James left home on Nov 14th and went to Nashville to meet Auntie Anne and Uncle Dale and attended a Vanderbilt Women's Basketball game. The next morning Nov 15th, James and Uncle Dale left Nashville around 7 am and drove to the UP of Michigan arriving around 10:30 pm that night clocking in 850 miles.
James visited family and friends the first two days with the hight light being a 2 hr plane ride in his father's Cessna 172 airplane. (I am happy he enjoyed it since it's not my cup of tea). On Friday they headed 45 miles north to the Erickson Lodge (in name only) with the boys in the Hiawithia National Forest. The Erickson Lodge is a 120 year old Log Cabin with gas lights, wood heat, hand pump point for water and outhouse for restroom--yuck, most women aren't impressed!!! James enjoyed the weekend with his father, uncle, brothers and nephews during hunting camp. It was a boy's only weekend, thank goodness. They came out of the woods monday afternoon--can you say shower please!
James picked up Hunter in Nashville and they arrived home the night before Thanksgiving. We had a quiet Thanksgiving catching up and my Dad came over to spend the day with us.
I had 4 days by myself with the dogs and it was a nice "little break".
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
A Freshman!!!
Summer is over and school is back in session. Hunter started today as a Freshman in high school. So hard to believe that he is growing up so fast. Every night when we fight over homework seems so hard and all of the sudden high school and just a few more years. Where did the time go? I am still trying to "enjoy" our challenges and his remaining time at home the next few years!!
The highlight of the day was JROTC. It should be an interesting year. Every Monday they have drill sessions, Tuesday and Thursday is classroom instruction, Friday is physical training and Wednesday is uniform inspection. Luckily, the uniforms are free thank goodness, since it all has to be dry cleaned!!! This is according to Hunter so I am not sure that I am going to count on the free!!! LOL
In addition to all of that, they have to do 30 hours of community service a semester and a list of activities like attending football games, In Honor and Remembrance Cermony at the American Legion over Labor day weekend, the Winder Christmas parade. This is depending on which group they are in such as the color guard, courtesy patrol, the drill team and the Raider's. I don't know what the courtesy patrol or the Raider's actually do!!! Hunter is really wanting to be in the drill team and the rifle team. We will see how it all works out.
This semester he only has 2 core classes Algebra and Language Arts. I told him with a lighter load that I expect higher grades. His other elective class is Broadcast Video. It sounds similar to working in a news room by taking video, editing, creating movies. We had to sign a concent form that the kids could use our pictures/video taken at home to be in the school paper and possible news!! I will have my hair done and no pj's during that time!!! LOL
The best part of today is that I haven't ever seen Hunter this excited about school!!! I hope his excitement continues.
It's weird being back in school without going to the beach this year however, we did go white water rafting. That was an adventure but I will post on that later after I get the pictures back. In order to get pictures the camera had to be waterproof and we have to send off film to be developed. Such old technology!!!
Hope you are all doing well. Please update us with what is happening with your family!!!
Donna
My Proud Freshmas!!!
but my goofy boy is still around!! :)
The highlight of the day was JROTC. It should be an interesting year. Every Monday they have drill sessions, Tuesday and Thursday is classroom instruction, Friday is physical training and Wednesday is uniform inspection. Luckily, the uniforms are free thank goodness, since it all has to be dry cleaned!!! This is according to Hunter so I am not sure that I am going to count on the free!!! LOL
In addition to all of that, they have to do 30 hours of community service a semester and a list of activities like attending football games, In Honor and Remembrance Cermony at the American Legion over Labor day weekend, the Winder Christmas parade. This is depending on which group they are in such as the color guard, courtesy patrol, the drill team and the Raider's. I don't know what the courtesy patrol or the Raider's actually do!!! Hunter is really wanting to be in the drill team and the rifle team. We will see how it all works out.
This semester he only has 2 core classes Algebra and Language Arts. I told him with a lighter load that I expect higher grades. His other elective class is Broadcast Video. It sounds similar to working in a news room by taking video, editing, creating movies. We had to sign a concent form that the kids could use our pictures/video taken at home to be in the school paper and possible news!! I will have my hair done and no pj's during that time!!! LOL
The best part of today is that I haven't ever seen Hunter this excited about school!!! I hope his excitement continues.
It's weird being back in school without going to the beach this year however, we did go white water rafting. That was an adventure but I will post on that later after I get the pictures back. In order to get pictures the camera had to be waterproof and we have to send off film to be developed. Such old technology!!!
Hope you are all doing well. Please update us with what is happening with your family!!!
Donna
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A Legacy
Please keep Betty Moore, Hunter's grandmother "Mommo" in your prayers. She had a very severe last week and is in hospice as she "transitions" from this life to her next.
When I heard this news, I had a few realizations besides being so very sad!!!
Poeple say that you don't "marry the family" but I have to disagree. Even though divorce happens, it's still Hunter's grandmother!!! Mommo has been in my life for 26 years and although I haven't seen her in 7 or 8 years, I will miss her phone calls, cards and letters!
Thank goodness for facebook!!!! We have all heard about people finding out things on Facebook and this is how I found out about Mommo!!! Cindy was married to Clark's brother. Cindy put a message on facebook asking for prayers, when I responded she called me to give me the details.
Hunter originally went to Nashville for a week but we extended his visit and he ended up staying 3 weeks. Looking back, I think God planned it so Hunter could see Mommo healthy and well one last time the Sunday before her stroke.
Just a few weeks earlier when attending Hunter's first visitation, I remember telling Hunter as we walked out the door "it's a bit easier when it's not someone you love"!!!! I never dreamed those words would haunt me so quickly. We still have to get through the memorial service but at least I will be there to hold Hunter's hand if he needs it.
I am so grateful, that she was a part of our lives and although we are sad, we are happy that she will be meeting up with all of her other loved ones.
A legacy lives on through us,
Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
~Author Unknown
When I heard this news, I had a few realizations besides being so very sad!!!
Poeple say that you don't "marry the family" but I have to disagree. Even though divorce happens, it's still Hunter's grandmother!!! Mommo has been in my life for 26 years and although I haven't seen her in 7 or 8 years, I will miss her phone calls, cards and letters!
Thank goodness for facebook!!!! We have all heard about people finding out things on Facebook and this is how I found out about Mommo!!! Cindy was married to Clark's brother. Cindy put a message on facebook asking for prayers, when I responded she called me to give me the details.
Hunter originally went to Nashville for a week but we extended his visit and he ended up staying 3 weeks. Looking back, I think God planned it so Hunter could see Mommo healthy and well one last time the Sunday before her stroke.
Just a few weeks earlier when attending Hunter's first visitation, I remember telling Hunter as we walked out the door "it's a bit easier when it's not someone you love"!!!! I never dreamed those words would haunt me so quickly. We still have to get through the memorial service but at least I will be there to hold Hunter's hand if he needs it.
I am so grateful, that she was a part of our lives and although we are sad, we are happy that she will be meeting up with all of her other loved ones.
A legacy lives on through us,
Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
~Author Unknown
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Summer
Sorry it has been so long since my last post. Things have been super crazy around here. The days just seem to fly by, in fact some days I could use more hours in the day. I still love my job but I am not sure what is going to happen next year when we move downtown. It will probably be a 2 hour drive each way!!! Waiting to see what type of job James gets and how we are going to work getting Hunter to school.
Hunter is now finished with school. He passed 8th grade and all areas of the CRCT. We are so happy about all of these events. Hunter is happy since we owe him $100 for his success on the CRCT. $100 is a good motivator to have him "read" the test instead of making patterns out of the dots just so he can get done to read his book!!!! Yes, this happened a couple of years ago!!! Hunter will be a freshman in high school next year!!! He is growing up so fast!!!
We have no big plans for the summer. Vacation this year will be just hanging out at home. We are not happy about missing the beach but hoping to get there for at least a weekend. Even though today is June 1st we have already had 2 weeks of 90 degree weather!! It's so hot right now, July and August are going to be unbearable. Even the dogs don't want to go outside. Both dogs have air vents that they lay on or in front of!!!
Hunter is leaving this Friday to go to Nashville to visit his Dad and family for 10 days and then again the week of July 4th. With James not working right now, the boys hope to hang out in the afternoon's at Lake Lanier Water Park, see some movies and they have found an airsoft place up the street from our house. Airsoft is a cross between paint ball and a bee-bee gun and you shoot each other. Not my kind of game but Hunter loves playing!! The upside to James job hunting is he most likely won't have this chance again to spend part of a summer with Hunter. James is good at finding things to do and it should make for some good memories.
I guess that catches you up on what we are doing right now. I hope you are starting to enjoy your summer!!! If anyone wants to come visit, just let us know. Atlanta has some fun things to do!!! :) Let me know how you are all doing and your plans for the summer.
Hunter is now finished with school. He passed 8th grade and all areas of the CRCT. We are so happy about all of these events. Hunter is happy since we owe him $100 for his success on the CRCT. $100 is a good motivator to have him "read" the test instead of making patterns out of the dots just so he can get done to read his book!!!! Yes, this happened a couple of years ago!!! Hunter will be a freshman in high school next year!!! He is growing up so fast!!!
We have no big plans for the summer. Vacation this year will be just hanging out at home. We are not happy about missing the beach but hoping to get there for at least a weekend. Even though today is June 1st we have already had 2 weeks of 90 degree weather!! It's so hot right now, July and August are going to be unbearable. Even the dogs don't want to go outside. Both dogs have air vents that they lay on or in front of!!!
Hunter is leaving this Friday to go to Nashville to visit his Dad and family for 10 days and then again the week of July 4th. With James not working right now, the boys hope to hang out in the afternoon's at Lake Lanier Water Park, see some movies and they have found an airsoft place up the street from our house. Airsoft is a cross between paint ball and a bee-bee gun and you shoot each other. Not my kind of game but Hunter loves playing!! The upside to James job hunting is he most likely won't have this chance again to spend part of a summer with Hunter. James is good at finding things to do and it should make for some good memories.
I guess that catches you up on what we are doing right now. I hope you are starting to enjoy your summer!!! If anyone wants to come visit, just let us know. Atlanta has some fun things to do!!! :) Let me know how you are all doing and your plans for the summer.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Miracle
I was reading a friends' blog today and I came upon this entry:
This couple had great pregnancy, an active labor with the baby moving constantly. As soon as the baby came out, he was not breathing. After testing, they said he had a condition called HIE (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy) and he was life-flighted to Northside hospital due to his lack of oxygen. The baby was intubated and put on a ventilator. He was a huge newborn and giant of the NICU at 9lbs 6 oz and over 21 inches long. After 72 hours he passed away.
As I was reading this, my heart fell to my feet. This brings back so many memories of Hunter's early days. I am so glad that my "little boy" lived but so sad and heartbroken for this family.
I guess as parents, you are always looking for answers….Now I am wondering now if maybe it has something to do with the size of the baby. My "little boy" was 10 lbs 12 oz and 21-3/4 inches long and he was 2 weeks early. However, when the doctors are trying to put in needles into those little arms, no matter how big, they are still new little babies.
I just wanted to thank god, for the miracle of our kids!!!
This couple had great pregnancy, an active labor with the baby moving constantly. As soon as the baby came out, he was not breathing. After testing, they said he had a condition called HIE (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy) and he was life-flighted to Northside hospital due to his lack of oxygen. The baby was intubated and put on a ventilator. He was a huge newborn and giant of the NICU at 9lbs 6 oz and over 21 inches long. After 72 hours he passed away.
As I was reading this, my heart fell to my feet. This brings back so many memories of Hunter's early days. I am so glad that my "little boy" lived but so sad and heartbroken for this family.
I guess as parents, you are always looking for answers….Now I am wondering now if maybe it has something to do with the size of the baby. My "little boy" was 10 lbs 12 oz and 21-3/4 inches long and he was 2 weeks early. However, when the doctors are trying to put in needles into those little arms, no matter how big, they are still new little babies.
I just wanted to thank god, for the miracle of our kids!!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
End of the school year
We are on the final countdown to the end of the school year. 4 more days, yea!!!! I am not sure who is more excited James and I or Hunter. However, the only bad thing….2 essays this week as part of finals, 2 papers turned in this week and studying for exams. In the "old days" we studied by ourself, with Hunter we have to read over everything and quiz Hunter on everything. I look forward to no homework this summer!!!!
The good news on the school front, we found out that Hunter passed reading and math on the CRCT. No official scores yet but he doesn't have to re-take the tests, so this is AWESOME!!! We owe Hunter $50. We decided that $25 a subject was worth the cost to get him to take his time and READ the questions instead of just "making patterns" with the dots on the test. Yes, this happened one year, all so he could get done to READ his book!!! Reading is good but…. We offered $100 if he exceeds the standards on any section. He was 4 points away from it last year in Language Arts. What we do as parents!! :) I can't imagine having a child who really wants and strives to get all A's or A's and B's!!!
Hunter is starting to ask to get his driving permit. In Georgia, you can get it at 15 and drive with your parents at a minimum of 40 hours but I know kids that keep their permit for YEARS. I can see Hunter doing well around our house being we are "in the country" without much traffic. Driving into town or on the interstate…I see a far, far time in future before he will be ready for that.
We don't have any big plans for the summer. Hunter will go to Nashville to spend a week in June and a week in July. We are going to get season passes to Lake Lanier Water park so we can enjoy a COOL SUMMER!!
The good news on the school front, we found out that Hunter passed reading and math on the CRCT. No official scores yet but he doesn't have to re-take the tests, so this is AWESOME!!! We owe Hunter $50. We decided that $25 a subject was worth the cost to get him to take his time and READ the questions instead of just "making patterns" with the dots on the test. Yes, this happened one year, all so he could get done to READ his book!!! Reading is good but…. We offered $100 if he exceeds the standards on any section. He was 4 points away from it last year in Language Arts. What we do as parents!! :) I can't imagine having a child who really wants and strives to get all A's or A's and B's!!!
Hunter is starting to ask to get his driving permit. In Georgia, you can get it at 15 and drive with your parents at a minimum of 40 hours but I know kids that keep their permit for YEARS. I can see Hunter doing well around our house being we are "in the country" without much traffic. Driving into town or on the interstate…I see a far, far time in future before he will be ready for that.
We don't have any big plans for the summer. Hunter will go to Nashville to spend a week in June and a week in July. We are going to get season passes to Lake Lanier Water park so we can enjoy a COOL SUMMER!!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Happy Mother's Day
Tomorrow is Mother's Day….
Mother's Day is a great day….breakfast in bed, doing what I want and my boys taking care of me!!! How can I top that?
If my mom were here with me to share the day. I guess it's a wish that any child has after losing a parent. Most days are fine but special days lack completion. I love you, Mom!!!
Happy Mother's Day to all the other special Mom's in my life!!! I hope you have an awesome day!!
Mother's Day is a great day….breakfast in bed, doing what I want and my boys taking care of me!!! How can I top that?
If my mom were here with me to share the day. I guess it's a wish that any child has after losing a parent. Most days are fine but special days lack completion. I love you, Mom!!!
Happy Mother's Day to all the other special Mom's in my life!!! I hope you have an awesome day!!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Carowinds Amusement Park
Yesterday we went to the Carowinds Amusement Park on the North & South Carolina border. We haven't been to an amusement park in a few years since Hunter didn't like roller coasters very well. He got over it yesterday. I think we did all the coasters.
His favorite was the "Intimidator" which is the longest and fastest roller coaster in the Southeast which goes over 90 mph.
You come out of your seat as you go over the top of the hill and the drop is almost straight down.
Turn 2 - almost flips you over as it makes the 90 degree turn.
This is turn 2 way off in the distance
The Scream Weaver was Hunter's favorite ride of the day, goes like a ferris wheel turning riders upside down. He must have ridden it at LEAST 20 times.
Our Final ride of the day was the "Afterburn" the suspended coaster.
I think the best part of the day is seeing your child's excitment and spending the time together!!!
His favorite was the "Intimidator" which is the longest and fastest roller coaster in the Southeast which goes over 90 mph.
You come out of your seat as you go over the top of the hill and the drop is almost straight down.
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| From 2011 |
Turn 2 - almost flips you over as it makes the 90 degree turn.
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| From 2011 |
This is turn 2 way off in the distance
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| From 2011 |
The Scream Weaver was Hunter's favorite ride of the day, goes like a ferris wheel turning riders upside down. He must have ridden it at LEAST 20 times.
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| From 2011 |
Our Final ride of the day was the "Afterburn" the suspended coaster.
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| From 2011 |
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| From 2011 |
I think the best part of the day is seeing your child's excitment and spending the time together!!!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Great Week
This should be a great week…
The weather is suppose to be fabulous (other than allergies) but mid-70's and beautiful!!!!
Hunter is on spring break this week so no homework, and no real pressure to do anything. I am sure I will make him do some work since his grades aren't great and practice his typing skills.
This Thursday James and I celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary which is hard to believe. I will have been married to James as long as I was married to Clark. I will admit, the 10 years I have been married to James has gone by so much faster!!! Of course, Hunter has grown up so much and so quickly in the past 10 years!!! The saying is so true, life only gets better and better!!!
We are celebrating the end of our week by going on Saturday (assuming the weather is good) to North Carolina to the Carowinds Amusement park. We haven't done an amusement park in quite a few years and Hunter has decided that he is ready to try some upside down coasters. I will up date you more after our trip.
The weather is suppose to be fabulous (other than allergies) but mid-70's and beautiful!!!!
Hunter is on spring break this week so no homework, and no real pressure to do anything. I am sure I will make him do some work since his grades aren't great and practice his typing skills.
This Thursday James and I celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary which is hard to believe. I will have been married to James as long as I was married to Clark. I will admit, the 10 years I have been married to James has gone by so much faster!!! Of course, Hunter has grown up so much and so quickly in the past 10 years!!! The saying is so true, life only gets better and better!!!
We are celebrating the end of our week by going on Saturday (assuming the weather is good) to North Carolina to the Carowinds Amusement park. We haven't done an amusement park in quite a few years and Hunter has decided that he is ready to try some upside down coasters. I will up date you more after our trip.
Overload
Thursday I was on my way home from work when Hunter's special ed teacher called me. My stomach knots when the phone rings and the caller id shows the school. She wanted to know if I could come by the school and pick up Hunter. When I asked what was going on she said Hunter was in sensory overload!! Hunter was so upset that she didn't feel putting him on the bus was a good idea. Hunter decided to ride the bus home since he could use the earphones to listen to his ipod.
It seems that Friday was field day and this coming week is spring break so the kids were so wild that they were YELLING in the hallways and really out of control. Hunter doesn't do well with routine changes, commotion or loud noises.
When I got home Hunter was in his room reading. No tv or computer, the house was totally quiet until around 7 pm. Hunter then said, "Mom, please don't make me go to Field Day"!!!
We allowed Hunter to skip school on Friday and miss field day. Not only does he not like routine changes, commotion or loud noises he is terrified of bugs in particular wasp and bees!! I could just see another meltdown and with the kids there he would be teased and would life at school so much worse for him.
When I emailed his teacher to let her know our decision to keep him home on Friday, she agreed that was a good idea. Makes me wonder what all went on at school, it struck me as odd that instead of calling it a meltdown she actually used the words "sensory overload". I have seen the melt downs and I can't describe them other than totally out of control, there is no reasoning with Hunter at this point.
It's a bit hard to understand wanting to skip field day since we always had so much fun. It takes little episodes like this to remind me how far Hunter as actually come over the years since this used to be a weekly and sometimes daily occurrences.
Thank god, for teachers and therapists that study this stuff and can help!!!
It seems that Friday was field day and this coming week is spring break so the kids were so wild that they were YELLING in the hallways and really out of control. Hunter doesn't do well with routine changes, commotion or loud noises.
When I got home Hunter was in his room reading. No tv or computer, the house was totally quiet until around 7 pm. Hunter then said, "Mom, please don't make me go to Field Day"!!!
We allowed Hunter to skip school on Friday and miss field day. Not only does he not like routine changes, commotion or loud noises he is terrified of bugs in particular wasp and bees!! I could just see another meltdown and with the kids there he would be teased and would life at school so much worse for him.
When I emailed his teacher to let her know our decision to keep him home on Friday, she agreed that was a good idea. Makes me wonder what all went on at school, it struck me as odd that instead of calling it a meltdown she actually used the words "sensory overload". I have seen the melt downs and I can't describe them other than totally out of control, there is no reasoning with Hunter at this point.
It's a bit hard to understand wanting to skip field day since we always had so much fun. It takes little episodes like this to remind me how far Hunter as actually come over the years since this used to be a weekly and sometimes daily occurrences.
Thank god, for teachers and therapists that study this stuff and can help!!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thanks
Hunter sent this to his 2 math teachers tonight. Surprisingly, we have friends in town visiting and he took time out of their playing. I wonder what was going through his mind.....
Hi mrs Bowie and mrs Burnham, I hope that I'll pass my quiz tomorrow
and I'll miss you both in high school thanks for all you've done for
me.
Hunter
You are welcome Hunter. I will miss you too. I think you will pass your quiz tomorrow. I have seen such a big improvement in you in math class...you don't even know!
Shelley Burnham
Hi mrs Bowie and mrs Burnham, I hope that I'll pass my quiz tomorrow
and I'll miss you both in high school thanks for all you've done for
me.
Hunter
You are welcome Hunter. I will miss you too. I think you will pass your quiz tomorrow. I have seen such a big improvement in you in math class...you don't even know!
Shelley Burnham
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
In the Genes
After 3 visits to the oral surgeon my root canal is finally done. According to the os/dentist, this one canal was "difficult," "stubborn" and a "bear". Now I am aware that at times I have a "difficult" and "stubborn" personality but now I know that it is truly in the "genes" since I don't have any control over the formation of my teeth!! I have to go back in 3 months for him to do an x-ray "at his cost" to make sure it looks ok and in my opinion "look at his handiwork"………hummmmm
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Hunter's Girlfriend and 8th grade picture
Hunter now has a girlfriend, named Kristen. They have been "dating" since March 1st. What a nice birthday present. I am not quite sure what "dating" means now days since they have assigned seats during lunch so recess is their only time together. They are in Social Studies and Science together…this might explain why his grades have fallen in these classes!! They do text and that is about it.
I loved it when she sent a text and he gave a big sigh and said, "she is interupting my game". Anyone that has seen or heard Hunter talk about WOW, we can't interupt...this is a big deal!!!! So he isn't totally into girls, yet!! We will see how long this lasts but already longer than I expected!!!
Here is Hunter's 8th grade spring picture. We just received it earlier this week. He is 15 years old.
I loved it when she sent a text and he gave a big sigh and said, "she is interupting my game". Anyone that has seen or heard Hunter talk about WOW, we can't interupt...this is a big deal!!!! So he isn't totally into girls, yet!! We will see how long this lasts but already longer than I expected!!!
Here is Hunter's 8th grade spring picture. We just received it earlier this week. He is 15 years old.
Dog Allergies
As I sit here writing about spring, I am watching Donovan scratch. As much as we like the nice weather with everything blooming it brings out the allergies. Most everyone understands allergies and prays for things to finish blooming for relief. Then we have Donovan……
When we decided to get a dog, I never could have imagined the road we would travel with this guy. Thank goodness we fell in love with him or we might have given him away.
I have always said I thought Donovan was allergic to grass….after several years of skin infections, non-stop scratching we decided to do allergy testing. Yes, Donovan is not only allergic to several types of grass, trees, cotton, dust mites and foods including: chicken, carrots, potatoes, wheat, barley and soybeans. There is more to the list but it would mean more to the vets than it does to us. We are just treating the main allergens.
Donovan now gets 2 shots a month which is much easier and cheaper than what we were doing trying to clear up the skin infections. Of course, we didn't have any idea that every time he ate he was eating most of the foods that he was allergic to!!
Now when he goes outside we have to wipe his feet off or else he licks them and they get infected!! Bath's every two weeks and once a week is even better!!!! We have to wash the beds every few days (I do keep sheets on them so it is easier to wash than the actual beds. Finding a food that he could eat has been a real challenge. We had some prescription food but at $90 for a 35 lb. bag, we decided to find something else!! No store bought treats….other than pigs ears (limited or upset stomachs)!!!
All I can say is, if your dog has an accident or does something you don't care for….just think of us!!! :) However, we wouldn't get rid of him for anything!!!!
When we decided to get a dog, I never could have imagined the road we would travel with this guy. Thank goodness we fell in love with him or we might have given him away.
I have always said I thought Donovan was allergic to grass….after several years of skin infections, non-stop scratching we decided to do allergy testing. Yes, Donovan is not only allergic to several types of grass, trees, cotton, dust mites and foods including: chicken, carrots, potatoes, wheat, barley and soybeans. There is more to the list but it would mean more to the vets than it does to us. We are just treating the main allergens.
Donovan now gets 2 shots a month which is much easier and cheaper than what we were doing trying to clear up the skin infections. Of course, we didn't have any idea that every time he ate he was eating most of the foods that he was allergic to!!
Now when he goes outside we have to wipe his feet off or else he licks them and they get infected!! Bath's every two weeks and once a week is even better!!!! We have to wash the beds every few days (I do keep sheets on them so it is easier to wash than the actual beds. Finding a food that he could eat has been a real challenge. We had some prescription food but at $90 for a 35 lb. bag, we decided to find something else!! No store bought treats….other than pigs ears (limited or upset stomachs)!!!
All I can say is, if your dog has an accident or does something you don't care for….just think of us!!! :) However, we wouldn't get rid of him for anything!!!!
Spring has arrived
It looks like spring has arrived in Atlanta. It has been in the 60's and 70's for quite a few weeks. Our dogs received their summer haircuts two weeks ago and of course, then we had a short cold spell. They had to pile on the bed with us at night to keep warm.
It has been in the 80's here this weekend. Everyone is starting to wear shorts, trees and flowers are blooming, the grass smells great and then I sneeze. Allergy season is here, as well! :( James had to mow the yard yesterday but it was needed a few weeks ago and it needs to be done again to even it up and put down the ant kill.
The nice thing about spring is SPRING BREAK!!! We are looking forward to our friends, Beth and Bailey coming to visit later this week. We haven't seen them since we went to the beach last July. We have no plans other than hanging out and enjoying our time together!
Hunter's spring break is the week of Easter and VERY LATE this year. It is nice for us is since:
1. The CRCT is done and out of the way
2. no one is on break at our time so going anywhere is nice as there aren't any crowds
Of course, the down side is for the parents that work…kids are home alone!!! It works ok for the first 2 or 3 days then the real boredom sets in and usually trouble. I usually try to take a few days off so Hunter can have a friend over or we can do something fun, preferable both.
It has been in the 80's here this weekend. Everyone is starting to wear shorts, trees and flowers are blooming, the grass smells great and then I sneeze. Allergy season is here, as well! :( James had to mow the yard yesterday but it was needed a few weeks ago and it needs to be done again to even it up and put down the ant kill.
The nice thing about spring is SPRING BREAK!!! We are looking forward to our friends, Beth and Bailey coming to visit later this week. We haven't seen them since we went to the beach last July. We have no plans other than hanging out and enjoying our time together!
Hunter's spring break is the week of Easter and VERY LATE this year. It is nice for us is since:
1. The CRCT is done and out of the way
2. no one is on break at our time so going anywhere is nice as there aren't any crowds
Of course, the down side is for the parents that work…kids are home alone!!! It works ok for the first 2 or 3 days then the real boredom sets in and usually trouble. I usually try to take a few days off so Hunter can have a friend over or we can do something fun, preferable both.
Lent
Mardi Gras is over and Lent has arrived and the NO MEAT on Friday's. As for the no meat, this year seems to be more difficult. In the earlier years of school, there was always a choice of fish, peanut butter and jelly and/or cheese sandwiches as options. However, this year it's not the case. When I asked Hunter what he had for lunch, he said an "apple and milk". They were out of pb&j and there weren't any other non-meat choices. I am glad that he thought enough to honor our beliefs but I wasn't thrilled that he didn't have enough to eat. It didn't seem to be a problem this week so we will see.
It is a fun time of year and memories. On Friday as we drove to Dalton Hunter said "I am looking for our greasy fish"!! This is what I have always called Captain D's and Long John Silver. However, the last year or two Hunter has started eating popcorn shrimp. I am not sure that the popcorn shrimp is anymore healthy but it all tastes good a few weeks out of the year. I don't think we eat at these restaurants of the year!!!
It is a fun time of year and memories. On Friday as we drove to Dalton Hunter said "I am looking for our greasy fish"!! This is what I have always called Captain D's and Long John Silver. However, the last year or two Hunter has started eating popcorn shrimp. I am not sure that the popcorn shrimp is anymore healthy but it all tastes good a few weeks out of the year. I don't think we eat at these restaurants of the year!!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Our trip to Fort Polk, Louisianna
We are finally back from our trip to Fort Polk, Louisiana for Jeff's company retirement party. The drive out seemed to pass very quickly. The first day we drove 10 of the 13 hours instead of 6 or 7 as we had planned.
We arrived on Friday while Jeff was at work. We were able to catch up some with Lisa and finally meet her daughter, Amber and her friend, Ashley. Ashley is living with them and attending culinary school while Amber is going to cosmotology school.
Jeff finally arrived, he came in from a different way than we did so he saw our car but figured it was one of the kids friends. When he came in he saw Pop and Hunter. I heard "Holy crap, what are you doing here"? That made the last 6 weeks of secrecy totally worth it. I am not good with secrets, I had to watch what I posted on Facebook, what was said on emails and the phone. Not to mention 13 hours of driving and I couldn't even amuse myself with updates as Jeff might see them!!!
Lisa, Amber and Ashley like to cook. When we arrived they were making camouflage cupcakes for the party, then we had brats and peppers for lunch, pancakes one morning-chocolate chip, blueberry and plan in addition to a "low boil". We had never had a low boil which was very good!!!! All I can say is thank goodness they like to cook. By the end of the weekend, I was overwhelmed by the amount of cooking and cleaning. I really don't understand how it is enjoyable or relaxing!!! However, I haven't figured out how to pass on eating everything. If I could do that I would be so much better off!!!!
Jeff took the boys (Hunter, Pop and James) on a driving tour of the base. Hunter was totally enthralled with the hummers. He even asked "can we put a gun on top"? We have another generation of military growing up but he hasn't decided which branch of the service would be best.
We did watch the Brigade retirement video. It was ok but the best part was Amber and Ashley's running commentary of what all was really going on… a military wive with pink hair, daughter's dressed in goth clothing, a child being sick in the middle of the ceremony, Ashley being hit on during the ceremony while moving onto Amber's lap to escape. Sometimes editing is not as exciting as the real thing. I was laughing so hard I was crying!!!
Saturday night we had to be at the Catfish Hut for the Company retirement party. This was the party with all the people that Jeff works with everyday. Thanks so much to 1st SGT Jack (I don't even know his last name) but he planned the whole thing. Of course, when I put my purse down I didn't know I was sitting across from 1st SGT Jack and Commander Napier. 1st SGT Jack will be the next to retire sometime next year and Captain Napier looks like he is still in his late 20's!!! No wonder they call Jeff "Grandpa"!!!!
Jeff retires on April 1st but his "official" retirement date isn't until July 1st. What a way to spend your accumulated vacation days....I just haven't figured out how to save my days. We hope that after retirement they will move back to Georgia or somewhere closer to Georgia but no plans have been made as of right now.
We arrived on Friday while Jeff was at work. We were able to catch up some with Lisa and finally meet her daughter, Amber and her friend, Ashley. Ashley is living with them and attending culinary school while Amber is going to cosmotology school.
Jeff finally arrived, he came in from a different way than we did so he saw our car but figured it was one of the kids friends. When he came in he saw Pop and Hunter. I heard "Holy crap, what are you doing here"? That made the last 6 weeks of secrecy totally worth it. I am not good with secrets, I had to watch what I posted on Facebook, what was said on emails and the phone. Not to mention 13 hours of driving and I couldn't even amuse myself with updates as Jeff might see them!!!
Lisa, Amber and Ashley like to cook. When we arrived they were making camouflage cupcakes for the party, then we had brats and peppers for lunch, pancakes one morning-chocolate chip, blueberry and plan in addition to a "low boil". We had never had a low boil which was very good!!!! All I can say is thank goodness they like to cook. By the end of the weekend, I was overwhelmed by the amount of cooking and cleaning. I really don't understand how it is enjoyable or relaxing!!! However, I haven't figured out how to pass on eating everything. If I could do that I would be so much better off!!!!
Jeff took the boys (Hunter, Pop and James) on a driving tour of the base. Hunter was totally enthralled with the hummers. He even asked "can we put a gun on top"? We have another generation of military growing up but he hasn't decided which branch of the service would be best.
We did watch the Brigade retirement video. It was ok but the best part was Amber and Ashley's running commentary of what all was really going on… a military wive with pink hair, daughter's dressed in goth clothing, a child being sick in the middle of the ceremony, Ashley being hit on during the ceremony while moving onto Amber's lap to escape. Sometimes editing is not as exciting as the real thing. I was laughing so hard I was crying!!!
Saturday night we had to be at the Catfish Hut for the Company retirement party. This was the party with all the people that Jeff works with everyday. Thanks so much to 1st SGT Jack (I don't even know his last name) but he planned the whole thing. Of course, when I put my purse down I didn't know I was sitting across from 1st SGT Jack and Commander Napier. 1st SGT Jack will be the next to retire sometime next year and Captain Napier looks like he is still in his late 20's!!! No wonder they call Jeff "Grandpa"!!!!
Jeff retires on April 1st but his "official" retirement date isn't until July 1st. What a way to spend your accumulated vacation days....I just haven't figured out how to save my days. We hope that after retirement they will move back to Georgia or somewhere closer to Georgia but no plans have been made as of right now.
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| Company Retirement Party |
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Hunter's 15th birthday at Golden Eagle Airsoft
Hunter celebrated his 15th birthday yesterday with his friend, Andrew at Golden Eagle airsoft. Airsoft is similar to paintball but with little plastic bb's.
Since it was Hunter's birthday the boys could play all day which was from noon until 9 pm. James said after 2 games approximately 20 minutes of play, Hunter came out announcing he was DONE!!!
Hunter normally plays in Nashville at an outdoor facility and Golden Eagle in an indoor facility. James said Hunter was in sensory overload...in an enclosed environment, it was very loud, too much activity and everyone was very aggressive. James did go buy Hunter ear plugs.
Since it was Hunter's birthday the boys could play all day which was from noon until 9 pm. James said after 2 games approximately 20 minutes of play, Hunter came out announcing he was DONE!!!
Hunter normally plays in Nashville at an outdoor facility and Golden Eagle in an indoor facility. James said Hunter was in sensory overload...in an enclosed environment, it was very loud, too much activity and everyone was very aggressive. James did go buy Hunter ear plugs.
After several hours of Hunter sitting out and James playing in Hunter's place, Hunter went back to playing. The boys did end up playing until 9pm so I guess it ended up being a good day. James said that Hunter hides in the corner and just shoots randomly, hum....
Hunter didn't tell me all of this when he came home, just that they had a great time and he would love to do it again!!! LOL By the way, James ended up with plenty of battle scars! :)
Hunter is ready to go
Hunter didn't tell me all of this when he came home, just that they had a great time and he would love to do it again!!! LOL By the way, James ended up with plenty of battle scars! :)
Hunter is ready to go
The Arena - a little city
(blurry but you get the idea)
The Arena 2
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
2011.2.23 - Jeff's Brigade Retirement 22 yrs of Service
Congratulations on your retirement, Jeff!!! You deserve it as do your knees and back! :)
Thank you for all of your years of service !! We are so proud of you!!!
I think the Company is having a retirement party sometime in March. I will share those pictures when we get them. I am not sure if Jeff will still be working over the next few weeks or if he is now "semi-retired."
Thank you for all of your years of service !! We are so proud of you!!!
I think the Company is having a retirement party sometime in March. I will share those pictures when we get them. I am not sure if Jeff will still be working over the next few weeks or if he is now "semi-retired."
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| 2011.02.23 Jeff's Brigade Retirement 22 yrs |
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Driving Manual Transmission
Hunter tried driving my manual transmission in a parking lot today. He did it twice with no stalling, jerking or anything!!! Mom was COOL!! I was quite proud of both of us.
I am not sure what to think of all of these changes. The last 2 weeks Hunter's grades have been improving and he seems to be trying harder in order to get the rewards. Why then, has it taken 8.5 years to get to this point or has an alien taken over my child's body???
The past week or so he has told me he is finishing his homework at school. I am hoping so but waiting to hear from the teachers that we are missing all of these assignments.
Wish us luck. More later as we are planning Hunter's 15th birthday celebration next Sunday.
I am not sure what to think of all of these changes. The last 2 weeks Hunter's grades have been improving and he seems to be trying harder in order to get the rewards. Why then, has it taken 8.5 years to get to this point or has an alien taken over my child's body???
The past week or so he has told me he is finishing his homework at school. I am hoping so but waiting to hear from the teachers that we are missing all of these assignments.
Wish us luck. More later as we are planning Hunter's 15th birthday celebration next Sunday.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Men are like aliens
I had a son almost 15 years ago. I vowed that I was going to raise him right so he didn't grow up to be one of "those" men. Now, he has turned into an "alien".
All of his interests seem to revolves around gun, violence, computer games and science fiction. What happened to the well rounded little person that I was trying to raise??
Last night I sat in the living room to watch tv with them and looked up to see a person "hanging" on a meat hook!!! I looked over and both my husband and my son were totally engrossed in watching this show. What is up with this??? How did my sweet child "change" on me? I have very little in common with them since of course, I am not going to sit and watch a show with a dead person hanging from a meat hook!!!
So confused....
All of his interests seem to revolves around gun, violence, computer games and science fiction. What happened to the well rounded little person that I was trying to raise??
Last night I sat in the living room to watch tv with them and looked up to see a person "hanging" on a meat hook!!! I looked over and both my husband and my son were totally engrossed in watching this show. What is up with this??? How did my sweet child "change" on me? I have very little in common with them since of course, I am not going to sit and watch a show with a dead person hanging from a meat hook!!!
So confused....
Monday, February 7, 2011
High School Orientation
Tonight was High School Orientation. It was short but enough to see that school in Georgia has changed so much since I went to high school. The basic thing was learning about all the elective classes.
The school does seem to do a good job having the kids look at job websites and then individually evaluate each child on what careers the child thinks they would be interested in when they graduate and they help them choose the classes that would best get them to that goal.
Hunter has already met with his advisor and has decided to take ROTC next year. I am not sure how that is going to go over being he isn't big on exercise. When we do any type of "structured" exercise he gets bored or tired and quits after 5 or 10 minutes. This includes doing yoga, moving firewood, mowing the yard. He does like fun exercise such as bike riding, horseback riding, swimming and playing airsoft which is similar to paintball!
Hunter told his teacher the other day that he had been working out with his dad!!! James reminded me that one night they did 10 push ups and 25 sit ups. Yes, that is his working out!!!!
I just don't see ROTC but maybe they can help get his grades up and maybe find a "more suitable" career choose but I hardly ever right...LOL
The school does seem to do a good job having the kids look at job websites and then individually evaluate each child on what careers the child thinks they would be interested in when they graduate and they help them choose the classes that would best get them to that goal.
Hunter has already met with his advisor and has decided to take ROTC next year. I am not sure how that is going to go over being he isn't big on exercise. When we do any type of "structured" exercise he gets bored or tired and quits after 5 or 10 minutes. This includes doing yoga, moving firewood, mowing the yard. He does like fun exercise such as bike riding, horseback riding, swimming and playing airsoft which is similar to paintball!
Hunter told his teacher the other day that he had been working out with his dad!!! James reminded me that one night they did 10 push ups and 25 sit ups. Yes, that is his working out!!!!
I just don't see ROTC but maybe they can help get his grades up and maybe find a "more suitable" career choose but I hardly ever right...LOL
a bit blurry but you get the idea that he is very proud!!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
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