A New Home for the Pigs

Saturday was a busy day for us. In the morning, Todd and Chad went to Wal-Mart for our weekly grocery shopping. Evan helped me clean up the house. He loves to push the dust mop!


Around lunch time, the Fed Ex person delivered the new cage for Riku and Leon. Todd, Evan and Evan's friend put the cage together in no time. It is really large and the guinea pigs love being able to run around in it.

Evan helping clean the floor.

Putting the new cage together.

Riku and Leon love their new home!

Chad the Trooper

I have to give Chad credit this week for taking care of our new guinea pigs. Every day he has checked their food and water, cleaned their cages and made sure that they got exercise and some fruit/veggie treats.

I can't say the same for Evan. He helped the first day or two, but since then has been out the door to play as soon as his homework was done. Part of the reason is that he has a new friend named Landon. They have been busy catching lizards and any other creature that crosses their path. I am so glad that Evan has a new friend with some common interests. They are really enjoying their adventures.

Thanks for all of your help with the pigs, Chad. Way to go!

Leon snuggling up under Chad's leg.

Our Poor Tree

We have two huge oak trees in in our front yard. After Gustav, we came home and found that large parts of each of them had split off. We decided to cut the parts that had fallen down and try and save the trees.

I walked outside on Monday and noticed that another large part of one of the trees was on the ground. Todd thinks that the tree is dying and that is why it fell. Todd was a trooper and spent several hours on Tuesday cutting it down. We are just thankful that it didn't fall on anyone.

Huge limb that fell.

More of the tree is gone.

Guinea Pigs in Action

The boys are having fun getting to know their pigs. We set up a playground so that they can get some exercise in the afternoon. The boys hop in with them and like seeing them walk around their feet. In this video, Riku and Leon are still cautious, but are warming up.

Playing With the Pigs

The boys continue to be fascinated with their new guinea pigs. We set up a play area for them (the pigs) to run around and get exercise. The boys had a fun time watching them and trying to bond.

Evan got up out of bed in the middle of the night Monday night to check on the piggies. He was still up when Todd got up in the morning. He said that he was "up all night." Needless to say, he crashed easily tonight.

Evan having fun with with pigs.

All four boys in the play pen.

Riku and Leon walking through Chad's legs.

Leon and Riku

They boys finally decided that they would both like to get guinea pigs as their first pets. We made some temporary housing, got all the basic supplies and were ready to go.

We went to the pet store in the afternoon and held a few of the pigs that were available before deciding on our new additions. Both boys made a good choice and their pets, Riku and Leon, are very cute and sweet. We have some deluxe accomodations on order from Sue's C & C Cages. We are all very excited about watching the baby boys grow.

Temporary Housing for Riku and Leon.

Leon (Chad's) is on the left and Riku (Evan's) is on the right.

Riku munching on some lettuce.

Pet Fever

The boys are just dying to get a pet. On Saturday we went to every pet store in town to see what was available.

Evan really likes the reptiles, but I drew the line at any snakes, scorpions or tarantulas. Chad was liking the guinea pigs because he wants a pet that he can hold and love on.

We came home empty handed and decided to sleep on it before making a decision. While at one of the pet stores we ran into a man with a huge python. Check it out:






-- Post From My iPhone

TGIF

Both of the boys had a great first week at school. After I picked Evan up from school we all headed over to Dairy Queen for some celebrating and ice cream treats.

When we got home, both boys were anxious to have some "out of school" fun. Chad's choice was to get back to his video game action. I think he is primarily playing Harry Potter and John Madden football games. At least that what was on each time I checked on him. He is really quite when playing his games. It is almost easy to forget he is in the house.

Evan's new interest is tadpoles. When we got home it was drizzling and yucky outside. I asked Evan if he wanted to watch some t.v. until the weather cleared. He turned that down immediately and begged me to let him go outside in the rain so that he could catch some tadpoles out of a ditch on the side of our house. I relented with a few conditions and off he went. That boy loves the outdoors and animals!

Chad enjoying his video games.

Evan catching tadpoles in the ditch.

Evan is so into his tadpoles, the rain doesn't bother him one bit.

Evan wants to show off his tadpoles but is not excited about being in the photo.

What cute babies!

Yea, New Beads!

Wow, I got a large order of gemstone beads in yesterday. There are some real beauties, so I am sure that my customers will love them. It feels just like Christmas. Did I say that I love my job?

Starting School and Dr. Todd

Evan started 3rd grade on Monday and just loves his teacher. He often can't remember what homework he has to do, but did come home and recite for me the three ways that he can win a prize.

On Tuesday, he came home with a project for us to do together. What, I have homework, too? He said that "we" were supposed to cover his books with brown paper bags. What grocery store uses brown paper bags anymore? Luckily, I had a roll of brown craft paper and that did the trick. I remembered covering my books in high school and the fun that I had doodling all over them through the year. Though not perfect, they all came out okay.

While I was working on the books, Evan got started on his homework. Apparently, doing homework made him very sleepy. When I went to take him his books, he was no longer doing homework, but was instead sleeping on the couch. Poor boy, two days of school and he is already worn out. Fortunately, he was refreshed after his nap and was able to finish the rest of his homework, eat dinner and take a bath with no problems.

Chad came to me yesterday and showed me a wart that has been growing on his thumb. We bought some wart remover that works by freezing the wart off. I don't like administering pain to my children, even when it is in their best interest, so I usually let Todd play doctor. Chad was a little apprehensive about the "freezing" part and wondering if it was going to hurt. He was able to tolerate it okay, so I am assuming it wasn't too bad. Now we just have to hope that one treatment was enough!

Book covering project.

All done!

Chad is hamming it up before his wart removal treatment.

Todd almost looks like he enjoys "doctoring" Chad!

Nesting Sunday

It rained most of the day on Sunday, so we primarily hung around the house. Todd cooked up some red beads and bar-b-que. Did I mention that he is an awesome cook?

This was Evan's last day before starting school. Both he and Chad got in some t.v. and video game time. After it rained, Evan just had to get outside. He always had a good adventure exploring the yard after a nice rain.

Evan wanted to show me his awesome shell, but wasn't too happy that I took his photo.

The boys taking advantage of their free time.

Beans before....

Cooked Beans...yum!

On The Mend

We had a full Saturday. Chad went to his friend Jacques' house all day to play. They had a great time playing and enjoying the day together. They were supposed to get together for Chad's birthday, but it was postponed due to Evan being sick.

Jacques' family took Chad out to eat at Zen. Since they were celebrating Chad's birthday, he got to eat free. What a bonus to the great day!

Evan is on the mend. He still has a little bit of a cough and an earache, but I think he will be well enough to start school tomorrow.

In the evening, Evan's school hosted a back to school ice cream social. We met his teacher, picked up his information packet and greeted old friends. We took a tour of his classroom and saw that his desk is between two female classmates. I am hoping this helps with some of the "playing" that he tends to get into when he is sitting next to one of his buddies.

Hope springs eternal.

Yard Crew

Now that Chad is 13, he is taking on new responsibilities around the house. Yesterday, Todd taught him how to use the push mower. The grass was pretty high, so it wasn't easy. However, Chad gave it is full effort and did a great job. Thanks, Chad!

"Boy, this grass is high!"

"Looking good; I'm making progress."

"Will this ever be over?"

What Goes Around Comes Around

Evan was very generous and shared his germs with Todd. Todd came home feeling sick on Tuesday. He had a cough, stuffy nose, no energy etc. He went to the doctor on Wednesday and ended up taking the day off of work. The medicine he got seemed to do the trick as he was back to work today.

Chad also had his first day of school today. He is excited about being in 8th grade and is off to a good start. Evan's first day is next Monday, so he still has a few days to play. He is feeling better and went back to day camp yesterday. He was so happy to get out of the house and see his friends. Now, if we can all stay well for a while, that will be great!

Let Me Entertain You

Evan came home last Wednesday with a high fever. We went to the doctor on Thursday, but she couldn't determine what was wrong so just gave us instructions on how to get the fever down. By Saturday, the fever was down and I thought he was getting better. At that point though, the coughing and drippy nose started.

When he was really sick, Evan slept a lot. Now that he is feeling better, but not able to go to day camp, I have spent a lot of time trying to keep him entertained. It is so hot outside I have been keeping him inside so he doesn't get overheated. With him being such an "outside" kid, it has been a challenge to say the least. We have gotten some new lego sets and books. He has also been watching a lot of t.v. and playing video games. The photos below show some hightlights.

Evan playing Dani California.

Evan starting his lego project.

"Check out my creations!"

"I love bubble baths."

Evan's First Tae Kwon Do Tournament

Evan and Chad participated in a Tae Kwon Do Tournament on Saturday. Evan has only been taking classes for a few months, so this was his first competition. He won second place and came home with a medal. Chad performed great, but didn't win a medal this go around. Better luck next time, Chad!

Evan receiving his medal.

Evan is proud of his accomplishement.

Chad's Birthday Evening

The birthday wished continue to pour in. Chad got a card from Uncle Brian and Aunt Amy on Friday. Thanks guys!

On Sunday, Todd's mom came over and gave Chad another card and cash. We had a nice birthday dinner for Chad with her. Todd made some of his famous chili and we had ice cream and cookie cake for dessert.

Chad enjoying more birthday wishes.

We thought we had birthday candles but didn't, so we ended up using a votive candle for Chad's cookie cake. We have a lot on our minds, okay?

Chad and Mee Maw

Happy Birthday Chad!

I just can't believe that you are 13 years old today. You have grown up so fast and accomplished so much in your short life. Daddy and I are so proud of you and love you more than we can express. Have a great day!

Birthday Wishes from Texas

Chad received a birthday card from his grandparents in Texas yesterday. He was more than happy when he opened the card and saw that it also contained cold hard cash. He is stashing it all away in hopes of getting a new laptop soon.

"Thanks, Mee Maw and Pee Paw!"

More Birthday Surprises

Evan and Chad both have their birthdays in the summer. Last night they opened their birthday cards from Uncle Stefan and Uncle Paul. They both were excited to get gift cards to Best Buy. Chad is saving for a new laptop and Evan has his eye on some video games for his new Nintendo DS, so needless to say they were happy.

Thanks Uncle Stefan and Uncle Paul. We love you!

Chad acting silly as I ask him to pose for me.

"We love opening birthday cards!"

Typical Evening

Evan was so excited to find a dried up gecko last night. He ran in to tell me that he had in his possession a "gecko skeleton." I'm not sure if it is really a skeleton...just more like a dehydrated gecko. I wanted to take a picture of Evan holding his specimen, but he had just taken a bath and was a t-shirt and underwear and was adament that he didn't want a photo of him in his underwear on the internet. I told him I would only take it from the waist up, but he still wasn't convinced. Thus, we had to settle of a photo of the gecko on the table.

Chad and Todd were troopers and helped me bag some beads for our store. Chad wasn't in the mood to have his photo taken and Todd couldn't help but tease him a little. Thanks guys, for all of your hard work and dedication!

Evan's find...

Todd teasing Chad about being camera shy.

Laid Back Weekend

We had a pretty quiet weekend. On Saturday, we all went to the driving range to hit some balls. It was very hot so we really enjoyed any bit of breeze that blew by. After getting all hot and sweaty, we went out for Mexican food at El Mexicano for lunch. It was delicious, as usual. Coming from Texas, Todd and I are quite particular about our Mexican food and El Mexicano has turned out to be one of our favorite restaurants.

Sunday was quiet as well. I tried to take some photos of Chad, but he would have none of it. He is turning thirteen (yes, thirteen) next Sunday and has to be "in the mood" to want to participate in my photo taking.

Evan is great at entertaining himself and had a fun filled afternoon. First, he played with his Legos. Then he went outside to play, look for bugs and just get dirty. It started to sprinkle, but that did not deter him. At one point he was in the backyard throwing something in the air. As I investigated further, it turned out that he had a plastic cup full of mud and was taking chunks of it and throwing it up and watching it land. As I said, he is easily entertained.

After their baths, we let both boys have some video game time. Todd joined in and had some nice father/son bonding.

Posing with my lego creation.

"Let's see if I can get the mud out of here."

Evan has no qualms about dirt.

Two peas in a pod!