It's been awhile....

 
 
 
 
So I fell off the face of the earth for what....6 years??? I think that qualifies me for the worse blogger of the decade!  What do you think?  When Facebook came around, I stopped blogging.  But now I think I may give it another try.

Lots has changed over the last 6 years and to lament those things would be counterproductive.  Let's just say I'll be thinking of a new Blog title and the photos definitely have to go!  I guess I need to find someone to bling my blog yet again. 
Stay tuned for more...
 

To call or not to call....that is the question

I don't blog much since I'm on Facebook~I don't know if that's good or bad. But here I am today...blogging. Facebook is more for little "blips" of your life. Blogging, at least for me, is more in depth information. But that's just me and how I utilize both venues.

So back to the post...to call or not to call. I needed to get some thoughts out so I decided the blog was the best place since I can't post really long messages on Facebook (FB). Yesterday afternoon, my son returned home from school at around 5:00 p.m. and informed me that his homecoming date (a friend, not a girlfriend), had canceled their date via text message to attend the dance with another boy. Imagine my shock...and anger, when he told me this. I was livid and all he said was, "She could have done it earlier and I wouldn't have bought her the $20 ticket for admission." He said it didn't matter and he doesn't really care. That of course is a big, fat lie!

In my anger and haste, I posted this to FB and got a huge number of responses from friends. Some said to call the mother, others said to let it go. Let it go and let karma take control, let it go since it will make things worse on Tucker, let her go because her parents probably don't give a hoot, just to list a few. Everyone agreed that her behavior was tacky and she lacked any time of manners and integrity.

My first inclination was to call the parents and let them know what transpired, at least from my end. Of course, I would begin the conversation with the fact that being a parent myself, I would definitely hope that another parent would inform me if my son/daughter behaved in this fashion. I was extending this courtesy to them to inform them of the situation and they could do what they seemed appropriate. I in no way would call with "guns blazing" and an accusatory attitude. Because let's face it, I only have 50% of the information.

If I call, I do so because it is what I would want a parent to do for me. I pray that someone would inform me that my children were behaving in a hurtful, mean, spiteful way and give me the opportunity for a "teaching moment" with my child. The fact is, I've taught my children to be more respectful than that. I've taught them that when they make a commitment they follow through with it. Otherwise, they are compromising their integrity and mine as well. Why are they compromising my integrity? When you hear of a child "misbehaving", what is you first thought? Mine is...."Where are their parents?" Let's face it, we all think that. Naturally, it's the parent's that are raising the child and teaching them right from wrong. So when a child chooses what I deem to be "wrong", its probably because the parents did not teach them any better. Kids make choices all the time and many times it is the wrong choice no matter how they have been raised. That's just the nature of the beast. So which do I assume, bad parenting, bad choice?

Many people would respond with, "The parents probably don't even care!" But what if they do care? Again, face it, kids make choices all the time that have parents scratching their heads wondering where in the heck that came from. I know I do. I know that my kids know better, but still make wrong choices. So do I assume they don't care and just ignore the tacky behavior?

If I don't call, I feel I compromise my integrity by not practicing what I preach and by not standing firmly behind my values and morals. I don't want to impose my values on anyone else, but I would want someone to make sure I was being accountable.

If I do call, will she make things even more difficult on my son who already hates his school, feels he doesn't fit in and that people just don't really like him? Will that happen? I don't know. Do I take a chance on making him more miserable than he already is?

After sleeping on it and talking to a few friends, I did what any mother would do....I called my dad. His opinion is the one I value most. He said not to call. I can only say, that high school can't end soon enough for me and my son! My decision has not been made yet...I'm still pondering it.

Teen Angst, Toddler Turmoil, Transition Time

Summer is going by at breakneck speed...makes me a little sad. It's been an uneventful summer, which can be a good thing when you have four kids and nothing major has happened to anyone or anything. So, for that, I am very thankful!

With that, I can't say that things have been entirely smooth! Tucker seems to be suffering some teen angst. He's seventeen and going to be a Junior this year. My heart sinks a bit as I realize that he will be leaving the nest in just two short years for college. I know he'll attend college (probably West Point, if he has way) and he'll never come home. Although it is not my choice for him to go into the military, it has been his dream since he was 9 years old. I admire his high ambitions and the effort he has put forth to gain entrance into the academy. He still has a ways to go, but for his sake, I pray he gets there.

Taking time to "build" a relationship with his sisters!

But, I digress. Back to the angst...with those high ambitions, he tends to be a bit different than most teens. There are times he feels "alone" and that difference seems to be bigger than Mt. Everest. Not being invited to parties and having "texts" ignored is very painful. Those are the times when my heart breaks in two for him. We've spent several late evenings chatting this out. I see his potential and know where that potential will ultimately land him in life. I also know (from experience) that the popular crowd look somewhat different in 10/20/30 years. Unfortunately, saying that to him, today, right now when he hurts the most, doesn't make him feel a whole lot better. So, I sit and listen, hold back the tears, but on a brave face and just smile when he needs it and kiss his cheek when appropriate. He still hugs me and kisses me when he leaves the house or when I leave. Sometimes, I squeeze a little too hard or hold on a bit too long, but he indulges me and I can feel him smile when I do so. He has planned a bit of a party for Friday night, with the boys. I'm looking forward to it for him. His spirits seem to be a bit higher and he even visited some friends. So, I guess the chatting has help. I hope so!

Me and my girls....

The girls are amazing, ornery, feisty, fiery and yes, bratty! They fight and argue and play together like I had hoped they would. Elise is awesome and starting kindergarten this year. I can barely wrap my mind around that little detail for several reasons. Seems like only yesterday she was placed in my arms in the hot and humid room in Guangzhou. Then I think about me, at my age, having a child in kindergarten. I'm not looking forward to standing next to all those young mothers this fall. First one that asks me if I'm the grandmother might be making a trip to the ER! Feeling scrappy today!!!!

Millie has been home for two years and what a couple of years we have had. I look back and my head spins. Sometimes I wonder where the time has gone and then other times I wonder when the medical journey will end. But she is walking now...fifteen weeks after the hip surgery. It's not a pretty walk, but she's walking and rebuilding her strength and for that I thank the Lord!
Giggs makes me laugh...I just wish he wouldn't stick his nose up my rear end. Yeah, I know, TMI! But seriously, the dog has got to be rubbing up against someone or something all the time. I seem to be his choice, but I think that's because I'm the most convenient. He's developed a great relationship with the girls and they even "play house" with him. The poor guy ends up on a leash, being pulled around the house and locked in rooms with the crazies. But, he's good natured and indulges them. If I hear him start to whimper, I rescue him. But he rarely complains. Tuck is his favorite play toy. The noise level in the house ticked up several decibels when Tuck walks through the door. It requires some deep breathing on my part, but ultimately, makes me smile!

The worst part of the summer has been Steve's transition. He's looking for a job and we are prayerful that one is offered soon. His company is closing it's doors. I would LOVE to go into that, but it would be a bitter rant about an ego-maniac that had no business being put into the position that he was and then the idiocy of those in charge who's egos got in the way of admitting a hiring mistake. But like I said, it would just be a bitter, mindless rant ;-).

As for me....I'm looking to plan a little get away....all by myself...alone. For the first time in my life, I need some time to recharge without anyone or anything expecting something from me. It's a lot to ask for, but I'm crossing my fingers that it can happen. I want to be NO ONE for a few days. I want to sleep when I want, eat when I want and not even hear my name. It's so very selfish and there's a piece of me that feels guilty. But then there's a piece of me that's screaming to get away. I have the perfect place in mind....think spa!!!!

Millie....walking!

Summertime

Summer is underway and before I know it, it will be July! Where does the time go?? No exciting vacations planned due to the economy and other unfortunately circumstances. So we'll hang out at home and make our own fun!

Elise just finished her first year of dance class with a year-end recital. I was so proud of how she came around and performed. She tends to just stare at the audience and do nothing during this type of thing. But I found she'll dance, she still won't do the little performances at school (singing etc.), but she'll dance.

I took her to have her photo taken in her recital dress. This is our favorite. I have to say, she leans toward stunning. I can say that since I had nothing to do with her looks ;-) .

Thanks http://www.lauralainephotography.com/. YOU ROCK! Elise danced to "Under the Sea" and "Teddy Bear".

This is her shakin' her groove to Teddy Bear. She's even smiling a little bit!

Tucker is off to camp this week. He requested to go to "Junior War College and Military Strategy School. I hesitated, thought it was just one of those gimmicks that sophomores get when they take the PSAT test. We discussed it at length and since it was the very first thing that he asked to do outside of scouting, I had to say yes. We loaded up Betty (that's my Envoy) and headed to Dahlonega for a 10 day camp. The drive was challenging with three children bickering in the backseat. But we made it.

I snapped this photo while two of the three were snoozing. I wish I could sleep like that and not ache for the next several hours when I do sleep in the car. Ah, the joys of flexibility and youthfulness.

I do love the hazy, lazy days of summer, with a splash if Tazo Black Iced Tea...ahhhhhh!

Becoming an Eagle Scout (Randy Pausch)

New Tree House~Old Tree House

For the past few weekends, I've been helping my son, Tucker, work on his Eagle Scout project. It's been a long time coming~two years. But I have to admit (much to my chagrin), that he would have never been ready to complete this project two years ago. He has matured so much over the past few years. Don't get me wrong, he has his moments when I wonder if he's five again. But for the most part, he doesn't do too terribly bad. He's learning.

Teen life today is challenging and I do worry about him. Sometimes, I worry a lot. That worry causes me to monitor most things he does because you just never know... Some may think it's meddlesome etc. To them I would ask, "Do you have children?" Most will respond, "No. But I would never treat my kids that way!" To them I would add, "Come back and talk to me when you have kids that are teens." We struggle with differences in our home due to being a blended family. But that has calmed tremendously over the last year due to age and proximity. It saddens me sometimes to feel that way, but it's the truth and it's "real".

Completed Tree House

During one of our more challenging discussions, when we didn't see eye to eye, Tucker did tell me that he respected me because I was "real". He appreciated the fact that I didn't hold back with him and was completely honest with him. He understood that honesty can be painful, hurtful and ugly~just like during that discussion. But he preferred that honesty over "sugar-coating" and thinking I was "protecting" him. Yes, I do wonder if I tell him too much. But my opinion is such that he needs to understand my perspective so he can attempt to understand how things may effective me and hence the family unit. I know that's a great deal to ask from a teen, since most teens are very "I' oriented (having two teens, I surely know that). For me, I have learned to be honest with him. I also attempt, to the best of my ability, to present other perspectives and why they probably differ from mine so he knows that I don't just put blinders on. Do I believe this works? Yes, because he always knows what comes out of my mouth is the truth as I see it and believe it. I love having that freedom with him. I never had it with my stepson and never will. I will strive to do the same with my daughters.

So, as this post has turned into a great deal of ramblings, I come back to why I started this. My good friend and godmother of Elise, sent me this quote about Eagle Scouts. Now I wish he would feel the same about wearing his scout uniform ;-). Becoming an Eagle isn't for everyone. Only 2% of the boys that join scouting will successful attain this rank. It's quite an honor and a priviledge to be an Eagle.

By Randy Pausch "The Last Lecture" pg133

I'll take an earnest person over a hip person every time, because hip is short-term. Earnest is long-term. Earnestness is highly underestimated. it comes from the core, while hip is trying to impress you with the surface. "hip" people love parodies. But there's no such thing as a timeless parody, is there? I have more respect for the earnest guy who does something that can last for generations, and that hip people feel the need to parody.

When I think of someone who is earnest, I think of a Boy Scout who works hard and becomes an Eagle Scout. When I was interviewing people to work for me, and I came upon a candidate who had been an Eagle Scout, I'd almost always try to hire him. I knew there had to be an earnestness about him that outweighed any superficial urges toward hipness.

Think about it. Becoming an Eagle Scout is just about the only thing you can put on your resumes at age fifty that you did at age sixteen-and it still impresses

My Soon-2-B Eagle Scout having tea with his sister

My life....

This is just a small glimpse into what life is like with the Giggsmiester. If I don't pay enough attention to him, he bites me~in the rear if it suits him!

Make a Smilebox greeting

PS If you don't check out Millie's blog (my youngest), you should....we just got back from another surgery in St. Louis click on this link if your interested: Amelia's Journey

Dress Ups....

"Dress-Up" is an everyday occurrence at the Wells' Ranch. You just never know what they will be wearing when they descend from above, sometimes it's princess dresses or fancy dresses and sometimes its swimming suits. Today it was leotards! Gotta love it!

"Pinto" the pony even got in on the dress ups!

Forever Family, Four years, Five Years Old

Referral Photo~June 2004

Elise Christine Feng Wells celebrated her fifth birthday on February 2, 2009. I decided that she should have a nice party to commemorate this particular birthday. I also figured that she would be able to handle the social situation even though she still tends to completely shut down when she gets in front of people she doesn't know.

So on February 2, I got to go to preschool and be the Teacher's helper for class. Elise got to wear a special birthday hat and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her. Much to my surprise, she buried her head in my shoulder and would not look at anyone while they were singing. She was fine for the rest of the morning~such an odd bird.

Then we headed to the grocery to pick up the cake~time for the disasters to begin. Well, they didn't make the cake, that's right! I actually had the forethought to order a cake a week in advance and it was going to be Diego! Elise even picked it out. But no Diego cake, they didn't make it. I was crushed! So we headed down to the Cupcake Factory and see what they had. Well, since I needed the cake that night for the party, we had limited choices. Again, I let Elise pick the cake and she choose "cats". I was shocked. I thought that she would pick the monkey since she was born in the year of the monkey. Nope, nothing doing! So we ordered the cake and told Daddy to pick it up on the way to the 5 p.m. party at Bananas!

At around 1 p.m., the snow started to fly at a rate of an inch an hour. Yep, that's right. At 3:30, they weather service was calling for a weather advisor and asking everyone to stay home. Bananas called me and asked me what we wanted to no since the weather was bad and getting worse by the hour. I told them I was coming!!! At the time, we had Amelia's surgery scheduled for February 11th and this was the only opportunity that we had to get the party in before the surgery. If I rescheduled, then Amelia would be in the spica cast and not able to enjoy the party (this all happened before she got sick and the surgery was cancelled). So at 3:45p.m. we loaded up the car and head to Bananas which is about 7 miles from our house. It took me 1 hour 30 minutes to get there, but I got there. The roads were horrible...creeping along, if moving at all. I had to change direction one time since cars were not going down steep hills. But I put Black Betty in 4~HI and off I went with two toddlers in tow. We invited a few close friends and they were all able to make the party too. I was surprised because it was just horrible outside. Steve got there really late with the cake, but he made it in time. We had the entire inflatable room to ourselves since there weren't any other people crazy enough to go out in the horrible weather. We had a great time running, jumping, climbing and bouncing. Then we enjoyed pizza, cake and popcorn and left at 7 p.m. By then, the roads were much better and we made it home in 20 minutes. It was great fun and Elise was so grateful for all of her friends coming to the party.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

March 9th is our Gotcha Day~Elise Christine Feng Wells has been our daughter for four years now. It's hard to believe that the little girl that we picked up in china that was so quiet and frail is the vivacious, gregarious and silly little five year old that has completely changed all of our lives. I look at her sometimes and thank God that He allows me to be her mother. I thank Him for all that we went through to get to her~all the pain and heartache and then sheer joy.

She loves stuffed animals and sleeps with at least five of them. But her personal favorite is Maggie the Manatee and Maggie goes to school every day in Elise's school bag. She loves to have a story read to her and will attempt to read them with you. She never walks, but hops, skips or jumps everywhere she goes. Her favorite color is pink, her favorite food is mac and cheese & strawberries, her favorite book changes weekly because she loves them all. Currently, her favorite toy is the Ponyville. She plays "dress up everyday", but would rather be Mowgli from the Jungle Book since he only wears underwear! She would wear her flip flops in the snow if I would let her. Dora is still a favorite, but she is starting to enjoy Cinderella and Ariel. Tia Bella is her very best friend, but she has a crush on Jake at school. I want to remember all these little things because before long, she'll be 16 and I'll wonder what happened to all that sweetness ;-).

I find it hard to believe that she will enter kindergarten in the fall. It's killing me, but she is more than ready for it.

To think that it was just four years ago that I held this black haired beauty and gazed into her chocolate brown eyes for the first time. Four years ago that I watched her sleeping in a crib in China with one eye partially open amazed that I had become a mother again. Four years ago that I watched her attempt to crawl, hold a book for the first time, feel leather, hold a baby doll or her very own blanket. Four yours ago, that I watched her sit on a bed a rock herself for comfort (that only ever happened once). Four years ago that she became my daughter and we became a family of five....for awhile.

Happy Birthday, Happy Gotcha Day, Happy Adoption Day Elise Christine Feng Wells. I love you more than you could ever know!

Love,

Mama

Family Photo

We had family photos taken in December 2008. Thanks to Laura Laine Photography! She's awesome. You can see her work at:

www.lauralainephotography.com

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Perfect Balance

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Been absent for awhile. Life seems to just get a little overwhelming sometimes. I'd like to say it's crazy, but overwhelming is a better adjective! Crazy is such a common term, insane is probably more appropriate when it comes to our house.

I'm excited to say that the perfect balance has been restored to our home. Yes, we have a new dog!

On Thanksgiving day, a lovely family from Mississippi introduced us to Giggsey. They traveled all the way from the South to visit family in our area and brought Giggs along just for us to meet. I was hesitant since Giggs was 15 months old and had been living with another family that decided their lifestyle wasn't conducive to owning a dog. So, Giggs returned to his breeder where he was socialized with four other Airedales. I worried about him being around small children since he was unaccustomed to them. I wasn't worried about my girls, they love big dogs and are petrified of small dogs. Rather odd, if I do say so myself, but that's my girls. When they arrived, I went outside to greet them and Giggs jumped right on me. My heart soared and his owner said, "That answers that question, Giggs has a new home if you'll have him." It took me about two seconds to decide he was mine. I so miss Gordie, but Giggs eases that ache.

When I was a child, my family raised Airedales, the "King of the Terriers". We had several and I loved them all. The first dog I ever held in my arms when it was necessary to put her down was our Airedale, Sheba. At the time, I hated my dad for making me take her to the vet. It was brutal and heart wrenching, but it's something I hold close to my heart now. When Gordie left us, I knew I would get another dog, but not a chow. My heart wasn't ready for that. So an Airedale was the next choice. I searched and couldn't find one. I looked at rescues, but they were all described as "not good with small children".

I'm happy to say that Giggs has "laid in" here. He's fiesty, happy and excitable. He always has a smile on his face. I allow him on the sofa (YIKES) and he even sleeps with me when Steve is out of town (Double YIKES). Yes, he is quite spoiled. But I will say that it's rather lovely to have him curl up next to me on the sofa or the bed. He's a comfort~woman's best friend. Yes, he is my dog. He likes everyone in the house, but loves me best. I guess he just knows my heart. A heart that is once again full with the company of a beautiful canine.

Welcome home Giggsey!


“The Airedale can do anything any other dog can do, then lick the other dog, if he has to.” Teddy Roosevelt

Amelia's Baptism

You can read about Amelia's baptism here:

http://journey2amelia.blogspot.com/2008/11/holy-baptism.html

This is the blog that I use for Amelia's "stuff". As soon as the casting is over, I'll probably just move to this blog exclusively.

Elise's first sleepover

Elise had her first sleepover back in August with our her best friend, TiaBella. TiaBella lives two houses down, so I wasn't too concerned since it would be pretty easy to walk to her house and bring Elise home if there was any trouble.

I told Elise that she was spending the night with Tee and that she needed to gather her things. Elise shot upstairs like a missile and quickly started to pack her backpack~without any help, instructions or guidance. Less than fifteen minutes later, she proudly walked into the kitchen and announced that she was ready to go. When I asked her if she packed everything that she needed, she replied yes. Naturally, I asked her if I could check her backpack and she gladly handed it over. Imagine my surprise when I opened the backpack and the only thing it contained was Elise's very so precious stuffed animals, not one stitch of clothing, a toothbrush, pillow, just stuff animals. Needless to say, we returned to her room and I explained to her the necessary items for a sleepover.

Amelia wanted to go along so badly, but alas, this was not her time. Elise was a little indignant, but TiaBella was more than ready to explain to the "baby" why she couldn't come on this little adventure. I didn't hear a peep all night and I awoke the next morning surprised at the fact that it was 7 a.m. and I didn't get a phone call all night.

The sleepover was a great success and I even had to call and ask when my daughter might be returning home. She had a delightful time and the behavior report was stellar so I guess we are safe to try sleepovers again. Maybe the next one will be at our house....if and when Tee is ready for that.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Back to school post....time to catch up

Back to school at the Wells ranch consisted of sending #1 off to Case Western for his freshman year, sending #2 to his first year at the senior high school and sending #3 off to four days of preschool.

Matt is loving college and seems to be flourishing there. He's already involved in a research project, joined a fraternity and he's only been home once.

Tucker is doing o.k. at the high school. The work load is challenging, but we expected that. He likes it so far....we hope it continues.

Elise loves preschool...it's all fun and games for her. She just loves life and preschool just fits right for her.

I was rather sad this year. I guess it was tougher than I thought watching Tucker drive off this year instead of watching him get on the school bus. This driving thing is hard! I make him text me when he gets to school and he has to text me when he is starting home. I know it's a little overprotective, but his driving just makes me nervous.

I get a few hours alone with Amelia now. It's rather nice, no competition, no screaming....just alone time. She seems to enjoy not having to worry about what Elise is always up to.

I've started back to a new gym and that seems to be helping my mental attitude and physical stamina. Hopefully, my schedule will even out once the trips to St. Louis are over. But for now, I go when I can.

Enjoy the 1st day of school pics!

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Still hard

Hard for me to come back here and see that mug! I miss him so! We talk about the "Rainbow Bridge" and Gordo waiting for us there. Elise wants to write a book about Gordo going to be with Jesus. I'm trying, but I can't stop the tears and she wonders why. Maybe it will help me heal. I'm not sure yet.

Time marchs on and I think of Gordie constantly, I even imagine I heard him scratching at the front door a couple of times last week. It was so pronounced that I went to the door~call me crazy. I had a dream about him a few nights ago! Then I think of saving a few morsals for him and I remember he's not there. Then the tears come again and I can't seem to stop them. He was just a dog, I try to tell myself then I think was he really just a dog????

Lots going on here that is worth blogging about, but I can't seem to get to it. Maybe next week!...

Tattered and Torn

Tattered and torn is my heart today. My beloved Chow has gone on to doggy heaven. It was sudden, unexpected and shocking.

Chow's carry a bit of a reputation, if you will. But our Gordo was the sweetest dog. We referred to him as the land manatee, just hanging around, taking up space. He LOVED the girls and carried a particular fondness for Amelia that often surprised me. There were a few times that I found him in her bedroom, sitting or lying beside her bed. You see, she was upset and I had failed to respond in what Amelia believed was an appropriate amount of time. Therefore, she was taking a fit and Gordo didn't care for her crying.

I'll miss his silly face, smushed into the ground as he slept in my bathroom. I'll miss his head popping up around the daylilies when he hears me pull in. I'll miss watching him through the front window as he would stand up and watch Matthew drive by the house, turn around and park his truck in front of the house. The boys thought he was a little goofy, but he recognizes their trucks~smarter than what they think! I'll miss him following me through the house during a thunderstorm because the crack of thunder startled him. I'll miss him lying at my feet in the evening, when everyone else was asleep and I was catching up on my favorite shows. I'll miss Steve telling me how he would fret for me when I was traveling. Steve would often say that "Gordo is stuck up my behind!". I'll miss hearing the back door slam as he would push his way out onto the back porch to check out the back yard. I'll miss the little kids in our neighborhood squeal in delight at the "Lion Dog" sitting in the driveway. I'll miss the way he would cock his head to the side when I would say "Gordo, you want a cookie?" I'll miss him sitting beside me at the kitchen table waiting for a morsel to savor since he got very few! I'll miss him lying on the kitchen floor, staring at his food bowl because he was hungry~no barking, just staring! I'll miss the phone call from home asking if I fed him or not since he was begging at his food bowl again. I'll miss the neighbors laughing because he would hike his leg on my flowers (another passion of mine). I'll miss the occasionaly "passer-by" ask, "What kind of dog is that? He sure is beautiful!" I'll miss the way he would jump on my sister whenever she would come over, often scratching and bruising her. So often, he would surprise us with his sudden bursts of energy. I'll miss him running to the front door, full out (which wasn't much), when I walked back from the mail box, slide across the front porch, then turn and run back towards me often knocking me down. I'll miss scratching him under his chin and watching him try to stretch his head a little higher so I can scratch in a different spot. Mostly, I'll miss seeing him sitting in the front yard, with his majestic head held high, watching over his kingdom. I referred to him as "The Emperor of Cherry Lane Farm" (self-proclaimed).

He was beautiful, loving, sweet and he was mine. He loved me best and everyone knew he was my dog. My heart literally ached as I held him and felt his last breath leave his body. I've held several of my dogs while they left this world, but his departure has hurt me the most. Maybe because of the suddenness~I'm not sure. The ache returns everyday when I automatically think, "Is Gordo inside or outside?" "Did Tucker feed him before he left for school?" So many things that were just a part of the daily routine around the Wells' Ranch involved Gordie.

I've had a bit of a reprieve since we are traveling to St. Louis for Amelia right now. But I dread returning home and not seeing his mug looking at me when I drive in and then that "tail wiggle" that he was famous for. Now there are things to clean up that I will no longer need and I'm not sure how to do that. But when I return, I'll clean the slobber from the walls and the floor one more time. I'll vacuum up all the lose hair and give the dog food and cookies away. Then one final "pooper scoop" around the yard. Oh Gordie, what will I do without you??? I'd rather clean the slobber and scoop the yard than yearn for you the way I am. I doubt the tears and heart ache will end anytime soon. It seems he was a bigger part of me than I ever realized.

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Order of the Arrow Weekend

It's always a bummer when you return from vacation. There's nothing thrilling about returning to the daily ins & outs of life. Not like getting up early, eating breakfast and heading to the beach for some sandcastle building. Yep, life at the beach is much different than life in the 'burbs.

With that said, the most exciting thing over the last week has been the "Extreme Home Makeover" was in our city this past week. It was very exciting, I even went up to the house one day with the girls. I did get to see Michael, one of the designers, but that was it. I just wasn't very motivated to stand out in the heat with two toddlers and hope to see someone famous. But at least I did go.

Tucker is at his Order of the Arrow Ordeal this weekend. It's the Boy Scouts of America's National Honor Society.

According to Wikipedia this is what the OA is:

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Founded in 1915, it uses American Indian traditions and ceremonies to bestow recognition on Scouts selected by their peers as best exemplifying the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives. Inducted members are known as Arrowmen or brothers and are organized into local youth-led lodges for fellowship and the rendering of service to Boy Scout councils and their communities.

Any scout that has been through their "ordeal', is sworn to secrecy to not tell other scouts about the ceremonies etc. It's kind of like a secret society~think Free Masons or Knights of Templar.
;-). Tucker would just roll his eyes when I said stuff like that. But for me, it made it more exciting.

I dropped him off on Friday night and I'll pick him up Sunday morning. Before he left on Friday, he reviewed his packing list with me. I knew they would be working, so I asked him if he packed his hiking boots to work in. His comment to me was, "Mom, my "Chucks" are my workboots." Those of you who don't know what "Chucks" are, these are it....

Yep, good ole fashioned, high-topped, canvas tennis shoes. Not joking, wish I were. This is coming from my son that finished his freshman year with a 4+ GPA.



I did head to the garage to find the hiking boots, but they were no where to be found...hmmmm. When I asked where they were, "I don't know." was all I got...again...hmmmm.

So I'm excited to get him tomorrow and hear about this weekend. When I left on Friday, there was a bunch of teenage boys, standing underneath a shelter house, looking less than thrilled to be spending their Summer Friday night getting ready to work. I pulled out, with my radio blasting some oldie but good (my windows were rolled up, so they couldn't hear it!) Ah, it does a mother's heart good!

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