Comments of 2007

I worked on Saturday and left Daryl a list of things around the house that needed to be done. Sunday I found out that Olivia and Daryl went to Menards. I asked Olivia what did daddy buy at Menards? Olivia said "Daddy didn't buy anything, he didn't follow his honey-do list."

It is supper time and Olivia was eating pistachios in the shell. I said "Olivia, the pistachios are not your supper tonight" Olivia said "I know they aren't for supper mom, they are just for joy"

Livy and Jenna were playing with dolls, and Jenna's doll threw something into Livy's doll's hair. Livy said "OHHHH, now she'll have to wash her hair 50 hundred times", Jenna said, "WOW, that is a lot of times"

Livy was playing with play doh at the table and rolling up paper and standing it up on the table. She asked me to roll out her play doh flat for her. I did it and handed it to her. She said "Thanks mom, it will be part of my contraption." Where is she getting these words from???

Olivia listens to us way too much. Today Olivia, Jenna, and Daryl were in the kitchen...Daryl was making supper while he was talking on the phone. The girls of course were being talkative at the table. Daryl was goofing around by the table and Livy turned to him and said "Dad, that is NOT NECESSARY"

I know my widget is up.....but I can't bear to take it off. It is sooooo neat. Maybe when I find something of Tudors to replace it with I'll give it up.....or not. :)

Livy and I were outside digging out dead flowers from the flower pots. I told Livy to get her claw gardening tool to mix up the dirt and prepare it for new flowers. Livy replied "I'll take care of the compost mom." No clue where she got that word from.

I wasn't sure if I should add this one, but what the heck. I'll do it as innocently as possible. Daryl came into the living room by Olivia and I and asked me what holiday it was. Apparently there is some holiday that men are trying to create and I knew instantly by the smirk on his face that he was referring to that specific holiday. I replied "Steak and BJ day?" If you don't know what that abbreviation means, call me. I don't want to get in trouble with the internet :) Olivia hearing us immediately replied "Steak and P J? That doesn't sound very good"

Olivia was playing with her dolls which included a mom, grandma, and two babies. The mom and grandma were talking and Olivia had the mother say "these are my two children, children are a big responsibility!"

Olivia heard me earlier in the day mentioning that Daryl and I might go to dance class tonight. Later, Olivia came up to me and asked "mom, when you and your husband go to dance, who will watch me?"

Olivia has gotten into telling jokes lately. Her favorite is telling about the chicken or other animal crossing the road, and finishes it with something goofy, like "why did the chicken cross the road...because he had butterflies on his tootie butt." Something like that. So I decided to tell her the joke the right way...I said "Olivia, why did the chicken cross the road?" Olivia asked why? "To get to the other side". Olivia said "That's not funny mom"

We all woke up this morning, Daryl, Olivia, and I in our bed. Daryl asked Olivia to lay on his back to help stretch it out. She wouldn't, so I layed on his back. Olivia then layed on my back and there we were. I said to Olivia, look it's a family sandwich. You and daddy are the buns and mom is the meat. Olivia said, no mom, you and I are the buns and dad is the jam :)

Because of being sick I had either layed down or sat up for an entire 6 days and did not do much else. Normally I'm running all around the house doing something. On the 6th day I was laying on the couch and Olivia came up to me. She asked "Mommy, are you going up to heaven?" You know your sick when your child asks you that!

I'm of course getting ready to play guitar hero. Olivia asks "Are you going to jam mom?" I tell her yup. She watches me complete the song. Olivia says "mom, do you rock?" I reply yup, mom rocks.

Olivia noticed me vacuuming and decided to help. She pulled out her toy vacuum and starting vacuuming with me. She decided to get a head start and move to the bedrooms. Meanwhile, I was still in the living room when I noticed my vacuum smelled like rubber was burning. I turned it off, layed it sideways, and began pulling out all the carpet threads and hair off the roller which made a huge mess on the floor. Olivia came back into the living room by me and noticed my vacuum cleaner laying on the floor and a huge messy pile next to it. Olivia said "mom, you need a vacuum cleaner like I have, no fuss no muss"

Mom, can I watch "Wizard B Voz?" (wizard of oz)

Mom, yesterday I had to call 911 because I got lost in a tormato. (tornado)

When Olivia is calling to me and I don't acknowledge it or hear her she yells "MOM....ole lay ole lay ole lay he whooooo."

Livy and I went to the mall. I parked and was getting out to unbuckle Olivia. Olivia said, "mom, don't forget my roller coaster." (stroller)

Tyler had a friend come over and Olivia didn't know that he stayed the night. The next morning Tyler came into the kitchen followed by his friend. Olivia said "Tyler, your human is still here?"

Olivia, are you tired? Do you need mom to hold you? Olivia said "mom, I need some cuddle time, I need a snack, and I need my lovin time" (she gets I need my lovin from dad) "Can I have a wishwish for my snack? (licorice)

Grandma was babysitting Livy. Livy came running out of the bathroom (toilet flushed) and said "Grandma, I pooped in the potty" (we have been working on that with her and if she does, she gets a treat) Grandma said "can I see?" Livy said, "I already flushed it". Grandma told her what a good girl she was and Livy got to pick out a piece of candy from the candy jar. Livy was sitting at the table, candy gone, and said "Grandma, I'm sad". Grandma asked why. Livy said "Grandma, I didn't poop in the potty" Grandma said "did you tell grandma a lie?" Livy walked up to grandma, put her hand on grandma's cheek and said "it's ok grandma, it's not in this world, you can be happy."_________________

Olivia has been begging for me to buy the new blue barbi peacock dress for her to wear at her upcoming birthday. I explained to her that mom didn't have money to buy it at that time. She said "Ok, will you think about it?" I told her I would. This morning Olivia came into our bedroom, jumped up on the bed, layed on top of daddy and smothered him with hugs and kisses. Daryl of course told her he loves all the love he was getting. Olivia said "Dad, do you have money so I can have that blue barbi dress for my birthday?" What did daddy say??? Can I have a little more loving? Of course Olivia smothered him again and he gave in. A girl who knows how to work it!!

Me "Olivia, gymnastics is starting and you are going every day for five days." Olivia "But mom, I'll get all burnt out"Me "Not all day for five days, just a little bit each day"

Olivia "Mom when are you going to work so Grandma can babysitt me?"

I watched Austin one Friday night who played with Olivia. It was time for Olivia to go to bed and she said "Mom I can't sleep all by myself, can Austin sleep with me?"

Me "Olivia, what color are papa's eyes?"Olivia "Green"Me "What color are grandma's eyes?"Olivia "Brown"Me "What color are mama's eyes?"Olivia "Green"Me "What color are your eyes?"Olivia "Periwinkle"

Livy "Dad where are you going"Daryl "I have to go to work today"Livy "I don't want you to work today"Daryl "I have to work so I can make money for the family"Livy comes over to me and places her hand on my cheek..."Mom, I'm sorry but you have to go and work 10 hours today"

Watch mom and dad, I can speak in spanish.... Enie, Meanie, Miney, Mo....

Livy "Grandma you should swim in our pool with us today" Grandma "I will next time I don't have my suit with me" Livy "You can swim naked like the fish do" Grandma "I'll scare the birds away" Livy "They can fly way up high to the top of the palm trees and god will save them"

Halloween

Can you believe the adults went out for halloween?? Yup we went. Daryl and I were invited to an "adult" Halloween Party. The couple throwing it are the parents of Megan and Ben, twins in Olivia's class at school. Daryl was phantom of the ophera, and I was a cowgirl. The funniest part of the night was when I made Daryl stop at JCPenny's before we went to the party, and we were in costume. Daryl wouldn't take off his mask and plume hat. He walked all the way through Penny's in full costume. The lady at the customer service desk said "You two have fun tonight" :) We did.

We also did take Olivia trick or treating. We met Jenna at her mom's house and went with them down their block. They got a lot of candy and did a lot of running. I was hard to get them to say "trick or treat" and "Thank you". Olivia was a princess bride and Jenna was a princess. Gavin went with us too. They both got tired after about 1 1/2 hours of trick or treating.

My Little Pony in Concert

Jenny and Jenna, and Olivia and I went to see "My Little Pony's Tea Party" in concert in Green Bay on Sept. 17, 2007. The girls loved it. They got cotton candy and a balloon. Jenna and Olivia got to hug one of the pony's that walked off stage down by us. We were sitting second row from the front to the right of the stage. Olivia loved Pinkie Pie Pony. Jenna loved to sing the songs with them. All of the kids got a paper tea cup that they had to pretend at the end to join in on the tea party and "sip" the tea with your pinkie in the air. It was very cute.

Milwaukee Museum

On Tuesday September 25, 2007 (Olivia's official birthday) Daryl, Grandma Bonnie, and I took Olivia and Jenna (we took her out of school for the day) to the Museum in Milwaukee. The main reason for going was because Olivia has been trying to catch butterflies all summer long and only managed to catch a couple of moths. At the museum they have a butterfly exhibit that you walk through with live butterflies from all over the world. They were very excited, but would not hold a butterfly. We also saw a movie in the I-Max theater "Dolphins". The girls loved it. The dolphins seemed to jump right in our laps. We also walked through the rest of the museum and saw everything from settlers, to dinosaurs, you name it. We spent a couple of hours there. Unfortunately when we went to leave the car was dead. I drained the battery by leaving something plugged into the power outlet. My wonderful husband just walked down the parking garage and found someone with jumpers to help us. (Yup, we didn't have jumpers either.)

Olivia's 4th Birthday

Olivia had a very elegant gala of a birthday party on Sept. 22, 2007. It was entitled a "Fairy Princess Birthday Party at Butterfly Castle". She invited all of her classmates and additional friends. We had approximately 13 children that showed up. I decorated the walls with castle theme backdrop, hand made fairy crowns with streamers, wands, and bought wings for any wingless fairy princesses that showed up. The boys were knighted and given a shield that they had to decorate with emblems, and a royal table was set up with a castle cake (home made), goblets, and appropriate dinnerware for cake and ice cream. We played simon says, put on sparkly tattoos, made cherio necklaces, pinned the antenna on the butterfly, and handed out treat bags that included Bella Sara cards that you can play with your horse online, ice cream cone bubbles, stickers, a bracelet, and a 3D butterfly making kit. Fun was had by all!!

We recently attended Daryl's cousin's wedding. I was one I actually did not have to videotape. Of course we all dressed up and Olivia wanted to look her best. She wore the same dress to the last wedding on Daryl's side of the family a couple of years ago who was actually the sister of this bride...keeping up? Anyway, she had to have the twirly dress (as you can see), the hat, the purse, and she is even wearing the bracelet that Aunt Deb sent to her in the mail for her first day of school. Aunt Deb made it for her from a kit and mailed it to Olivia. She was so excited to get something in the mail just for her with a present in it to boot. I'll enclose another picture so you can see the bracelet....there, now it's the top picture, and the braclet is the one on the left, multi-colored.

A Prayer for Grandma

Wednesday, Sept. 12 Grandma had knee surgery. Mom went with her and stayed until this past Sunday. She did really well. All of our prayers were answered. Actually, she even did so well with a recent physical that the doctors told her she could live another 20 years. Grandma just had her 80th birthday this year. I told her she is the rock of this entire family and we need her for as long as god will let us have her. If only she would start scolding Daisy (her cat) when she jumps on the KITCHEN counters. Grams a softy. We love you gram!

Wednesday, September 5th was Olivia's first day of school. She goes to the school Jenna went to when she was in preschool, so the teachers already know Olivia. This was the first morning that both sisters got ready for school together. Jenna gave her little sister a good luck hug before we got ready to leave. Olivia's first day couldn't have been better. We arrived early and had to sit outside the classroom door until it was time to go in. Other children in Olivia's class also arrived early, and Olivia walked around and talked with them introducing herself. She was very confident. We went in and Olivia asked if I was staying. I told her I was not, but would be outside waiting for her as soon as class was over. I had already prepared her for all the fun she was going to have way before school even started. She said Ok and kissed me goodbye. The only thing she wasn't happy with was that her backpack had to stay on her special hook in the hallway outside the classroom. She was afraid someone would take it. I explained to her that it had her name on it and it was on a hook that was only hers. It made her feel better.

Jenna's first day of school was Tuesday, Sept. 4. She now goes to the same school as her brother Gavin. Jenna really likes her new teacher and is very excited about school. She loves to sing, which she does often at home, and color.

Meet Fred

Yes, Fred is a Pheasant. Apparently we share the same address and he seems to think he should be allowed to come into the house as well. Fred has, on more then one occasion, perched at our door and pecked at it making me think someone is at the door. I have ruled out rabies because it has been about 3 months now and Fred appears out of nowhere and squacks in the early morning or perches at our door in the early evening about once a week. I'll be sitting in the kitchen and there is Fred, walking casually in front of the kitchen window headed for the door. Of course if I move he runs. He is getting braver though. Someone suggested that he sees himself through our glass door and either wants to mate, or fight with the image. I'm guessing mate since he lays by the door. Sunny (our golden lab) did get her chance to chase Fred once. I yelled at her and Fred of course got away. I'm sure we will be seeing more of Fred in the near future.

Seriously Hooked

Daryl and I went to the Dells for our Anniversary this past weekend. We played 36 holes of putt putt, and then headed for Green Lake to stay over night at a bed and breakfast. It was called the Miller's Daughter's B&B. FABULOUS. We didn't get a room with a whirlpool tub, but it was an awesome room. The whole Inn was done in Victorian theme and was surrounded with a small garden. Later that evening we went out for supper in town and over to the Heidel House for some romantic walking along the lake. Then in the morning you are served a three course breakfast which was wonderful, in the formal dining room, or sunroom. We loved the B&B so much that we are planning on making it an annual trip to a different B&B every anniversary around Wisconsin.

Bat Troubles

My brother and his wife had a close encounter with a bat...in the house. Scott was sleeping in the bedroom when something bumped him in the head, waking him up. He walked in by Lynn and the baby in the baby's room and mentioned to Lynn that he didn't want to sleep in the bedroom because the big moth was back and it bumped him in the head. All of a sudden it came flying into the baby's room. Lynn heard the wing sound and called out to Scott who had just walked out. Lynn scooped up the baby extremely quickly and ran out of the room. The bat flew downstairs and into the living room. Not finding it, morning came and Scott had to leave early for work. Lynn packed up the kids and left the house until Scott could take down the varmet. Scott got home from work later that day and could not find the bat, but assumed it was hiding in the pocket doors downstairs. They sealed off the doors with tape to hopefully starve it. Well, it wasn't in there. It came flying out of who knows where and over to the back door through the kitchen. Scott grabbed a broom and smacked the heck out of it stunning it long enough for him to open the door and it flew away. Did you know that every child bitten by a rabid bat (at least in Wisconsin that I know of) has died but one? That one girl happened to get bit in church of all places, got very sick and close to death, but survived. Very scary. I didn't tell Lynn that story until AFTER they got rid of the bat!

Grandpa Ahlstrom

Grandpa Ahlstrom (Daryl's Dad) and his two children MaKenna and Anthony came to visit with us two weekends ago. Yes, I'm a bit behind, but I have to catch up at some point right? My daily life doen't allow for me to make entries every day like Beekie can. Being a stay-at-home mom creates a gazillion distractions. Anyway, they came to visit and stayed with us Sunday and Monday night. Olivia and Jenna were happy to see their grandfather, even though Olivia kept calling him Uncle Dave (no clue), and loved spending time with McKenna (9yrs old?). Daryl got some good family quality time in on that Saturday by meeting Keith, Carry, his dad, and some friends at the Dells for some tubing down the river. I of course did not go because we had both girls that weekend. We enjoyed seeing them. They live in Florida, so visits are few and far between.

Sisterly Love

Need I Say More?

Riley, we will miss you

Today is officially the last day that I will be babysitting Riley on a regular basis. I have been watching her since Olivia was about 6 months old. Riley was 1 1/2. She is now 5. Her and Jenna are starting Kindergarden this year. (not at the same school though) I cannot believe how time flies. I told Nancy (Riley's mother) that we will definately have to schedule play dates because Olivia and Jenna will miss her. Collin starts 2nd grade this year (Riley's brother).

Pushing the Limits

Yup, Pooker is about to lose one of his 9 lives... :) I walked into Tyler's room today where we have been storing Olivia's cradle that my father had made for her when she was a baby, only to find Mr. King of the household taking up residents inside it. Are the pillows on our bed just not cutting it?

Gymnastics Camp is Over

Gymnastics camp ran for an entire week at the Oshkosh Gymnastics Center, M-F, 9am-12pm. Every day had a different theme to it, for example Monday was super hero day, Tues. was Rodeo and western day, Wednesday was competition day, Thurs. was Slip and Slide water fun day, and Friday was Carnival day. Jenna and Olivia were in different age groups but often waved to each other from across the gym. They had a blast, and slept very well during the nights!! Olivia did so well that a couple of the days I left to go shopping...otherwise I sat in the viewing room upstairs for most of the time. Once she came up the stairs for craft time and saw me....she came over by me and said "Don't worry mom, you'll be Ok, if you need me I'll be in the other room, I'll be back soon" and off she went. I just about cried. My baby is so independant....when the heck did that happen??

Rain, Rain, Rain

Good Grief!! When will it stop raining. It has been raining every day last week. Then this past weekend, Sat. and Sun. it was nice. Lucky for us too because Daryl and I went to the Dells and then stayed overnight at a Bed and Breakfast in Green Lake for our Anniversary. (Pictures coming soon!!) Now it's Monday and guess what?? RAIN. We are supposed to get rain again for the next few days. I'm surprised our basement isn't flooding. And we were worried that our grass would stay brown and crispy forever and all our flowers were dying....now our grass is a jungle because the ground won't dry enough for our lawnmower guy to come out and cut it, and our flowers never looked better!! Hopefully the rain will stop by Labor Day, we are having a putt putt party. Yup, the putt putt course if finally done. The girl's playhouse? Not so much.

Check This Out

Not happy with the way your life is going? Wish you could have a chance to do it all over again? Well look no further! With today's technology now you can keep the existing life you have (if you want) but start a second life and be exactly what and who you want to be, do the things you never dreamed of, and be in total control. It's not a dream, believe it. Click on this link to find out all about "Your Second Life" ( I should work for infomercials!!) http://secondlife.com/

Olivia's School Supplies

Can you believe I had an entire school supply list of things Olivia needs when she enters Preschool this fall? She is going to be in 3/4yr Preschool every Monday and Wednesday 8:30-10:30. Then once you purchase everything, it all has to be labeled down to each individual crayon. They were even very specific on the products to buy...only 8 count crayola crayons, 2 Large glue sticks, fisker sharp point scissors....etc. I hate to see what Kindergarden brings. Actually, I really enjoyed getting all the things together for her and labeled with Olivia stickers and her last name written on the product.

Future so Bright

Last Wednesday I had Riley (left), Jenna (middle), andOlivia for the day. I watch Riley this summer only every Wednesday, and only mostly for the month of August. We are happy to have her, the girls have missed not having Riley around. This is the first summer without her since Livy was born practically. Riley attended summer school to prepare her for Kindergarden. Jenna is still wearing her patch to correct her left eye. She is doing much better. She went from having to wear it 8 hours a day to only about two now. Olivia said "Mom the sun is poking me, I need my sunglasses."

Dance is Over

Olivia and Jenna finished their 6 week session of dance class. Half the hour was tap and the other was ballet. They were in two seperate classes due to age. I had to show these two pictures because they are a lot alike. The one on the top is my mother's tap dance picture and on the right is Olivia.

Our Anniversary

Yesterday was our 2 year anniversary. We didn't really do anything except give each other a card and I got some chocolate. We are going to celebrate it at the end of August in the Dells. I'm dying to do the old time outdoor theater thing....they have that there!

Olivia's First Dental Appointment

A+ Olivia had her first dental appointment on July 12 at Dr. Botsford's office. She at first was excited to go. We have planned for quite a while and I have been practicing with her putting my fingers in her mouth and counting her teeth, letting her use my spin brush to immitate the polishing they do, etc. She was prepared! Well we got there, Jenna came with us for support, and she got in the chair and was fine until the hygienist layed the chair down to a laying position. Olivia did not want to lay down, she wanted to sit up. Well we got past that and then the hygienist turned the light on. Nope, that didn't fly. I had to put her own sunglasses on her and climb into the chair myself with Olivia on top of me for things to continue. After that it was pretty much good to go. She met "Mr. Thirsty" which Olivia was told to "kiss" which was the suction. She was great with the water sprayer and even the "Mr. Clean" why all Mr.?? She even let the hygienist floss her teeth, which we do at home about once a week. Then Dr. Botsford came in to check her teeth. She did great. She had a small amount of plaque on her teeth which they got rid of and then put flouride on all of her teeth. At the end she got her picture taken, a toothbrush, and she got to pick a prize out of the treasure chest. Great job Olivia!! Hopefully next time we can do it without mom in the chair :)

We've Been Very Busy

Yes, it has been a while since my last post. In the past few weeks we have had a lot going on from first dental appointments to camping, dance and gymnastic classes, so on and so forth. I'm going to spend the next few days talking about all we have done with hopefully some pictures. I have a great opportunity to do this because Olivia and Jenna started gymnastics camp today which lasts 3 hours a day Monday through Friday every day this week. Lots of opportunity to get caught up!!

Awesome Weather

For the past three days we have had high 70's to low 80's weather with cool breezes. Before that it has been in the mid 90's and humid. What a fabulous weekend. Well, at least I think so, Olivia is a bit dissappointed....no swimming.

It Happens in Threes

You wouldn't believe it, but sure enough....all in one day. (This happened last Thursday)
It started out with Olivia, My mother, and I all going out to the horses for the day. Because it was so hot out, mom and I decided to be lazy and ride bareback. Livy of course went first and rode Dipper for a while. Dipper was an angel with Livy on her. Then I got on, and mom got on. Just as she was mentioning to me that she forgot how much fun it was to bareback ride, Murphy(her horse) spooked from a cat and mom fell off. From the look on her face and not instantly getting up, I knew she was hurting. She thought she broke her tail bone.

Mom got home quite sore and later got a phone call from Lynn, my sister-in-law. Mom asked how she was. Lynn replied not well! Apparently the ferrier (they trim horses hooves) was at her house today and she was holding her horse while he was cutting the hooves, and her horse was being naughty and stomped down right on Lynn's foot ripping off 1/2 her toe nail and pushed the other half into the cuticle which later the doctor had to reposition....she is on meds.

After hanging up with Lynn, 15 minutes later Scott (my brother and Lynn's hubby) called mom back. He said you won't believe it....it happens in threes. He was adjusting the fence where the horses come in and out of and pushed the gate outward which caused a latch to hang and catch on the tendon of his upper part of his arm. He said it almost seperated the tendon from the bone.

I decided to be smart, play it safe, end the day and go to bed!!

Iced Cappuccino - YUM

This recipe is an almost exact duplicate of Starbuck's bottled cappuccino.

Add 1/3cup grinds of original coffee (I used Maxwell House's Rich Original) in filter, and pour one cup of water where the water goes and brew.
Pour coffee back into coffee pot and rebrew with same grinds a second time.
This creates approx. 1/2 cup of Espresso.

In a Pitcher, Blend
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup espresso
2 1/2 cups milk (2%)
1 tbsp. vanilla pudding mix
dash of Nestle cocoa powder

Refridgerate
Makes approx. 24 ounces (I doubled the batch)

You can alternate the milk with strawberry milk or
the vanilla pudding with butterscotch pudding, chocolate, etc.
You can also omit the cocoa powder and instead add vanilla extract, mint extract, etc.
go crazy!!
Do not omit pudding, this gives it the perfect texture.

Home Updates

The first picture we are laying a brick path to go along side our putt-putt course...of course.

The second one is our bedroom finally pretty much finished...I'm just not 100% sold on my curtain selection yet....it needs something more??

The third picture is Daryl's project for the girls. I ordered the plans online last fall, and this is the result so far. It is two levels, but the first level even I cannot stand fully up in. I can't wait to decorate it!

I KNOW A LAURIE BERKNER

Yup, my best friend Jacque totally reminds me of Laurie Berkner, right down to the moves.
If you know Jacque, see for yourself. Laurie Berkner is a singer for young children. The songs she writes even remind me of something Jacque would write and she also plays the guitar. Do you still play the guitar Beek??
www.twotomatoes.com

I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!

Walmart makes this AWESOME broccoli raisin salad that I am addicted to. I would love to recreate it, but I'm not sure about the sauce...it's some sort of sweet mayonaise, or even I would guess coleslaw sauce?

Happy 80th Birthday Grandma

Even though Grandma and I share the same birthday (June 5th) my mother, aunt, and uncle (all grandma's children) threw a surprise birthday party just for her, she loved every minute of it! Every single close family member and friend of her's was there. We love you Gram!!!

Olivia starts gymnastics

Today Olivia started "nastics". She has been waiting to go for a LONG time now. She got on her little gymnastics outfit, got her hair braided, and was ready to go 3 hours before we had to leave :) She started out being the only one to show up for her class, but after 10 minutes, another girl showed up to join her. She is so proud and waiving to me as she is doing the balance beam. That's my girl!

House Projects

Here is the reason why I haven't blogged in a few days...we decided to start working on our bedroom which badly needed to be renovated. We are replacing the center door space with an extra window since we never used the door and it was in the way of our bed. We are also replacing the carpet, redoing the walls and fully redecorating the entire room. The top picture shows the load of some type of cement compound that was delivered yesterday so Daryl can complete the minature putt putt course around our house...he is standing on part of it in the second picture. Yes you heard me right, a mini putt putt course. I am married to the biggest kid in the world!!

The Horse Fair

We went to the Horse Fair in Madison this past weekend. It was Olivia's first. She loved seeing all the horses and of course got a new pink cowgirl hat. I had to include the picture of Livy carrying the bag of popcorn that was as big as she was. She thought it was just for her too.

Birthday's Celebrated

We celebrated two birthday's recently...my mother's who as you can see cashed in on last year's birthday present and took an introductory flying lesson (she got to sit in the driver's seat, take off, fly once up, and land with minimal help) and the only time she wasn't piloting was when she had the instructor take over for a brief moment so she could look around. The whole lesson lasted about an hour.

The other birthday celebrated was my father's. Livy made her version of a birthday cake for him. He enjoyed it very much :)

Excerpts from a Dog's diary:

Dog...
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary:

Day 683 of my captivity:
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.

I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. The audacity!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food.

I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow --but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded!

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move.

My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.......

For now...

This is a LYNX. Can you believe they apparently allow you to own a lynx in Florida as long as you pass a really tough course on owning one. Daryl and I were on a cruise a few weeks ago, and we met a couple from the ship who took us to their friends house when we returned to show us their lynx. That is actually my hand petting it....I Swear!! They have to fly in frozen packed meat from who knows where, thaw it and feed it raw. What really amazed me was the fact that they owned it on just under an acreage of land in the center of Ft. Lauderdale on a horse farm! They also owned a parrot, turtles, goats, ducks....sounds like a walking grocery store for this special cat...yikes. As you can see they keep it on a harness and rope. It has it's own cushioned chair and special "cat" room in the house. It apparently jumps up on the counters, and sleeps in bed with them. The cat is fairly young, it's paws were HUGE! I loved just sitting there petting that georgous cat! Wonder what my horse would think of her. :) Pictures of the cruise to come.