If I could remember...

all the funny things that Miss Rose says when I sat down at the computer, I'd have a busier blog. She said something earlier, and I thought to myself, "I'm going to blog that later," but now that I'm here, I've forgotten what it was. I assure you it was funny, so go ahead and laugh anyway.

On a more serious note, she declared that she would like to be a doctor when she grows up. I asked her why, and she said "because it looks like they have a lot of fun." I did finally narrow it down to the fun doctor. She was a very sweet and upbeat Child Life Specialist who came in the ER to make things fun for Miss Rose. Thank you, Ms. Alison! Your job was well done!

Blessed Peace

We spent an eventful night in the ER with Miss Rose. She ended up with a rather deep cut about 3/4" long from her nose out. A plastic surgeon ending up stitching her up for which I'm very thankful. The Lord blessed us with calmness and a wonderful staff. She is doing ok for the most part today. Just a bit of pain when she opens her mouth to chew. Thank you for all the prayers! Now I just have to hope I can squeeze a nap in between all of the gift wrapping and other Christmasy things!

The Great Dakota Escape

Our great wonder (where she went) dog, the infamous Dakota Sue (yes, that was intentional), lived up to our rather low expectations of her once again. Wonder of wonders, she escaped from the house again. The kids seem to have forgotten that if she is in the side yard jumping up and down barking at something and not really caring too much about the potential of getting scratched by the barbed wire, that she will inevitably bolt at the first sign of a door-opening. Today's adventure would not have been quite so interesting except for the fact that the new hydrant up the street is giving us a small taste of Yellowstone. Two days now a lovely guyser has showered the air, wet the grass, run across the road (thankfully it's been above freezing), into our "dry" creek, and generally making a mess of things. I digress. You can imagine which way she decided to bolt...the muddy way. Did I mention our neighborhood has lots of dogs (and there is always the worry that she will mistake a small dog for a squirrel)? Dakota feels the need to visit all of them...today it was twice. She made the loop around her favorite yards, and we finally decided to drive the van around the block, because sometimes a car ride is more enticing. Apparently, she remembered that the last time we went to the vet. After round two, she did finally, and rather begrudgingly, hop into the van, and of course, since she needed to have the last word, she promptly jumped up on the back seat. The one towel at the entry of the van did not undo the damage the fire hydrant had caused, and so my dear children had the great pleasure of wiping off the seats (yes, seats. She also thought it would be cute to put her paws up on the middle seat from the back seat she was sitting in). Now if she'd smiled at me like Winn Dixie, I think I would have lost it. I'm sure anyone watching our shinanagins were already chuckling.

Sadness

Today we mourn the loss of our dear, sweet Ebony...part of the dynamic rodent duo, Ebony and Ivory. She was missing this morning, and after some worry of escapage, we were relieved to find she had passed peacefully in the cage. So far everyone has held together, but that has been somewhat challenging with Miss Rose asking several times if Ebony's going to come back and visit Ivory in her really nice cage, and that she (Miss Rose) needs to have her back so that she can practice holding her without getting bitten. ;-(

Do or Dye and Question Why.

A few weeks ago I purchased what I thought was a botttle of 100% juice. It was only when I tasted it and discovered it was really pretty good and quite sweet that I checked the label. It was only about 10% juice and loaded with sugar and dye. This explained why Miss Rose was completely bouncing off the walls...she'd just finished her third glass.

Fast forward to yesterday...I was at the store, and I decided to do a little closer inspection of all of the V-8 products. I feel partially redeemed, because I was not entirely nutso buying their fruit juice. They DO have several that are a mix of fruit and veggies and no added sugar, dye, or preservatives (I believe there are seven varieties in all). It's called V-Fusion. I'd mistakenly bought their drink for the less hearty drinkers...V-Splash. Amazingly enough, my kids all like the hearty one, too. V-8 has tarnished their name by creating the latter. Of course that's JMHO, but I expected more from them.

November Neglect

In the frenzy of fall, it appears that I've neglected my poor blog. However, I have accomplished a few things:

1) School is going a bit better. I even have Miss Rose's curriculum for next year and have made some decisions about things for the others. Thinking ahead keeps me going for this year. :-)

2) My personal project is coming along. I think I have about two more weeks to finish it. This week hasn't been so great for it, and other things came up this weekend.

3) Next weekend is my cousin's bridal shower. We were working on things for that today, and I think it's going to be lovely!

4) I'm on the homestretch for Christmas gifts. I even wrote out a list of what I have for specific people, ideas for the rest, and a list of gifts I have that aren't currently assigned to anyone.

5) The living room is back in order except for wall hangings. I'm holding off on those until the kitchen is done, but suffice it to say, many no longer match, because they went with the forest green decor. I put out my tablecloth, and it clashed badly, but I realized I had a curtain that I didn't end up needing, and it's the same color as the curtains, and amazingly enough, it fits the table. I should probably rehem it, but that would be too easy.

6) We've had a youth activity here for our church and discussed some future events. It's a good, little group, and I think we shall have some good times. We also discussed the sword-fighting group we are trying to get going for Mr. Al.

7) We went hunting for a 3/4 size violin for Miss Daisy. After trying several at a couple of shops, we came home with four and added in two that friends were selling. We narrowed it down to one with the help of her teacher and some other friends, and we will be settling all of that on Wednesday. Yay!

8) E has kept things in stitches (and messes) around her. Her latest quip has been in regards to donuts. When offered the rest of hers for breakfast, she declared, "No! You can't have donuts for breakfast. They are bad for you!" She forgot that they were ok for lunch the day before, but oh well. LOL

I guess that's it for now.

~cello

Dinosaur anyone?

I asked Miss Rose what she would like to have for lunch, and she promptly responded a Pteranodon. Yep, I'll whip that right up for you! LOL

This year is the year of musical expression at our house. It's amazing what occurs when I leave the older two to their own devices. Aside from the amazing violin and piano duet of the "Cantina Band" from Star Wars, tonight it also includes something from Lord of the Rings (can't remember which).

Miss Daisy has also taken off on teaching herself hymns on the piano and learning a lot of things on the guitar. Mr. Al has taken himself beyond where his lessons took him a few years ago. I'm thankful for the foundation he had then and for the desire he has now. Yay!