What Started As Happiness...

Quickly turned to crap...literally! Let's just say that Watson did not turn out to be the angel he appeared to be. The longer he lived with us, the worse he behaved. He was not at all fond of going potty outside, decided to start chewing Libby's antique bed, cried all night in his kennel. So, he went to another home yesterday... we're very sad it didn't work out, but honestly, we're all pretty relieved that he's gone. Maybe this is why I'm not a dog person?

A weekend alone?

Well, Libby and Roan are going to Jefferson City this weekend to visit Meme and Baba, the O'Donnell grandparents. We used to live in Jeff, less than 10 minutes from them, so they are crazy about visiting. It's like a second home to them. The best part about this visit? I'm not going!! It sounds horrible, but I'm so happy to have a weekend to myself. It has been a year since I've had more than an hour or two alone. I'm an only child who thrives on alone time, so having a son who clings is difficult for me. And when I say cling, I mean attached, glued, connected, velcroed... even during the night. Roan is making progress with this, but boy, he loves his mom. So, with my time, what shall I do? I have a list of a million things that need to be done, of course, but I think I'll go to dinner with friends, SLEEP past 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, study, watch a movie, read a book, cut the lawn and just be alone!!! I'm looking forward to these things, but by Saturday night, I'll be ready for the little people to come home!!

The Things We Do For Our Kids...

Ok, I have worn a swimsuit in public for my children... I have eaten outside for my children... I have watched Barney the Dinosaur over and over... just a couple of the things I have done for Libby and Roan because I love them and that's what moms do. The latest? On Friday, we brought home a dog! Those of you who know me are probably shocked. I'm not exactly a dog person. However, Roan and Libby have been begging for MONTHS to get one. So I've combed Craigslist almost daily for just the right one. Small, fluffy, cute...

So, meet Watson, our Shih Tzu - Lhasa Apso mix. He's about 8-10 months old and a total doll. (Am I really saying this about a dog? OMG, what is happening to me?)

He was a rescue dog, so he's a bit scruffy. Eventually, we'll have him groomed. Now, we're in the process of crate training and potty training him. (Just exactly what I have time to do right now...) If he had his way, he'd snuggle up in bed with Roan every night. He desperately wants to be friends with our cat, Stella, but so far, she's having none of it. He has a black moustache on just the left side of his mouth, so it looks like he's got a crooked little grin. He's so darned cute, even Nana and Papa (the ultimate non-dog people) like him!

Book recommendation...

I recently read a book that, as a parent, rocked my world. Crank, a New York Times bestseller, is loosely based on the author's daughter, Kristina's, story of addiction to crystal meth, or "the monster". This book came out in 2004; I guess I've been in a cave, because I only recently heard about it. She describes Kristina's decline in verse, which was very odd to me, at first; however, the more I read, the less I cared. Although my kids are only in preschool, this story haunted me. I finished this 300+ page book in less than 24 hours! I've put a hold on the sequel at the library, and can't wait until it comes in! I highly recommend this book to parents and teens alike... wow.

Dog Sitting...

A couple of weeks ago, some friends asked if the kids and I would dog-sit. Danny & Sclie brought Charlie and Sweet Pea, their pugs, and Vicki brought Silas, her chubby Cairn Terrier. In one day, we went from a no dogs to three! The kids had a BALL!! Roan fell in love with Sweet Pea; they laid in the recliner side by side, watching TV. The kids have wanted a dog for a long time...now they're desperate for one!

This is Roan and Silas on the bench on our front porch.

Btw, Roan picked out his own clothes that day!

The Deanna Rose Farmstead

The Deanna Rose Farm is one of Libby's all-time favorite places to go. We went this past Sunday and the kids had a ball! It's amazing that such a phenomenal place is free!

Roan & Libby playing in the Kaw tipi.

Roan and Nana milking the pretend cow. Libby's there in the background, too...

The baby goats competing for Roan's milk bottle.

Supreme cuteness...

Feeding the goat...

My Mini-Me...

Libby has looked like me from the day she was born. I've always loved it because I never really looked like anyone in my family. For the past few weeks, Libby has been coming to the clinic at my school and everyone who sees her comments on how much we look alike. People are constantly saying "She's your mini-me!" Of course Libby has never seen 'Austin Powers', so she has no idea what they're saying... so I explained it to her... now she loves telling everyone she meets that she's my mini-me. So funny, coming from a 5-year old!