clappers, boomers, and lights OUT!

we had a doozy here tonight ... the clouds rolled in while the kids were eating dinner, and covered the sky with a 'dark, angry color' according to little k-gal.


after that, no turning back .... crack! boom! downpour!


dark. everywhere. even in the house. power out. it stayed that way for two hours.


s and i were finishing dinner (a real dinner cooked on the stove, been months seeing that we're in the midst of summer cooking/grill goodies/pizza, etc. and my timing to have theirs and ours at the same time was a wee bit off) so the irony was to be sitting down, real meal with meat, veggie, and such ... enjoying our dinner and no way to look at it. ;) but the taste was there, and it was yum-o!


the storm was a slow mover, prompting k-gal to follow me around the house, and ask 4568120982675143321 questions about being struck, and the damage that lightning would cause, and how amny people get hit, and 'oh! don't bring higgins outside - you'll both get hit by lightning mom!' and general intense, irrational fear of the noise more than anything. poor baby ... so, i decided to lay down, next to her as she read me a story. c-man was trying to be more brave, but clearly not a huge fan of this big-un.


we, k-gal and i, both fell asleep. i think i was first. whoops. that's what happenes when mom gets horizontal after a 5:30 AM wakeup morning, and a busy OR day.


so, the storm is gone. the rain soaked us pretty well, and the power came back on.


the house is quiet, and the babe is sleeping on the couch. time to carry her up the stairs and to bed, her brother's; he climbed the stairs as soon as the power came back on. it was her request to be in his room tonight. (in all honestly, they have been inseperable this summer as far as sleeping arrangements. in her room for a bit, and now in his room. i think they like to chat with each other before falling asleep. i think it's wonderful .... :O)


in other news, we spent the late afternoon re-arranging k-gals room, with a giant purge. almost a get-ready for get-ready for back to school ('cause it's TOO early to be really getting ready for that!) tomorrow, we attack c-man's room and change some things around for him that he's been asking for. i'll be sure to post some pictures of the final product.


when we were doing her room, however, s came down to the laundry/storage room to grab the vaccuum, and called me down to see this:


yes, that is the dog - in the clean clothes basket next to the dryer. we really don't know why he would do this, he hasn't expressed anything of interest in said basket, nor has he even tried to climb in it in front of us.

s and i could not stop laughing, and i honestly don't know how this picture is so clear - (must have an incredible anti-shake mechanism) because i was not still for this shot.

regardless, might be one of the more cute episodes we are likely in for with this comedian. he is a riot! a lovebug, and just all around sweet as could be.

with that, off to climb the stairs .... g'night!

a place to be

my house, it seems.


we are so fortunate to have a wonderful neighborhood - so fortunate - and our house is one of the houses on the street that seems to have a certain child-magnet installed.


i love it. we all do.


today, we were all playing outside, doing different things, like:


hummingbird feeder placement, lemonade stand sales, 8x8 placements for the batting cages, weeding ... you name it, we were doing it.

and the sky opened up. big hard raindrops, lots of them.

in they came - ALL of them.

'can we watch a movie? can we have some pizza? can we all sit in here and hang out under the bankets?'

yep!


good sunday stuff .... and now, the sun came out and they're all outside playing hoops.

have a great rest of the weekend!

hydrangeas and butterfly houses

these are what beauty in the summer is to me ....

most especially because they are in MY backyard right now. :)

and then there's some fun with our inviting habitat to wee guests. we have a butterfly house hidden in one of the many gardens around the yard. the kids and i painted it early spring, and we "planted" it then. now that we've been watching it closely for the new tenants to arrive for several weeks ... we think there is a family in there!

and something that i don't yet have a photo of ... but plan on getting SOON - we had a hummingbird in the backyard today!!! YAY! i have a little nectar feeder that we've been trying to find just the right place for ... and lo! a wee hummingbird flits by us, stops to sniff, and away she went into the neighbor's yard ... i about peed myself with glee! :)

so, the plan is to place the feeder tomorrow, and perhaps obtain a new one to add to the collection.

i love, love, love my backyard. each year it gets better and better! :)

friday and the living was easy ...

had some friends over today, girlfriends, and their kids. my cousin is here for the weekend (well, my cousin's 7 year old son ... so he's my 2nd cousin) so, in all, 7 kids, here laughing, swimming, eating, and enjoying the summer.

love that my house is the place that gathers the troops ... not only do i know where the kids are, i know where the adults are too. :o)

it was a hot day in the sun, and activity.

the house is dimly lit, i have one of the dogs snoring behind me, and the three remaining children (the ones that belong here) are sleeping soundly.

good fun, good day, and a good night ahead.

see you all saturday ....

the journey

there is a funny little saying that i heard when i first became a mom, i've never forgotten it.

"they don't come with instruction manuals"

they being the babies, of course. it's so true, isn't it? there are times that i wish there was a reference page, a place to quickly look up the equivalent of a definition of a word .. you know the moments - the stop-to-stare-at-the-face-of-the-child-because-they-asked-you-how-a-baby-is-born-for-real-look. you think it's too early to explain, but they don't kind of moment.

yeah, we're in a phase of that. a really large, extra long collection of some of the aforementioned moments. 'cept there ain't no kid asking me difficult to answer questions (i would welcome that easy stuff right now ...) we're in a 8.5 year old boy who pushes the limits kind of lengthy phase. the child clearly has felt he's missed out on the mischief he could have gotten in when he was a toddler. he's decided to catch up.

this summer.

harrass the little sister.

always have to be first with everything ... even sitting down on the couch.

tell mom and dad every time little sister looks at him cross-eyed.

allow the impulsivity of the 8 year old mind to be the keeper of the flame.

find small ways to make the little sister give a big holler of NOOOOOOOOOO! because he knows that i will react to that shrill noise.

beg for comedic attention.

oh, my list is a long one ....

and the truth is - that list is NO different than any other family and mom's who has an 8.5 year old living with her.

i know.

'tis a journey ... one that i am so thankful to be on. one that i am blessed to be a part of. one that i will look back on and wonder where the 8.5 year old spirit-filled little boy has gone ...

he is mine. and i love him.

run

i'm learning more and more as i age that saying the word 'never' is not only NOT smart, it's just far too unlikely that it'll come true.

for one solid year after i graduated from college, i ran as exercise. it was the quickest, and easeist way to stay in my division I collegiate athletic shape and not have to get back in the water to do it (i was a competitive swimmer for 16 years, concluding my career with 4 years in college)

i loathed it. every step, and every panting, pounding mile. granted, it was effective, it was quick. it was NOT easy. it was not enjoyable. but i stuck with it. more because i can't give up on anything, and stick to commitments, than because it was a good form of exercise for me.

after that year (my goal was to stick with it for one full year) i didn't run again for exercise. I even said 'never again'. that was 16 years ago. and i hadn't run in that time for exercies.

until two months ago. i'm doing it again. and it isn't as bad this time.

it's my husband's fault.

that man can run for 20 minutes 4 days a week, and lose weight. significant, clearly visible amounts of weight.
I can go to the gym 6 days a week, click away for 40-45 minutes on cardio equipment NOT including the treadmill, and lift weights, and not change visibly. not one bit. (i feel differently, of course, and my clothes feel differently, but there is not large quantity of weight falling off my body at rapid speed)

one might say, well, gee, perhaps your eating habits are quite different. yeah, they are. he eats chocolate chunk cookies for breakfast to my yogurt, and bananas. he eats sandwiches on large rolls to my wheat roll ups with mustard instead of mayonnaise. you know, different. pftttt.

okay, back to running.

i'm at it again, and this time, i am taking it hostage. i will decrease my carb intake, increase my fruits and veggies, and cut back on things that are possible problem areas.

i also have decided something: when i turn 40, ahem, sometime in the near future, i am going to run a race of some sort. dunno the distance, don't know where, but i am setting an attainable goal, and focusing my drive towards that goal.

i am also keeping my spirits up, and my attitude in a positive place with regards to running. this time, THIS time, i will at the very least *like it*.

a little.

ah, the glory of august ( a wee bit early, i know)

but LOOKIE HERE!

my very first EVAH tomato grown right from the earth in MY BACKYARD. how freaking exciting is that???

doesn't it look delish too? i can't even bring myself to cut it yet. picked it today, washed it, photographed it, and put it on my kitchen window sill.

it makes me happy. :)

sitting for friends kids (3 of them) tonight .. they are overnight guests as mom and dad have gone to dinner for their anniversary, so we had the kiddlies here. fun night, but good gravy, 5 kids in one house, is busy. they move A.LOT. and change their ideas and minds on what's fun to do about 3756429106219753 a minute. so, it's been fun so far, they are ready to head to bed for i am sure a little bit of chitter chatter, and i will surely be making my world famous pancakes for breaky.

on a side note, if you're looking for a good summer read, i rec'd Senior Year by Dan Shaughnessy (the Boston Globe Sports writer). just finished it - had stolen it from sean as he rec'vd it for father's day - good read. if you're into sports, and enjoy looking through a parents eye as he revels in his son's successes, failures, and learning through his senior year of high school ... perspective. lots of it.

it'll be two shakes before i am looking through this window at my kids in high school, i know that!

have a great night ....

middle of the summer

it's hard to even comprehend this.

we're half way through summer vacation. dead center.

what?!

i think it's nuts we get out the end of june, and this year (first time ever) we're back end of august. it's wrong. 9 weeks off. that's it. totally shortened.

the kids agree.

here's my proposal - nationwide:

every grade level, every state
school begins at 8:00 AM, goes to 4:00PM.
gym (phys ed) everyday
art 2 times a week
music 2 times a week
creative / cultural art class (acting, dancing, etc) 2 times a week
2 recesses a day (20 mins each)
every child required to be on an organization / team in any capacity (score keeper, manager, player, director,etc) that's extracurricular
normal classes of math, reading, science, social studies, etc tucked in the daily schedule
thanksgiving break, holiday break during December; march break and that's it for vacas

school begins the day after labor day, end the friday before memorial day weekend.

12 weeks off in the summer, and longer days for moms and dads to work if they are, and not juggle the kid-sitters.

we have 4.5 weeks until we go back to school. we've been out for 4.5 weeks. that's IT! and i've already gotten several back-to-school flyers.

bleck.

i am not shopping until the weekend before. i just can't.

no dogs allowed

:o( what a drag ....

here we were, excited to see daddy play a baseball game, and we packed up (me the kids and higgins) and headed out to the field. there, we climbed the stairs to be met by the (16 year old, max) "guard" who told us that dogs are not allowed into the complex.

why? i ask. he says, insurance purposes. if i let that dog in, then i have to let all dogs in, and if he bites someone that'd be an issue.

interesting logic, isn't it? however, rules are rules. i am a rule follower, so we left. two sad kids, and a sad doggie, and a sad mommy not to have been able to hang out and watch the game.

so, we began the journey home, and i had an idea that if we saw a playground, let's stop, and play - WITH higgins. it didn't take long to find a fun spot, so we stopped, and i snapped away ...

i love having free time, and kids willing to smile for me (still) as i carry the camera, and snap away. we stayed for about an hour, and the three of them enjoyed the time. i of course, loved the opportunity to have a change of scenery, as well as a new location to take some pictures.

cam has a game in about an hour and a half, and then sean has a second baseball game today at a field we know we can bring the big fella ..... so, with that, here are a few of my favorite shots from today.

happy sunday, folks!

ooo, and i did get to upload the pictures from yesterdays post below - go check out mama and uncle to higgins .....

:O)

when cosette and cyrus came to visit

we had a very happy higgins!

but you're going to have to trust me on this ... because blogger won't let me load the photos. :(

i will try again tomorrow, and see if i can get them up here .....

who's cosette and cyrus right? cosetter is higgin's mommy, and cyrus is higgin's uncle ....

the breeder is still here locally for one more week, as she is taking a course. so, she asked to come for a visit, check on the big fella and answer our million questions. and she brought with her the proof that we are as nuts as we are being labeled here in our neighborhood. heh. these grown up newfies are large. really large.

it was a glorious day, and we were outdoors for hours.

higgin's is happily sleeping right now, so sean and i are about to go do the same .....

** edited to add the photos! :O) the first two are cosette, and the last one here to the left is cyrus. the breeder said that higgins will likley be larger than cyrus as the dad was larger than cyrus, and mom is 120lbs.

7 kids under 16; and 5 dogs under 10.

two of the kids are mine, the youngest; and three of the dogs are mine - the oldest, the middle, and the youngest.

cool huh?

these are my parents grandchildren. my brother's 3 gorgeous girls, 16,14, and just 13. My sister's beautiful boys, 16 and almost 15. and of course, my two fabulous redheads, 8.5 and almost 7.

every year we take a group shot of all the kids, typically in the summer. the photo is so much fun, and just a riot to mastermind. one day they will find a way to take it themsleves, and truly crack us all up.

until then, i will take it and relish in the fact that they are all related to me - lucky, lucky ME!

3:39 AM

not exactly the right time to enjoy the sunrise. or anything really, if you ask me. I think the last time i saw that time at all was 6.5 years ago with a hungry wee k-gal letting me know she was. but then, i barely moved ... just helped her better position herself to have a snackie.

but 3:39 AM. that's the time the little black fluffer-nutter decided that he needed to pee. yes, he let me know, and we were very pleased with that.

but we would have been more pleased with 5:45AM as the first 'call'.

the second notification from him was at 5:19AM. ouch. the night before was such a solid night, we were shocked from that one, really we were. i got up and walked him on his lead that time, and he was pleased with that.

i am fading quickly here .. forcing to keep my eyes open. so, i am off to slunberland ... g;night!

Wednesday July 18

the day bryan shipped out to iraq.

he left this AM at 2:00 bound for an airforce base on the west coast. then kennedy airport east coast. then ireland. then kuwait.

then fallujah.

he has been selected to perform a big task there, and take care of many, many young lives of soldiers. he is ready for the task, and will be a shining example of a Marine - i know that.

we all had a chance to speak with him, and send him off with loads of love. sent him with wishes of safe returns.

cam didn't do so well with this. he has been very emotional, and very clingy the last few days. his greatest fear is not seeing uncle b again. sobbing big tears ... and holding sean and i, tight.

kendall seems to be wrapping her head around this, and almost has clarity that he'll be safe. 'he's coming home, and we're going to see him when he gets here, right?'

when you speak to your god tonight, or tomorrow - or really, *anytime* - keep uncle b and auntie s in your thoughts ... help him return safely and quickly. thanks.

the beach after 6:00 pm!

Higgins had a vet appointment near the shore late this afternoon, so we took the opportunity to visit the beach in the relatively cooler air, smaller crowds, and fabulous lighting. our first visit this year to the sandy, splashy, activity center!

love to take happy snaps there (don't love the sand ... but that's just my hangup ...) ... and i got to take some happy snaps today with a certain black fluffy fella who's dad is convinced that he's wearing a gorilla suit. :o\

it does. a little. doesn't it?

but I digress ... pictures from the beach!

he walked a little, ran for a moment or two ... then watched the kids the rest of the time. we were thinking the shots he had may have tuckered him out, but the truth is, he is so passive, and so, so easy going...

of course, the kidliewinks found the water quickly, and glided right on in (surprise surprise) splash shots are among my favorites.

they played, giggled, swam, smiled for me when they saw the camera, and just let loose. the surf was gentle, and low, and really awesome for releasing some energy. it was also loud enough to keep from hearing them clearly, so they had their own time, relating, harrassing, and enjoying each other. and no referree whistle for me. :) besides, boogie boards, and thick, wet sand redirects your focus when you need to.

not to mention a vast ocean right in front of you.

tonight, as i kissed them, they both told me that we were at the beach "far too short" and "can we go back again for a whole day maybe?" and there i thought they loved the pool more .... change of scenery, and surf. does it every time when you're 8 and 6.

:)

the name game came to an end today ...

and we've officially named our newest family member.

Higgins.

isn't that adorable? we ALL love it! it is a miracle ..... the name was formed from two things Magnum PI's sidekick (for no other reason than that gent was a noble, and quiet fellow with a peaceful, and honest outlook on life) - AND a wonderful beach in Sean's homestate (the place we met the breeder and Higgins the first time!)

he'll have an official AKC name and it's something to this effect:

SandyCove "Higgins" Cleat Love's (our last name)...... Cleat was what she (the breeder) called him to identify him for the 18 weeks she had him. we felt compeled to honor that ID as she was truly his first family along with the canines he lived with.

now the new training game begins with the name decision.

so, there it is ... he's got an ID from us - his new family.

he is doing very well, by the way. had a hard first night here - not whining, just moving to and fro in the crate, and standing up looking right at me. needless to say, the three of us in my room did not get much shut eye. had a vet appointment today, and we've decided to move vets. it's an interesting story, and one that doesn't include mistreatment .... just laisez-faire in attitude, and recommendations that were opposite of the breeder's suggestions - and her vet's. we never fell head over heels in love with this vet - they fit the need, and gave us what we needed when we needed it. but in speaking with the breeder today, she and i agreed that finding a vet that will understand and follow a Newfie's needs, we'll be much happier. and most importantly, he'll be much happier.

took some video today of the fella, and caught him roughhousing with the two we have and the neighbor's dogs. he had a blast. but he's pooped, and likely still feeling stressed from the changes that he's dealing with.

so, i am off to get two things done on the computer, and off to snuggle. then to bed!

more tomorrow.... maybe even some more Higgins photos.

love the name! :0)

he's here ....

he walks like a bear ... he looks like a bear ... and he is the sweetest little creature ever.

murphy and cleo aren't quite convinced of that ....... just yet.

but they will be. if they know what's good for them. ;o)

no name yet, a few more have entered the 'dance' with us though .... tough decision naming a new puppy.

yay! another dream accomplished.

my children thought they were in heaven

seriously.

while they are both HUGE water bugs, it's always in pools. sometimes the beach. but this was a lake. complete with magnificent lilypads, and flowers

lovely little ducks that floated towards us waiting for snacks ...

and of course - fishing!

then there was playing on the fantastic water trampoline ... and tubing ... and just plain old lakeside relaxing, and breathing it all in!

the location is beautiful, and the scenery is so peaceful. more than once my hubby said 'this feels like northern new england' and he was right ... hard to imagine it was tucked in a little spot just 15 mins away from our house.

we had a wonderful afternoon, and are looking forward to visiting again!

stay tuned for some more photos of the newest member of the family ..... :O) arrival time sometime this evening.

cheers! happy sunday!

what a DAY!

* 8:00AM hockey game (summer league)
* sean got to play 18
* headed to my aunt's fantastic lake house (wait 'til you see the puictures tomorrow - way too pooped to work on that tonight!)
* headed to our friends house afterwards for a little dip in the pool, and some pizza
* home, kids already sleeping, sean's in bed, and i am not too far behind him .....

great, great day! loving the summer vacation. loving it.



* oh, yeah, and signed ourselves up to become the family for a certain newfie. :) :) :) :) :)

yeha! defintely have a screw or two loose in our noggins, i know ... but the reality is, he will be a fantastic addition to an already loving, active, and "living" home. we get him tomorrow. to.mor.row. photos to follow ... many i am certain!!

ooooooeeee!!!!!

lazy hazy summer night

tonight we capped our lazy summer day with a terrific fire-pit assembly (compliments of my goofy brother .... he really does make a nice fire, though!) and my sil (the most famous s'more maker this side of the mississippi) s'mores making episode .....

kids swam until 8:00 or so, showered, lotioned, and jammied up for a treat, and then off to bed for a wonderful night sleep.

they've been busy this whole week, late nights, gorgeous weather during the day, baseball camp, and swimming and playing hard. tired wee soldiers they were ... tired.

tomorrow is a big day. i spoke with the breeder, and discussed the questions, and concerns we had. let's just say - she's making this really easy to adopt this beautiful puppy (Fransie, you may get your wish afterall .... :O) we need to speak tomorrow, with our offer, and also a plan for delivery. i think we've boiled down the questions we have, and the concerns seemingly have disappeared ... it doesn't feel *as impulsive* as it did last sunday .. and now the monetary implication is on our mind. she's not asking an outrageous dollar amount considering all that comes with him (although when i was speaking with Natalie this evening, i may actually have a slightly different opinion on reasonable pricing .... :O) Nat - what's the word, lady??!!) but the dollar amount is something that we weren't prepared for at the moment. so .... that's there too.

i 'spose that when you peel off the layers of thoughts, and try to be a responsible adult about this stuff, it all reveals itself to you. i wish there were magic words that someone said to me. you know like "this guy is waiting for you to love him. he knows that your home is the place he should be. you're supposed to be his new family. murphy needs this fella. you need this fella."

you know simple stuff. ha!

so, on another note (and because i need to change the subject for a minute ..) we are going to my aunt's house tomorrow for the afternoon to be by a lake/pond and hang out with cousins. i am looking forward to seeing the family that'll be there, as i haven't seen them in a while, and the kids will all be about the same age. can you say photo op? ;)

that's about it ... i am shot too. perhaps all this thought stuff is tuckering me out.

so what do you think of the name Nero? Augustus and call him "gus"? Cosmo? Zeus? Phinneas and call him "phinn"? Crosby? Thadeus?

those are only a sampling of the list i have in front of me .....

off to bed! g'night!

timber!

down they came ... three pretty large trees from the left corner of the backyard. we had moved the black chain link fence (on the left side of the photo) it was in the corner area, making a nice dog house section for our first three years here ... but we relocated the actual dog house (they moved up in the world - keeping up with the Ruffian's, they are!) we took apart a most ridiculous raised area that had absolutely no use in the yard (you can see it to the right of my dad holding the rope in the above pix) and used the wall against the back fence to keep the eventual fill, and gravel or clay in the batting cage. and then began the arduous task of clearing the area. we will also need to raise the left side fence up to where the land will be level.

why you ask are we doing this? well, in that spot where the trees are being cut, and pulled down, we will be leveling the yard. fill, loom, grass ... for ....

a batting cage!!

yep, a real, true to form Juggs pitching machine within a net and big metal posts holding it up there.

cam is beside himself with glee, as is sean, of course. this is our summer project at the house ('cause there has to be a project to make it a summer!)

my dad, my uncle, my brother, and my husband were the hard workers. why is it that men love chainsaws? my hubby was the anti-chainsaw man, but my uncle and bro LOVED it! ah, testosterone, right? ... i took photos and then cleaned up the leaves and branches from the downed trees. we still have a little bit to do (ten bags of yard refuse at the curb already!) and then we're ready for the fill .... i am excited for the end result, and it can't happen fast enough for me!

in other news .... the pup. {yes, nat, i have not forgotten you!} still processing, and thoroughly weighing all options. my dad thinks we're nuts (that is one big dog, karin!) my mom is so excited, but also weary of the size of the pooch. the names still flowing, and the communication with the breeder is ongoing. all research points in the direction that this is *exactly* the kind of dog for this family .... it's a commitment, and a journey.

sigh.

i think that's about it for tonight - just noticed that i have been blogging every day since july 1 - kinda fun, and also enjoying getting here to blather on ... looking forward to the weekend. only a few things planned, so perhaps a nice mellow couple of days.

loving the summer so far. loving it.

off to read ... perhaps get some more names together. :O)

Newf

so, sean goes down cellar to find something he needs for tomorrow at baseball camp for Cam, and he comes up with two books in his hand. walks into the office where i am sitting, and drops these two books next to me:

The Right Dog For You
The Name Book (the one place to find names for everything, except babies)

seriously.

so i say, ' you really want that guy don't you?'

he looks at me, shrugs his shoulders, smiles, and says 'well, it's not that, i just saw these in the book boxes, and thought that well, maybe, you might want to look at them.' turns, walks out and leaves me to leaf through the pages.

oiy.

i think my sucker, er, i meant husband, is having some heart string pulling going on. :o)

fella, fella, fella.

the face ....

of anticipation ..

heading north to play baseball.

to smell leather on his glove.

to hear the crack of the bat.

to stare the pitcher down.

to strategize with the coach.

to play like there's a scout in the stands.

that's what that face is telling me.

this man loves this sport.

i love this man more.

:O)

still playing the mind games ...

a day later with myself, and that little fella's face is still clear as a bell in that mind of mine. sean's too - and of course, the kids.

this is a large responsibility.
a large amount of work.
a large doggie.

a really-cute-gentle-kind-loving-greatest family dog-EVAH- large doggie.

my friend Nat mentioned something to me about oil on their fur, spreading to rugs and walls, and the like.... that too, now has made it's way onto the many questions list i have growing in my head.

i emailed my friend Judith, to let her know i/we are in the process of .. well, processing this all. :) researching heavily on the net. and of course, looking at interesting and creative ways to name this beautiful creature.

IF we get him.

{sigh}

loads on my mind.

oh, and blogger won't upload any pictures tonight, so the post i had planned with some shots from the weekend will have to wait. for now, you've been sucked into my little head. (no need for comments on that one! ;)

off to think ... and process.

(not so)Sun(ny)day on day 3

yep. rain. again.

bleck.

so, we had a planned 8:00AM game that was pushed back to 9:00, then 10:00 then 12:00. then they told us to head to the field that was the most dry - for 2:00PM. they played 5 innings, in the steady drizzly-not-quite-pouring rain. (thankfully, the wonderful host team manager sent us to that "dry-er" field with a tent that covered us all so we, the dedicated (arguably foolish) fans stayed dry)

and, they lost. 4-2. :O( drag. they were the first seed in the tourney, got the by this morning into the semi finals, and then, they lost. SUCH a drag.

but, the good news is that they are already talking about next year and where we'll stay, and all the details. they've also found yet another tourney in NY this August at Cooperstown, so that would be very, very cool to attend.

in other news, while we were waiting (ever-so-patiently) in the rain, i met a really incredible woman. here name was Judith, and she breeds Newfoundland dogs. i have always wanted one of these fellas. gentle giants. my parents "rescued" one from being put down when i was a kid, and i remember him like it was yesterday. he was an absolute wonderful , amazing soul. i think, and i bet my parents would agree, that wonderful fella, Terra Nova, sparked my adoration for large dogs.

Judith and i spoke for quite some time, and spent several hours (remember i was waiting for the rain to stop ...) with she and our kids loving the pups she had with her (16 weeks old, and three of them!) and i picked one out, a male. sean met the litte (ha!) fella too, and hung out talking to Judith, asking questions, understanding the temperment, and instantly loved him. it wasn't hard - he was peaceful, and quiet, and gentle, and just the sweetest little thing. he wasn't nippy, or jumping, or in your face as so many puppies are when you first meet them (and that's completely normal, i know!) he was interested, and curious, and loving us right back... ooo, he was so very easy to adore. Judith was an incredible breeder. honestly, one of the most responsible breeders i had ever encountered. she was kind, and genlte, and truly believes these gentle giants are gifts. she was so kind to us, and told me she'd be honored to have one of her babes in our home. she is a child psychologist, and specializes in sexual abuse cases, and discussed with me the work that her adult Newfies are doing with kids, and elders in her area. she didn't push us, or oversell us, she was modest, and cautious, and warmed up to me only after she began to get to know me. in the end, i trusted her. and she trusted us. i really liked that she did.

so now begins the journey of deciding if a new puppy of 28 pounds already (that will grow to be approximately 150 pounds) if an adventure we're ready for as a family. the kids are already making making lists of possible names, and asking us over and over if 'we're definitely getting him'.

oh, the journey - the decision.

the considerations. murphy and cleo haven't been asked yet, either. that's a consideration.

we're on our way home now, and it's been a few hours of traffic, on and off rain, and discussion.

we'll be stopping for some dinner soon, and some more discussion i am sure.

i'll give some updates .... 'laters for now.

day 2

1st - win. 20-1 (whoosh - wipe OUT!) 2nd -win. called in the 5th, 5-1 due to rain. 3rd game called before it started, rain.

again.

game in the early AM tomorrow, then the two playoff games. i think.

good day, in general, though. saw some family of sean's - brother, sil, and their babe. i also got to go and see an old friend of mine who relocated up here, and that was very neat. they just built a house, so they were all too anxious to show it off - rightfully so - it is wonderful, in a fabulous neighborhood.

there is a part of me that so wishes we settled here, and planted some roots. but another part of me that cannot imagine not being where we are in our house back home. pretty certain we'll ha ve a second house here someday when we're old and gray. life's chapters have a funny way of playing out, don't they?

off to dreamland ....

day 1

rain.

as in rained out game. :O( so sad ... the boys were totally bummed out, and severely disappointed, to say the least. we now have 3, count 'em folks, 3 games tomorrow. should be interesting to watch a group of over 30 year olds (except for 2 - 28yr olds) try and survive 3 baseball games. this is NOT softball. we're talking baseball.

and my hubby's pretty convinced that someday, *someday* there'll be a scout there for him.

uh huh. (wink,wink)

back to reality. so, instead of heading out to dinner and trying to corral 25 people (16 adults, 9 kids) to a restaurant, someone geniously recommneded going to the grocery store for some burgers, steak and dogs, and we grilled. kids played tennis on the hotel court, swam in the coveted indoor pool, and we had a few pops all the while chatting and laughing. good times.

i brought the kiddies to bed at about 10:00, and they are peacefully sleeping dreaming of the games tomorrow I am sure .... or the full day of fun at baseball fields while the games are going on.

so, here's to a dry day tomorrow, and some good old American baseball! :)

batter up!

baseball, summertime, and the family D

it is all that - we are away this weekend in the fabulous great northeast at an annual baseball tourney for the hubby. left today, staying for a few days ...kids are giddy for the hotel, and the pool here (which makes me laugh out loud seeing we have our very own large inground hole of water right in the backyard!) but the event is a blast and we've been participants for 7 years (I remember being 8 months preggers with the wee K-gal) and we love it. it's in S's home town so we get a double bonus of seeing some old friends too.

good stuff, and loads of laughter should be in place.

have a great thursday!

The Oldest Parade in the Country

and we were there! :)

very cool to bring the squirts to it, and the hubby - i've been, for several years, but not in several years. we always have other plans for the 4th, but this year, we squeezed it in! good, clean fun.

smiles and laughter, and happy faces. people i haven't seen in many many years there ... re-connecting, and reliving the years of my youth.

hope your independence day was blissful .....

role model

so yesterday i'm out running a few errands .. kids and i are in the car awaiting sean's return from a quick stop. car parks next to me, driver opens door and whacks into my door.

now, i'm not talking a love tap here, folks. whacks it.

i look at the driver through my window, and notice it's a man about 45 or so. he knows better than this, right? he didn't really hit my door *that* hard, right? for goodness sakes, MY kids are taught to be extra careful, open the door slowly, don't hit the car next to you ... etc.

crap. out i go to take a look to see if there is any damage.

he looks at me, and says (get this!) FILLED with a nasty tone in his voice "i hit your molding, that's all, it's fine"

wtf?

i respond with (NOT so filled with nasty, restraining myself) "oh, *just* my molding, that's all?"

he says, i am so not joking people : "don't be an asshole, this happens everyday!"

you have GOT to be joking?? i look at him in absolute awe, and say "you MUST be kidding me? you hit my car, and you're calling me names? a fine role model you are for your kids, buddy!" (at this point, i cannot believe i haven't sworn at the SOB, or even raised my voice for his awful disrespect .. but really, what kind of role model am i then?!)

he says (get this) "oh, lady it happens everyday - you're a fine example too!"

what?

i look at him, and say in as calm a voice as possible "you might want to teach your children that remorse for accidents works much better than your current attitude" :O)

he says "c'mon boys. lady, i apologize for hitting your molding" with the most insincere snotty attitude i have ever heard before.

i say "i wish you meant that, but you really don't" and got back in the car.

huh? what the hell just happened?

when i did get back into the car, the kids had all kinds of questions for me - and i explained it to them (in 8 and 6 year old terms of course) and added that being kind to people above all is the most important thing you can do in life. and i added that people like that man don't get into heaven with the rest of "our" angels up there. ;o)

all the while i was steaming inside and shaking from the adrenaline of being attacked like that.

i told sean, and his shock confirmed that i wasn't overreacting.

seriously, mean people should all just live in one town, and beat each other up.

snip it

the little one snipped off her locks ... again! :0)

once again she wanted a new look - a new "do" for the summer months. one that allows for easier showers and brushing, and playing. she didn't do the locks for love thing this time, only 8 inches came off (!) so perhaps the next time she decides to go short she'll have 10". we actually did this a few weeks ago, her hair literally went through chop-shock, and didn't know what to do with itself ... it's falling so beautifully now, and she is having SO much fun with it! and this is only one that was among my '800' i had in my memory card (Nat - a wee bit 'o inflation there!~ ;) and i thought i would start here with some happy snaps ...

she makes me grin.

so, i'm thinking ...

that perhaps i am slowing down on the blogging thing because i don't have that 'team pressure' thing.

what's that, you ask?

well, i was an athlete my whole life - a team sport athlete. a competitive swimmer for 16 years, and one that thrived in the team atmosphere. my favorite part of any swim meet was the relay. i was the backstroker for the medley relay, and that kick-started the meets, the first event.

love team sports. especially amateur team sports - or athletics of any amateur level.

i love knowing that i am part of a collective effort to complete a task. someone is relying on me, and counting on my participation.

i know that doesn't surprise the 5 or 6 loyal readers of this blog, because they know me on a variety of levels. and see, that's the thing - right there - there are only 5 or 6 readers. and that's because i haven't shared my address with more than that. it's the first time in my life that i am private about something. isn't that interesting? i don't even really have my finger on why. (privacy, fear of being out of control of who's really reading, perhaps?? ...)

BUT - if i had people waiting to read my collection of thoughts, and ponderings ... i think i would feel that 'team pressure'. don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad pressure. i thrive in it, remember?

so, i am thinking that sharing my blog, sharing me, sharing my thoughts, and my pieces might be a little motivation to be here more, and create this space more.

not that i am thinking my blog is even on the map for "more people" to even want to be here - but it's the knowledge that someone may be reading my words. can you relate?

:O)