Encounters with friends and critters

We had a busy weekend. Saturday we had our newest neighbor, Janel, and her daughter, Breanne, over for dinner. The poor woman moved in next door in December but because of the crappy winter, we didn't get to meet her until spring. Our conversations had been brief over the fence when we were both outside. So I decided to be "neighborly" and invite them and our other neighbors over for dinner. Unfortunately, the other neighbors were sick with the flu and couldn't join us.

We had a nice time-it was fun to talk over dinner, show off our home and share a meal. Lucas and Breanne went outside for a bit. Lucas loved exploring their yard and Bre kept a great eye on her. Future sitter for us!! At one point after dinner, Bre let their dog, Max, out. It was dusk so the critters were starting to come out. And lo and behold, a skunk was at the end of their back yard. Max took off after it and got sprayed. Poor dog-he stunk!!! Janel called him back to us which meant we all started to smell like the skunk. Max rubbed up against my leg so I went into the basement and tried to scrub as much off as I could! Max has had at least three baths and got a trip to the groomer on Monday! Our evening quickly ended but with promises to do it again!

Since our lovely cat Jeff looks a little like a skunk, we spent a good part of the evening telling Lucas that he needs to stay away from any of the animals in our back yard, especially those who look like Jeff! Just more motivation to get a dog-it will keep some of the animals at bay when Lucas is playing outside.

On Sunday, Lucas and I visited my friend Daniel and his wife Stacy. They have a farm outside of Wheeling. Despite a horrible rain storm, poorly marked country roads and little cell service, we made it without any issues! We got to know 6 of their 7 cats, saw their beehive, met Buster and Bob-their neighbor's year old bulls. That is right, not cows but bulls-horns, attitude and all. Lucas got to feed and walk one of Stacy's horses-Little Joe. I got some great pictures that will appear here soon. Lucas was great-he loved leading Joe, giving treats to the cats, playing with Daniel.

Thoughts on the Daily Groove

Like many people, sometimes my daily groove feels more like a rut-the same old thing day in and day out. I like routine but come on. I think about working part time at least 5 times a week. I wonder if we are doing enough "enrichment" at home. And that is why I like getting these parenting Daily Groove messages each day. Two recently struck a cord in me. The first was about worrying less and loving more. It talked about how worrying focuses all your attention on what you don't want to have happen and puts you in a state of fear. I live that every time we see Marc's parents. While in Columbus for the July 4th, we were all at Marc's uncle's house. A beautiful home with an in ground pool. At one point, the kids were all playing ping pong. Now, an almost 3 year old and almost 4 year old couldn't really do much playing but they thought the mini paddles and crazy ball were a good time. I was acting as a ball girl while the rest of the family was behind me, sitting on the deck. My mother in law was beside herself every time one of the kids had to walk past the corners for fear they would hit their heads on the corner. Why can't you just enjoy the game and silliness of the boys?

The other piece was on finding your own groove-one day at a time. It compared our growth as parents to the growth of our children. Some days we wake up and are convinced that our children have grown overnight. These eye opening changes are really a culimation of countless tiny changes. Equating that to parenting, our inner growth is no different. We wake up one day and realize we have a better handle on things. It is the many, small day to day choices that over time, transform you as a parent. I completely agree with that statement.

July 4th and new puppies

We ventured to Columbus again this year for July 4th. We love spending it with friends John and Stacy and their little guy JT. The little boys are only 2 months apart-it was fun to watch them play and run around like little boys should. We were treated to no one but two nights of fireworks. As Lucas says, "It is VERY excitng." We were also treated to two days of no napping by Lucas. He was good despite the lack of sleep but it has taken us a few days, (OK, almost a week) to get back into too sleeping patterns. One night John suggested we just put the two boys in the same room and let them play until they fall asleep. Everyone thought that would be a good idea except for Marc. Really? I had a hard time seeing how this was a bad idea. It wasn't like they were going to be up all night playing. At some point they would have laid down and been out. But I guess it was better to have Lucas in bed with us which meant NO ONE got a good night's sleep.

On the way out of town we visited with Marc's aunt and uncle. They have a beautiful inground pool. Lucas was all about going in. Being the designated swimmer of our family, I had to join him in the 83 degree water on a bright sunny day. Marc's cousin showed him how to kick and I got him to lay on his back. Lucas is on his way! It was fun to be with him and show him swimming is OK.

And the best news is that I am once again an aunt!!! My brother and his fiancee got a black great dane puppy on Friday! He is 5 months old and still growing into his legs and ears. I am so excited for them. Craig called me on their way home. I can't wait to see pictures/babysit him. Welcome Rudd Wardak to the family.