BABY GET'S BIG

Today, is our middle son's Birthday. He is actually, "my" only biological child. I have two step sons as well. Anyway, he turns 12 years old today. It's actually hard to believe. The older he get's, the older I feel. He and I talked about it last night. I started going into labor, around 6:00 P.M. the night before. I then checked into the hospital around 9:00 P.M. That was the beginning of a long, grueling, painful process. Even though, I was barely 24 years old at the time. I wouldn't want to go through that again ever.

This is why, we are suppose to have children when we are young. So that we can withstand all of the pain of childbirth. I'll admitt it, I was, and still am a whimp. After giving birth, I am convinced that, I am not physically made to have children. I don't have those big "birthing hips." I suppose that's why, I was in labor for so long. It's probably why, after he was born, Dr. Fuller said that, he should have been a C section. I was in labor from 6:00 P.M. on March 30th, and didn't have him until 12:53 P.M. the next afternoon.

Dr. Fuller didn't expect him to be that big either. He expected that, he would only weigh around five pounds or so. He said that, "little women fool him most of the time." I weighed 100 pounds even when I became pregnant, and weighed 126 pounds when I gave birth. However, he was two weeks early, and weighed 7" 11. He could have easily weighed eight pounds, had we went full term. This is because, there are 16 ounces in a pound. He could have gained five more ounces easily, in two weeks. However, I think that, Dr. Fuller wanted him to be be born early. I was dialated to a three, so then he scratched my membrane. He wanted to speed things along.

I can remember him saying that, "I'll see you tonight." I thought, "sure you will." Ok... so he was right. Little did I know that, my son's entrance into this world, would set the tone for his future behavior. He wasn't quite ready, and that he would be born, when he felt like it. He would get around to it, when he was darn good and ready. A little encouragement, is an understatement.

Dr. Fuller had to scratch my membrane, put me on a patossin drip, break my water twice, and use the forceps to get him out. Not very willing, was he? That's why they say that, Aries children are, the most stubbon children in the zodiac. Yes, I know, I've experienced 12 years old that so far. Anyway, Happy Birthday to my baby! Bye ya'll!

BARELY LEGAL

Today, my plan is, to go get a new license. My five year license is almost up. It actually expires tomorrow. However, I'm just going to go an do it today. I've just been putting it off. The license branch, is just such a pain in the behind. Not only that, but you've got to fix up a bit. Otherwise, you have to look at an ugly drivers license for the next five years. It's amazing just how differnt that I look compared to five years ago.

Five years ago, I had longer hair and braces. Yes, I know, a little old to have had braces then. Although, I was 30 years old, when I had them put on. I wore those darn things for two and one half years. Never-the-less, it was money well spent. Not only do my teeth look a bit better, but my migrains are gone. So, it was a wini, win situation. I you've ever lived with migrains, then you know what I'm talking about.

The, there is the cost of getting a new license. It's stupid how, you have to pay for a new one, every five years. I think that, once you've paid for you're initial license. You should just be able to go in, and get a new one for free. Senior citizens don't have to pay for theirs. This includes both of my parents. My Dad joked how his would be free this year. Well, it better be. He is, 72 years old. Let's not get into that debate.

I'm talking about, those who drive at that age. Some folks actually have no business driving. I'm not saying that my parents shouldn't drive anymore. Some other older adults just shouldn't. So later on, I'm off to get my license. I'll try an "Control My Joy." Happy driving ya'll.

WALK THIS WAY

After watching several episodes of "The Dog Whisperer" I decided to try some of the thechniques that I've learned. In the beginning of your walk, you are to start out standing up straight,with shoulders held high. You are to give the impression that, you are in charge. Well, that only worked with Tigger, as far as our front porch. After that, he drug me through the front yard, and down the street. My neighbor was so worried about me that, she came down to check on us.

She said that both my son and I, looked like a couple of little kids, being walked by three dogs. As mentioned before, Tigger drug me, and the other two dogs drug my middle son. He had the Bulldog Winston, and the youngest Boxer puppy Noel. Again, I had decided that, I was going to be in charge of Tigger. I was going to whip him into shape, while he was on the leash. I actually had it in my head, "I can do this... he's only a big puppy."

Before our half and hour walk, to the end of the culdesac and back, my neighbor showed back up. However, she was on foot this time, with the spike, choker coller in hand. She had actually put two of her smaller dogs collers together. Although, Tigger's neck was far too big for both of those. In the beginning of her training, Tigger bit and fought her. He jumped into her face, and nearly knocked her glasses off as well. Thankfully, she handed them off to me, before he could do so.

Soon I made my son, and the neighbor girl put the other two dogs away. This way, we could work with just Tigger. To make a long story short. She evetually got him to walk properly on the leash. She even handed his leash to me, and he walked fine for me too. I was in complete shock. It was like I had my own Dog Whisperer. She said that we should work with him for, the next two weeks straight.

The training sessions, should do this for about 30 minutes per evening. I agreed because, it's still warm outside in the evening. She said that, she would see me tomorrow, and we would work on it some more together. I asked he if, she thought that he was untrainable, and she said no. I'll be suprised to see if, this does any good. Happy dog training ya'll.

THE CRITICAL HOUR

Unusually, this morning did not start off well. My husband and I had a brief exchange of words. Ordinarily, I just ignore his criticisms. Although, this has become the norm, for both my parents and my husband. I understand that, I am quite unusual and don't do things in a normal manner. Never-the-less, whatever the task, I always get it done. However, I have become quite sick of, them all telling me, what I'm doing wrong.

This is by no means healthy, for my self esteem. Actually, I have found that, my self esteem no longer exist. I have lived 36 years with, people telling me that, I don't measure up. I don't even like for the telephone to ring. I'm positive that, it's one of my parents calling me with, their daily interpretation of my imperfection. You would think that, this would be a wake up call of some sort for me. However, this happens so frequently that, I've become numb to all of their criticisms.

Since when did they all become the picture of perfection? I guessing that, since they are all so perfect that; this makes them an authority on the subject. How am I suppose to feel,living with a family full of flawless people? There are only two people in my family, who aren't this way. One of which, is my brother. The other is, my favorite Aunt. Both haved lived with, this same problem as myself. They understand, what it's like hearing this same broken record.

However, my brother has not only become numb to all of this treatment, it now falls on a deaf ear. I have decided that, I will nolonger take, judgemental phone calls. In other words, if you are not calling with something nice to say to me, then don't call me at all. I have also decided that, I will nolonger take this treatment from my husband. I plan on firing back at him with, one of his daily imperfections. I am hoping that, if I point out that, he's not so perfect all of the time; then he will stop doing this to me. Bye ya'll.

AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY...

Yeah... what about the seventh day? I heard somewhere that, he rested. Nope... not me. I worked my behind off. So much for, soaking in my massage from the night before. I knew that, I would do that to myself. I'd sleep like a baby, then wreck my body the day after. Just as our middle son said, "why bother?" Does this child know me, or what? He actually said, "by Sunday night you'll just need me to rub your back again." I can't stand kids that, are too smart for their own good. I'm kidding, he's actually pretty observent.

Here was what I got accomplished yesterday. # 1. I scraped the paint off of the tile. #2. I mopped the whole house. #3. Shampooed the living room carpet. #4. Washed the dog beds. #5. Washed all of the throw rugs. #6. Did regular laundry. #7. Made the bed. #8. Wiped down the counter tops. #9. Oranged oiled the entry way furniture. # 10. Talked to two Aunts, a Sister-In-Law, my brother, and my best friend. # 11. Windexed two doors. #12. Scraped paint from several marble window seals. # 13. Made dinner. # 15. Took a samll nap, early on in the day. #16. Gave the puppy a bath, (she had mud on her). Gee great...# 17. Vaccumed several times.

Having said that, I thought that you were suppose to rest your bones on Sunday? Yeah... I'll remember that next Sunday... not! Hey, I've got a question, do I have a new Blog stalker or something? Someone, keeps leaving me comments. However, the won't tell me who they are. Seriously, I appreciate the praise. Although, they need to "find their nards" and "show their face." If... I have to explain all of that, then you should stay anonymous. So... I'll be hearing from you, right? To the rest of ya'll, have a great Monday!

Sidebar... Hey, I figured out who you were, and it's fine. Maybe if... I could understand what nationality you were. Never-the-less, thank you.

ALL WORTH WHILE

Last night, I cashed my gift certificate for my Birthday massage. I'm a little sore today, although a whole lot better then I was. I should tell you about my massuse. She is 58 years old, and wife to one of my husbands very good friends at work. She's been doing this at home for only 18 months. However, doing this profesionally for about 20 years. She told me last night that, she didn't know how much longer that, she will be able to massage. She has degenerative bone disease in her spine. This was the result of, a car accident many years ago.

She really is a wonderful woman, one whom which I can relate to. She's tiny and short like me, and young at heart. Although, she is much more stylish. She has a few tatoos, many ear rings, and a belly button ring. None of which, apply to me. Again, whatever blows your skirt up. I am seriously interesteed in, doing this for a living. Something that, I can do at home. She was talking me through my massage last night. I hope that, I can learn how to do this without going to school.

I am in no mood to go back to school. One degree that I don't use, is more then enough. Again, she informed me that, you don't have to have a license to do this in our state. Sounds pretty strange to me. However, remember that, I was doing all of that hard work of painting the house. My massage me it all worth while. Ya'll make each other feel better.

COURT TV

Today, I have to be at court at 1:30 P.M. Suprisingly enough, my former husband, signed off with no problems on; the "First Right Of Refusal" order. My crafty Attorney, waited one week before the court date, in hopes that good things would happen. Her husband, and her right hand man said, "sometimes it's better this way." Although, I've known my former husband for almost 17 years, he still suprises me. I guess that, you really don't know people, like you think that you do.

The other strange thing is, my son's step-mother, also admitted to my son that, this was all her fault. I'll have to write that down. Something about, "we didn't give your mother all of the needed information." Yes dear, it's much more then just this one time. Try about, seven years worth of "not all of the necessary information." I honestly wouldn't have gone to an attorney over just one incidence. I'm not... all that crazy.

Having said that, I'll be on my own in court today. My former husband won't be there. Also, my wonderful husband and son won't be there either. I'll only be in there for a few minutes anyway. According to the attorney, it's only a couple of yesses, and then we'll be out of there. I told my husband that, this is the one time that, things went our way legally. Not necessarily an interesting episode of Court TV, but it will have to do. Well I'm otta here. Bye ya'll!

A JOB WELL DONE

For those interested, I'm finally finished painting, and it only took me 10 days to do it. I've got all of the pictures back on the walls as well. My next job at hand is, to get this house back in shape. I only started shampooing the carpets last night. It's amazing how disgusting they were, and still are. I guess that's what happens when you move furniture, and drag around ladders for over a week. Hopefully, my family won't track in the new snow, that fell last night.

I ended up taking a 300 miligram Motrin this morning. Maybe I won't hurt as bad this morning. I've still got a full perscription of those left, from my Hysterectomy in December. I guess that, I should have been taking those all along, during this painting process. As for my new paint, it looks good; if I do say so myself. My family said that, it looks good too. However, I wouldn't want to do this for a living.

Although, if I were getting paid by the hour to do so, I would have made a fortune. Anywho, I've got to get moving, there's plenty left to do today. Have to check on my Mom, later on. She's having eye surgery this morning at 9:00 A.M. "See" ya'll later. Get it... see ya'll... ha!

BACK TO NORMAL

With the exception of a few touch ups, I am offically finished painting. It's a good thing too, my body is nearly given out. Considering that, I didn't paint myself to death yesterday, I don't feel as bad this morning. I only had one large wall to paint yesterday. Both my hands and back aren't killing me. I now knwo what my husband feels like, an a daily basis. He has such great pains in his hands, from carrying mail for over 13 years.

I couldn't imagine, what that must have felt like until now. Over the past week and a half, I have woken up with swollen fingers. Again, can you believe that he has experienced that, for all of these years? His hands, are in such bad shape physically that, he can never pop his knuckles. They say that, poping your knouckles is bad for you anyway. By the way, that's only a myth. According to my former College, Anatomy Professor; this does no harm harm to your hands. That popping sound, is only gas escaping from inbetween your knucles. So, you've learned something today.

Never-the-less, I only have to put this house back together. This includes, putting my pictures back on the walls. Gee... what great fun. However, I would much rather do that then paint. My husband keeps saying, "I'll be glad when, this house is back together." I'm getting there, just hold your horses! It will happen soon enough. Happy redecorating ya'll.

GETTING CLOSE

It's amazing, just how much work that you can get done when, there is no one home to interupt you. I seriously got a lot accomplished painting yesterday. I have about one wall left in the hall way. Then, I need to retouch the ceiling, and clean the beams. It probably wouldn't hurt to, clean the one inch thick dust, on the ceiling fan. I've had to borrow the neighbors 10 foot ladder. They understand that, I'm painting, as fast as I can. I honestly need to purchase one. However, it's not often that, I need a ladder that tall. Maybe, I'll find one on sale one of these days.

I also need to put , my pictures back on the wall. That's a job, in itself. I never knew how much work that, this would turn out to be. I will say that, I quite toned up these days. Going up and down a ladder 20 or more time a day, will do that. Not to mention, moving and carrying heavy furniture and decorations. Although, all of this work is taking it's toll on me. My son has had to rub my back extensivly in the evenings. He also rubbed my hands for me this morning. I received a gift certificate, for a massage for my Birthday, from my husband. I plan on making an appointment for this Saturday.

I don't suppose that, falling off of the five foot step ladder Friday helped any. I wasn't actually painting at that time. I was only returing decorations, back on the tall entertainment center. I had too much in my hands, and simply lost my balance. I have now reinjured mu back, twisted my ankle, and bruised my elbo. I'm glad no one saw mw do that. Even though, number two son said that, "he would have paind money to see that."

Just as I expected, no sympathy what so ever. You have to admitt that, seeing people fall is funny. You know that, it's pretty funny on television shows like, America's Funnyiest Home videos. I'm just glad that no one had a video camera. However, we might have made some money on my accident. See ya'll later.

THEIR BREAK BROKE ME

For those who happen to be, a stay-at-home parent like I am, you'll understnd this. Spring Break, is just a brief reminder of, how annoying you're kids are all Summer long. I had the opportunity of being around all three of my sons, all week long. By the time yesterday evening came, I was selfishly ready, for my step-sons to go back to their mother's. Not only was I painting all week long, but I was doing all of the other normal things as well. Such as, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. I forgot what, doing laundry for five people was like.

I also didn't realize, just how much food three growing boys can eat. I went through two normal weeks of food, in just one week. I honestly don't know, how my step-son's mother does it with four kids at home. I'll admitt it, I'm spoiled. I have only one kid home, most of the time, my son. Also, the changing clothes three times a day, has got to stop. Not to mention, my step-son's domestic inabilitys. I've always said it, you've got to train children early. If you don't, they will grow up to be sloppy pigs. I'm not saying that, my son is perfect. However, he is far neater then his brothers.

Then again, you also have "the three factor." Together, they are a well oiled "mess machine." I know that, boys are messier then girls. Although, I wanted to kill them all, on several different occasions. Try recleaing, after they have cleaned. I mean, what's the point? When you just have to go over, what they've already done. I this seriously, what you call a good job? Don't you love, telling you're kids to do the same things over and over? I'll probably tell them do clean up their mess on my death bed. I'm serious, otherwise if I don't, it will never get done. They will just say, "who cares, she's dead now anyway."

Here's my favorite of all this week. Everything said, was made into something nasty. Like... you said sack, or tool. Let me see, oh... douche bag, is my all time favorite. Let me put it into a sentence for you. What are ya, stupid or something... ya douche bag? Or what about, "fatty." Everyone is fat, no matter if they are or not. Here's an oldy, but a goody,... fag. Did you know that, you can use the word fag, in almost every sentence? If you don't like something, or someone, it's gay. I nearly died yesterday, when I hear number two son say that, number one son "butt ***** him." I thought, what in the hell! Number one son, was just pretending to hump, number two son. How distrubed are these people anyway!

I know what you're thinking. How did my children get this way, and what are you going to do about it. Well, probably not all of it, is our fault. They do have other parents, and outside influences. By the way, you would never hear the phrase, "butt ****" come out of my mouth. As for the name calling, I know when to put a stop to it, when they've gone too far. The teasing, and making fun of, I put a stop to yesterday. Calgone, take me away! I'm going to take a much needed morning nap. Bye ya'll!

GETTING WOSE ALL OF THE TIME

Yesterday evening, our number one son called from his Mother's house. He wanted to know if, he could come over a few days early. Evidentally, his Mother was driving him crazy. More like, she's finally losing her mind. More so, then usual. You remember how it was when you were 14 years old? All you wanted to do was, hang out with your friends. Since you didn't have a driver's license, it was your parents job to take you to them. This is becoming a point of contention with, my Step-Son, and his other parents. His other parents as I call them, are his Mom and Step-Dad.

Both are extreamly lazy, and cheap. They don't want to take him anywhere. His Step-Dad has already informed him that, he is going to have to start getting rides from other people. His Mother is so flakey that, she lies to him frequently about, deciding wheather or not, he can go somewhere with his friends. The worst part of all is that, she is coming up with stupid reasons why he can't go places like the movies. Like the most recent excuse, "there is too many germs there." Number two son actually called her on this one. He claims that, one day she will say he can go somewhere, and the next, she will use a lame exccuse.

I guess that, his reply of late is, "why do you lie?" Her response is, "I don't lie, I just change my mind." Here's an idea, just tell the boy that, you've changed you're mind. They were out in the front yard discusssing of this yesterday afternoon. She finally blows up at him and says, "quit pestering me and, just go to your Dad's." He thought, well... alrighty then. He went straight inside, called us, and made arrangements to do so. By the way, I would NEV...ER tell my son, "just go to your Dad's" In fact, I'd pay good money for him not to go over there. Considering that, he's not the best role model for my son.

The bottom line is, our number two son, called her bluff this time. My husband picked him up at the movie theater, after the movie was over last night. He had gone with his girl friend, and a bunch of other kids. My husband always said that, this day would come. The boys would finally get sick of her "crap" as he puts it. They would also see just how crazy she is. He has calimed for years that, all we would have to do it wait. I overheard part of my husabnd's conversation with number two son yesterday. He said, "now you know why I dovorced her?"

So the new question at hand is, will I be raising one, two, or three children in the near future? I think that, it would be great to have all three under our roof where they belong. Six years ago, I would have rather died then admitt that. Then again, I was just trying to keep my new marriage in one piece. Also, I was selfishly in no mood to parent, someone else's kids. I still had my own son to worry about. I still have him to worry about. It's odd what maturity will do to a person. Keep it real ya'll!

BACK AT IT

I've probably got to be crazy, However, I'm back at it, painting the house. After resting for two weeks or so, I decided that, I had better get busy again. Although, I'm painting the living room this time. Unfortunately, it's taking more coats of paint, then I thought it would. I'm even going with a darker color this time. I think that, the builders, who built our house, should be shot. I have found that, the dry wall was not prepped correctly. Therefore, the walls are acting like a sponge.

My husband, is not at all crazy about my color choices. He keeps saying, "I'll just have to see it when it's done." Yes, I'm sure that, Gumball red and Olive green sounds horrible. I'm just keeping with my Italian theme. I thought that he would be happy. Understanding that, he's 3/4 Italian. Here's the deal, when you don't help paint, you don't get a vote. Besides, it's my house anyway. Not really, I'm just being mean. Don't you know that, most women, decide how the interior home decore will look. So again, I'm going to be busy for the next couple of weeks or so. I've got to get busy. Bye ya'll.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Today is my Birthday. I was born in 1970, so you do the math. Last night, I had a lovely, uneventful dinner with my fmaily and friend. The only bad thing was, they sat part of my family at a table across from us. Therefor, we didn't get an opportunity to visit. They also didn't go to my parents for cake either. Such is life, you can't have it all. However, I got a lot of nice gifts. My Dad was in the odd giving mood, and gave both my Husband and Brother some family antiques.

Hey, "it's not their Birthday", as my Husband put it. I asked my Husband if, "my dad was getting ready to die or something?" He said, "no, he just wanted to I guess." It's alright, no one stole my thunder. Anyway, I'm going back to bed. It's my Birthday, I can do that don't you know? Happy Birthday to all of those wonderful people, who are celebrating their Birthday today too.

OLDER THEN DIRT

Today is my dad's Birthday, he is 72 years old. I know what you're thinking. Your Dad is as old as my Grandparents. There's a reason for that. My parents had been married for 15 years, when I was born. Actaully, they had nothing to do with my birth. Both my brother and I were adopted. Although, that's a whole other story in itself. I'm just actually happy that, he's made it this long. Not that he's in bad health or anything. It's just that, The Grim Reeper has been busy lately. I'm not going into that, on such a festive day.

Can you imagine being born in 1934, and living through the depression era? If I have to do without just the simplest things, it makes me crazy. What about all of the food and gas rationing, that took place back then. I suppose that, it's no different then today. We do that, on a weekly basis. You know, pay check Friday. We've all been there. Heck, I'm still there. Although, our prioritys have changed. Remember the rationing that took place when we were younger? Well... if I can do without this, I'll still have money to go to the bar tonight. Don't even pretned like you didn't do it! Unless, you've been living under a rock for the past 10 years or so.

I don't know, maybe your stupid days of youth, goes back farther then that. However, I won't tell you how far mine go back. You'll have to wait until tomorrow, to do the math. Unless you know me that is. Yes... my dreaded Birthday is tomorrow! All I will say for today is, I am now in my late 30's. Never-the-less, I hope that I reach my dad's age. By then I'll have half grown grandchildren running around. God Forbid That Ever Happening! I've begged my boys not to get married, or have any kids. Yes... that's another whole story in itself too. Anyway, I've got to call my dad. See ya'll!

MY MOTHER CYBIL

Currently, both of my parents are 71 years old. Actually, my Dad will be 72 years old tomorrow. In my Mom's case, it seems as though her age, is playing a major role in her behavior. As both my Brother and I were growing up, she was always one to speak her mind. However, the older that she get's, the more abundent her opinions become. It's not so much the frequency of her opinions that bother me, it's how she states them. I starting to feel that, with age, you lose your ability to use tact. Either that, or she just doesn't care anymore.

Maybe because I'm her daughter, she feels as though, she can express her opinions to me, any way that she feels like it. It's almost like knowing someone who is either, going through the change of life, someone who is bipolar, or someone who has mulitple personalitys. I understand that, my Mother's past medical problems, probably contribute to her mood swings. She had breast cancer several years ago, and can nolonger take harmone. From what I understand, this makes you terribly moody. However, this is no excuse to treat the ones you love, with little or no respect.

My main problem with her is, she will call over here, having briefly flown off of the handle. I get pelted with, her unsolicited opinions, and acusations. Sunday, I believe it was, she called here accusing me of, inviting several people to our Birthday dinner. With the expectations that, she and Dad would pay for it all. I never once hoped, suggested, or implyed that. I had to convince her of this. Honestly, it's like having a spoiled child in the family. I expressed to my dad that, he needs to talk to her about doing this all of the time. I hope that he will.

To demonstrate what I'm talking about. Yesterday afternoon, she came over with an outfit that she had purchased for me. I'm guessing that, this was her way of making up to me. Either that or, she didn't even realize that, she had done anything wrong in the first place. So, if you knock on my font door and are selling crazy, we're not buying. We have plenty here already. Later on ya'll freaks.

DYING OF EMBARRASSMENT

In previous posts, I've talked about our middle "hairy Child." Tigger, our other Boxer puupy, is now 11 months old. He's a wonderful companion for our family. However, he's got just one terrible habbit. He jumps all over our guests, when they come in. My neighbor across the street, came over yesterday to visit the dogs. She has three Westies of her own. She has said before that, she likes dogs, more then people. I tend to agree with her. Dogs aren't quite as annoying as people. Sure, they can be disgusting and a pain in the behind. Although, they love you no matter what.

When she came through the door, Tigger was so happy to see her. He bounced and jumped all over her. This is how, he was named Tigger, from early on. He is very much like Tigger. Luckily, she is very understanding and knowledgeable on the misbehavior of dogs. She and her mother have raised, trained, and showed dogs for years. During her visit, we talked about obiedence school for Tigger. Little did she not that Monday, he chewed up the obiedience school calender from Pet Smart, that was hanging on the refrigerator door. I'm guessing that, he did not want to attend that class.

At first, we didn't know who was responsible for, both the shredded newspaper and purple obideience schedule scattered on the floor. It could have been his little sister Noel too. Although, with the soggy strand of News Paper hanging from his mouth, that was a dead give away. My husband said, "Gee, I wonder who did that?" Needless to say but, he got his butt busted for that. Anyway, I followed my neighbor across the street. She loaned my two books about dog training. Yeah right, like this is going to work. I think that, Tigger is entirely too hard headed to lean how to behave at this point.

He even managed to act up when, both my Sister and Brother-In-Law came over later. Luckily, my Sister-In-Law said, "let him back in, I don't care if he knocks me down, I can handle it." They have two dogs of their own as well. They both kept kneeing him in the chest, until he quit jumping. Until my Brother-In-Law started playing with him rough again that is. At that point, he knew that, he was getting what he deserved. He plays with their American Bulldog like that too. Anyway, I am praying that there is hope for Tigger's future. Maybe one day, he will calm down. See ya'll later on.

LEO THE KIND HEARTED LION

Yesterday, we attended the funeral of our dear friend's father. Leo's funeral, was one of the strangest thus far. I enjoyed the slide show, and heart felt storys. Both of which, made everyone laugh. The old pictures, showed both he and his wife with; the old hair-do's and clothes. The storys told of, how he was an entrepreneur, terrible carpenter, jokester, and big Oklahoma University fan. All of which were true.

The funnyest of all was when, our freind ended his speach. He said, "I hope that, this doesn't offened anyone, and then said, pull my finger." We found out later that, he had also carried an electronic fart machine with him to the podium. Although, it did not go off after he said it., He decided that, he better not to try it again, since everyone had already laughed.

Even though, I had only known our friend's parents for, as long as I've known my husband. I must say that, it was the most tearless funerals that, I've ever seen. I suppose that, everyone was just cried out. I'm hoping so anyway. Then again, he had been very ill, and everyone was expecting his death. In my opinion, the saddest thing of all was, he died two days before his 55th Wedding Anniversary to his wife. He was also born the day after Christmas. The Minister said, in reference to him passing at that time was "that's just the way he did things."

During the funeral, the casket was closed. However, at the end of the funeral, they let everyone view him. My Husband did his normal thing. He went the other way. He does not like to see the deceased. He says that, he wants to remember them, the way they were. Before they were sick, and looked like themself. I will admitt that, Leo did not look like himself. There in the casket, lay a much older, thinner, bearded man, without his glasses.

In reference to that, my husband sort of mocked me. He said, "you see, now... that's the last memory you'll have of him." What can I say, but he's right. Although, I was just only following with tradition, in paying my respect to our friend and his family. Anyway, take it slow Leo, and tell all that, I said hello. Later on Leo!

EASILY AMUSED

You know that you're getting old when, the simplest things, make you happpy. Here's what I'm talking about. For the last three mornings in a row, there has been no "puppy poo" on the strategically placed news papers. I never said that, there wasn't any pee pee. Yes... there ws planty of that. But hey... it was on the news paper. So, I'll take what I can get. Noel is only 10 weeks old now. I'm hoping that, she's on the down hill slide to getting potty trained.

Although, after my Husband left for work, "the puupy poop hit the fan." She shred the news paper, and then... well... you know. By the way, never get too preoccupied, when you're on the phone. She left a nice one on my bed room floor. My Husband, was just bragging to me about her on the phone, just minutes ago. I didn't have the heart to tell him that, she's had two accidents since then. That's the thing about married life. Sometimes you've just got to know when to keep your mouth shut.

Having said that, I must be out of my mind. I've potty trained two puppys in less then a year. We also have her older brother Tigger, who was born from the previous litter. Then, there's good old Winston. He's our nearly four year old Bulldog. He's got a major attitude. However, you too would have an attitude. He's never "had a girlfriend" and still has all of his important "male body parts." If I have to explain that, to any of you. Then you've got some serious problems of your own. Have a happy weekend ya'll.

TOO MANY ALREADY!

Well... I'm guessing that God is on a rampage or something. Our dearest freind, lost his Father yesterday morning. He had been very ill, and his family was expecting it. So much so that, they had been making Funeral arrangements the day before. However, that doen't make the loss any easier. I keep thinking, wishing rather, that we just have to keep my parents alive this year. Actually, many more to come. It just seems that, death is closing in on us. This is the 5th death of someone close to us since November.

Our wonderful dog maverick died in November. My Mother's best friend, died in November. My Babysitter's Husband, died in January. My Husband's Coworker, died in February. Now our friend's Dad yesterday. I have been asking God to, "slow it down." Appearently, he isn't listening. Is he just doing some "house cleaning" or what? I had no other way of putting it. Never-the-less, I'm sick "TO Death" of hearing about, all of this death. Ya'll take it easy this weekend.

SCARLET'S DRAPES

I can understand why, Scarlet O'Hara made a new dress out of her livining room drapes. The fabric was beautiful. After almost four years of living here, I finally put up some drapes in the living room last night. Well, it actually wasn't me. My Husband put up the brackets. I suppose that, I could have done that too. There isn't that much that, I can't do. However, he's taller, and better equipted to handle the drill. He had to make new holes, for the new brackets, and screws.

My new drapes are made of, micro fibre and are dark red. Micro fibre is, that fake suade. Never-the-less, they dress the living room up so much. I just have to buy some valances for them today. That's about it, for the redecorating update. Happy redecorating ya'll.

FRIEND SURVEY

Appearently, my friend sent me an E-Mail last night entitled "Friend Survey." It had 16 questioins, but was pretty interesting. Things like, Where did we meet, Take a stab at my Middle name, and Do I believe in God? I think that, I got them all right, regarding my friend. I hope that, I got atleast 1/2 of them right. Otherwise, that would be embarrassing. My Husband, on the other hand, is much more attentive then I. He would probably do better at this Survey, regarding his friends. The botton line is, he pays more attention then I do. We'll see how my Surverys trun out later. Bye ya'll.