by: kidding around » day 31

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:37:30 +0000

[...] 1. My new attraction/addiction are these fantastic sandwich cookies! I have been known amongst my kids to give them an extra cookie when asked! I figured the quicker we go through the box, the better. 2. I am absolutely a creature of routine. Every morning I MUST unload the dishwasher before leaving the house and my dog needs at least one walk a day. I also expect all beds to be made in the morning and the kitchen table wiped down… 3. I also grocery shop every Monday morning with a list (a MUST!). AND on my way home, I always call my sister in Ohio. 4. Crazy, I know! 5. Nothing is more therapeutic than sunshine. I love the warmth on my back. I can take cloudy days- but once that sun comes out, I am thrilled! 6. Now that all of the leaves have fallen, one of my favorite things is finding all of the nests. My son and I get a kick out of counting all of the squirrels nests while we are out and about. 7. I drive to my kids’ school 3 round-trips, 3 days a week…enough said. 8. My daughter has entered the stage of “girl cliques”. She encountered some girls that were just causing plain trouble and she stuck up for herself. 9. One thing I want my children to learn early in life is that people who are bullies/unkind do not expect people to confront them! 10. I have learned to give specific chores to Ellie and Simon while I am at work! This isn’t always easy, but it helps me a great deal. 11. I truly believe my kids will have happy memories of their childhood. I can’t wait to learn what had left an impression on them when they are adults and can let me know…the good and the bad. 12. Sweet Tizzy is starting to give cute little “crooked grins”! She is almost 8 weeks! 13. This gorgeous photo (below) is by my husband. He used a Mamiya camera (large format) and printed in his school’s darkroom. There are 2 other prints of Si and Peppy, I’ll need to share them in the future. 14. He was also the creator of the bread on Day 30 and the French rolls filled with chocolate. 15. I love these rolls and have broken tradition for Thanksgiving morning…no scones- chocolate rolls please! 16. I posted more photos of Penelope than any other kid/husband/dog/me in this family. Can you tell who I spend my most time with? 17. I love my 3rd kid- the element of a “three ring circus” is worth it! 18. My really smart, really nice, really generous brother-in-law created my new “look” to my blog. Love it. Thanks Daniel. 19. Check out the note below from Ellie to my husband. Isn’t it nice that she wrote to him while he was on the phone? Why can’t they do that for me? Good thing I am not on the phone a whole lot… 20. Changes are good, but sometimes they can just plain stink and be very disappointing, sad, frustrating… 21. Did you know I have magical powers? A simple kiss to a bump or bruise seem to make things all better! Hope this can last forever. 22. I love looking around in my life and noticing the lessons people teach me…I am a grateful person. 23. My life is not perfect. As I write, my son is shouting “LIAR, LIAR!” to Ellie. Ugh, must stop this…emotions are erupting. 24. I still deeply miss this friend. Not a week goes by that I don’t relive the horrible memory of her loss. 25. On a much happier note- my pal Ollie gives me an enthusiastic greeting each time I get home from work. This was something I dreaded right after Bea died, somehow, Ollie has put himself in the role of greeter. 26. The pillows I posted last week are gifts for the kids. I found huge pillows at the Thrift store awhile back and KNEW these would make great gifts. I used fabric from my stash and did not buy one inch of fabric…loved using what I had! 27. Penny is clueless that one of these floor pillows (below) is a gift for her! 28. With an increase demand at work, I have had to let go of my expectations of handmade gifts for the kids. I am thoroughly disappointed, but know that this is a good lesson for me. I am giving up what I like (sewing, creating), and taking TIME to spend with kids, my husband, laundry, cleaning, cooking, working a lot, relaxing (when I can), and getting good sleep. January will soon come and hopefully I will have the time. 29. It appears to me, that Simon has an admirer at school. A friendly little girl seems to go out of her way to say hello to him. I love seeing his coy smile each time they see one another. 30. Spontaniety. [...]

by: Gretchen

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 03:45:45 +0000

I love this picture of sweet Beatrice. What a good little dog.

by: Sara

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 21:37:50 +0000

So sorry to hear about this, Carol.

by: annie

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 17:41:03 +0000

So sorry that your sweet family has lost such a precious member. You gave Beatrice a wonderful life in a loving home, she had everything a dog could want or need. With heartfelt condolences to you, Nathan and the kids.

by: Xenia Katie

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 03:16:15 +0000

so sorry Shakelford family!

What a sweet little pup…

by: amanda

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 02:12:08 +0000

oh, sweet beatrice! I hope you are finding some time and space to be as sad as you need to be right now. Wishing you all peace.

by: Laurie

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 01:40:54 +0000

Goodbye sweet Bea. Gentle thoughts are with you all.

by: Juliana

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 01:32:18 +0000

Oh this pic just breaks my heart. How cute she was. I can not stop thinking about you and how hard this must be. I am so sorry Carol and i wish i could do something for you, i am not that far away so if you need anything just call.
Love you,
Juliana and Eric

by: Susan

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:50:46 +0000

She is adorable…what a great picture. We love her.

Susan

by: tracy

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 18:33:25 +0000

just read your news. so sad. so very sad. thinking of you…

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