Ratatouille Goes to the Country

The cooler weather we've been having the last few days means less pool time.  I've made sure the pump runs at least 12 hours a day, but haven't bothered to really vacuum or clean out the filters this week. 

Yesterday we reached 90 again and today it's supposed to be even warmer, so this morning I strolled out to make sure Jeff had turned on the pump and decided to empty the skimmer basket. This can sometimes be an adventure. I'm getting used to dumping dead frogs, crickets, locusts, etc., and even the occasional LIVE frog and the rare "little" snake.  But I was not prepared for the intruder I would find.

What the what?!?!  A very LARGE mouse...dare I say "rat" was sitting on the edge of my skimmer.  I ran inside the house--partly because I needed my camera, but mostly because I just had the urge to run. When I came back, the critter scooted out of camera range, but revealed a smaller dead mouse swirling in the basket.

I went around to the side of the pool to get a picture of the "mother" who I thought would be perched on the edge, but she was GONE.

Did you know mice could swim?

But then maybe this is not a mouse.  Of course RATS can swim...hence the term "sewer rats."

Does this look like a rat?

Swim for your life buddy, cause you are dead meat!

Well, maybe I'm all talk and no action, 'cause I didn't actually kill it...I mean, what am I gonna do, fish it out with my bare hands and wring it's neck? Instead I got my grass net and with one motion scooped it up and flung it far away over the fence.  Pleeeeeease Mrs. Rat, don't come back looking for your dead baby!

What's Wrong with this Picture?

Anyone....anyone....?

Here's a hint.  Check out the hanging baskets.

These babies are not only hanging from the cross beam...they're hanging on for dear life. 

This beauty, on the other hand, is thriving in the crack between the porch and sidewalk....

My green thumb has been nurturing the hanging baskets all summer, resulting in sparse green and brown sprigs, while a seedling dropped from LAST YEAR's basket receives no attention from me...not even water.  I give up.

How Is This Possible?

YESTERDAY...

TODAY...

Jacob will be FIVE years old tomorrow. It doesn't seem possible. A few days ago, I sat down with him to ask him a few questions.  Sort of a record of his thinking process at the age of five. Jacob is NOT a man of few words. Most of the questions required a long dissertation and I had to interrupt him to get on with the next questions.  Then he began suggesting questions for me to ask him! So here goes.

Nana:  Who is your best friend?

Jacob:  Ummmm...Nana?  (good answer)

N:  What do you want for your birthday?

J:  I want a pirate ship so I can put all my pirate stuff in.

N:  What's your favorite food?

J:  Maybe broccoli--it makes me strong and healthy.

N:  What do you NOT like to eat?

J:  Deers...like the hair on it's head. 

N:  What's your favorite thing to do at school?

J:  Learn and play with toys.

N:  How high can you count?

J:  About 30 feet high.

N:  What do you want to be when you grow up?

J:  I'd like to be a daddy like my daddy so I can have a sharp knife--but they're not for play.

N:  If you could do anything you want today, what would it be?

J:  Play with Husker and Sissy and Momma and Daddy on the trampoline and Piercen and Baylor with the toys.

N:  If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be?

J:  A baby sheep--that my dog couldn't tear his hair off cause he would be naked and he would be pink and a kangaroo with a baby in his pouch.

N:  What's your favorite sport?

J:  Soccer and baseball and hockey and the olympics.

N:  Who do you think you're going to marry?

J:  I don't marry anyone--I'm just a kid.

N:  Does anything scare you?

J:  No.  Not gooey monsters cause I can get the hair spray and spray 'em and they'll melt down.

N:  What is your favorite toy?
J:  Power Ranger swords.

N:  Do you want more sisters and brothers or just Sissy?

J:  I want more bruvers and sisters, cause when Sissy grows up and is a girl, then I will have a bruver and we will call him Deer Hunter.

Now for your viewing pleasure....a glimpse into Jacob's first five years:

Summer Days

One hundred degree weather calls for a swim party, don't you think?

Jacob wasn't about to wear floaties in front of the big kids, yesterday.  He swam like a fish all day and had the most fun.  The girls were mermaids and the boys were pirates.  Jack has "big brother" ingrained in him.  When Jacob would swim out to the middle of the pool, Jack always seemed to be there to buoy him up.  Thanks, Jack.

Lauren even took her floaties off briefly.  She jumped off the step into my arms, and a couple of times I "accidentally" let her go under water.  So she started counting, one...two...free...don't let me go under....go!

Jacob LOVED all his new friends which was of great concern to Jennah, until Jessica assured her that he loved her "as a friend."  At least for now, Jennah, 'cause if I have anything to say about it, I will someday tearfully watch you walk down the aisle to become Mrs. Jacob Blevins. 

Casanova

I spent Wednesday with my grandson.  Although Jacob is getting better about not needing my undivided attention every second of our time together, he can still be quite demanding. So my brilliant idea was to let him help me with the chores, one of which was to Swiffer the floors. Since the weather was colder than expected, and he came in flip flops, we had to resort to a pair of my socks to keep his feet warm.  

He probably picked up more dust with the socks than the Swiffer, but whatever, my floors look shiny, right?

A lot of time was spent in our fort, which ended up full of army men and weapons made from Tinker Toys and a Sponge Bob lunch box full of ammo.

I'm working on cutting back on my caffeine intake, so by mid-afternoon, I REALLY needed a nap.  I suggested we lay in the fort and watch TV awhile...my eyelids were getting very heavy. And just as a reminder that you have to stay on your toes with kids and not get caught sleeping, Jacob began "smoking" one of the Tinker Toys.

I had to chuckle, and the more I did, the more he hammed it up.  Then he leaned back on one elbow and said, (in classic Joey Tribbiani style) "How you doin'?"

Oh boy, Jeremy and Trista are gonna have their hands full with this one.

Decisions, decisions.....

Last night, we finished hanging two of our umpteen gates.  Neal not only ingeniously designed the hinges, but also welded them together and then onto the fence posts.  And I helped.  Notice the obvious absence of photos of me in a welding hood.  Mostly I just held some do-hickies steady while he did the fun stuff.  I also lent my scrutinizing eyes to the "levelness" of the gate before each weld.

But after finishing, much to Neal's chagrin, I questioned our color scheme.  (He sure does roll his eyes a lot these days.)  As you can see, we hung the white gate next to the red barn.... 

And the red gate is in the middle of the white fence...

Before you chime in with your expert decorating opinion, I must inform you that the fence next to the barn will eventually be painted white.

And don't miss the subtle resemblance of the red gate to the shingles and door of the house...

Now you are free to give me your comments.

It's a beautiful thing....

Those of you who can't get enough of me through my blog and follow my facebook--sorry, I don't twitter (yet) even though there are thousands of inquiring minds who would love nothing more than to get an hourly update on every riveting detail of my exciting life--will understand the significance of these photos.

A finished fence is a beautiful thing.

That's right, our 4th of July weekend was spent completing the fence that separates our north and south pastures from the highway. 

So, our marriage has survived yet another challenging project. But not without a few bumps along the way.  Like the day I insisted we speak only Spanish while working in the south pasture.  We were leaving soon for Mexico and it seemed like a good time to practice. Neal wasn't enthused about the rules, but after much "eye-rolling" he saw that I wasn't giving in and reluctantly went with the flow. Another "bump" came this weekend when I was taking a tiny break, leaning my forehead against the top rail, when he decided to throw his 45 pound fence stretcher over the rail, slightly misjudging the clearance and causing my head to bounce multiple times against the metal rail.  At least, I think it was a misjudgment.  I've had a headache ever since.

Now, repairing and replacing just a few million feet of barbed wire is all that stands in the way of us finally putting a few calves out to graze.  Maybe next Spring????  That should really be interesting...since we know absolutely nothing about raising cattle.  Stay tuned....

Gracie's Buddy

Last week, Gracie messed with the wrong snake and ended up with swelling in her leg and hip. Jeff dropped $215 at the Animal Hospital after x-rays, lancing and draining.  This morning the abscess was back, filled with fluid. Jacob and I took her back to the vet where she underwent another lancing and draining.  Poor Gracie.  

While waiting for the doctor to come in, Jacob soothed her with the obligatory belly-rub, all the while telling her that he loved her.

The wait for the doc was very long but Gracie seemed to be enjoying the coldness of the examining room floor.  Jacob was very empathetic and would not let her lie there alone. They're such good buddies.

 

Horsin' Around

After Jacob jumped off Neal's shoulders several times, he insisted that Nana have a go at it. Jeff captured the fiasco on video.

FIRST TRY.....

SECOND TRY...

THIRD TIME'S A CHARM...

Third Trip to Monterrey

I've been trying to write this blog, off and on for several hours.  How do you describe this kind of experience?  It's very hard to put into words.  Each trip is better than the last.  We got home late last night from a very productive, very inspirational, very SAFE trip to Mexico.  This was my third trip to Monterrey and Santa Monica and the progress of the church building is coming along....slowly but surely.  There were 43 in our group (Sand Springs and Ft. Gibson) and around 40 others from Plainview & Ft. Worth, Texas and Nixa, Missouri.  As you can imagine, a ton of work was accomplished.  But even more satisfying was the growing friendships we're developing with our brothers and sisters in Mexico, as well as with each other.  Every trip is a new experience.  I learn more and more about building, resourcefulness, the talents of my fellow workers and the tender hearts of my fellow Christians.  I'm surprised at what I am able to do physically, and a little frustrated with what I CAN'T do.  I continue to work on my Spanish skills and feel more confident with each trip.  Here's a brief photo journal of our week in Mexico. 

We were greeted enthusiastically by the children in Nuevo Laredo when our bus pulled up to the church building Sunday morning.

After worship, Neal hands out beanie babies to the children.  

Work in progress: 

It's always good to learn a new skill.

Favorite part of the day!  Lunchtime!!!!!

Highlight of the week.  Joveta has been visiting the congregation in Santa Monica for about a year.  She was baptized on Wednesday at an Event Center across the road from where we are building.  The pool was very "icky" but with 100+ temps all week, there was no shortage of volunteers to do the baptism.

Last day--clean up (with baby wipes), a fresh shirt and some last minute photos before leaving.

Ramiro and me. 

He couldn't speak a lick of English, but we communicated quite well.  He always had a smile on his face and was ready to help.

"The Sand Springs Eight"

Me and my hubby, on the second floor of this monstrous building.

Sand Springs and Ft. Gibson

Time to leave....but not ready to leave.

Life with Jacob

Jacob spent the day with me on Wednesday.  He found the Magnetic Dress-Up Princess I bought for Lauren at a garage sale and wanted to try it out.  Sorry Jacob, this is yet another post for which you will curse me when you're 16.

It was hysterical to listen to him talk to himself about which crown, flowers and shoes she should wear with this gown.  When the ensemble was complete he held her up and said, "Does she look fablious?"  "Yes, Jacob....fablious."  Then, (sort of to himself), "and she's hawt."  Me: "She's hot?  What does that mean."  Jacob:  "It means she's beautiful."

We have a box full of beanie babies to take to Mexico, which provided hours of entertainment for Jacob.  He picked out several "beebee babies" that he wanted to adopt, and one for Piercen, one for Baylor, one for Garrison and a few for Lauren.  There were about six kittens, which reminded him of when I had kittens two years ago.  You mean he can remember things that happened when he was barely three?  Yep.  He reminded me, "you kept them outside...and they were Yankee and Sox."  Gasp!  "How did you remember their names?"  "Hmmm....maybe God told me."

Of course, we had to go for a swim.  Really my first time this year to get in the pool for any length of time.  I actually did much better treading water.  Don't know if it was all the great lessons from Terri last summer or just that I have additional fat this year that's helping me stay afloat.  Some people would think it such a waste for someone with a fear of drowning to own such a beautiful pool.  But as long as I have my noodle or kick board, I'm good.  Jacob dug the tropical fish out of the chest for us to play with.  The trick (for me) is to swim to them while they're still floating on top of the water.  Piece of cake.  But he threw one out too far and I watched it begin a slow descent into the deep, dark watery grave at the bottom of the pool.  "Go get it, Nana!" Now I have a dilemma.  Do I show fear to my grandson, who I want desperately to become a great swimmer, and leave that bright plastic fish on the floor of the pool, or do I bravely dive down and heroically rescue the fish, showing him that Nana is the bomb.  Here goes nothin'. Deep breath....dive straight down.  But alas, half way down, I begin to panic. I start thinking, "what if I drown?  My poor almost-5-year-old grandson will see his own grandmother lying at the bottom of the pool...lifeless...he'll start crying...then she'll start bloating and float to the surface...blue in the face...he'll be terrified!"  Thank you, God, for nets on long poles.  

Last night we wrapped up VBS with a slide show (sorry Jacob, there is no actual SLIDE at the cookout) and hotdogs and sno-cones.  Jacob talked me into letting him go home with Piercen and Baylor while we cleaned up.  Apparently the clean-up didn't take long enough, because when Papa, Lauren and I came to pick him up, he was not ready to be separated from his best friends.  Remember the footage of the little girl who's mother took her away from her adopted parents a few years ago?  The scene was much the same as we tried to pry Jacob away.  He was limp in my arms as I carried him to the car.  Sobbing, "Pieeeeercen....Baaaaaylor....

Pieeeeercen....Baaaaaylor...."  You would have thought we were DHS, stealing him away from his siblings.  Good times.

Baaaad Time to Baaaaaack Out

VBS is rolling right along.  The first night, Jesus (Joe, our Youth Minister) and his disciples (Bob F. and Neal) told/acted out the story of Jesus and the Children.  *We have PEACE because Jesus loves us.*  Monday night, we had a life-size boat that the children sat in while the fog rolled in and a storm came up with all the special effects of lightning, and thunder.  The boat even began rocking harder and harder until (as teacher holds up her arms and says, "Peace, be still,") Jesus calmed the storm.  *We have PEACE because Jesus controls the universe.*  Last night was the parable of "The Lost Sheep," -- which became an understatement.  Neal had worked for weeks trying to find live sheep for the children to pet. A week ago, it was finally confirmed...we had 2 sheep!  Yesterday--THE DAY OF THE SHEEP STORY--the owner backed out.  Apparently one of the sheep chose Monday to birth a lamb and he was afraid to separate any of the sheep as it might cause undue stress.  Uh..hello...what about my undue stress???  Neal began a frantic search for more sheep, while I began a frantic search for another idea.  After all, it's a 3 minute parable and we are allotted 15 minutes for the story.  I remembered a box of beanie babies that had been donated for the Mexico mission trip and prayed that there would be a lamb.  We could play "hide the lost sheep."  Hmmm? Hmmm? Tell me that's not brilliant.  Well...miracle of all miracles...Neal found some sheep for sale and talked the seller into letting him borrow a couple for the night.  

These two were not quite as docile and "human friendly" but in a pinch, they would do.  It took several hands to get them in position and settled down.

The littlest one was easiest to manhandle, but the older ram was very protective and made sudden darting movements toward the kids to protect the little one.  Amy, one of my co-teachers was VERY nervous and had visions of Animals Gone Wild.  But there were no mishaps and the kids loved getting to pet the real sheep.  As my 3-4 yr. olds were leaving the area, I asked questions about the story.  Me: "How many sheep did Jesus have?"  Kids:  "TWO!"  Oh well.  *We have PEACE because Jesus watches over us.*

Best quote from Day 2:  Teacher:  "Who calmed the storm."  Kids:  "YOU did!"

Best quote from Day 3:  As "Jesus" makes an early exit to prepare for the final assembly--Kids:  "Where's Jesus going?"  Jacob:  "He's just going back to heaven."

Nothing in Particular

I'm absorbed in VBS this week and the Mexico departure date is this Saturday, so I can't focus on one topic for a blog.  Try to follow along.

Friday night we went out to eat with Jeremy, Trista and Lauren.  Lauren sat between me and Papa and spotted my purse (the one that I had to retrieve from her closet a couple of weeks ago).  Lauren was so excited and said, "My poyse!!!  Nana!  You found my poyse!"

Last Saturday was the Crosby Reunion.  This is Neal's mom's side of the family, who (whom?) I adore.  All of my m-i-l's brothers and sisters were there....

The three sisters were in charge of the reunion this year and did a fantastic job of organizing it. I ate way too much Crosby cooking and had my eye on a cot Nancy had set up under a shade tree. Bryan, too, was thinking siesta, so instead of arm-wrestling him for it, some of us girls went for a walk to try to burn off the key lime pie and carrot cake.  Come to think of it, I never did see anyone lying on the cot, so...once again...opportunity knocks, and I pretend not to be home.

This is Neal with his two uncles.  As you can see, there is a strong resemblance to Uncle Max. Eddie hit the jackpot and got Granddad Herb's hair.  Neal & Max not only look alike, but act alike. Max has me constantly laughing.  They were trying to persuade Bruce to shave his head and Max said, "looks like if you wait just a little longer, you won't have to."  He cracks me up.

Jacob FINALLY returned home from Roaring River on Saturday, and immediately needed to come see Nana and Papa.  I had gone to the church building to look for a VBS costume for Neal and got a phone call on my way home.  Jacob was going for a swim and they discovered that the water guns from last summer didn't work.  So Neal wanted me to stop at Walmart to buy some new ones.  When I got home I presented the new guns to the utter delight of both Jacob and Lauren. Jacob ran to show Papa the new guns and Neal said, "How did Nana know we needed new guns?" Jacob, in almost a whisper, said, "She just knows, Papa, she just knows."

I'm really excited to have Jacob attend our VBS this year.  Someone that's not so excited is Lauren.  She just knew she was going to "Bible" with Nana again, remembering our weekly Tuesday bible studies.  *sniff, sniff*  She really wanted to stay at VBS last night.  Next year she'll be old enough.