It Has Begun

The neighborhood pool has been open for six days and my boys have been there at least four times.

Although this looks lovely and relaxing, it didn't last.

It was a struggle getting there as Big Boy had a meltdown about his brother and friend not being "friends".  Then, it was a struggle leaving the pool as Big Boy refused to get up from his sunbathing pose.  

I had taken out ground turkey this morning to thaw for tacos, one of their favorite dinners.  On the way home, I was told, "Here is the deal: we are having pizza, not tacos and we will have pizza tomorrow night and Saturday and Sunday.  I promise I will listen to you the first or second time you ask and will I still get Skylanders for my birthday if I'm good?"

How did this happen?  Where did my inquisitive, cute, kind little boys go?  

They got into a fight within ten minutes of returning home, capped with a round of door slamming.

The deal making needs to stop.  The demands need to stop.  The begging needs to stop.

We (I) need caring, compassion, consideration.  

I'd like this to be aimed at me, but I'd take a little showing towards others, too.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

New Business

Little Man is going to be an entrepreneur.

He is constantly thinking of new ways to earn money.

Without further adieu, may I present the "Plastic Recycled Overalls:  Adventure Pants"

The Camper, the Ear and the Pup

I've been distant.

I've been wrapped up in other things that keep me away from my computer and photographs.

Here's a recap and random thoughts:

1.  A pop up camper is a really cool hideout for kids, unless it's closed, and then it's a real big pain for parents' ears..."you will open the camper tonight, or else!"

2.  Playing in the dirt is so much fun, until the poison ivy on your hands scratches the open sore on you neck.

2.a.  Antibiotics help an ear that is swollen twice the size and red and floppy, however, antibiotics with food coloring make boy crazy.

2.b.  Sometimes, a cold beer is the best medicine for Mom.

3.  Vertigo sucks.

4.  A puppy is a wonderful addition to any house, just use lots of air freshener.

4.a.  A puppy is a lot of work.

5.  Blogging makes me feel normal, again.

It's a Girl!

Meet Millie.

She is the newest GoldenDoodle addition to our family.  She arrived on Mother's Day, bright and early and hasn't left my side since.  

It has been a challenge with the potty training, but realistically, it's only been four days.  I think we've done okay considering the time.  Tom may tell you differently, he is the cleaner-up'er since I'm the taker-out'er.  Thanks, Tom...huge help.

Today, Miss Millie had a bath.  She didn't care for it all that much, but didn't seem to mind it, either.  Frankly, I'm shocked she didn't frolic around in the tub, she's been eyeing the pond for days.

Even though ice not had a full nights sleep since last weekend, it's pretty cool.  She follows Tom around, trying to get his attention.  She plays with Little Man since he is more her size, and with Big Boy, well, they were meant to be together.

Forever.

{HIS moments}

Extraordinary moments, captured by Little Man on his very own camera.  This boy may very well have "the eye" for photography.

Yo Betty!

I took the boys, plus one, to Yo Betty tonight.  They were upset that the owners replaced the colorful chairs with standard chairs - so they sat at the window tonight.

As we were walking through the parking lot past the corner grocery mart, an older lady was gingerly putting her groceries in her car.  She was smiling at my pack of boys.  As we got closer, I was thinking she needed help with her gallon of water, but instead, she said, "Oh my, are those all yours?"

"No, two are."

"Is that little one yours?  He is handsome.  Aren't you a good looking boy!"

"(blank stare)" from Little Man.

"Oh, you two aren't bad looking either."

I giggled to myself.

Then enjoyed my New York Cheesecake Frozen yogurt with fresh blueberries and strawberries.  YUM.