Don't I Have Enough Animals??

Patches/Puma now has almost complete unlimited access to the house. She has behaved quite well. I am trying not to have convulsions over the claw marks in my leather sectional. Trying is the operative word here. But, all in all, I have enjoyed our newest addition. I have moved Fred to the front porch to give him some fresh air and Butterscotch seems to have adjusted to life on her own, unattended in our backyard. Between my kiddos, hubby and the wildlife around my house I am content... So why do I offer to babysit the Westerberg Family dog, Boone? To make my children happy. That is the reason. That is all. He is a nice enough dog, but considering he hates Pat, is scared of all things and leaves large droppings in my backyard, I am not sure why I put myself through these "slumber parties". Poor Patches has been locked up in Maddy's room for so long we decided to let her out to see if she and Boone could tolerate each other.
Like I said, Boone is afraid of all things, including a kitten about the size of his foot. He thinks no one sees him hiding under the table.

Well, Puma found him - see her paw going in for the kill on the right side of the picture??

Between the large dog and the small cat, I would have to bet that the cat would win any match. We have always insisted she is part Puma...

The First Day

I have been dreading this day. I am usually so excited for school to begin, but this year is a bit different. Maddy will be attending middle school. Not safe, little elementary school, but big, scary middle school. I have a some anxiety about the whole situation. Maddy does not. She is ready. Locker combination is memorized, lunch picked out, friends to walk with, a pay as you go cell phone... I AM NOT READY. I will tell you why. Maddy does not look like a 6th grader. 8th grade boys had better stay away... Maddy is my first baby and I should not be old enough to have a middle schooler.

For every special occasion, we always take a picture under our front yard tree. The tree has grown, but so have my children. Maddy had to stoop to fit under it.

I really love that I did not embarrass my daughter by parking my car and in the middle of the road, jumping out to take this picture and yelling, "I love you!!" while tears ran down my face.

Now, on the other hand, I am very excited for Katie. She is going into 4th grade. This is a big deal. She no longer has big sister around to make all the decisions and she has already shown that she is ready to shine by herself. Katie has always amazed me with unflinching confidence in herself. She knows who she is and want she wants, now she gets to go for it all on her own. I can't wait to see what this year holds for her.

AND, she actually accommodated my picture taking. (She was looking cute and knew it)

She still looks so tiny on that bus.

I never knew how saying a short goodbye could break a Mother's heart.

I love you babies. (YES, babies.) Have fun, do your best, be yourself and always come home.
"I LOVE YOU!"