Quiet

For the first time since Friday, I am alone. All three kids went back to school today. Whether they make it through the entire day, remains to be seen, but they've been fever free for two days. Yesterday, they didn't need naps so I said a little prayer and sent them off.

Needless to say, things have been a little crazy around here. My priority was the kids. I managed to get a little writing done, but not near what I should so today will be catch-up day. 

The birthday on Monday turned out really well! We had a fun goodie bag hunt (11 bags full of items from the Dollar Tree hidden all over the downstairs by Rose's siblings), Subway for lunch and Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner.  Love that you can get take-out from almost everywhere now! We had chocolate cupcakes for dessert.

And before I get to work, I wanted to leave you with this performance by Jason Brown at this weekend's US National Figure Skating Championships. If you haven't seen this, it's worth a watch. Amazing!



Hope you enjoy your Wednesday. I plan to make the most of mine! 

Eleven

Happy birthday, my beloved Rose! You are a special girl and I love watching you grow up. Just wish you'd slow down a little, but you'll always be my baby! 

Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

My youngest turns eleven today. I wish I could say this was going to be her best day of 2014 so far, but I don't think that's going to be the case. There have already been tears of frustration and disappointment. She was diagnosed with the flu on Saturday after a very rough Friday night. Really sucks, doesn't it?

She's staying home from school today even though she's been begging me to let her go. I have no doubt the school would take one look at her glassy, sunken eyes and be calling me to pick her up (that is after they isolate her from every other child in the school!)

I'm hoping the Tamiflu helps her kick this sooner rather than later. On Friday, she gets to sit at the Birthday Table during lunch and I can bring her a special meal. Her request—a burger place called Top Burger!

But thanks to a friend on FB who sent me some ideas on Saturday, we'll be trying to make today fun even if she's stuck at home and sick. We'll be hiding eleven goodie bags full of Dollar Tree items around the house and she has to find them. We have leftover ice cream cake from our mini celebration last night (see pic above - hubby did the writing on the cake himself!), but we'll also get her fave cupcakes—chocolate ones from Safeway! She also has a special gift to open.

We were planning to go out to dinner both last night and tonight (her choice of places) but she's not supposed to be around people so I'll let her decide if she wants me to cook or pick something up. We'll eat out once she's feeling better and won't get anyone else sick!

As you can imagine, my weekend was all about having a sick kid. I hope you had fun!

First Day of School

After five years of homeschooling, I sent all three of my kidlets off to school this morning. The oldest, a sophomore, had started full-time school her freshman year. I figured I'd just keep the other two at home until it was time to send the off to high school. So much for plans!

The past three years, the kids attended a two day a week parent partnership program at an alternative school. I volunteered half a day for each kid. Add in the commute time (half an hour each way) and they really weren't away from me that long.

This is a huge change.

Tuesdays have never been this quiet in the house unless we were gone. Right now we would normally be at piano lessons. But I need to redefine "normal" around here.

Did I mention the youngest two are taking the bus? They didn't want me to walk them to the bus stop this morning. Neighbors were showing them how it all works.

I knew I'd miss them, but I really, really miss them.

I keep waiting for someone to yell, "Mom" or want help with an assignment or need something from me. At least, the cats will want lunch in a couple hours. Until then I'm off to find some chocolate and write a letter to a soldier. Then maybe I can work on the new story.

What are you up to today?

BOB

Mackenna and Cato on Sunday

This weekend the girls, the dogs and I attended three days of dog showing in Enumclaw, Washington. The show, put on by the Olympic Kennel Club, is a big one with lots of breed specialty shows, including one for our dogs, Norwegian Elkhounds. I used this show as the setting for the final scene in The Man Behind The Pinstripes!

To say we had a good weekend doesn't do what happened justice.  At least that's what everyone in the know keeps telling us. All I know is my two girls and my two dogs did very well and I couldn't be happier for them!

Friday was the PSNEA Specialty Show. Not as many Norwegian Elkhounds were entered this year, but there were still going to be enough dogs for the show to count as a major. In order for a dog to get his/her championship, they have to win two majors and earn 15 points. There aren't that many Elkhounds in the Pacific Northwest so majors are a big deal!

Cato, our 10 1/2 month old puppy, was entered in Puppy Sweeps, Breed and would be shown in Junior Handling by Mackenna. Chaos, our 8 year old, was entered in Veterans and would be shown in Junior Handling by Rose. Since the girls were the only two Junior Handlers entered, I knew they'd be winning their classes and one of them would be Best Junior.

Other than Junior Handling we didn't expect any wins. Cato's not only a puppy, but also a boy puppy who is smart but very silly and has more growing and maturing to do. Plus he'd lost a lot of his coat and only recently stopped looking like a mangy coyote. Chaos is gorgeous, but is a thief and will steal any food left within her reach. She needs to loose a few pounds!

The competition on Friday afternoon began with Puppy Sweepstakes. This competition doesn't count for points, only bragging rights and a few dollars if you win. Mainly we wanted to get Cato more ring experience and this was a way to do that.

Cato won 1st Place in the 9-12 months Puppy (he was the only one in his class) then went on to win Best of Sweeps Juniors (i.e. best puppy that was was competing in the sweep!) We were thrilled. He and Mackenna looked so good together in the ring. I was a very proud mom of both my two legged and four legged kids. A great start to the weekend!

Next up was the Breed competition. The puppies went first. Cato one 1st place in 9-12 month old pups (only dog again.) But that meant he could now go on to compete for Winners dog. He surprised us by winning Winners dog. It was a three point major, too! His first major and his first points! None of us could believe it because he beat older and more mature dogs! 

A few of Friday's ribbons

Being Winners dog meant Cato got to go back into the ring for Best of Breed. There they pick the Best of Winners (between Winners Dog and Bitch) and the Best of Breed (aka BOB!.) We were stunned when Cato was picked Winners dog as well as Best of Breed! Mackenna had so many ribbon and prizes she needed help to hold everything!

But the day wasn't over. Mackenna won Best Junior showing Cato. (Chaos had placed second in Veterans and both she and Rose looked good in Juniors, Mack and Cato were on a roll!)

It was so exciting and everyone kept telling us how big this was! A dream day is how someone described it!

On Saturday, Cato won Reserve in Winners Dog (kinda like second place), then he and Mackenna made the cut in Juniors against twenty others. Not bad for the pup's first time in AKC Junior Handling. Rose and Chaos did well in Jrs. but didn't place.

On Sunday, Cato won his class and Winners dog. He was also named Best Winners again. His second major! That means all he needs is points to finish his championship. Not bad for a puppy! But he was finished showing by then. Mackenna took him into the Juniors ring for the Open Senior class and that was the last place he wanted to be. They didn't make the cut, but she couldn't complain after getting two majors in one weekend!

It was then Chaos and Rose's turn. They were spot on and won the Open Junior class. We were all excited. Wins for both kids and dogs. It doesn't get much better than that at a dog show!

I Should Know Better

In the Fall, my youngest Rose joined Cat 4-H. I thought this would be easier than Dogs. A weekend (well, three days) showing cats at the county fair vs. seven days with dogs. It had to be easier right? Well, the weekend is fast approaching which means it's been a mad scramble to get everything ready.

You see, Rose can't decide if she wants to compete in all the events or not. When I left for San Diego she didn't want to so that meant nothing was done over the weekend. But now she might want to. That means we still have to be ready just in case.

We also keep finding out more and more stuff we need such as a 5x7 of Rose and her cat. They told us that last night at 7:30 pm. Oh, and they need it by Friday. I must admit that the dog project, even though the week was an utter hell for me with my writing schedule, was more organized. But I keep going back to three days vs. seven.

Beauty received a bath yesterday. She looks pretty and smells great. We also got all three kids' photographs entered. Today is all about cage decorating. Fingers crossed that goes well. 

Last night hubby happily told me I'd brought this upon myself when I dragged myself through the front door at almost 9 pm, tired and hungry. I know he's right. I should know better, but what was I going to do? Say no to my daughter? I couldn't for a very good reason. At least I think it's good, others, like my hubby, might disagree.

Rose is the youngest of three. She plays soccer and Irish danced because her brother and sister were doing those activities. Same with her swimming and dog showing, including dog 4-H. Why not have her join in when otherwise she'd just be sitting there watching?  Sure she loves swimming and soccer and dog showing (her activities now) but I think it's important to let her explore things without her brother and sister. Other than her hip-hop dance class, Cat 4-H is the first thing she's done that her siblings haven't.

And really, how bad could three days be? Well, once we're finally ready for them to start! Wish me luck!

Medals

This weekend my two youngest competed at the State Games of Oregon. Each state runs these. You don't have to belong to a USA swimming team to compete though our team was there. It's a fun meet, limited to two events each day, and everyone gets a T-shirt. They also do something not a lot of other meets do...have an awards ceremony complete with podiums for the top six finishers.

My kiddos did well. Finn placed in three of his four events. Rose placed in all four of hers. Here's pics of them getting medals. Finn placed 2nd and Rose placed 3rd. Very proud of both of them for how they swam this weekend!

Is it Friday yet?

Where has the week gone? I've been playing catch up since returning from vacation as well as bus driver. From a little after 5 until around 9 pm, I drove kids to swim, from swim, to soccer and back to swim. Crazy! And very little down time for me to read or write. But we survived and I crashed hard only to be woken up at 5:30 am by barking. I wonder if Barbara Cartland's little dog ever did that to her?

On the good news front, my oldest's shoulder is just a sprain. She should be back to her activities in a month, six weeks at the longest! Just in time for high school swimming. They gave her a sling to wear when she's out and about as well as exercises to do and a referral for PT. We celebrated with lunch at a new-to-us place on the Columbia River called the Puffin Cafe. Best part for the kids-snow cones for dessert.

On the TV front, we've started watching a summer show, a 13 episode series called Under the Dome. The kids found it on Amazon Prime, watched the pilot and said I'd enjoy it. The series is based on a Stephen King novel. So far it's interesting, but there's this whole kidnapping thread that I wish wasn't there.

On the movie front, Sunday was family movie night at the theater. Of course, that meant seeing three different movies at the same time. Sigh... Rose and I saw Monsters University. It was cute. Finn saw The Lone Ranger with a bunch of his swim team members. He was more interested in being with his friends so couldn't tell me much about the movie which makes me think it wasn't very good. Mackenna saw White House Down with a swim buddy and enjoyed it.

Well, it's time for me to jog. I'm on week 5 of my training app. I keep thinking I should be farther along, but at least I'm now not dying when it tells me to run for 5 minutes. Today's run is for longer and there's a distance involved. Most likely while I'm still inside blogging instead of outside getting it done. Haha!

Have a great Thursday!

Swim Meet

For the second Friday in a row, I'll be at a swim meet. The kids are now in two different age groups which means they don't always swim at the same meets. It gives me more time to wear my swim mom cap!

Not that I sit glued to the races. Lots of down time in between heats to write. Of course the sky is gray and I have a feeling it'll be wet so I'll leave the electronic devices at home and go old school. Pen and paper.

Do you have any plans today?

Last Day of School

Today is the last day of school for the two youngest kidlets. They only attend twice a week, but they are so looking forward to being off until September. Of course, the last day means class parties!

Finn brought a tray of berries to share with his classmates. Rose is having a culture party (they each studied a different country) so she brought a plate of "tapas" consisting of olives, manchego cheese, chorizo sausage and a sliced baquette. Not sure how adventurous her classmates will be though!

Hope you have a great Monday!

Last Night

This LOLcat pic was me last night. It got so bad I called hubby and put on speakerphone so he could hear what I was dealing with. Think two teenagers with attitudes. Not a good way to start the week. For any of us!

But I'm now in possession of 2 cellphones and a Kindle Fire HD. I just need to find where they put my iPad. One will be feeding the cats each night (I get the morning shift) and the other will be doing the dishes. Usually we rotate. Oh, and the TV doesn't go on for the rest of the week.

But they asked for it!

The joys of parenting.

I'm going to try to get writing done this morning. After my oldest leaves for high school and before my two homeschoolers wake up.

Hope you have a nice day!

Monday, no Tuesday

This LOLcat featuring the Grumpy Cat made me smile this morning. A nice way to start my day. Tuesday. Not Monday. I'm going to have to keep reminding myself that today. I have a feeling my week will be all messed up because of the holiday!

Our Memorial Day didn't quite turn out the way we planned. We ended up missing the event we were planning to attend so we could take the youngest kidlet to Urgent Care. She was one of the sickies last week but we thought she was on her way to being 100%. Nope! But now that she's on medicine, she's feeling much better.

How was your weekend?

Big Brothers

On Wednesday, Rose went to a friend's house for a playdate. Kids call it something else these days, but it's still a playdate. She hurt her middle finger on her left hand.

I didn't think too much about the injury. She wasn't crying. There wasn't much swelling or bruising. But she kept saying it hurt to bend it.

On Thursday morning, the finger was swollen like a sausage and black & blue. Oops. But it was state testing day so she had to do that! A good thing it wasn't her writing hand.

After lunch as we were driving home I told her we were going to Urgent Care to have her finger looked at. Rose was fine with that until...

Finn told her to say goodbye to her finger because if she couldn't bend it the doctor would chop it off. He said it so seriously and then backed it up with totally made up science as to why amputation would be necessary.

I got on him right away, but the damage was done. Rose was sure her finger was a goner. Big crocodile tears streamed from her eyes. She kept saying she didn't want to lose her finger. She wasn't going to the doctor's now.

Meanwhile Finn is laughing like a fiend.  He finally fessed up, but the damage was done.

When we finally got to Urgent Care, she had her first X-ray and yes, I had to assure her that 1) It wouldn't hurt and 2) Her finger would still be there when she was finished.

Sigh...

The joy of having a big brother.

Did you have a brother who did stuff like that to you?

The False Prince

As a mom (not to mention a writer), I love when a story captures a kid's attention so much the book is carried everywhere with them. A few spare minutes means time to read another couple of pages. The most recent book to do this was The False Prince: Book 1 of the Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Easter Bunny left the book in Finn's Easter basket. There was also a copy of Special Forces Military Elite magazine which got read first. Though the first thing he took out of the basket was a water pistol. As hubby said, nothing says Easter like a gun!

Once Finn started reading The False Prince he was hooked. If you've read this blog, you know my son is athletic and a very busy boy. He's not the type to sit around. He'd rather be outside running and playing. Yesterday, with the sun shining, he was sitting inside finishing the book. I can't imagine a greater compliment for a book.

As soon as he finished last night, he asked me to look up the next book in the series called The Runaway King: Book 2 of the Ascendance Trilogy. Looks like we'll be buying a copy today or ordering one if we can't get to Target.

Not sure how the Easter Bunny knew this was the perfect book for a 12 year old boy, but well done, Bunny!

On the news...

Not me. I'm too camera shy to want to be on the news.

But Rose, my youngest, wasn't shy about it at all!

When we were at OMSI yesterday visiting the new Mythbuster's Exhibit, a news crew from KGW 8 showed up. My little girl took one look and the camera and told me she was going to get on the news.

I told her go for it.

Well, she did.

The first child's voice you hear in the beginning of the clip is hers, and she was also interviewed on camera along with a friend of hers.

When she puts her mind to something, she does it!



If you look close enough while she's being interviewed, my son is in there, too. And his friend, Hayden, is the one who was interviewed about the tablecloth trick!

So if you're wondering if they enjoyed the fieldtrip yesterday, the answer is YES!

There are no words...

This week I attended our parish's Advent Mission and the priest giving the talks, Father Wade Mendes, mentioned evil. Evil exists in the world. What happened earlier this week a few miles south of me at Clackamas Town Center and what happened yesterday in Newtown, Connecticut proves that.

I can't imagine what those parents and families are going through. I don't want to because losing a child is my worst nightmare. It's the same for every parent out there. All I can do is keep praying for the children, the staff and their families.

A Prayer To The Holy Innocents

Holy Innocents, you died before you were old enough to know what life means, pray for all children who die young that God may gather them into His loving arms.

Holy Innocents, you were killed because one man was filled with hatred, pray for those who hate that God may touch their hearts and fill them with love.

Holy Innocents, you experienced a violent death, pray for all who are affected by violence that they may find peace and love.

Holy Innocents, your parents grieved for you with deep and lasting sorrow, pray for all parents who have lost young children that God may wrap a warm blanket of comfort around them.

Holy Innocents, those around you certainly felt helpless to prevent your deaths, pray for all who feel helpless in their circumstances that they may cling to God for courage and hope.

Holy Innocents, you who are now in Heaven, pray for all of us that one day we may join you there to bask in God's love forever.

Amen.

I found this prayer via The Catholic Church Facebook page. No copyright infringement intended.

Tutu Kitty

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Too cute! I don't know what it is about dressing cats in clothing. It seems rather silly from a logical standpoint and they hate it. But they end up looking so adorable.

I wish I had some cool links for you or something, but I've been easing into vacation mode a few days early. Still doing chores and writing, but also having a lot of fun.

Yesterday I took my two girls to get manicures and pedicures. Rose had never sat in one of those massage chairs during a pedicure. She enjoyed herself so much. Now we're all sporting lovely fingernails and toenails! The girls each had a friend over last night so after a pizza dinner, my hubby and son made a fire in the pit and they all cooked s'mores! I would have loved one but it's not part of Whole 30.

While the girls had their fun, my son and I watched the Olympic Swim Trials. After making the fire and s'mores, my son surprised me by returning inside to watch the gymnastics trials with me. He has a friend he met when he started 5th grade (he'll be going into 7th) who does gymnastics. She's really good. The kids used to joke that they could go to the Olympics together. So sweet! I was impressed by how much he knew about the sport and the attention he paid. It was a fun night for us!

Have a great Saturday!