Sleep Tight, Giraffe

I just went in to check on Fin. She moved her giraffe onto the bed and off of the platform bed's side rails. I guess he was uncomfortable. Since he is now laying on a pillow and covered with her blankets, I guess he is doing ok.

Dam It

The beaver says it best.

see more crazy cat pics

Two weeks ago, my home computer died. Not such an unusual thing, it was 6 years old and was basically on the whole time I was home. I am one of those "always meaning to" people, though, and that computer has/had all of my pictures on it... without backup. I have someone who is going to try and recover them off the hard drive. In the meantime, I am trying not to think too much about the fact Fin's entire first year with me, including China, are on that hard drive. I hope it isn't fried. That would just be devastating. I will keep you informed.

Thanks to my parents, I have a new computer. Thanks to Brandon (and Nancy), I have a new monitor. Thanks to almost 3 hours of working with Cox Cable without me resorting to threats against their homes, children, and pets, I have functioning internet access.

I don't really have any new pictures. Life has been pretty status quo. I do have a nice piece of artwork from Fin, though! The big person on the left is me and the small one at the top is Fin being held by me. The added person at the bottom is either Grandma or Grandpa, depending on when you ask.



This picture was given to me in a wrapped box (with some help from Nancy). Fin has been very big on giving gifts lately. This includes a wrapped box of macaroni and cheese she took to her teacher and a card she just had to buy for Mr. Pat. A Mother's Day card.

Spring Break, Pre-K Style

Fin had spring break the week after Easter. Mom and Dad came in to babysit and Dad painted my kitchen cabinets. (Thanks!) They also took Fin to their house for a few days. I didn't fare too well with that, but she did fine. After four days back at school, we took an extended weekend trip to Ft. Worth, Texas to see my childhood friend Dana and her husband Matt and their daughter Gwen then we went on to San Antonio to see my sister, Stacy, her husband, Tom, and my nephews Sean and Travis. We were greeted enthusiastically and treated like royalty in both places and Fin and I had a blast. We got back in at midnight last night thanks to the brilliant air traffic controllers at Newark. After a long day at school and work, our beds beckon. So, no more narrative, instead, let me catch you up in pictures. (Admit it, thats what you wanted anyway.)

"Rusty Cat, drink your bottle!"


First tea party with Grandma. Not so sure about the tea, but lovin' the cookies!



The trip to Texas was Giraffe's first flight. He apparently needed some reassurance...


... and some instruction on the use of the air sickness bag.


Matt and Dana's backyard offers bubble blowing, sidewalk chalk, and family time.




Fin didn't seem to miss her room or her stuff or her school or her friends... but she was worried about her Jimmie Car. So, Nancy and Mr. Pat, who were sitting him, took this picture to assure Fin he was ok. Isn't that sweet!?


We went to the Ft. Worth zoo, which is a beautiful zoo. They had a baby giraffe!


The tiger kept pacing the window looking at all the kids. Window shopping, I think.


My little bit o' shark bait.


I love this picture, but I am betting her Grandpa doesn't.


High five, turtle!


Beautiful girls.


Gwen and the runaway stagecoach.


Chillin' after the zoo.


Sunday, Dana and I went to the race at Texas Motor Speedway. It just rises up from the side of the highway. It is the largest and fastest track I have ever visited. We had a great time and my guy finished second and ran with guts all day. Can't ask for better.



In San Antonio, my beautiful sister, Stacy, took us to the Air Force base where we got to see a huge, outdoor display of planes.


My handsome, almost grown, nephews, Sean (left) and Travis (right).


Fin really dug Tom. He was a big jungle gym.


The clan.


Now, for a couple of random pictures.

This is my parent's other cat, Tim Bob. He is such a sweetie. They were very kind and let him stay with me when they took Fin home. I have missed having a cat in the house and enjoyed every minute of his visit. Mom actually took this picture, but it shows his sweet and silly personality. Yes, he has three legs. No, he didn't "lose it in the war", no matter what he tries to tell you.


Finally, remember Fin's "I'm gonna git you sucka" formal school picture? Thought it couldn't get much worse?


It seems, it could be worse.

That's what I get for insisting she smile when they took her picture.

Finally, I want to second what Christy put in the comments field of the last post. Teaching your kids to swim is a gift of health, safety, and fun. Just do it! Hope all is well with everyone. Now, back to normal for awhile.