The Debut Doggy

After a four year hiatus in blogging, I've been (consistently) pressured to get back on and share some memories.  It's funny how a year of yuck can roll into bouts of laughter as Gavin and Sophia read and reread past posts.  2020 has certainly given us much to consider and even more for which to be thankful.  One of these blessings would include our most recent adoption of, what we assume, is a full-bred Plott hound named Shelby.  Shelby Lou Stinkybottoms, to be precise.

How do you acquire a doggy with a name like"Shelby Lou Stinkybottoms," you may be wondering?  There are a few necessary qualifications that must be checked off the requirement list to have such a nombre.  First, you must insist on looking for the absolute cutest doggy face on the internet within a 45-mile radius.  You can't give up unless you feel drawn to such a mugshot.  Second, you must ensure that you find a pup who has many health issues, wherein you begin asking yourself if you've made the right decision.  Because of course, you have.  Third,  you really need to be on the lookout for the gassiest, stinkiest, laziest, and most stubborn dog on the market.  No other will do.  To be sure she can fulfill her namely doo-dees, just sit around and wait a minute, and she'll perform right on cue.  

Of course, I jest at the journey we've endured in her past six months of residing in our home.  Seeking her out was so easy and she fits right into our puzzle-piece of a crazy family.  We adore her, smells and all.  What more can you ask for, when your eyes are watering from the stench?  Not much, that's for sure.  You're just thankful she's there to ignore you, sleep, and stare at you to give her (yet) another walk.  Greedy little gumdrop, that one.  

So, today officially makes her 2020 Doggy Debut to the world.  Soon it will be 2021 and the future looks bright for this (almost) euthanized hound.  I think she's thankful for that and for us.  I'll make sure I ask her between her naps.  

No Naps for Mama

After a long night of little rest and family in town, it was time for a nap.   If you know anything about Gavin, you'd know that he HATES naps.  He does, however, like to keep everyone else from taking one.  So, just as you would suppose, he came in and asked to snuggle and ensures that no rest will be had for the weary. 

He quickly made it worth my while as he hopped onto my bed, banging his elbow into my face and his knee into my stomach.  "I'm awake now," I yelp in pain.  He started giggling uncontrollably as he has an agenda, as he usually does.  Gavin likes to play a guessing game at any times possible.  They are always random questions like, "What is my favorite game that I played at my friends house?  Your choices are 'Minions,' 'Disney Infinity 2.0,' 'Minecraft,' or 'Toy Story.'"  As you can see, you'd really have no idea as to the answer.  These questions persist, ending with a grade and a percentage applied by my strict assessor. 

Although this process can be a tad bit annoying, I must say that it holds the key to what Gavin values as important in life.  It's his quirky way of sharing little pieces of himself and facts he's learned and deemed worthy of sharing.  Yes, that day, I could have used a little rest and relaxation without playing a round of "Jeopardy;" however, I think about how my time with him is fleeting and years are passing so quickly.  Will he giggle and jump all over my bed next year?  Will he share little tidbits about himself, even if it is in code, as a teenager?  I panic when thinking about how I need to steal up whatever I can get. 

We spent about 20 minutes playing the quiz game until we thought we were all giggled out.  It was time to get up and get our afternoon started when Gavin asked to weigh himself on the scale.  He proudly announces, "I'm 58 labels!"  So cute. 

"Lbs means pounds, not labels, honey.," I reply (smiling). 

"That doesn't make sense.  It should be PUs not, lbs.  I'm 58 PUs.," Gavin responds. 

"Actually, that makes more sense.  I don't know that you want people knowing that you have so much peeewwwwwws though." 

We laughed until we cried.  I'm so glad I missed out on my nap.  Even my dream couldn't be that funny.  I'm thankful for the memory and glad we clarified the meaning of weight units. 

Wishful Thinking

What does any mama want from her children?  Well, I started asking this of myself recently and I've decided that I'd like a few things.  Here are just a few:

* I'd like our children to be independent.  Not just tie your own shoes independence, but a true independence that is the envy of others.  Like the  "Wow, your kids do that all by themselves...?! That's so amazing" kind of independence.  I feel like we are on a daily trek towards this and, honestly, I'm feeling VERY far behind on this one. Each day seems like we move only an inch at a time.

* A FULL day of no fighting with each other.  There used to be a time, they were much younger (maybe they didn't really know each other existed), when they played perfectly together.  Why does this seem impossible these days?  One second they play as though they would rather cut their arms off than be separated from each other and the next, they could kill each other with their death glares and unkind words.  My heart becomes exhausted in listening to them and feeling the attacks.  It's unbearable.

* To learn the 1st time we have asked or taught them a lesson.  How many times must we say to "chew with your mouth closed" or "don't pick up the cat"?  Some lessons are hard ones to learn, like falling and bonking your head, yet again, after you've been asked to sit on your bottom on the couch.  Others are ones that just feel embarrassing when out in public, like "don't scratch yourself in your private area while we're at the grocery store, especially near fresh fruit. Yes, it's real folks.  This, I must say, can be a very frustrating part of parenthood.

* A feeling of thankfulness.  For what we have, where we get to visit, what we get to eat, etc.  We are constantly having conversations of how to be appreciative of what we have and not to be greedy.  Being a parent is walking a fine line, because you want to give them wonderful experiences, a happy life full of love and fulfillment, and all their basic needs.  However, you also want to make sure they are grateful for what they have and share with others when THEY notice that someone is going without.  The part where they recognize and they make efforts can be difficult. 

Okay, so that's my wish list, for now.  I can tell you that in the middle of writing this blog, I took a break for a few hours and chatted with the kids about a few things.  One conversation was with Gavin and I asked him what he planned to do with his birthday money.  He said he wanted to buy something for his sister (what would equal the full amount of what he has).  He noticed she didn't have something and wants to get it for her.  Maybe my wishes will come true!?!...just maybe.

Be Creative!

Everyone agrees that being creative is good, right?  Thinking outside of the box is a desire to have and, even better, with the mind of a child so that it's really original.  So, let me share a few tidbits that might get your creative mind thinking a little differently!

 

Have you ever wondered what was in your food?  Most of us ask the usual stuff like, "Is there red food dye in this?" or "Please tell me there are no GMOs right?" Well, have you ever considered something really out of the ordinary?  Maybe we should broaden our thinking a little bit about our food intake.  For example, Sophia recently asked what salmon was made of.  We responded that it was just salmon.  She replied, "Hamsters?"  Now, that REALLY had us thinking...COULD there be hamsters in salmon? Sure does make you think, right?  Very creative.

 

What about your toilet paper rolls or just any old piece of paper rolled up into a cylinder?  Most of us might think to recycle it to create new paper products.  Sophia's answer was to create a food feeder for her invisible bird friend, Merck.  I mean, why not?  Makes sense to me!

 

 

Or perhaps you're really into someone with whom you work or hang out.  Many of you might ask that person to go on a date or befriend them in a way that allows you to spend more time.  Sophia was very clever in learning the word "captivate" within her recent princess books.  She's decided that she'll captivate from afar and declare boyfriends, but NEVER tell them, because that would be "embarrassing."  I must say I prefer this idea as a mama.

 

Lastly, what about those of you who like to make crafts and get all creative in those craft rooms and work spaces?  I'm sure you've given some art a try, maybe some creative juices have been flowing with you and you've come up with some real originals.  However, I'm sure this one has never popped in your mind...a rhinoceros headband, for the person who wants to be a rhinoceros when they don't want to be a person. This one blows my mind with creativity.  I hate to say it, but I'm sure your ideas are no where near this one. 

 

 

That's just it.  In all of these little life segments with her, I've come to realize that she is just sooooo creative.  Her mind thinks of really great and unusual ways to live life to the fullest.  In this world of rules and regulations, school and schedules, I'd like to think that she'll walk away 20 years from now with these same great ideas.  I hope so at least.  I hope she won't be stifled.  I hope she'll feel supported and admired for her creativity. 

 

So, if she offers you a great idea, one that is beyond your wildest imagination, take it and run with it.  You might just realize that she's pretty amazing, because I know I do.  

Getting My Blinders On!

What do people say of me and my family when we're not around?

 

For example, what did the lady say that sat and watched my children flip open birthday cards full of crazy sounds and songs as they laughed hysterically in the middle of Rite Aid?  Does she say, "Wow, those kids can appreciate a great card when they see one, especially the one with the dancing tango cat!" OR does she say, "Can't she keep those kids quiet?! This is a pharmacy store for gosh sake!"  I'm not sure.  I couldn't quite tell, but it sure did look like she had a snotty look.

 

Or, what about the nurse who was at the doctor's office, trying to get Sophia to listen to the beep in the machine to pass her hearing test?  Where Sophia was crying, because really...it wasn't about the hearing test, but the upcoming vaccination she knew she'd be getting.  Might she say, "That lady should have taken her in the car and given her a spank." OR does she mutter, "I wouldn't want to do this either, poor kid."  I'm not sure, again.  She gave us a disapproving glare and told us we might have to reschedule.

 

Maybe the time when I was sobbing in my car, in the shopping mall parking lot, as I took in information about, yet another, issue to deal with as a mama.  When I looked over in the car next to me I noticed a man looking over.  What might he be thinking?  "Geez, another sappy woman crying in her car, what a mess."  Or perhaps it might have been, "That mama might have a lot to deal with today.  Maybe I should buy her a mocha-caramel latte from the nearest Starbucks to help her feel better."  ...I'm pretty sure it wasn't the last one, but a girl likes to dream. 

 

So many situations like this arise where I wonder what others are thinking and what kind of an impact we're making in our community and in our little part of the world.  But, I do know that we take each day at a time.  We're judged by God and He enlightens us everyday with our new section of our life path.  Sometimes we stumble a little or don't follow a road sign, but we're always trying to do our best.  I guess that's when I realize that I don't always have to worry about what others think. We are going to just enjoy life with our blinders on and love the ride! I may even purchase a set of these...

 

My focus is on God and He will give me the strength I need to stay focused on Him and His path. The rest of it is just in my peripheral and I'm okay with that.



She's What?!?! 5 years old?!

I'm constantly blown away by this kind-hearted soul. 

 



 

Yes, it has been 5, yes 5, glorious years with this beauty.  She certainly adds a lot of joy to our lives and she ALWAYS makes our lives exciting! Either with her smiles, jokes, or overall love for others, we've realized that we're blessed by having her as part of our family.  Say, "cheese!"  Being 5 is going to be so easy!  



From the Mouths of Babes

Important Quotes To Remember:

* "Princess songs make you cry, because they are so lovable."  -Gavin

* "I love bald heads, just because."  -Sophia

* "Are you going to the circus?" -Sophia

* "I am going to give you a big kiss, (deep breath in), I'm going in!" -Sophia

* "I love mini coopers and Bobs."  -Sophia