6 in the Sticks

Ashley went to her first prom with a friend. She had a great time. Jeromy went to the Grand March and managed to get some pictures for me as I was out at my mom's.

Man time is whizzing by!

I'm asked this often and appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. Mom is doing good, or "In good shape for the shape I'm in", as my Grandpa used to say. My mom has adopted that quote. As hard as this can be at times, the three of us, (My mom, Brian, and I), haven't stopped screwing around and joking which really helps. Life's too short to be so serious and intense all of the time. We have our moments of sadness, which we are entitled, but have a lot of moments of happiness as well.

The picture above is one I took the end of March from Mom's living room which has a great view onto her deck and overlooks the lake. This wonderful view has saved her sanity she says. And now the snow has gone and we've filled a few feeders with seed and she is being visited daily by birds of all kinds which she enjoys watching and looking them up in her pocket bird book. I was taken by surprise while making the bed in one of the guest rooms to see a female mallard duck, eye level with me, watching me make the bed through the window. She was sitting on the roof over the garage and was able to peep through the window no problem. It's like being in a Walt Disney movie where all the animals of the forest gather around mom. So surreal.

Mom has been having troubles with severe swelling, especially in her arms and legs. Sleeping, sitting, and just walking around the house has become a chore. Very uncomfortable. She was given some meds for that earlier this week so we're hoping the swelling will go down so it won't be painful for her to get out in the yard to sit on the patio, or to just go out onto the deck. Really hoping for her to get strength back to head out on the lake fishing again as well as she LOVES to fish. If not, I'm sure between my brother and I, we can come up with a clever idea for mom to have fun. Don't be afraid Mom!

Another fishing opener. Good luck honey! Hope you keep your tradition of "nailing those lunkers" so we can hear more of your fishing tales of the monsters you've caught. ;)

It was a crazy Monday and Jackson was stir crazy, so I asked Jeromy if he'd take him out fishing when he got home from work. I knew there would be no leg pulling. Jackson ended up catching most of the fish and was very proud about it.

Jeromy caught the first one, threw his line back in and told Jackson, "Okay, it's your turn now Jackson." Sure enough, he did catch the next fish! After Jackson threw his line back in, he said, "Okay Dad, now it's your turn." But Jackson caught another one and threw his line back in again, and said, "Okay Dad, NOW it's your turn." Then he caught another one.

He was so happy and proud and said to Jeromy, "I can't believe that I'm the one catching all of the fish!" Jackson had a permanent grin all night long. First thing he had to do was show our next door neighbor the bucket of fish he brought home. A ritual we have with our neighbors, you show me yours, I'll show you mine. FISH that is.

You guessed it, Jack caught the biggest one but he wanted to hold the smaller one for pictures as he doesn't have a hang up on size yet. Dad decided to step in and hold the biggest one for him as he felt it must be in the picture.

The shots below are the ones Jeromy took over a week ago when they were fishing by the river. They caught some suckers. It was a blast for Jackson as he had to run up the shore to pull it in. Great fun.

When they're not fishing, they're dreaming about it....

Fire pit, puddles, the fish are everywhere! Yes, yes, yes, they wouldn't be playing here if the there were hot coals, don't worry.

Ashley Marie. Isn't she cute? Last night was the final band and choir concert for the school year. Ashley got to sing her solo that got her to state competition for choir. I think she was more nervous for that than singing for the judges at state. Her high school band went to state as well and ranked the best on the range. Ash has been playing the alto sax since the fourth grade. Excellent job Ashley, we're so proud of you!

Charly Grace. Isn't she cute? Tonight is Charly's debut for her first ballet performance. She has been working hard every night this week getting ready for the two shows this weekend. It has been kind of long and tiresome for her but she has been doing very well and I can tell she REALLY loves this. You are doing a wonderful job Charly, we are so proud of you!

Hanging on a branch is Jackson's new pet, a leopard Gecko named, Dot. The lizard will grow to be six inches maximum, which is great for Mom as she's not a reptile fan, except for turtles, painted turtles. Jackson always wanted a lizard or a snake. The snake will never happen. BlAh! This little guy moves slow and is easy for Jackson to handle. Why yes, that is an old deer horn in his cage. Nothing but the best for little Jack's pet!

This little fuzz ball is Charly's new hamster, named Whitely.

Warm-ups before the final show, the girls would end the warm-up with a dance to "This Little Light of Mine"

Charly played a cloud in the ballet and she did a wonderful job.

Above she is center with her back towards us. Below she is second from the left.

Below, she is just to the right.

This was such a fantastic experience, and to sit back and watch Charly shine was even a greater bonus. All of the girls did very well. Charly really enjoys her ballet class and has a natural gift of dance. She's excited for next year. Bravo Charly!

New pets. Old pets. But never no pets.

In the last year, give or take a month or two, our pets have gone from one to few.

It started from..........

Two cats, one dog.

Scratch cat, new dog.

One cat, two dogs.

Scratch dog, new cat.

Two cats, one dog.

One lizard, one hamster.

Healthy hamster, iffy lizard.

Healthy lizard, dead hamster.

Two cats, one dog.

Bearded dragon, one lizard.

Hatchling turtle, one minnow.

Free turtle, dead minnow.

Two lizards, two cats, one dog.

On a serious note, we have loved every one of our lovely pets that have brought joy in our lives.

Animal funeral. Fishing anyone?