Showering the Baby!!!!

What a face! She doesn't like this picture because she is making a weird face. However it is a great picture of her round belly. At 7 months, you still can't tell she's pregnant unless she turns sideways.


We went to her Baby Shower yesterday at Ashley's house.

Here are some highlights.





Here is the cake, I made and decorated for her. It is surrounded by candles made from a baby food jar.

The jars were painted with blue and green polka dots, they are tied with blue, baby footprint ribbons and have a tiny blue pacifier hot glued to the center. They were a big hit.




Pictures Of games and some highlights of Tish opening presents. Tish was really happy to see Mrs. Howe who has always been a special friend to her. We both want to thank Ashley and Jenny for such a great party and the sweet baby gifts.

We had such a fun afternoon. Baby showers are great, we were both really tired when we got home. It didn't take me long to go to sleep once we got home.

"More Alex"

Alex surprises me everyday with his intellegience.
He is always coming up with some new behavior or phrase that catches me unaware.
A few nights ago, we were sitting on the couch, watching T.V. after dinner. Alex was perched on my shoulder, preening my hair (a new behavior for him). Tish was sitting on the other end of the couch. Alex climbed off my shoulder onto the back of the couch and made his way toward Tish. She is a little nervous around him (he is a notorious biter) so she moved forward a little bit, out of his reach. She was talking to him, however and she said, "Gimme a kiss!" Expecting his reply to be his usual smooching sound. Alex surprised us all by replying , "Come here!"
Tonight, I decided to offer him a new treat. I know that he loves fresh strawberries. He will pick all the seeds off, eating them one by one before finally nibbling on the fruit itself. Tonight, I offered him a piece of pomgranate. Alex took one look at it and promptly asked, "What's that?" Of course once he tried it, he loved it. I knew he would.
This morning, he woke up with Jerry, and while Jerry was ironing his clothes for the day, Alex walked over to him and waited to be picked up and placed on his play gym. I think that is another breakthrough behavior for him. He normally does not appraoch Jerry to be picked up. And has a tendency to bite, when Jerry tries to pick him up. What a switch!
I have had a Quaker parrot in the past. She was extremely affectionate and loved to be held and cuddled. Alex does not like to be touched other than stepping up to be placed on his gym or on my shoulder. He still will not let me stroke his belly or scratch his head. I usually end up with a sore finger and a parrot that is laughing hysterically at me for hollering out, in pain.
The biggest difference in the two is the level of intellegience. Jada would talk, some. But she had a very limited vocabulary and she really didn't use her words in their proper context, except when she wanted to be cuddled and she would say, "Pick up Jada!" Alex usually speaks in concrete requests and replies to questions appropriately. He greets me in the afternoon by saying, "Hello, Mama." He tells the dogs, "Night, night" when I put them to bed. And he will say, "Shut up" when they are barking. He still says, "Here, kitty kitty" and answers, "Meow" when you repeat it to him.His word and phrase vocabulary is just too large to list it all, or even to remember, what all he can say, in just a few minutes.
We have definately come a long way from the aggressive little, green monster that would not let me near him, to a real, little, social butterfly. I am looking forward to the day that I can actually pet him and cuddle him.
I hope that the day will come, when Alex will enjoy snuggling under the blanket, on my chest while I read a book. I think we are on the way.

It's called "dog food" for a reason!

I think they call it that because it was created to feed dogs! Little dogs, big dogs, Chihuahuas, mutts, Quakers!
If it barks, chases it's tail and eats dog food, it's a dog, Right!
No, it's a bird that thinks it's a dog!
It's "Alex"!

Alex's favorite new thing is to get up very early in the morning, when I do. He climbs down, off his cage. Follows me around a bit. Chases "Mocha" and "Junior" away from their food bowl and helps himself to his favorite crunchy bits, in the "Kibbles and Bits".
Sometimes he doesn't even bother to chase the puppies away first, he just perches himself on the edge of their dish and glares at them. I know he is getting really spoiled, but I can't seem to help myself. "Alex" has such a funny personality. How can you possibly speak sternly to anything that makes you laugh so much.

Speaking of puppies, "Mocha" and "Junior" have become "Best Buds". Tonight, they played for hours. I watched them play "Tag, you're it" and "Keep Away". Then almost together, they collapsed and fell asleep! "Junior" is responding to his name. We have started "crating" them at night. "Mocha" sleeps better (like: all night, for a change) and as a result the rest of us sleep better. "Mocha", barking at her shadow, in the middle of the night, can make your heart stop beating. "Sami" still roams the house. I guess, he has earned a little special treatment.

Well, time to go to bed. Gotta work tomorrow! See ya!!!!

What a Catch!!!!

Jerry left early this morning, as is his usual routine on Saturday. Saturday is my "sleeping in, until I feel like getting up" Day. Jerry always leaves early, without waking me, and goes fishing. This morning, he stayed gone a little longer than usual. I wasn't really, too concerned, because, if he starts catching fish, he won't come home until the fish quit biting.
Needless to say, today, THEY WERE BITING!!!!!!!
I finally heard from him around 2:30 this afternoon.
He showed up at home with 17 of the biggest crappie, I have ever seen.
One monster was 16" long. It was so big, I couldn't get it to fit in the clip on my cleaning board.
There were several more between 14-15" and just a couple around 12". Not a one smaller.
I cleaned them all and put them in 7 "quart size" freezer bags. 7 quarts of crappie! Now, that's a fish fry!!!!!!

Oh yeah! I almost forgot. He caught this beauties, while paddling around in his kayak!
What a catch!! (Jerry, not the fish) And what a catch!!(the fish)

Just An Update!

"Alex" is still enjoying his new playground.

"Junior" and "Mocha" are now best buddies.
They do everything together. Eat, Sleep, Play, Snuggle.
"Sam" is not too impressed with having two rowdy, little puppies in the house,
but he is still "THE BOSS" and they don't worry him too much.
They have too much fun playing with each other to mess with a grumpy old man.

Speaking of, Jerry is doing great. He is still losing weight each week on Weight Watchers.
He has really become a big fan of Fly Fishing and goes almost every weekend. I think the crappie boat is getting jealous of the kayak. Now he is thinking about trying his hand at (building? making?) his own fly rod.

Tish is gaining more weight. Not too much! She looks so cute with her round belly! We are having a great time getting ready for the new baby boy. We have the nursery pretty well set up. The Baby Shower is in the works for November 10. We still have to address and send out invitations, so if you haven't gotten one, it's because they haven't been mailed.

The rest of the gang is doing well. I put the nesting box back in the finch cage. "Digory" is getting big and fat. "Saul" has decided to be the neighborhood "barking dog".

Plans are still in the works for Mom, Eddy and Beth to come out for several days at Thanksgiving. Tish and I are planning a "Black Friday" outing with Mom and Beth. The last time, I got to go, I took Jerry and he pretty much looked like a cat surrounded by pit bulls and no tree to climb. I don't think I will ever convince him to go again. Mom is bringing her boxing gloves for the occasion.

All in All, life is great and I feel blessed to be a part of it all. God is GOOD all the time.

Hi, from "Alex"

I bought "Alex" a new playground.
I think it is pretty cool.
He only bit me three times, while I was trying to get him to sit on it.
Parrot Trivia: Parrots are very suspicious of new things and should be introduced to them slowly. According to the experts, you can really upset a parrot by introducing a new piece of furniture into a room. So, new play gyms, should definately be introduced slowly over a period of a few days. You are 'supposed to' put the new item in the room, and over a period of several days, move it closer and closer to the parrot a little at a time until he is no longer upset by it's presence.
So much for that!! I put it together, picked "Alex" up and put him on it!
He survived, meeting his new toy. I survived his protests, now we are both happy!!!!


NOW MEET "JUNIOR"

Any one who knows us, know how devastated we were at the loss of our beloved "Snickers".
He was probably the smartest dog I have ever had the previlege to share my home with. When he was killed, it left a big hole in our lives.
However, "Snickers" did not leave us to be lonely. He made sure there would be someone special to help fill that void.
This is "Junior"
"Snickers" son!!!!
He is 6 weeks old. He is already bigger than "Mocha" and making his presence well known.
He bounces around here as if he never lived anywhere else. He plays with "Mocha" and answers to his name already.
When I look at his sweet little face, I see my "Snickers" in his eyes!

Little Pig, Little Pig, let me come in!

Only coins, that is. Or bills if your just wanting to be different. Here is a picture of Liam's first piggy bank. Hand painted by his Mom. I think she did a great job. I really enjoy watching Tish create her own special additions to the baby's corner.
I love to do crafts and it makes me feel proud that my children are imaginative and creative.
Of course, I can't take all the credit, her Dad is a pretty creative and imaginative guy, too.
He has been tying flies as well as jigs and comes up with some really attractive and imaginative designs. The cool thing is his flies and jigs catch fish. That is the ultimate test.
I looked to see if he had posted a picture of his kayak on this computer, but I can't find one. I guess I will have to wait to post that.

On to other news. Thanksgiving is getting closer. I can't hardly wait. I am so excited about having my family over. I want Mom, Eddy and Beth to have such a good time, they will never want to go back to Shreveport.

new baby belly pic

Tish
6 Months and counting.
She has gained 9 pounds so far
and it's all belly.
She is still wearing her pre-pregnancy jeans.
Of course, they are low-rise jeans so they don't interfere with
her growing bump.
Isn't she just too cute!!!!!

One more project completed

We finished the changing table, today.
I had to run up to Lowes and get the correct size screws, so I could assemble it safely. Then, Tish and I put the completed pad and bumper pads and baskets on it. I think it turned out cute. Everything coordinates with the bedding and wall decorations that we had completed earlier.
Only, one unfinished, sewing project left. I have the bed skirt partially completed. When it is done, I will post pictures of the completed nursery area.
We are pretty much ready. We still need to get daily living items, like bottles, nipples, pacifiers, diapers, baby care items (body wash, shampoo, lotion), etc.
Of course there are plenty of things we need still. Towels, baby wash cloths, blankets and infant toys. We have not been able to find any suitable infant toys. We still need a mobile for the crib, bassinet sheets, car seat and misc. other things.
Most all of that is small items we can buy a little at a time over the next few months. I think we are real close to being ready!

Can't Sleep!

I'm tired, but I can't sleep.
We had a good day, today! We worked on finishing projects for the "little man". I finished the pad for the changing table and the bumper pads. I covered the wicker basket with fabric that matches the theme of the room. Tish and I also worked on a couple of small projects. She found a piggy bank that she liked and bought an unfinished one at Michaels. She spent the afternoon, painting it. It turned out really cute. I made another plaque that matches the ones Tish made.
Tomorrow we will work on getting everything put together.


Jerry has a new passion. He bought a kayak. Hopefully the rain will clear enough tomorrow, he will be able to take it out for a little while in the morning.


We also saw "Junior" today. He is looking more and more like "Snickers" each time I see him. He is growing really fast and is bigger than any of his litter mates. He also is the most active, according to Beth, the lady they all belong to. In just a couple of more weeks, he will come to live with us.

Tonight was really nice. I worked on my sewing projects for the baby. Tish painted her piggy bank. Jerry sat at his work table and tied flies. We didn't even talk. We didn't have the T.V. on. It was quiet, we just enjoyed being together. Each one of us concentrating on our individual project and thinking our own private thoughts, knowing that the others were nearby, keeping us company and admiring the work we were doing. Being together doesn't always include talking. Sometimes, it's just being together. Sometimes, together time, is the best time of all.

Tish's baby is a very fortunate little boy. He will be born into a family who loves him and one another without limits. We are a very fortunate family. We are being blessed by one of God's greatest gifts. A beautiful baby boy to love. Without limits!

Shopping!

O.K. So, what will the" well-dressed baby" be wearing this winter?
We have cute little "onesies", blanket sleepers, sweaters, over-alls, tennis shoes, a button up plaid shirt, bluejeans, crawlers, jackets, socks and bibs. All in coordinating "mix&match" colors from "Old Navy", "Carters", "Little Me", "The Childrens Place" and of course "Toys 'R' Us".
Tish and I have been shopping. She bought some things on Wed. after we found out we are having a boy and I bought some more things tonight. I love outlet stores. We found some really cute things. Some of my favorites are a little blanket sleeper that is soft as down and has sweet little ears on the hood and bear foot prints on the bottom of the feet, then there are the bibs. We had to buy them. One of them says,"My Great Grandma loves me", the other one says, Grandpa's little angel". The navy blue crawler says," S.B.G., spoiled by grandpa". We really found some wonderful little boy clothes. I saw a lot of really cute little girl things, too. I can't wait to find out what Krysta is having. Tish and I will be doing some more shopping.
I love the fact that this baby will arrive during the winter. Winter clothes are so much cuter than summer clothes. All the little fuzzy and furry little outfits.
I am having too much fun.
I laid everything out on Tish's bed and there wasn't enough room to spread it all out and take a picture. This little man already has a lot of great clothes.
Hurry up, Krysta and find out. I am in the mood to do some BABY SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Official!

No more guess work. We have the official sonogram results. Tish is having a baby boy! Names are still not a certainty.
We are all really excited and happy to know. Now we can get down to some real shopping.

Stolen Poetry

The following post was stolen from my Mom's blog. I wanted to post it on mine because there are people who read my blog that don't read my Mom's. It is a poem written by my little sister in remembrance of our brother, Roger on the anniversary of his death. The poem touched me deeply, as did the death of my brother.
I hope that it touches the hearts of all who read it. Roger was 44 years old, when he died.
I vowed at that time not to let time get away from me again. Rogers' death was a sad reminder of how important family is. Of how much we share in this world and how much we truly need one another.
I want my family, my Mom, my sister, Beth, my Step-dad, Eddy, my brother, Frankie, my children and my grand-children to know how much I love them all.
I had not seen Roger for many years and had just begun to get to know him again, when he was taken from me. I grieve for all those lost years, when we could have been a family. I squandered them on resentment. I could not let go of the past. I don't ever want to suffer those feelings of grief again. Knowing in my heart that I had the ability to change things. The means to make things right between us.
To my friends, my wish for you is that you will find that place where love survives.
Hold close to your heart those whom you care about.
Let them know.
Before you lose them and never again have the chance.

"Rogers' Song" by Beth Sanderson

Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Remembering

Sunday was the one year anniversary of Roger's death. It was a hard day for everyone. We took some new flowers out to the cemetery, and it didn't look like anyone had been to see him since we went last time. When we got home, Beth wrote a poem. It's the first thing she's written since he died. I really wanted to share it here. She hasn't thought of a name for it yet, but it's very touching.


Another year has passed
Another year older and wiser, they say
Another year of missing you
Another year of wishing I could see your face

The rain pours down, hard and heavy
Like it did the night you left
Like the tears I hide from everyone around me
The thunder masks my cries of grief on this mournful anniversary

It wasn’t that you left, really
You’re always here, I know
Beside me, to guide me
To keep me safe from harm

I hear your voice every time the slightest breeze picks up
I see you face smiling at me out of the corner of my eye
But when I look, you’re already gone again
I wake in the night from a dream so real, I know you were there

I ask myself if any of this is consolation
For loosing you
It isn’t, and never will be
But if glimpses and whispers are all I can get, I’ll take them

I try to picture you with angel wings
But that sort of thing was never your style
And I wonder if the rain that falls are your tears
Be they happy or sad

I hear a song on the radio
And I think of you
I turn it up a little, and sing a little louder
And sometimes, I almost hear you singing along

Sometimes I’ll miss you
Wish you were here
Just so you can fix the little things that don’t work just right
Even though they never seemed to go wrong with you around

I know you’re up there
Turning on the stars at Twilight’s first sighting
Lighting the path of safety and love my life should follow
Carrying me on your shoulders when times are rough, like so many years ago

I know the others miss you just as much
But the pain doesn’t feel the same
Doesn’t feel as real
I wonder if you cross their minds as often as you do mine

I’ve heard time will heal my broken heart
Ease the ache, and dry my tears
Heard it more times then I can count, from more people then I dare recall
But each passing day seems to cut a little deeper into my soul

I know I’ll move on, past the pain
And one day I’ll hear your name
Speak your name without crying
Some day, I’ll be able to look back and laugh at all the good times we shared

That will change with time, but I know something that won’t
Your memory will never fade, not even after all your photos have
I will never stop thinking of you, longing to see you once more
And I will never stop loving you

Because I know you will never stop watching me
Guiding me
Protecting me
Loving me

I miss you, Bubba
I love you, Bubba
I always have
I always will

Written 9-23-07

Posted by Nana at 4:22 PM

Yeah! Company for Thanksgiving! (and other random thoughts)

Mom, Eddy and Beth are coming to Texas for a visit next month! I am so excited. It has been forever since I got to entertain my Mom at my house. I can hardly wait. Thanksgiving is not that far away. Just a few weeks.
I know this because the stores are now stocking "Chocolate Mint Truffle" creamer again. They only sell it during the Holiday season! Which means of course, my favorite time of the year is just around the corner. I am gearing up for a busy next few months.
First, Thanksgiving, then, Jerry's Birthday (Dec. 11), our 31st Anniversary (Dec. 18), after that, we have Christmas, New Years, Tish's baby is due the end of Jan. then Lucy's birthday, Krysta's baby will be born shortly after that. Then it's birthday time for sure, Cotton, Krysta, Jacob, Ashley, Aaron, Me and Tish, Beth, Geri, I don't know when Bryans' birthday is. Oh and there's Mothers Day, Fathers' Day, Independence Day...........
Well, after Thanksgiving, it's just one joyous celebration after another. Hopefully, I will be able to convince Mom and Eddy to move to Texas before all the celebrating begins.
I left out the June Wedding, Aaron and Ashley will be getting married.
I'm making my own head hurt thinking about it. I better stop now.
I have gone from November to July in one paragragh. I love family and I love celebrations.

Introducing Junior!

The top picture is one of Snickers at approximately 7 weeks old. I took it when I first brought him home. The bottom picture is of two of the (3 week old) little boy puppies from the litter we believe he fathered. We have decided to adopt the puppy on the left. His name is Junior. We will be bringing him home to live with us in about 3-4 weeks. He is fuzzy haired and we are hoping he will have the same "funny look" as his dad. Snickers markings became more pronounced as he grew. Right now Junior is very similar in markings as Snickers was when we first got him.
Junior is also the most active and mischievious of all his litter mates. Like father, like son. as the saying goes. I picked Snickers, in the first place because of his personality. I think Junior is going to help heal the wounds left by Snickers death.
I do know he will be learning how to ride in the boat and go crappie fishing. Jerry has fallen in love. Of course, it helped just a little that Junior gave him sweet little puppy kisses when they met.

To catch a Thief!

The whole house was quiet, no one was moving around. It was still dark outside. Even the faithful old watchdog was still resting. The prowler checked his surroundings carefully. He noted the exact location of the watchdog. The coast is clear.Now, he wanted to make sure the little, yappy one was no where around. She has a bark that can wake people three houses down.Good, She was also quiet and resting. After looking around one more time, and listening carefully to make sure no one was watching, the prowler crept stealthily across the room to the womans open purse.















Little, did he realize, his escapades would be caught on camera. Rats!!! Foiled, again.

Here they are!

My new, modern, matching, black/stainless fridge and stove. I found out the stove has a lock for the oven door. That will come in handy as the new baby starts walking. there is also a lock for the water/ice dispenser in the door of the fridge. We cooked our dinner on the new stove last night. The oven works soo..... good. Maybe, I can even convince Jerry that he likes to cook.

Finally!!!!

I have been trying to get a new fridge for a while. We have a really good one, but I wanted a Black/Stainless double door with the ice and water in the door. I also wanted a matching Black/Stainless, Smooth top stove to match. I have spent the morning, removing the old appliances and clearing out the kitchen, because my new stove and fridge will be arriving today! I am so excited and definately motivated to get my kitchen repainted and get started cooking!
With just a few weeks left until the Holiday Season, a kitchen full of brand new appliances is a powerful motivation. I will post pictures soon.

Mocha's New Sweater

We had a little lime green, brushed flannel, fabric left. Perfect to make a little sweater for a tiny chihuahua!

Now Preveiwing: "Marilyn's Corner"

Tish and I have been very busy this weekend. We have been working on the crib set and decorations for our new baby. We have been buying a few items each payday to create our own custom designed baby room. This week-end, we finally had enough stuff to get the job started. We designed and created all of the items for the crib and wall hangings. Tish picked out the jungle theme, told me what she wanted and while I sewed, she painted glued and created her own items to add to the room. The wall hanging is a pre-quilted panel with the "Jungle Babies" theme. We attached it to a canvas and Tish added her own special touches to make it one of a kind. The blanket on the bed is a "no-sew" flannel blanket, again created by Tish. It is sooo... soft and warm, I know the baby will love snuggling with it when we bring "her?" home. The crib quilt was created by both of us. Tish measured and cut out the squares, while I sewed them together. We added some bright colors and polka dots for interest. The bumper pads are a larger version print of the same "Jungle Babies" theme. The ribbons are a wide green polka dot. The three small animal plaques, hand-painted and decorated with animal print bows, were created by Tish. We have been hunting down and collecting the stuffed baby animals to finish off the whole theme.
Next week, we will make the crib skirt, a quilted cover and some bumper pads for the changing table, and we bought some small wicker baskets to organize baby clothes, blankets, etc. We are going to line them with colorful fabrics to match the over all Jungle theme and add some bright ribbons for accent.
Hope you have enjoyed our design show. All items picture were custom designed and hand crafted by the P&P Baby-On-The-Way Design Team. We do not take special orders. (LOL)
Til next time.

It's almost Friday!!!

Almost Friday! I can't wait for this week to be over! It hasn't been bad, just L...O...N...G!!!!!
I am so tired. I worked at least 9-10 hours nearly every day and 14 hours on Monday! I started my "on call" tour today. But, my boss has assured me she has the week-end covered. So, maybe I will luck out and not have to work.
Tish and I have started the crib quilt. We have assembled the squares, figured out the pattern and have every thing laid out to complete assembly of the quilt top. She is excited about getting it done! We got the crib put together and she wants to get it dressed up now!
That will be my major week-end project! Along with, thinking about, cleaning house.
The sweet lady who helped me with Snickers, came over yesterday and brought a pretty bouquet of flowers and offered her heartfelt sympathy for the loss of my little freind. She is just so sweet. It is hard to find anyone who really has a spirit of love for total strangers. Well, we are no longer strangers. Her name is Beth. I like people named "Beth". She lives 2 houses away and has a litter of pups (two weeks old) that look a lot like a Snickers! There are three boys, who have his coloring. And a boy and girl who look like their mama. She is a black/white Rat Terrier. Which means, the pups will be at least as mischeivious as Snickers. Before you ask, YES, I DO want one! So does Jerry. It is silly, but I think it would be really nice to have one of Snickers' pups.
I picked one of the Black/Tan ones. He is only 2 weeks old. But, I will be keeping an eye on them. Beth is very happy about getting to know me and very interested in a lot of the same things I like. Including, COFFEE!
Well, that's about it for now.
Life is sweet, today!

A little different!

I changed my blog format, not realizing that I would lose my links and my music. Be patient and hopefully I can get someone smarter than me to fix it.
I was trying to widen the borders a bit to get my photos to fit better.
That's what I get for pretending to know what I am doing!!!!

My Funny Boy!

Today is a very sad day at our home. Snickers did not come home this morning. I was in the front yard calling his name and a neighbor stopped and told me that she had taken a little dog to the vet. He had been hit by a car. Tish and I located the vet and went straight there only to find that the little dog was my "Funny Boy".
We spoke with the vet. There was nothing he could do. The damage was too extensive to try and save him. We sat with him until he took his last breath.
I would like to believe that he somehow knew we were there.
Snickers was the most aggravating, irritating, stubborn, little independent mess you will ever meet. But he was also the most affectionate, intellegient little dog I have ever had the pleasure to share my life with.
He knew what time we were coming home from work. He greeted us at the door with great exuberance, always. If I left the house to take the trash to the curb, I recieved the same greeting that he gave me when I was gone all day. He would sit on the couch or in front of the door and wait for the sound of Jerry's truck turning the corner and then run around like a maniac until Jerry came into the house. He would jump 4 feet off the ground and hit Jerry with all four feet, repeatedly until Jerry would sit down and greet him properly.
Every night, when we would tell him, "it's bedtime". Snickers would go to his crate and pull open the door and go in. He would sit there until we shut the door for the night. A couple of nights ago, Snickers was extra energetic, I ask Jerry, "is it 9:00 yet?", Snickers ran to his crate and went to bed.
He was totally amazing every day. He was a happy welcome home, no matter how bad the day had been. He was a warm snuggle when you just needed a few moments of quiet. He was an affectionate ball of energy and intelligience, full of love.
Today is a very sad day. Tomorrow there will be a void in my daily life that can not be filled.
My little "Funny Boy" was one of a kind. I will miss him for a very long time!