Jo Knows

That God is good.
That life goes on with or with out you, so get on board.
That my husband is my soul mate (no matter how much he denies this..ha)
That I am loved by a romantic alpha male who "thinks" of the little things.
That some of God's biggest blessings really are unanswered prayers.
That self-centered people don't get me. or anyone else for that matter.  ha.
That motherhood is my purpose.
That my sons control my heartbeat.
That a step mom can love someone else's kids as though they are her own.
That laughter really IS the best medicine.
That smiles are contagious.
That teaching others safe patient care is fulfilling.
That I am like my Mom... I smile at the sight of a baby... so does my Jake.
That my children are a gift, not a burden.
That some people are never happy.   And I don't "own" that.  They do.
That the past is just that... the past.   It is why you are where you are, but does
          NOT dictate where you're headed.
That some people aren't genuine.  But most are.
That if you want something, work for it. 
That I am a hoot ( I know this because I've been told so many times.. ha!)
That when your child is very ill, you'll never feel more powerless.
That when your child gets better, you never feel more grateful.
That the Serenity Prayer should be every one's motto.  Every one.
That "rinse and repeat" are excellent instructions, not just for shampoo.
That I love waking up everyday.
That God is good.

It's a dog's life

A face that only a mother (and father) could love.

Meet Relode.  He's one of those once in a life time dogs.  Loves his Daddy more than anything.   He's a sweet heart... a true loving dog that obeys and is just happy to be in the same room as his Dad.



I call him "Big Sexy"

He's getting older... has severe arthritis in his hips.   Has a lil hop in his walk now from stiff hips.   (I feel his pain)   He can't hear so well anymore... (I can relate to this as well..ha) at night we flash the porch light to get his attention.    We take good care of our dogs... I think our vet bills exceed our doctor bills...lol.    So, in good faith, I know we've done everything to assure his good health.   Age is his enemy now.  (TOTALLY relate to THAT)

This is his new thing.... stretching out his back!   



Kinda looks like it feels good...  I think it's a "two-fer".. He get's a back scratchin' and stretches his joints.    (Looks much like his dad when he stretches...lol)  Roxie is a bit curious when he does this too...

He's a good boy and shakes off the dry grass before coming inside... 

He's been on my mind alot lately... watching him get old isn't easy.   He use to stand at attention when he saw you wearing camoflage.... panting hard... and running back and forth to the door.

This morning when Ron and Ryan got ready to leave... Relode went to the utility room and laid down for a rest.   A true sign of his age.   Ron already planned to not hunt him this year anyway... but I have to say... it made me sad.   We LOVE our dogs.   They are our babies.   I tease my husband that he loves Relode more than me... he always jokes back.. that when I'm willing to fetch his ducks in 20 degree weather... he'll love me more. 

The dog can have it!  



See why I call him Big Sexy?   He was so strong and regal in his day.  This was in 2008...  

SO... it is sad to not see him eager to hunt even, but a relief all the same...   when his Ron dared go hunt without him, he sat at the door and whined for hours. ( I can relate to this as well...lol.. only I don't sit at the door and whine till he comes home...usually just go with him)

There is nothing more peaceful than sitting in a blind with my husband watching the sun rise, enjoying nature.. (Bet Relode can relate to me on this one)



Public Potty Etiquette

                                                

1. If you try the door and it’s locked, assume I’m in here… I should not to have to say “Someone’s in here” during my private moment. So please… accept that it really is locked and in use. No need to keep trying to open it.


2. In a public multi-stall restroom, take a step back and look for feet under the stall before trying the door.

                                                                                                                                           3. If there are 3 stalls and I am in the 1st stall.... please go to the 3rd stall.   Leave a space between us!!!

 4. Wash your hands after. I’ve seen your feet and recognize you eating bread sticks in the restaurant with your not-so-fresh hands.

5. Please don’t allow your toddler to peek under the stall, it’s not cute. And they could be scarred for life by what they see.

6. Please have a trash bin close to the door for easy discarding of the paper towel I’ve used to open the door with.

7. The blow dry thing? Is only cute to a 4yr old. I want a paper towel to dry my hands with. I know... not very “green” of me. But, otherwise, how am I going to turn off the water faucet or open the door to exit the restroom?

8. Oh yeah… and the touchless paper towel dispensers? I must have incredibly teeny hands because the thing never recognizes their presence and I have to repeat the motion....I look like an amateur magician. And then when it DOES finally dispense, it’s about 6 inches of rough nonabsorbent brown paper (the kind we used in elementary school in the 70s)

9. And the lil paper seat covers? Don’t forget to punch the hole out before you set it on your seat, I’m not saying how I know this, but ummmmmm this can lead to a bigger mess.

10. Please hurry… I’m waiting for you to leave so when you flush (creating some noise) I can do my work…. Otherwise it will never happen.   My only hope is that you're not as paranoid as me about this and are trying to wait ME out.   I will win.   I will.


Over, not under... OVER... NOT UNDER!!!

 11. Flush when you’re done. If you don’t like to touch the handle, do what I do… flush with your foot. Can’t remember the last time I actually touched a public toilet handle…

12. If it’s a unisex toilet, FELLOWS….PUT THE LID DOWN WHEN DONE!!! Just because you have to touch the seat to widen your target doesn’t mean I should have to touch it.

13. A pet peeve… TP not on the roll… I have this visual when I see this… of someone’s (unwashed) hand in the center of the cardboard roll ..... leaving bacteria to grow. Ack!

14. Another pet peeve – 1 ply paper. I’m trying to maintain my hygiene, well.... you get the picture.

15. Or the stiff big roll that let’s you only tear off one sheet at a time. How can I create my catcher’s mitt of protection with single sheets?

16. Port-a-potties? No. If I am that desperate, then it’s time to leave whatever public event I’m attending.

17. And who’s sanitizing those drop-down baby changers?

18. I've never once used a sharpie on a bathroom stall to proclaim my undying love for another.

19. I'm glad I'm not a man...and have to use public urinals... I'd sooner wear a diaper than pee shoulder to shoulder next to a stranger.

20. Can you believe I have all these issues with public toilets?

Gecko Invasion!!!

What's the deal?

I've seen more of these lil geckos this summer than ever!!!   A few in the house even.

I like the way the other one is poking his lil head out to see what the deal is...



The gecko really is tiny, I used the micro function on this one... you can tell how teeny just by comparing it to the ant next to it.

 

                                             They're creepy lil dudes. 

St Joseph's Cemetery

The St Joseph Cemetery was beautiful... very ornate monuments and well cared for.

 I visited St Joseph's when I visited the other historical cemeteries last month.
The Star Cemetery backs up to it. A stark difference in the level of care between the two cemeteries. But, Holy Trinity Church sees to the maintence of St Josephs... and it shows.

In about 1882 Holy Trinity Catholic Church bought ten-and-one-half acres for $210 to establish a Catholic

A large monument is dedicated to the five Catholic priests who died during the yellow fever epidemic of 1873

This cemetery is near the Main Post Office ... where greenwood Rd becomes Texas Avenue. At the time of it's original purchase it was "Texas Road"
Beautiful and historical grounds and monuments.

"I forgive you"

Mom & Me in 2000

My mom is ALL about Birthdays and holidays.   She called me three times this week telling me she was sending Jake his birthday card in the mail.   (a wee bit obsessive at times) Today, she called asking was Jake home or at his dad's house.

Me: He's home... I'm headed there now.
Mom: OK, his card should be in the mail today.   I hope it's in time.
Me: I'm sure it will be, It can't take 2 weeks for it to go 2 miles.
Mom: I want him to have it today for his birthday.
Me: Mom, Jake's birthday is on the 23rd.
Mom: I know.
Me: Today is the 13th.
Mom: Oh... I thought today was the 23rd!
Me: No Ma'am... (chuckling with her).
Mom: Ok...  well... I forgive you.
Me: You forgive me?
Mom: yes... I forgive you.
Me: For?
Mom: having him 10 days late...
Me: I love you.
Mom: I love you.  I gotta go (she was still chuckling at herself)

Mother's Day 2009

She makes me smile.   Much.    

I love it when she leaves a message for me to call her.     Then when I return her call, she asks ME what I want.    lol

This made me smile. much.