Moms find out everything

As most of you know, my mom died thirteen years ago. After she died I learned a lot about my mom's personality and learned she was A LOT smarter than I ever thought. I found out that my mom knew I took her station wagon out for a tour of the town before I ever had my license. My mom and dad (they were still married) left the house to play Platform Tennis at "the club". "The Club" was literally 5 minutes away from where we lived. Soon after they left my friend and I took my mom's blue station wagon (the kind with the 3rd backseat that faced backward and the wood panel along both sides of the car) out for a drive. Apparently, she forgot something at the house so she left "the club" and drove home. I had already left the house and when she got home her car was gone. For years I thought I got away with taking her car out without her knowing. I could not believe my mom knew what I did and never said anything to me. I guess she felt like she had to pick and choose her battles with me, since there were lots.

This story comes to mind because my neighbor just told me that one of her screens was missing from the window. This window leads to a bedroom and is a fabulous place to sneak out of the house. After she noticed the screen was gone she went into the bedroom and found the blinds pulled up and the window unlocked. Her daughters also switched bedrooms and the older one was in the bedroom with the unlocked window. All evidence concludes that this child sneaked out of the house. When confronted by her mother the daughter came up with some lame excuses and "played dumb" about the screen missing. I laughed while listening to the entire story and reminded myself that MOMS KNOW EVERYTHING. I can't wait when I surprise Samantha one day with information she thought I'd never find out. Why is it, when we are teenagers we think our parents don't have the brain power to catch us doing things we shouldn't?

Tennis League

My spring tennis league started a few weeks ago. I had mixed feelings about whether I should play in the league because until one week ago I'd only played three times in the last year. I'm happy to report that I am now 2-0. Yes, that's two victories and no losses. As many of you know I'm a complete "nut job" on the court. I put WAY too much pressure on myself to win. It's so silly. I have to say, having Samantha has enabled me to relax on the court a little bit. Either I need to have more babies or just never practice if I want to win more. I wonder which solution is best.

Attention Dog Lovers

The information below came to me via another volunteer with Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue. Please read it so you can ensure you dog's safety if she/he likes stuffed animals.

Last night at agility class, a vet, who is a fellow agility student was telling us about a case she had this week. The dog ate a child's teddy bear and was very sick. When she opened the dog up to remove what she thought was an intestinal obstruction she found a huge gelatin type mess inside and the dogs intestines were black and the tissue dead. The dog will die no surgery can fix him up there was no living intestine left from stomach to colon.

This was not an obstruction. .... so she called the manufacturer of the Teddy Bear on a quest to find out what the gel was and what killed the dog. Turns out the stuffing in children's toys contains ingredients for flame retardants and mite control! It is designed to be come a gel. It is highly toxic. Now you would think a child's toy would be safe because it is for children, but they don't expect a child to eat the stuffing of the toys... huummmm that seems a bit scary too. But we all know dogs demolish stuffed toys.

So do not give or buy your dog any children's stuffed animals... some people get them at goodwill etc. The vet will be posting a warning and story and I will send any other facts as needed and as I learn more. Maybe some children's toys do not have this ingredient, but better to be safe then sorry. So meanwhile, make sure all your dog toys are for dogs. Please pass this on... it is a horrible death she described and one that can be avoided.

Charlotte, NC trip

This is Samantha at the very end of our visit in Charlotte. She was exhausted from all of the socializing. This picture makes Joseph and I laugh.

Lynn and her boys

Sam and her little friend

Samantha and I drove to Charlotte to say goodbye to our friend, Jennifer, who is moving to England in a few weeks. We hope Jennifer and her family enjoy lots of adventures in England and all of Europe. We will be looking forward to seeing them again in August, and will be excited to hear about their new home, school, and culture.

We enjoyed our visit with Lynn, Matt, their kids, and their dog, Fozzy. Samantha got to take her first trip down the slide (with mom) and I got to see what it is like having two children age 3 and under. Wow, is that a lot of work!!! Not sure I'm ready to go down that path quite yet.

Sam turns 8-months

Sam's boyfriend, Levi (he's 9-months)

Sam at 8-months

Sam and Audrey

8-months-old

Sam turned 8-months-old today! She spent the day babbling and crying. Quite often she is pensive, but today, she was very vocal. She has her 2nd cold, which she got from me. Joseph also has a cold. The dogs, thankfully, have been feeling well and we have gone a nice stretch of time without any vet bills.

This week has been a social week for Sam and me. On Tuesday we received a visit from our friend, Audrey, who drove down from Charlotte, and then went to "play group" that afternoon. This morning we had a "play date" with Sam's boyfriend, Levi. And tomorrow, Sam is going to come to my tennis practice (and hopefully sit quietly in her stroller while I play). Friday we are going to visit our long lost friend, Kari, who literally lives 5 minutes from us, but whom Sam has never met, due to conflicting schedules.

A Chessie pup

Sam and I transported a chesapeake bay retriever puppy to its "forever home" yesterday. We had fun playing with the pup until she left with her owners. If only I had more hands, more time, and more space. This pup was a keeper and it was bitter sweet to see her go. She is a beautiful chessie.

Charleston Visit

Sam with the chessie pup

Rebecca shooting free throws

Sam watching the twins play basketball with their father.

Samantha and I drove to Charleston this weekend to visit friends and to transport a chesapeake bay retriever. We had a great time hanging out with our little and big friends. Rebecca and Kelsey (identical twin 11-yr-olds) are so much fun to hang out with. Sam, of course, was on her best behavior and the girls loved her. The drive home wasn't so much fun. Samantha puked up her breakfast and dinner from the night before about 20 minutes into our drive home. Yuck. At least it didn't get on me.