The Harrington Haven

2009-10-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

I keep a book, handwritten if you can fathom that antiquated method of documentation, which captures all the wonderful things my children say. All too often, their hilarious comments and observations are quickly forgotten, so I try to write them down immediately.

Someday I will give them the book (by that time, perhaps I will have transcribed another copy) so they can enjoy all of their quotes.

It's been a while since I've shared the collection, so I'll list a few of the more recent ones.

May 14, 2008

Haddie broke the lightbulb in her lamp. They were both very concerned that I would be mad, and I could hear Andy talking to her as I approached the room. He said, "Haddie, I want to tell you something about lies and truths. Well, accidents CAN happen sometimes, but not really lies, but purposes can happen, too."

May 30, 2009

I was singing while doing the dishes. Haddie said, very sternly, "No, Mommy. This is NOT American Idol."

Everyone's a critic.

June 12, 2008

I was sharpening my kitchen knife with a sharpening stick (it clangs and sounds like swords). Andy asked what I was doing and when I told him, he said, "Oh. It sounded like you were fighting evil."

June 28, 2008

Andy: Mommy, I love you. I'll always be with you. When I'm a father and have kids, I'll still be with you. Yeah. And when I'm a father and Haddie's a mother and we have kids together, we'll still live with you, okay?

April 29, 2009

I told Andy that I have another infection under my arm and that I needed help with the chores. He said, very seriously, "Well, Mommy, if it gets really bad, you'll have to cut your arm off, you know."

June 6, 2009

Andy slipped and fell on his hip. He got up rubbing it and said, "Ow! I hurt the left ankle of my butt!"

June 14, 2009

In school, the kids have studied bugs and learned that each bug has a different name. We had a rogue mosquito in the house and I couldn't kill it. After swatting and missing, I lost track of it. I said (to myself, under my breath) "Where is the little bastard?"

When I couldn't find it, I turned my attention to something else. A few minutes later, Haddie got excited. She said, "Mommy! Right there! There's the Little Bastard!"

Andy said, "I see it! I see the Little Bastard! Kill it!

They thought a "little bastard" was a type of mosquito.

June 30, 2009

When Haddie awoke, she had four mosquito bites on her face. She said, "Mommy, was it that Little Master you tried to kill? Did you kill that Little Master, or is this a new Little Master?"

Andy corrected her. "No, Haddie! It's a Little BASTARD! Mommy, did you kill that Little Bastard, or is this a new Little Bastard?"

Haddie cocked her head in confusion. "Oh. I thought it was called a Little Master..."

June 16, 2009

Andy was carrying around his CD/radio combo, trying to make it play.

Andy: Mommy, back in the old days, how did people use their radios without plugs?
Me: They didn't. Not before plugs were invented.
Andy: No, I mean, back in the Ninja Turtle days, how did they carry their radios around and play music?
Me: Oh! You mean the guys carrying big boom boxes?
Andy: Yeah! In the Ninja Turtle live-action movie days.
Me: They used batteries.
Andy: OH!!! (chuckles to himself)

June 19, 2009

While closing the lid to the plastic rice container, I accidentally snapped a piece off. Haddie, who was standing behind me watching, tutted. "Uh oh, Mommy. Now you're gonna have to pay for that."

June 19, 2009

The kids make "pets" out of almost everything. The dead (and nasty, stinky, decaying) toad they brought in today. The Daddy Long-legs in the bathroom. The palmetto bugs on the porch.

While playing outside, they brought in a chunk of rock, about the size of a paperweight.

Haddie was playing with it and I heard her say, "I think it's not really a rock. It's a pet meteor."

June 20, 2009

I'm reading Harry Potter to Andy and I tend to develop a British accent, even when I'm trying not to.

Andy said to me, "Mommy, speak regular. You know, like a normal human."

July 4, 2009

Terry accidentally broke my favorite coffee mug this morning. He felt really bad about it and apologized for being clumsy.

Andy, trying to make him feel better, said, "It's okay, Daddy. Sometimes I get clumsy, too, when I'm drunk."

I asked him what he gets drunk on. He said, "Oh, milk and juice and stuff like that."

Supporting Writers

2009-10-02T01:41:00.001-07:00

As a writer myself, I'm all about supporting new authors. Here are a few books I'm recommending, partly because I have some vague connection to the author, and partly because they really do look like great reads. Note: I have not actually read them yet, but I have pre-ordered my copies.

Firstly, we have Mind Games, by new author, Carolyn Crane. She is the wife of my online bf's bro (yeah, kinda like "My sister's nephew's brother's cousin's former roommate"...). Bantam picked her up and I'm so happy for her!

Next we have my good friend, known to the world as Shadiya Ray. Her book, A Taste of Blood, is a new release from Lulu. Who can resist a good vampire tale?
http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fStoreID=2286630&fMode=edit

Last but not least, my hubby's good bud and accomplished poet Robert Gray has published a new book of poetry.
http://negativecapabilitypress.org/drew1.html

Please support these three talented people!

Stylish Reading

2009-05-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

My four year old Haddie, stretched out on the sofa as though lounging at the beach, had a book in her hands. A rather large, klunky book. Opening it to a center page, she peered at me over the top.

"Mommy, aren't I stylish?" she cooed, cocking her head in posing.

I laughed. "Yes you are stylish. Reading is very stylish. But what book are you reading?"

"It's my favorite book. It's called Numbers," she replied.

"Oh. But doesn't the title read 501 Japanese Verbs?" I hinted.

Raising her eyebrows, she examined the cover title. "Oh yeah! It's Japanese. But it also has numbers in it." She pointed to a page number proudly, to prove her point.

I'm so glad she finds the page numbers of her favorite book to be so interesting.

They Don't Have Nintendo in Heaven?

2009-05-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Andy said to me, "But Mommy, I don't WANT to die. Because I won't be able to play my DS anymore."

I'm glad he's got his life priorities in order.

:)

The First Engrish?

2009-05-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

Yet another hilarious book for your perusal. As a fan of Engrish.com, I appreciate the unintentional humor in linguistics. While not of Japanese origin, this book just may be the first kind of "Engrish".

This is Amazon's description:
In 1855, when Jose da Fonseca and Pedro Carolino wrote an English phrasebook for Portuguese students, they faced just one problem: they didn't know any English. Even worse, they didn't own an English-to-Portuguese dictionary. What they did have, though, was a Portuguese-to-French dictionary, and a French-to-English dictionary. The linguistic train wreck that ensued is a classic of unintentional humor, now revived in the first newly selected edition in a century. Armed with Fonseca and Carolino's guide, a Portuguese traveler can insult a barber ("What news tell me? All hairs dresser are newsmonger"), complain about the orchestra ("It is a noise which to cleve the head"), go hunting ("let aim it! let make fire him"), and consult a handy selection of truly mystifying "Idiotisms and Proverbs."

Ben Franklin loves to fart!

2009-05-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine anyone more wonderful than a brilliant historical figure who speaks openly of farting and nudity?

If you're not familiar with Ben Franklin, beyond what the history books teach, you should check out books like this. He was a gas (pun intended)!

How to Good-Bye Depression

2009-05-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

This has to be the funniest book I've ever seen. It's called How to Good-Bye Depression: If You Constrict Anus 100 times Everyday. Malarky? Or effective way?

Read the blurb, but also read the reviews, which are, IMO, just as funny as the book premise.

2009-04-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

I think there is some manner of conspiracy afoot. Have you noticed how fast time is moving these days? I'm not the only reporting such awareness, either. It's happening everywhere, to everyone. It must be an evil alien plot to speed up time!

It's been six months since my grandfather died and I realized that my last post on this blog was several weeks before that. In fact, the last post (the music video) was really intended as a message to him, to make him feel better as his impending demise drew closer. Now it's been six months since he died and I'm trying to figure out where time went. So much has happened in such a short time, I wouldn't even know where to begin.

At any rate, I have determined to keep this blog up-to-date more often, as it's rather devoid of posts. That said, I need to get back to class and am out of me-time. I'll leave you with a few recent quotes from Andy and Haddie. I'll post a true update another time.

I recorded these gems during our car-trip last week to central Pennsylvania.

Andy: How long do humans last?
(In his mind, humans are indistinguishable from androids)

*******

Haddie: Mommy, is the Easter Bunny real?
Me: What do YOU think?
Andy: I think he's got to be real, cuz he brings.....umm....Easter things.
Haddie: He brings toys.
Andy: Yeah. So he has to be real. SOMEONE has to do that.
Me: Well, if he's not real, who brings your Easter basket?
Andy: Well, someone does. Maybe a delivery man?

*******

Early in the month, we began marking off the days until our Easter trip so the kids could see when we were leaving. We forgot to mark off the last 2 days, as we were so busy preparing and packing. In mid-Virginia, Andy remembered that we hadn't marked them off. He insisted that we should drive back home to mark the days off "so we know it's time to leave."

********

Haddie didn't have to pee at one rest stop, but a few miles down the road decided that she had to go after all. She said, "Let's go back to that pee place."

*******

Raisinettes = Snackerettes (Andy)

********

We live in Alabama, where spring has been with us for a few months now. The temperature in PA was in the 40's, so it was much colder than we're used to. Upon exiting the car into the frigid night, Andy jumped back inside and shut the door. He exclaimed, "It was freezing out there in that death! This is the coldest I've ever felt in my life!! It's the freezing death!"

*********

In the bathroom at a rest stop, Andy noticed the scales that require money for a reading. He wanted to weigh himself.

Terry: No, Andy. You have to pay for that. We don't want to pay money for silly stuff.
Andy: Oh, Daddy! You never have money for silly stuff.

*******

We were driving over the mountain between Pleasant Gap and Centre Hall and pointed out the view to the kids. The mountainside road overlooks a big broad valley below (where they set up the Grange Fair, if you know the area). No buildings, just expansive, open farmland. Andy said, in awe, "Whoa! Look at the city!"

Guess his social studies didn't sink in, huh? LOL

*******

We were walking around Penn State campus when a UPS truck passed by.

Andy: Hey, look, mommy! It's the man-in-brown! Is he here to bring me something?
Me: Why would you think that? You don't live here.
Andy: Oh. But he always comes to bring me my toys when I lose them.

(explanation: whenever Andy leaves a toy, socks, etc at my mom's house, she always send them to us via UPS)

********

And, to finish up, I can't remember the day she said this, but a few months ago, Haddie was watching tv with us and a pic of Saddam Hussein came on the screen. Haddie pointed at the tv in excitement and said, "Hey! That looks like my Daddy!"

2008-10-08T16:44:00.001-07:00

2008-10-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

Here is an autumn shout-out to all my Crunchy Roll friends!! These are a few of our recent pics set to music from Saiunkoku Monogatari. Enjoy!

Autism Day at the Lake

2008-06-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Birmingham Children's Hospital has an organization called Fishing 4 a Cure that benefits research of childhood cancer. This time, they organized a day of fun and fishing for families affected by autism. Our family was invited to attend and we had a lot of fun. Andy and Haddie were treated royally, and I know they'll never forget it. I made a movie with the pics for you.

I tried to pub it here, but the comp fought with me, so I'll just give you the download link from MU.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4CZIEVXH

Those Jack Daniels pics

2008-06-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Since the video is a bit blurry, I'll post a few of my favorite pics from the Jack Daniel's shoot. You can't tell we love the Jack Daniels distillery, can you? ;)

Videos

2008-06-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I discovered the wonders of Movie Maker software. I made up two videos with the latest pics of the kids. You can download them from Megaupload, or watch them here.

Spring 2008
Combines pics from our Jack Daniel's photo shoot, trip to the Birmingham zoo, and the Tennessee Aquarium, set to an inspirational song from Korean group Shinhwa.

Download:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8SSLOUC9

In Their Words

2008-05-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I've posted, so I thought I'd share a few of Andy and Haddie's more recent funny quotes.

June 19, 2007
Daddy: "I have a request."
Haddie: "Like Shrek?"
After a moment of consideration...
Mommy: "You mean a quest?"
Haddie: "Yeah! To get his swamp back!"

October 2, 2007
Andy: "Mommy, you're my best friend. I'll never let you die."

October 2, 2007
Andy was watching the movie Hot Shots today, and asked about Saddam Hussein--the scene where the hero drops a bomb on him while he's sitting next to a swimming pool. I told Andy that Saddam was a very bad man, but the good guys caught and executed him. Andy asked, "Why was he bad? 'Cause he moved that chair near the pool?"

October 19, 2007
Andy: "I love you, Mommy. Don't ever take me back to the hospital." (translation: Don't give me back to where I was before you got me, if that makes sense)
Mommy: "I won't ever give you away. Because I love you so much."
Andy: "And if you didn't have any kids you'd have a sports car?"

March 1, 2008
Mommy: "What's with you two tonight?"
Andy: "Maybe I have a brain damage."

February 7, 2008
Andy: "I love my new world. Yeah. I just love my new world. It's so beautiful. With all the birds flying. And all the frogs hopping around. I want to keep my new world."

February 29, 2008
Andy: "I just took out my maditude. Okay? So I'm happy now. Okay, I'm happy...well, except for my other attitudes. But I'm happy for once."

March 3, 2008
There was a bad storm coming through and Andy was extremely concerned that we had not gone to the basement yet. In a scolding tone, Andy said, "Daddy, you better keep your kids safe. You better keep your kids healthy or they'll die young. And they'll never get healthy anymore."

March 4, 2008
Haddie tripped over the lego box and it made a racket. I hopped up to check on her and she said, "I'm okay, Mommy. I didn't die myself."

March 5, 2008
Andy had his Webkinz snake wrapped around the legs of my chair. He said, "Mommy, I think there's a tiger snake under your chair. And he just cried for joy for me."

March 8, 2008
Liberty let out a strange and yelping bark while she was asleep. Andy came into the room and said, "What's the matter, puppy? Were you dreaming of something terrible? Don't worry. Your family's here. We'll protect you from the ummm...ummm...ummm...terrible somethings."

March 17, 2008
Haddie: "Mommy, I'm hungry. I want a hot dog. It makes me a lot of poop."

May 1, 2008
I was reviewing Stranger-Danger with the kids to teach them what to do if a stranger tries to kidnap them. I had heard that if kids curse when they're being abducted, adults are much more likely to take notice. I had Andy roleplay with me and told him to scream, kick and curse (and made a big deal about how it's the ONE time he is allowed to). I said, say this: "This mother f&%^$er's trying to take me!" When it was time to roleplay, Andy says, "This f&*^ing mother's trying to take me!"

May 2, 2008
Terry and I took Andy to the bookstore and let him read in the kid's section while we worked on my laptop. I reminded him about Stranger-danger. Of course, now EVERYONE is a stranger to him. Once, I heard him yelling in a petite girly-voice "Ahhhh!!!" as he ran down an aisle. I scolded him and told him not to yell in the bookstore. He said, "But there was a girl and I thought she was going to try and take me."

Predictions for Andy's Future Career Path

2007-09-17T15:12:00.001-07:00

As a child, I can remember my favorite topic of consideration: What are you going to be when you grow up? Most of my life, the question was easily answered, depending on my age: novelist, astronaut, pilot, Military Police, under cover detective, troubleshooter (Okay, so I watched a little too much 21 Jump Street and MacGuyver).

Most kids love that topic but you begin to realize, once you have kids, that adults wonder the same thing about their own children. I think every parents dreams of the wonderful career achievements their child will make one day. For a lot of parents, the list includes doctor, lawyer, or President. Personally, I will wholeheartedly advice against any of those jobs for my own kids, and encourage them to shoot for more realistic goals (particularly those that won't force me to take a second mortgage on my house for the college loans).

As for Andy, his current answer to that question is a "helicopter driver". Sure, kid. If you're gonna dream, dream big, right? That does sound like a pretty cool job. My 4th grade bff, Brian, wanted to do the same thing. He ended up in the Merchant Marine, instead. Okay, so boats and helicopters are pretty different, but it's still a pretty darn cool job.

For Andy, my money is on something scientific or engineering related. Possibly computers. But to determine some other predictions for Andy's future career, I began looking back through the things he has said in his lifetime. I have a book of quotes and stories that I keep, entirely dedicated to the great things that my kids say. Let me list a few of the entries here, along with the potential jobs that might be associated with such thinking. In about twelve years I'll be able to say which one actually pans out.

1. Airplane Pilot:

Jan. 2005
We were heading to gymnastics on Bryant Drive when someone pulled out in front of us. I slammed on my breaks and Andy said, "Mommy, do we have to eject?"

2. Homeless Man:

Feb. 25, 2005
Andy was standing in Daddy's way at the door. Daddy said, "Look out, Sonny." Andy replied, "I'm not Sonny. I'm a little poor boy."

3. Gay Biker:

March 17, 2005
Andy: "I love motorcycles. And I love guys who ride motorcycles."

4. Middle Management:

October 3, 2005
Andy came in from playing outside and was talking to Daddy about the bees in the yard. He commented that he didn't like bees because they have stingers. Daddy said, "Leave them alone and they won't hurt you. They're just doing their jobs." Andy looked confused and asked, "Then, where are their computers?"

5. Construction Worker

December 30, 2005
Andy had climbed into bed with us in the early morning, and began squirming. He said, "This little penis is tickling me." I told him to use the potty, and when he had finished, he returned to my side. He asked what "that" was. Daddy explained that some guys call it "morning wood". He looked at us funny and said, "No, it's not made of wood. You can't build a house out of it."

6. Hair Stylist

January 26, 2005
Andy: "What are you doing, Mommy?"
Mommy: "Putting mousse in my hair."
Andy: "So you can be cool?"

7. Real Estate Agent

May 5, 2006
Terry and I were talking about a job prospect in Birmingham. we were exploring the options for housing, should Terry decide to take the job. Andy had been listening quietly, and suddenly interrupted us. He said, in a perfect Michaelangelo imitation from the 2nd Ninja Turtles movie, "Guys, guys, guys! I know! Let's do Time Share!"

8. 911 Operator

July 5, 2006
I was teaching Andy about emergencies and what to do if he ever needed help. I taught him about 911, and we practiced dialing, then we roll-played about six times, with Andy playing the roll of caller, and I was the 911 Operator. Every time, I'd answer, "911--What is your emergency?" Andys pays a lot of attention to detail, so I fully expected him to answer the same way when it was his turn to be Operator. I called him on our pretend phone and said, "Help! My Daddy fell down the stairs and broke his arm!" Without missing a beat, Andy grimaced and replied, in a tone very reminiscent of Beavis and Butthead, "Ow--that musta hurt."

9. Porn Star

June 3, 2007
Andy and I were out shopping, and he made a comment about something. I told him, "You're getting too big for your britches." He looked at me funny, so I asked if he knew what britches are. He said he didn't. I told him, simply, pants. I could see the wheels turning in his head, and he was silent for a few seconds. Then, he said, "Penis?" Confused, I asked, "huh?" He said, "Is my penis getting too big for my pants? Do I need new pants for my penis to fit inside?"

10. Exercise Guru

June 8, 2007
Andy: "I want to do Elmocize tomorrow. I want to exercise so I don't die."

11. Buddist Monk

June 2, 2007
Andy heard us talking about death, and asked what reincarnation is. After I explained it to him, he loved the idea and decided that he wants to be reincarnated into a new body now. He asked, "Mommy, will you die with me?"

12. Proctologist

July 4, 2007
While watching the fireworks, the kids tried mini-jawbreakers for the first time. I told Haddie to suck on them, but don't swallow them. Andy asked, "Why? Because she'll get a hard poop?"

13. Cigarette Ad Agent

Andy and I were looking at pictures I took of Haddie at the Jack Daniel's distillery. She was dressed in overalls and had a stick in her mouth. Andy asked, "Why is there a stick in her mouth? Does she have a stickerette?"

14. Catholic Priest

July 16, 2007
Andy was watching a show with Terry. The characters were heading toward a church. Andy asked, "What is a church? Is that where dead people live?"

October 14, 2006
During Bun's wedding, in which he was the ring-bearer, Andy pointed out the huge cross on the back wall behind the pastor. He asked, "What's that big T?"

15. Brain Surgeon

September 14, 2007
Haddie: "My head is broken."
Andy: "Your head isn't broken. It's just alive."

September 17, 2007
Andy: "What's wrong with me? It looks like my brain was having a heart attack."

16. Dentist

See "Haddie's Lost Tooth" blog entry below.

Well, that is my list. I'm sure there will be more in time. He is such an ambitious child, after all. ;-D

Pics of the Rooms and Hitachi students

2007-08-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

Haddie and Andy are staying with their Mommom and Poppop for a few weeks this summer, as will probably be routine for many years to come. While they've been gone, I've taken the opportunity to go through things and downsize in preparation for our upcoming garage sale. I rearranged their rooms and added some great new furniture. Andy now has a new bed, replacing the futon he used to sleep on. He got a new dresser, as well. Haddie has a new Big Girl bed, and she also has some new dressers. I posted the pics, in case you'd like to see them.

We hosted two Japanese students from Hitachi over the weekend, and I have a few of those pictures up, as well. All the pics can be found on the same page:

http://www.tumbleweedcrossing.net/Andy/JapaneseStudentsStay.html

Stay cool out there!

Beware the Webkinz!

2007-07-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Let me just send out a warning to all you intelligent, hard-working, God-fearing adults.

DO NOT PLAY WEBKINZ!!! It... (insert impressive pause)... is evil.

They used to say that cards are the devil's prayer book. Well, move over Hoyle--Webkinz reigns supreme over all vices. Allow me to explain.

Unless you have children, you've probably never heard of these ridiculously cute, entirely overpriced stuffed animals. If your Hallmark does not have a Webkinz display, the manager has, in all likelyhood, been recently fired because no sane person would dare pass up the mountain of gold these little critters are bringing in. I predict these things to be the next Tickle-Me-Elmo of the upcoming Christmas season. They're flying off the shelves, and most stores limit the number you can buy. To my knowledge, nobody's been killed over them yet, but it cannot be long in coming.

What are they, you ask? Webkinz are just cute stuffed animals, remininscent of the old beanie babies craze of a decade ago. What makes Webkinz so unique, and so evil, is the magnificently expansive virtual world that they unlock. Mozy on over to Webkinz.com and check it out on their little tour. When you purchase the toy, you have access to this amazing virtual world, in which you, quite literally, become caretaker for your pet. You must feed it, play with it, and nurture it to ensure its health and happiness. Think Tamigotchi on steroids. It's like having a child, but these furry little things don't backtalk. You can decide how to furnish your pet's room, right down to the color of the wallpaper.

In order to feed and provide for your pet, you must visit the arcade and play all of these awesome games to earn Webkinz dollars. These games are incredibly fun, and incredibly addictive. They have renovated versions of Battleship, Pong, and Frogger that put the originals to shame. They even have their own trading card game (remember Pokemon?). There are so many games, it would take hours just to play them all. There are several ways to earn money in this world, and I am telling all of you Addicts Anonymous out there--Webkinz is heaven for anyone with an addictive personality. Addiction to this world leads to Sloth, Greed and Envy, no doubt.

I have no idea where Webkinz came from, but I suspect (ATTN: all Conspiracy Theorists out there) that the Japanese had something to do with it. I mean, THINK about it! Insanely cute animals, computers and virtual worlds, trading card games--who ELSE could have come up with it?!?! The only thing missing is a manga series and anime. It screams Japan. The next step in Japanese economic domination of the world, if you ask me. Before long, people will be giving out their Webkinz handles along with their emails and IM names.

So, beware the Webkinz, people. Beware.

Alas, it's too late for me. I have embraced the evil and sold out to the corporate giants who want my money, nay--my very soul--in their pockets. My Webkinz handle is TumbleweedCrossing. If, like me, you have already been infected by the virus that is Webkinz, I invite you to come over and meet me in Webkinz World. I guarantee to offer you a mean game of Chef Challenge or Dogbeard's Bathtub Battles.

My Webkinz Info:
ID: TumbleweedCrossing

My Pets:
Clydsdale horse -- Winchester
Black Stallion -- Remington
Lil' Unicorn -- Weatherby
Google (fictional animal)-- Browning
Lil' Alley Cat -- Gatling
Persian Cat -- Chantilly

See you in Webkinz World, my fellow Sell-Outs!!!

Photo Album Updated

2007-07-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

I have posted the photos from Donna and Brad's visit over the 4th of July. This page includes Haddie's Jack Daniel's photo session, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and American Village.

http://www.tumbleweedcrossing.net/Andy/july2007.html

Enjoy!

Martha and Richard's New Home

2007-07-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, after many years, ability finally caught up to necessity and we found a great Assisted Living facility for Terry's mom and dad. As it happens, of all the homes in Bham, the best one for them is just up the street from us about half a mile or so. I've been busy helping them with the move and setting up their new room this past week. The room is complete, except for curtains and recliners, which are forthcoming.

Family will be happy to know that, after only one week, they are thriving! I have never seen Richard more coherent, or Martha so happy. She is quite the social butterfly, and Richard can actually converse with comprehension. If you'd like their new address and phone number, email me privately.

Haddie's Lost Tooth

2007-07-16T10:10:00.001-07:00

Andy learned a few months ago that baby teeth begin falling out at the age of six. When he turned six last month, he became excited, albeit a bit wary, to loose a tooth. He currently has no loose teeth, but we check on occassion.

A few days ago, Andy ran up the stairs, excited to the point of hysterics. He said that Haddie had lost a tooth. At first, I didn't believe him and I told him she couldn't have. He insisted, and claimed that she had just spit it out of her mouth.

Of course, I became worried:
A) Because Haddie is only 2 years old, and
B) Because I heard no crying.

Frightened that Haddie might have taken a bad fall that knocked her out, I shot up from the computer and raced to the stairs. There she was, chipper as a cricket, coming up the stairs with a tiny white lego in her hand.

Andy, practically jumping, said, "Mommy! Haddie lost a tooth! That means she's 6 years old now!!!!"

Our Jack Daniel's Photo Session

2007-07-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

We were in Lynchburg, Tennessee at the Jack Daniel's distillery on July 3 with Donna and Brad. Andy wanted to go on the tour, but Haddie was too unbridled and energetic for an hour-long tour. Being cooped up for three hours in a car (with no nap) does not a contented two-year-old make. Therefore, I decided to keep her occupied in another way.

The grounds of the museum are so beautiful, and it was two years ago to the week that I discovered my unrealized photography talent on those very grounds. True to my Girl Scout days, I came prepared. After sending the others off on their tour (I've been on it four times already, so I wasn't missing anything), I, ready with camera, props and outfits, set Haddie up as my model. She was a natural, and is finally figuring out the whole "posing thing". It's a good thing I have photogenic kids.

Here are just a very select few of the pictures I got that day. The rest of the photos can be found here:
http://www.tumbleweedcrossing.net/Andy/july2007.html

Welcome to the Haven!

2007-07-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hey pards,

Since our circle of friends stretches across the globe, few people ever see our family on a regular basis. I, alone, have the privilege of watching the children grow up, uninterupted by time and distance. It is time too precious to be lost, and should be shared with others. The insights into the minds of children are remarkable, and this blog is a place for me to share their lives with you. My children are a mystery to most, and I cannot be selfish. I must share them with others. They deserve to be shared.

I hope you enjoy their thoughts and deeds. I enjoy them daily.

Janie