We had a pleasant evening outside as a family last Wednesday night. We played with the puppy, played on the swing set, the kids rode their bikes, some went back yard exploring, and others just sat in the stroller soaking it all in for when they finally old enough to run with the "big kids".
Meet Albert.
Do you remember on Looney Tunes when the Abominable Snowman says, "I will name him George, and I will hug him and pet him and squeeze him..." to Daffy Duck? Well, that is the first thing I thought of when Stephen George says to me, "And I will name him Albert." Seriously? Albert? He proceeds to giggle as the look on my face must have been funny. Stephen has this type of giggle that lets you know he did that or said that because he knew it would make you either question him or laugh with him. He's got a gift for making things way funnier than they normally are.
So, anyway - Here's Albert again. Actually, this is a shot of Albert trying to jump out of the container and onto my camera. It is somewhat freaky when you look through a camera to take a picture and this thing jumps up at you. I really thought it was huge and coming right at me for second. Stephen decided he wanted to keep Albert. He pleaded his case quite well.
Stephen - "I'm going to keep him."
Mom - "No, you aren't."
Stephen - "Please. Why not?"
Mom - "Because you can't."
Stephen - "Sure I can. I'll keep him in here."
Mom - "No, that won't work well."
Stephen - "How about I keep him in a bigger thing. Where is Kitty's old fish tank? That would work."
Mom - "Stephen, you just can't keep toads. They don't keep as well as frogs. (Yes, that was totally just a line I pulled out of you know where to make it sound like I knew what I was talking about.) AND, you aren't keeping it in the house. Albert will probably die if you keep him."
Stephen - "But Mom, I really want to keep him."
Dad - "You can't keep him. You need to let him go. He eats bugs like mosquitoes."
Mom - "You can keep him long enough to figure out what kind of toad he is, but you better do that quick because it is almost time to go inside. Go get the frog and toad ID book and figure it out."
Stephen - "Are you sure I can't keep him?"
Mom - "Yes."
Stephen - sighs and runs into the house.
Now you are thinking what is the harm in letting him keep one little toad. There is no harm unless the kid is Stephen. This amazing kid would keep every creature he came across. He's just about as bad as I am. Remember that time I found a huge spider while I was raking the yard? A normal person would just kill the ugly thing, but not me. I ran to the house and got a plastic container and proceeded to catch this huge spider so I could show the kids. I think Stephen gets this from his mother, don't you agree? If we had more room or maybe A ROOM for such things I would be all for keeping live animals. I would love to have a frog or mouse or even - GASP - a snake....but we have eight kids, two pack-rat parents, and one overly energetic puppy. That is WAY more bodies to keep track of than I am in the right mind for right now. It is on the agenda for the way, way future. Maybe we can do something like that when the twins are old enough to not put every moving or non-moving thing in their mouths. Yes, that is definitely going to be the first hurdle we must cross before I will consider this idea. Sorry Stephen, keep working on those sisters of yours and then we will talk about it with real intent to act.
Speaking of the energetic puppy...anyone want to buy a German short hair? Ok, I know we just got him. Yes, I know he's just a puppy. Yes, he will get better. Yes, you are correct I haven't given him a fair chance. Ok, maybe the fact that Darren has been gone a couple of days makes a difference and is warping my perception of this puppy. Yes, isn't he the cutest?? Yes, I'm sure he will be a great bird dog and this will all be worth it. Are you crazy?? Of course we don't need another dog. Female you say? Now you are sounding like Darren. Then we can have cute newborn puppies someday...whose side are you on anyway??!!!
Jimmer and Darren spent some quality time chasing pheasant wings.
Jimmer was determined to get that wing one way or another.
Maybe he if was quiet and tiptoed it might not move.
Maybe if he just gave it his all he could catch it.
Jimmer, sweet Jimmer. I like you. You are cute. You have some of the best puppy dog eyes ever. Let's get one thing straight. I do not like cleaning up your messes. That's it.
Gianna says to me, "Mom, take me picture on the swings."
She was being Superman or woman. It is her favorite way to swing because it is the only way she can get on the swing without help.
"Look at me, Mom. I'm a big girl just like Blase and Steben."
To clarify - big like Blase and Stephen, not the girl part. Her goal in life - be like her brothers. She loves them so much and her world crashes down if they don't include her. God blessed her with little sisters knowing she'd need someone to play with. Now they just need to grow up and it isn't fast enough in Gianna's eyes.
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