Love to Kramer

This has been a pretty rough week. Jeff and I had a long talk last Friday on the way home about Kramer. Poor dog has been having so many issues. He walked with a limp, couldn't jump up on the couch to lay in his favorite spot, was going deaf, and couldn't control his bodily functions. We decided that it was time for him to go on to a better place. I called the vet and scheduled an appointment for this past Monday (10/22). Brendan said he wanted to go with us, so the three of us took him in and held him and told him how much we loved him. As hard as it was, and as sad as we still are, we know it was the right decision for him.

Everyone in the office showed so much compassion for us - it was very nice. They let us know what would happen after he was gone and let us have all the time we wanted with him. They called tonight to let us know that his remains were back and waiting at the office when we were ready to go get him. Jeff went right then and picked him up. There was a nice cedar box with a tiny padlock (and key), and a brass plate on top with his name on it. They had also enclosed a nice sympathy card signed by the staff as well as a candle.

Kramer was the best dog and always showed love to everyone. He will be missed!

We love you Kramer -

Longaberger!

I had such a good time on Thursday! Mom and I went to Ft. Hood for the Longaberger Basket Fest. We got to shop, and make our own baskets! We took a bus trip down with a bunch of other women and had a great time! We won prizes and had tons of snacks. It was such a long day, but so worth it!

I'm a bad mom...

I feel so bad today that I didn't go to Brendan's soccer game. It started at 2:15, which is right at the time Jake needs to be taking a nap! I've never been the sort of mom who follows a super-strict schedule with my boys, but I know that it would be unbelievably hard to keep Jake entertained at the soccer field when he's tired. We had a hard time with him a few weeks ago when there was a 7:15pm game. By the time the game was over, Jake was whining and screaming because he couldn't get what he wanted and he was beyond tired. I think Brendan understands this... At least I hope he does. Watch - this will be the game where he finally scores a goal! Ah, the joys of having more than one child.

Sometimes I'm Amazed!

We get home tonight and B wants to play outside with his friends. OK - we say - if homework is done first. He finishes up some and out he goes. Jeff and I go out to the backyard to talk to the landscapers about what is needed next. (What is needed is some money!!) I give Jake some dinner and check on him every few minutes. When we're done talking outside, I go in the house to find that B has gotten Jake out of his high chair AND washed his (Jake's) hands! I couldn't believe it! He also washed his own hands and helped with dinner without being asked! I was amazed! It's times like these that I know he has it in him... I just wish I knew how to see it more often!

October 8, 2007 - B gets a new Webkinz

I've started a blog! I really don't know how to do this, or what I'll write about, but I think it will be a good way to keep a record of stuff that's going on in my life. The boys do so much every day and I want to remember every second of it!

Today B had the day off for Columbus Day. Jeff took a VC day to stay home with him and they ran around together. B has been talking about getting a new Webkinz for a while now, so Jeff took him to the Hallmark store and let him pick one out. He chose a black cat because - according to him - "They're very rare!" He was trying to come up with a name and decided on "Scream". Why you ask? Because we're coming up on Halloween and Scream is a scary Halloween-type movie. What the?? This is the same kid that for years was totally freaked out by the Scream mask after we saw a kid in the back of a pickup wearing one. I can't figure him out sometimes! I told him I was going to call him Oreo, because I just like it better. (and I just like Oreos!) He seemed OK with that. :)

Jake is quite a character. He is talking more and more. He has his own Jake language that no one understands, but he also says a lot that we actually do understand:

Bee = blanket (sleeps with)
Kicky = Mickey (Mouse - that he sleeps with)
Benben = Brendan
Cackuh = cracker
Key = cookie
Hi, mama = Hi, Grandma
Hi, papa = Hi, Grandpa
pease = please
tank oo = thank you

It's so cool to watch him and listen! I am trying to soak this all in and remember it always because I know there won't ever be another little one in our house. I'm trying to remember what it was like with Brendan, and it's hard! You think that you won't ever forget, but time has a funny way of messing with your memory!