JustLisa

Saturday we went to Des Moines so that Emily could see Laney. While she did that, we took the boys to the fishing swap meet. They went to a seminar put on by Mid Iowa Bassmasters and led by Outdoors Dan. They each got a rod/reel combo for attending. I tried to get one for Emily but they wouldn't give another one since she wasn't there. Never hurts to ask. C. ended up giving her his since he likes spincast reels better.

Yesterday Ben and Em were both sick so I got up extra early to clean and disinfect. There's a funny story about Ben but it'll have to wait. Time to jump up and throw some laundry in. Here's hoping this is a great week.

This cutie is one of two schnauzers spending the weekend with us. This is the baby, the one I fully expected to keep me awake all night. Instead it was the older one dancing on the bed, whining at Dozer, tromping all over. Finally at 3AM Todd got up and put him in his crate at the other end of the house. The rest of the night he'd scream for ten minutes then rest for twenty. I say scream because it sure doesn't sound like a dog whining.

The cat is all out of sorts and Dozer needs his nap. The birds have been bumped every which direction as dogs come charging through. Todd's gone outside to work on his car and I'm popping Tylenol. We'll probably get it all sorted out about the time for them to go home tomorrow night.

Five minutes into the door and C. has told me enough to keep me mad for a week. I tell him and tell him "Please do not talk about your dad's house when you come home". My mom thinks that is not good because I may need to know something that's happening. If I thought something really harmful was going on, I'd want to know. This is more just the little aggravating things and sometimes I think C. tells me just to see if he can get my blood pressure up. I had no idea that his dad and I's co-parenting arrangement would grow to be so difficult. Oh well, you work with what you've got I guess.

Once again I am reciting my favorite prayer... Dear Lord, keep one hand on my shoulder and the other over my mouth. Being an adult is hard sometimes.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.

If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.

If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.

If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about
them.

If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law
Nolte

Click the thumbnails for full size versions. The pic with Dozer in it doesn't even begin to show how much bigger he is than the other two. The larger one would stand on his back - the little one would walk underneath him. I think even though he was clearly annoyed by his guests, he misses them now that they are back home.

State high school basketball tourneys almost always mean one more big snowstorm. I think the boys tourney starts today and sure enough, we are to get six inches of heavy, wet snow by days end. Yesterday the kids were outside playing basketball and riding bikes. We even went fishing last night... and now snow. Of course you will not hear me complain about that.

Every night as I listen to C. practice his trumpet, I think about what his band teacher said, "Christopher is a fine trumpet player." Yes he is. It's amazing how well he has taken to it. His practicing doesn't even bother me anymore. He needs a new mouthpiece and I'm not sure if they are standardized. Like is a Bach 7C the same as a Horner 7C or a Yamaha 7C? Anyone know?

p.s. to Lori. Sorry I couldnt talk the other day. Work is just nuts! My laptop burned up so I lost your email address and can't even send you a note. Email me so I can add you back please.

Todd is out picking up worms for fishing. The last few nights they have been so thick on top the ground that you can hear them wriggling around. Kinda creepy but exciting to think that spring must be here. In addition to the worms, the butterflies are showing back up. Good signs of warmer weather abound. I didn't get my 2' snow again this year but that's okay. Most people are getting tired and grumpy from being so cold and blah. Bring on the Spring!

It's going to be a crappy day and I decided about three hours ago that I'm not in the mood. Not even going to put on my happy face and try to change it. Just gonna say take a number and put your boxing gloves on.

Seen over at Deborah's, taken because what else is there to do at 7am?

Your Energy is Yellow. You are generous, bright,
and expressive. An excellent communicator, you
keep your audience captivated with your
animated storytelling. Sometimes you talk too
much, but when you learn to listen you will be
sought out for your talents to advise.

The communications field appeals to you as a
profession. Public speaking, writing, radio,
acting or teaching would also be good career
choices.


What color is your energy?
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I put out my last cigarette 365 days ago.

I have a bug. It has taken up residence in my throat and upper chest. My ears are plugged so I say "Huh?" alot. It's annoying. Someone call the exterminator.