Thank you!!!

As I look back over my business in 2008, I must give thanks!

To my friends and family for their support and love as I chase this dream.

To the new relationships I've made along the way. When I think of all the new friends I have made, it makes me feel proud that I stepped out of my comfort zone!

Most of all, thank you to all the clients who purchase my work and bring it home....it is an honor!

I removed the autoplay slideshow. If you'd like to see it, go here:
http://www.slide.com/r/QF-ByLx8tz--P_yuNtFdVVQ0H7jZLSOH?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

Happy New Year!!!! Celebrate Safe!!!
Love,
~kel~

Big news!! I broke the agreement!!

Well, I admit it, I adore my kids and find that I am guilty of spoiling them and this just proves it! They have been working really hard on their agreement (the one Jean and Cameron made) but it has been no where near the 60 day mark!! I got them a dog!

I really wanted to be prepared if Cam should meet the agreement so I have been researching what would be a good breed for my family. I knew we needed something hypoallergenic because of Cam's allergies so that narrowed the search. A few weeks ago Marleigh and I ventured to the shelter to see about a 6 year old Shih Tzu they had there that was rumored to be sweet and gentle. We got there and waited, only to find there was one man in line ahead of us who had his eyes set on her too. When they brought her out to the front lobby to meet him, she came right over to Marleigh and me. We waited for the man's visit to be over...hoping it would be over. When the staff informed me that he was taking her home, I admit I was sad....and that sort of told me that maybe I was ready for a dog too.

While reading Craigs List (which can be a really sad place to go) I saw an ad for this maltese/poodle mix. I immediately looked up the breed to see if it fit my criteria. I sent an email to the woman (local to me) and waited for her response. It came 15 minutes after my initial email...and she told later me when we met that she had 84 emails in response to this pup and she chose mine and another local family to respond to. I felt it was in the cards the way it all played out.

My kids are delighted and my husband still loves me! We are working on potty training him (the dog, not Jean) so that will be fun to blog about! He's already decided I'm the girl for him and growls at the guys who come near me. I hiss at him like the dog whisperer does but he still barks his puppy bark. Any suggestions on training, etc. I'd love to hear them! I am the pack leader...he knows that....but its getting the kids to be leaders too without being scared of getting snapped at that I worry about.

The pup does not have an official name yet. He came with "Jack" or "JJ" but Cameron's expander makes him say J's funny and all I can think of is Sgt. Shultz on Hogan's Heros when he makes that phlegmy sound after the J. It's sorta making me INSANE listening to him call the dog JJ! I offered up the name Dempsey and the kids are liking it too...I wonder is it too many syllables? (comments or email welcome!)

Anyway, he's a 5 pound ball of cute and sleeps like a baby atop my bed....but tonight he gets crate trained as I promised my bed to only one man! I'm sure the howling will stop after a few nights.....I hope it does!

That's what I've been up to! Spoiling my kids!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Sorry to ignore....

My home is filled with the ones I love and I just wanna be with them every second!

YEAH RIGHT!!!! They are all home and I can't get to the pc to blog!!!! Hockey tournaments, wild little half-dressed girls dancing around my home singing silly songs and packing up my Christmas decorations have kept me from the wonderful world of blogging. Plus...no photos to share always makes me feel guilty - cause I know most come to just look and don't really read all that garble that goes with it! I'm sorry for my absence.....all you get is chatter as I update tonight. Isn't evening blogging so fun....I tend to ramble....its the same in person...as my eyes get heavier, my thought process gets odd.

Today, we took the three older kids to see "Bedtime Stories" (probably has been out forever in most of the country but its just getting to those of us who live in the boonies). It was cute, mindless entertainment....just what I needed! We left Marleigh with Meem today - she was sitting with Kaylee and they wanted Marleigh's company. She really didn't want to go there when she heard me talking that we were going to the "moobie feeter" ("movie theater") I had to bribe her with a special stop at the store for a bag of Smartfood popcorn and a bottle of chocolate milk to share with Kaylee but it worked. It worked because Santa brought Meem a new tea set for Christmas (he always brings her something that will make her the envy of the children). She's been teaching the girls how to sip tea with their pinkies raised and how to pour while holding the top of the teapot so as not to cause a spill on the fine linens. The girls eat up the whole process. As I was typing this, I remembered I took a few snaps on Christmas day just after she opened the unexpected gift. What a treasure this one is!!!!!

"Remember, pinkies up, ladies!"

Meem, I know you think the days just "go by" but really, you are impacting the kids in fantastic ways! They adore you and just knowing you are there makes them all flock to be around you, young and old alike! You're a treasure to us all!

Goodnight!

~kel~

Okay! We can breathe now.......

Chistmas is over!

The kids seem so happy with their gifts!


Cameron got....Need for Speed Collectors Pack....a video game he'd been wanting.....

Marleigh got a doctor's kit and THREE new dolls to take care of (plus the Cinderella dress she's been asking me for since our return from Disney).

Makenna got the doll that pee's and poops and talks and talks and talks...only to come to me one hour after opening the box, feeding and pottying her to tell me: "Mom, I want to return her"......I ask why....hands over her face she replies: "Because she's giving me a headache!" I laughed and told her to just turn her off....but upon inspection, there is no "off" button! I told her to just place her on the shelf in her room and see if she shuts down....she's been there ever since!

A week or so ago, she asked if it was okay that we remove her American Girl doll from her room at night because she "creeps her out" when she's trying to sleep. Makenna thinks she comes awake at night and crawls into her bed and steals the covers. She's serious when she's telling me this and I feel bad that I giggle at how cute her expressions are.

Branden's expression of thankfulness made Christmas morning memorable for me. We told the kids that Christmas would be light this year because of our trip to Disney....but...I bought him a portable video game he's been talking about since last Christmas. This year he didn't even ask for it, knowing it was beyond the budget we had set out. Their lists included things that were under $50 (specifically) and I was so impressed by that, I had to get that one special thing that would really surprise each of them. He knew it was more than he asked for.....and his face was priceless when he opened it. I hid my face and tears of joy because I felt a little silly.....I hope he knows how much his reaction to the gift meant to me.

Dog Quest Update: Cameron continues to keep up his end of the deal!! His dog fund is getting up there! Lisa sent him a card for encouragement and support and included some cash to help him with the initial purchases (dog bed and food is his main focus right now). He's amazed at the support he's getting and now he's confident he will have a dog soon. I do remind him occassionally but I find as the weeks go on, I'm not having to remind him as much because his space is already tidy!!!!

Well, I'm off to clean the mess that Christmas brings. I think I will wait another day or two to take the tree down....I'm enjoying it this year!

Happy Day!

~kel~

Merry Christmas!!!!

Dear Blog Stalkers,

I just wanted to send a warm thank you to all who come here and read my sometimes senseless writings. I have tried to keep up with the blog daily and find some day's its not an easy task. There were times when "I" could not find words or photos to share or hit something that deletes the entire page. I really appreciate the feedback in the comments section or the emails people write....its just nice to know there are people out there interested in what's going on over here. I just hope to let folks know that our lives are all pretty similar. I will continue to keep most of my struggles to myself as I refuse to make this blog a dumping ground.

I intend to continue my writings into 2009 and will make every attempt to do it daily! I think the kids will enjoy reading the posts someday as I know I love going back to the earlier pages. It's just amazing the things you forget even in just a week!

So here is my Christmas card....if you didn't get one from me, you're not alone....I failed to order enough and cut it so close, there was no time for a reorder. Please accept this cyber card as my Christmas wish to you! Be safe, be happy and take lots of memories (photos)!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

~kel~

Here's something to talk about!

A happy face........this is a string of lights I bought last year....and they are by far my favorites!! Each bulb has a different face...all happy!

Master Tyler came to the studio this morning....I have an idea that requires a sleeping baby....but he's decided he is too old for those long sleepy days anymore and prefers to be awake more. We waited him out over an hour and he decided it was nap time when we got him bundled up to go home. Next time little man!

Here's a delicious holiday treat! Im making some to bring to family tomorrow night. I always offer to bring a dessert....so I have several in mind! These are easy and my clean hands kids love to help!

I'm busily preparing for the next few days and the boys are skating on the rink with a few pals.

Enjoy!

~kel~

Teach them eye contact......

I've always felt strongly about teaching my kids to use eye contact when they are talking to someone. I probably drive onlookers crazy when I'm talking to Marleigh and I continuously say "look at me" but I think it's important. I also make them answer me with "yes, mom" when I've asked them to do something, just so I know they are listening. I started getting the "I didn't hear you" excuse and decided a mandatory response from them might lessen those events.

Yesterday Makenna's hockey team had a holiday party. They had a special guest to surprise the kids. I was so glad I toted my new camera through the snow storm to get front row photos of all the kids. I wasn't planning to be the photographer but so many were there without cameras I decided to just continue snapping. I shared them all on walmart.com for the parents to make their own copies. I was so happy watching my girls talk to Santa about the gift's they'd like to receive. Makenna really wants a doll that pee's and poops (she left that part out when talking to Santa and just told him "a doll"....it was so cute to watch her watch her manners).

Marleigh asked for makeup and everyone chuckled. The girls just walked in as I am posting these photos and are telling me they really wish they had asked for a small dog.

(Kendra, I hope its okay to post this photo.....its a perfect holiday reminder). Kendra has six BEAUTIFUL kids ..... I envy her so! She and I got the opportunity to visit for a few minutes in the warm room at the arena. While we were chatting I looked over and saw this....her daughter kneeling on the floor so her young son (too short to see the game on his own) could climb up for a closer view. Kendra told me that she does that for him all the time. Sweet or what?

This photo was taken last night....the boys and Jean were clearing the ice rink. When we get more than a foot of snow, it requires constant clearing - so anyone with kids who skate, please call me so I can arrange for some human Zamboni's! I will reward them with ice time and hot chocolate!!!

More storm photos tomorrow as Im venturing out today to deliver Christmas prints!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Oh Baby!

Sweet, sweet Emma came to see me for her first baby portraits. I wanted to eat her up...but her momma said NO cause she's getting HER fill of their first born! Sometimes I meet new moms who are rightfully tired and caught up in the necessities part of having a new baby....and then I meet moms like Michelle who are giddy about the changes in her life and anxiously share the love of this new life with everyone she can. Beautiful!

Loved this little bird yawn.....

Thanks for choosing me Bob & Michelle......your daughter is lovely and I completely enjoyed your company!

Mainers, brace yourselves....another big storm approaches and its going to pack a major punch...a few feet of snow predicted and traveling is going to be dangerous. Check on your neighbors and especially the elderly....please don't assume that someone else has already done it!

Enjoy!
~kel~

These are the days.....

......and I never want to forget them.

No photos to post, just my thoughts at the end of a long day....bear with me.....

I was just going to bed and felt the pull to the pc. My head is racing lately with thoughts of gift giving and the anticipation of what's to come next week....but more than anything I find myself so thankful and blessed. Another snow storm is upon us and the winds are howling. Branden spent the night at a friends house. He went there directly from school so I haven't seen him since he left this morning. As I listen to the winds and look at the clock, 11 PM, I wonder if he's settled in. Its not the first sleep-over.....Im being nostaligic tonight....I wish I could call there now to say goodnight to him...I miss him...its stupid, I know, but like a momma bear, when the weather sounds so creepy outside, I just want all my babies near. I'm really enjoying watching him grow into an awesome young man. All of a sudden (middle school) he's too cool for snow pants and boots....except in the company of his very best friends, the ones he's grown with. When confronted with a situation at home (in his comfort zone) that upsets him, he has a voice now....one of conviction....as much as I dislike the confrontation, I'm so proud he's found the ability to stand up for himself. I'm so blessed to be his mom!

Makenna, what a beauty.....and so incredibly full of love. I think we needed the separation that the school days bring to bond us closer as mother and daughter. We appreciate each other more and our time together is peaceful and fun. She speaks so kindly to me.....always proclaiming her love for me and wanting to be near. I can tell she's comfortable talking to me, especially when things bother her....I hope that never changes. Our relationship started so different.....I always thought we'd battle....this may be the calm before the storm but I'm documenting it so I can remember the sweetness in her voice and that cute way her tounge rests against the back of her teeth when she pronounces words that end in S. I'm so blessed to be her mom!

Cameron....his desire for a dog is overwhelming. When he shared his quest with classmates and the deal he had with his dad to keep his room picked up for 60 days, one boy told him he'd never do it. Forgive me for the mean thoughts I had of lashing out at that boy...but I knew he just really didn't know my kid. His determination and support from home will help sweet Cam get a dog, I'm confident of that! I love that he wants to grow his hair longer...I especially love how much he looks like Jean did when we dated with those curls in the back. He's a gentle giant with an amazingly HUGE heart. I'm so blessed to be his mom!

Ms. Marleigh...I tear up just typing her name. My little surprise...my gift from God. The decision to keep her home with me another year was so hard....I know she wants more of what is outside of these four walls. I have no regrets....the four months we have had alone since the kids started school have been the best! She's colorful, beautiful, sweet and my baby til the end. Today while out running errands, I listened to her constant chatter....soaking in every mispronounced word and the long stories that happened "last night, last year, all the day, etc., etc." I was thinking about how I knew the day would come when I would crave these moments and want them back. Maybe I'm wrong about that....maybe time makes you forget those little simple things that happen every day so that you can go on through life without yearning for them to be 3 again. Anyway, I made Jean videotape her....I just never wanna forget! I'm so blessed to be her mom!

Jean...chosen by me YEARS before he ever really noticed me....how lucky are we that he got over his desires for beautiful women and woke up to reality that the real beauty was not on the outside. God gave us each other and not one single day goes by when we don't realize and acknowledge it. Our relationship is blessed.....therefore everything in our lives are blessed. I will always fall back on that....through good times and bad. I am so blessed to be his wife!

Good night....rest well....

~kel~

Have you ever.........

looked back over my old posts from a year ago? I seem to be posting as often now as I did then! I have to say....gosh....I've come a long way! It's a good thing that even though I'm old, I'm still growing as a person, photographer and mother!! Blogging has been a great thing for me this year!! I think the best part though is that my girlfriends can all tune in right here and see what's new at the Roy hometead. I only wish they all blogged so I could stalk them too!

I've been MIA the last few days. I have NO excuse other than I just haven't had time! Busy running prints to clients, holiday errands and trying to keep up on housework with the three storms we have pending this week. I just don't want to be caught off guard without power again.

Today I assisted Cameron and Makenna's classes with cookie decorating. I love how there are those few kids who attach themselves to the new person in the room and ask a million questions or tell stories that just don't make sense trying to sound so mature. Its awesome to meet the kids mine come home telling stories about.....always nice to have a face with the name!

Wanna see what Santa (the one in the brown truck) delivered to me today? I was waiting with great anticipation for these to arrive. I have several pieces but I'm just sharing these few for now. I have a new jewelry vendor I am working with for more ways to preserve the snapshot memories of my clients and so far so good. The pieces I opened earlier today (okay, so I ripped that box open the second the man placed it in my hands - total kid at heart) look fabulous and I'm pleased as punch with them!

Sorry if I made you worry about me. All is well....just making my way through the holiday craziness.

Enjoy!

~kel~

Tuesday madness....

A quick post before I leave - Cameron has a followup appointment for his clavicle fracture - we will see if he can go back to hockey full force.

Let's see, this morning I've already created another Christmas card for a client, placed an order for prints, showered, got Ms. Marleigh showered and all princessed up (hair in a bun today) and confronted the kindergartener that is making my daughter's bus ride hell! I felt bad because I know its scary to be confronted by someone elses mom but I needed to talk to the bus driver before calling the other parent to see if Kenna was over-reacting and being just as big a bully (GIRLS are so DRAMATIC). The bus driver confirmed the little girl taunts my girl :( I called to the girl who had just gotten on a stop before ours and warned her that they needed to be nice to each other or I was going to have a meeting with her dad. BIG eyes and a slight nod, she agreed to stop her nasties. I thanked the bus driver and told her I knew her job was hard. I guess I'm gonna have to go get her a big-ole gift this year!

I'm off now....(this is not the one I used for my card...wink wink)

Enjoy!

~kel~

Welcome Monday

I think that after the last few days, lots of folks in this area will welcome the normalcy of returning to the Monday routine. There are still lots without power who crave the slightest bit of "normal" and my thoughts are with them. I was glad to put the kids on the bus so that I can tackle cleaning my home top to bottom without interruption....although I do still have the biggest mess-maker here.....ahhh....she's only 3, I can handle her!

I have more photos of the storm....Jean's debut, remember :) BUT first....I had a shoot yesterday with this family who had to reschedule twice due to the weather. I was so glad we finally got some time together! He is an electrician so his work week will be full after this storm....but he's happy about it as the economy has made things slow lately.

It's awesome how this white background makes my families look like Gap ads.

Oh Hannah, she was soooo cute....I couldn't stop snapping photos of her!

Here they are in chocolate......and cozy!!

Melissa, thanks so much for contacting me! I'm so glad we finally got to meet!

I sent Jean out with my D80 in hand after asking him if he minded taking a few photos for me so that I could see the damage. I think he remembered three miles away from home on his return that he'd forgotten to take the camera out so he just snapped them from the driver's seat.(Correct me if I'm wrong, Dear!) It's fine....the sights are still fantastic. The trees here are still all bowed over like this as the ice has not melted. Today we are supposed to warm up to nearly 50 degrees, which will create more hazardous situations as the ice melts.

This is the problem everywhere.....if the lines are not supporting the trees like this, then they have completely snapped them....making rescue that much harder.

While cooped up, I practiced my skills. As Marleigh stood on the windowsill watching Jean work in the yard, I took advantage of her inability to move away from me.

I'm off to run around the town.

Enjoy!

~kel~

AAAhhhhhhh

You just don't appreciate a warm shower and a flushing toilet until you have to do without them for more than 24 hours! Jean is convinced I'd never make it on Survivor and I did not beg to differ with him on that one! I had to call my friend Robyn, who kindly opened her doors to my family so that we could wash some of the grime off. Upon our return home, the power gods had visited and we were blessed with running water and indoor sunshine!

I immediately ran to push the button to fire up the pc so that I could get some photos blogged. Sorry if boring but its pretty big news and the most excitement we've had around here since the Disney trip. First, close-ups.....

This is the innocent grass on my front lawn...it has escaped any real snow yet this year and was still pretty green in spots.

The shrubs wore the ice like sweaters.....a perfect fit.....can you see the texture?? It's just amazing!

Before we got the generator running, the kids played with battery powered games.....this was one of the quieter moments.

Mid afternoon yesterday, the sun started peeking through the storm clouds.....it really was beautiful! Im a whimp....took these from the comfort of my office window....so, they are shot through glass but you get the idea. The sun was a welcome sight but it made things scary as the chunks of ice melted and fell everywhere.

Here's my creative shot for the day. I put the camera near the ground and took the shot.

Needless to say.....we are truly living in a winter wonderland here in Southern Maine. I'll show more photos tomorrow - my better half is learning to appreciate a good photo and took my camera on the road with him!! Jean's debut tomorrow!!

Enjoy!!

~kel~

I only have a moment

....before the power goes out and my pc is black again.

We had a terrible ice storm and I'm updating via generator! My hubby has taken wonderful care of us and he got me set up to finish ordering and mentioned that I needed to update the blog so readers wouldn't worry! Isn't he awesome!!!!

If you are thinking of checking in on us - I must advise against that as we have not had running water in a few days now.....imagine the stench!! Thankfully I am well stocked on Pantry Candles and it smells like Christmas in Maine here so all is well as far as the dwellers go!

I hear Jean out removing broken branches and I believe he is attempting to take down the one that is over the power lines coming into the house. The storm has been so bad the power company informed me yesterday there was no way they could get to the line that had fallen in the road in front of our house for quite some time....I'm left wondering....did he mean hours or days???

So I have to run before the power surges again and I lose this post!!

We are fine...warm and cozy here in the hut and may venture to find some running water to bathe in today!

I'll update as soon as I can!!

Be well!

~kel~

Beauty....

is in the eye of the beholder.....and I behold these children of mine are beauties!! Okay...so maybe that was a bit of a bold comment and not so humbling or sincere sounding but yesterday I took the kids to the studio to try to get a photo I could use for my own Christmas card. I won't be able to show you the results of the ONE photo of all four (out of the 300 I took) that came out good enough to use on my card as it is top secret until the last envelope is addressed and stamped. I will save that post for closer to Christmas. You probably won't find it nearly as amazing as I do as their mother but I'd still like to surprise the recipients. You see, the one photo that did come out well makes my heart so happy that I am in complete and utter LOVE with my children....every time I go back to look at it!! (If you are a mom, you know what I mean when I say that - its not that I don't love them all the time....its just that...some days I could use a gentle reminder....also the reason I blog positively about this life of mine).

So here we go.....

Branden first....so mature and helpful....yet always finds time to be silly with his brother.

Makenna next....she's lovin' her hair in a bow and being dressed in "all white". I'm lovin' the crimson paper I finally dug out of the packaging! (Jo, do you love it or what? one light, I didn't light the paper at all - paper backdrops and I do not get along so I just went with one light.)

Next is Cameron....who has the BEST "no-smile" face EVER!! His hair reminds me of Jean's when we started dating.

Last is a close-up of my baby....you'd never know I was calling (okay, yelling) to her "Marleigh, look at mommy....Marleigh, I'm over here....Marleigh...look in my camera, see the big round circle!!!" She was so good to hold the smile with all that commotion going on (kids running around me as I try to get her to stay focused on me)...it really is comical! Jill, you are right, the outtakes would probably make a better card!

Lastly, maybe Laurie will recognize this nightgown that used to belong to her daughter. I grabbed it on my way out of the house to change Marleigh into so she wouldn't destroy the white sweater/skirt set she had on. Then I had the SPLENDID idea to photograph her in it holding a teddy bear and I think its kinda sweet! (do you notice her little eye lashes showing as she turned her head slightly?)

This post brought to you by an obsessed momographer who is smitten with her children today! Ask me again tomorrow when they are all home making me crazy (the teachers have a workshop scheduled so no school)...my feelings may be slightly different. (I'll come here for my gentle reminder).

Enjoy!

~kel~

My daughter.......

the artist!!!

Maybe its just my "mommy goggles" but I adore her artwork! I'm especially flattered when I find my name on a happy piece.....and look at my figure.....gosh, I love that girl and her "daughter goggles"! Its rainy and overcast outside today so I thought I'd add some color to my page to liven things up around here.

it's a caterpillar on a leaf, silly!

I worked on a few of Tyler's photos last night and wanted to share them here. Wish my kids had detailed photos like this in their baby books.....why, oh why didn't I chase this dream a little earlier in my life?

In a few months, he will have plump rolls that fill the sagging skin....the changes happen too quickly.....I hope to be there to document them!

Thank you for the support and encouragement for Cameron - I pass it on to him and tell him he has a cheering section! His determination is so refreshing....this morning I heard him asking Makenna if she would put her allowance money towards a dog bed and some food and she jumped right up with "of course! I already have some money". She lead him to her room and handed over $15 she still had left from our trip to Disney. Cam was delighted because he's sure that come payday (Friday), when they pool their money, there will be enough to purchase a dog bed!

Before I go, I want to recommend some Christmas Cheer! My clients, the Nortons, get their home all decked out for the holidays and as you drive by to enjoy the sights, they have a donation box for canned goods to help the local food pantry. This year you can tune your radio station to watch the lights dance in sync! A wonderful family with a fabulous idea! They have a website that explains things better than I can....go to..... http://www.nortonlights.com/ for directions and more info!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Pet Portraits & Negotiations

Here are the pet portraits I promised from yesterday. A little more wall quality than you get at Pet Smart with the Polaroid. As always, there is a story that accompanies this day!!!

Mrs. Potter (Makenna's teacher last year and now an awesome friend of mine) got a new dog. It is my opinion this dog falls completely out of the dog category and into something all it's own....closer to a real live stuffed animal. Zuzu is lovely...sweet and cozy! She's an Australian Labradoodle and if you're thinking you'd like to have one like her, just wait...she was born to breed and in due time, Mrs. Potter may have a few more just like her running around her home! As soon as the website is up and runnin', I'm gonna link her here so you can all watch Zuzu grow and blossom!

I brought my two helpers who LOVE donating time at the AWS and they were all too happy to hold her for a photo!

Here are a few more of the good-looking pets I was lucky enough to photograph (my portfolio was in need of some new pet portraits and I got my fill Sunday!). Side note: Black dogs are HARD to photograph!!

This is Otis....doesn't he look so serious and official? He's a BIG puppy, full of curiosity and mischief. One of the gals at the shelter adopted him when he came in as part of a big puppy mill mess. She has some great stories to tell of this fine looking pooch and makes me laugh so hard when she tells her tales.

This is Tigger....he's a long term resident of the shelter....he's still waiting for a family to adopt him. Looks like he has a thing for white hair....and beards!

Deli...(maybe a doxen/terrier mix) she has been adopted (the morning we were there) but because she is not spayed, she had to stay at the shelter longer...which meant she had more time to bond with my boys...who fell completely in love with this scrappy little ball of sweetness. She loved being held...and the boys had no problem accommodating her with that. Remember, Cameron doesn't get long exposure to dogs so his few hours with this one made him completely head over heels.....which leads me to my next story........(oh yes, no post with photos only...this day, I have stories!)

If you know the relentless begging nature of a nine year old, you can just imagine how things went after nearly 9 hours of working with dogs and cozying up to a 12 lb. mut with a face like that was! When we left the shelter, we met up with Jean to take Branden to his hockey game. The car ride was 45 minutes....45 very interesting minutes on the ride home! The ride up the boys gave the girls every detail of the day....you know, how cute Deli was (over and over and over) and Makenna was so great just listening and participating in the oooh's and ahhh's like a supportive sister. Jean and I chatted and enjoyed the ride. On the way home the conversation began with Cameron asking Jean why they couldn't have a dog. All the reasons were spelled out and Cam had an answer for each one...my favorite was: I was too little to care for a dog myself the last time (he was only three). The promises of daily walking, scooping poop, hugging, grooming, watering and feeding were all planned out and shared with Jean. He left no stone unturned....he was prepared for this conversation and had his words well rehearsed. He would do his chores and spend his weekly allowance on dog food and other needs....but most of all, he would love it so much!

Later in the evening as the boys prepared for bed, the conversation was still about a dog. I heard Jean negotiating the details ....I was completely shocked at what I was hearing. The boys must prove their responsibilities by keeping their room picked up and doing chores without being asked for 60 days. They are allowed only one warning...second offense means they start their 60 days over. You see, my husband read somewhere that it takes 6 weeks to form a habit and he figures if they can be independently responsible for 60 days, then just maybe they are ready for the responsibility of a dog. When I was listening to them discuss the details, I wondered if my hubby had gone soft....or....did he not have confidence in the boys to complete the mission? Either way, he was calmly discussing this with them....and it was important...I was so happy for the boys...they have hope now!

My feelings go both ways because I know a lot of it will fall on me because I'm the one who is home all day. Next year I will have a partially empty nest for the first time in thirteen years....I think I will need the company.

This Friday I will hand Cameron his first $5 and watch him excitedly put it in his "secret spot" as he saves for a dog bed for his room and some food (that's his plan). He informed me that "nothings gonna stop him from proving to dad that he can do this"....he will do this, I'm confident!


Enjoy!
~kel~