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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

His name is Bruce, but we call him "The Worm Whisperer"

I am quite sure our local dog pound didn't even have a clue as to how special "Bruce" was when they put him up for adoption. If they had known how exceptional he was they might not have let him go so easily. Bruce is a six year old boarder collie we adopted from the OSPCA shortly after we moved to our new home. As soon as we brought him home we knew he was different. There was just something about him ... he was perfect..... almost too perfect!
As time went by we began to notice just how unique this dog of ours really was. He could hear a school bus coming a whole country block away and would alert us to the approaching bus. He likes to wait with the kiddlings for the bus, at the end of the driveway each morning. He seems to know when it's time for their bus to return them home in the afternoon too. He waits patiently by the door, ready to meet them at the bus and walk them back up the driveway to the house.
He is a big, lovable teddy bear of a pup that is until a stranger comes to the door - I am thankful he is protective of  "his" family :) He is obedient and loyal and walks through the house checking on his people in the night time. He doesn't sleep on the bed or steal the covers ... he prefers to sleep in our door ways or on the floor next to the bed - that way he can check out noises in the night without disturbing us unnecessarily (at least that's what I like to think). Bruce was quick to learn that "nature calls" were best handled outdoors ... hence the name "nature call", and that shoe laces were not put on shoes to keep him occupied. He doesn't chew up things... unless the kiddlings have used it to play tug of war with him ... then he assumes it is his property. Bruce loves the outdoors and has a passion for chasing birds. Yup, you read that right ...chasing birds. Any kind of bird.... flying at any height.... if it flies across "his" property, he chases it. He often gets so wrapped up in the chase that he forgets everything else. He enjoys the lilac bush in the front yard because I hang feeders there to attract birds. He waits until all the birds are happily chirping away, eating their seed... then he runs at the bush full tilt and barks wildly to announce his coming. Of course all the birds scatter before he reaches the tree and he takes off after them as they soar through the air (flying low at times to tease the dog I think). He has never actually caught a bird .... he just enjoys the thrill of the chase. He does have one bad habit though. Bruce steals the little girlies small toy animals and eats their heads off.  We have found an innumerable amount of "Littlest Pet Shop" animal bodies throughout the house.... but their heads have never been located - and I just don't want them back bad enough to look in the obvious place :)
The most amazing thing we've discovered about Bruce is his talent...... Bruce is a "Worm Whisperer." On any given day you can find him hunched over, eyes carefully trained on the ground, watching and listening...... then suddenly he pounces and jumps and paws at the earth and barks.... This is what he does..... all day long. Through out the winter months he did the same thing in the snow. He never tires of it - he seems to be very excited and satisfied all at the same time.... like he has purpose.... weird I know.... but he IS a unique dog. (I tried to get a short video clip of the Worm Whisperer in action.... but the goat got into the shot and spent a few minutes scratching her butt across the pasture gate (way too graphic), then the dog had a "nature call" against a tree..... I turned the camera toward the rabbits instead but you could still hear the dog watering the tree loud and clear..... so I chose not to post the video for obvious reasons  :) Although we like to joke that the dog is infact "hunting worms" we have come to the conclusion he is getting excited by the wind blowing the grass (or snow). When a breeze blows the grass sways back and forth and Bruce goes into Worm Whisperer mode.... on a really windy day you can find him in his glory, hunched over a patch of waving grass, pouncing and barking and pawing at the ground..... His name is Bruce, but we call him "The Worm Whisperer."

Attention all Fish Bowl followers ......
we have a Missing Persons Alert!!!!!

Have you seen either of these Pixies????
They have been missing from their usual hiding places since about the end of February. If you have seen them or know of their whereabouts please send them home immediately. We've missed playing "the game" and would like to continue :)
*In case you don't have a clue .... click here to read more about our Pixies and what we do with them. And yes, they really are missing.... someone who was playing "the game" has not been playing by the rules and now our poor Pixies are lost.... be a sport - send the Pixies home!

Here's a few funnies from Our House to Yours

* Daniel was a little frustrated at breakfast time. He was running late so Little Susan was trying to pray for him while he was trying to pray for himself. "Mom!" he loudly complained "Susan is praying on top of me!" (praying over/talking over)

*Latoya burped at the breakfast table. She turned to Grandma with a surprised expression on her face and exclaimed "I can still smell hamburgers from dinner!" (dinner the night before)

*My husband called around lunch time as he often does. One of the questions I can always count on from him is "Is there any mail for me?" To which I often reply "Nothing really, just some junk mail for you." Well today when he asked and I replied with the usual he surprised me by saying.... "junk mail? Why is all my mail called junk mail and yours isnt? Why can't you call it 'respectable mail'?" Hahahaha

*The Baby is still working hard on potty training. Today as she sat on the toilet "pooping and pushing" she excitedly said to me "See? Eggs." Looking down into the bowl she proudly proclaimed "Choc it eggs!" (She has been watching the hens laying eggs too often I think! LOL)

Here's a few funnies from Grandma's Attic

Now my children fully grown
All have children of their own.
As I see them one by one
I am having so much fun.
The cutest things they say and do
I’ve tried to write them down for you.

*What does Justin think about donating body parts?
“That’s sharing!” he says

*Rebecca’s day care teacher is named “Caro Lion” (Caroline)

*Jessica’s neighbour who gives her tomatoes is named “Smileen”

*Ricky found out he might like to be a singer now he can read and follow along with the words to a song.

*Kevin was born to be a star on stage.

*Justin read my shirt that said “Whatever” on the front of it and his mom got upset. Ricky informed me that his mom was going on about Justin saying certain “in phrases” that bothered her, like, “What the?!”
*Ricky was crying because he had to re do his homework because it was done improperly. His mom told him that 8 year olds don’t cry. Later when he was playing his favourite Nintendo video game he said “8 year olds don’t cry and Goonkie Warriors don’t cry but twenty-five year olds do cause mom does. It just means you have feelings, like laughing."

SUBSCRIBERS STORIES
Introducing a new area of the tank.... Subscribers Stories! Do you have a funny or cute story to share? Want to have it included in the "Subscribers Stories" section of The Fish Bowl? Just email me your story and I'll include it in a future edition of the Fish Bowl. Please include your name and email address with all submissions.

Join our mailing list and receive notification EVERY TIME we post a new entry! Just enter your name and email address in the "Join the Mailing List" section on the right - Weekly updates will be delivered right to your email inbox :) You will never miss out on another one of our contests or giveaways again!
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Hope you had an amazing week and a faith-filled EASTER season!
Blessings to you - from my Fish Bowl to yours :)

Lucy

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Something strange is happening .... something almost paranormal....

Althought we've only lived in our new house for about six months, I have already begun to suspect that something strange is occuring around here.... something almost paranormal. Haven't you ever exerienced that eerie sensation, that stops you in your tracks and sends chills up your spine?!?
Well I guess I didn't notice it right away ... or maybe it just laid dormant for a while because it wasn't the right season.... the winter time tends to mask so much more than we realize. But as soon as the snow began to melt and the temperatures rose a few degrees it began to show itself. In subtle ways at first of course.
The children would disappear for short periods of time and turn up later with "that" look on their faces. You know the one.... where they look like they're sharing a secret with eachother - but we're not in on it. Ya, that's the look. Then they gradually started to spend more and more time away ..... "Where ARE they? What are they DOING?" I voiced to myself.  I knew there was a genuine problem when after returning from "wherever it was they disappear to" I overheard them whispering to one another in the garage. "I'm telling" Nicholas said, in a hushed but defiant tone. "If you tell we won't be able to go anymore" Daniel whined quietly. "Don't tell, you'll just ruin it." challenged Shane. "Ok, lets go back after lunch" Nicholas offered and they all agreed.
I sneaked back into the house before the boys and tripped over a soggy, dirty pair of sneakers. As they filed into the kitchen on their way to the table for lunch they stopped suddenly - seeing the waterlogged shoes in my hand. They stood silently staring at their wet socks as flames of fire flashed in my eyes. No one moved. No one spoke.
My voice trembled as I began to pronounce judgement on my miniature men. "WHY are your socks all wet and WHOSE muddy shoes are these and WHY are they left right here in the middle of the floor and WHERE have you been that you've gotten so wet and dirty and WHERE do you think you're going like this and WHAT were you thinking and  WHEN were you intending to pick these things up and HOW are you going to wear wet shoes out this afternoon and WHERE was your father while all of this was going on?!?!?" I paused to breathe. "Go get cleaned up and take those wet socks off. If you boys can't stay away from the water then you won't be able to play outside - you'll have to stay indoors!" "Yes Mom" they sulked in unison as they moped down the stairs to change. I was still breathing heavy by the time all the kiddlings got to the table for lunch. "Listen to me please," I comanded their attention and continued "NO ONE is allowed to go near ANY water outside ..... did you hear that? NO WATER! Stay away from mud puddles, water in the field, wet things of any kind.... just STAY AWAY FROM WATER! Is that clear to everyone?" I queried. "Yes Mom" they all chanted.
When lunch time ended and the little girlies were bedded down on the couch with blankies and stuffies for "quiet time" (my favourite time of the day) the boys prepared to go outside to play. "STAY AWAY FROM THE WATER!" I reminded them using my "I'm serious" tone of voice. "Okay Mom" they shouted as they ran off to play.
All afternoon I had that spine tingling feeling. My "Mommy senses" were telling me something (Spiderman's got nothing on me - *spidey sense*)
By two o'clock Daniel was at the door. With an urgency in his voice he watched out the window as he raced to tell me something before his brothers reached the house. "MOoOm, Nicholas didn't listen to you - he went in the water and got wet.!" Daniel gloated. Just then, Nicholas burst in the door hollering "MOoOm. Daniel was playing in the water when you said we couldn't" he tattled. "Look at you two!" I shreiked with frustration. "He went in the water first" argued Daniel. "Did not! He told me to go in" refuted Nicholas. "I don't care who went in first, you both disobeyed." I reasoned trying to regain my composure. Go to your room. You can spend some time indoors now since you can't seem to obey outdoors. "Where is Shane by the way?" I asked. "He's still out at the water." replied Nicholas.
Now for the paranormal phenomenon..... this same scenario played itself out at least five more times that week! Five times! They just kept doing it over and over again. With the same responses.... "So and so told me to", "So and so did it first." they couldn't even fake sorrow over being disobedient... it just wouldn't come. They were just blank - no remorse, no guilt - but I thought I saw a determination in their eyes.... to get back out there! It was as if they just couldn't wait to be released from the "bedroom of doom" to go back out to the water again - they just HAD TO get to the water again........ It was creepy and bizzare watching them go out doors..... they would start off way far away from the water. playing with a soccer ball or something. Then very subtly inch themselves over toward the water, while casually looking over their shoulders toward the house to see if I was watching. I was.... but I was far enough away from the window that they couldn't see me :)
Then one by one they would disappear into the pine trees with a smile on their faces and then they were gone.
And every single time they would return to the house they were wet, or muddy, or wet and muddy, or just unrecognizable..... you get the picture. Just what was the reason they were so drawn to the water? I couldn't understand it. What was the attraction? They were bewitched, enchanted, captivated, allured... I don't know..... it really is difficult to explain it. But  regardless of what you call it - they were all WET when they came home. And I was not impressed.
I don't think we need to call the Ghostbusters just yet - maybe a few days of sunshine and warmer temperatures to dry things up might be just what the situation calls for :)

Here's a few funnies from Our House to Yours

* "Mommy come quick - There's a Chicklet out of the cage!" screamed Little Susan. (we keep our baby chicks in the garage under heat lamps until they're big enough to move outdoors - one escaped :)

*"There's Tim Hortons!" Shouted Latoya excitedly as we watched the new DVD 'Insanitized'. "That's TIM HAWKINS not Tim Hortons" I laughingly reminded her.

*Little Susan and Latoya were crawling on the living room floor. Little Susan informs me ... "Mommy we're being doggies like Brucey, Ruff, Ruff. We're talking with each udders look Mommy - we're scooting our bums on the carpet like Brucey cause we're doggies! Scoot, scoot, scoot!"


*Little Susan watched Grandma Windsor putting recipies into her book with interest and then exclaimed "Gramma, you like to sort!"

*Latoya has informed me that "SOME" is the Spanish word for "a couple" ... "Like, Can I have SOME cookies" Hahaha

*Little Susan and Latoya were looking out the bedroom window discussing birds. Latoya said "I know Robins, they have a red tummy, like a bra, and black on their backs."

*Little Susan wonders if we have a "male" man or a "female"man who delivers our mail?

*Shane asked "Daddy, is a Jeepie S (GPS) only for a Jeep?"



Here's a little funny from Grandma's Attic
*Justin had good dreams about the “Harrow Farrow” (Harrow fair)

*I brought Justin to show him Nancy’s house. It’s our secret. I might be moving there. On the way down the road he said he thought I should stay at the apartment. I asked if he thought it was too far away for Grandma to move? He agreed so I said “Well, let’s go look, then you tell me what you think.” After a full inspection upstairs, downstairs, basement, yard, and garage, he said “This is a nice house and there’s gonna be enough room for all our toys Grandma.”

* Rick was concerned about Justin playing with a toy of his with string or a chain on it and explained “You can’t play with this you will get knots in it.” Justin quickly expelled “I don’t even know how to make knots!”

*Justin was trying to explain why he could not eat his lunch using his very vivid imagination. He said his stomach was like a movie theatre and all the seats were full. His mother said “That’s fine, but now it’s intermission time and the seats are empty…now eat!”
 
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Have an amazing week and HAPPY EASTER :)

Blessings to you - from my Fish Bowl to yours :)
Lucy

Thursday, April 7, 2011

So back down the stairs I went looking for some missing, whining child after I thought I had counted seven already!

We were shootin' for "Parents of the Year." I mean how much more thrilling is getting your very own horse, to a teenaged girl?!?!? (Disney World is a close second but you can't live there... you gotta come home sometime) THIS was going to be the present of all presents.... this was IT!
Since she began riding lessons at 6 years of age all our little cowgirl has ever wanted was her own horse. Not a pony like most little girls beg for... but a full sized horse.
Well our little girl is a mature, responsible (good student, caring and considerate, intelligent, respectful, beautiful, capable, pleasant, generous, helpful, accountable, levelheaded, a leader not a follower, competent, did I mention how beautiful she is?  *yes we do think very highly of her) Teenager who has been riding for years and just loves horses. We decided years ago that we would one day get her a horse of her own (as soon as we found a farm suitable for our whole family) and make her "The happiest Teenager alive" *Then we would be titled "The Best Parents Ever" (at least in her eyes - and that's all that counts) and life would be grand :) Well we moved into our new country home in November and the planning began.
Once the snow melted the kiddlings were eager to help Daddy get the pasture fenced off in preparation for a large four legged friend (obviously in hopes of getting to ride it on occassion ..... after all their big sister "The Teenager" is a generous girl who knows how to share ... surely she would let them share in her joy.)
So the work began.....
"Daddy, Can I help?" they all ambitiously asked. The boys were a bit more helpful than the little girls but they all pitched in to lend a hand. For a little while. Until they discovered the empty 6X6 shed. "Mom, can we play in here?" Nicholas enquired. "This is COOL!" chimed Shane. "This can be our club house guys"Daniel excitedly added.  "Okay boys - you can play in it FOR NOW, just becareful - and let your sisters play too." I instructed.  Off they went into their "fort." and all thoughts of "helping Daddy" vanished. That's okay, I think he got more accomplished once they were out of his hair anyway. Uncle Al came to help Daddy and the two of them did a fine job getting the fence posts up. Almost ready for a horse....
Speaking of horses ..... We found a horse for our Teenager! She was thrilled. He was 16 hands high (thats TALL in horse lingo) and very nice looking. Daddy took her out to see him one afternoon and she fell in love. She rode him for a bit and promised to return each weekend until our own pasture and barn were ready for him.
The Teenager could hardly get through the week. All she could think about was that horse - HER horse. She was beside herself anticipating her next trip to see him. She bought a new riding helmut and a treat for her horse. When Sunday came the Teenager couldn't wait for church to end so she could ride her new best friend again.

Daddy took the Teenager and Papa and Uncle James to the farm where the horse lived. The Teenager was so delighted to saddle up her horse and get better acquainted with her new equine friend. As she reached up to put the horse's bridle on he bent down his massive head and bit the Teen's inner thigh. OUCH! A horse bite covers an area of the size of an adult mans hand - a very large Owie to say the least. The Teenager reprimanded the horse and finished getting him ready to ride. She put on a brave face and didn't let a horse bite stop her from enjoying HER horse. She mounted the horse and rode into the pasture. The horse was being a bum and wouldn't co operate today.  He tried to disengage his rider (the Teenager) a few times and was behaving very badly. Finally she'd had enough and dismounted. The owner suggested they take a carriage ride and see how well he behaved with the carriage. The owner hooked up the carriage. So Daddy and the Teenager joined the owner in the carriage. They set out on the shoulder of the road and travelled donw the street. UNTIL.... a truck appeared. It was heading in the opposite direction and as it approached the horse and carriage the horse became antsy. He bolted to the side and headed toward the ditch. He went down into the ditch and up again and the Teenager was thrown from the back of the carriage and landed in the ditch ... on her arm.
My Husband and a neighbour (who happened to be driving by) pulled her from the ditch. It was obvious she needed to be seen by a doctor so they headed home immediately. On the way the Teenager  said "Daddy, I don't want THAT horse." "Don't you worry honey, we aren't getting THAT horse - we'll find you something better." He promised. Although she'd been bitten and thrown from the carriage she was still heartbroken .... grieving over the possibility of what could have been ..... at least she has some lasting reminders of what "actually was" .... a large black bruise on her inner thigh (and a tetnus shot because it broke the skin), soft tissue damage in her elbow, a sprain and a possible fracture.  And a little advice from Mommy .... "if it bites you before you even get on the thing... WALK AWAY honey!"

Here's a little funny from Our House to Yours
* Daniel: "Teenager, Can I pray for you?"
   Teenager: "Sure Buddy."
   Daniel: "Dear Jesus, make the Teenager feel better, make her arm not hurt. Don't let that bad horse come back and break her other arm. Tell him he is a bad horse. Bless her as use to my body, in Jesus' name, Amen."
  Teenager: {Was he planning on eating me or something?}

* One morning Little Susan was in the washroom with me. My Husband's clothes were all laid out, ready to wear after his morning shower. Little Susan pointed to the clothing on the counter and giggled and covered her eyes. "Mommy, I see Daddy's pull ups" she said. (after we shared a good giggle as I explained the difference between boxers and pull ups.

*One evening as we sat around the dinner table the kiddlings were discussing "what they wanted to be when they grew up." "I want to be a figure skater" Latoya excitedly stated. "I want to be a VEGENARIAN when I grow up" declared Nicholas. "That means you can't eat meat!" Shane quickly informed him.

Here's a little funny from Grandma's Attic

After a rather hectic day and an evening of homework with the kids, dinner for the little darlings, making sure chores were done properly, a bit of playtime, some minor argument settling, sharing lessons, potty training tactics, time outs, etc. pajama time and Ok finally BEDTIME Yeah! Check the kitchen one last time for any forgotten food left out or unseen spills, ok peace and quiet time ....  or so I thought.
Suddenly I heard a faint child's voice, repeating itself, "I want to play, play with me" etc, and "Mommy I'm tired." I thought it was Daniel having sleep issues so I went downstairs to his room quietly to check. Nope - he's sound asleep. The little noises seemed a bit louder! "Oh! The vent from the girls bedroom" I thought. Maybe Little Susan was telling Latoya to go back to bed because she was tired, back up the stairs to check on the girls - Nope, all quiet there, they are all sleeping or doing a good imitation of it. I sat on the couch and could still hear a small voice. I listened at the vent for the basement and KNEW it was coming from there! So back down the stairs I went looking for some missing, whining child after I thought I had counted seven already!
Finally after listening ever so closely I discovered the culprit in a plastic toy box - half covered with legos - a talking baby doll, laying on it's tummy (that activates the voice when pressed) he pressure of the lid on the container was pushing the doll down on it's tummy, and the only one there to laugh at me besides Myself was Bruce the dog.
______________________________________________________________
The Contest!!!!

Congratulations to Cathy D of Chatham, Ontario!!!!
You're the winner of our "Tim Hawkins ~ Insanitized DVD" Your DVD is on it's way. Thank you for participating in our contest. Thanks to everone else who submitted entries .... look forward to another contest like this one in the future :)

 Join our mailing list and receive notification EVERY TIME we post a new entry! Just enter your name and email address in the "Join the Mailing List" section on the right - Weekly updates will be delivered right to your email inbox :) You will never miss out on another one of our contests or giveaways again!
Don't keep it to yourself ...... share this blog with your family and friends or post it to your profile on Facebook (click the Facebook button on the right hand side!)

Have an incredible week and enjoy the warmer weather :)
Blessings to you - from my Fish Bowl to yours :)

Lucy