Normal is a Cycle on the Washing Machine

So, more from our adventure across the Lone Star state. It began around 4:45 A.M. on Monday. We headed out to Houston at that point. Kids were excited because of where we were going after the hospital. Mom and Dad felt as though we had been hit with a bus.

Part of that was because we had an awfully long weekend that ended with my husband working until after midnight on Sunday night. On Wednesday afternoon he declared that maybe this had been a bad idea. Hmmm, could it be? The other part is that I never enjoy going to a hospital. But this is different because it's a children's hospital.

I don't know if it's because I have sat in the halls of one children's hospital and wondered if I would leave with my child or because I have cried with people who didn't leave with their children or simply because I am a Mom. But I find Children's Hospitals to be about the scariest, creepiest places on Earth.

I will assume that most of you will find that strange. And in fact, I find it strange. Texas Children's Hospital is a premier children's hospital. If one of my children were really sick I would be on the phone with Texas Children's within the hour. They know what they are doing.

And the hallways are bright and colorful. There is beautiful art work and aquariums everywhere. Huge cow sculptures that have been decorated in different themes grace certain lobbys and foyers. There is even a Mc Donald's inside the hospital. Giant blocks spelling Texas Children's fill the lawn. And when I see this place my gut reaction is run. Run fast, run far.

I accept that this is the place to be if your child needs surgery or chemotherapy. If your child needs help combatting an illness, go there, immediately. And if your skin doesn't crawl the entire time you are there, then please contact me and tell me what to do.

I think my reaction is a complex thing, made up of many parts. We women like to think we are complex, you know. I think we are much less complex than we believe.

It has been my experience that God uses certain circumstances to remind me (us) of the amazing blessings in my (our) life. I am not nearly so arrogant to think He allows bad things to happen for this purpose, I simply believe sometimes He gives us a peek at those things to keep us in check. And it works. I am humbled when this happens. And that's part of the hospital experience. We have visited many different floors at Texas Children's and seen many different kiddos. None more difficult than the Neuropsychology floor. That floor is where kids with mental illness were also treated. I hurt for their parents and every other parent I see walking through that hospital. As humans we don't like to hurt and I would assume that's one reason I don't like the hospital.

Right now you all like me. Well, at least I would like to believe you do. You won't after I say this next reason. At least, you won't like me as much. I don't like me as much when I think it. But I still think it.

Some of ths kids at the hospital are there to get help. They will be treated. And they will be cured. My son, however, will not. And it makes me mad. Mad as hell, really. It doesn't matter how many times we visit, or how long we pray, or what equpiment we buy, or how many times a week we do therapy, or how smart he continues to prove he is, or how humbled we are, or how happy we are, or how hard we try. He will live with CP for the rest of his life. It isn't going away and it isn't getting better. And I wish it would.

Please don't get me wrong. We have it good. We do. And I have a son who is the biggest blessing a mother could possibly ask for and he is healthy. And, I DO know what a blessing that is. But right now, we're talking about my demons.

If that hospital could give him a magic pill and he would be "normal" would I give it to him? Yeah, in a heartbeat. But would he be the same kid? Nope. So in the end I am glad that I am not the one with that control. God makes those choices and He knows so much better than I what is right for D. He can make those hard desicions when I am not sure I could have anyway. So, I am thankful I am not in a position to give D the "magic pill". I wouldn't trade the person he is for anything, including "normal". Heck, the other three members of this family aren't normal, why should he be?

We finished at the hospital around 12:30 getting no new news. I told you they do practically nothing. But this time they did do a little something. They wrote two prescriptions, one for a new piece of equipment that D doesn't want (surprise, surprise!) and they wrote a referral to a new Dr. in Dallas. He doesn't work in a hospital.

Miles and Miles of Texas

As a family, the four of us are a lot of things. We're funny, silly, cranky-without-food-or-sleep, adventurous (well, some of us are), kind, intelligent people. But one thing we aren't is organized. And that small little detail came into play big time last weekend.

Let me take you back to about 9 months ago, let's see that would have been around September. Back then we realized we had mistakenly missed an appt. for our son at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. I told you we were unorganized. So, we called to reschedule said appt. and were told that we could have the next available appt. which was June 25. I kid you not. You were thinking something else I bet. Anyway, my husband said we would take it. I didn't write down the date because I was so mad that I was on some sort-of verbal rampage about how ridiculous it was. That sure worked out well for me.

Fast forward to last Wednesday morning when the phone rings and it's Texas Children's confirming our appt. Oh crap! What to do. We don't want to wait another 9 months. Well, not completely the truth. I could care less if we ever go back. I mean we drive several hours, go in the hospital where I get lost for the millionth time, wait a long time, give them almost all of our money, and then they pretty much do nothing. This is not an activity I would miss. My husband is more practical than I. He feels we should go. He's the boss, so we go.

But this opens up other issues. Jumping back in time to the last appt., we promised our children we would go to the aquarium while we were in between appts. at the hospital. We got lost. In downtown Houston. It was a pleasant experience. Yeah, whatever. We ended up never finding the aquarium and eating at the worst Luby's I have ever been to in my life. D and I had strawberries for lunch.

So, because of this experience coupled with the fact that all of our time has been focused on getting our house on the market (which it now is!!!) our kiddos haven't exactly had an exciting summer. And in the interest in keeping this somewhat short, we'll end today with saying we drove over 800 miles across Texas from Monday to Wednesday. More updates from the hospital and virtually every spot in Texas coming in the following days. Hopefully, there will be pictures too.

Pettiskirts

Betcha don't know what a pettiskirt is! That's what my sweet little neice would say. She was here this weekend and is very into "Betcha can't do......." Unfortunately, she's 2 1/2 so she doesn't really pick things that other people can't do. We played along anyway.

Back to the topic at hand- pettiskirts. They are frilly and girly and soft and twirly. Super fantastically feminine. And completely impractical and overpriced. I own three. Found new respect for my husband?

G was our model this weekend and an adorable one at that. Not too cooperative but she makes up for it in attitude. Without further yapping- enjoy the pics!

Where does your tunnel lead?

I admit that I watch a ridiculously silly, okay stupid, soap opera. It's really not something I have much control over. I started watching when I was like 4 and it's kinda like a train wreck, you want to look away but you just can't. And I TIVO it and watch it while I am cleaning or packing Ebay stuff.

So, I generally do not watch this fine piece of television programming when the kiddos are around. It's not like there is really anything that horrible on it. I think I am more embarrassed that they know that's what I watch when I actually get the remote. Makes Hannah Montana look like an Emmy award winner.

Anyway, as far as I can remember I just didn't watch last summer. This summer so far, they had been TIVOed but not watched because I do not have 10 minutes of peace in the summertime. As a side note, I am perfectly fine with having no peace. It's what I signed up for when I birthed these young un's, and generally speaking they are mighty fine company.

Back to the D-U-M-B show. I decided to watch some yesterday as I was cleaning floors and windows in the living room/office preparing the house for sale. And finally we get to the point. The storyline is stupid so I won't even go there but it involves an underground tunnel connecting an abandoned nightclub to the evil town tormentors house. Convenient, no? So as I couldn't sleep last night I begin to think, where would I want my tunnel to go?

Hey, I know it's silly and you don't have to read if you don't want to. But you will hurt my feelings I will sic the evil Stefano Dimera on you if you don't. So there. Ah-hem, back on track. Where would your tunnel go? You could give the Sunday school answer and say church. And that's sweet. But would a tunnel to church really be all that useful? It would only prove handy to me on Sunday mornings when I am way behind schedule. And it could provide dangerous if people found the tunnel, they could follow me home for Sunday lunch. Nope, not to church. How about the hospital? Definitely handy for some people who may have a need to get medical care quickly. Since I am the accident prone one in our house, I would rule out hospital too. The last thing I want to do when injured or vomiting uncontrollably is crawl through some dark, damp tunnel. The grocery store would have been super handy when the offspring were younger. Nothing like realizing you have no diapers at midnight, right? Just zip through your private tunnel and get some, and leave some cash on the counter. Out here in Hillbilly Land grocery stores aren't open all night. But my diaper days are done too, so not much need anymore for midnight grocery store runs.

Seems there's not really a great need for secret, underground tunnels in real life. So, since it's completely unreal and unreasonable to have a secret, underground tunnel I choose Disney World. That's right. I want a secret, underground tunnel to Disney World with a super, speedy vessel (my son could give this a much better name) to get me there in one hour. No, 10 minutes. I want to go into my pantry, open the secret hatch, jump in, and 10 minutes later be in the Magic Kingdom. Now that would be a good show.

So, where would your tunnel go?

What's in a Name?

It occurs to me as we are picking things out for the house that I have a very weird little quirk to my personality. It isn't something I share with many people. When I told my husband he immediately decided I was nuts. I probably am but I am pretty sure my weird little quirk has nothing to do with that.

We are currently deciding on the color of shingles to go on the new roof. As you might guess, there isn't too much variance in these colors. I mean, it's not as if we are going to go with a pink roof or a blue one for that matter. It's going to be a neutral shade of gray or brown. But I do have specific preferences. And they have little to do with the actual color.

I prefer Painted Desert to the Desert Sand or the Rustic Slate. And I know you are dying to know why? You want to know, don't you? It's the name. Go ahead, say it. I'm nuts.

Don't get me wrong, I do like the color. I wouldn't pick something based on the name alone. But if it's close between a couple colors I will always go with the one with the better name. For example, two lipsticks that I like, one is named Plum Passion and the other Wild Watermelon - I am going with Wild Watermelon. And to further the case for my insanity, I do not like Plums OR Watermelons.

I know how nuts it makes me sound. Although, I prefer eccentric or worldly but whatever. But you must admit names are important. I pride myself- and my husband might get a little credit- on the fact that my children have good, solid names. They aren't trendy or made-up. Ever heard what someone named their kid and sat there for a good 5 minutes trying to figure out how you might spell it? That ain't a good name folks. They also do not have common names that three other kids in their class may have. But they aren't so strange that no one knows how to pronounce them or spell them. They have good, solid names.

Now, the mind of their mother may not be all that solid. But you know, we have fun. And they always have their name to fall back on.

Sealed with a Pic

We didn't go anywhere yesterday which was none too pleasing to the little guy. It's summer and he wants to do something! It is summer. And I want to do nothing. But I am sure that won't fly so today we're headed to the movies. The fight I am anticpating over whether to see the "girly" movie or the "boy" movie should prove to be fun.

We didn't go anywhere fun yesterday but we did go to the lot. They sealed my pretty, pretty porches at 8:00 last night and they look great! I am quite pleased with the results of the power washing and then the sealer. Seems we were so happy, we decided to move some walls around. That should be fun. And cheap, I'm sure. Details on that will come later.

For now, just a couple of pictures of my guys.

Just Chill

We had a great Father's Day and really enjoyed our time as a family. For the first time in weeks we actually relaxed. It was nice.

It made me realize how stressed we have been, and how we haven't enjoyed any of the building process at all. We really must chill out a little and take the time to enjoy picking out all the new things to go into our new home. I mean, it's shopping right? And if there's one thing I am good at- it's shopping! And shopping with a bigger budget than I have ever had to boot!!

On the docket for this week are doors and porch ceilings. We started with the doors yesterday (actually, we started with the doors a few weeks agohttp://cumbyfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2007/05/lets-talk-front-doors.html) and we have made a desicion about the front door and are awaiting some price quotes on the back doors. We may actually change the configuration of the back doors in the great room again, which I am sure will please the framer. The porch ceilings are a whole nother ball game. I don't know what I want and am having a difficult time finding out what different options will cost. I am not afraid of spending money- my husband will quickly attest to that- but I do like to know what I am spending before I agree to buy, KWIM?

Well, I think we're off to the movies or somewhere else fun. Duncan made me promise we would go somewhere.

Super Saturday

Well, we have almost made it. The house is just about finished, thank the good Lord above. We are all tired and cranky and sick of it. And I am about to go broke bribing my kids to be calm and play by themselves.

Today will be spent finishing all loose ends. Tomorrow afternoon and evening will be cleaning the garage and planting flowers and the house should be listed on Monday or Tuesday. And then I will be sitting somewhere quiet with a tropical drink for a few days. I wish.

Random thoughts from Misty from this past week-
-Dreyer's Strawberry Fruit Bars are amazingly good! They are fat free and even Casey likes them
-I want to go back to Disney World now, like right now. Leaving tomorrow would work for me.
-The more questions I get asked about what I want in the new house, the less I care what is in the new house.
-I LOVE the Gap.
-Did I mention Disney World?

Have a super Saturday! Go do something fun for us!

Chinese Food and the Gap

I wish I knew some great sports metaphor to use to describe my day today. I am going for the final push to finish this house. Like an 8th inning Rally? No? 3rd Quarter Stretch perhaps? No. Huh. Anyway, I must finish today because if I don't I will lose my mind.

There's really not any one big job left- just lots of little things that need to be finished. Which is, of course, my calling in life. I am good at stuff like that. Uh-huh. And people in hell are ordering Sno-Cones as we speak.

To finish up these little things I have to go to Wal-Mart. I really don't know which is worse- painting or Wal-Mart. And our Wal-Mart in particular seems to attract some really, freaky people. I suspect that going on a Friday (aka Payday) should be interesting. I once saw a woman with a beard at our Wally World- not like a few stray hairs but a beard. I have seen women in undergarments, swimsuits and pajamas in our Wal-Mart. I have had to change aisles because the men smelled that bad at our Wal-Mart. I do NOT like to go to Wal-Mart. Target people are you out there???? We NEED you out here in Hillbilly Land. Please.

Seriously, if we had a Target and a Gap and a decent Chinese restaurant- and by decent I mean one that doesn't have cats in their freezer, no I am not kidding- this would be close to Heaven on Earth. It's pretty good without all those things but I do love the Gap. And sweet and sour chicken.

Bad Memory

I hate painting. I really do. It stinks. I think I would rather deal with ugly walls than paint them myself. Come to think of it maybe I am just lazy and I really don't hate painting at all? No, I hate it. I mean the lazy thing could be true also but, even if it is I still hate painting.

We're finishing with this house. That means I am going around painting all those little bits of trim that never were finished. And did I mention I hate painting? Well, at least we are almost done.

However, there is this other issue that is still looming ahead. When we got our bid back for the new house there was a line item for painting the interior (there will be no paint on the exterior) And the price for this you ask? You did ask didn't you? Ahem, $17,000. Uh-huh. I told Casey that it had to be a typo and it must be $7,000 and even that seemed high to me. He said he would check on it and he did. And there was no typo. Here's where my trouble comes in. I started running my mouth- and you know I never do that, must have been a moment of weakness- and I tell him I will NEVER pay someone $17,000 for painting, that's some kind of craziness I will NOT be participating in well, I will just do it myself. Yep, caught it didn't you? I said I would do it. I do not want to do it. Our ceilings range from 9 to 12 feet tall and there will be trim for miles. I do NOT want to do it.

So, we are just going to have to hope that the man who can't remember my birthday, Valentine's Day or Mother's Day until exactly 12 hours before they occur will not remember what I said about the painting.

Ready to Move In???

We went out to the lot last night- they are almost finished with the ceiling joists. Which is cool because now you can get a feel for what size the rooms will actually be. The kids had a lot of fun going into their own rooms, and Caroline has already begun her list of requests.

Duncan told me if I let him put his flip-flops back on he would pay the mortgage (think there's been a lot of house talk around here lately?) on my very own apartment when he turns ten. Sounded like a good deal until he also told me he would be keeping my "big, beautiful new house". Sorry dude, no flip-flops.

I am starting to be able to visualize what it will look like finished - here's the front

Caroline's room is all the way to the left and the garage is all the way to the right.

And this is the back- on the left is the family room and on the right is the master bedroom/bath. The great room and dining room are in the middle. So, it kinda looks like a house. Seems they'll start the roof today.

The old house is almost ready to sell. We're all exhausted and getting cranky- wish I could just give it away but seems that doesn't really work for the banker so we'll continue. Ever notice that when you replace or fix one thing it makes you notice 5 other things that need to be fixed/replaced? Driving me nuts. Pray that some kind soul comes and buys this house the first week it's on the market. Otherwise, we may take Duncan's suggestion and take some sleeping bags and go live at the new house.

Boys Night Out

Caroline had a sleepover to go to last night and Casey had to work so that left Duncan and I at home alone. He was pretty bummed about that so earlier in the week he invited his friend Kade to come over and play Wii and go to the movies.
After going to the lot to see all the walls now in place, and the beginnings of a roof!! and then making sure Caroline was all set at her party, we headed off to get Kade. He is a really good kid and Duncan was so excited to have him check out the new video game. While they played Wii- Kade said before he played it he thought he wanted one but now he really LOVED it- I taped up around the trim in the hall for it to be painted. The boys decided they were hungry so I took them to McDonald's. Which is a huge treat at our house because I absolutely abhor McDonald's, and you'll understand why in minute. But we went. AND they got Surf's Up toys in their Happy Meals which was just "totally mondo, dude!"

We didn't have enough time to play, which is just as well because I really didn't want Duncan stuck in there and have to envision myself trying to get through the tubes. As if that wasn't nauseating enough-I have other issues with the playland. The only thing I am able to think about any time I am near a McDonalds playland is the time when Caroline was 3 in San Angelo and she LOVED to play at Mickey D's and she came down to tell me there was poop in the tunnel she had been crawling in for the past thirty minutes. I freaked. When I say I freaked, I mean as in life was not the same for days for me after "the incident". Needless to say it was years before we went near another McDonalds playland. And I was ready to pull out all kinds of bribery to make sure I did not have to wedge my rear end in a tunnel that may or may not contain human waste.

We headed on over to the movies. I was a little anxious about that part of the evening. We have had several incidents at this theatre with people sitting in the wheelchair accessible seating even though they have no need for it. And don't even get me started on Casey and my new campaign "Being Fat is NOT a Disability" (look for t-shirts soon, although they will not be available at Wal-Mart as it would offend too many of their customers) Last time it happened I think I handled it well. I spoke assertively and confidently but kept my voice down and looked the man directly in the eye when I answered his "Well, he can sit there (pointing to wheelchair space) and ya'll can sit up there" I told him I was about to kick his butt up to the moon and eat his popcorn while he was gone. Not really. I said, " This is my 6 year old son and he will need to sit with me." Firmly. He moved. And he even apologized after the movie. He really did. I was shocked too. But all that was to say, I was afraid a whole scene playing out like that, however calm it may be, was probably going to freak Kade out. So I had prepared Duncan for the possibility that we would park his chair in the back and I would carry him to his seat so he could sit next to Kade. We were ready for Plan B.

We got to the theatre and paid and the boys decided they were stuffed from McDonald's so they would share a box of candy. And into the theatre we go. It was really cute, Kade just took over pushing Duncan. He never said a word he just took the handle bars and took off. Luckily, when we arrived in the the theatre there were only a couple people and no one was near the wheelchair seats which happen to be right in the middle of this theatre. Kade sat next to Duncan and I sat directly behind them. They thought the movie was hilarious.


For mom's out there who are destined to sit through this one in the next week or two- it's pretty cute. Funny and a nice dose of toilet humor so the 6-8 yr old boys will particularly love it. It does talk of Cody's dad being eaten but no details are given and no one else dies or anything else that might scare little ones. I do have to ask though, if you are taking little guys to the movie and they tell you repeatedly throughout the movie, "I want to doe home, momma" only stopping to kick the chair of the nice lady in front of them, then please take them home.

We took Kade home after the movie. He lives several miles outside of town. Duncan was asleep almost immediately upon leaving Kade's driveway. Kade announced he had a "really, really lot of good time". Me too.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Just a picture for today-

Block Party

We had the neighbors over last night. The "new" neighbors. In the neighborhood where none of us live, yet. What? Everyone doesn't do that?

After church we went out to the lot and eventually had an impromptu gathering of neighbors from 4 different households in my "kitchen". It was fun. It was the first time I have ever had a neighbor into my home. Nope, I am not kidding. And the funny thing is I don't even have a whole home yet!! We are very excited to see all of these families with young kids around. People to watch out for each others kids and kids for our kids to play with. Moms to carpool with. Good stuff.

We now have walls- pics will be forth coming. Only half of the house has walls, I would expect the rest to go up today. They work amazingly fast. Everyone last night agreed that our house is big, so I guess I'll have to concede to Casey that he was right. He has insisted all along that it was a big house, I guess it is. It certainly seems bigger with walls. I stood at the kitchen sink (obviously, there's no sink yet) and I don't think Caroline will hear me in her room when I call her for dinner. The kids were both very excited to walk through their rooms and bathrooms. I was concerned we had not made their rooms big enough but they seem to be just fine. Their bathrooms are a nice size- no wasted space but plenty big, still.

We're having window and door issues, again. Seems if I put a transom window above my door that isn't part of an entry unit then the header may show when you open the door. First of all, what the heck does that mean and do I really care? Secondly, no freakin' glass people, no glass. Entry units are generally doors with glass, at least that's all I can find. Unless I can find oh, about $6,000 and then it seems I can get whatever I want for a front door. Oh excuse me, entry unit. And then there's the back doors. Real working french doors, one french door and a fixed door, one working door with 3 fixed doors, and on and on and on. We have decided to go with one working door, one fixed door and sidelights on each side. Which I can only assume is going to piss our framer off since we told him 4 doors just yesterday.

Do You Think I'm Pretty?

That's what my new porches would ask you if they could talk. Yes, they would. Ummm, okay perhaps my imagination is running a bit wild. And, no I haven't had much sleep. But c'mon bear with me- it's VBS week.

Without further ado, I give you my pretty, pretty porches-

They look dirty but that's actually the release agent they put down before they stamp. It will be power washed off and leave a two toned effect. You can see in the picture below the way the front porch simply has a gentle slope up rather than a step. With the stamping (I told you it was a good idea!) you can't even really tell that it slopes. There will be a sidewalk that butts up to the front porch but they don't pour that or the driveway until the end of the process so that all the construction doesn't tear it up. Whether or not the sidewalk will be stamped has yet to be determined.

And finally, here's picture of the whole slab. They will start framing today, hopefully. Actually, the wood is being delivered right now, as I type. Exciting stuff.

Now, I gotta go get ready for "Game Day". I bought 12 packages of candy bars last night as a bribe, there are 25 3rd graders in my class.

And the sun is shining.....

The rain did go away for our family outing last night. We went to the Botanical Gardens for Concerts in the Garden. Asleep at the Wheel played and we took a picnic and my Grandad. No rain. It was a great time. Duncan has had a fondness for Western Swing music since he was about three. I think Toy Story and his complete obsession with that movie kinda kicked it off. He danced and played air guitar or air fiddle for most of the night. And he ate strawberries, oh man did he ever. One after another after another, and I honestly didn't even think he liked them much. At home he generally won't eat more than one. The night ended with fireworks. The four of us are jaded because we have seen the Disney fireworks shows so many times. These fireworks were pretty cool although short. The funniest song of the night? "Your Mind is on Vacation and Your Mouth is Working Overtime"

Hodgepodge

Well, I cannot believe it but it's raining yet again. I didn't gripe. I just stated the fact that it is in fact raining again. We have outdoor plans for this evening and I will be disappointed if they have to be cancelled. I won't complain or be selfish or ungrateful to God for this bountiful blessing of rain but I may be a little hard to live with. My kids on the other hand, they are selfish little folks- they are gonna be mad!!

We went to the lot yesterday and walked around our concrete. The kids thought it was great fun to find their bedrooms and try to guess what went to each of the plumbing tubes and pipes. Nope, there are still no porches. Too muddy for the concrete trucks to get in. Besides the fact that it would probably be raining again by the time they got in there. Not griping, just saying. And they can't pour the pretty concrete in the rain- could get dings in it. There will be no dings in my pretty, pretty porches. Course they may not be poured until the drought of 2012 but whatever.

I don't have pictures to share because we went after I took the kids to see Shrek 3. It was okay as far as kid movies go (which is all I have seen in the theater in oh, like 6 years) But I am hoping this is as far as the Shrek saga goes. I don't remember the 1st one being so blatantly adult and I don't remember the 2nd one at all although the kids assure me we saw it and I'm sure we did. At one point, Fiona tells Shrek she is pregnant- he is on a ship going out to sea- Puss in Boots says "You're...." and the ships horn blows at that moment. The implication was that he was saying "You're screwed" Of course, Caroline looks at me immediately wants to know what he would've said. Being the completely mature, excellent parental figure that I am I said, "SHHHHH! Watch the movie"

An aside to any parents out there who haven't yet seen it they also make a reference to the favorite Mom question of all time "where do babies come from?" Which I am sure, would make a pleasant discussion at the theater. My kids know the answer to that question so they both thought that part was hilariously funny.

And finally, just to give you a glimpse into the bizarre world of Cumby humor. There is a character in the movie called "Puss in Boots". Due to an unfortunate mixing of phrases, Duncan has already learned that there is a very ugly word that we never, ever use that starts with the same letters as puss. So, he refuses to say the characters name. He simply spells "P-U-S-S" in boots. Cracks me up every time.

Get Out- Way Out

Let me start by saying that I love television. Seriously, I do. Which I suppose is a good thing because my husband likes T.V. more than any person I have ever known, except maybe my sister. I never jumped on the whole Mommy bandwagon to not let your kids watch T.V. Excuse me, but television is the magical box that allows you to cook dinner in the oven rather than wanting to stick your head in it. That's a joke folks, you can laugh now.

We embrace the T.V. love at our house. It's entertaining, informative and sometimes even educational. And since we are building a new house and selling this one- we are obsessively Tivoing HGTV. Particularly shows about selling your house or landscaping. So late last night we watched a show called Get Out Way Out, which as it turns out is pretty appropriately titled. This is a show about getting out in your backyard. The episode we viewed was about a single mom with 3 kids who wanted something for all them to enjoy together. Awwww, warm & fuzzy right? Of course. But can we stop right here for just a second? Do you know any single mothers of 3 in real life who have a much of a budget for landscaping their backyard? Probably not many right? It gets better. Well, first wanna see what she had built? Here you go-

Oh, I forgot to add the photo is taken from the top of the 52 foot waterslide. Yes, it is. Really. Wanna know what this single mom of 3 paid for her new backyard? You really don't but I am telling you anyway. $250,000. No, I did not add an extra zero. Single mom of 3 spends 1/4 million dollars on her backyard- get out indeed.