Wednesday, April 25, 2012

"Zeussy Boy" and "Milo James"

That's what I call our cats; Zeus and Milo. I'm not sure if it makes them sound like superheros or outlaws...


Aside from the obvious difference in appearance, there is a night and day difference in personality. Let me explain....

Milo loves to go outside, especially at night. If we attempt to keep him in (out of fear that he might get eaten by coyotes), he makes a dreadful, incessant meowing sound while we're trying to sleep. He enjoys catching wild prey and living among the wildlife....
Here, Milo takes a long catnap with his peeps.
 Zeus, on the other hand, has not attempted to go outside since we moved to our new house. He's not about to catch his food when it's brought to him in a silver bowl each day. Think: gray Garfield...on steroids. Sometimes, he doesn't even bother to stand up while eating.
Resting in between meals or guarding his food so Milo can't have any. The look on his face suggests the latter, but I'll let you decide....


The closest Zeus gets to interacting with wildlife is drinking from our Beta fish's bowl (imagine the fish's surprise).


And while Milo is always having to watch his back to make sure Richard (and Zeus) don't sit on him...

 Zeus is living LARGE...
Too large!  22 lbs. large!!! Not the most dignified cat around...

Now, before you call animal control, let me assure you I have talked to the vet about his weight. We are currently working to get it under control through exercise and diet. All weight aside, however, I have never seen such a humungous domestic cat in all my life...
Zeus stretches out next to Juliette, age 7. This is in 2011, before he gained an excessive amount of weight.
 Each cat has his own special personality. Zeus spends most of his time sleeping. He hides away in the master bedroom unless he wants food or the litter box, meanwhile Milo prefers to be among the family. Despite the fact that Richard tortures him every chance he gets, Milo rarely scratches and never hisses.

In addition to their unique personalities, they have defining features as well. I think Zeus resembles a mountain lion....
And I don't think he'd be too embarrassed if I told you he wore socks....
 after all, I did just say he resembled a mountain lion!

No matter how many times I tell Milo he's special "just the way he is", he wishes he were a Pomeranian or a Pug.
This is the perpetual state of Milo's tail...very curious, isn't it?
 He's even more envious now that we've recently adopted a Pug puppy... 
It was meant to be - an Otis for our Milo...but this post isn't about dogs...

The great thing about Milo is that he's willing to let you do just about anything to him. Sometimes he plays dress up with the kids. 

 The kids try to play dress up with Zeus. He's never fond of the idea at first...
 but ultimately he gives in to his inevitable humiliation...
For the record, he's not fond of the idea after he gives in either!
I may be partial, but I think we have two of the most interesting cats that ever lived...
 I bet they would agree. ;-)

Monday, January 30, 2012

"More than meets the eye..."

January 22nd was Richard's "big day". He looked forward to it for months. To him, it was the final leap into big boy-hood. To his mama it was yet another milestone indicating that her sweet baby was all-too-quickly becoming a little man...
Richard excitedly assesses the Transformers party decor the morning of his birthday.
He can now hold up all five fingers when people ask how old he is. "I'm fide," he'll tell you.
I have to say, I've never pulled a party together so quickly in my life. There is something to be said about a pre-packaged theme and popular characters. Thankfully, the boy didn't notice, nor care, that I didn't spend months researching and planning his birthday party...
that I didn't make the cake.....
that his only game was a ribbon-pull pinata.

It was all about the friends, the presents, and the extra love and attention...

 



Check out those tough guy eyes!
 January 28th was a big day for my girls. They both got baptized! 


This was one of those very special moments in life--not only for my daughters, but for Dale and I; their very proud parents.


"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Cor. 5:17

Monday, October 24, 2011

Isabelle Rose


Time goes, you say?  Ah no! Alas, Time stays, we go.
~Henry Austin Dobson


I can hardly believe it has been ten years since I brought my first child home from the hospital. TEN years!?

Dale and I had been married for a little over two years when God began to grow our family. I recall we were young and had just bought our first home. Dale owned a very successful business and life was full of joy and expectation. I can boldly say that nothing equals the joy of becoming a parent. It's indescribable. The anticipation, excitement, and preparation of God's most wondrous gift is incomparable.

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above." James 1:17


This year was a milestone birthday year for Belle, she turned double digits. A milestone year means a  milestone party. The decorations, games, and guest list are quite a bit more elaborate than the typical birthday. Come take a peak at her Cowgirl theme party...

The Invitation


The Decorations
My "Bandana Banner" idea I had at 3am the night before...;-)

The "Chuck Wagon" just waiting for the chuck...

Raspberry, Peach Iced Tea, Lemon Iced Tea, and Fruit Punch powders were ready to add a little flavor to the water at the "Waterin' Hole"

WANTED posters, specific to each party guest, were posted on the trees. Richard's was my favorite. He was wanted for "public urination". The boy can't seem to help himself.

You're not much of a cowboy/girl if you don't have your hat!
The Games
Treasure Hunt: find the snakes, frogs and gems in the grass....

My lil' cowboy
 


Galloping Horse Sack Race...
LOVE Juliette's wild and crazy hair in this pic! LOL
Galloping Gracie takes the lead and wins by a horse!
Cute little buddies

Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Horse Shoes, Pinata...
Lauren gets a few spins before she makes her way to the poster
The boys cheer on Lauren and Molly as they compete in a game of horse shoes.
Take him down, Belle!

Silly String Shoot Out...

The Farmer in the Dell Is-a-Belle...

Giddy-Up Cowpoke!!

It's time for presents!!

Menu 
Fire Roasted Chili Dogs
Baked Beans
Corn Bread



Evening hayride through the fields and woods...

 A special thanks to Nana for making the beautiful peanut butter birthday cake...
Make a wish!


My 10 year old girl, always my baby


A Mother's Prayer

I pray you'll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her with your grace
Give her faith so she'll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe
 

Celine Dion