The real grandbaby

Here is a picture of the "real grandbaby", not the ones swimming in the fish tank. He/she is now 16 weeks along and from the limited reports I get, all is going well.

My Babies

Aren't they cute???? I had to clean out the fry tank, so I poured all 32 of my babies into a bowl while I cleaned out their tank. I know, I know, I said I wouldn't save anymore, but female #2 popped out a batch and I just couldn't let them all get eaten. The babies are 1 week apart. Click on the picture to see my fry. I am amazed at how fast they are growing. Two more weeks and I should be able to release the first set into the big tank. Now we will have two tanks. One for boys and one for girls.

Memorial Day

Today David and I made our yearly trek to Fort Snelling to visit his father's grave after I got off work. It has become a tradition since we moved to MN. There is a place right across the street from Ft. Snelling that sells flowers. You can not plant anything in the ground so we always buy something each year. If you have never been to a national cemetary, it is amazing and very emotional. The thought that all those selfless people fought for our freedom is just overwhelming. David's dad retired as a Lt. Col. in the airforce and fought in the Korean War. David's dad died when David was only 21. He never had the privilege to know his grandchildren and vice versa. His name is Charles Leighton Hunt, and I am proud to call him my father-in-law.

Two More

Apparently while I was at work yesterday, Mama Fish continued to pop out the babies. Jen was able to capture 2 more so that brings our total in the grow tank to 12. I have decided my heart can not take much more of trying to save the guppies, so we are going to get a second tank--one for girls, one for boys. I was like a crazed mad woman trying to save the babies. All 12 little ones are eating well and I swear already look bigger. I will try and get a picture of them. And just for the record, we also have 5 robin nests under our deck with 2-3 VERY HUNGRY babies peeping for food. We also had our first nest of rabbits this year. They made their nest in the ground under a bush on the side of our house. We are apparently known to the animal world as a safe house for birthing. Could have something to do with the million pounds of food I feed them each year!!!!

They're here!!!!!!!!

That's right, you read correctly. I have captured 10 grandfish babies!!!! Momma fish was quite the over achiever!! I am off to work. Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!

Feel better Jen

Today I got a call at work from Jeff. After he talked to me, a sobbing Jen got on the phone and told me she was not well and had called off from work. (Just for the record, Jen never calls off from work). Jen had a migraine and wasn't getting any relief after her first dose of meds. I went home to check on her and told her to take a second dose of medicine. She was obviously in pain and not feeling well. She stayed in her bed for a long time, and finally got some relief. I am happy to report that after a piece of toast, some ginger ale, and some shrimp fried rice, she perked up a bit. We are hoping she feels well enough today to go to the nursery to get some flowers for our garden (she if off of work today). A trip to the doctor will be in order next week. She had a CAT scan which came back clear, so hopefully they can just give her some stronger medicine to help her out. I will have to post some pictures in my next blog of Jen's new plant. Feel better Jen.

26 Years Ago Today......

.....I became a wife. Today David and I celebrate 26 years together. As I look back on the past 26 years, it has not been easy. We endured a lot of heartache, disappointments, and major meltdowns. We have also celebrated lots of smiles, successes and moments of shear bliss. At work today, a lot of the "younger" generation asked me how we've survived that long together. I replied, "Lots of hard work, and I mean lots of hard work, learning to compromise, learning to be patient (this one I am STILL working on), agreeing to disagree, remembering to say I Love You (even when you don't feel like saying it), not being afraid to keep your individualism, taking time for yourself, and having a good sense of humor." I must admit there are some things my husband has learned very well. He learned to never disagree with me in the last trimester of pregnancy, he learned most things are his fault (even if they're not), he learned to duck when the "Jersey Girl" comes out, he learned that no matter how hard he tries some days there is just no pleasing a woman. What has made it last 26 years?? The refusal to give up or just plain being too stubborn to get a divorce. JKJKJKJK!!!LOL!!!! To David, I know I can be a royal pain in the butt some days. I know I test your patience daily, ok, sometimes hourly. I know there have been times when it would have been easier to go then stay. I know you love me and the kids more than your own life. I thank you for not giving up on us. I thank you for fighting for our family. I thank you for allowing me to vent on a daily basis, okay, again hourly basis. I love how you you still give me compliments even though I shoot them down before they even leave your mouth. I love you and know there isn't another man in this world for me. Thank you for being who you are and for loving me unconditionally. (As long as you remember I am always right, the next 26 years will be amazing!!!) Love you to the moon and back and then around the world a zillion times.

Happy Mother's Day

As I type this and try to think back to 25 years ago and my first Mother's Day, I still get tears in my eyes. I still remember the joy of having my first child, Stephen, placed in my arms. The joy continued with Angela, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Brian and Antonio. I wish I could have experienced that joy with Lilly, but I know she is flying high protecting all of us. To this day I get lots of questions, Are you Catholic, Did you want that many kids, How did you do it, How did you keep your sanity, If you had it to do all over again would you STILL have THAT MANY KIDS??? So now I get to turn the tables a bit on this Mother's Day. I could not be the mother I am if I did not have the greatest kids on the face of this earth. To my children, thank you!!! You were all so very much wanted. I think it is funny how you guys are getting older and asking me how I did it. I never thought twice about doing it. I can remember grocery shopping with a six year old, a four year old, a 2.5 year old and a newborn. People looked at me like I was crazy, some even looked at me in disgust. I looked at you and said, "Thank you, God". Raising a large family is not for everyone. For me, it was what I always dreamed of doing. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have learned so much because of my children. And next May, I get to experience my first Mother's Day as a grandma!!!! I hope all Mom's out there have a terrific day. I am looking forward to spending a relaxing day with the kids. And to all you people wondering how I did it, 5 words of advice--a good sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

One Flaw in Women

This has been an incredibly tough week for many reasons. I came across the following poem and wanted to share.

One Flaw In Women
Author Unknown

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish."
But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed,
"but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak,"
the Lord corrected,
"that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing."
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, If There Is One Flaw In Women,
It Is That They Forget Their Worth.