She Doesn't Bite

During a recent visit from cousins Adelin and new baby Kaitlee, Adelin wanted to show of her new sister to Ella. Adelin was found calming Ella, who must have been nervous, "Ella, come and see my new baby sister. She is really nice, she is really pretty, she's really beautiful, she won't bite!"

Charlie didn't make it!

Well sad news this week. We found Charie (the red mama hen) in her favorite bush, dead. We are not at all sure why or how, but she certainly was stiff and not breathing. I imagine, if she were a cat, that she exhausted her nine lives. We are sad to see her go. She was an extremely intelligent hen, always came when we called, very social and constantly escaped the confines of the pen by flying over. She enjoyed the larger spaces of the yard. We will certainly miss Charlie.

Thank Goodness for Grandmas!

Here is Ella in her pretty dress that her Grandma Olson made her. Grandma Olson also made Anna a dress, we just couldn't find it for the picture today. But Anna made her appearance in the picture regardless! (Typical older sister, huh!) We are so gratefull for Grandmas and homemade clothing!

Haiku, anyone?

I am always amazed at the teaching opportunities that don't seem to have an impact, only to discover that they did. The reward was just delayed.

This week the girls checked out a book about Hello Kitty, to my dismay. However I was pleasently suprised to find that the book was written in haikus. We read the book, discussed haikus and I challenged the children to attempt to write a haiku. No one took me up on the challenge.

Until today.
Xander started counting syllables and revving his creative juices to write two complete haikus, all on his own.

Often the reward comes, after the wait.

Missing Dog!

I'm not sure how much Yorkies  cost, I just know I don't want to replace a missing one.

For 10 days now, Bebe (a mini-Yorkie) has become a part of our family. We haven't permenately adopted a dog (although I would consider it), we are just taking care of Bebe for two weeks.

Bebe has adopted Stan and I, Xander and Niko; she follows us around, underfoot at all times. She is not quite so sure of the girls. She runs from them, who constantly carry her around the house, dress her up, drag her on her leash, and squeeze her with the biggest hugs you have ever seen. (Note: Please see the baby chick story from a few weeks ago.)

Well today was like no other, Bebe was carried to and fro, babied, and adored. After making and early dinner, I asked, "Where's Bebe?" and no one knew. Frightened, I was sure that Bebe had finally escaped the girls, walked through the gate into the front yard and wandered to a neighbors. Even more frightening was that an unusual storm had just come through the vegas valley, rain pounding the pavement and flooding the streets; a sure sign that Bebe probably wasn't just out in the street.

After searching the house, we set out to the street. The girl's and I walked the neighborhood calling and the boys rode bikes around the outside of the neighborhood, squeeking her favorite toy and calling as well. With not encouragement and no sign of Bebe, we expanded the search to the next neighborhood over. And still no sign of the dog.

Anna was of course in tears, and was telling me all  about her last moments with Bebe, " Mom, I had her in the laundry basket and then she got out and went in the front yard. I went and got her and brought her back inside..." As we walked inside, I thought we should look in the laundry basket again. On our way to the said basket, Ella popped up, "Oh, she's ober here." And Ella ran to the black furniture which usually holds some workout equipment, opened the door. There was Bebe. Awoken from a silent nap.

Of course I was thrilled at the prospect of NOT having to report the loss to Bebe's owner (a sad occurance, for sure), and even more thrilled at saving the cost of attempting to replace an adorable little creature.