I'm sorry for your loss and that you didn't get to see her. She sounds like a wonderful friend.

Remember that you have suffered a loss and be kind to yourself.

I just wanted to let everyone know that we lost Jasper today. We took him to the vet, there was nothing more they could do, and we made the decision to end his suffering.

Thank you everyone for being here for me when I needed you. I really appreciate all the support during this time.

We're on our way to Rod's cousins place, he owns a pet cremation business. Our second trip in 5 months. This doesn't feel real. I don't really believe it, but sadly, it's true.

R.I.P. Jasper. We love you so much, and we did the best thing we could for you. We ended your pain, your suffering. I hope you understand, and I hope that you're running around with Indy as we speak. I will see you again. I promise you.

And...I just got word that she's passed.

Oh, how the heart breaks when someone dear to you is lost.

So very sorry Synn... I can only imagine. I have no doubt that her spirit knew of the love and compassion that surrounded her.

I just wanted to let everyone know that we lost Jasper today. We took him to the vet, there was nothing more they could do, and we made the decision to end his suffering.

Thank you everyone for being here for me when I needed you. I really appreciate all the support during this time.

We're on our way to Rod's cousins place, he owns a pet cremation business. Our second trip in 5 months. This doesn't feel real. I don't really believe it, but sadly, it's true.

R.I.P. Jasper. We love you so much, and we did the best thing we could for you. We ended your pain, your suffering. I hope you understand, and I hope that you're running around with Indy as we speak. I will see you again. I promise you.

Oh, Alty... I'm so very sorry. My heart breaks for you and your family.

My deepest condolences on your loss. I wish I had more than those simple words to give you, but eloquence fails me. I wish I could be there to hug you and hold you and cry with you, but alas.

Know you are within my thoughts. Love you.

Oh my gosh! Jasper - oh my gosh. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine your grief.

Aww sorry Alty.


How do I stop getting emails from threads? I unsubscribed from any emails, and I un-alerted from all the topics I used to post in. I'm still getting "New post in Womens Health" etc.

Aww sorry Alty.


How do I stop getting emails from threads? I unsubscribed from any emails, and I un-alerted from all the topics I used to post in. I'm still getting "New post in Womens Health" etc.

Dani, go to your 'settings'. There is a section for Notifications and Messaging. Check the boxes that apply to what you want. I have mine set for receiving email from Administrators Only and I don't get notifications for threads.


Syn, all I can offer is a virtual hug and my sympathy.

She sounds like a wonderful person who will always be there as you share stories about her with Boo.

Yeah it's odd as I did change those to not receiving emails, even from admins. I also changed it to "Do not subscribe"

Yeah it's odd as i did change those to not receiving emails, even from admins. I also changed it to "Do not subscribe"

If you haven't tried it already:

In the same section of Notifications and Messaging... look for the subsection of "Default Thread Subscription Mode". Set the drop down window to "no e-mail notification". See if that works.

Aye I tried that before do not subscribe yesterday, I was still receiving emails ¬¬

Aye i tried that before do not subscribe yesterday, i was still receiving emails ¬¬

Basic question: Have you cleaned out caches, cookies, and history and restarted your browser?

If so, contact Ben. There may be a glitch in the system or between 'skins' again.

Yep, I had to install updates and restart last night

Oh my gosh! Jasper - oh my gosh. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine your grief.

Thank you Judy. You've been where I am now, and just recently as well. I think you understand my grief very well.

Frankly it still doesn't seem real at this point. I just saw Jared's winter jacket on the floor in the foyer. He always forgets to hang it up, it's black, like Jasper. For a moment I thought, hoped, that it was Jasper. He loved sleeping in the foyer. I usually had to step over him in the morning when I went into the garage for my morning cigarette. For just that moment I thought that maybe it had all been a dream.

Thank you Judy. You've been where I am now, and just recently as well. I think you understand my grief very well.

Frankly it still doesn't seem real at this point. I just saw Jared's winter jacket on the floor in the foyer. He always forgets to hang it up, it's black, like Jasper. For a moment I thought, hoped, that it was Jasper. He loved sleeping in the foyer. I usually had to step over him in the morning when I went into the garage for my morning cigarette. For just that moment I thought that maybe it had all been a dream.


And you will hear his footsteps for a very long time - I do understand your grief. It will seem unreal for a very long time. I never know whether to put away all reminders, at least for now, or look at everything (collars, toys) on a daily basis and try to cope.

How are your children taking the loss? You have your own grief and watching them grieve must tear you apart again.

I just wanted to let everyone know that we lost Jasper today. We took him to the vet, there was nothing more they could do, and we made the decision to end his suffering.

Thank you everyone for being here for me when I needed you. I really appreciate all the support during this time.

We're on our way to Rod's cousins place, he owns a pet cremation business. Our second trip in 5 months. This doesn't feel real. I don't really believe it, but sadly, it's true.

R.I.P. Jasper. We love you so much, and we did the best thing we could for you. We ended your pain, your suffering. I hope you understand, and I hope that you're running around with Indy as we speak. I will see you again. I promise you.



Sorry for the loss of your loved companion Jasper. No words can help with the hurt, but know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

And you will hear his footsteps for a very long time - I do understand your grief. It will seem unreal for a very long time. I never know whether to put away all reminders, at least for now, or look at everything (collars, toys) on a daily basis and try to cope.

How are your children taking the loss? You have your own grief and watching them grieve must tear you apart again.

Looking at pictures helps, but I can't get myself to look at his toys, collar, leash and stuff. That's too real. With the pictures I can at least pretend that he's still here. With the stuff it's very obvious he's not.

The kids aren't handling it too well. Yesterday Sydney spent the day crying, moping around. Jared handled it a bit better yesterday, but then today he broke down completely. We've had a lot of cries, hugs, and long talks. It's especially hard because we didn't know this was going to end up being the choice we had to make until we got to the vet and she said that there was nothing more we could do. At that time we decided to put him out of his misery. We never really thought that the kids might want to be there because they didn't want to with Indy. We wanted to spare them that. But when we got home without Jasper, and told them what we had to do, they were very very upset that they hadn't been allowed to be there.

But then, they really don't know what it's like. They'll have to face that one day if they decide to have animals in their life, but they shouldn't have to face it as children. Still, a part of me wonders if the reality would have been better for them to face and accept then whatever they think happened. Because we all know that sometimes we make things far worse in our minds then they are in reality.

Time will help heal. We all know that. But right now it's still very fresh, and very painful for all of us. It still seems surreal to me. I feel like I'm not even in my own body right now, that it's someone else going through this.

Sorry for the loss of your loved companion Jasper. No words can help with the hurt, but know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Wildsporty. Words can't ease the pain, but it nice to know that so many people care. That does help.

I know it hurts. He will always have part of your heart. It will get a little easier Alty, in time.

Canada is nice this time of year. Just saying, since you want to be out of the country.

NO IT IS NOT!! Ask I write this it is SNOWING again... not cool. Well yeah actually it is, a little too cool, freezing in fact... On the whole though Canada is a prety good place to be and summer will be here soon enough!

Synn - I am so sorry for your loss. The death of a friend is never easy, and I will do my best to send positive, healing energies your way.

Alty - The same for you. I love my pets as children, and the loss of one is heartbreaking. Healing energies to you and your family as well.

Hope everyone else is doing well. I have been so busy the last few days. A wonderful uncle passed last week, so I had to venture out of town for his services. It was a wonderful celebration of life, and I loved visiting with my family. It may sound odd to be joyful, but He was suffering horribly from alzheimer's and a slew of other medical issues so, while I miss him, I am happy he is no longer suffering.

A wonderful uncle passed last week, so I had to venture out of town for his services. It was a wonderful celebration of life, and I loved visiting with my family. It may sound odd to be joyful, but He was suffering horribly from alzheimer's and a slew of other medical issues so, while I miss him, I am happy he is no longer suffering.


Sorry for your family's loss. I understand completely. One of my aunts recently passed from alzheimer's as well. She had suffered for years and the passing becomes a blessing really at that stage.

Sorry for your loss :(

Hope everyone else is doing well. I have been so busy the last few days. A wonderful uncle passed last week, so I had to venture out of town for his services. It was a wonderful celebration of life, and I loved visiting with my family. It may sound odd to be joyful, but He was suffering horribly from alzheimer's and a slew of other medical issues so, while I miss him, I am happy he is no longer suffering. So very sorry for your loss. I think it's wonderful that you celebrated his life rather than grieving his death. Many people forget to celebrate the good times.

Synn - I am so sorry for your loss. The death of a friend is never easy, and I will do my best to send positive, healing energies your way.

Alty - The same for you. I love my pets as children, and the loss of one is heartbreaking. Healing energies to you and your family as well.

Hope everyone else is doing well. I have been so busy the last few days. A wonderful uncle passed last week, so I had to venture out of town for his services. It was a wonderful celebration of life, and I loved visiting with my family. It may sound odd to be joyful, but He was suffering horribly from alzheimer's and a slew of other medical issues so, while I miss him, I am happy he is no longer suffering.

And I go on and on about my loss. I'm so very sorry. :(

It just goes to show, we're all suffering, life is never perfect, and loss is all around us.

I'm so very sorry for your loss, but I am so very happy for you that you could see this as a celebration of his life. I think that's what death should be, a celebration of what that being (be they human or animal) was, what they contributed to this world, what their life meant to them, and to us.

It truly is only those of us that are left behind that suffer. The deceased loved one is at peace. That should be something to be grateful for, even while we're feeling the pain. Their pain is over. That's a blessing.

Well this thread has turned really sad. Not that that's a bad thing. It's a place to talk about everything. Your joys, your sorrows. But, I am going to lighten the mood.

We got a new addition. We simply couldn't stand the quiet in the house, and we're not a one dog family, never were. We were going to wait until we were done grieving, but this fell into our laps, and we made the decision to follow our hearts. Boy am I glad we did.

I'm still mourning Jasper, but now there's a little something that can and does put a smile on my face, and it really does feel like forever since I smiled.

So meet Rascal, our newest addition.

He's a border collie cross, around 8 weeks old. He came for a farm. Farmer had an accidental litter and the puppies were free to a good home. Well, we're a good home.:)

Here are a few pictures.

The kids, Chewy, Rod and I, are very happy to welcome him to our home.

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Very cute... but I was going to suggest a nice, furry, Haplopelma... always lightens my mood and they're so soft and cuddly.

Very cute....but I was going to suggest a nice, furry, Haplopelma...always lightens my mood and they're so soft and cuddly.

Odinn, I tried talking my hubby into a spider once, but he flat out refused. I'd love one! The only problem I'd have is feeding it live food. I'm really not big on killing anything, even a cricket. :(

Ha! You Googled it, didn't you? LOL... not too many people know off the top of their head what a Haplopelma is.

They do make nice, quiet, and easy to care for pets... but yes, they need live food so I can understand what you're saying.

Really though... adorable little puppy.

You know what would happen if you have a spider when I get there! Out comes the vacuum!

Tarantulas are too big to fit into most vacuum hoses. :p

He is adorable, Nothing like a cute, cuddly pup to bring a smile.
He's a lucky boy. And Chewy is pretty darn cute too.
I'm partial to beagles. They are my favorite, although at the moment I am beagleless
Is that a word?
Anyway what a cutie!

Tarantulas are too big to fit into most vacuum hoses. :p

Thanks for the sweet dreams Odinn!

Not a problem! Any time I can help, just let me know...

Tarantulas are too big to fit into most vacuum hoses. :p

Well that depends on the size of the pieces they are in when you start to vacuum them up... I am unashamed of smashing a spider or four... ::shudder::

Well this thread has turned really sad. Not that that's a bad thing. It's a place to talk about everything. Your joys, your sorrows. But, I am going to lighten the mood.

We got a new addition. We simply couldn't stand the quiet in the house, and we're not a one dog family, never were. We were going to wait until we were done grieving, but this fell into our laps, and we made the decision to follow our hearts. Boy am I glad we did.

I'm still mourning Jasper, but now there's a little something that can and does put a smile on my face, and it really does feel like forever since I smiled.

So meet Rascal, our newest addition.

He's a border collie cross, around 8 weeks old. He came for a farm. Farmer had an accidental litter and the puppies were free to a good home. Well, we're a good home.:)

Here are a few pictures.

The kids, Chewy, Rod and I, are very happy to welcome him to our home.

39918

39919

39920



Rascal is simply adorable. Very sweet I can see why he brings a smile to your face.

What a day!!
My off day and I spent it apparently trying to do myself in.
My boyfriend and my daughters boyfriend are working on the roof today and I, being the good hostess decided to cook for them.
I had a beautiful butternut squash to fix and while slicing it to cook I managed to take a chunk out of the heel of my hand on the mandolin slicer.
Not enough to hit the Urgent care just enough to hurt like h, e, double hockey sticks and bleed enough to illicit an offering of blood from my daughters boyfriend if I needed a transfusion.
I wish I'd never seen that d**n squash.
Then up to the roof to check on progress, after discussing the plan with the men folk, I misstep and you know it, right through the roof on the outside of the house.
One second safe and sound the next on the ground with 4 dogs gathered round to check me out.
That was only 5:00 and I'm ready to just go back to bed, what's the worst that could happen.
All in all not so bad, nothing broken and we all got a good laugh afterward.
I'm so glad I'm working tomorrow I don't think I can take another day at home.

What a day!!!
My off day and I spent it apparently trying to do myself in.
My boyfriend and my daughters boyfriend are working on the roof today and I, being the good hostess decided to cook for them.
I had a beautiful butternut squash to fix and while slicing it to cook I managed to take a chunk out of the heel of my hand on the mandolin slicer.
Not enough to hit the Urgent care just enough to hurt like h, e, double hockey sticks and bleed enough to illicit an offering of blood from my daughters boyfriend if I needed a transfusion.
I wish I'd never seen that d**n squash.
Then up to the roof to check on progress, after discussing the plan with the men folk, I misstep and you know it, right through the roof on the outside of the house.
One second safe and sound the next on the ground with 4 dogs gathered round to check me out.
That was only 5:00 and I'm ready to just go back to bed, what's the worst that could happen.
All in all not so bad, nothing broken and we all got a good laugh afterward.
I'm so glad I'm working tomorrow I don't think I can take another day at home.

OMG! That's awful! I'm worn out just reading that! It wasn't a good day for you, that's for sure. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you. Get some rest... have a drink (if you drink) and get everyone to cater to you tonight.

OMG! That's awful! I'm worn out just reading that! It wasn't a good day for you, that's for sure. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you. Get some rest...have a drink (if you drink) and get everyone to cater to you tonight.

Having that drink now, who knew cooking and supervising could be so dangerous?

Having that drink now, who knew cooking and supervising could be so dangerous?

Been there, done that, and got the scar to prove it.

Ha! You Googled it, didn't you? LOL...not too many people know off the top of their head what a Haplopelma is.

They do make nice, quiet, and easy to care for pets...but yes, they need live food so I can understand what you're saying.

Really though...adorable little puppy.

LOL! Actually Odinn, I didn't Google. A long time ago, when I was much younger than I am now, I dated an entomologist. Of course he wasn't an entomologist then, but he is now, and we're still very good friends. Because of him I probably know more about spiders (which I adore) then most people.

If you googled his name you'd actually find out that he's one of the top entomologists in the country. No, not Canada, actually in the US, even though he is Canadian, born and raised, educated, and actually lived around 10 minutes from my house when I was younger. I won't mention his full name here (I don't have his permission), and his full name would get your around 50 pages of Google links, but, if you Google "brent the bug guy", you'll get plenty. :)

Back when the networks were on strike he even did Leno, brought a bunch of his bug friends along. Don't know if you can still view the show on the net, I know I had trouble the last time I tried.

Because of him I've learned more about spiders that I probably care to know. But I've always found them fascinating. I'd love to have one, but Rod is a wuss! ;)

What a day!!!
My off day and I spent it apparently trying to do myself in.
My boyfriend and my daughters boyfriend are working on the roof today and I, being the good hostess decided to cook for them.
I had a beautiful butternut squash to fix and while slicing it to cook I managed to take a chunk out of the heel of my hand on the mandolin slicer.
Not enough to hit the Urgent care just enough to hurt like h, e, double hockey sticks and bleed enough to illicit an offering of blood from my daughters boyfriend if I needed a transfusion.
I wish I'd never seen that d**n squash.
Then up to the roof to check on progress, after discussing the plan with the men folk, I misstep and you know it, right through the roof on the outside of the house.
One second safe and sound the next on the ground with 4 dogs gathered round to check me out.
That was only 5:00 and I'm ready to just go back to bed, what's the worst that could happen.
All in all not so bad, nothing broken and we all got a good laugh afterward.
I'm so glad I'm working tomorrow I don't think I can take another day at home.

Holy crap on a stick! You sound like me! Sam, I'm beginning to think we're two peas in a pod. I often say that if I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any!

Glad you're okay. Stay off the roof, and stay away from squash. Just the name alone should be reason enough. I'm sure they don't call it "squash" for no reason. ;)

Holy crap on a stick! You sound like me! Sam, I'm beginning to think we're two peas in a pod. I often say that if I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any!

Glad you're okay. Stay off the roof, and stay away from squash. Just the name alone should be reason enough. I'm sure they don't call it "squash" for no reason. ;)

A little accident prone too are you?
This morning I grabbed a hot pan, so I am treating myself to an ice pack and some Oreos with milk.
I think I'm down to folding laundry and watching TV, since there is not a soul here to drive to the hospital at the moment.

A little accident prone are too ya?
This morning I grabbed a hot pan, so I am treating myself to an ice pack and some Oreos with milk.
I think I'm down to folding laundry and watching TV, since there is not a soul here to drive to the hospital at the moment.

LS, is the laundry already out of the dryer?

Please, take care. Let others put the clothes away. Drawers can be dangerous (says the woman who got a splinter from one.) ;)

Group hug for everyone. :)

LS, is the laundry already out of the dryer?

Please, take care. Let others put the clothes away. Drawers can be dangerous (says the woman who got a splinter from one.) ;)

Group hug for everyone. :)

Oh dear, between the threat of splinters and dryer injury maybe I should just take a nap.
With my luck this weekend I'm scared of lacerating myself with a zipper or worse.

Thanks for the giggle.

Oh dear, between the threat of splinters and dryer injury maybe I should just take a nap.
With my luck this weekend I'm scared of lacerating myself with a zipper or worse.

Thanks for the giggle.

You're welcome.

If the sky is as gray in your part of the state as it is here, napping sounds like a great idea.

Being accident prone does make a good excuse to be lazy. ;)

Oh my gosh! You fell through your roof LS? Well I hope your weekend went better! I can't believe your day. I'm not laughing AT you, I'm laughing with you ;) I am also accident prone. If there is a hazard anywhere, you better believe I'm going to find it.

Sam, I would definitely stay away from the laundry. It can be deadly. You really don't want to take any chances. In fact, stay away from cooking too, order in. :)

I've got a major dilemma going on and I, for once, don't know how to handle it. Hoping some of you could shed some light. Here goes, hope it makes sense.

Two little kids have been in and out of CPS for all of their short lives. Girl is 8, boy is 10. They've been positive for marijuana, coke, meth, etc. Not because they are actively using it, but when they were younger mom was breast feeding. My friend, I'll call her Natasha, is a nurse who works with me and her husband works at the jail. They are the aunt and uncle to these children and are stand up citizens.

Natasha and her husband had legal custody of these children 3 times in their lives, the longest being an entire year. Recently their mother was in a drug/alcohol related car accident and died. Their father was in jail at the time. This time it was for driving without a license and not a drug related charge. Well, the judge let Dad out of jail to take care of these kids rather than passing them off to a more stable relative.

This all happened a week ago this past Thursday. Now Dad is having parties at his house, meth parties, morphine parties, etc. Their electricity is about to be turned off. Well, to go on, Natasha and several other members of the family have called CPS, but they will do nothing at this point. Their words to Natasha were... "So what is your concern?"

My mother-in-law used to teach 4th grade but now is retired an volunteers her time as a CASA (http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm). Natasha and I have followed her instructions step-by-step to have these children removed from the home, but CPS doesn't seem to have the time.

I just don't know what else to do at this point. If any of you can help that would be great, if you can't, that's great too, just support our efforts in getting these children to safety.

J, I have no actual help, I only have sadness that this is being allowed to continue. CPS is a joke. I've never had to deal with them at all, not individually (thankfully), and never in any other capacity. As such I have rose colored glasses on and always thought they put the kids first. That's obviously not the case here. This is a wake up call. I may never utter the words "call CPS" again. :(

I can only offer my support, hugs, and hope that these kids are placed with the people that should have them, and obviously want them.

It makes me sick. You need a license to catch a fish, or buy a dog, but any idiot can have a child. It's sickening.

I'm giving you my support, and wishing that I could do more. If there's anything you need, anything, anything at all, tell me, and if I have the power to do it, I'm there.

(hugs)

Thanks Alty, I just wish I knew what to do to help Natasha. My MIL and I have done all we can but until there is a life threatening situation apparently CPS has more important cases.

I guess I just don't understand this level of addiction. My kids are FIRST, plain and simple.

My brain hurts, my head hurts, my heart hurts. I think I'm going to drink a beer and go to bed.

Thanks Alty, I just wish I knew what to do to help Natasha. My MIL and I have done all we can but until there is a life threatening situation apparently CPS has more important cases.

I guess I just don't understand this level of addiction. My kids are FIRST, plain and simple.

My brain hurts, my head hurts, my heart hurts. I think I'm gonna drink a beer and go to bed.

Beer is good, bed is good, and then a solution, because there has to be one. I just don't know what it is. But you can bet that I'll try to find one.

Don't you give up! I won't, and I don't even know these kids, but my heart is breaking for them despite that fact.

It sickens me. Until there's a life threatening situation they won't do anything? So a child has to come near death, or worse, actually die, then they'll act? Idiocy! And they wonder how the future will hold up. This is the future generation! What message are we sending? You're a child, so you're not important enough to be protected. You don't deserve a better life. You're just a child. If you want help, die, then we'll step in.

Sickening. I weep for the future. I weep for these kids. I'll join you in that beer!

Is there a Catholic Charities or Lutheran Social Service office in the area? I'd look for a social worker or counselor with one of them or through a hospital or even one working independently. You want to find someone who deals with kids at risk, someone who will work his or her butt off for these kids, an advocate for these kids. That's the role I played for someone when the extended family was ignored by CPS. That advocate will know what to say to CPS and how to play their "game" and know the system in order to get those kids into a safe place.

This is sad.
I have never understood why the biology of parenthood stood above the ability to be a parent.
And in the end (not to mention during) it's the children that suffer.
I had a similar situation with my kids other parent (I refuse to call him a father)
Not to this extent, but even after explaining to the Judge in chambers why I was in court to limit or stop his visitation, after he himself had disappeared for nearly 2 years.
His problem was alcohol and he did some really stupid things and involved my kids in them.
The outcome, supervised visitation with his Mother (he still left with them, still drank etc, etc,)
Didn't matter that he didn't even show up in court to fight for his rights.
I just don't understand it.
My heart goes out to these children, your friend and yourself.
I don't have an answer, I wish I did.
Changes need to made.

J, what were the terms of his release? Was it time served or was he released on parole/probation?

It may be time to call the police when one of his 'parties' is going on.

Are the children in school? Have they been attending classes?

You would think that with all the cases splashed all over the news of CPS agencies acting too late or doing too little, they would be a little more proactive. I guess they are more worried about looking like 'storm troopers' instead of incompetent idiots.

What does CPS consider 'life threatening'?

Could Natasha and husband sue for custody? Have they contacted a lawyer to find out what their legal recourses are?

Heck, I might consider getting the news involved. Any reporters in your area looking for a good story to further their career? A story about CPS not investigating claims of child endangerment could be the one. It doesn't even have to be about this specific case. I am certain if there is one there are dozens of others.

My heart goes out to your friends and these children. Prayers, wishes and hopes for them and you.

A thought just occurred, is she contacting the CPS department? Is there an individual officer who might be more approachable and ready to see to the children's needs instead of waiting for the worst to happen?

I've got a major dilemma going on and I, for once, don't know how to handle it. Hoping some of you could shed some light. Here goes, hope it makes sense.

Two little kids have been in and out of CPS for all of their short lives. Girl is 8, boy is 10. They've been positive for marijuana, coke, meth, etc. Not because they are actively using it, but when they were younger mom was breast feeding. My friend, I'll call her Natasha, is a nurse who works with me and her husband works at the jail. They are the aunt and uncle to these children and are stand up citizens.

Natasha and her husband had legal custody of these children 3 times in their lives, the longest being an entire year. Recently their mother was in a drug/alcohol related car accident and died. Their father was in jail at the time. This time it was for driving without a license and not a drug related charge. Well, the judge let Dad out of jail to take care of these kids rather than passing them off to a more stable relative.

This all happened a week ago this past Thursday. Now Dad is having parties at his house, meth parties, morphine parties, etc. Their electricity is about to be turned off. Well, to go on, Natasha and several other members of the family have called CPS, but they will do nothing at this point. Their words to Natasha were...."So what is your concern?"

My mother-in-law used to teach 4th grade but now is retired an volunteers her time as a CASA (http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm). Natasha and I have followed her instructions step-by-step to have these children removed from the home, but CPS doesn't seem to have the time.

I just don't know what else to do at this point. If any of you can help that would be great, if you can't, that's great too, just support our efforts in getting these children to safety.


This is just so sad. I don't get why parents seemingly want to have custody of their children but offer noa ctual love or parenting. Makes me sad. I haven't read what others have posted yet, but what about calling the father's parole officer? If the children were taken from him would Natasha and her husband be able to get them? Or would they fall into the system of another foster home?

Has Natasha talked to "dad" to see if he would relinquish rights to her and her husband? I wish I knew more about the leagalities in the states, but surely these parties are going against his conditions?

j,This sounds odd, but if one of the children were to go to the school counselor and say they were afraid to go home because of the drugs and parties at their house and the school got envolved with the DHHS than I think this would help.

Shirley

J, I have an answer for you. It took a bit to find. WHat they need to do is apply for custody and to remove the fathers rights. It can be done. Here is what the courts are seeking when following the best interest of the child.

Once a hearing date is set to determine custody, the Court will use the following factors to make a decision that fits "the best interests of the child":
1.Love, affection and emotional ties existing between the parents and child:This factor alone is usually credited to both parents. Exceptions may include where one parent has been absent (voluntarily) for months or years.
2.Disposition of the parents to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, education and other necessary care and the degree to which a parent has been the primary caregiver:Many believe that this factor implies that the parent who makes more money will automatically be granted custody; this is wrong. As long as a parent has the ability to meet the child needs, they will be credited with qualifying for this factor.
In addition, there is a presumption that a stay-at-home-parent, with this factor, is automatically awarded custody. Again, this is in correct. While this factor allows for weight to be given to this fact, the other factors must also be used to determine if that particular parent would best serve "the best interest of the child."

3.
Importance of continuity in the child's life and the length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment:Courts love status quo, which is a Latin word meaning the state of things at present. This follows the philosophy of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

4.Stability of the family unit of the parents:This factor is taking into consideration each home and the family within. In cases of post-divorce modifications, this factor will consider stepparents, step-siblings, etc. Multiple divorces or separations for a parent can be considered negatively where this factor is concerned.
5.Mental and physical health of the parents: Alcoholism, drug abuse, an untreated history of depression, and other similar ailments can be detrimental to one being awarded custody. However, being physically disabled, unless severe to the point of the parent needing their own caretaker, will not likely be viewed negatively.
6.Home, school, and community record of the child: Is the child doing well in school? If not, which parent has done what to improve the child's education? Is the child frequently in trouble with school officials or law enforcement? Does the child not function well with a new stepparent or step-siblings?
These are all contributors to this factor and are taken into consideration to determine custody.

7.The reasonable preference of the child if 12 years of age or older:This is a factor that is only taken into consideration, not an actual determinant. A child is allowed to express their preference, but that does not mean it will be granted.
For post-divorce modifications, the child's preference is not considered a change of circumstances to allow for modification of custodial arrangements.

8.Physical or emotional abuse to the child, to the other parent or to any other person: Proven abuse (emotional, mental, physical) by a custodial parent to the child or others in the home can be grounds for not granting custody to the abusive parent.
9.Character and behavior of any other person who resides in or frequents the home of a parent: Basically, if you are allowing a person (or people) of low character to live in or frequently visit your home, "the best interest of the child" is to not be subject to this individual(s) and can result in custody not being awarded to the one hanging out with such a loser.
10.Each parent's past and potential for future performance of parenting responsibilities: This one is pretty simple... if you haven't visited, or at least tried to, the children during the separation or following the divorce, you've not shown a potential to parent in the future. If suddenly you've got a new girlfriend who wants to play house with your kids but you haven't seen them in several years, don't even waste your money filing for custody (this is all too often a common occurence) because, well, your history says that, once the girlfriend's gone, so will you be.

Ref:
Understanding Tennessee Child Custody Laws (http://kimcantrell.hubpages.com/hub/Understanding-Tennessee-Child-Custody-Laws)


Case law (yes involving an Aunt and Uncle) in Tennessee.

PDF file:

http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7nqG5Z5PKiAAkU9XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE1bGdpNTI 5BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDNwRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkA1ZJUDA0OV8yM DE-/SIG=13ocd1959/EXP=1335842310/**http%3a//statecasefiles.justia.com.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/tennessee/court-of-appeals/meanssOPN.pdf

Dad, you are the bomb diggity. That's a good thing. :)

Hopefully this will be the solution for these kids.

I was just going to post, thank DoG for Dad :)

Thanks for your kind words. Im just hoping J gets a chance to read it as I had seen after posting here she posted in the FamilyLaw Forum.

J, what were the terms of his release? Was it time served or was he released on parole/probation?
He was released on probation with time served.



It may be time to call the police when one of his 'parties' is going on.
That's the next step. They've already been called this past weekend, but the popo never went inside the house and just let the partiers off with a warning.


Are the children in school? Have they been attending classes? They are in school and have been attending class. The 14 year old runaway that is staying with them is making sure they get on the bus.


What does CPS consider 'life threatening'? I guess bleeding from a festering head wound. Personally I consider living in a house where meth is smoked pretty life threatening.



Could Natasha and husband sue for custody? Have they contacted a lawyer to find out what their legal recourses are? I do believe they plan on contacting a lawyer later this week.


A thought just occurred, is she contacting the CPS department? Is there an individual officer who might be more approachable and ready to see to the children's needs instead of waiting for the worst to happen? There is an emergency 877 number that has to be called and they decide how important the complaint is. Either the kids are dying and they come out right away or it will take a couple of weeks. Where we live you just can't walk into the office to file a complaint. This is a very small podunk little hick town very reminiscent of Mayberry.


j,This sounds odd, but if one of the children were to go to the school counselor and say they were afraid to go home because of the drugs and parties at their house and the school got envolved with the DHHS than I think this would help.

Shirley

The children have been in and out of the system virtually their entire lives. They will not go to a school counselor about this because they are afraid of what would happen to them when their parents find out. They have learned what effectively to say and not to say to persons of authority.


J, I have an answer for you. It took a bit to find. WHat they need to do is apply for custody and to remove the fathers rights. It can be done. Here is what the courts are seeking when following the best interest of the child. Thanks Dad, I already knew all of that Natasha and her husband have already been legal custodians of these children on a number of occasions.

The father will not voluntarily relinquish parental rights because he gets 2 extra government checks now since their mother/his wife has died.

I guess what I am looking for is help finding a way to legally get them out of there now, right now, not in two or three weeks.

Thanks Dad, I already knew all of that Natasha and her husband have already been legal custodians of these children on a number of occasions.

The father will not voluntarily relinquish parental rights because he gets 2 extra government checks now since their mother/his wife has died.

I guess what I am looking for is help finding a way to legally get them out of there now, right now, not in two or three weeks.

Then what you need to do is get evidence of the partying that is going on with illegal drugs or situations that are placing the children in danger. Hire a private investigator and then file an exparte motion with the courts for custody and in it state the facts and remove the children on a permanent basis. You force the issue through the courts for the fathers removal of rights. What you don't want at this time is for the children to bounce around yet again.

That banana pudding with sliced bananas and Nilla Wafers all layered all up in there.

YEAH BOY HOWDY! DATS WHAT I'm Looking FOR!

When my wife gets home, I'm going to fall on the floor and snivel and whine until she make me some.

That banana pudding with sliced bananas and Nilla Wafers all layered all up in there.

YEAH BOY HOWDY! DATS WHAT I"M LOOKIN FOR!

When my wife gets home, I'm gonna fall on the floor and snivel and whine til she make me some.

Welcome back Mag, even though I know that you're not officially back. You come and go like herpes. ;)

I'm new, and I love this site. :DDD I learn something new in every post.

Welcome to the site Hellocat. :)

It is a great place, and there's lots to be learned, and lots to teach as well.

Welcome to the site Hellocat. :)

It is a great place, and there's lots to be learned, and lots to teach as well.
I roped her in already for a blog post. It will show up on Monday, if Ram reads his email this weekend. ;)

Martin, hugs back. :)

No loss is small. The loss of a human loved one is no greater than the loss of a fur baby, small, big, furred, scaled or feathered. Animals get into our hearts, they become family. Their lives are simply way too short. That's their only downfall.

I once watched a comedy act by George Carlin (sp?) and he mentioned dogs. He said "Life is a series of dogs". He went on to say that each and every dog became a part of your heart, even though you swore you'd never love another as much as the previous dog. You went into dog ownership knowing that you'd likely outlive this little 4 legged being, and you went into it thinking that you couldn't possibly love it enough that it would hurt when it died, and each and every time you got a dog, brought it home, you were proven wrong. You loved, and you were loved back 100 times more than you could ever imagine.

Each time you lose a dog you swear there won't be another that can ever take his/her place. You're right. There will never be another Muttley. We put Indy down not that long ago, our 16 year old lab cross. No dog will ever replace him, not that we'd even want a replacement. He was one of a kind, just like your Muttley, just like you.

You can always tell an animal person from a pet owner. A pet owner will lose an animal and say "I want the same breed, coloring, and personality, then it will be fine". An animal person knows that the animal they lost was an individual. An individual can't be replaced. It's like losing a son or daughter and saying "I'll just have another baby, it will be a girl, and that will replace the daughter we lost". It's not possible. No one can replace an individual.

You're an animal person. But, as an animal person, you will overcome this loss, you will accept that Muttley had a great life and was truly blessed to find you. Then one day, when you least expect it, another little four legged being will catch your eye and steal your heart. You'll never forget Muttley, but you will love again. It will be different, because the being you find will be different, but it will be no less that the love you have for Muttley, because life is a series of dogs, and if you're a dog lover, even though you know it hurts like hell, you can't help but fall in love again.

Let yourself grieve. Cry about it, mourn your loss, talk to us about it. Tell us stories and post pictures. It helps. It really does. Accept that Muttley lived a full life. It was too short for you, but for him it was long and filled with love. It's not enough for us humans, but it's more than enough to our dog people.

Alty ,
You are the bomb. Thanks for the eloquent and touching thoughts .
I am sorry to hear you had to do it again. I would rather gargle razor blades.

Also thanks to J-9 and Bella and redhead and Cat

All the kind words and thought truly are helpful.

My heart and prayers go out to all of you who have been through this or are gong through it.

So 3 weeks later and E is still having hives/blisters appear all over her body. 3rd time taking her to the doctor's today. I can't believe one little bandaid is causing 3 weeks of hives and blisters on a very tired and sore 4 year old.

So 3 weeks later and E is still having hives/blisters appear all over her body. 3rd time taking her to the doctor's today. I can't believe one little bandaid is causing 3 weeks of hives and blisters on a very tired and sore 4 year old.

So, what did the doc say? You never text me back?

Oh, and I'm tired of the full moon fever. All those pregnant women can stay pregnant for another year as far as I'm concerned!

Lol sorry J I totally forgot. Yea they were blisters from a bandaid, I called the company and they are (supposed) to be sending me a list of ingredients in the adhesive so I can compare to other bandaids. What I find alarming is that they keep showing up in bigger "clusters".

Like water blisters?

Smaller and they seem to burst right away.

Have you tried hydrocortisone cream?

No, just polysporin.

Try some hydrocortisone cream to see if it will dry it up. It should.

Ok, I'll pick some up tonight after work. At this point I am willing to try just about anything!

Good Morning Chat

I don't know where all of you live, but our weather has been really strange lately.

It starts with ice on the windows, than we get thunder, lightning, and hail which turns into downpour of rain causing flooding. Than the sun comes out and it turns 70 degrees.

The thing is it has been happening for days now! It is a bit nicer now but my garden is not looking good!

Couple of weeks ago it was 90 degrees so we all planted.

Anyone else have strange weather?

Chicago here -- rain, bad t'storms mixed with cool, overcast days, am waiting for even cooler temps and lower humidity for better sleeping at night (supposed to happen after today).

I'm new to this site and I'm so happy there is a chat on here. I have enjoyed discussing my new fur baby with Alty. Thought I would start introducing myself. I'm 22 yrs old and married :) I live in Arkansas good ol natural state. I adopted my pup from the local Humane Society and it was a nightmare and first. She is a lab mix (not sure what with) and she is also a parvo survivor. I got onto this site to ask a question about her recovery and stumbled across some of the nicest people who gave me WONDERFUL advice. I won't ramble instead I'll show off our pride and joy Delilah! :)

I'm new to this site and I'm so happy there is a chat on here. I have enjoyed discussing my new fur baby with Alty. Thought I would start out introducing myself. I'm 22 yrs old and married :) I live in Arkansas good ol natural state. I adopted my pup from the local Humane Society and it was a nightmare and first. She is a lab mix (not sure what with) and she is also a parvo survivor. I got onto this site to ask a question about her recovery and stumbled across some of the nicest people who gave me WONDERFUL advice. I won't ramble instead I'll show off our pride and joy Delilah! :)

Welcome... glad you could join us.
Delilah is beautiful. She will be a good companion for you labs are very loving dogs. My daughter has a lab and she is very loveable.

I am a transplant from Missouri in Idaho. Love it here , love the air and the mountains. It can be cold, but it is beautiful. I have been to Arkansas and you have some pretty places also around Springdale and also around Rogers.

Web, welcome to the lounge and AMHD. Feel free to ramble. It can be one of our favorite pastimes. Rambling leads to so many interesting places. :)

Delilah is beautiful. I hope you have many happy years together. :)

Welcome Web! Delilah is gorgeous and I am glad she is on the road to recovery! Have you seen our pet threads with all of our pics of our animals?

Glad you found the chat area Web. We usually have one or more going, so stick around, chat, gripe, vent, tell us the good, bad, and whatever else.

You've stumbled into a group of animal lovers, so you're in the right place. :)

I live in Canada, Alberta to be exact. I'm married, a lot older than 22 (sigh), have two kids, 2 dogs, 4 rabbits, a bird, and two fish (free to a good home). Seriously, I'll deliver the fish. The tank and all the accessories are included. Why has no one taken me up on this yet? ;)

Welcome Web! Delilah is gorgeous and I am glad she is on the road to recovery! Have you seen our pet threads with all of our pics of our animals?

You know, I can't find it anymore Bells. I think I unsubscribed when I took a break. Can you post the link?

Yes mam!

There are actually 2, here is the most active one:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/lounge/pictures-our-pets-416334-92.html

And here is another:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/lounge/pictures-our-members-pets-55026.html

Thanks Bella. I posted on the active one. Also, love that picture of Fischer and Lady, they seem very happy together. :)

Glad you found the chat area Web. We usually have one or more going, so stick around, chat, gripe, vent, tell us the good, bad, and whatever else.

You've stumbled into a group of animal lovers, so you're in the right place. :)

I live in Canada, Alberta to be exact. I'm married, a lot older than 22 (sigh), have two kids, 2 dogs, 4 rabbits, a bird, and two fish (free to a good home). Seriously, I'll deliver the fish. The tank and all the accessories are included. Why has no one taken me up on this yet? ;)

I've told you over and over that if you hand deliver the fish, I'll take it :)

Glad you found the chat area Web. We usually have one or more going, so stick around, chat, gripe, vent, tell us the good, bad, and whatever else.

You've stumbled into a group of animal lovers, so you're in the right place. :)

I live in Canada, Alberta to be exact. I'm married, a lot older than 22 (sigh), have two kids, 2 dogs, 4 rabbits, a bird, and two fish (free to a good home). Seriously, I'll deliver the fish. The tank and all the accessories are included. Why has no one taken me up on this yet? ;)

TMI Alert !!!!!

Welcome...glad you could join us.
Delilah is beautiful. She will be a good companion for you labs are very loving dogs. My daughter has a lab and she is very loveable.

I am a transplant from Missouri in Idaho. Love it here , love the air and the mountains. It can be cold, but it is beautiful. I have been to Arkansas and you have some pretty places also around Springdale and also around Rogers.

I have heard a lot of good things about labs! So far she is a strong pup and a survivor! We have no children (yet) so Delilah is our "child" I guess you would say! :) Missouri is gorgeous I have visited a few times since its close by! I have never been to Idaho. But MAN does it get hot here!! I think it was around 93 today and humid.. That's the only thing I don't like here is the humidity. If I could choose to just up and move anywhere it would be Colorado! Amazing summers there lol

Web, welcome to the lounge and AMHD. Feel free to ramble. It can be one of our favorite pastimes. Rambling leads to so many interesting places. :)

Delilah is beautiful. I hope you have many happy years together. :)

Thank you so much! :) so far everyone has been so nice on this site I have been very surprised! Thank You for the welcome :)

Welcome Web! Delilah is gorgeous and I am glad she is on the road to recovery! Have you seen our pet threads with all of our pics of our animals?

Thank you Aurora! And no I haven't yet I'm still trying to figure all this stuff out lol

Glad you found the chat area Web. We usually have one or more going, so stick around, chat, gripe, vent, tell us the good, bad, and whatever else.

You've stumbled into a group of animal lovers, so you're in the right place. :)

I live in Canada, Alberta to be exact. I'm married, a lot older than 22 (sigh), have two kids, 2 dogs, 4 rabbits, a bird, and two fish (free to a good home). Seriously, I'll deliver the fish. The tank and all the accessories are included. Why has no one taken me up on this yet? ;)

Thank You for the invite Alty! :) I have really enjoyed our chats and hearing about your little one too! Lots of babies!! My sister and I had a rabbit when we were young.. Unfortunately poor little Thumper got a hold of a Polaroid picture and passed away.. Which was pretty traumatizing for us girls! Loved that rabbit poor guy :/ Anyway I'm excited to be a part of your chat! Thank you again! :)

OMG! One of my bunnies is named Thumper! We have Thumper, Cotton, Oreo, and Kilala, those are the bunnies. Chewy and Rascal are the pups, Marty is the bird, and Goldie and Fang are the fish (yes, we named the fish. Sigh).

TMI Alert !!!!!

Eh, at this point I think I've pretty much posted everything but my social insurance number and banking info on this site. I think it's a bit late for TMI now. ;)

OMG! One of my bunnies is named Thumper! We have Thumper, Cotton, Oreo, and Kilala, those are the bunnies. Chewy and Rascal are the pups, Marty is the bird, and Goldie and Fang are the fish (yes, we named the fish. Sigh).

Aw I would love to see pics of all your babies! What kind of bird? I had parakeets when I was younger 1 named purple dude another named buttercup! We had to give them away due to my asthma though :/ Broke my heart.. I also has a hamster growing up named Destiny! :) I have had a few dogs too before Delilah (in my childhood) :)

Twist my rubber arm! Just want everyone else to know, she asked for the pictures! I didn't volunteer! You can't be mad! ;)

We have a cockatiel. We actually took her in for the same reason you had to re-home your parakeets. Her original owner adored her, but his son has extreme allergies. She's a great bird, very tame, and such a sweetie.

Okay, here are the pictures. I may need to post two posts to get them all in. I think the limit is 5 pictures per post.

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The dark grey rabbit is Thumper, the black and white one is Oreo, the one being held is Cotton, and the one with the funky hairdo is Kilala. All but Cotton are rescues. :)

Then of course there's Marty the bird.

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Here are Rascal and Chewy. Rascal is the fuzz ball, and Chewy is the beagle boy.

The fish are too hard to capture on film. ;)

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Here are Rascal and Chewy. Rascal is the fuzz ball, and Chewy is the beagle boy.

The fish are too hard to capture on film. ;)

How precious! They are all adorable! Lil Rascal is a cute little fur ball I just want to cuddle him! And chewy looks as sweet as can be! I hope you keep me updated on Rascal I would love to see how he looks full grown! I'm thinking a border collie might be what we will look for next.. I loved saving a pup from the shelter and I think I prob will again.. But I have had such mixed emotions being how hard it was with Delilah! The 1st week we had her she had Kennel cough (which is common in pound pups I know) and I dealt with that just fine but the 2nd week she had parvo. I just feel that our local humane society should take a little more responsibility to try to give shots to pups! Its so important!! My sister adopted a pup the same day a Chihuahua/ Schnauzer mix 6 weeks old and they told her not to give her shots until 9 weeks!! I couldn't believe that! Our vet was so unhappy! The same day I took Delilah in for her booster (1st with me) They told me to watch her because they had a confirmed case of distemper from the shelter too! It just is heartbreaking adopting a puppy and to find out it has an illness especially one where it might not survive!! I'm all for adoption! But its hard to think about after my traumatic experience.. Although we do have 2 shelters in town maybe I'll try the other one next time.. I know its no guarantee if your pup is completely healthy and they can't help that because you never know where they come from but it doesn't make it comforting by any means! Sorry I'm going to step down from my soap box! I didn't even mean to go in that direction! It's just frustrating that I'm trying to be responsible for Delilah and she's better now! But I almost lost her and it would have broken my heart so much that I don't know if I would have adopted another pup any time soon. Ok I'm done now :)

Alty... next time you get a rabbit, you need to name it MacBeth for me, in honor of my lovely Liz, who also had rabbits. MacBeth was her last bunny.

How precious! They are all adorable! Lil Rascal is a cute lil fur ball I just wanna cuddle him! And chewy looks as sweet as can be! I hope you keep me updated on Rascal I would love to see how he looks full grown! I'm thinking a border collie might be what we will look for next.. I loved saving a pup from the shelter and I think I prob will again.. But I have had such mixed emotions being how hard it was with Delilah! The 1st week we had her she had Kennel cough (which is common in pound pups I know) and I dealt with that just fine but the 2nd week she had parvo. I just feel that our local humane society should take a lil more responsibility to try to give shots to pups! Its so important!!!! My sister adopted a pup the same day a Chihuahua/ Schnauzer mix 6 weeks old and they told her not to give her shots until 9 weeks!!!!!!! I couldn't believe that! Our vet was so unhappy! The same day I took Delilah in for her booster (1st with me) They told me to watch her because they had a confirmed case of distemper from the shelter too! It just is heartbreaking adopting a puppy and to find out it has an illness especially one where it might not survive!!! I'm all for adoption! But its hard to think about after my traumatic experience.. Although we do have 2 shelters in town maybe I'll try the other one next time.. I know its no guarantee if your pup is completely healthy and they can't help that bc you never know where they come from but it doesn't make it comforting by any means! Sorry I'm going to step down from my soap box! I didn't even mean to go in that direction! It's just frustrating that I'm trying to be responsible for Delilah and shes better now! But I almost lost her and it would have broken my heart so much that idk if I would have adopted another pup any time soon. Ok I'm done now :)

I have to say, our shelter is great. It's run by the SPCA though, and they take animal health seriously.

Sadly, if there is a case of parvo, the only thing that any shelter can really do is euthanize all the dogs in the facility, thoroughly clean it, and wait a few weeks before accepting new dogs. They simply don't have the funds to treat parvo, and if one dog has it, all the dogs that aren't immunized, will get it. Even those that are immunized have to be put to sleep because they could carry the disease out of the shelter.

Thankfully that's never happened in our shelter with the dogs, but a few years back there was something going around in the cat section. I don't remember what disease it was, but it was as bad as parvo, highly contagious, and they did have to euthanize all the cats in their care, and didn't accept new cats for months after. It was heartbreaking.

When we rescued Jasper (our border collie cross that just passed away 2 weeks ago :() he had kennel cough, but it was easily treated. Other than that, and the fact that he came from an abusive home, and was terrified of humans, he was physically fine.

I have to post a picture of my Jasper, and Indy too, who passed away 5 months before Jasper at the ripe old age of 16 years. Indy was a border collie cross too, but looked more like a black lab, even though his dad was purebred border collie, and mom was a lab/bc/ you name it mix found in a dumpster when she was only a few weeks old. Indy was from an accidental litter. In fact, he was from a litter that never should have happened. His dad was neutered, but apparently he had an extra testicle (or something like that, don't really know 100% all the details), so our friend figured he was safe, that there wouldn't be unwanted puppies. Well, there were, and we know for a fact that Bingo was the daddy, witnessed the conception ;). But thank Dog it happened, otherwise we wouldn't have had our Indy.

So, my Jasper and Indy, R.I.P. My lovely boys.

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Jasper is on the blue carpet, and he's still pretty young in that picture. He was 10 1/2 when he passed away.

Indy is the old man, with the grey beard. :)

Alty....next time you get a rabbit, you need to name it MacBeth for me, in honor of my lovely Liz, who also had rabbits. MacBeth was her last bunny.

Bite your tongue! If I bring another rabbit home Rod may be coming to live with you! ;)

I have to say, our shelter is great. It's run by the SPCA though, and they take animal health seriously.

Sadly, if there is a case of parvo, the only thing that any shelter can really do is euthanize all the dogs in the facility, thoroughly clean it, and wait a few weeks before accepting new dogs. They simply don't have the funds to treat parvo, and if one dog has it, all the dogs that aren't immunized, will get it. Even those that are immunized have to be put to sleep because they could carry the disease out of the shelter.

Thankfully that's never happened in our shelter with the dogs, but a few years back there was something going around in the cat section. I don't remember what disease it was, but it was as bad as parvo, highly contagious, and they did have to euthanize all the cats in their care, and didn't accept new cats for months after. It was heartbreaking.

When we rescued Jasper (our border collie cross that just passed away 2 weeks ago :() he had kennel cough, but it was easily treated. Other than that, and the fact that he came from an abusive home, and was terrified of humans, he was physically fine.

I have to post a picture of my Jasper, and Indy too, who passed away 5 months before Jasper at the ripe old age of 16 years. Indy was a border collie cross too, but looked more like a black lab, even though his dad was purebred border collie, and mom was a lab/bc/ you name it mix found in a dumpster when she was only a few weeks old. Indy was from an accidental litter. In fact, he was from a litter that never should have happened. His dad was neutered, but apparently he had an extra testicle (or something like that, don't really know 100% all the details), so our friend figured he was safe, that there wouldn't be unwanted puppies. Well, there were, and we know for a fact that Bingo was the daddy, witnessed the conception ;). But thank Dog it happened, otherwise we wouldn't have had our Indy.

So, my Jasper and Indy, R.I.P. My lovely boys.

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Jasper is on the blue carpet, and he's still pretty young in that picture. He was 10 1/2 when he passed away.

Indy is the old man, with the grey beard. :)

Beautiful Boys! I can't believe that about Indy! How crazy! Yes they do that here too (euthanizing).. When the vet found out she had to call them and let them know :/ breaks my heart but you just don't know! Delilah looked perfectly healthy but she had parvo its so sad. BUT they should never have told my sister to wait until 9 weeks to get her pup Ginger her shots! I really just don't think they care. There was a place further away that I almost adopted from but you had to pretty much pass a background check to adopt! It was just too much of a hassle especially being an hour away. But there adoption fees were 150 versus Delilahs 50.. That being because they had shots! I would have paid for the immunizations I had no problem with that but 10 weeks old and 0 shots (that could be confirmed that is) is scary! No wonder there was a case of Distemper too. Its sad.. Especially for the person who adopts and loses or has to put there dog to sleep.. :(

I have to say, Rascal was 8 weeks old when we got him, and since he was from a farm, he didn't have his first set of shots. He does now, but he was free to a good home, I really didn't expect him to have his shots. But I've found that farm dogs are usually the most healthy, and very evenly tempered.

I would have rescued again, but we were looking for a border collie, or border collie mix. They had a few at our shelter but they were older, and my husband didn't want to get an older dog (by older I'm talking 1 - 5 years of age). He likes the puppy stage because, and I have to agree somewhat, they bond to you easier. Also, with kids, I can't just get any dog, especially one with issues. In fact, our shelter has restrictions on most of their older pets.

I'm so very glad that Delilah made it. Parvo is deadly, there's a very small survival rate, and she's one of the lucky ones. I'd guess that that is mainly because of you, and your husband. You obviously love her a lot, and I'm so very very happy that she found her furever (spelled it wrong on purpose ;)) home. :)

Just have to add, to get a puppy at our shelter will cost over $200, but they have not only their first set of shots, but they're spayed or neutered before they're adopted. Where I live a neuter will cost you around $300, so $200 is a good deal.

I have to say, Rascal was 8 weeks old when we got him, and since he was from a farm, he didn't have his first set of shots. He does now, but he was free to a good home, I really didn't expect him to have his shots. But I've found that farm dogs are usually the most healthy, and very evenly tempered.

I would have rescued again, but we were looking for a border collie, or border collie mix. They had a few at our shelter but they were older, and my husband didn't want to get an older dog (by older I'm talking 1 - 5 years of age). He likes the puppy stage because, and I have to agree somewhat, they bond to you easier. Also, with kids, I can't just get any dog, especially one with issues. In fact, our shelter has restrictions on most of their older pets.

I'm so very glad that Delilah made it. Parvo is deadly, there's a very small survival rate, and she's one of the lucky ones. I'd guess that that is mainly because of you, and your husband. You obviously love her a lot, and I'm so very very happy that she found her furever (spelled it wrong on purpose ;)) home. :)

Just have to add, to get a puppy at our shelter will cost over $200, but they have not only their first set of shots, but they're spayed or neutered before they're adopted. Where I live a neuter will cost you around $300, so $200 is a good deal.

I have to agree with you on that one.. I believe the puppy stage is very important with bonding and also obedience! I have never tried a farm pup although I would imagine them being healthy especially since farm owners usually take care of their animals. We love her a great deal (our lives revolve around her and her health) She is after all our first "child" (it really feels that way) I don't plan on adopting for at least 2 years.. I want Delilah to be older right now she's like a toddler! Delilah was spayed also that was the $50 fee.. The other pup was also spayed with all her up to date shots for $150. I'm not sure how much it for sure costs here.. I think the shelter gets a discount lol not sure though.. Delilah is my first dog on my own so its all new experiences!

Our shelter gets a discount on spays and neuters too. I only wish it was available to the public, it would make it a lot easier for people to spay and neuter their animals. I'm a bit of a contradiction. I don't believe in backyard breeding, or puppymills, I'll never get a dog from a pet store. I believe in rescue, or registered breeders, but I have no problem with mixed breeds (only Chewy, our beagle is purebred, and adopted from a registered breeder), and if it's an accidental litter I have no issues. It happens.

The farmer we got Rascal from is typical farmer. He's an older gentleman, loves his animals, takes care of his animals, but, if he spayed and neutered every animal he has, he'd be broke. He lives off the land, has 9 dogs (at least), none of them spayed or neutered, horses, sheep, cows, you name it (that's just from what I saw, there could be more that I didn't see). The thing is, Rascal was free (we gave the farmer $30 because we didn't feel right taking Rascal for free, knowing he spent money just so he could be born), he was 8 weeks old when the farmer put out an ad for his pups. He's not a backyard breeder. Far from it. And the part that made me really melt, as we left, Rascal in hand, he said "if you have any problems with him call me know, I'll take him back". That's what a breeder does. He's not a breeder, far from it. :)

Indy, our 16 year old that just passed away 5 months ago, was born while my husband and I were on our honeymoon. Like I said, accidental litter of a friend, and it's funny, because I'm actually the one that told him Nala (the mom) was pregnant. He didn't believe me because Bingo was neutered. Well, when we got home I called him, asked "so, how many puppies did she have". He said "Not funny! How did this happen? She had 8". LOL!

So we went to see them, fell in love. Actually, truth told, my husband had his eyes on another puppy, because it had a white bib on it's chest. I had my eyes on Indy, and I have the video to prove it!

But, I wanted hubby to be happy, so we agreed on the puppy with the white bib. We bought him a collar, named him Tango, and the week before we were meant to pick him up, he was stollen. Indy was still there, the only pup left. It was meant to be! :)

Right after we got married people started asking when were were going to have kids. Well, once we got Indy, my response was "We just got a dog. If we can keep him alive for a few years we'll have kids. If we can't keep the dog alive, we have no business having children".

Well, he lived to 16, which is very old for a large breed dog. So I guess having kids was a good call. :)

Our shelter gets a discount on spays and neuters too. I only wish it was available to the public, it would make it a lot easier for people to spay and neuter their animals. I'm a bit of a contradiction. I don't believe in backyard breeding, or puppymills, I'll never get a dog from a pet store. I believe in rescue, or registered breeders, but I have no problem with mixed breeds (only Chewy, our beagle is purebred, and adopted from a registered breeder), and if it's an accidental litter I have no issues. It happens.

The farmer we got Rascal from is typical farmer. He's an older gentleman, loves his animals, takes care of his animals, but, if he spayed and neutered every animal he has, he'd be broke. He lives off the land, has 9 dogs (at least), none of them spayed or neutered, horses, sheep, cows, you name it (that's just from what I saw, there could be more that I didn't see). The thing is, Rascal was free (we gave the farmer $30 because we didn't feel right taking Rascal for free, knowing he spent money just so he could be born), he was 8 weeks old when the farmer put out an ad for his pups. He's not a backyard breeder. Far from it. And the part that made me really melt, as we left, Rascal in hand, he said "if you have any problems with him call me know, I'll take him back". That's what a breeder does. He's not a breeder, far from it. :)

Indy, our 16 year old that just passed away 5 months ago, was born while my husband and I were on our honeymoon. Like I said, accidental litter of a friend, and it's funny, because I'm actually the one that told him Nala (the mom) was pregnant. He didn't believe me because Bingo was neutered. Well, when we got home I called him, asked "so, how many puppies did she have". He said "Not funny! How did this happen? She had 8". LOL!

So we went to see them, fell in love. Actually, truth told, my husband had his eyes on another puppy, because it had a white bib on it's chest. I had my eyes on Indy, and I have the video to prove it!

But, I wanted hubby to be happy, so we agreed on the puppy with the white bib. We bought him a collar, named him Tango, and the week before we were meant to pick him up, he was stollen. Indy was still there, the only pup left. It was meant to be! :)

Right after we got married people started asking when were were going to have kids. Well, once we got Indy, my response was "We just got a dog. If we can keep him alive for a few years we'll have kids. If we can't keep the dog alive, we have no business having children".

Well, he lived to 16, which is very old for a large breed dog. So I guess having kids was a good call. :)

If there were more people like that farmer in the world who cared about their animals than they all would be better off! I understand that if you have that many animals and live off the land there's no way you could fix all of them! My great Uncle used to have cows and horses a few dogs too I believe. My Dads side of the family lived on about 25 acres of land that included my Great Grandparents, Grandparents, My Mom and Dad and one of my aunts for a short period. He kept his cows on that land. I loved it! I always have been an animal lover my allergies hold me back a lot :/ I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was growing up just because I loved animals that much! But allergies held me back again I'm glad I didn't though because after Delilah having Parvo I don't know if I could deal with that pressure. My heart would break if I lost an animal.
Your story of Indy just makes my heart melt! It was meant to be! And he looked like a very happy boy. I can see how much you love all your animals like your kids. I'm so happy to see more people like that. Most people love puppies and kittens but when they grow up their neglected because they aren't as cute and cuddly anymore. It's a shame. I found out today that someone I work with got a pup around the same time I did from a lady across the street giving away puppies. I was so disappointed to hear that it has fleas and no shots :/ I have had Delilah for almost 1 1/2 months and she has had so many trips to the vet. How could someone not give proper care for their animals. My vet is VERY reasonable $29 gets you 1 round of booster shots. If you can't afford $30 a month (until rabies shot) to vaccinate your dog why on earth do you have one??

I wish I could say my vet was reasonable price wise. They're a great clinic, and I trust them 100% with my pets, but just to walk in the door is $100. With Jasper we spent over $600, and still never knew what was wrong. They did tests, blood work, x-rays, and no diagnosis.

We couldn't get him to eat, he drank excessively but was still dehydrated. It got to the point where I was force feeding him chicken noodle soup ground up and put into a turkey baster, just so I could get something into his stomach. But he puked it up minutes later.

When we went back (this all happened within a week) he couldn't even lift his head anymore. The vet said she thought it was cancer. We were willing to sell our cars, do whatever it took to keep him alive, but even the vet said "if it were my dog, I'd end this. As is, just to keep him alive, he'll have to be in the animal hospital, on IV, most likely for months, and frankly, even with that, I don't he'll survive the night, and if he did, we can't fix this". So we decided to end his suffering.

The thing that struck me most was the staff. Not the vet, but the vet tech that came in to tell us what would happen, get the payment, etc. etc. She was the same tech we had when we had to euthanize Indy 5 months before Jasper. She remembered us, and as soon as she walked through the door, saw us, saw Jasper, she started crying. She apologized profusely said that she's usually more professional, but seeing us back with another of our beloved animals, it was too much for her. She hugged me, hugged my husband (who was crying buckets as well), and hugged Jasper. She kept apologizing. I told her that the fact that she was crying too, made me feel better. To me it showed that Jasper wasn't just another animal to them, he meant something to them, just like he meant something to us. Heck, he meant the world to us. It made me see that they're not just people doing a job, a job I couldn't do. They're people that care.

Darnit, I'm crying now. I really should stop putting myself through this. It's just still all too fresh. But we do have the fur ball, little Rascal. He's helped us heal a lot. We needed him as much as he needs us. :)

Okay, I'm totally bringing this place down, so I'm going to lighten the mood.

Two more days of work before the weekend, and the weekend is supposed to be absolutely summerish. I can't wait. I need to do yard work. After all, I have visitors (Bella and her little Miss E) coming this summer! :)

I am so excited! My boss hasn't been in the office, BUT I can't see it being a problem for the dates I have chosen. Everyone else will have done their vacay. I am so excited. Alty, I have been having such a damn hard last few months I am stressed to the max, this little vacay is exactly what I need. I don't know if you read my status update on SK, but when it rains it bloody pours!

I am so excited! My boss hasn't been in the office, BUT I can't see it being a problem for the dates I have chosen. Everyone else will have done their vacay. I am so excited. Alty, I have been having such a damn hard last few months I am stressed to the max, this little vacay is exactly what I need. I don't know if you read my status update on SK, but when it rains it bloody pours!

SK? What's SK? Am I missing something?

Well I'm super excited. Not only to meet you, and Miss E, but to just relax, have fun, and I know for a fact that we're going to have a blast. I have so many things planned for us. I don't know if we'll be able to fit them all in in 2 weeks. You may have to stay longer. :)

Question: why can't they develop a preparation for a colonoscopy that tastes good??

Question: why can't they develop a preparation for a colonoscopy that tastes good???????

Boy do I hear you on that one.

I can only add that they should make it taste better, and make the intake less than what it is now. A gallon of pee tasting foul crap the day before a procedure that's not at all fun, that's adding insult to injury!

I'm not ashamed to say that I have resorted to the ole "hold your nose to drink" routine.

Thankfully this doctor breaks the drink up into two smaller portions. Half tonight, the other 4 hours before the procedure. Still nasty stuff though!

Silver lining: it's a quiet day off work tomorrow... :)

I like cat. I had my first cat in Nam. Got hooked on it. People in the hood can't understand why they can't keep a cat round here. I don't tell. I just smile and wave... as I'm Bar-B-Qing

Question: why can't they develop a preparation for a colonoscopy that tastes good???????
The stuff I drank was mostly okay, like flat Gatorade. I have a packet left over, so should I overnight it to you?

(ignoring magprob... )

Thank you for telling me. I never really know when I'm being ignored. It is nice to know, you know.

I'm not ashamed to say that I have resorted to the ole "hold your nose to drink" routine.

Thankfully this doctor breaks the drink up into two smaller portions. Half tonight, the other 4 hours before the procedure. Still nasty stuff though!

Silver lining: it's a quiet day off of work tomorrow.....:)

It is miserable.. My Husband had to have it done about a year ago.. He still won't eat any Jello or drink gatorade his solution to drink was orange gatorade mixed with Miralax Poor guy was miserable.. He was stubborn and went to work the next day though.. Bad Idea! Lol

Thank you for telling me. I never really know when I'm being ignored. It is nice to know, you know.

I don't ignore you. Sometimes I just don't know what to say to you. ;)

It is miserable.. My Husband had to have it done about a year ago.. He still wont eat any Jello or drink gatorade his solution to drink was orange gatorade mixed with Miralax Poor guy was miserable.. He was stubborn and went to work the next day tho.. Bad Idea! lol

I don't remember the name of the stuff I had to drink, but I had to drink a gallon of it, and it tasted like stale pee (not that I'd know firsthand, but that's what I imagine stale pee would taste like).

Thankfully they knocked me out for the colonoscopy. I have to say, the drink was the worst part of the whole thing.

I don't remember the name of the stuff I had to drink, but I had to drink a gallon of it, and it tasted like stale pee (not that I'd know firsthand, but that's what I imagine stale pee would taste like).

Thankfully they knocked me out for the colonoscopy. I have to say, the drink was the worst part of the whole thing.

LOL stale pee that cracked me up! He got knocked out for it too.. I have to say it was a little amusing sitting in the waiting room we were the only couple under 70 :) no offense to them at all but I felt out of place.. The worst for him was not eating for 24 hours (I believe it may have been longer) He was so miserable.. When I say no eating it's a huge deal for him He is 6'3'' and 300lbs not a fat guy just very solid I guess you would say.. He slept from 5pm till 5am the next morning just so the hunger wouldn't be so bad. I felt so bad for him.. I imagine that would be so hard. It was hard enough for me to not eat in front of him!

I was the youngest one there too. I'm only 41 (only! Ha, ha, ha. I said only!) I had the colonoscopy, hmmm, was it 2 years ago? It feels like yesterday. ;)

When I woke up after the procedure, and apparently it was very hard to wake me up, I slept in the wheelchair on the way to the car, woke up in the care and told hubby that he had to feed me, because I hadn't eaten for a day either. I ate, slept, got home, crawled into bed, slept some more. I think I woke up around 2 days later. ;)

But yes, stale pee. Not that I want to test whether I'm right. ;)

I was the youngest one there too. I'm only 41 (only! Ha, ha, ha. I said only!) I had the colonoscopy, hmmm, was it 2 years ago? It feels like yesterday. ;)

When I woke up after the procedure, and apparently it was very hard to wake me up, I slept in the wheelchair on the way to the car, woke up in the care and told hubby that he had to feed me, because I hadn't eaten for a day either. I ate, slept, got home, crawled into bed, slept some more. I think I woke up around 2 days later. ;)

But yes, stale pee. Not that I want to test whether or not I'm right. ;)

:) Yeah we were getting weird looks he was 21 at that time.. It was VERY hard to wake him up too.. He kept passing gas too and I tried so hard not to laugh because we were in a room with 5 other beds the only thing separating us was curtains. I'll just say I was hearing a lot of people pass gas from every direction.. Getting him dressed was a blast lol I'm 5'3'' so if you can imagine the problems I had! Then when we were done the first thing he wanted was Mexican food? I was like really? You want Mexican food? But what was I supposed to do tell my Husband who hasn't ate solid food in 2 days that he can't have what he wants? So we ate Mexican food then he went home and slept all night till the next morn! :) I don't blame you I don't think I would want to test that theory either!

Seriously, I could sleep that long right now, and all I have "wrong" is a baby that doesn't want to sleep. Again.

Seriously, I thought babies slept a LOT. My pediatrician tells me he should be getting between 12 and 16 hours of sleep a day. I'm so lucky if I get 10 hours a day (7 at night, a 2 hour morning nap and a 1 hour afternoon nap). That's when I'm LUCKY! The last 3 days have been up half the night and still only his regular naps during the day. Needless to say, I'm a zombie at this point.

LOL! Thankfully I was asleep for the whole thing, and hubby didn't come back until I was almost ready to be released, but I hear that passing gas is an unpleasant side effect. In fact, I hear that during the procedure it's very loud, and very embarrassing. Thank Dog I was asleep, I would have died from embarrassment.

I did find it funny that after they put in my IV, put me in my lovely blue hospital gown, I had to sit in the waiting room with 5 other people, all men, all over 70. Trust me, I kept that gown cinched tight. Some of them were giving me looks. ;)

I had A & W (like McDonalds, only a bit better) afterwards. I chose a double cheeseburger, and onion rings. As if the gas from the procedure wasn't enough. I ate onions on an empty stomach. I was asking for it! ;)

Seriously, I could sleep that long right now, and all I have "wrong" is a baby that doesn't want to sleep. Again.

Seriously, I thought babies slept a LOT. My pediatrician tells me he should be getting between 12 and 16 hours of sleep a day. I'm so lucky if I get 10 hours a day (7 at night, a 2 hour morning nap and a 1 hour afternoon nap). That's when I'm LUCKY! The last 3 days have been up half the night and still only his regular naps during the day. Needless to say, I'm a zombie at this point.

Oh Synn, I'm so sorry. I can promise that it will get better, but that promise really won't help your right now.

Jared was a great sleeper. He slept through the night (10 hours at a stretch) from 2 months on, and that was with a 3 hour nap during the day.

Syd was the opposite. That little girl woke up every 2 hours, nursed for an hour, and that broken sleep was from 10pm until 5am, which is when she woke up ready to start her day. She hardly every napped, and when she did it was cat naps. That lasted for a year and a half. I was ready to gouge my eyes out!

But when she hit 1 1/2 suddenly it all kicked in. She started sleeping through the night, still from 10pm - 5am, but at least there were no interruptions. Then she started sleeping 10 hours a night. Then she started napping.

Hang in there. He'll get there. Some kids just take longer, but one day you will sleep again. I promise. :)

LOL! Thankfully I was asleep for the whole thing, and hubby didn't come back until I was almost ready to be released, but I hear that passing gas is an unpleasant side effect. In fact, I hear that during the procedure it's very loud, and very embarrassing. Thank Dog I was asleep, I would have died from embarrassment.

I did find it funny that after they put in my IV, put me in my lovely blue hospital gown, I had to sit in the waiting room with 5 other people, all men, all over 70. Trust me, I kept that gown cinched tight. Some of them were giving me looks. ;)

I had A & W (like McDonalds, only a bit better) afterwards. I chose a double cheeseburger, and onion rings. As if the gas from the procedure wasn't enough. I ate onions on an empty stomach. I was asking for it! ;)

Oh he was embarrassed too.. Oh goodness he stayed in a private room by himself I wasn't allowed to even sit with him until he went back. I bet you were keeping that gown shut tight!! :) He didn't do too bad after eating Mexican food I was very surprised!

Seriously, I could sleep that long right now, and all I have "wrong" is a baby that doesn't want to sleep. Again.

Seriously, I thought babies slept a LOT. My pediatrician tells me he should be getting between 12 and 16 hours of sleep a day. I'm so lucky if I get 10 hours a day (7 at night, a 2 hour morning nap and a 1 hour afternoon nap). That's when I'm LUCKY! The last 3 days have been up half the night and still only his regular naps during the day. Needless to say, I'm a zombie at this point.

Baby's are tough work! I remember watching my nephew for my sister because she had to work early in the mornings and could never sleep (I lived with her at that time) Oh goodness that little boy woke up all the time! Great birth control for a teen lol!! He had Colic too he was precious but man was he a handful..

OMG, I went to bed yesterday morning at 9 am and woke up at 1:15 am! Been workin' too much.

OMG, I went to bed yesterday morning at 9 am and woke up at 1:15 am! Been workin' too much.

Wow, J... I don't know whether to be impressed, jealous, or concerned.

Hopefully that was just catch-up sleep and it felt good!

I hope I didn't make a big mistake in eating a bit yesterday. I didn't read the instructions until I had gotten home and saw it said only clear liquids starting that morning. I didn't eat much, but still...

Oh well, nothing to do about it now. I know some places do offer you a flavor choice to try and mask it as much as possible. Anything has to be better than this stuff.

I've only had it done once before several years ago and remember asking the nurse as she put something into the IV if that was what would make me sleep. Next thing I remember is bits of the drive home and being home at some point.

Synn... keep telling yourself "This too shall pass". It does get easier, but there obviously will be rough patches here and there along the way. Seems they get onto a schedule and often when they hit a growth spurt or learn a new skill, they will change the schedule on you. Some babies just need less sleep than others. Do your best to sleep, or at least rest, when he does sleep as much as possible. Thankfully the good bits far outweigh the bad... :)

J_9... take advantage of the sleep when you can grab it!

Magprob... cat too scrawny... possum bigger... tastes like chicken!

Yeah, we're one leap of logic away from crawling right now... I can see him try to move, and I am just waiting for the click for him that he has to move hands AND legs, and then we'll be running! Can't quite get to sitting on his own from his belly yet, but that's going to be coming soon too---he tries to do it and gets frustrated when he can't. I'm trying to enjoy these last few days of him being where I put him until I come back, but I'm frankly just too tired to be anything more than grateful that he stays put for now!

Synn, not to scare you, but Jared started walking before 10 months. Once they figure out crawling, it's not long before they're walking, and sadly, at 10 months, Jared didn't have the sense God gave a goat. Lots of scrapes, and bumps. ;)

I miss the days when they weren't mobile. I could put them somewhere, step away for a second, and know that they'd be where I left them when I got back. :)

Synn, not to scare you, but Jared started walking before 10 months. Once they figure out crawling, it's not long before they're walking, and sadly, at 10 months, Jared didn't have the sense God gave a goat. Lots of scrapes, and bumps. ;)

I miss the days when they weren't mobile. I could put them somewhere, step away for a second, and know that they'd be where I left them when I got back. :)

Ahh, for the days when they didn't know how to climb out of play pens and didn't look at baby gates like a marine looks at an obstacle course.

Just read the Mother's Day blog, it looks pretty good!

Yeah, I know I'm lucky that he can't get around on his own yet. Been a tough week, though. He's been constipated all week --and every freaking nurse I talk to on the phone keeps telling me that babies this young just do not get constipated, but Lan does all the freaking time! I have to plan his meals completely to keep him from getting all stuffed up, but we want to keep trying new foods and sometimes those new things just do NOT agree with him. Anyway, 2 AM last night was my first about of "OMG, should I take him to the ER?" because he was screaming and arching himself in pain from it. I was on the phone with the nurse, who told me it was my call... either give him MORE prune juice (and risk diarrhea) and a suppository and wait until this morning and go to the clinic, or take him to the ER.

I was all set to take him to the ER, because I couldn't calm him down. Got the hubby up, and he got him calm enough to drink some prune juice and the problem righted itself this morning, but the middle of the night last night I was a wreck.

Why do these things always happen in the middle of the night?

Those nurses are just damm stupid. Babies get constipated. Are you still breastfeeding? What are you eating?

What foods is Lan eating?

Maybe introduce some prune/apple juice daily, not as a constipation reliever.

It's prom night for my baby Rae. Her and her boy broke up last week, so she is going stag with a girlfriend of hers.

You can tell her that auntie Synn *wishes* she'd gone with her girlfriends rather than just some guy to have a date. The only friends of mine that had fun at prom were the one that went with groups of friends instead of dates.

My diet hasn't changed, except I've cut a LOT of sugars and caffeine---and lost 15 lbs, though you can't tell in pics. He's eating more and more solid foods--we added meats in the last couple of weeks at the recommendation of the doc. Every other feeding is breast milk--about 6 oz (from a bottle since the little shi... stinker BIT me several times and grinned about it). I still give peaches, plums, prunes or pears for one of his meals, and give him water to drink with his meals (we're learning to use a sippy cup). One meal (usually mid-morning) is always oatmeal cereal with breast milk.

I'm thinking one of the meals he ate on Tuesday (it was a vegetable beef, and the first time he had beef) is what did it this time. I try to keep track of the new foods I'm giving him so that I can see if he has any problems with them---only 2 new foods a week, and spaced so that I can see what happens after.

It was just frustrating to be on the phone and be told I couldn't do anything more but take him to the ER when I knew his problem was constipation.

I talked to the pediatrician this morning, and she said to give him 3 oz of prune juice every day with one of his meals to see if that helps. At least he likes it!

Synn, a Godsend with my kids was fennel tea, for babies. It's called Buebchen tee. It's German. I'm not sure if you can get it in the US. The German store in my area sells it. Just add a teaspoon in with his food, or make a bottle with it. It's pretty much flavorless, and the fennel really helps with tummy issues.

Not sure that it will help with the constipation, but it will help him deal with tummy ouchies. If it weren't for fennel tea I'm not sure Jared would be with us right now. ;)

Just rub a little bit of Scotch on his gums. If that doesn't work, give him a sip. If that doesn't work, YOU take a sip (or two).

Oooops, that's for teething.

My first baby was colicky and gassy. I still get nightmares. You have my prayers, Synn.

Poor kid. His tummy issues cleared up today (with a LOT of diaper changes), but he decided to try to stand (when he can't even get himself to sitting by himself yet) from a sitting position. Pulled himself up on one of his toys and fell flat on his face onto the hardwood floors. I saw it happen and couldn't move fast enough to catch him. Poor guy didn't even know how to react at first, then started screaming.

It's been kind of a rough week here.

HI everyone!

Listening to all this brings back so many 'old' problems to mind with my two children although they both are adults with two teens of their own now.

However Jacob Lloyd (JL), my baby nephew is doing just fine, 3 months and 5 days old. He has more than doubled in size. We are all so fortunate that so far he is a very happy baby with lots of full facial smiles and giggles. He is starting to 'talk' with coos and reacts to you. His big blue eyes just light up and sparkle. He is developing quite a pair of lungs and when he is hungry or has a dirty diaper you know it immediately. I was walking and bouncing him yesterday while Marta made him a bottle, when I put him down I couldn't hear for 10 minutes out of my right ear.. :)

I want to thank all of you for the advise you gave us in helping Jacob in nursing (especially J) he is doing just fine now.

Love that little bugger a lot, if I don't see him for a while I really miss him. He grabbed a huge part of my heart and I am going to let him keep it

Stringer

Stringer, I'm so happy that you are having such a wonderful time with your bundle of baby joy. It makes my heart swell when you talk about him. I'm so happy for you all! So very happy.

Synn, I'm so sorry that you're having a rough time. Been there. I don't think there's one mother in the world that could say that it was always easy, no problems, just a piece of cake. It really is the toughest job there is. Hands down.

I can only tell you to hang in there. It will pass. Well, sort of. Once the baby issues are done with, you get the terrible twos, the kindergarten (I don't want to leave my mommy) issues, oh, I forgot potty training. That was fun. Then they become teenagers, and even though you love them more than anything, there are times when you completely understand why some animals eat their young.

But, it's all worth it. Just make sure to stock up on hair dye (you will go grey), and alcohol (for you, not the baby).

One day, I'm told, they'll have children that act just as they acted (that's what my mom and dad wished on me. Thanks a lot mom and dad!) , and then you can sit back, stuff those grand babies with chocolate, send them home to mom and dad ready to bounce of the walls, and laugh your butt off. Payback is what I'm looking forward to now. You will too. :)

(hugs) They really are worth it! Really!

Oh he's totally worth it. We just had a fun little game of "get the baby belly" full of giggles and hugs... but sleep has been scarce this week, and the poor guy has just had a rough time of it.

I have to say that I both admire and feel sorry for all the single moms out there. I seriously could not do this without Troy. He's already getting giggly and secretive with the baby about what they're going to do for me for Mother's Day.

I'm just tired and whiney. I know I'm blessed, please don't get me wrong. A little catchup on sleep and I'll be back to my optimistic, happy self.

Oh he's totally worth it. We just had a fun little game of "get the baby belly" full of giggles and hugs....but sleep has been scarce this week, and the poor guy has just had a rough time of it.

I have to say that I both admire and feel sorry for all the single moms out there. I seriously could not do this without Troy. He's already getting giggly and secretive with the baby about what they're going to do for me for Mother's Day.

I'm just tired and whiney. I know I'm blessed, please don't get me wrong. A little catchup on sleep and I'll be back to my optimistic, happy self.

I think you are doing fine Synn. :)

Thanks Stringer.

Was JL little at birth? Lan is 6.5 months and has yet to double his birth weight.

Thanks Stringer.

Was JL little at birth? Lan is 6.5 months and has yet to double his birth weight.

He was 6.12 at birth and he is 12.8 now. He is longer also, I am not exactly sure (his momma knows though) but I think he is about16 -16.5 inches now, I'll find out but I know he has grown a lot. He has long fingers and toes a sign that my Grandmother used to say means that he will be tall.

How old is Ian Synn?

Stringer

Stringer, I'm so happy that you are having such a wonderful time with your bundle of baby joy. It makes my heart swell when you talk about him. I'm so happy for you all! So very happy.

Synn, I'm so sorry that you're having a rough time. Been there. I don't think there's one mother in the world that could say that it was always easy, no problems, just a piece of cake. It really is the toughest job there is. Hands down.

I can only tell you to hang in there. It will pass. Well, sort of. Once the baby issues are done with, you get the terrible twos, the kindergarten (I don't want to leave my mommy) issues, oh, I forgot potty training. That was fun. Then they become teenagers, and even though you love them more than anything, there are times when you completely understand why some animals eat their young.

But, it's all worth it. Just make sure to stock up on hair dye (you will go grey), and alcohol (for you, not the baby).

One day, I'm told, they'll have children that act just as they acted (that's what my mom and dad wished on me. Thanks a lot mom and dad!) , and then you can sit back, stuff those grand babies with chocolate, send them home to mom and dad ready to bounce of the walls, and laugh your butt off. Payback is what I'm looking forward to now. You will too. :)

(hugs) They really are worth it! Really!

Thanks Alty, he is very entertaining also, makes my heart light and happy.

I second what Stringer said. You're doing just fine Synn. Trust me, every mother on Earth has had rough patches, little sleep, going insane. It's part of the job. Those that say they never experienced that, had full time nannies. ;)

It does get easier, then it gets harder, then easier again, then impossible, then easier again, then you want to kill them, they they move out and you miss them so much. You have to take the good with the bad, and even if it's really bad at times, I know that the good far outweighs any bad.

Jared is 13 right now. He's at that age where I want to kill him at times. In fact, I don't think a day goes by when I don't say to him "If you keep this up you may not live to see 14". But it's said with love, because I know it's just a stage. Heck, I was much worse at his age, so ha, ha mom and dad, I didn't get me for a kid! :) Yet. :(

He's six months, Stringer. Almost 7 months. He was 8.5 at birth and was only 13.2 at his checkup at 6 months. He's VERY small for his age--I get lectures all the time about it! But he's developmentally ahead of the game... just tiny.

He's having a much better day today---we started with the Farmer's Market this morning and have been either shopping or gardening since! Mommy and Daddy are finally sitting down to dinner now, if that gives you any idea how busy! But the yard looks nice, the veggies are in, and I just have a few hanging baskets to finish up tomorrow before I can sit back in my rope chair with a romance novel and enjoy my day in the back yard.

I really need someone to knock some sense into me before I do something I really don't want to do, don't have time to do, and I'm not even sure I can do! No matter what you think, no matter what your opinion, just do me a favor and tell me not to do it. Okay?

Here's the situation. My neighbor just came home from a weekend at her acreage. Her daughter is a friend of Syd's. She rings our doorbell, Syd goes out to play, comes back inside seconds later "Mom, mom, they found 5 baby squirrels at their acreage, do we have a spare cage they can use?". My reply "no, all our cages are full".

A few minutes later "Mom, mom, what do they feed the baby squirrels? They don't know!" My reply "Tell them to google it. I did. There are 5 great sites that give you step by step instructions, and tell you what you'll need, and what to do".

A few minutes later "Mom, mom, she doesn't know what to do. How do you take care of squirrels? She doesn't think she can handle it". My reply, and now I'm getting upset "She took them away from their home, their mom was probably just out foraging, and now she has to deal with them. She has to figure it out. I know nothing about baby squirrels!"

A few minutes later "Mom, mom, can you take care of the baby squirrels? They don't know how."

Sometimes being the "Animal expert" in our neighborhood, really has its drawbacks. I do not have the time to take on 5 baby squirrels. I work 6 days this week, we have a new puppy, I don't have the money to get a cage, supplies, or the time to feed these babies formula every few hours. I just can't do it! But, they're animals. I can't stand to see anything die. If I don't do this, chances are they'll die. To be honest, I'm not even sure I can keep them alive, but I have a better shot at it. Still, I don't have the time! I can't do this.

Tell me I can't do this! In fact, slap me around if you have to. Tell me this is a very bad idea, which I know it is. But the guilt! Damnit! I'm going to end up with 5 squirrels, aren't I? :(

What are their names? :)

Happy Mothers' Day

You know you will give it your best shot. Cute little squirrel babies that they are.

Dammit, I got to get this computer straightened out, I have no smirky, smiley faces still.

I really need someone to knock some sense into me before I do something I really don't want to do, don't have time to do, and I'm not even sure I can do! No matter what you think, no matter what your opinion, just do me a favor and tell me not to do it. Okay?

Here's the situation. My neighbor just came home from a weekend at her acreage. Her daughter is a friend of Syd's. She rings our doorbell, Syd goes out to play, comes back inside seconds later "Mom, mom, they found 5 baby squirrels at their acreage, do we have a spare cage they can use?". My reply "no, all our cages are full".

A few minutes later "Mom, mom, what do they feed the baby squirrels? They don't know!" My reply "Tell them to google it. I did. There are 5 great sites that give you step by step instructions, and tell you what you'll need, and what to do".

A few minutes later "Mom, mom, she doesn't know what to do. How do you take care of squirrels? She doesn't think she can handle it". My reply, and now I'm getting upset "She took them away from their home, their mom was probably just out foraging, and now she has to deal with them. She has to figure it out. I know nothing about baby squirrels!"

A few minutes later "Mom, mom, can you take care of the baby squirrels? They don't know how."

Sometimes being the "Animal expert" in our neighborhood, really has its drawbacks. I do not have the time to take on 5 baby squirrels. I work 6 days this week, we have a new puppy, I don't have the money to get a cage, supplies, or the time to feed these babies formula every few hours. I just can't do it! But, they're animals. I can't stand to see anything die. If I don't do this, chances are they'll die. To be honest, I'm not even sure I can keep them alive, but I have a better shot at it. Still, I don't have the time! I can't do this.

Tell me I can't do this! In fact, slap me around if you have to. Tell me this is a very bad idea, which I know it is. But the guilt! Damnit! I'm going to end up with 5 squirrels, aren't I? :(



Start some dumplings and keep a gravy recipe handy as background on the computer. Maybe they will get the hint that you can't take on the world. I know you care but at this point it is someone else's problem.

They could be snacks for Chewy and Rascal?

All joking aside, as busy as you are this is a tough one.
I raised a litter of bunnies once because my kids asked me too, pretty much the same situation. It's hard not to consider it when it's your kid asking you.
Maybe you could hook them up with a wildlife rehabber or reserve that takes in orphaned animals.

PRINT OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS.

Hand them to the other mother.

SAY NO.

End of story.

He's six months, Stringer. Almost 7 months. He was 8.5 at birth and was only 13.2 at his checkup at 6 months. He's VERY small for his age--I get lectures all the time about it! But he's developmentally ahead of the game...just tiny.

He's having a much better day today---we started with the Farmer's Market this morning and have been either shopping or gardening since! Mommy and Daddy are finally sitting down to dinner now, if that gives you any idea how busy! But the yard looks nice, the veggies are in, and I just have a few hanging baskets to finish up tomorrow before I can sit back in my rope chair with a romance novel and enjoy my day in the back yard.

He is fine Synn I am sure or the doctor would have said something and having a bright child isn't bad at all. :)

I really need someone to knock some sense into me before I do something I really don't want to do, don't have time to do, and I'm not even sure I can do! No matter what you think, no matter what your opinion, just do me a favor and tell me not to do it. Okay?

Here's the situation. My neighbor just came home from a weekend at her acreage. Her daughter is a friend of Syd's. She rings our doorbell, Syd goes out to play, comes back inside seconds later "Mom, mom, they found 5 baby squirrels at their acreage, do we have a spare cage they can use?". My reply "no, all our cages are full".

A few minutes later "Mom, mom, what do they feed the baby squirrels? They don't know!" My reply "Tell them to google it. I did. There are 5 great sites that give you step by step instructions, and tell you what you'll need, and what to do".

A few minutes later "Mom, mom, she doesn't know what to do. How do you take care of squirrels? She doesn't think she can handle it". My reply, and now I'm getting upset "She took them away from their home, their mom was probably just out foraging, and now she has to deal with them. She has to figure it out. I know nothing about baby squirrels!"

A few minutes later "Mom, mom, can you take care of the baby squirrels? They don't know how."

Sometimes being the "Animal expert" in our neighborhood, really has its drawbacks. I do not have the time to take on 5 baby squirrels. I work 6 days this week, we have a new puppy, I don't have the money to get a cage, supplies, or the time to feed these babies formula every few hours. I just can't do it! But, they're animals. I can't stand to see anything die. If I don't do this, chances are they'll die. To be honest, I'm not even sure I can keep them alive, but I have a better shot at it. Still, I don't have the time! I can't do this.

Tell me I can't do this! In fact, slap me around if you have to. Tell me this is a very bad idea, which I know it is. But the guilt! Damnit! I'm going to end up with 5 squirrels, aren't I? :(

You are ending up with the new babies we all know that Alty.
But as a lesson to your neighbor I would tell her that the animals inherently are infected with a parasite (idiotuassium leaveumusbedumas) that will cause bleeding warts on adult human females .
She must immediately shave her head and wax her entire body because a chemical exclusive to adult female human hair ( her hair type and color only) triggers the formation of the warts when exposed to the microscopic bugs.

To kill the parasites she has to smear a mixture of 10% peanut butter 10%anchovies and 80% limburger cheese on her from head to toe and leave it on for 24 hours and the first 4 hours must be in direct sunlight.

Then simply wash it off with transmission fluid and Mountain Dew with 1% hydrogen peroxide and she will be safe.

Good luck with your new babies Alty.

Happy Mothers Day

He's six months, Stringer. Almost 7 months. He was 8.5 at birth and was only 13.2 at his checkup at 6 months. He's VERY small for his age--I get lectures all the time about it! But he's developmentally ahead of the game...just tiny.

He's having a much better day today---we started with the Farmer's Market this morning and have been either shopping or gardening since! Mommy and Daddy are finally sitting down to dinner now, if that gives you any idea how busy! But the yard looks nice, the veggies are in, and I just have a few hanging baskets to finish up tomorrow before I can sit back in my rope chair with a romance novel and enjoy my day in the back yard.

I hope this helps some.
I was 4.90 at birth 8.2 at 6 months and a cause for a lot of worry according to my mom and grandmothers.
I was the smallest kid in school until 5th grade. (got bullied a lot)
In the 9th grade I was 5' 11" and weighed 180 lbs (got revenge)
Started high school at 6' 1" 220 lbs .

With such loving and concerned parents he will be fine no matter what size he turns out to be.

Happy Mothers Day.

Okay now, you all were supposed to tell me that I cannot take them! That was the rule! Oi! No help at all! ;)

Synn, thank you. I am going to follow your advice. In fact, I already did. I am not taking n 5 baby squirrels. I simply can't. I work 6 days straight this week, I have a new puppy (and he hasn't had his rabies vaccine yet, that's with the last set of puppy shots), so I really cannot take in five squirrels. I just can't. I'm not doing it! I'm really not doing it.

Sigh. I'll probably post pictures later. :( But I'm not taking them!

So I may have gotten to the bottom of what's going on with E. I went to the Children's Hospital today, and the doctor there told me it MIGHT be something something syndrome (lol). Basically the rash was brought on by the allergic reaction from the band aid and now she can have these spots for up to a year, and there isn't much I can do aside from letting them run their course. At least they aren't hurting or itching, but I wish I could remember what he called the syndrome.

A year? Holy crap on a stick! That's some allergic reaction! Poor E!

I bet you're wishing it were chicken pox right about now. ;)

Hugs to you and E! Wish I knew how to get rid of the spots.

I hope this helps some.
I was 4.90 at birth 8.2 at 6 months and a cause for a lot of worry according to my mom and grandmothers.
I was the smallest kid in school until 5th grade. (got bullied a lot)
In the 9th grade I was 5' 11" and weighed 180 lbs (got revenge)
Started high school at 6' 1" 220 lbs .

With such loving and concerned parents he will be fine no matter what size he turns out to be.

Happy Mothers Day.

Thank you! This makes me feel MUCH better!

Yea, Alty I DO wish it were chciken pox. Hopefully it doesn't last the entire year. Poor little pea.

Alty Don't DO IT!

Damn it women.

Syn, your son is totally gorgeous, oh to be that loved.

Bella, at least the spots will fade, plus E ( in the words of my own daughter) is totes amazeballs!

Amazeballs? I have to remember that one!

Alty... I've got the rabies shots... hint hint. In other words... NOOOOO, run like the wind.

Synn, Baby Boo is the most beautiful little babe ever seen in pics.

Today marks a sad day for me. My last day of work before my girl graduates high school in 2 days. I can't believe how the time has passed. It only seems like yesterday I welcomed that 4 pound bundle of joy and now it won't be long before I kiss her goodbye to live on her own at college. It was so much easier to say goodbye to my oldest boys than it is my only girl. Don't know how I'm going to handle that.

J, never fear, they come back when their hungry and get their groceries from your freezer! they talk the ears off you and then their gone again.

I was surprised to learn I actually like my house tidy and milk in the morning for breakfast!

I was trying to remember an old saying ' a daughter is just a little girl who grows up to be a friend'... time for a new relationship for you both, and to be honest J, its pretty great.

I was surprised to learn i actually like my house tidy and milk in the morning for breakfast!


But she's the one who keeps my house tidy and makes sure I have breakfast when I come home from work in the morning. :(

But she's the one who keeps my house tidy and makes sure I have breakfast when I come home from work in the morning. :(

Now J, I'm going to have to give out to you!

She's going on an adventure, life! Its so exciting for her, she is going to have so much news when she visits, your both going to talk into the early hours, and when she's old enough polish off a bottle of wine together.

You have done your job and set her up to make decisions and choices for herself, but you will always be mom.

Stock up on milk!! get skype!

The nest is not empty J, just rearranged.

now J, im going to have to give out to you!

shes going on an adventure, life!! its so exciting for her, she is going to have so much news when she visits, your both going to talk into the early hours, and when shes old enough polish off a bottle of wine together.

you have done your job and set her up to make decisions and choices for herself, but you will always be mom.

stock up on milk!!, get skype!!

the nest is not empty J, just rearranged.

This is why I love you Reddie... you put it all into perspective whether I want to hear it or not. You make that bitter pill easier to swallow.

Yes, life is exciting for her. I don't want her to know how hard this is for me, and you know what? It's easy to get caught up in her excitement! I can't wait to go dorm shopping!

Your going to have a great time, and her visits will be more the sweeter cause you have missed her, and she you.

Haha where did you hear Amazaballs from Red? ;) :p ;)

J-9 don't worry your daughter will call you long distance at least 5 times a week if not more and ask advice. You will talk to her more on the phone than you did in person.

Haha where did you hear Amazaballs from Red?? ;) :p ;)



daughters bella,

totes amazeballs = totally amazing

lols = laughing a lot

it goes on and on bella, I don't understand half of what they text me, and they could only be asking what's for dinner!

it's a confusing new world.

I am so using amazeballs from now on. :)

J, just remember, she's your girl. A son is a so until he takes a wife, a daughter's a daugther for the rest of your life. :)

I know you'll miss her. I can only imagine what you're going through. Jared is only 13 and I already have my stomach in knots thinking about him moving out, growing up, no longer needing me. I know I'll be a wreck when that day comes, so I can imagine what you're feeling right now.

But you can't hold on, and you won't lose her. It will just be different. It may even be better. You still have one in the nest. I'm sure you can teach him to make breakfast. ;)

A little something funny to make you all smile;

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little Old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had Cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but One day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said She would not recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took Down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was In the box.

When he opened it, he found two knitted dolls And a stack of money totaling $95,000.

He asked her about the contents.

'When we were to be married,' she said, ' my grandmother told me The secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that If I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and knit a doll.' The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two Precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two Times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with Happiness.

'Honey,' he said, 'that explains the dolls, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?'

'Oh,' she said, 'that's the money I made from selling the dolls.'

A Prayer...

Dear Lord, I pray for Wisdom to understand my man;

Love to forgive him; And Patience for his moods;

Because Lord, if I pray for Strength, I'll beat him to death,

Because I won't have time to knit.

I say amazaballs all the time. My friends think I am crazy haha. I am glad even in Ireland I am not alone. Ohhh Red, I had an amazing time last night at the cozy pub! THanks for the beautiful sun dress, my tata's looked... well... amazaballs!

I say amazaballs all the time. My friends think I am crazy haha. I am glad even in Ireland I am not alone. Ohhh Red, I had an amazing time last night at the cozy pub! THanks for the beautiful sun dress, my tata's looked...well.... amazaballs!

The cozy is some kind of different all right!

Tata's got lots of attention, god bless them!

Ughh, so tired today. Got a manny/pedi and hair did for graduation tomorrow night and I'm just worn out!

Ughh, so tired today. Got a manny/pedi and hair did for graduation tomorrow night and I'm just worn out!

J, I wish I could suffer through that sort of exhaustion. Just saying. ;)

Now we want pictures! :)

For those that aren't on my Facebook, I'll share my day at work here.

Laughed so hard at work today, I almost peed my pants. A guy came in to fix our door. As he was leaving he decided to buy something. My fellow cashier, Paula, took him on her until. Well, he had an electric drill. He put his items on the counter, and then pointed the drill at her and pushed the button, in fun. Paula says (and I knew she was going to say it before she even opened her mouth) "Are you going to screw me"?

I've never seen anyone turn that red before. The guy said he'd be back tomorrow, which he will, because the door still isn't fixed. Maybe tomorrow he'll bring a hammer and nail her. LOL!

That's funny Alty! I saw that one coming too!

It's hot here... 90 degrees here today (32 for you Canadians), my allergies are driving me bonkers!

I'm off work until Sunday. I think I'm tired because I'm NOT working! How's that for strange!

Oyyy. First night out, like REAL night out this Friday, dinner and tickets to a live show with the girls and NO KIDS and my night gets cancelled because of lack of babysitter.m :( Karma. She's a real B__________!

[QUOTE=Aurora_Bell;3119508]Oyyy. First night out, like REAL night out this Friday, dinner and tickets to a live show with the girls and NO KIDS and my night gets cancelled because of lack of babysitter.m :( Karma. She's a real B__________![/QUOTE

Well that sucks, there will be other Friday nights. I know that is little consolation. I'd volunteer but that would be one heck of a commute.

Lol yea it sure would. Thanks for the thought. :)

Send Em this way... we'll go swimming. ;)

You have a plane ticket. Send E here. :)

Hahah I love you guys! I wish my real life friends were as willing to help me out.

Hahah I love you guys! I wish my real life friends were as willing to help me out.

Well you see, we offer because we know we won't be called on it. ;) KIDDING! ;)

Well, graduation is over. I balled like a baby. Even made Rae cry and she NEVER cries!

The graduation was beautiful, the weather was gorgeous (it was outside), and I'm just one proud momma dammit! However, I'm also one worried momma as well. She's off to a party until 3 am. The latest she's ever been allowed to be out. Luckily she's not a drinker or partier. I'm just worried about the other people on the roads tonight.

Well, graduation is over. I balled like a baby. Even made Rae cry and she NEVER cries!

The graduation was beautiful, the weather was gorgeous (it was outside), and I'm just one proud momma dammit! However, I'm also one worried momma as well. She's off to a party until 3 am. The latest she's ever been allowed to be out. Luckily she's not a drinker or partier. I'm just worried about the other people on the roads tonight.

She will remember what you taught her mamma.

I know Stringer. It's just so much harder to let go of girls than it is boys.

J-9 this is so true. I raised 2 boys and two girls and when my daughter went off to teach in a small Arizona town I wasn't a happy camper at all. It was way too far.

Sporty. I sent two of my boys off to Iraq. That was hard butting I'm really dreading sending my girl off to college 3 hours away. Is that crazy or what?

Not crazy at all, we know our boys are strong and can take care of themselves, but our little girls we want to protect.

Congrats to Ray! I would go creep your profile for the pics, but I got a 24 hour ban on Fb hahaha.

Why/how inbthe world did you get banned from rb?

Check your inbox ;)

Congrats to Ray! I would go creep your profile for the pics, but I got a 24 hour ban on Fb hahaha.

What did you do? 'Like' the timeline feature? ;)

J, Rae looked beautiful and I know you are so proud of her. :)

I had a beer! I am tipsy! I painted my toenails hot pink!

I am woman! RAWR!

Bella, what the heck did you do to get a slap on the wrist on fb? Naughty girl! I love it!

J, I'm off to look at the pictures right now.

Synn, you're drinking? Good girl! :)

Wanted to say hello to you all, it has been a while. Been busy (;

Will try to get caught up sometime, lol... Not sure how long that will take.

It was a really good relaxing weekend. Wife is doing good, Son is growing up so fast and is doing awesome.

Take care and good night.

Grilling Pork chops and hot dogs with some very important people, my son, my daughter, my grandbaby, Eric Clapton, Simon, Garfunkel, and the guys from Foreigner.
I hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day and remember to put your hand over your heart and give thanks for all the men and women who had the courage to make it possible.

Have had 3 bbq so far this spring. It is in the air.
(;

Have had 3 bbq so far this spring. It is in the air.
(;

Yes it is, we've barbecued twice within the last week. Such fun.

We might get to have one yet. It is nice all week and than on the weekends we get rain and wind and 60's temperatures. It was up to 77 on Tuesday but it is supposed to rain again this weekend and all next week. Not exactly barbecue weather... but we are ready.

We've had a few bbq's this season, but then, my husband bbq's in the winter. We just love bbq. :)

My son, Chris, is being driven to Toronto Internstional Airport as I type this on my IPad. He is moving to Germany, Munich to be exact, hired by an international company EMC as a Solutions Architect in the computer field. He starts in 3 weeks.

I will miss him greatly and won't see him again until Christmas, we are very close and this hard on both of us but I want the best for him. This is a wonderful opportunity for him and is already leaving a great job to do this. I shouldn't be surprised, he is already a seasoned traveler and I haven't had him around for six months at a time.


Tick

Of course there is a lovely Dutch girl involved who lives and works Munich.

Sounds like Chris has a great adventure ahead of him.

I know you'll miss him, but you can skype, and call, and email. He's not moving to mars. Hey, this would be the perfect excuse for you to visit Germany. Maybe even for a wedding if this Dutch girl works out. :)

Sounds like Chris has a great adventure ahead of him.

I know you'll miss him, but you can skype, and call, and email. He's not moving to mars. Hey, this would be the perfect excuse for you to visit Germany. Maybe even for a wedding if this Dutch girl works out. :)
Thanks Alty. Yes, we Skype, etc when he is away. It might as well be mars at the moment. I will plan a trip there for my vacation as soon into 2013 as I can manage from work. Chris said that will be his Christmas present to me!

I have been gone way too long! Didn't have time to read all the posts.

Well, I'm back, for a while anyway!

Thanks Alty. Yes, we Skype, etc when he is away. It might as well be mars at the moment. I will plan a trip there for my vacation as soon into 2013 as I can manage from work. Chris said that will be his Christmas present to me!

That sounds great. As you know, I'm German, and all of my mothers family still lives in Germany. I miss them terribly. I saw them last in 2001. It's been way too long.

I actually have family near Munich. Munich is a very nice city.

Does Chris speak any German?

That sounds great. As you know, I'm German, and all of my mothers family still lives in Germany. I miss them terribly. I saw them last in 2001. It's been way too long.

I actually have family near Munich. Munich is a very nice city.

Does Chris speak any German?

He speaks German and dutch, we all speak french and Spanish. For his job it will be mostly english.

I was in Germany. I smoked Hashish every day for one year straight. I can't remember when that was. I don't know where I was, but about all we ate was Cordon Blue. Now Cordon Blue is good when you first try it, but like anything else, it gets old fast. It got to the point that the only way I could eat it was to wash it down with orange flavored vodka. How come Germans like orange flavored vodka so much? It was everywhere. Orange flavored vodka and cordon blue, everywheres. That is one strange place, Germany is. Anyway, I slipped out and wound up in Amsterdam. I don't remember anything after that, but I think that's where I got this big scar on my buttox.

I was in Germany. I smoked Hashish every day for one year straight. I can't remember when that was. I don't know where I was, but about all we ate was Cordon Blue. Now Cordon Blue is good when you first try it, but like anything else, it gets old fast. It got to the point that the only way I could eat it was to wash it down with orange flavored vodka. How come Germans like orange flavored vodka so much? It was everywhere. Orange flavored vodka and cordon blue, everywheres. That is one strange place, Germany is. Anyway, I slipped out and wound up in Amsterdam. I don't remember anything after that, but I think that's where I got this big scar on my buttox.

When in Germany, I found lots of diversified foods to eat. What part of Germany were you I ?

Tick... you can't take magprob too seriously. That way lies madness.

When in Germany, I found lots of diversified foods to eat. What part of Germany were you I ?

My guess is that Magprob was never in Germany as he has overdosed on Spam over the last decade or two.

My guess is that Magprob was never in Germany as he has overdosed on Spam over the last decade or two.


- Minimally.

I don't ignore you. Sometimes I just don't know what to say to you. ;)


Say nothing and wait to see if he sets his hair on fire for the attention.

Spam rots the brain.

Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam!

My guess is that Magprob was never in Germany as he has overdosed on Spam over the last decade or two.

I love spam, preferably very cold on rye. No kidding. It is still made the same way after all these years.

Yes, I know the spam you mean

I love spam, preferrably very cold on rye. no kidding. it is still made the same way after all these years.

yes, i know the spam you mean


I've never had Spam (the kind on bread). However, when WE are in Germany (hint, hint) maybe we'll have it often. Technically I'm 100% Austrian... but I can pass.

I've never had Spam (the kind on bread). However, when WE are in Germany (hint, hint) maybe we'll have it often. Technically I'm 100% Austrian ... but I can pass.

We should buy one way tickets

You all make me giggle. I needed that. It's been a bad day. I have teenager issues. Sigh.