Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Final Score-Cats :2 vs Birds:0

We used to have 4 Cocktails in our living room. (Yes, this isn't going to be pretty).

They - Elvis, Ozzy, Moe, and Cosmo lived happily (I would guess) in a very large green cage in the corner of my dining room. They had every thing a captive bird could want. Elvis was the first, Katy bought him over 7 years ago from a breeder. She got Ozzy from a friend of her brothers about 6 years ago. Not long after that, I bought Cosmo for Bari for Christmas. We weren't married yet, so it was a weird kind of gift. That was about 5 years ago. Then, my boss gave us Moe about 4 years ago. Moe was the bosses' sons pet. Moe was the least liked of the bunch. (or flock as it may be).

Fast forward to Mother's Day this year. Bari and I choose 2 beautiful male European Burmese kittens (6 months- so they weren't too little) for our new family pets... All is well. For a while. Then we spy Jay sitting on top of the bird cage. Now, I have to explain that the cage is fairly large. It stands almost as tall as I am, and is at least 3 feet wide on each side. We bought it at a bird show, so it is a standard type cage for this breed. Ok- so there is Jay, on top. At night we'll put a blanket over the cage to keep the birds quiet in the mornings. A couple of times, I heard strange noises, only to find Jay UNDER the blanket that was COVERING the cage. We went full-scale trying to discourage the cats from being near the cage. Then one day last week, I heard the vacuum going at 7 in the morning. Uh-oh, this can't be good. Bari was cleaning up the feather fest from the living room and hallway. The cats got a hold of Moe. Jonesy looked pretty guilty, but I think he just got Jay's left overs. So, we work even harder at keeping the cats at bay.

Tragedy strikes Monday morning - 4:30am. There is pounding at our door. It is Madeline screaming "Cosmo! Cosmo!" Yep, Sure enough, Cosmo is outside our door, looking like dinner. (Or maybe a really early breakfast). He was still alive (in his own little birdy voice calling for help), when Madeline found him. Did you know that not all Vet's offices take birds? Well, none of the 24 hour pet hospitals take birds. So, off we go to Wyoming at 8 the next morning, with our little chewed bird in a Little Debbie box. So sad. They kept him over night, and even considered an amputation of the wing (there was muscle damage). But what got him in the end was the bacterial infection from the cat bites. - Side note, oddly enough, Bari brought home KFC that night (which rarely happens) and instead of the regular dinners, brought home WINGS-(he has never brought home wings before). Maybe Jonesy had an accomplice.

OK- back to the story, after $200 of treatment (our absolute limit), he was pronounced incurable. Even if they took the wing, the infection was too bad. Now, another decision. If we have him cremated, it would cost $80 !!!!!! Oh, no thank you, I'll just pick him up and bury him myself. So, I did just that, (went and picked him up) and they sent him home in a little box. Well, Sam and Madeline wanted to see him. The last time I saw him he looked a little plucked. But, I opened the box and there he was, all dead and all, but with a little (no kidding) PURPLE cast on his wing! In an odd way, I think that purple cast helped the kids know that they did everything they could for him.

We have yet to hear from the fish. Maybe I'd better start counting.

ps, the rest of the birds have now been moved to the spare downstairs room. I just hope someone remembers to feed them. Katy better hurry up and take them.....soon.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Weddings -day's past and day's to come

What can I say about my week? Work is pretty slow right now. I think there may be 5-8 orders on the Production Log (it is usually around25-30). Needless to say, about 3 of the orders are 'hold for Louann' requests. I like doing the more complicated pieces but I think it frustrates my boss when there is so little to do, and the other framers aren't aloud to work on them. One of the orders has 3 newspapers to frame. They are articles or advertisements and the paper heading with date. These are for my old friend Dr Mark Mandell-Brown. He's a plastic surgeon in town. He is one of my regulars who always requests me. That's ok with the other girls because they say that helping him makes them think he is sizing them up for surgery. I have something to cut apart and put back together for another customer, and I don't remember the 3rd thing I have to do tomorrow. I need to work more, but it is really nice to be home, too. I don't think - infact, I am sure I couldn't find another job that is as flexible as this one.
I need to start getting things together for the trip to Gatlinburg with Madeline. It should be fun. We should have quite a lot of free time, if we are scheduled to dance 3 days, and they only have 4 routines. That's where not working very many hours really bites - it will take some serious budgeting to get us through 4 days, meals and some entertainment. The condo where we are staying has a kitchenette, and Madeline is in favor of making some dinners in our room. We are taking off Thursday and will be back on Monday. The dance studio director and her husband were married 10 years ago in Gatlinburg, during National competition- so they are renewing their vows on Thursday night. All the girls (and any family members) are invited to go. It should be fun.
Sammy is going to his Dad's again this week, leaving Wednesday night and returning next Tuesday night. He is going to Cedar Point, so it should be a fun trip (I hope).
Bari and I had two weddings this past weekend. One was on the 4th at a Lutheran Church in Anderson, with the reception at Dree's Pavilion. If you haven't been to Davou Park, it is just off I75 in Kentucky, just after the bridge on the right, up a BIG hill. It has a pretty view, but the evening was foggy, and you could only see the bottom half of the fireworks. It was pretty neat to see all the individual fireworks along the hill sides, though. But, I would hate to have spent the BIG bucks to have this view, and then have it be cloudy. Oh well. Anyway, it was the most difficult wedding we have done. It was a challenge because all the timing was off, and people were not where they were supposed to be. For example, the brides brother was supposed to stay at the parents house for portraits, but he went to the church to be with the other groomsmen. (Who were not dressed when we arrived for their portrait session). It was hard to keep up with which portraits we were missing, and then try to pick them up later. Usually, we meet with the groom, groomsmen and grooms family at a specific location. Next, we travel to the bride, photograph her, her 'maids, and her family. That way, after the wedding all we have to do is portraits with the bride and groom together with families, and wedding party. Lastly, we'll do some romantic shots of the couple together. If we miss the individual families from the early sessions, it just makes the portrait time in between the wedding and reception even longer. No one likes to be late to the reception. The second wedding was also in Anderson-Withamsville area, with the reception at the same hall where Katy had hers. It went like clockwork, a perfect wedding photography day. Thank heavens for that because we were still a little hung over from the wedding the night before. It's hard to explain why the day after a wedding is so hard. The only way I can think of explaining is that the day of the wedding we are running on adrenalin for hours and hours, and the next day you just crash. While I'm gone next weekend, Bari has 2 more weddings, but he is shooting for someone else so it isn't quite as intense. Oh, the second wedding had the cutest Grooms cake, it was huge- about 20 inches long and 8-10" in diameter, it was a serious looking Coney with cheese. Bari took 2 photos, one from the front, and one from the end. The end view looked just like a hot dog with chili beans and cheese. It was so fun.

Well, to make this post even longer, I'm going to write a few of the things that I'm grateful for. This is probably pretty repetitive from other lists, but we talked about Gratitude today in my primary class, and I need to write just how grateful I am.

I'm grateful for my kind and loving husband. He would do almost anything just to make me happy. He loves me and loves taking care of me. I can't even express what this means to me.

I'm grateful for my children. I love them all and am grateful to be their mother. I was looking through some old pictures tonight, and fell in love with my little 2 and 3 year olds all over again. Thank heavens we only take pictures of the good moments and fun times. I'm grateful that Sam and Madeline are having a normal childhood, and are loved and cared for.

I'm grateful that we have a house to live in, that all my children have their own beds, and even have their own rooms. We have hot and cold running water that is clean. We are protected from the elements. That there is peace in my home.

I'm grateful that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I know what a lost and wandering soul I would be with this knowledge. I am ever grateful that I know that Heavenly Father knows me personally, and that he helps me, guides me, supports me and forgives me without comparing me to anyone else.

Well, it's late and I have a couple of big days ahead (and I haven't gotten to bed before 1 am the past 2 nights)- so I'll just say that I'm grateful for the bloggin' sisters (and Ray)- this wasn't a deep and insightful blog, but it does help to just write sometimes.

Friday, June 20, 2008

What's new

I guess I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought I'd record a few things that are going on in our lives so far this summer.

Tonight is the rehearsal for Madeline's recital tomorrow. She has to be downtown at the Aronoff by 4 this afternoon. Bari is taking her because he has become the official recital photographer for the studio. I was looking forward to going because this is the first year I won't be a Back stage helper. This year I am free to watch all the performances. I like the rehearsals because it is so chaotic. Now, this is not normal for me. If you recall, I don't like going to the Christmas party because of the chaos. Who knows why I can deal with one and not the other. Anyway, I'm blogging partly because I am trying to keep busy since I don't have to get ready. Soooo- Madeline has 5 dances this year (oh, I wasn't going to start with Madeline- - - -pardon me as I switch family news to another member). - - - Bari is shooting this event tonight and tomorrow night. He is also working tomorrow(regular job) until noon, and then helping another friend-photographer with his event. THEN he'll meet us downtown. Bari is deep in Senior portrait season. It can be a bear, but the kids are fun most of the time. He sometimes thinks his bosses are pushing him out of the studio and that they will let him go in the fall. Besides all the financial challenges, I can't say I hate the idea. Anyway, he's holding his own for now.

I'm getting a lot of 'how's Katy?' She and Josh are doing well. If you haven't heard, they have a new puppy, a Yorkie named Chewie (like Chewbaka in the Star Wars). Katy only calls 3 or 4 times a day. Sometimes it is work, sometimes a manners question (do I need to send Uncle Randy a Thank You if he sent a card and no gift?), mother-in-law venting (her's -not mine), and my very favorite- . She'll tell me something Josh did 'just to help' that really wasn't any help at all. Yes, we all love our husbands when they 'think' they are helping. Anyway, all is good as rain (?) (what is the saying?. Katy is happy and that is all that counts.

Not many of you know my son Joey. He is 21, just 2 years younger than Katy. Joey gets himself into trouble now and then. And, he makes poor choices most of the time. The worst of his choices lately is his ex-girlfriend. I won't get into details, but just so you know my weeks aren't all fun and games (ha) - I'll let you know that last week, Wednesday was his trial. He and his ex had a fight (not physical, but she said menacing). After weeks of pre-court dates, it finally came down to this, Joey is on probation for 2 years. During this time he cannot speak, text, call, or send messages through a 3rd party to her. He will have random drug/alcohol testing, alcohol/drug counseling, anger management classes and have to report to a probation officer. The judge looked at Joey's prior record (not good-not terrible) and told Joey that he needed someone to check in with and report to. I was sooooo happy to hear this. Joey needs to be accountable to SOMEONE, and he won't talk to his dad or to Bari. I was also happy with the anger management classes. I hope he really learns something from this. Now, if he breaks his probation, he would have to serve all the jail time he has avoided until now. That could mean a year in jail. On a positive note, he called today and said he had met with his probation officer, and she seemed nice and reasonable. If he checks in regularly in the next couple of months, and starts taking his classes, she'll only want to see him every 3 months. I want her to see him every week, but I guess that isn't possible. Soooo that is the Joey story. I have always worried the most about him. My prayers are always with him.

Bari Ray, boy is he happy school is out for the summer. He has his summer reading to do, and has already started on it. Infact, the kids have a mandatory 1 hour reading session every morning this summer. So far (3 weeks into summer) it has been very successful. I hope I can keep on top of it. Next week is Boy Scout Camp. He is looking forward to the new camp. Sometime this summer is will probably try to make a trip to Tenn to see grandparents, but we'll see how that goes. He is thinking about the Air Force, and a Mission. I'm proud of his choices. When I get frustrated, it is because he is acting like a typical 16 year-old boy, and not the cute, happy, wanting-to-please kid I've come to know and love.

Like I said earlier, Madeline is at her rehearsal tonight. She has 5 dances, ballet (it is beautiful!), tap small group (dr's and nurses routine), tap large group (Undead, zombies routine), jazz small group (shimmy-shimmy, fringe and all), jazz large group (disco fever, yellow shiny bell bottom hip hugger pants). I've seen all the routines at competitions except the ballet. There is no sign of stopping or slowing down next year either. She wants to add a lyrical class, and a duet or trio. Last Sunday she had a small performance. It was for students who wanted to create their own dance and then perform it. Madeline choreographed a lyrical dance for 3 friends and herself. The parents and other teachers were really impressed with what they had come up with. It was beautiful and sophisticated. This summer she has 3 one hour workshops, a 4 day (all day) dance camp, and a competition performance in Gatilinburg. I guess she dances pretty much all year round. I don't want her to get burned out, but it is really hard to stop her when she wants to do this, and does it so very well. She, also will (maybe) take a trip to see family in Tenn, but it will really depend on her schedule.

My sweet Sammy. He had a pretty busy couple of weeks. Today was his last day of his Summer Reading Program. It was only 2 hours a day, and he love it. He wants to do it again next year (funding is only for 3rd - going into-4th graders). It kept him busy, he felt like he had something to do too (like his bro and sis). I wish the class was closer to the end of summer, as a refresher before school starts again. Well, they didn't ask me, did they? Last Friday Sam had his first appointment at Children's Hosp. for his Autism assessment. We met with a really nice doctor who asked a lot of questions and told Sam he wouldn't have any shots that day. Sam said he had prayed for that (and indeed he had! the night before, it was Sam's turn for family prayer, and he added "please help me have a good day at the Dr's tomorrow, and no shots." Don't you love that?
Anyway, the Dr is sending Sam to see a Speech Pathologist, and a Psychologist. Unfortunately, the next appointments are not until November. I have to keep calling to find a cancellation. After the next appointments, we'll meet with the Dr again, and make some kind of assessment on his behavior. Hang tight, this is just the beginning.

So, between dance, dr's, judges, brides, husbands, kids, and my regular job, life just gets better and better. So, how can I summarize this ? I do love my life. I love my family. Everytime I'm at a wedding and they pronounce the bride and groom married until death I cringe, and then say a prayer of thankfulness that I do have the gospel, and the temple, and a loving, adoring husband who is my husband FOREVER. Could my life be better? I don't know, it would help if we were a little more financially stable. It could be better if Bari had more time to spend with us. We do alright. Yes, life is good. I am thankful.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Yes, I have a testimony

I just want you all to know that I do have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This past month has been stressful in many ways, but challenging my testimony is not one of them. Well.....that isn't exactly true. I want to know something. How can a loving God in Heaven give to women, mothers, daughters of God, HOT FLASHES ?????? This has challenged my testimony. Yes, I know you are ALL too young to understand the complications of such a seemingly innocent body function. But I ask you, have we not already sacrificed a week of our lives every month since we were at the tender age of 10? Sacrificed sanity, water gain, white jeans and swimming? I don't understand. What more can I give? Well, apparently, I can give a little more. In the middle of the night (3am to be exact), I can give up my sleep, covers and any modest pj's. Is that enough? NOOOO.....IN the middle of the day, a slow sweat drips down my back, as if I am sitting in the middle of a beach. I am not on the beach.
I LOVE the Lord, but if I ever get the chance, unexpected hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and hair growing in all the WRONG places!!!! I will make a change or two.
This isn't over yet.