Swimming

My friend T came to town so we: T , Tuks, me and another friend M went to a nearby lake and took Tuks swimming. The photos are courtesy of my friend M. It was a little cool outside because we went late in the afternoon due to the fact Tuks wouldn't take her nap. She had a great time, but it was obvious that she needs her sisters home so that she has playmates for swimming, and playing in the sand. She is such a people person!!

More on reading

Tonight Tuks and I were sitting on her bed reading books together..such as in, I was reading the words, and she was reading her own words to go along with the pages. Then once she finished reading the page, she would count the characters on each page and eventually turn it once we were both finished...I loved it. These are the mommy moments that can not be replicated in any other way!!

WOW

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them" -Mother Theresa.

I am brave

Tuks has been a real sweet heart the last few days, maybe my consistent discipline is catching on..YEAH!!! Anyway to share some of her Tuki cuteness, she was diapering Bear bear all day and then taking it off, putting him on the potty to go pee pee and poopy (sorry for the language, but it is what it is) We would then have happy dances for Bear bear when he made it into the potty.

Also we have had thunderstorms nearly everyday for the last 3 days. Tuks has been acquiring strange fears, which I guess is normal at this age and thunderstorms seem to be a fear. I have been reading a book about a dog called "I am brave" and how the dog overcomes his fear of storms. So every time a storm comes our way I remind Tuks that she is brave. So tonight while I was getting supper ready in the kitchen and a thunderstorm started rolling in, I hear Tuks in the living room say to herself many times. "I am brave", and then of course I would say, "yes, you are brave Tuks"...very cute!!

She has also learned (self-taught) how to do a headstand on the couch today....

New look as of 1 month ago

BTW my header was designed by me...I know the pixs are a little rough around the edges, but it is becoming more likable to me as time goes on. I just layered cropped photos in Photoshop, and then flattened them into one picture. I know I could do it better if I tried again, but right now just not interested in creating another one. Lastly I sized it the best I could to fit the blog. Waahhlaaa..my header..just in case you were wondering..LOL

Summer is moving forward

Well the answer is in. I will not be coaching cross country running this fall, I will miss it, yet I know it is the correct decision with Tuks getting older and having more interests herself. She really enjoyed her gymnastics class and looks forward to more. I was a little nervous because I convinced the teacher to allow Tuks to participate. She is only 32 months old and the class is for 3-4 years olds, but I felt Tuki was ready for it and she was. The teacher said she did great and there are only two other girls, one 3 1/2 and the other 4. Tuks stands inches taller than both of them...a reminder as to how tall she really is. She listened well, stood in line and took turns.

Now, for after the class, Tuks had a major meltdown in Kmart...I mean major, and then after her nap she had another at the Post office. I know partly due to her staying up so late this whole week with my brother and his family in town. She finally had a melt down in front of them on the last day they were here, and my SIL told me that her behavior is normal and her daughter (my niece) did the same thing at that age. My niece is now 13 and a well behaved young lady, so it gave me hope. Plus, they said I handled the tantrum well, and I shouldn't beat myself up on how I handle it later. So that helped me feel like I am doing a good job. I really question it sometimes, and I am sure it is partly due to the fact that I don't have another adult tell me that I am doing well. I guess that is one downer about single parenting, no one to bounce ideas or thoughts off of. The last two days she has been listening and behaving well...did we turn a corner, or is it a few days of easy street. I guess time will tell.

Last week, we (the entire family) went to the movie WALL E and Tuks and I had to leave about 30 minutes into it because Tuks was scared (I guess a poor decision on my part). I lost $14.00, and I wish I would have thought to ask for a refund, but it was on a gift card and never really cost me anyway. I guess I will wait another year or two before we try a night time movie again.

My garage is now cleaned, just need to finish picking up the swept dirt, and then I am on to various other spots in the house to sort through for the rummage sale.

The kitties, Hubble and Beatrice are both doing GREAT. Hubble is a different kitten. The minute I walk into their room, he starts his purr motor just a roaring. He is so little that he can fit into the palm of my hand. I think he may be several weeks younger than Beatrice. Wish I could show pictures, but still haven't looked into fixing or replacing my camera.

My Eastern Phoebe's second clutch of 4 fledglings left the nest today. They were so tightly packed in there I am surprised they stayed in the nest as long as they did. So that means 6 new Phoebes this summer...

Lastly, we have been eating lettuce from our garden for the last two weeks and boy it is GGGGGGGGREEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!

Vacation from the vacation??

This week is again busy because my brother, SIL and niece are visiting from Louisiana for the whole week. We are getting together at some one's house each and every day. Tuks bedtime is WAY off, but she seems to be surviving. She actually slept until 11:00am this morning, whereas her usual daytime wake is 6:30 - 7:00 am. Tomorrow marks the beginning class of her official gymnastics class without me in attendance. I can't wait to see how she does. I will be watching through a glass window.

My basement is all clean and now I am on to my garage. I think with all this cleaning I will be having a garage sale in late summer...That is if I am not coaching cross country running. I am seriously contemplating giving it up this year, and am waiting word from another possible assistant if she wants to step in and do it this year.

I also have good news on the adoption front, I received word that Marie will allow me to leave Ve in Haiti until Mim's process is completed. She was actually real glad that I was thinking of the girls well-being in asking this of her. I am so relieved in knowing Mim and Ve will come home together. Naturally it will be a little tougher on me in the transition, but I think easier on them. Tuks will struggle no matter what in sharing me, but I really know she loves playing with other kids so much that in a short time she will realize that sisters are great playmates.

Lastly, I acquired, or I should say sMurph acquired two new cat buddies. They came from my sister's farm just like sMurph. I would guess they are about 6 - 7 weeks old, and one (black & white female) is doing great, the other (gray & white male) could go either way for survival. He is tiny!! I think, but not completely sure yet, that I will name the female Beatrice and the male Hubble.

Anyway, besides still fighting city hall, making calls to many meeting members, attending meetings etc., it seems my summer is slipping away quickly, and yet not so relaxing either. My sleeping is in the toilet...as the saying goes. I can be dead tired, but still not able to fall asleep. I am not sure what is up with that, but I will admit I am getting frustrated with the insomnia.

I need another vacation from the summer vacation....Yah, I know I'm just too funny!!!!!!!!!!!!