,' I finally say. Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

I am in heaven

You may think (ok, know) that I am totally crazy, but I just took the most amazing shower ever. No naughty thoughts here people. Before I was ever married and certainly before I became pregnant, I had no idea just how much of a luxury taking a shower was.

I remember a conversation that was had at a family dinner once. It was before Al and I were married. My dad had asked Al if I still took those 30 minute showers and wasted all the hot water. (That was no joke. I really did.) Al replied back with something like....no she doesn't. But she still wastes all the hot water. When ever I shower with her, I almost end up in mckennan's burn unit. (Also no joke. I like it hot!) At this point in the conversation, my Mom's eyeballs about popped out of her head. I told her not to worry, we wore our swimming suits. :O) All though I am sure she knew better, that is what she wanted to believe.

Any how, the past 8 years or so, I have always felt rushed to get in, get out, and get the job done. Someone always has to go to the bathroom, etc when it is my turn. Since my toddler came along, I really feel rushed.

Tonight, it is just Colter and I. He has been fast asleep for over an hour. I got in that shower, and I didn't have to worry about a thing. I took almost a 20 minute hot shower. I got in a good 10 minutes of just standing under the water and relaxing. No interruptions. It was heaven!!!! Thank you Lord!!!!

Nightmare on Chopper's street

It all happened on Monday afternoon. My day started out like an other typical day in this dog eat dog world. I did my usual bed pounce to wake up my human slaves so I could go outside. After I complete my mission, I prance and bark all the way to the door. My bff, Sadie, growls, spins in circles and foams at the mouth. Once outside, I bark at the air until I finally decided to relieve myself. Back inside I go.

Sadie and I assume our usual positions. I lay on top of the couch where I can get a good view out the window. My pal Sadie, stands on the couch and plasters her face to the window. We want to make sure that anyone who dares to pass by, knows whose territory the are on.

Ah, the first victim of the day. The old lady and her dog. I throw my head back and bark towards the ceiling. I'm tough, and they better recognize. In case they are doubting me, Sadie lets them know she is there to back me. She bounces of the furniture and window, while spitting, barking and growling. They must know that if the window were not there, they would be lunch. Once the lady and her dog pass, we continue to bark for a minute or two. Just in case.

Today seems a bit slow. There are not as many people trespassing today. Perhaps we have scared them all. Wait! Whats that?! Oooo doggie! Its a human crossing the street a block away. I enlist the help of Sadie to make sure they keep on walking. We showed him. He must have been to scared to come down here.

In between my missions to protect whats mine, I take catnaps. However, after one of my afternoon catnaps, something appeared that had me shaking like a leaf. My human slave says that its scary because of the smelly mess of germs growing inside. But that is exactly why I was captivated and couldn't look away. That same smelly mess of germs was to much for me to resist. My eyes were glued to it. Then, all of the sudden, it would move. I barked and ran away with my tail between my legs. Every time I went back to look, it would happen again. It was so traumatizing. All afternoon, I agonized over this thing.

I was so relieved when my human slave so bravely scooped the thing up and got it out of my sight. Finally, I could resume my position on the couch. Life is back to normal again.