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Natalie and Alexis, Best Buds. Summer -- 2008

It's THAT Time -- Hold my Calls until Fall

I need to come clean and admit that I am an unashamed Olympic junkie.

By that, I exercise no discretion with regard to the particular event -- I'll have it on the tube, cheering on our American contenders.

And no, I don't expect to get much else done until late September. That's why I vaccuumed and did the dishes on Friday morning, to tide us over.

I can only imagine what that experience must be like for the athlete -- AND for their parents watching in the stands.

Evan asked me if we would come watch him compete in the Olympics when he's older. Love that confidence! I assured him that we'd be there, cheering him on -- with me doing the "ugly cry" the whole time on camera for the whole wide world to see. And I'll need reconstructive surgery afterwards on my nail bed which I've undoubtedly chewed down to bloody nubs.

The fam has been gathered round the tv, enjoying the immaculate opening festivities, learning about China and the history of the Olympics and taking in all the different events. For the record -- if anyone from the Olympic Committee is reading, Natalie feels that the beach volleyball girls "need to put on more clothes."

My favorite so far has been the mens' gymnastics ..... even with Evan proclaiming EVERY single time, "NICE ARM PIT HAIR!!!" to
every.
single.
male gymnast.
It was actually amusing the first dozen times or so.

I catch myself literally holding my breath while each gymnast takes their turn. You see, we're kindred spirits. I'm a gymnast of sorts myself, having been forced to participate in middle school that one dark semester. Nothing builds self-esteem like having to run and catapault off the vault with the entire 6th grade class observing.

Let's just say I didn't quite nail the landing. Or the mat, for that matter.
That's what inspired me to take up typing.

Amazingly, that little mishap was caught on tape HERE.

My Maternal Instincts are Taking a Beating

This has been a trying week.

Bottle feeding 6 kittens around the clock is getting old ..... and my nerves are constantly shot listening to them meow in desperate hunger, waiting impatiently for their turn with the "wet nurse". My internal dialog sounds like this: "FEED THAT HUNGRY BABY -- NOW!!!"

At the same time it's a gratifying job, as they go quickly from shrill meows to kitten-sized purrs once a few gulps land in their tummies.

And then the cycle begins about an hour later ...... ugh!

On top of that, Holly came down very ill this week -- sporting a fever of 105.8 (under her arm, no less!). That's not a typo -- 105.8! Not that I'm boasting, but that's a new record in our household!

I was worried sick and ready to pack her in ice like I've seen on "Little House on the Prairie". The doctor suspected she had "the summer flu", and it would run its course -- I've never heard of such a thing! I thought the main medical risk of summer was a sunburn or perhaps a case of poison ivy....

I was so relieved when her fever broke ..... she's still getting her strength back a little more every day.

This is one of those weeks where I rest on the promise that in my weakness, He is strong. And THAT will preach, sister!

Private Eye in Training

I've Arrived in the Blogosphere

Oh my, how exciting! My VERY first "tag", received from Amy of Great Cakes Soap Works! Apparently I'm fascinating! Who knew?


These are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them (This is only a game)
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up

Random items about me:

1) My favorite color has always been purple, although I'm currently going through a polka dot-loving phase in life.

2) I was the 1983 State Champion in ...... shorthand! (and think it should be included as an Olympic event).

3) In high school, I was in the Top 25 Students out of 678 Seniors.

4) I wish I could sing like my best friend, who happens to also be my little sister (and her hair is pretty awesome too!).

5) My heart's desire is to be used of the Lord as a Christian Comedienne. I'm excited to have four 'gigs" scheduled right now -- yea!

6) I'm a reformed People Pleaser. Is that OK?


NOW, I'd like to tag the following friends:
Christi
Jill
Jennifer
Bethany
Julianne
Amy

Got Milk ?

Can I get a tad bit personal on this post? It may be PG rated.....

Suffice it to say that we've got lactation issues in Kittyville. And I feel for poor mama cat, Peanut. Oh, I truly do.

Those kittens seemingly want to nurse all the time, and mommy's outnumbered -- literally. It would appear that she's only got 4 working spickets up and running to accommodate 6 kittens. You do the math = ouch.

She's sore to the point that she growls and makes painful noises while the young-unz nurse. I called LeLeche League for assistance and they apparently don't deal with felines.

I then searched the internet with key words such as "Cat Breastfeeding", "Feline Nursing" and "Kittens Making Mama Cat's ta-tas Bleed" and I learned a few things but not necessarily helpful ones for this particular matter. In fact, I may be scarred for life in certain ways.

Anyhoo, we decided today to intervene a bit and feed the kittens by dropper. Peanut nervously watched nearby, licking the Neosporin off her sore unmentionables all the while.

On a brighter note, the kittens' eyes are almost all open now ..... and the last of their umbilical cords have fallen off.

Which reminds me .... Evan recently discovered the treasure of a shed umbilical cord on the floor near the kittens. So, being the little stinker brother he is, he flung it at his sisters and then ran off as fast as his little legs would carry him.

The sisters were NOT amused. Think the bloody finale scene of "Carrie".

I found myself stating with authority a phrase I've never said in my life, nor probably ever will again (hopefully) -- "EVAN, DO NOT FLING UMBILICAL CORDS AT YOUR SISTERS EVER AGAIN!!!"

Yes, we're proud. Never a dull moment around here.

Oh, and SOOOOOO many of you have asked about Peanut's gift registry. Your waiting is over! Her selections are made she's got her paws crossed hoping to receive this and especially has her heart set on this item. If you prefer to go practical with your gift giving, take a look at this for your consideration.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Is This a CRUEL Joke?

I received some mail yesterday that no summer-time mom should ever receive. It was even more unwelcome than a jury duty notice. But not as bad as a nasty-gram from the IRS.... hypothetically speaking, of course.

I can only HOPE that I'm being punk'd.

Just as we were in the home stretch of summer break, we learned that the finish line has just been extended a bit. That hurts. DEEPLY.

It seems the school building isn't quite ready for use (the kids are attending a brand new school this year).

I, for one, intend to picket....Right after I offer to work weekends to help get the joint ready. I might even rally the Amish community to aide in a barn-raising of sorts.

For the record, I find walls and finished floors to be downright pretentious and unnecessary. All the kids really need is a slate and a book or two. Think "Little House on the Prairie". If it's good enough for Miss Beedle, it's good enough for us!

In the spirit of Half Pint, we'll make an extra trip to the fishin' hole during our BONUS days of summer "vacation". (Clearly, teachers came up with THAT term)

It's official, I'm an education fanatic, as my friend Christi reminded me! I firmly believe kids should be in school, regardless of inclement weather or construction issues.