On the battle field

My Union Duck taking out a few "rebs".

Although I myself haven't been south of the Mason-Dixon line (heck I don't know where the Mason-Dixon line IS, I just think the phrase sounds cool), Indiana's daddy is a proud southern gentleman. I wonder if we should tell him that the "Ducks" won this one?

Union Duck

Was Oregon part of the union? I think Oregon Territory was neutral during the civil war just because of geography, actually. This particular musket toting Duck is a union boy.

We all went off to the local Enchanted Forrest where folks can dress up in union and or confederate gear and do pictures with a Lincoln impersonator. There are lots of other things to do there including a fun log flume ride, a haunted house, and a shooting gallery. It is a pleasant walk along a tree shaded hillside amongst fairy-tale creatures and their habitat. You can walk thru faux Indian caves, wander the seven dwarves mine, peer into the three bears home, and even visit peter peter pumpkin eater.

More pictures of our fun day out to come.

WCC

Orange County Choppers, with the Tuetel's, is better, but out here on the West Coast, its all about Jessie James and the West Coast Choppers. They even make bicycles (well... Schwinn made this one, but you know). Duck is looking forward, it seems, to teaching his little brother to ride a bike.

Some Much To Do!

Finally the internet is up and running again. Goodbye DSL... Hello Comcast cable internet!

We have been so very very busy the last few weeks. I suppose you could say that without the internet to distract us we had to do family stuff or nothing at all! So without further delay, I present to ya'll some photos and short commentaries on the past weeks. Enjoy!

Indiana did a little gardening...



Daddy took Indy driving in the van...



The neighbors purchased Indy a new toy box that needed "in depth" investigation (yes, that is his new Harley in the background...



Indy won a game of "king of the mountain" at a local park...



Indy even spent some time just lounging around the house...



Indiana made a new friend, named Daniel (his mommy lives in our building) and is learning to share...



We even went out to Beverly Beach State Park (just north of Newport, Oregon on hwy. 101) to gaze at the beautiful Pacific Ocean...


So, now, as summer draws to a close, school begins again, the sun goes down earlier every evening than the one before it, we are working more and playing less. We really lived these last days of summer and made memories that will last me a lifetime or more. I love this chance to share our lives with you all, thanks for visiting!

technical difficulties

our ISP will be unavailable until the 5th of September.
I look forward to sharing some fun new pictures amd maybe even a nice 30 second video as soon as the ISP problems are resolved.
See you all back here soon!

Up a Tree (without a paddle)...

Falling out of trees is bad.... fortunately Indy was caught from behind and didn't suffer humpty dumpty's fate.

Ok, HD was pushed off of a wall by a skinny girl AND Indy was never in danger of falling because his dad was hiding behind the tree holding his shirt while i took some pictures of Indiana in my grandmother's apple tree.

southern at heart

Indy's dad is southern, so although Indiana is a pacific north-westerner born, hes a southern boy at heart.

ouchies, etc.

The most impressive thing happened to me. I went to the emergency room with a "maybe its broken maybe its only strained lets put it in a cast and look at it in a week" injury. It took only an hour to triage diagnose treat cast and discharge me! I do believe that's a record for a Friday night emergency room visit in our town. And to answer the quest, no, I'm not sure what happened. I was moving around the furniture in my clients home Thursday night, and I don't recall any specific incidence of trauma, but my wrist has been hurting badly since then. When I finally had it looked at I couldn't move it an inch without blinding pain. So, now I type with a cast.

Other stuff... Be sure to check out my mom's blog! She is back to blogging and has a great new camera! CLICK HERE

Need a pick me up? heck out the cartoons over at Simunation ... thanks for the tip Hoss!

Awesome News!

My mother called me up. That in itself isn't significant. We chat often. However, she called me excited with news to share!
"We have finally done it" she enthused.
My mind was racing, what had they done?
Bought a new car?
Bought a new house?
Well, it turns out it is even better than that!

My mother, at last, got DSL! She is blogging again! AOL was blocking her ability to use blogger. But now she is back and She has so much beauty to share. At her site you will find flowers and gardens and the beach and trees and pieces of our wonderful state. Its a small slice of peace, right on your computer screen. I installed her modem yesterday and she has already posted on her blog! Be sure to visit her often at Daffodils and Dragons !

Please Don't Eat the Daises!

Isn't it crazy how cute some people's children are? Take for example Indiana! He smiles, he charms, he capers, he is just the most adorable little thing around. Don't take my word for it! Ask my besotted neighbors. The folks who live near us buy treats to have on hand, just for days when Indy passes by their door on his rambling strolls and might want something good to eat. The girls at the grocery are smitten with his stunning smile, and hand him cookies every chance they get. The boys who man the pumps at our local filling station make faces at him through the windows of the van.

Indy has his dad's fabulous looks and his mom's sparkling personality. Look out girls!

I just don't understand

How does a persons life go crazy? How is it that a person you thought you knew, you don't know at all? Recent things and not so recent things, happening in my town have me wondering.

Today, I missed the memorial service for a girl whom I knew when I was young. When her and I were in Jr high school together, walking the same halls, sitting through the same classes, she was so much "better than me". If I were to be voted anything, it would have been most likely to be stupid, drunk, high and dead before 21. She wouldn't speak to me in those hallowed halls. I was bad. I fixed my life. Unfortunately, so did she. She became the girl I was destined to be. Today, Friday the 28th of July, 2006 at 3pm Fisher Funeral Home of Albany Oregon held a memorial service for Rachel Lea Soto, who chose death by police officer. I wanted to go to her memorial service. I think a lot of people wanted to attend who couldn't. The city held it during the week, when those of us with jobs and lives couldn't make it. Cut down on the mourners that way. It should have been a packed house. What Happened to Rachel?

what you will hear on the news is that Rachel was a serial criminal. The truth is that Rachel tried to live her life the best she could, but circumstance brought her down. Men brought her further down, and finally, she chose to fight to the death, to go out in a blaze of glory. None of us will ever forget her now. Rachel Soto was killed by an Albany city Police Officer. That same police officer had been to my house just the week before over something petty (a neighbor had absconded with our property). Now, he has killed someone whom 15 years ago, I wished I could call friend. I wont forget you Rachel, not the girl who you were, nor the woman you should have been. I will try with all my heart to forget the person you died as.

Then there is Jeff. Have you ever met someone whom you have never met? Our paths crossed so many times, yet I never knew you. You are but 5 months younger than I, born in the same place, raised in our same valley. Are you guilty? Ten years now and I still don't know. How long can you wait for justice? What really happened?

So, with lives going wrong, I sit, and I cry for the people they should have been. Sometimes I cry for who I should have been, too.

flower power

my parents go on vacation in July. All of July. They usually go somewhere fun and they always take Jengibre. Mom couldn't resist this great shot of Jen in a field of dandelions and bee balm.

So far they are having a wonderful vacation, and I am sure they both are dreading the return of August when Donnie returns to work.

shots etc

All our shots are now up to date until Indy turns 2. He gets one shot at that age and then no more until kindergarten.

he is up to 25 1/2 pounds now and 33ish inches. (the ish is because he doesn't stop wiggling on the scale... hehe)

Slacker

Sometimes I just get lazy about stuff. Like keeping up with Indy's blog; Like making sure the dishes in the dishwasher are run before bed instead of in the morning when I need them. I am getting better about making sure the expiration date on the milk is not last week. I guess that's progress.

Indy is doing well. He has a doctors appointment today to get SHOTS. So I am sure this afternoon he wont be so happy with me, but I will update soon as to height weight and all the other fun things that the doc tells us.

til then, be well my friends....

Shining moments

Today, Indiana became a klutz. He was running through the neighborhood, happily investigating everything when IT happened. BOOM he lost his balance and down he went. He bashed his head pretty good off of the concrete. Later, he was struggling to get outside again before I shut the door and his head got whacked with the closing door. Still later he tumbled head first off of the couch. So, I believe that if Indy doesn't turn out to be the genius of his age, we can look back on the head injuries he sustained today and know the reason why.

Parenting...

"Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you."- C. G. Jung (1875-1961)

I do believe that Jung meant he would give the poor fellow a child with sleep problems to care for.
C'mon kid! Its been nearly a year and a half. We aren't going anywhere... Sleep through the night already. Mommy is exhausted.

Happy 4th

Happy Birthday United States of America. At 230 years old, you are a toddler on the world stage. Thinking of life with a toddler in the home, That explains a lot.

Angelic Doesn't Cover It!

Sometimes a photo needs no caption.

uh, yep.

The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.
- Oscar Wilde

I seem to go in fits and starts. Since I have given my moms camera back to her and I have not yet purchased a new one for us, I am not posting as much as I was. I appreciate my loyal readers and I sincerely hope I am back to posting pictures and blurbs that are worth talking about very very soon.

Indy the Gardener

Many of our neighbors in the apartment complex have planted flowers and hung wind-chimes to beautify our buildings for the summer. Indiana is such a "fixture" in the neighborhood that he is allowed by nearly everyone to touch and smell their flowers. Many of our neighbors will even come out to visit with him and jangle their wind-chimes for him to marvel over.

Happy Child

Ever have one of those days when having one shoe on and one shoe off is totally fine? When playing on the floor with dad's shoes is pretty darn cool? When lunch is served to you and its all groovy to you? Indy loves those days. So do I.

NW Racing Faces Loss

Fred Brownfield, best known in the Northwest for his promotion of the Northern Sprint Tour, and also his hard work at the speedway in Elma, was killed last Friday night. He was struck by a "modified" car. For the full story... Click Here. (that will link you to the full news article from the Olympian newspaper from Olympia, Washington)

Racing in the Pacific Northwest will never be the same.

Cute

Indiana does so much cute stuff, its hard to know where to start.
He has started getting the pots pans and colanders out of the cupboard and wearing them.

He isn't always perfect, but then, who among us is.

Boys will be boys...

Duck has been hanging out lately. It is so awesome. Indy likes his brother a lot. Indy sneaks across to where his brother is occupied with video games, grabs hold of him and giggles! Man these boys are beautiful.

it is that time of year again

Happy Birthday, Mom.

Confidential

Indy and I were watching one of our favorite morning shows, Sesame Street this morning. When I was a small child my favorite character was Snuffaluffagus (He used to be Big Bird's invisible friend). He has been visible for probably twenty years but this morning he was not. Why? Because the thing that makes him visible was broken. What keeps him visible? His magic ukulele. I am not making this up. Anyways, I guess I know TWO ukulele playing New Yorkers....

Life Saver

I got sick. I am terrified of getting sick again. I haven't been sick in a while, so the trip to the hospital was rather daunting, but finally we went. Thankfully after an IV of fluids and two doses of drugs to curb symptoms I was released to go home. If I get worse, I go back, but in just two days I already feel better. Seems it is just some virus and there has been no enlarging of my lymph glands. Thank heaven for small wonders.
Chris stayed home with me, to watch over me, just in case. What really helped though, was Indy's babysitter. She came and kept Indy entertained most of the day. She is such a wonderful girl. I didn't know that teenage girls could be both pretty and nice, but this one is. Anyways, I am feeling much better.

Part of a balanced diet...

Every growing boy needs fuel. Ours prefers spray can cheese. Straight.
Actually, Indiana's diet is awesome. He eats anything that gets near his mouth. To test this theory, well, I let him try everything. This includes dry dog food. Sad, but true. The neighbor had a baggy of dog food sitting out on their porch while Indy and I were visiting. Indy HAD to try it. We finally hid the bag after he "woofed down" his fourth piece, without showing signs of stopping.

Hard Day's Night

We got up early yesterday and had such a long busy day that Indy missed his nap. Around about 7pm, I came into the living room and all was quiet. When I looked for Indy, I found him sitting on the sofa, sound asleep. A peaceful evening ensued, since Indiana didn't get up again until morning!

Strolling Along

Indiana loves strolling through the zoo. It amazes me that other parents of small children will stop us to tell us how beautiful Indiana is. He enjoys being out of doors, and it shows!

Pictures

Pictures may be forthcoming! I borrowed my moms old digital camera (her Kodak) and took some pictures while we were at the zoo today. Mom has an awesome new Cannon Digital Camera that I am afraid of even looking at, let alone touching or using, but I LOVE her old one. I want to get one like it when we buy our new camera. Anyways, The wonderful-husband-type-person hasn't put the "dock and all that software stuff" in to the computer yet, so I am unable as yet to post the pictures from the zoo today.

I fully intend to badger him tomorrow until he gets it in so I can post a new picture of Indy!

Sweet

Dakota has been by three times this week! He has been playing Grand Theft Auto San Andreas with Chris and today he and his dad rented Liberty Cities for the PS2, so he came by to show us the game. We hadn't seen it yet, but I think that GTA:SA was better. I don't actually play the games, but I watch and that was my thought.

Indiana got to meet the neighbors granddaughter today. Her name is Mao and she is 4 years old. Her mother was at the hospital today for a scheduled cesarean section. Mao had a new baby brother this afternoon. His name is Adrian, and he will be coming home on Monday. She is very excited. She liked showing Indy how to play with this toy or that, and then tell us all that soon she will be teaching her baby brother these things.

Tomorrow we head to the zoo! We are taking Indy's babysitter with us on the trip, since she hasn't been there. I am aghast at some people who have never taken their children out of this town. No plays, no zoos, no museums, never even a trip to the beach. I am so glad this girl has come into Indy's life. We will be good for her, gallivanting across the state the way we do, and she is Excellent for Indy.

6 Things about ME!

So, I sat down at the computer and stared at my blank blogger screen and thought... I don't have a thing to say today. So, I decided to visit my blogroll and hope something came to mind. Luckily for me, Hoss, that old horse-tail snake, gave me inspiration.

SO here it is... 6 things about me.

1) I weigh more right now than I ever have before in my life. Yes, that even includes while I was pregnant. Yes, I have a problem with it. No, I am not actively doing anything about it.

2) I am allergic to marijuana smoke. My doctor, and the one at the ER who (along with a wonderful crew of paramedics) saved my life, said that allergies like mine can develop from prolonged exposure to an irritant. My allergy was discovered at a party several years after I had stopped using the substance. Several Party-Goers smoking marijuana exposed me to enough of the smoke to send me, via ambulance, to Emanuel Hospital where it took over 4 hours to get my heart back into a normal rhythm and to reduce the swelling in my throat enough for me to breath on my own. Some have called that poetic justice.

3) I have been quoted as saying that "if I have another child, I will name it Desmond or Molly" (because the child's last name would be Jones). Not very many people get that joke... Even when I tell them the last name thing. Be honest, do you get it?

4) I knew I was a full blown grown-up the day I had a twenty minute phone conversation about "which dish soap works better as a pre wash for dishes before you put them in the dishwasher" with my best friend. I enjoyed that conversation.

5) I live in my hometown and am happy about it. When I was growing up I couldn't wait to get out. When I was in my twenties I left my small town for the nearby city(s). I tried Portland, I tried Seattle, I tried San Diego; in the end, I am happiest living right here, in the small town I couldn't wait to leave.

6) I like me. There were times in my life when I did not. In fact, most of my life, I did not. I had a lot of trouble coming up with 6 things about me that might be interesting enough to blog. I like that my life is so mellow and even that finding 6 things that other people might want to read is difficult. Too much "drama" is for losers.

(this post took me an hour to write!)

Hostess?

mostly I needed a safe place to host this picture long term, but honestly... Isn't my spouse a fine looking guy!?! Several people have mentioned to me, not only here on the blog, but out in the real world things to the effect of ... "WOW, how did YOU get HIM!?!"

Brilliance...

Today, I ran out of the bathroom, rubber ducky in hand bragging to Chris that our son is brilliant! Now, when he sees the duck, he smiles and shouts "QUACK, QUACK!" The reason this impresses me so much is that we have never done the quack quack thing with that duck. He learned that ducks go quack from a book with a picture of a duck and he associated it on his own. SO, yep, brilliant. He still sticks his hands in the toilet if you don't close the lid, but nobody's perfect.

The Alphabet Game

So I was cruising my blogroll, and missing the Pirate. I visited a friend of his, Oregon Celtic Lady, and not only did she let me know that the Pirate is just really busy lately and has no time to blog... She is also playing a game. I LOVE games (especially now when I don't have pictures to post of Indiana).

here's the game: She gave me a letter. I have to come up with 10 words starting with this letter. Not just any words though. No. That would be too easy. The words have to be meaningful to me. And, I have to explain why. She gave me the letter B, and instructions to hand out letters to anyone who leaves a comment that wants to play along. Here Goes:

1) B is for BOYS! This one was so obvious! My boys are both, in their own very special ways, the best thing ever to happen to me.

2) B is for Beauty! Not just the beauty all around us, but the hard road my husband has been down, trying to convince me that I am still worthy of the epithet "beautiful". He tells me everyday that I am still beautiful, regardless of how much I weigh. I believe him now. It wasn't always easy.

3) B is for Backyardigans! Backyardigans is a great pre-k show on Nick Jr. That Indy and I watch everyday. Its a great great show with music and values. Backyardigans is exactly what a kids show should be.

4) B is for Basketball! Dakota has been playing Basketball since kindergarten. I love to watch his games. Whether he wins or loses, scores 200 points or just 2, I am so proud of him.

5) B is for Baby! My old friend Philip and his wife just had Baby Boy! last week. They named him Brock Walter.

6) B is for Bread-winner! (or bacon... He brings it home!) Since I have become a stay at home mom, working only part time from home, I no longer bring home the bacon. Indy's dad is the bread-winner now. It is one of the many things I love and respect him for.

7) B is for Bose! (I am really reaching for words here, but C'mon, B is hard..). We bought a Bose system for our big screen. It has such incredible sound that now, my neighbors can sit in their homes and listen to whatever I am watching.

8) B is for Brilliant! I am firmly convinced that both of my sons are Brilliant. Nothing will ever convince me otherwise. A wise old friend of mine is quoted as saying "Every crow thinks his own is the blackest" (Thanks Mike). Mine are.

9) B is for Balance! We strive very hard in our family for balance. We try valiantly to achieve harmony and peace in our home. That may sound weird, and I can't really explain what I mean, but there it is.

10) B is for Zoe and the runaway Ball! Someone thought that the alphabet books from sesame Street would be a good gift for Indiana. He agrees. His favorite is Zoe and the Runaway Ball. He will smack me with the book if I don't take it and read it right away when he tries to hand it to me. I have it (and a few other of his favorite books) memorized so that I can keep reading even when his little head is in the way.

One day Leads to the Next:

Our daily lives are so full lately, I haven't been updating as much as I like. The death of the camera is hitting me especially hard. So many times during the day I think to myself "oh I gotta get the camera... Look how cute he is!" only to have it dawn on me that my camera has bit the proverbial dust. I did get some great video of him riding in a local fire truck for the first time.
Our local Albertson's grocery is supporting a "Walk for Life" relay team. Part of the fundraiser they held included the Albany Fire Department giving rides around the parking lot in a fire truck. Indy was tickled.

The above picture was borrowed without permission from Albany's Fire Department Homepage... At least I didn't steal their bandwidth!

Memorial Day

The US celebrates Memorial Day over this weekend. It is a time to reflect on those who gave their lives for our freedom. It has evolved in to a time to care for all of our lost loved ones.
We have lost many loved ones along this road. The most beloved, the most mourned, are my grandparents. I miss them still. I mourn for my children, who wont get the chance to have my Grandma and Grandpa McGarry in their own lives. Duck was not even one when we lost my grandfather, and my grandmother followed a couple years behind him. My sons have awesome grandparents of their own, but none could ever be like the ones we all lost.
So, my memorial day tribute is to my grandparents; still loved. Always missed.

DANG....

So I spent a few hours grinding my teeth and cursing trying to change the hard drive in my moms computer... I failed. Spectacularly. So, today Chris made chili. Then he went and retrieved moms tower, bringing it to our house. Melody's husband came over and fixed it. It took him about 5 minutes. Bastage.

Sigh...

You may recall a few weeks ago I mentioned my camera was on its last legs, then it made a miraculous recovery? Well, now its really, truly, dead! It took the flash memory card out with it. I hadn't transferred that last batch of pictures to the computer yet, either. So, now you will just have to take my word for it that he continues to grow and thrive and be cute, until such time as I can afford a new camera. Never Fear... Next payday I will pick one up. So only a few weeks until new camera and new pictures. In the mean time I will be chatting on the blog so feel free to come back anyways...

stay tuned!

Neighborhood Ham

I am proud to say that we live in an apartment complex where I know "all" of my neighbors. Indiana is a well loved member of the community. He and I go outside to play in the grassy common areas, and most of the neighbors will call out his name and a hearty hello as they pass by, or from their seats on the porches. He is often offered treats, too. I like knowing its safe for him to take a cookie from the old man next door. I love knowing the neighbors and having a nice gossip on the patio or sitting in the breeze-way.

What does this picture have to do with the neighborhood? Well, this morning Indy and I headed out front to get a picture in the rain and play in the puddles when one of the upstairs neighbors hollered down a "Hello, Indiana!" Indy looked up towards the balcony and smiled delightedly. I couldn't resist capturing his happiness in his growing sense of community and friendship.

Some people like the Mets:

The fun thing about the internet (well, okay, there are lots of fun things about the internet but I meant this is one not that it is the only one...) is that occasionally you can run into old friends. Through another friend I was fortunate enough to do just that.

Occasionally I like to mention other people's blogs, and encourage my readers to read them... So Thoughts and Dreams is the newest edition to my blogroll. He is said old friend and he has an enjoyable blog.

And, just for him... While My Guitar Gently Weeps on Transbuddha Have you seen this Uke video?

Last One:

this is the last picture of the other day I plan on posting. Indy is sitting in front of an azalea here. I do believe this is one of the azalea's that I have given my mom over the years. It constantly amazes me that she can recall who gave her what and when from out in her garden. There is just so much out there! I have been over at her house every day for the last few days trying to fix her computer. Now, at least, she can do some stuff. She still cant use blogger, but we are working hard to get it back up and running for her so that you all will be able to enjoy her garden with us.

Be Careful What You Wish For!

Have you ever tossed a coin down a wishing well and made a secret wish? Most of us have, whether we will admit to it or not.

When I was young, my grandmother always told me to be careful what I wished for because I just might get it. She also told me to not make "those" faces because my face would freeze that way. It never did.

other stuff:
today is the 26th anniversary of the eruption of Mt St Helens. Check out This Cool Site that shows you real time pictures of the mountain as she is now. Different, but still beautiful. Like me.

Out and Around!

Today was such a beautiful day! I took some wonderful pictures of Indiana in the garden at my mom's house and then we went on over to Chris's work and let Indy visit daddy for a few minutes. Daddy loves showing off the kid whenever he gets the chance.

Anyways, back to the pictures; I took some lovely shots with beautiful purples, reds, oranges and yellows in the background. Indy surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants. So, why did I pick this one today? Indiana just looks so lovable in it. So, I may scatter some of the other photos taken today into the next few days blog entries.

Don't go thinking I just don't change his clothes when you see this same outfit tomorrow.

Toga Toga Toga

Once upon I time, I seem to recall my best friend wore her moms best "floral toga" to school. Melody always was an individual. Indy, true to his Aunt Mellie's rebel nature, prefers stripes to classic white.

Actually, Indy is a nudist. Our morning ritual includes a trot around the house in the towel. Literally this is the time for me to chase him in the hopes of pinning him down and getting a clean diaper and some clothes on him. When I finally catch him he SCREAMS until he is clothed and let loose.

Let loose for today he ran to his books and had to read "farm friends" 6 times before he would go play on his own. He visited the Donkey, and he went to his best little girl friends house to have lunch. I got a nice break today as he went visiting for nearly an hour!

3 days until the DaVinci Code! I am re-reading the book so I am ready to see it Friday night!

Mother's Day Apology:

You may have noticed that I did not post yesterday. I love my mom, and she deserves a great mother's day post, but it took me longer than one day to come up with something to say. I still don't know how to express in words how much I value my mother. Sure, there's the thing about giving me life, but there's so much more.

My mom taught me so many lessons about life, she probably doesn't even know the half of it! She gave me not just her love, but the lesson of loving life, loving music, loving family and nature. She, in her special way, gave me knowledge of God. So many lessons I didn't bother to appreciate until I matured. She taught me to forgive. She taught me my abc's. She taught me that it is ok to be me. She taught me the beauty of flowers in a garden, and that sometimes hard work can be beautiful,too. She taught me to be a great mom to my children. She still teaches me lessons, every day.

So, here is the truth of this post. I owe my mom an apology. When I was a little girl my parents got divorced. I did not know my dad until I was older because my sister and I were "step-parent adopted". If you don't know what that means, its where the biological parent (in this case my father) signs over their rights and the step parent then goes to the courts and petitions to adopt. So I didn't have visits or anything like that because my legal parent was now my moms new husband. As a teen I had the opportunity to meet my biological father once. It didn't go very well at all. So, moving forward: a couple of years ago I was dating a guy who's father was deceased and it got me to thinking... Here I have this perfectly good father out there somewhere and I don't speak to him because I am a snot, and here my boyfriend doesn't have a dad at all! So a little bit of catholic guilt and an internet search engine later, I phoned my biological father. We chatted on the phone weekly for almost three years before I finally met him and his family in the flesh. I thought everything was going great. I suddenly had several brothers a dad and even a new friend, in my dad's wife. My mom never, in my life, said bad things about my dad. She told me once, when I was a teenager and badgering her about it, that one day I could make up my own mind about my dad. That is all she ever said. So now, it was time for me to "make up my own mind". She never tried to stop me. Now, I wish she had, but she knew that I am the type of woman who has to figure it out for myself. I let myself be sucked in. I even stopped writing about my mom on my blog when "they" asked me too. (oh, your dad wont read his grandsons blog and therefore will miss out on Indy's daily life because your dad doesn't want to read about your mom) I tried to pretend that my mom didn't exist when I talked with them. I cant believe I listened to that crap. My mom didn't care when I wrote about my dad. She just read Indy's blog and was proud of her grandson and her daughter. She understood that I don't have separate lives, and it isn't healthy for someone in my position to cultivate secrets. I have one life, and you are either in it or out of it. No one is going to dictate to me that I have to put my mom (or any one else for that matter) "over there" in order for them to accept me. I don't give a DAMN what happened 25 years ago, and if he still does, that's too bad for him. So, my husband and I received letters from my "biological father". The slap at my marriage was intolerable. The slap at my older sons father was uncalled for. The idea that I was unkind to his wife was ludicrous, (I went out of my way to be kind and say good things about her and welcome her in to my family. In fact I have even posted about her Here ). But, what is unforgivable is his comments about my step father. Not only is his information inaccurate, it is mean hearted to the point of being down right evil. To point a fine point on it, with no beating around the bush... If my biological father can express any sympathy what so ever for any reason what so ever towards the man who repeatedly molested his daughter, well then that biological father can "Fuck right the Hell off". So, I am back to not having a father, but now it is my choice, and it is the right choice for my family.

In this my mom also taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes, even when you don't want to, you have to let your children learn their own lessons the hard way. You have to give them the opportunity to decide some things for themselves. And no matter what they decide, you still love them.

So, I have no picture for today. I have just these words of apology for my mom. I am lucky to have you and to have Donnie and hopefully I learned a new lesson from all of this.

Handsome is...

My mother always said, "pretty is as pretty does". Her mother said it before her, and I can even recall my great grandmother saying that same thing. So, for me, with all the male type creatures in my life, I suppose it would be "handsome is as handsome does".

I am happy to report that I am the lucky wife of a "handsome inside and out" kind of guy. Here, I picture him teaching the young Indy how to play video games (they were playing something terrible like Grand Theft Auto, probably... And you can see the bright red cord to Indy's controller; It isn't plugged in, but it doesn't bother the kid at all to be unplugged).

Indy is enthralled with television. He turns it on and flicks the channels. He stops usually on music or animation. If he finds neither he gives up and wanders away to something else, leaving me to shut it off. Given any kind of encouragement he will help play video games on the telly or on the computer. He especially likes games with flashing lights and loud music. He tolerates Everquest.

Thumb Sucking

I am a fairly laid back type of mother. Sure, my house is clean and he gets nutritious food, but I am not "anal-retentive" about it.

He can have snacks now and then that perhaps a more structured woman wouldn't feed her children. He can stay up later than his usual bedtime because he isn't drowsy enough to sleep.

Indy just kind of lives, if that makes sense, or you know what I mean.

He dances to music because music is playing, not because I make him.

He plays with the ball because it is there and so is he, I don't hand it to him.

I read to him because he brings a book to me and "Asks" for me to read it. (ok he hands it to me and makes fun grunty noises).

He cuddles his blanket and sucks him thumb, and it doesn't hurt him. (the buck teeth thing is a myth... The dentist, pediatrician, and nutritionist all said so)

Gardening

Indiana loves this tree. It is a Japanese maple, and really, just his height. When we go outside to play he always makes a bee-line for the tree and plays with its leaves and branches. (This is the same tree from a few months ago that was just bare branches.)

It is just crazy how fast he is growing and learning. None of us are sure where the smart gene came from, but I am thinking its recessive in the rest of us! His newest "skill" is singing. He has always been so musical, entranced by any music from Ringo Starr to TV Jingles to his FisherPrice teddy ball toy that lights up and plays a snappy tune. He is almost physically unable to restrain himself from dancing. Now, however, he will literally sing. I sing him the theme from Elmo's world, and when I stop he starts singing lalalalalala until I start singing again.

Other news: Duck finishes the 7th grade on June 15th. Racing season has started down in Cottage Grove. If anyone else points out that Duck will be driving just next year, I think I am going to cry. I am not older, just wiser.

IT WORKS!

Good News! I got a few pictures of Indy! No, I haven't gotten a new camera yet, but i was able to to get a couple on the old one. Told ya he was still handsome!

He had a well check yesterday and he is officially big again. He is one pound per inch. 30 pounds and 30 inches. Percentiles he is 99 height 99 weight and 99 average. The woman administering his tests said he seems closer to his second birthday than his first in not only his height/weight but also in his development.

Some things make a mother proud. Hearing that just made me sparkly proud as Indy isn't 13 months old yet.

temporarily interrupted

I want to apologize for the interuption in updates here at the State of Indiana. We are doing well, Indy is growing handsomer every day. Until i get a new camera my updates will be sporadic at beat.

Help, "Blogger" Hates Me...

For some reason Blogger is buggy when I try to use it here at my moms. So, this post is an attempt to make it work, and sadly it appears to be failing, miserably.

So, my mom isn't posting on her blog because we can't make pictures post from her computer. I am JUST now able to make the text work. So, anyone have any ideas on why blogger will not post pictures for her? Blogger hasn't been working properly for her in a few months and now that Spring is here, she has lots of beautiful flower, bird, bug, and other critter pictures to share that she has taken with her new camera.

HINTS, TIPS, and TRICKS gladly taken!

Poor Little Guy

The verdict is in...

The fever...
The crankiness...
The clinging...
The tantrums:

Three new teeth... Two bottom left molars and one top left molar.

This picture was "borrowed" from The Tooth Fairy, who knows all kinds of great facts about baby teeth!

Sick

Indiana and I are both sick. (he goes the the doctor today)
I am sorry we haven't been posting so regularly lately.
With the camera giving up the ghost and me being just under the weather I haven't been able to keep up with posting.
I will be back to regular text postings again when I am feeling better, and Back to the postings you expect, with pictures of our handsome boys as soon as we get a new camera.

Continuing Along...

My camera has decided to have problems. It is an older HP model camera and I think its time has just passed. Therefore, I am going to be without new pictures for a few weeks until I can get a new Digital Camera. I am looking at the Kodak Easyshare cameras, mostly. My mom had one and they are pretty decent for the money.

In other news:
Indiana had a most excellent first birthday and Easter. I have wonderful video footage of Indy's big brother leading him through Aunt Duecie's yard with several other children to find the brightly colored chocolate filled plastic eggs. The debacle of '93 taught us to use the plastic ones.

I am getting started on thank you cards today, so I am off to do that. Thank you everyone for stopping by and visiting our Indiana. It means a lot to us as a family to be able to share the lives of our wonderful sons with you. I can't believe Indy is a year old (and thus so is our blog) already!

Birthday Cake

I am not one for pictures of babies with food all over their faces, but... It Is his first birthday cake, and I cant resist. Indiana enjoyed his cake IMMENSELY. Sunday April 16th 2006 is Indiana's first birthday.

Duck was here, Nihm was here, Macy was here, Donkey was here, almost all the neighbors were here. It was a great party. The food was great, everyone in the community contributing to the barbecue.

Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, is actually his birthday but as I explained before, it is Easter and everyone is busy so we had a nice party today. After church tomorrow we are heading to Duck's place for some Easter mayhem with Indy and several of Cousin Macy's nephew in laws.

We are a big extended family, and I hope it continues to grow so that Indiana can grow up with a large family like I did. I miss the "get togethers" at the grandparents every other weekend with lots of aunts and uncles and cousins and friends. I hope we can create that Family environment For Indy and I think we are well on our way.

Taking the Plunge:

We did it. Indiana got his First Haircut on Thursday, April 13th. The beautician who cut it is Glenda Walling. I have known her for 20 years or more. Her son and daughter went to school with me, and were close friends of mine when I was young. She did a wonderful job with his hair, and he enjoyed every minute of his debut at the salon. Indy sat still and happily turned his head as he was instructed. He watched in fascination as his hair fell away. Now, he rubs his hand through his spiky "do" and giggles.

ack...

I seem to have misplaced my camera. So, no new pictures today.

We were able to hand out a few Easter baskets today, trying to get them all out and gone before Saturday, when Indiana's party is (a day early but conflicts are rough having a birthday on Easter Sunday).

Sunday we will be going to White Spires, with friends to celebrate Easter.

Flat Stanley hits the park!

I have finally come up with my plan for Stanley. He will be visiting several local places and people and we will be digitally capturing the images. The best pictures will be printed, matted, and put together in bound book form along with a paragraph about the location or person he is visiting (for instance this picture has a nice blurb about the lake and park he is visiting... How big it is when it was made etc). At the back of the book will be a list of links on the world wide web to other places of interest for Stanley. Also in the back of the book I will enclose a photo CD of ALL the pictures of Stanley's trip. Most schools have access to a computer with a CD rom drive, so the class will be able to see the other places and things Stanley did that didn't get included in the new book.

Thanks to everyone who is involved in this project, its going to be awesome.

Childhood thrills and ills

Indiana lately can be just plain stubborn. He goes where he wants to go at warp speed! You can holler "stop" all you like, he will just continue along. I suspect selective hearing loss; he only hears what he wants to hear. When you pick him up to turn him around in a more acceptable direction, he kicks his legs the whole way. At least he doesn't scream yet.

It seems we are entering the "terrible twos" and we aren't even ONE yet!! He is not yet talking back, but he IS showing his preferences for everything. He wants to do what he wants regardless of what we want or say. He looks at me when I yell "NO", smiles, and does it anyways. He spends a lot of time gated into his room for offenses like that.

His dad says its time to start swatting him, but I am not ready to go there yet. The idea of hitting him frightens me. Can I know for sure that a swat is to discipline and not because I am so frustrated and angry that I have to hit him? I just don't trust myself, or anyone else, to not cross the fine line between discipline and anger with my children.

I have fought through-out my life, the demons created by parental anger. I have dwelt in the land of spousal abuse and child abuse and I have worked very hard to cross over to the other side. Some days, twenty years later, I still find myself with issues to overcome. I just don't want that for my sons. I want my sons, both of them, to have an excellent childhood, filled with wonder and joy and learning instead of anguish, pain and hatred. So, for now, no swatting of Indiana's behind.

Flat Stanley

Our apartment managers were recently mailed a fun package from a nephew in Washington state. Flat Stanley!! Flat Stanley has been all over the world, even visiting The White House!

They have asked our family to help them make Flat Stanley's visit to our town exciting and memorable. So, we are going to local parks, taking pictures in front of signs for historically important things in our area, the county court house, and those kinds of things. I was thinking that we might go up to the Oregon Zoo, or maybe over to the Oregon coast. We are close to the state capitol as well, so maybe there.

What I DO know, is that we are going to digitally capture the pictures, then print them and some text and then put it into a bound book. I was thinking of even gluing leaves or blossoms in to the book as well. (take a picture of him sitting in a tree, and put the leaf from the tree on that page... Like a scrapbook).

Here is my question to you: If your family got invited to participate in this project (where you have to take pictures of this paper cut out boy and describe them for the class of 2nd graders) where else would you go in your area?

We have just two weeks to complete the project, so we encourage suggestions!

Monster Boy!

It is amazing that someone this cute can be so rotten. I haven't slept through the night in almost a year. I am tired and at the end of my patience. And NOW, Indiana has decided to have a "sleep pattern behavioral problem". Last week he started waking up around 1 am and SCREAMING on and off until around four in the morning, at which time he would go back to sleep until it was time to wake up. I tried everything. Today he went to see his pediatrician to rule out any physical problems. The doctor says Indy is doing fabulous and its a behavioral problem and good luck with it. He gave me instructions for how to handle the next week and if the screaming continues we get to go back to the doctor. On the positive side, he weighs over twenty three pounds now, has no ear infections, and is a startlingly advanced child. Woot, Go Indy!

Almost There!!

Indiana is soon to turn one! This year his birthday is on Easter, so his party will be the day before hand. The big barbecue will again be shared by the entire neighborhood and any friends and family members who we can con into coming! (This is the card we are sending for invitations to his party. I blacked out our address for this post)

in memoriam

This week the decision was made to remove the life support from my cousin Steve.
He was a wonderful man who was tragically struck down by an illness that caused him so very much pain. Before this final trip to the hospital, he had made several others and the emotional toll on a formerly strong man was catastrophic. I feel so much pain for my Great-Aunt Shirl, to lose another of her children. I hope I never have to make a decision like the one she made, but if that horrible fate were to befall me, I hope I can have the courage to make the right decision, as she did.

He will be missed by not just our family, but by everyone whom his life touched. I like to think of the difference he made in the world. Of the lives he saved by just doing his job before the illness struck him down.

Something important that I learned from this: Have a living will! Have it in a safe place, and make sure the ones close to you know about it, and where it is. Make sure that your wishes are known! My cousin was in horrible anguish, he was ready to let go. His body could take no more, nor could his mind. Good bye Steven, and God Speed.