And Then, Her Head Exploded

I sometimes sit back and listen to the kids talk, and wonder how it's possible for things to change so much in, what seems to me, so little time. And then I wonder- has it changed that much, or are you just seeing it that way because you're the parent now, and the things you know are a lot different that the things you knew when you were their age? Personally, I think it's a little of both. Times have changed, definitely, but now it's my time to worry and wonder, to plan and prepare so they're happy, healthy, safe... because they won't worry about those things. At least, they shouldn't.

I do think I'm more open with mine, in a lot of ways, than my mother was with me. Nothing is taboo, they can ask me anything, and ooooh, do they. LOL And honestly? I'd rather be the one answering with age appropriate responses than have the kid at school, or on the bus, or down the street, explaining things that are either extremely inaccurate, or right on, but REALLY inappropriate and scary (to me, LOL).

We covered the first "boyfriend" issue when Alyssa announced she was dating someone. And of course, dramatically broke up a couple days later. I love it, though... dating? Really? You're nine. But I remember how serious it was for me at that age... because everything is SO over the top make or break at that age. It's all drama, all the time, raising a girl, it seems. I don't remember being so... moody? Mouthy? Know it all? In charge? Secure? In touch with exactly who I was and how it would be? I admire her so much, when I'm not wanting to tape her mouth shut. :) We're growing in a new direction, my girl and I. She's gotten to a stage, already, where you can watch what she does and just see, so clearly, the woman she's going to be. And oh, man, what a woman she'll be. Strong, smart, independent, and ... every single thing I'm not, combined with some of the best of who I am. She takes no shit, and can give it back twice as hard. She has her course charted without even realizing, without even trying. She's NINE. It's humbling, to think that somehow, some way, she's become this wonderful person, in part because of me. And I'm thankful that Taylor has such an absolutely amazing sister to look up to and learn from. And even more so that their bond is already beyond unbreakable.

At the same time, I'm also getting the idea of the teenage years. Um, no thanks? Can we pass on it, because oh my God she's a terror already when she wants to be. She's stubborn and snappy, already has "oh my GOD!", eye rolls, sighing, stomping and slamming aced, and we haven't even touched on the want of the coveted cell phone. No, no and again, after almost six months of hounding, NO. I'm not one of those moms who thinks every kid needs a cell phone. If she walked to or from school, if she did any activity that I wasn't either at with her, or didn't give MY number to any and all people in charge? Yes. If she had a condition, if she was home alone, if I worked... there are a million good reasons for some kids to have cell phones. Mine does not have a good reason, other than "I want one."

I think they want too much too soon, which is typical, and I'm glad for it. But, being the adult, I now understand that they want too much without knowing or comprehending the dangers that can come with having it all too soon. Because not everyone is a good person. Not everything is safe to do. Not everything is as easy as you think. And some of that will come slowly, with time, while some of it will hit like a freight train, and as much as I want to shield them, I can't. Not from all of it. But, it will make them, shape them, change them... and they'll need that, too, whether they believe it or not.

Speaking of "need"? Remember the pregnant cat I posted about? Yeah. She stopped coming around for awhile, and then came back around, no longer pregnant. I assumed she'd had the babies, and was hiding them somewhere, and didn't shoo her from the food we keep on the porches (our cats go and and out, so there is always food/water available). I figured she'd need the nourishment to feed the kittens, had they survived.

They did. As far as I know, she had 3 or 4. Two of them? Are now residing in Taylor's old playpen, in dining/kitchen area. I know, I KNOW, believe me I know. But what can you do? They fit in the palm of my hand, were sitting out there, and meowed soooo pitifully. And I'm a sucker. They're the oddest color combos, too- black, gray, reddish tiger striped with one obviousy leaning toward calico. Adorable. And I'm a sucker. :) One of them has little white paws (Lyss named her Kali- short for "calico" but different,LOL) and is timid and follows the other one's lead. The other one... is bad. And of course, the one I like best. LOL But, they are both healthy and playful, eating solids, surprisingly, and shunning milk or mushy food. And I? Am a sucker.

It's time to gear up for another IEP meeting. I don't even really have anything for you on this right now only it's almost that time again, and my wants for him still stand firm. He needs to be challenged, to know there are consequences for every action, and you need to choose those actions wisely, and he needs to be with children his own age. Why? Because Jake imitates. He mimics the children around him a LOT, and if he is with his peers, his age group, he will fall in line with what they're doing, how they interact and play. If he is with a special ed group of kids varying in age, he'll mimc their behaviors. That's not a positive, and it regresses him, behaviorally and academically. He needs integrated. Period.

Taylor is talking. Sort of. She's now saying "kitty" and "car", "yeah", "yay" and "hey"- which is usually said like this "heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!" at the top of her lungs. All these words in a span of three days! To add to the rest of her vocabulary. She has also realized that Mom means business and Dad will usually let her get away with just about everything. Typical. She's growing so FAST. Still cutting teeth, but now wearing ponytails and getting bruises and scrapes on her knees and making me gasp a hundred times a day- in fear, usually, as she attempts a stunt that I just KNOW will injure her. LOL

There's not much else happening, just a lot of watching them grow and wondering what's up ahead. It's comforting, seeing them making good choices and growing with a firm sense of who they are and what they're made of. But it's also comforting when I'm the one they still come to for the hurts, the curiosity and everything in between. I hope that never changes. That is something, maybe the one thing, worth anything else.

It's a Cat House, Everyone....

I don't even know where to start. With my lost (and now replaced) cell phone? With the light in the microwave suddenly deciding to die? (OK, that's not a big deal, but for some reason, it freaks me out). With the loss of Internet for days due to non-working anti-virus software, leading to malware, Trojans and other lovelies taking up residence on my beloved PC? Or with the cat setting himself on fire?

No, no, you read it right. My cat took it upon himself to jump onto my stove, where my gas burner was on, and proceeded to burn himself. Nothing severe- he was singed, whiskers and some of his neck hair- but no actual burns, didn't hit the skin.... But it scared me half to death. And only seems to have reinforced that whole "don't jump on my counters or stove" deal I have going on. Because when I'm cooking? And you decide you want to get a bite of it? You will burn your ass. And then you will look as if you permed your whiskers, and after the heart attack, I will laugh at you.

There's also the pregnant cat who has taken to sleeping on our porch. The same cat I believe either had or dropped her kittens here last summer. Now, she belongs to someone in the neighborhood, and maybe it's just me, but I think she should be kept indoors right now. She's hugely pregnant, and I wouldn't want my cat outdoors when hugely pregnant. Too many things can happen, in my opinion, and it just doesn't seem the safest thing to do. Also, I really, really, REALLY don't want her having kittens here. I wonder if it was one of my boys that did the job, though, the way she's hanging out with them. **sigh** We don't need more cats, and I know this, logically. But should she have them here and leave them, I know exactly what I'll do. I just can't leave them out there, especially when they're that small and defenseless. And the little guys from last summer were teeny tiny when I brought them in. So, Internet, pray for healthy kittens, wherever they may be born. And pray J doesn't kill me if we end up outnumbered by feline companions....

I will have something more interesting to talk about soon, I promise. LOL Stay tuned- you never know what's around the corner.

Pic-a-palooza!!! Kids, "Kids", and Pets!

**If you're looking for the sound check vids, scroll down.**

First up, the Jake man in a RARE picture... he's decided he isn't fond of the camera. So, rather than fight him, I sneak and get an occasional pic.



My favorite of Taylor so far, i think. she's so delighted it kills me!



More melt your heart from the ruler of our house. Cheeto face and all! :)



Dizzle. I always wonder why our cats run away......



My girls, chilling in a pile of toys. LOL Note the cheeto, still, on Taylor's face. She is an addict. I am an enabler... LOL.


Miss Lyss and her cat, Patrick. We **think** it's a Patrick anyway....


Lyss in her hat... we're on a hat kick around these parts lately....


Yeah, he looks thrilled about it... I made him wear the hat. Love it.


More cowboy hat!!!


Introducing Oliver! He is brand new, a little terrier mix who will not grow large, will not howl like a jackass all hours of the night, and more than likely will not cause me to sever tendons in my foot, unlike the previous dog, who did just that. By running into a darkened room- a being renovated room, filled with junk... and with my JMM CD's... one of which entered my foot. There is so a joke there, but I will let that go......

What i got today... and yes, that IS my screensaver. Ahhhh, life is good.......

Cat and a Hat

Hubby has a hat
Beloved Steelers one, at that
Autumn has a cat
that Hubby pokes fun at...
Said cap needed washed, the hamper should have done
But instead it hit the floor, for me to pick up... always such fun
I did not see the hat... at least,
Not before the cat
Who sensed time for revenge, so there he sat
When no one was looking......

The cat shat in the hat.

(and I immediately washed it so no one would be the siser.)

The Intro -aka Reasons To Read, Or Avoid This Blog (Re-Post)

I thought, since I have some new readers, that I would re-post the intro from waaay back in January, when I started blogging. I will edit the parts that have changed, lol.

Hello all of you in Blog World. Since this is my first post, I thought I’d do a brief intro as well as a warning of sorts to those of you who enjoy reading people’s blogs. And there’s nothing wrong with that- it’s interesting to get a glimpse into someone else’s world, and I do it as much as I can get away with. : )

First off, like my profile says, I’m 29, have 3 kids and am a full time mom. I have two daughters, oldest 7 years, youngest 7 weeks, and one son, who turns six today.(now 8 years, 7 months sunday, and six for more than a day, lol.) I also have a husband and a small menagerie of cats. I’m an animal person, to a fault, and the menagerie is ever growing, to my husband’s (at first) chagrin, (followed by) abject horror, & (replaced finally with) threats upon my well being should I attempt to add another furry creature to this household. Ever. At any time. In the future. Did I mention EVER? (we have four more cats. haha)

I can be pretty long winded, so when I blog, don’t expect short and sweet. Well, ok, don’t ever pop in expecting sweet. I’m not a shiny happy person, even on a good day, and some days I’m really a bitch. But I’m honest and opinionated, and unapologetic for my views on the world, including my household and the way it’s run. Sometimes it runs smoothly, and other days I’m left wondering why it is like wrestling with wild animals to get anything done. (this is all still true.)

I’m starting out with comments open and I do welcome any opinion, feedback, etc. But, if you send me hate mail, I’m going to post it. In it’s entirety. No matter who you are. And expect incessant mocking, ridicule, and perhaps a profanity laced response. On a good day. And right now, there are few of those- right now is a haze of sleep deprivation, adjustment, and wondering when the hell these so called “baby blues” will go away. Because just when you think they have…. (they did)

Anyway, that’s my first blog. It’s not always gonna be savvy or sassy in here, humor filled or even entertaining. But it will always be real, always be honest and always be where I’m at when I’m writing. Like my life, this blog promises to be a friggin roller coaster… so strap in. (did you?)

New Month, New Attitude!

OK, first, let's do a recap of May. Jim's layoff. Foot injury. Assorted animal issues (ranging from kittens being dumped here to the cold that managed to sweep through all of our cats, leaving a trail of pissed off animals at having noses and eyes wiped and cleaned.) Jake's school issues, then his school letting out. Prepping for Alyssa's school to let out. Taylor's shots. The flu that rendered Jim practically immobile for almost three days. Some issues that left me wondering how I could make him immobile and not get caught... A chunk of the ceiling crashed into our house on the last day of May... and seriously, I don't make this shit up. I wish I did....

But now... now it's June. A new month, new hopes, and new time. Summer has definitely arrived, complete with humidity carrying thunderstorms. But, BUT- all is well. And not just because I'm a bubblegum popping, metal mouthed 12 year old trapped in a 29 year old woman's body. OK, maybe partially, but still! Things are turning around.

Health is better. Alyssa's last day of school is tomorrow. Work should be rolling back around this week. (I hate layoffs.... I absolutely hate them. Vacation is nice, because he doesn't have time enough to get bored. When he gets bored, he gets in the way. lol) And yesterday... yesterday, he did the nicest thing I think he, or anyone, could have done for me.

Anyone who's been reading here for the last little while knows I have a slight affection (raging, raging obsession) for these guys right here. And it seems that in October, these gentlemen will be visiting the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. So, I sort of (desperately, desperately) wanted to see about nabbing a ticket or two and heading on over there. I'd had some cash set back for a rainy day (cheap seats) and that was gonna be that. Jim, however, upped the ante a little and nabbed me a better seat. Without my asking, because I honestly don't care where I sit as long as I'm there, ya know? So, as of 10:12 yesterday morning, yours truly is the proud ticket holder for the 10-3-08 concert at the Q. Stoked does not even cover it- and if you've never had a thing for a group, band, singer or some such celeb ish person, you just won't get it. My friends don't. My family doesn't... but they love me anyway. And put up with the possible overplaying (repeat, anyone?) of Summertime, the new single (yep, that means go find it and check it out.. like here)

So, things are looking up- and not just because I get to relive my childhood (the good parts anyway). A new month is a new start.... and June rolled in with a wink and a smile. May is always a bitch, and she smacked us down pretty harshly this year. Now we're past the iffy weather, the spring to summer transitions and all the other ish that May tossed at us. We can kick back and enjoy our summer. Kool-aid and bare feet, water guns and that shrieking laughter you just can't pass up.

Here's to June! To walking on both feet, barefoot in the grass with your kids! To clear eyed kittens and men going back to work (and getting the hell out of my house!!!) And to getting a moment... whatever it is... to smile like you haven't in ages.

Internet, Internet, How We Missed You

So, we lost the internet for a day. Well, almost two, if you want to be technical. And when it comes to the internet, we so are. Jim and I are frequent (obsessed) users, writers, readers, etc., on the old www, and not having it? So, so bad!

Turns out that our modem had most likely been struck by lightning through the phone wires and slowly petered out. That's a fun thought, isn't it? Lightning traveling through your phone wires into your house? Yeesh! But we are, once again, up and running.

It was another busy weekend here at Ye Olde Nuthouse, and still more crazy days ahead. I have been doing a lot of inner stuff lately, and not sure where I'm at with it. There have been a lot of down days recently, a lot of stuff I'm just not able to let go of, and I'm wrestling with it. I wonder, sometimes, if there are simply some things one can never forget? Certain wrongs, treatments, emotions? And I wonder sometimes if some do not deserve forgiveness... and then I think I'm wrong. (Although I apparently do not feel I am wrong after having margaritas with friends. Apparently then I am very very right. And will tell you so. Loudly.) I have noticed, though, that people are so good at telling others to let it go, forget it, move on, etc., without ever truly seeing the problem. Or realizing just how deep some wounds run. Obviously, if things were always so simple to let go, no one would ever have issues, now would they? **sigh**. I think I am just to my limit with people, in a sense. People's insensitivity toward others, peoples inability to listen, to see, to reach out. To help things be let go of?

Ahh, who knows, right? Anyway, it snowed here last night! There was snow on the ground, and wind that had knocked my lilac and forsythia around- which sucked! But, I was waiting on the last hurrah before messing around with my flower beds, and I am so glad now that I did. I'm giving it another 2-3 weeks before I actually put anything in the ground. Prep work is ok, but I'm waiting it out- the weather is fickle, my friends, and will kick your flowers in the ass if you aren't looking!

And also a huge thank you (note the dripping sarcasm) to whatever jackasses thought it would be a good idea to drop a litter of practically newborn kittens on our front porch. No I'm not kidding, I swear to God I have no idea how this shit happens to me. lol But we now have three very small cats... I'd guess 3 weeks at the very most... residing in a laundry basket in our kitchen. And I am slowly coming to realize that Miss Clairol doesn't make a dye strong enough to get the gray outta this head of hair. There are 2 orange and one orange and white one. Again, I dunno- there's something about me and orange ones. My orange count is now a total of seven that have come, gone, and or stayed.... eight if you count the stray who is getting braver and starting to want to come in. I actually wondered if it could have been someone who reads my blog and read that part where I mentioned my thing for strays... or just some ass who wanted to dump off defenseless kittens. Either way- totally irresponsible. What if we hadn't noticed them? They could have been run over, killed by another animal.... sometimes I absolutely have no faith in people.

The Jake situation has improved. Thanks to everyone for your kind words, emails, etc- I promise I'll get back to you. I have become a bad emailer, but I have not forgotten you, promise! Things are stabilizing, for now. Now, we're concentrating on prepping for next year... and that will be the biggie. The real challenge. So we're gearing up for it.... keep your fingers crossed, ok?

I'll leave you with a smile and a gasp of relief to be back here typing away, reading what you guys have to say. It felt like years! I guess now I know the truth about me- I am an internet junkie. But I'm a cute one! ; )

Because You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up...

I know, I know. I've been a bad blogger and a worse commenter of late. I'm still reading, I promise, but the last few weeks have been insanity around the zoo here. First the sickness, then the added craziness of Jake's school field trips- one a week for three weeks running (this will be week 2)- and trying to get back on track with the house stuff and now the outdoor stuff, since spring is finally (did I mention FINALLY!!!!) here.

But, to make us all even nuttier, this has been my week. First, we acquired this guy, which you guys know already. His name is Bart. And I am already reminding myself several times a day that we got him on purpose. Seriously, it isn't as bad as I make it sound, but he is a puppy, after all. And puppies tend to get into stuff, and have very little control over bathroom issues. They truly are harder than toddlers, to me, because you have to watch them more closely. They can choke, or eat something that will make them sick, or crap on the floor if left alone for any amount of time. Thank God for the crate- it has been amazing. That and the fact that Bart does actually enjoy being on his leash, and using the bathroom outdoors. We're working on keeping him "down" though, because he does like to jump, and while he isn't going to be a big dog, I think it's rude and annoying when people let their dogs jump all over you. That and I don't want him jumping on Taylor. But, little annoyances aside, all is well there.



A few nights after Bart, however, Jim was getting ready to run to a friend's, looked out the door and saw this:
He was simply sitting on the porch, eating some cat food I leave out for the strays. A bad habit, I know, but I refuse to let them go hungry, and I also refuse to call our local cat shelter. I've been there before, got our very first cats from there, not knowing better, and it's not a place I'd send my worst enemy, let alone a cat. Besides, this little guy is identical, except in color, to our Tom. Markings, walk, stature, the way he looks at you... he IS Tom except he's orange where Tom is the dark tabby. So, I of course nabbed him. His behaviors tell me he'd never been indoors, or around people, and that he was starved (most of his weight is a heavy, fluffy dense fur... again, like Tom). I've never seen a cat eat the way he did that first night- I had to keep taking it from him. He was shoveling it in, not really even chewing, and I was almost positive he'd choke or puke everywhere (another trait he'd have inherited....). So we were all siting on the couch when Jim came home, blinked a few times, said some interesting things, sighed and shook his head.

I feel for Jim. He knew going in that I love animals (especially cats). He didn't know I can't turn away a stray though. I've fed strays off and on for years, income and circumstance permitting, and have always been the first one to run out and grab a kitten or cat if and when I can catch one, lol. We've had several, because cats do run away, get ill, etc., and because when I see so many ads in the papers I think of that animal shelter and the kittens I saw there. But I have never just happened upon a small kitten on the porch that way before- not one that small. And certainly not a relative!

He's adjusting (and nameless right now). He's pretty skittish, but he's started cuddling up to me on the couch in the evenings and even got in my lap last night for awhile. He really likes Duncan and follows him everywhere. But he's little too, so we're having to watch where we walk a lot more than we used to!

So that's where I've been- potty training and cat catching. lol In between taking care of the baby, the house, and running the kids back and forth to school, Jake's therapies and appointments. Is it bedtime yet????

Fun With Kitty Part 2: Duncan

This is Duncan. He is our youngest, and the neediest cat I have ever seen. Ever. He is clingy, talkative and will latch onto you with claws and teeth if you attempt to remove yourself from his love. Yeah. But, he was passed out in a coma the other night, and it was too tempting.



This is Duncan with a rooster friend. Notice that even the poor toy looks disturbed.


This is too easy now. He didn't wake up. at all. So Jim just kept piling them on. I was laughing too hard to take the pictures.




Can you see him?



How about now?



Well, now it's all over. We have woken him, and angered him. And apparently driven him to drink. Not to mention smoke... just when we thought he'd kicked the habit...



Passed out in a drunken haze. **sigh** He had a hell of a hangover, too.

Fun With Kitty Part 1: Tom

This is Tom. He is our oldest kitty, and he loves to lay on clothing. He also loves to "talk" to us, and attempt to steal our food. Especially pepperoni. He's pretty cranky with other animals- he has Only Cat Syndrome, meaning he thinks he should be an only cat. He also hates having his picture taken... see the disgust??






This is Tom, noticing I still have the camera. See the way he's pretending to attempt sleep, all the while really glaring at me???






Now, he has decided enough is enough, and he is simply going to take the camera away. He has no need of photos, or of being polite (which is probably why his nose is all scratched up). He was meowing as he did this, but I couldn't catch him with his mouth open. LOL And then he slapped the camera, and got pissed when I laughed at him. Which only makes it funnier.

My Dizzle

This was one I just HAD to share! This poor cat will let you do anything to him, and he loves it. See?:







Now THAT was some good shit.

And for your viewing pleasure...

Just testing out the pics, and introducing the world to Connor and JD (Dizzle) respectively. Connor is the royalty on the left, Dizzle… well, he’s pretty self explanatory!