A New Piano: New to us anyway

The bench can even hold music (piano books), much to Libby's delight.

It is a Kohler & Chase that was given to us by a family that gives us so much. The Reese family has given us everything from school uniforms, to roller blades/shoes and even the best gift ever...a vet recommendation. The piano is a great addition, now we are only looking to get it tuned up. Thanks to Lee, Jon, and Philip and a nice guy's low trailer, the piano came to us in great shape.

Zeus: Part 3

Such a double standard that I am pointing out his groin area...
Nothing wrong with the foot, he was just walking for the picture. Do you like the tie up at the top? That allows the fire hose to keep off the shirt.

The staples were removed today (Friday). He was such a good boy and didn't even whine while 4 people hovered and held him still. Brooke and I kept telling him what a good boy he was. His tail stopped a few times and his legs gave a few quivers, but mostly he just let his tongue hang out as if to say, "When can I get up?" (He was patient through the removal of some huge amount of staples). The vet did put in a few more staples back into the groin area (as seen in the photo). With all that said, Zeus is happily walking to school every day with the girls. He still needs to wear a shirt to keep things as clean as possible. Thanks to all of you that have been concerned.

Play dates are so fun!

It is always fun to play with other kids, especially when they all go home before anyone is crying. These kids cry when it is time to go HOME! I love new ideas of what to do on our playground. Noah was brave enough to jump on the glider while it was moving. Can you guess the name of the movie (listen to the humming)?

Zeus: Part 2

Before the surgery pictures. Note the huge shoulders that are not for weight lifting.

After the surgery. His fur will grow back quickly. He can walk to school with us next week!

After 2 hours in surgery, the vet called me (exhausted himself) to explain that he removed 5 masses. Two of which were the size of my head (he actually showed them to me). Once Zeus fully recovers, he will be much lighter, 10 pounds to be exact. The tumors could grow back, but hopefully slowly as they came. He is still drugged up on morphine and is sleeping and only drinking. One of the tumors did have a hard substance inside, that could be cancer. The expense to biopsy does nothing, only "lets you know". There is no treatment. I let the vet know that our family prayed for his hands to do the right thing. He thanked me for that and admitted that it was very intricate work (blood vessels, muscle, etc.) I am so glad to have him home.

My baby is going under the knife on Friday

My baby is Zeus, our dog. He will have surgery tomorrow morning. I will post before and after pictures once everything goes well. He is 10 years old, but blood work shows he is perfectly healthy. Labs commonly grow fatty tissue tumors that don't cause any problems. He started growing 2 softball size tumors on both shoulders that look like saddlebags. This is not cosmetic surgery, he has up to 14 that could possibly be removed tomorrow. They will remove what they can in 1 hour (those that cause loss of motion/largest in size). I have shopped around (4 to be exact) for the best vet. I have found him and Zeus loves him (I think he is a dog whisperer) as well.

First day of Rainbow School

Brooke started pre-school today at Mrs. Tami's rainbow school. She loved every minute, especially when she met up with Kea (instant new best friend). There is circle time, calendar, centers, snack time, story time and even time for parachute fun! I am excited for the opportunity to get to know the kids as well - I will be helping out!



During circle time, each child sits on a circle mat and practices listening to Mrs. Tami.

Brooke with her cousin Joshua
Brooke loves the flowers at Mrs. Tami's house.
Brooke and Josh with Mrs. Tami
Kea and Brooke playing house
Play-doh table

First day of School 2008-09

Perry now wears the same size shoes as I do! He can wear only white shirts (wonder how long I can keep them white). He can walk and roll or he can wear the backpack on his shoulders or he can even transport it on his bike (thanks to Grandma Loveridge).
Sage has Mrs. Lockerman and loves her. I asked why and this is what she said. When someone asks her how to spell a word, she tells them. Her first grade teacher made them sound everything out. Sage loves to spell things correctly!
Libby has Mrs. Whitmer and loves all the animals in her classroom. She told me her bird was too tired to come to school today, but maybe tomorrow. Libby loves her new hair cut that keeps the hair out of her face (most of the time). Shoes and socks are not bothering her, allowing her to be ready very quickly this morning.
The new backpacks!
Breakfast is served...Brooke is not a morning person (in case you didn't know)

Wow! Summer is over and school is in session for most. Brooke starts preschool on Tuesday. Perry walked with a friend to their new middle school. He is on a block schedule, so he will meet the other half of his teachers tomorrow. Perry already memorized his locker combo, but accidentally looked for it in a different building. Oops, middle school is BIG! Everyone has new shoes and backpacks, since they are all growing so fast.

One would think it would be quiet at home, since the kids were at school. Not quite yet. Brooke and I walked the 2 girls to school and sat with them while they ate breakfast (we still qualify for free food at school for the time being). Then they (maybe me) forgot snack for recess, so Brooke and I stopped at the school on our way home from some errands. Sage had requested that I come eat lunch, so Brooke and I went back again. Which worked out well, Sage and Libby were able to cut in line (in front of 5 other classes) to eat with Brooke and myself. Finally, Brooke and I went back to pick them up for school. Now, I know you are thinking, this is too much! When I used to work a J-O-B, these are the things I missed out on and wished that I could do what my children asked of me. There will never be a first day of 2nd grade ever again, so you can bet I was there with a smile on my face. The smile left when Libby did not show up after school. Now that is another story and she will try better next time :)