Tile, Tonsils and Tresses

It has been almost a month since I last posted! That ought to be a good indicator of how exciting life has been lately. But in the past couple of weeks we have had a little bit of excitement in Three Ts.

Tile: We had relatives staying with us while they were moving, and were blessed by their Mad Skillzz in the flooring category. In fact, some of those skillzz were taught to all members of our family. The younger boys specialized in the demolition side of things. Bugs thinks he could have a future in tile, and he really enjoyed helping his uncle. He's a capable and hard working kid with infinite patience. He, unlike his mom, isn't afraid of the tile saw. I learned that "mocha" grout is my archnemesis, but triumphed over the vile beast. Our kitchen is sporting a new and, may I say, fabulous look. It was adventurous to tackle the kitchen with 12 people living here, 8 of whom were kids, but everyone pitched in and we do good work! Of course, the professional did most of it but we learned a lot and gained new confidence. Bugs says we are doing the entryway next, before football starts. Yes, SIR!

Tonsils: Scooter is walking a little bit lighter lately. He parted with his tonsils and adenoids last Friday. For those who know him well, imagine my reaction to the doctor instructing us to "keep him quiet and resting for a couple of weeks." BAHAHAHA! Dude was up and running hours after surgery and has not stopped yet. He did try to give his mom a heart attack by waking up from surgery without the ability to breathe, but that wasn't a big deal to anyone but ME. I swear, they ought to offer the parents Versed in pre-op instead of the kids. Scooter refuses the pain medication unless I force it and he tries hard to convince us that he's 100% healed already. He is SUPER bored and annoyed with me for enforcing his quarantine. We're praying that his recovery continues to go well, and that he will be free from the illnesses and issues that have been plaguing him all year. For what it's worth, peach juice makes an awesome slushie, and apple juice is "lame," according to the patient.

Tresses: Tiana has loved her sassy summer hair, (so has everyone else) but the time has come to redo her yarn braids. This first set lasted about a month and a half and still looks decent, but some have slipped and others are looking "fuzzy," so it's time to say goodbye. I cut the yarn braids off just below the length of her natural hair, which left her with the cutest style! She wanted to leave it as-is but they are already coming undone and her hair is ready for some intense therapy. When we do Tiana's hair again just before school starts, we may try the braids without yarn, just to see what her own hair looks like. It has grown like crazy since Tiana came home, but has never been long enough to do much with. I think she is adorable with the short braids, so I hope she still wants to give it a try on a couple of months. But first we need some fancy Princess hair for our upcoming family reunion. She is meeting cousins for the first time and she wants her hair to be "pretty like Goose." If she only believed us when we tell her how beautiful she is EVERY day.

So, that's the excitement lately. It's staggering, isn't it? We really do live a wild life here in Mayberry.

Attention Crazies (AKA Runners)

I must admit that I have NEVER felt that mythical Runner's High that all of you talk about. Running just makes me tired and nauseous and reminds me exactly how old and abused my knees really are. I used to run, but I never did really enjoy it and now my body does not allow such foolishness. But I know a LOT of people who run, enjoy it, and do it regularly. Yeah, I do think you're all crazy but to each his own. I love you anyway. Especially if you want to run in the Sole 2 Soul Run  in Declo, Idaho on Labor Day weekend. This family was in the adoption process with us but they are one of the unfortunate families who lost a lot of money, time and tears and never were able to bring their children home. You already know that I feel strongly about adoption, and this is a wonderful way to show your support while you get some exercise. If you register, let me know! If enough of you sign up I might dust off my running shoes and join you. Well, maybe for the 50-yard dash. If you don't run, you can be a sponsor and I am sure they can use plenty of volunteers too!

Howdy, Y'all!

Our Little Cowpokes in Southern Utah

To the Kind Gentleman at WalM@rt this afternoon

Dear Sir,
I never got a chance to thank you. While we waited in line for hours to meet Jerry Rice today, Bugs fully expected to get his chance. He brought his football jersey for an autograph. He patiently stood in line and even entertained younger kids waiting behind us (and with us). When it seemed that we might barely not make it through the line in time, Bugs offered to let the younger boy behind us go through first. As we approached the men managing the crowd, we were told that Mr. Rice would have to leave promptly at 6:00, but that we had a slim chance of getting to the table before he had to go. Most of the people in line behind us went home at that point. Bugs asked very quietly if we could stay. He still thought he was going to make it and he got more and more excited as we inched toward the front. When we were waiting behind just ONE other family, we were all told that Mr. Rice would not be meeting with any more fans and could not sign any more autographs. Some of the other people in line rushed forward to the table to try to get their footballs, jerseys, trading cards and helmets signed as Mr. Rice was leaving. Bugs ran with the little boy and helped him to the front of the barriers, but neither of them ever got their autographs. Bugs is a big kid and a tough kid, but his disappointment rolled down his cheeks in salty tears. In his young mind it was totally unfair that the "grown-ups" had pushed the kids out of the way. As I comforted him, you walked up to us and asked if you could help. Bugs explained that he had almost made it, but wasn't able to meet a "real football player,"  but that he was fine. Just that small compassionate gesture was more than enough. When you headed toward the men who were escorting Mr. Rice out of the store, we started to leave. Then you ran to us with an autographed picture of Jerry Rice, handed it to my boy and walked away with your own teen son as quickly as you had come. I know that getting an autograph from a retired NFL player is No Big Deal to most people, including myself. But to a newly-turned-11 year old who lives and breathes football, it was. You made his day, and in doing so made mine as well. I know you don't read my blog, but somebody who does might know you. There are angels everywhere, even our local discount store. You were kind to my son and an example to yours, and I pray that both of them will remember that moment and show that same kindness to another little boy someday. THANK YOU.