We changed our minds and are going to try and adopt these two girls.  They are mini rex bunnies with such soft fur.  They were both very inquisitive of me, although the spotted one more so.  Commodore Brilliantbones seemed a little unsure upon meeting all the bunnies, but there were A LOT of them.  Overwhelming and a bit smelly, as can be expected with 30+ bunnies in one room. 

We will see what happens in the next couple weeks.  To be continued.............

We are getting ready to adopt a pair of bunnies for Capt'n Tess's birthday.  I haven't claimed these two YET, but will be in the next 24 hours.  Their names are Spot and Zeus, however they may change once they come to live with us.  The are both Dwarf Hotots, but I can see that they are *flawed* because of the black spots and dark ears.  Who cares?  We aren't showing them.

They are domestic bunnies so these will be our first official house pets.  I'm sure little Capt'n Tess will do a wonderful job taking care of them and they will become much loved family members.

Anyone know about Dwarf Hotots?  I would love any info!

A conversation between me and my sons best friend this morning:

Me:  "Do you guys want waffles or pancakes for breakfast?"

Friend:  "What kind of waffles do you have?"

Son:  "She makes 'em herself.  Homemade.

Me:  "I make them myself but I can add some blueberries if you want."

Friend (with a look of confusion on his face):  "What do you mean?  Do you have any regular waffles?"

Me:  "They're pretty much the same as the ones in a box.  Flour, milk and other stuff."

Friend (unsure):  Oooookaaaaay.

He gobbled them down.  I also expected a comment about the maple syurp (taken from family maple trees!) but, he said nothing.  Score 1 for the weird homemade stuff!

Commodore Brilliantbones spent most of today building rasied garden beds for me.  I'm so excited to plant!  I don't know how it will all turn out but I'm gonna give it my best shot. 

I wish I had a digital camera to show you how I arranged the beds.  There are six beds, 8ft by 4ft.  I arranged them in a hexagon shape so that the corners are almost touching; about a foot in between each corner so I can walk into the center hexagon.  It kinda looks like a starburst.  I would like to put something in the middle of the hexagon, but I'm not sure what yet.  It made me think of my dad and how he would love to see the geometric shape!  (I grew up in a pentagon shaped house)

Capt'n Tess had softball practice on Saturday.  She did well, but you could tell about 1 hour into it that she was done.  (practice is usually 1 1/2 hours)  It began to rain quite a bit and I knew she didn't like it much, but she stuck it out and did a great job.  All the kids did.  I have been tagged for the Team Mom, so I have been learning what that is all about and doing my best to be organized with it.  I had to play catcher for the batting practice and I was really suprised to wake up the next morning with my glutes KILLING ME!  I guess it was a hour of bending over to get the ball when the batter missed!  So funny, I didn't think I had much of a workout.

Busy vacation week coming up.  We have many activites planned.  Rain stick making at the library, a "mystery fish" project with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, outdoor survival learning and a kayak class from an outdoor expert.  We will be having lots of fun this week! 

Eric the Enforcer and Capt'n Tess both had little league tryouts last week.  Eric the Enforcer made the Major's team!  Yeah!!!!  Very proud of him!

Capt'n Tess is playing with the U8 softball team and it's all girls!  She is so excited to not play with any boys!  It was almost the deciding factor in this years season.

And we are still a hockey family.  We just went to a benefit game with former Boston Bruins players vs. county high school all stars.  Some of the bruins players were OLD!

But the high schoolers still got their butts kicked!  Tee hee.

Daddy came home early on Thursday this week.  It was soooo nice!  In fact, the whole week was strange that way.  Commodore Brilliantbones was home everyday!  He left at a normal time in the morning, like 7:30 and came home at times like 5:00.  We so rarely see him during the day (or the week) that it was a special treat for us.  So at about 4pm on Thursday I began to make dinner and do some work on the computer.  As I sat at my desk looking outside, I can't even explain the wonderful feeling I had inside watching the kids and dad play together.  Baseball, swinging. walking around the propery.......we never get this chance during the week.

So as I was sitting here and dinner was simmering away, began to realize that here I was inside missing a golden opportunity with my family outside.  It didn't take me long to decide to turn off dinner and join them.  We ate dinner late but in turn were blessed with a rare weekly event.  

Take the time people........it's worth it.

We just got the call today that Eric the Enforcer made the Tier III team for Bantams hockey.  I could tell he was disappointed.  He was hoping for at least teir II.  So this means he is on the lowest ranked team.  I tell you, he did awesome at the tryouts.  He was just as good as the other goalies out there.  But, he was smaller than anyone else.  And for the first time, I think that did him in.  We are very proud of him and how well he did.  We just prayed that God would place him where He wanted him to be.  So tier III is it and Eric the Enforcer said, "That makes sense.  I'm just a first year Bantam anyway." I just said, "Yup, that's right. You did a great job in your tryouts.  Nicely done, kiddo!"  But, my heart felt sad for him.  To God be the glory anyway.  Praise Him in all situations!  Jer. 29:11 man!

We have hockey try-outs for next seasons travel team this week.  Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.  But after that, we're done.  Really. 

Except for the occasional public skate.  Here and there.  Really.

dem•a•gogue

Pronunciation: (dem'u-gog",--gôg"), [key]
—n., v., -gogued, -gogu•ing.

—n.
1. a person, esp. an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.
2. (in ancient times) a leader of the people.

I truly had not heard this word until today--and it was used in the politcal sense.  "He was using demagoguery."

Eric The Enforcer and I looked it up and he concluded that it was just another form of propaganda.  Appealing to the emotions of the people.  I'll have to watch out for that one!

On another note, Capt'n Tess was just moved up to the "big girls" class in gymnastics!  Yea!!!  They are preparing her for pre-competition and the class is for 6 yrs and up.  She's just 5!  We are so proud of her accomplishment.

Eric The Enforcers' last hockey practice was tonight.  I have to say, I'm happy about not driving for that anymore.  Capt'n Tess's last practice was Sunday and we are looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday again.

The driving just seems to go on and on.  Since we live about 30 minutes away from anything we do, we drive at least 1 hour every couple days.  Today it was 2 hours.  Gymnastics this afternoon and, since I forgot about hockey tonight, back for hockey this evening.  2 hours of drive time today.  No more hockey means less driving and at least little league practices are in our own town!   Gas prices are about 2.21 here. Should I feel lucky or not?

Last thought:  I knew The Batchelor romance with Sarah wouldn't work out.  If they couldn't stay connected during those few months, then they didn't have what it takes. My husband and I dated across the US for a year.  It worked.

Eric The Enforcers' first video attempt!  Hope you enjoy it!

My Family

Eric The Enforcer wrote a poem today. The instructions were to post it on the internet after completion.

His Throne Is.....

The best of the best.

His piece of art.

Rather exciting, don't you think?

Out of this world!

Nothing like I've ever seen!

Everything I've ever wanted.

Opposite of ugly

Foraged by Him

Joyous

Everlasting

Shining

Untouched

Saved for me