Which is harder?

Raising two boys or two puppies?

It didn't take long before the dogs found their way to my garden box. Keith had to think of a way to keep them out. Too bad it isn't Brad proof!

Christmas in April

So I had this great idea.... Poor Keith. I thought it was a good time to get a puppy.

The boys never bonded with Mickey and Merlin. They were strictly my dogs. Merlin had been gone for 5 months and thought a puppy for Christmas would be so much fun for Cole and Brad. Then I started to worry. Brad is pretty sensitive and self conscious. What if this new dog bonded with Cole and not Brad. The only way to solve it was to get TWO puppies, obviously.

We found a litter of golden retrievers that would be ready to go on Christmas Eve. I kinda talked Keith into the idea but he wasn't totally for it. Something about a "litter mate syndrome" had him all worried. He did so much research and googling. (I'm so glad Google wasn't around when the boys were babies - he drove me crazy with questioning everything!)

We picked out two pups and  waited for Daddy to get home after Christmas. When we went to picked them up we changed our minds last minute. We kept the small red one (Maverick) but switched the light one to the lone last pup. Nobody wanted out Goose. Their loss!

We took them back and the boys were so surprised! They have been a huge help with the pups. Life hasn't been the same!

A modern miracle

I've been a terrible blogger. I finally ventured into a smart phone and discovered an app for my blog! Who knew?

Now I no longer have to sit at the desktop computer to type a post and figure out loading pictures. I can do it all from my phone!

So be prepared for posts about my boys. All of them.

Soccer is hard work.

One of Brad's last games. He doesn't like organized sports. Prefers Aunt Kimi's lap.

HA!

Brad hates school. I mean he HATES it. Who knows why, but he just walked in and the following converstation took place: Brad: Momma, can you pick me up early from school tomorrow? Me: No, sorry Brad. Brad: But people get to go home early all the time. Me: Right, they probably have dr appointments. You do not. I would have to turn in a doctor's note to get you out of school and you don't have an appointment. He was not happy with this answer and stormed off.... Minutes later he was back. Brad: Momma, How do you make yourself throw up because I want to make sure that I do NOT do that at school tomorrow? Please tell me so I don't get sick at school.

A letter to Brad

Without going into details something happened last weekend. It was a huge wake up call for me and I had to make quick choices that were very hard. My Dearest Bradley, You scared me. A flash of what could have been has haunted my dreams and thoughts ever since. I hope you understand how much you are loved. I couldn't breathe without you in our lives. I physically want to be sick when I imagine not seeing you, talking with you, playing with you, taking care of you, raising you, or flat out knowing you are ok. It breaks my heart when you don't realize your value in our lives. I feel like I'm failing you as a mother when you don't understand God's purpose for your creation. YOU are a LOVED little boy. You were created by the KING of all things. You were made in His image to do great things here. You were made unique to stand out as Brad and Brad alone. You hold our hearts with a slight smile. I live to see the world from your precious eyes. Please know that I will exhaust my last ounce of strength making sure you know this. I am making a commitment to you. I want to help you in every way I know possible. It's hard as a parent. I will not always know what the right thing to do is, but I promise you there won't be a decision made that wasn't well thought out. I promise I'm researching, weighing all sides of an issue, asking questions, and most importantly praying. I'm praying for you all the time sweet boy and your brother too! I am VERY honored God choose me to be your mom. I love you so so much and I hope you understand one day your importance. I want you to realize your self worth, your gifts, and love for yourself. I will do all I can to help you and I know for a fact your father feels the same way. We love you little man, Your mom

Funny things

The boy's school had hearing and vision testing this week. They needed volunteers to help out so I headed up there for two days. As Brad went into the room for the hearing test he made sure to tell the nurse..... "Watch out for Tristan. He has really bad ears because he is in trouble ALL the time. He can't hear." HA! The I was helping with 3rd grade. This little girl said "Are you Cole's mom?" I told her I was and then I said... How is Cole doing? Is he nice to everyone? Tell me everything! She said "He's good. He's got blonde hair and green eyes...." WHOA - slow down little ball of hormones! Don't make me get all crazy up in the school! Ha! Oh, and I realize I live in a small town when the UPS driver recognizes me up at the school and delivered my packages there. It tells me (A) I am at the school too much (B) Yes, it is a small town or (C) I have an amazon.com addiction. (D) ALL OF THE ABOVE!