Maggie May

 

On June 16th 2003 (our 2nd wedding anniversary) we needed to pick up a ‘replacement dog’ our beloved boxer, Haley had passed away after only 5 days of the Parvo Virus. This horrendous ‘breeder’ gave us a sick dog, and in return we were just told to come in and pick out another.

Spaghetti was at work, and so I called Aerial to go with me. We walked in and I was told to just pick one… I saw a fawn and white boxer. I called her over. She was wired (as most boxers are) and kept running away.

But out of the corner of the room, came this brindle, red and brown haired boxer. Full of wiggles, kisses, and climbed right into my lap. Turned. Sat. As if saying ‘This lap is mine.’ Sold.

I often said that we chose Maggie. But looking back, I realize that she’s the one who chose me.

Maggie May has lived a life of love, hugs, belly rubs, pig ears, and top of the line foods. If it rains and she’s outside, I dry her fur. I wash her feet at the door if they are muddy, and cover her with blankets when she seems cold.

Maggie was a solo girl, but then we got her a rescue friend. A boxer we called Sadie. Well Sadie wasn’t meant to play with others and a fight broke out, needless to say Sadie was picked up by Boxer Rescue the next day.

Maggie had a life of her fuzzy cat friend, Jordan. And after over a year and a few months she got her baby sister Sophie. A runt of a boxer. Brindle too. They were meant to be.

The years went by, cold winters running through the deep snow, or snuggled on the couch with Spaghetti, watching HOURS of ESPN. Warm Spring and Fall days enjoying walks, laying on the deck in the sun and rubbing your back in the grass. Summers were spent with her feet in the plastic baby pool. JUST for her feet to cool her off. Maggie did NOT get her fur wet.

Most of the summer was spent inside. It gets SO hot outside, and I don’t blame you. Extreme hot or cold was not for Maggie May.

You loved belly rubs. Maggie would just s…l…o…w…l…y roll over and give you belly to rub!

So for your 7th birthday, April 21st 2010. I took you for a car ride. I took you to the video store so we could return some videos. I know the manager, and she says let her free. So I let off your collar and you got the biggest kick out of running around the video store! Up and down the isles, like a puppy. I then took you back to the porn room, just for giggles!

From that point on, I realized how much you LOVED to ride in the car. Front seat. Window down. So if the weather was mild enough, you would go for a ride for errands. All I had to say was “Go for RIDE?!”

This winter, I got into the habit of taking you ALL the time, to take Bagel to preschool. The kids got a big kick out of you riding with, and they would giggle and squeal when I would say “Maggie, are you driving today?” and you would hop over to the drivers seat!

You loved the preschool parking lot. It was FULL of people and kids, you LOVED to people watch. Always concerned they would get to close to us.

For some reason I started to cherish, more and more our times together. Maybe it was all the grey in your face, or the fact that you were SO much slower on the stairs. (even with a replacement knee you were usually faster)

I started to take the time and brush your fur on the deck, to just SIT, and enjoy your company. I found a place to trim you and Sophie’s nails, $5 each, and an extra dollar to drummel them after. It was like dog spa day!

I noticed Sophie paying SO much more attention to you. She was sleeping by you ALL the time. You were less active, and one morning we woke up to the flood.

The hall, front room, kitchen and family room had PUDDLES of urine. Your two HUGE water bowls were empty. You stood at the back door with your head down. You were embarrassed. You’ve always been able to hold it for 8-10 hours easy.

I knew you were sick. Two days later we took you into the Animal Hospital (VCA) hoping for a bladder infection, and hoping nothing was wrong with your lymph nodes the doctor said were clearly larger and easy to touch.

$650 later, and lots of tests. We were sure it wasn’t a bladder infection. It was either Thyroid Cancer, or Hyperparathyroidism. In which either case you were going down hill fast. Your muscle mass in 2 weeks had you down to saggy dog, and you slept constantly. You pee’d all over the floor, and since you being a 60 lb dog, the amount of paper towels I was going through was insane. We started to carpet the halls with towels, and I would wash them however many times a day need be.

We were selfish to keep you an extra 3 weeks, I didn’t mind the towels, and the lethargic ways, but when you didn’t eat on Friday, by Monday we knew what we had to do.

On and off through out the weeks Spaghetti and I had spent nights up crying to each other. Discussing how she was, and how much longer we wanted to keep her like this.

April 18th we said the next morning we would go. Queen and Carrots had taken Bagel for an overnight, and Grandma Mc took Weaky.

Spaghetti had to work at Wrigley Field Monday night, but by the time he got home at 11:30 pm, expecting me in bed (with my RLS I don’t do well in the recliners) he instead found me in the family room. I had moved the recliner couches together. So the two of us, could sleep and each of the girls had a chair too. He was touched that I set this up for us. We had a hard time going to sleep. Knowing it was our last night with Maggie.

Spaghetti woke around 5 am, and sat with Maggie, till I woke around 7. We got dressed, got her a blanket, her leash one last time, and she rode shotgun. Like she did so many times. Instead of the strait shot to the vet, I drove Maggie our favorite road. A LONG road. No stop signs, lots of hills, with the window down. She picked up her head, to notice I had done this, but she plopped it back down to the car seat, as she lay curled in a ball. I was crushed. Spaghetti grabbed my shoulder.

When we arrived on that Tuesday morning, it was silent there. The girls that work up front are off that morning. So only the Office Manager, my dear friend, and old boss, Sandy was there. Two tech’s one doctor. Our favorite, Dr. Salbego. All people we trusted, and have known Maggie since she was a wiggly puppy.

They gave us time in the room with her. I do think we got there around 8:15 am, after saying our goodbyes, for the zillinth time. All the hugs, kisses, and she let Spaghetti give her countless belly rubs.

The tech’s came in, and put in the catheter. She was afraid of the buzz of the clippers, they had to shave her fur. (I saved it) We had to muzzle her for this. I know she was scared. But we held her on the floor. Spaghetti laid behind her, and I held her face.

The tech’s got the catheter set, taped with blue tape to her arm. I’m sure they left, but people coming and going from the room was blurry to me.

Spaghetti spooned behind Maggie, and I lay with my face to hers. This always made Spaghetti nervous. She punched me 3 times in the face during this time laying together (not sure if she was attempting to put her paw on my shoulder like she always did, and just missed each time? Spaghetti said it was for all those times I would go to give her a snack and pulled it back when she tried to snatch it, and said “Take nice. Take nice”)

We cried. We laid in silence. We told her stories. We told her of her past. We told her who to look for on the Rainbow Bridge. Uncle Tony would be waiting for her, to play. Our first Boxer, Haley. She’d be there too. And Gypsy. Spaghetti’s Boxer that he grew up with.

After what seemed like 5 minutes of our last time together. We heard the doctor knock. She asked if we needed more time… we looked into each others eyes, and said ‘no’. I LOST it. Saying the words that meant she could take away our Maggie broke us.

We quickly sucked it up, and had to be brave for Maggie during her last few minutes.

Dr. Salbago, said she had a sedative for Maggie. This would make her feel nothing, she’d still be here, but numb. Then she would give the euthanasia soon after.

After she gave the sedative, we held her close. We cried, and the doctor said she was giving the euthanasia.

I remember the huge pink needle. I remember sobbing. I remember saying over and over and over again “Thank you Maggie. Thank you. Thank you Maggie. We love you. I love you. Thank you Maggie. Thank you. Thank you. I love you. Thank you.”

All I could  do was Thank her. For giving us 7 years, 11 months and 28 days of herself. She gave us her all. She was ALWAYS there for us, and was so unselfish. All I could do was thank her.

I remember the doctor getting out her stethoscope and saying “she’s gone” I don’t remember the doctor leaving the room. I remember trying to pet her as much as I could, to remember her fur, her face, her everything.

She was laying on our huge picnic blanket. It’s a large, light blue blanket, it’s from the Brookfield Zoo. After saying goodbye a million more times. Spaghetti took the blanket corners, and swaddled her in it. We kissed our fuzzy puppy one last time and left the room.

In the lobby Sandy was waiting for me. She hugged me, and pet my hair. She was just what we needed. We talked for about 20 minutes, and it felt good to talk to her. Looking outside it was pouring rain. Suitable weather. The sky was sad too.

Looking at the clock. It was 10:34 am… over 2 hours, and what seemed like time had stood still.

It’s been 9 days since. Feels like 9 weeks.

How are we?

Well I spent the rest of that day driving. I had to pick up both kids from two different houses. And Spaghetti had to work at Wrigley.

Came home to Sophie. She was looking for Maggie…

Sophie is younger then Maggie. She has never had  a life with out her sister. Her 6 1/2 years have known nothing else. She is heartbroken. I baby her. I soak her food in hot water, and often table scraps get added to her meals. I make sure she has blankets for the couches, she is dried off when she is wet from the rain, and she gets tons of attention.

I’m trying to get the kids to play with her more. See with Maggie around, the kids did NOT play with the dogs much. Maggie loved the kids, kinda like an old Grandfather. Loved them. Didn’t like to be around them. So Sophie didn’t spend much time with them either.

Now with Maggie gone, I try to get Sophie involved with everything we do. Alex loves to play outside and Sophie and him explore together. Today my heart was filled with happiness.

Sophie lay by the back sliding glass doors. I spooned behind her. Then Alex sat inside her legs and Mia then sat by her face. Both kids petting her, and talking to her. Sophie reaches her head back to cover my face in kisses. Her stub of a tail is going crazy.

This is a better day, days are easy. Nights are always hard. I cry each night. I go to the big bookshelf. The top shelf has my dog scrapbook, her collar, her scarf, her fur in a baggie, her paw print in the baked clay (the Animal Hospital did this for us) a book from a dear friend, about ‘Dog Heaven’ and last night I added a notebook. One for memories of you. Or notes to you.

Our world is totally different now. And I’m still broken with out you in it. We are trying to adapt to a new life. Last night I washed the last of your blankets. And in the dryer lint as always it is FULL, overflowing with fur.

You.

Your fur.

Your life.

Washed away.

I sobbed last night. Holding onto dryer lint saying I’m sorry your gone. Everyone is right. I will go all day just fine, and BOOM. You hit me like you were running through the yard and caught me.

You took so much of my heart with you Maggie May. I am broken. We all are. And we are slowly trying to put us back together, with out you.

Rest in peace my Maggie May.

Kisses, hugs, and belly rubs.

Feisty, Spaghetti, Bagel, Weaky and Sophie.

April 21st 2003- April 19th 2011

xo…

Heavy hearts.

Sigh…

We have Maggie May.

This is our boxer. She will be 8 on April 21st. (boxers give you a life span of about 9-10 years) she has recently started a new habit of drinking excessive amounts of water. As in about a gallon plus some a day. Thus she pisses. ALL THE TIME. All over the house.

Well the rooms she’s allowed in. We can’t just take the water away. Obviously her body is telling her she NEEDS water. But why?

So we discuss with the vet, We came up with a FEW options. (few as in 5 different options…)

 

First Vet visit.

Test her urine, HOPE for a bladder infection or UTI. Do blood work to check all her levels.

Results

Sadly no infection. Nothing simple some antibiotics could fix. It’s her calcium. Needs to be retested. Oh and her lymph nodes seem odd to touch. Could be because she is older and loosing muscle mass. But still odd.

Price $268

Second Vet visit.

Test for Calcium. Also do ‘fine needle aspiration’ on her lymph nodes.

Results

The fine needle aspiration cytology came back “some sort of inflammation” (seems kind of vague for $152 doesn’t it?!)

The calcium test came back today with ‘Calcium is high’… again. We still have that vague feeling here. But for a steal of $108 dollars.

Price for visit $263 

So this brings us to now.

Oh yeah. What are we looking at?

Hyper-para-thyroid-ism.

OR…

Thyroid Cancer.

I guess they are SO closely related that is why we are still testing for both. AND with out doing an ultrasound on her throat and abdominal and biopsy whatever we find.We STILL don’t know.

We are just frustrated that we spent the last $263 dollars for tests that we could have just skipped and went for the ultrasound?

THAT is a very pretty $400 for the ultrasounds and the biopsy is another $200.

They also would LIKE a PTH test done, to better help the doctor understand what we are dealing with. Well when that $245 test is free. Let us know. Until then let’s just pick one. Hyperpara… or cancer.

 

AND they wanted to start with an X-ray of her chest. BUT if the ‘cancer’ hasn’t spread there yet. And we got a clean x-ray, then we could just flush $235 down the toilet.  AND even if we did start with the x-ray and they found a mass, they would STILL have to do an ultrasound and biopsy.

THEN…

if it’s Hyperparathyroidism THEN we can do a surgery to remove the benign mass that is creating her calcium to spike, her to drink excessive water and stop pissing all over our floors and feel better. And she can live a ‘normal’ life. (and we can stop going through ROLLS of paper towels, and pine sole)

We get NO estimate on that surgery, till we know for sure. (lots goes into that one for price, and at that point we will be pretty one on one with the doctor anyway. So he would tell us before we opted to do anything)

OR.

If it’s cancer.

We see how big it is. We could probably have a few more months with her if we go untreated…

Sadly we could never afford dog chemo. And not sure how much it would effect her life anyway.

Sigh…

We are crushed.

Maggie is stressed.

Sophie is concerned for Maggie.

They barely eat.

They sleep and mope. ALL. DAY.

All the barking, the constantly wanting to play, the wiggly butts, the running in the yard… it’s come to a complete STOP. This below is our everyday.

Our hearts are broken. Our minds are full. Our wallet is empty. Any ideas?

FEISTY.

Chee-oo’s. no mo.

 

“No mo Chee-oo’s Mom” Says Weaky

“Let me see. HEY there’s no more Cheerio’s MOM!” yells Bagel…

“Don’t make me look in the box. It stresses me out” Whines Maggie

‎"Hmmm... no food. Just crazy mommy and a camera in this box. I got out of the sunshine for this... squirrel." Says Sophie

"Nope. You guys are right. No Cheerios left in the box. Now that mystery is solved, we can move on with the day." Says me.

A day in the life of me, with my two kids, and two dogs. ♥

Feisty

BTW Sophie wins best eyes through a Cheerio Box.

Coffee buzzard induced.

Random babble on a Sunday morning.

~Snow is pretty. Lots of snow is still pretty. BUT it’s getting a bit maddening, since we are STUCK inside. Sure playing out in it is a blast…

But there is ONLY so much you can do in the snow. Especially when you start loosing feeling to your body parts.

I sped up the process last night, using what once was our back deck stairs, now as a very cool snow ramp, first time was awesome, launching me halfway through the yard. Second time, the snow had been pushed into the hollow area under the step which resulted in me getting snow down my pants, and up my back. HOLY cold.

We did have fun measuring the drifts, this one up to Spaghetti’s knees!

Spaghetti and I put the kids on the swings. Weaky was pissed because his was stuck in the snow (we had to unbury it first!) And Bagel just laughed because she could shimmy around in hers a bit.

All in all we’ve been getting some really good use of their snow suits. A trip down the slide from the fort house, to the snow drift below was fun. But next time we need to factor in time. Because by the time we got everyone dressed (started at 5 pm) and played for a bit, by 5:30 it was dark! The snow with the back light, make it light enough to see. But it was getting cold, and well, with snow still in my butt crack I was about done too.

~Play room.

It’s fucking awesome. Yes I had to say fucking because that’s what it is. Fucking awesome. Kids are eating popcorn, watching  an Ice Age movie marathon, and have toys out the wazoo down there.

The dogs are allowed pretty much all over the rest of the house, and they love it.

Me? Drinking coffee, blogging, doing dishes, folding laundry, picking up the house. ALL with out being whined at every few minutes.

NOW don’t get me wrong, I LOVES to be with my babies. BUT. EVERY time I would walk by the front living room, they NEEDED a snack (even if they had one in hand) or NEEDED to whine. OMG. Plus I am known for either all hands on with the kids.

It’s either ‘let’s paint, or playdoh, or make a fort’ OR it’s ‘leave me be I’ve got to clean this house it smells like a zoo and your whining is going to send me to drink excessive amounts of coffee and FB all day’

SO this NEW and IMPROVED layout of zee house is FANFUCKINGTASTIC.

~~Ohh I have to brag a bit… check this out…

It’s Bagel art!! Alright, so it’s not the art work, with the fantastically over priced color wonder paper and markers… it’s the signature…

 

 

Reads “Happy Birthday”

 

 

“I (heart) U. Mia. Gram.”

She had me tell her the letters, BUT she did the “I (heart) U” all on her own! I’m telling you Baby Bagel age 1-4 is a blur! 5 is coming to fast!!

~I’ve got a fun few days planned ahead.

Tonight Weaky is having a sleep over at Queen Gigi, and Papa Carrots house. I haven’t told him yet, because Bagel will be sad. BUT it’s because I have a field trip with her tomorrow to the local collage Planetarium. (well I take her, drop her off, and then ONLY the teachers and students get to see the show. So us mom’s are going to Starbucks!)

Then Tuesday I get a date with my bestie Aerial!! Can’t wait. She will FINALLY open her birthday presents from me (her BDay is Nov. 16th!!) and then for Christmas we bought each other tickets to see “Burn The Floor” should be a great show!

~Oh AND at the end of the month, in…20 days we are leaving for… SUNNY (hopefully) Arizona!! OMG. WARM. And you can say all you want about how cold it could be, with last Thursdays wind chill here at –20, anything above freezing will be great.

~~

So enough stalling, and babbling, I need more coffee, and need to see what Bagel is doing now that she took my poor Sophie into her room..

 

I do believe she is reading her a story about Franklin going to the Hospital… Well this is what I do to Maggie when I am bored… she wears my jammies!

 

 

 

 

 

Alright. I’m done. Miss me, Happy Super Bowl Sunday, and Go Bears… I mean… Stealers. (Bears fans hate Green Bay!) I’m in it for the commercials, the love of the game and my fav’s Black Eyed Peas are playing!!

Feisty

(p.s. I think I need a book on this ‘Windows Live Writer’ its awesome, and I can keep more then one blog (I have one for my art too) in it. BUT for the life of me can NOT get it to STAY on one font, and size!! Each time I add a picture it changes it to 9.5 and Aerial (yuck!) Plus I want to learn Windows Live Photo Gallery “to the cloud!”

Skinny shit and meatloaf

Hello! Hello!

My mom is letting me guest post here on her blog. A blogger she reads said I could. Thanks Mama Kat! I'm a bit like her and my mind is all over the place. But I have to show you some pictures, it will explain me better.

Enjoy!

My real name is Sophie MaLophie Mc. My mom seems to like the name Dong for me (my bigger sister is Ding. Get it? Ding and Dong?) she does that alot. She calls us Salt & Pepper, Dumb and Shit, her new favorite is Dip and Shit. I of coarse get Shit for a nick name.

Now it's not that my mommy doesn't love me. Cuz she does. I mean headlocks are a form of love right? But I might destroy a few toys (daily) and have in the past chewed up 5 remote controls. Two for the t.v.s and the other 3 were for DVD players. I don't know what they do, I just enjoy the things that look important.

Oh and 2 cordless phones. I'm not like my sister, I chose to eat plastic, metal, glass (I ate Christmas lights once), foil (that didn't last long), she's more of a pull things off the counter kinda dog. See even in ths picture she looks away, like she's all inocent.

Well enough about my bad habits, let me show you around a bit...

Here's my food bowl. Nummy...

Here is where my sister and I eat our meals. I'm the skinny shit in the back. She's the meatloaf down at the bottom.

I like to bark. Alot. But then I save my energy and sleep alot too.

My mommy likes to dress us up. I guess this grass skirt made her wet her pants laughing. I get excited and shake my butt alot. So it made a swishy sound. I don't get it. I just tried to eat it.

Here's me in my favorite place! The sun!! Oh how I wish it were warm and sunny out so  I can lay on the deck. Mom calls me the Solar Panal. (she sure does call me alot of thing, doesn't she)

but for now I will just have to deal with this weather. Sigh.

Mom insisted I put this one on here. (baby pictures are so embarrassing!) I was just 5 months old, and mom likes it because she was skinny, young and had her long hair.

Oh, and here's my angry face. Grrr. scared? You should be. I would lick you to death!! Or jump on you till you gave in, and then I would drink my water and let it run out of my mouth all over your leg (this is my favorite technique)

Well thanks for stopping by. I hope mom lets me play on her blogger again. Just remember my name is Sophie and I'm the cute one. I'm also mommies favorite. (so she tells me)

Skinny babble

Yep. January 2005. 4 years, and 5 months ago. I was about 112 lbs, and then I was 5 lbs more then I wanted to be. (Oh and that is Sophie (Dong) when she was just 5 months old! Aww)

Sigh.

I want to be that tiny again. That energetic again. Able to just grab clothes and go. And the only issue I should have with my clothes is that I just can't make up my mind on an outfit, not because I am to fat for it.

I want to post my reasons for eating healthy. Maybe seeing all the reasons will help me.

1. My knees. I swear, at only 30 1/2 years old, these extra 25 lbs are rough on my knees.
2. My clothes. I have some cute clothes. And I can't wear them because I REFUSE to have a tire, or a bagel, of any kind showing when I go out in public (the back yard is a whole different story. Then neighbors get the best!)
3. My self esteem. Not that I ever really had low self esteem. I'm not all into myself, but I do pride myself on looking pretty good. And when your the short fat white chick. AND with the mom hair. Well that is enough to knock me down a few pegs on the "esteem ladder"
4. My ability to hike. We have been walking and hiking ALOT lately. And going to Starved Rock State Park, is one of my favorite places to go. And the stairs were tough for me. (I must point out there are over 100 stairs on the one staircase) Plus I was either toting a 26 lb 3 year old. Or the 17 lb 1 year old. At one point, I made Spaghetti carry them both!
5. The kids. Who doesn't want to keep up with their kids? Honestly who can? I mean the energy of a 3 year old is insane! But I would love to be able to hike, and bike, and just do all kinds of things and not be pooped.

I think if we do this now. If we start eating good. Walking ALOT, biking too. And we just really try. This will last us our whole life, and not only effect us as parents of toddlers, but as parents of teens, and as grandparents too.

I want to be able to do everything I can with my family. And I know it's just 25 lbs. But to me that is ALOT. My babies are here, and it has been over a year now. I just need to remember that me in the picture above. And strive to be a healthier me.

So we started yesterday. Good foods, like oatmeal, eggs, chicken and yogurt. Coffee and water are my beverages. Today was eggs, coffee, toast, and then cottage cheese and applesauce for lunch. We went to the park with the kids. Spaghetti ran the track, and I played with the kids.

I do think with my Gaiam work out routine (I can do it, I am comfortable doing it, and I feel the results the next day) and eating healthy, I will be in good shape. Not sure when. I will just do my best for as long as I can.

And if I do fall of the wagon, which I am sure a pizza dinner, or a ice cream break will come along. I won't fight it. But I will need to be strong and go back to my healthy ways.

I hope this whole soapbox babble is going to help. I hope the eating good, cleaning the house more often, and taking care of myself will stick.

I enjoy a clean house, a more organized life, a healthy energetic me, and a happy me. So here is to the first day of many!

Happy Ticking Easter

Happy Easter. It was long and fun. LOTS of family, both my parents house, then to Spaghetti's Grampas house. We should have stopped by the house to let the dogs out. Our bad.

Because we locked our beloved Ding and Dong in the basement, ALL day. A bit too long, so there was a nice floor washing project (yep both #1 and #2) while Spaghetti cleaned, I mopped. Ding and Dong went outside.

We cleaned up the mess, and I went off to space out on Facebook after a long Easter with both families. I hear Spaghetti quickly run up the stairs and quickly down the hall, I can tell something is bugging him at the pace he is moving around.

He says Ding has a big bubble that is on her neck! It's gross. You have to look at it. Well she found herself a small friend while on her potty break (which I found the potty break unnecessary, since she unloaded all potty breaks in the basement. Yes they are potty trained, but only for 8 hours, we were gone for 12!)

Ah, I do need to explain that in the past I had worked at two different Animal Hospitals, one cleaning kennels, and the other as the front desk girl. Only on emergency's would I get to assist with holding down an animal for nail trims, x-rays, you name it.

SO I am the one who deals with the animals, and pests, and bugs around here. Don't bother me, even the big hairy ass spiders are getting easier to deal with.

Exactly what the "bubble" was. A bug that was pestering my animal.

A round little bloodsucking tick attempting to suck the life from my pretty little 71 pound boxer. Maggie May (Ding) Not a chance on my watch!!

We locked Maggie from Dong (Sophie) and put on her gentle leader (leash) I ran up to the bathroom to the pet supplies (yes with 4 pets you need there own medical kit on hand) I got the Vaseline for lubing the tick (not kidding) the Q-tips for applying Vaseline.

Then down to the art room for my BIG daddy tweezers. A small dish and the lighter to burn the tick. (yes you need to burn the tick to kill it. Don't ask you just do)

Thank goodness it had just settled onto Maggie. I was able to get it off her easy. And burn it. Then flush it. Then blog on it.

Then we groped both dogs for more, everyone was clear! Phew.

So happy Easter to you all. Mine was full of family, good times, to much food. And a tick.

First time in 6 years.

It's quite.


There's no meowing for dinner.


Or barking at the back door.


Thing 1 and Thing 2 are 45 minutes north.


Ding and Dong are 20 minutes south.


This is the first time since we have lived here, 6 years last week, that there was NO pets at all on property.


Too bizarre.


I go to feed the cats, or shut the bedroom doors. But it's not necessary.


I go to check the back yard, or see my doggies on the t.v. room couches. But it's empty.


I hope after this trip I can come home. Get all 8 of us, 4 humans and 4 fuzzies, all back under our one roof.


I do enjoy less drama, and pet hair. But these few hours is good enough for me. I miss them so much already.


5 days till I see them again.


Miss you Maggie, Sophie, Jordan and Chloe.


Muah.

Mommy

Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee
April 3rd - April 7th 2009

The Mc family is leaving this Friday morning, when Spaghetti gets home from his night shift, to hop into the IL's mini van and zoom away 7 hours and 53 minutes to Nashville, Tennessee.


Spaghetti's cousin, Nikki, and her very musically talented husband, Loren, moved to Nashville last fall. It only makes sense. Loren currently plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, and sings for the country rock band "Drew Davis Band" they toured with Hootie and the Blowfish all summer, promoting there first CD "Crossroads". He also sings the opening song for "Suite life of Zach and Cody" on the Disney channel. Oh and did I mention he did work for the show "Alias" oh and in the first season of LOST when they show Charlie playing guitar, that is Charlie's hands, but Loren playing the music, some work on video game sound tracks... oh I could go on and on. Let's just say Loren is on interesting guy. From the stories of music, to his personal love of diving (not a shocker he's certified to dive over 100 feet, wreck dive, and I do believe some sort of medical dive too?) Alright enough on Loren.

Nikki herself, is a beautiful and sweet girl. She needs a bit of Loren to feisty her up a bit. She teaches 8th grade students, now in Nashville. She hand makes beautiful jewelry and has a big yellow lab named Belle.


Phew.


Back to me and the insanity of the trip. Maternal Mirth taught me a valuable thing about vacationing with children.

She said to me once "It is not vacation for us mom's. It's simply called relocation" how true that is.


Weaky is the most to pack, he needs more clothes (messy boy!) and special jar food, and formula, and bottles, and teether rings, and Tylenol, and diapers, his alcohol for his helmet, special tooth brush to clean it, he has to be bathed everyday because of it, and his pack and play, and front carrier if we go for a hike... good god, maybe a kitchen sink too.


Bagel is clothes, diapers, sippies, and a pack and play for her. Oh and her hair ties, detangler spray, oh, toys for them. Nikki and Loren have no kids, and NO toys!... oh my...


I checked the weather. It looks like sunny and 70 when we get there, but Sunday and Monday will be cooler and rainy. So I have to pack for mild summer/chilly spring/ who knows what?!


Oh and I have to pack the cats up. Thing 1 and Thing 2 are going to stay with Thing 3 at my IL's house. So they need food, dishes, water bowl, litter box... that is happening today. We will be packing up the cats, and swapping out our Ford exploder, and my MIL's focus for our Pontiac back and to use there mini van for the trip. (don't ask about the swap of the Pontiac and the Focus. Long story) We were going to do the cats and dogs all tomorrow. Hello insanity. So we moved the IL's to today. Good thing I could use an extra day to pack the van


And Ding and Dong will be getting packed up and shipped to my parents tomorrow. They will stay there. They have 3 cats, but they also have an acre of land fenced in. Ahh... freedom for the dogs! They won't have much access to the house. Mostly the workroom, and laundry room. (maybe the kitchen if they are good) It's a big deal that my parents take them. They have a very nice house, and yard. And for my two Buffalo's to be there for a week is SO nice of them!


I have food to pack, a cooler, van entertainment, and everything needed to take an almost 3 year old, and an 11 month old on a 5 day vacation 8 hours away?!?


Insert psycho laughter here.


So I NEED to get off the computer and pack my ass off. We will be leaving soon to get the van. I have SO much to do...

Meenie Weenie

Sorry...

So Sorry...

Really, really sorry...

Yep, sorry to you too...

And again. I am sorry.

I am sorry for being a Meenie Weenie.

I am mean, and bitter. More then I should be. I yell at Bagel for just stupid things. Like her demanding I change her sippy from water to milk and back again. I don't yell yell. But I get angry, and tell her not now. I should read with you more. I do try at least once a day. And I do teach you colors, and counting, and shapes... I try damn it... your just so much energy and if you don't have a nap then from 7 am till 7 pm is 12 hours of high strung, whiny, and boss toddler! I do need to just stop and breathe... when I get mad at you I will just punish you with kisses and hugs. I know you hate Time Out but you can NOT keep trying to make Weaky wear a box for a hat. And Dong doesn't like it when you punch her in the head. Sigh... Bagel...

I don't yell at Weaky. I just don't play with him as much as I should. And he is ALWAYS last, in the morning he is the first one up, but most of the time I get Spaghetti off to work, feed the dogs, and cats, get Bagel up and fed, then I am finally able to feed Weaky. (ok, I am last then.) And I need to NOT depend on your sister to be your entertainment, she is almost 3, but she is in NO way able to be left with you for more then a minute. (she's getting to the point where she doesn't realize what she is doing to Weaky could hurt him! I need to make more time for you and me little man.

Thing 1 and Thing 2, well they get my attention when I feed them... um and when I shoo them from my desk chair... oh and when I clean out there litter box... sorry bout the neglect girls...

Ding and Dong... they are not so bad. The barking is less and less, and the destroying of toys, remotes, phones, books... well that could be because we took ANYTHING possible for you to destroy and made it out of your reach could be why the destruction rate is slowing. But I am sorry for not playing ball as much as I used to... when the weather gets nice (we did today!) I try to at least spend an 1/2 hour to an hour with you a day.

Spaghetti.

I'm sorry. I didn't realize that I have been so bitter, snappy, and just plain mean to you and everyone else in our house. I know I say my job is hard. And that you do work 3 jobs, and this is my job. But like I told you, it's hard for me when you don't complain, you don't take anything out on anyone else. I know I am lucky to have you, but it's hard to keep up when your always so good to me.

I know you work 3 jobs. But the house work, the dogs, the cats, the kids, the banking, the yard, the everything in between! It's just insane, and I think I hit the nail on the head.

This job. The SAHM job is the hardest. Why? Because there is no boss. You are your own boss.

So I have to be disciplined enough to make myself a list of things to do. And do them, all while tending to the kids, pets, phone calls, and everything I do around here. I must say I SUCK at being my own boss. I slack, I am lazy, I would rather blog, poke around on Facebook, or just go to the art room, before I fold all that laundry that is clean, or wash the 5 that are waiting for me to wash!

Sure take away the computer. I will just find a book to read, or zone out with bad afternoon t.v. programing.

I am trying to organize the house. Declutter. And get rid of SO much for the garage sale coming up. I want what you want Spaghetti.

I want to walk into a house where it's picked up (I know, spotless is not happening) the dishes are done, and the kids are happy. Where it's livable around here.

The clutter, the bills the ALL day kids, it stresses me out, to the point where as soon as someone finally comes home, the get the brunt of my stress.

And sadly for the last 4 months that is you. Now I want to change, and be a happier wife, a nicer mom, and you will be doing your Wrigley season, where your gone more of the week then home.

I hope when you are home I am a decent person to be around. Not the angry spaz that yells or bitches about everything. The last person on the planet I should be angry at is you. You take my crap and I am happy that you told me today how you feel.

I will try to be a better person. Not just for you, the kids and the fuzzies. But for me too.

I love you Spaghetti Mc, Bagel, Weaky, Thing 1 and 2, and my Ding and Dong. I love you lots.

Muah.

Your Feisty Mommy and Wife.

S.I.C.K.

Update for anyone who wants to know...

Myself: No temp. Coughing like crazy still. On the meds the Doc prescribed to me. Worried about a relapse since everyone is just getting sick around here. Also worried about Weaky and Spaghetti, both really sick and at the doctor now.

Bagel: No temp this morning (was 100.5 last night) coughing some, but she seems to be in good spirits this morning (a bit more whiny then normal) taking Tamiflu and Mucinex for kids, per the Doc. visit from yesterday.

Weaky: Temp of 100.5 seems happy this morning, he was down at 9:00 last night, back up at 5 for a bottle, and right back down again until 9 am. Spaghetti just took him for his first breathing treatment at the Doc. we will have to bring home the oxygen, and give him treatments every 6 hours. Any advice from those who have done this before? (he's 10 months)

Spaghetti: Temp of 100.9, just took Weaky to get his breathing treatments and has his own appointment to see his doctor afterwards. He is hacking up a lung, and feels like ass too.

Ding and Dong: Good, slightly depressed because of all the rain (can't stay outside long) and because we are not always around them as much. Sorry girls!

Thing 1 and Thing 2: They are good. Happy. Because they have us on there side of the house alot lately (the front t.v. room and the bedrooms, and loft) they are a bit sun deprived though.

And that is what is new with the Mc Family, we are all tired, sick and just trying to keep up with the housework for me is a joke. I am hoping that with Spaghetti and Weaky out of my hair for a bit, I can use this coffee buzz to at least pick up around here, and start some laundry (I have run out of underwear!)

Please send healthy wishes and some sunshine. It's much needed!!

How about that weather?

Subject change.


I must blog about our weather. It was insane today. It has been cold as of late. Mean cold. Snowy. Dark and gloomy.


But not yesterday. Not today.


Yesterday was 45 degrees. Nice, still need a coat, but nice.


Today was easily... 60 or higher. That is insane!! The snow is gone, EVERYONE was outside today, almost a crime not to be. I saw neighbors washing cars, cleaning garages, I took the kids for a walk to the park in our subdivision, and there was a whole slew of kids playing football.

The cats sat in the windows sucking up air like they haven't breathed in months! The dogs just sprawled across the deck sucking up the warm sun!

Oh it was amazing, like we fast forwarded to spring!! Loved it.


BUT WAIT!! Don't get excited, don't bust out the flip flops and Bermuda's just yet my Midwestern friends... the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures will be back.


The hats, gloves, scarves, coats, and boots. It will all still be needed for another 2 or 3 months. We here are not guaranteed nice weather till AT least May. Maybe end of April if your really optimistic.


But for now, we will relish in the beautiful day we had. Maybe it was sent here by the newest Angel added to heaven. If so, thanks Gramma M. we needed that.

Thanks to the man upstairs.

As I sit at the kitchen table this morning, over breakfast...

I look to my right and see a little boy, 8 months old, asleep, because 5:30 am and all morning banging my ribbon holder against the wall, drinking juice, and watching Barney with Bagel will tire a little boy out.

I look down to the two sleeping boxer, my girls follow us where ever they can, just wanting to be near us, and in the action of the day.

I look across the table. At a beautiful 2 year, 7 months, and 1 day old girl. Blonde hair up in a messy pony tail, eating scrambled eggs, and banana's with buttered toast on the side. You stop and look at me and watch me eat my sunny side up eggs on toast. I can see the wheels turning, as you take your toast, and place your scrambled eggs in the middle.

You gently fold the toast in half and say "just like my mommy" As I dip my toast to soak up the run off egg yolk, you mock me and pretend to do the same.

As I look at Weaky, sleeping in his chair, my two big girls asleep on the floor, and the Tinkerbell pajama'd little girl across from me. I sigh, realizing how amazingly perfect my life is.

You look up at me across the table, and smile. You say "Love you mom"

"I love you too"

Days like today.

Days that are simple.

Days that are calm, and just happy. Me and my babies. I couldn't be in a better place right now.

And lots of thanks to the man upstairs. The man upstairs sleeping in my bed. The man who works 2 sometimes 3 jobs. All for me to stay home, and to raise our babies the way we want them raised.

I love this life we have created. And I am lucky to be in it.

Piss in your 200th Post celebration!

200th post!

Yipiee.

Wahoo.

I am only bitter because this being my second blog (don't try to find it, I hid it) my original one "InSaNiTy At ItS bEsT" has over a thousand posts, so 200 posts is, well it's 200 posts to me.

I do see other bloggers getting very excited, and dedicating the 100th or 200th post to something special. Maybe because I have blogged 200 times in the past 3 months, makes 1000 or 2000 posts a bit more to celebrate.

But don't let me poop in your 200 post celebration, go to town. So I thought I would hop on the ol' bandwagon, and celebrate myself. Who doesn't love a party celebrating themselves?!

So here is your 200th post. It is 2 short stories, with lots of pictures, on a day around the Mc house, since we are in hibernation mode... enjoy...


De-Christmasing. Puppy and toddler style.
Ding has one end of the skinny silver garland... pulling with some one less then half her weight...

Bagel has the other end, with help from Dong...
All resulting in a game of tug of war, that ending with a decorated Ding. Who spun in mad circles chasing the shiny garland wrapped around her.

And yes the garland is still usable for next year!

Hibernation for two

Boxers are a sensitive kind. They don't like all this cold. They are not hunters with fur to keep them warm, the are workers, and enjoy the winter hibernation. And so the lower level (basement) is the puppy retreat here at the Mc's house...

Ding on her seat (Spaghetti's when he gets a chance)

Dong on her seat (mine when I shoe her away)


Resulting in two bookend boxers, hibernating in the basement T.V. room. There is also a whole nuther love seat combo like this on the other side of the room. But of coarse they must have ours.

Happy posting to you all. May you enjoy your 100th 200th or 500,000th post!

Post 200.

WTF kinda morning. I need a do over.

I hate days like today.

Days where Spaghetti has to go to work, and he is so tired from working, and family get togethers are great, but he really doesn't sleep then, those few hours inbetween jobs is when he sleeps has been with family all week non stop.

So he is SO tired, and he is sick, and it makes him SO grumpy, I don't blame him. I feel bad that when he had 30 seconds with the kids this morning they were crazy whiny.

So he left, bitter, tired, sick, tired, and tired.

I followed him out to the car appologizing, I am sorry that there are days like this. When the Video store schedules him 8 hours when we said he could only work a max of 6 in a day.

I can hear the kids screaming for me when I followed him out. It's just one of those days when you want to just jump in the car with him, and just run away. Not forever, just for the minute.

I come back inside to see that Bagel was screaming for me because Ding just ate my french toast. I then in return, freak out and scare the baby and Bagel because I am screaming at the dog. Screaming to the point of pissing myself.

Spaghetti is at work.

The dogs are outside.

Bagel and Weaky are at the table crying.

I needed to blog.

My only upside to all of this is that since my house is SO full of Christmas present clutter, and laundry, dirty dishes, and just crap everywhere. I have been granted a free pass to skip today's family event (everyone I just saw on Christmas Eve, for Grampa's Birthday) and Spaghetti asked that I attempt to clean as much of the house that I can.

I need my fucking coffee.

I am hoping to get things done.

I may tweet on and off today.

Can't really afford the time to blog. Just needed to get this shit out of my head.

Thanks for reading my babble.

Hope your day is better.

Feisty

Are you chewing on my hair?

The battle for mommy continues.

When I play with Spike, Bagel whines. When I play with Bagel, Spike cries.

(Bagel and Spike playing nice... at the moment)

When I sit by Ding. Dong give me that look. When I play with Dong, Ding comes over sits on my lap (all 60 lbs) and pushed Ding away.

(Ding in the back, Dong right up front, at Queen and Carrots big ass yard)

And normally Thing 1 and Thing 2 don't fight over me. But now that Thing 3 is staying with us for the week, she thinks that I am hers. Well Thing 1 has some news for her. At this moment, as I type this, Thing 3 is sitting between me and the keyboard.

(Lucy in the sun)

And thing one is sitting on the back of my chair, chewing on my hair. Thing 2 is confident that I love her, and is claiming the cat tower.

(Thing 1 in the grey fur suit, and Thing 2 in the stripped tiger suit)

I feel the love here. What better then to be needed by so many creatures at once? And Spaghetti wonders why I need to run away some days. (Usually to scrapbook those I just ran away from!) No really as insane as it gets around her, I really love all the furry and not so furry children I have, that fight for me. I know I have 2 children, but I am the proud mom of 6 (7 this week)

Love you all, Mommy.