Tlacuache

I think I know what our rodent friend is! A Tlacuache. I believe the english word is possum. Interesting fact: they carry their young in a pouch.

So there we have it.

One More Sleep!

Andrew comes home tomorrow!! Whoohoo!!!

Today we have gymboree and 'nastics so the day should go by nicely. One of THREE Torreon Starbucks is supposed to be open today too so that could be a fun diversion (for me, of course) if we need it at any point. The timing is perfect because I'm out of beans as of this morning. Tomorrow the big exciting thing is that I want to start decorating for Christmas. Hopefully the kids find it exciting as well. Sunday we're going to go as a whole family to get our Christmas tree and then decorate it.

Eva told her gymnastics class that when her Daddy came home she would get presents and it would be Christmas!! So cute. I straightened her out so she wouldn't be disappointed. Told her that Daddy would bring her and Micah a present because he missed them and wanted to share something of where he'd been, but that Christmas wouldn't be until after Nana & Papa and Andrey & Jen were here. She was ok with that. I think there'll be lots of exciting things to keep her going over the next couple of months.

Chick Flick night was fun yesterday. The kids kept me hopping again but there were no wet beds and they were kind enough to let me doze for an hour or so after they wanted to get up. Right now they're having fun with the slide... Perfect!

From Chronic to Terminal

Good news and bad news. The good news is that Duna is much more herself the last couple of days. Lots more energy, bright eyes, tail up. It's great to see! The bad news is that she feels better because she's now on meds to control pain from bone cancer.

The vet is 80% sure of his diagnosis. From what he's said and what I've read, Duna's life expectancy is a year or two, and treatment may include chemo and amputation! The cancer is in her leg for sure and we don't know if/where it's spread. She has a weird, growing bump on her muzzle and the vet suspects the osteosarcoma may be the cause.

Right now I'm just so happy to see her more "herself" and am kind of in holding pattern until the diagnosis is certain and a course of action is determined. My poor little bubu.

Kicked It Up a Notch

As of this morning, Micah is in a whole new gear. He woke up goofy and bubbling over with energy. He has been "dashing" everywhere he goes. Eva is also actually quite full of energy as well. Good thing the weather is perfect for walking, we have a trampoline, Gymboree classes, and now a Little Tikes little slide, currently installed in the living room and getting good use!

Today while Micah was sleeping, Eva and I did a fun craft. We made Christmas trees with squares of tissue paper, unsharpened pencils, and glue. You know the craft I mean? I think she did amazingly well! I didn't help her one bit.

Tonite I'm having some friends over for Chick Flick Night. What a great way to pass the time when hubby's not around!

Thief!!

I am a thief, twice over.

I don't generally put items under the cart, but this day I put 2L of coke underneath and forgot about it. The cashier and the bagger also did not notice and so I left the store with it. I resolved to pay for it next time I was at that store.

Yesterday I was at that store. I told the cashier I had not paid for a 2L coke the last time I was there and that I wanted to pay for it now. She said nothing, so once she told me my total I asked if she had charged me for the coke. She informed me that she "could not do that" (my interpretation: "that seems like too much work").

When I got out to the car I found an unpaid for pack of wipes in Micah's lap. Great, now I have to fight to pay for two stolen items.

I have two ideas for how to resolve this situation: (1) Next time I'm there, select and pay for a coke and a pack of wipes, then give them back to the cashier for restocking. Risk being told I "can't do that". (2) Next time I'm there, select and pay for a coke and a pack of wipes, then give them to someone in need.

What would you do?

Change and Receipt

I wish I could understand why all cashiers pile my change and receipts in my palm in the most impossible manner. I must be doing something wrong. I cannot discern a graceful way to untangle it without fumbling silver and bills everywhere. Does this make sense: paper money, then receipt, then silver carefully placed in my hand. Even when I'm not juggling two kids, I make a mess trying to pour the change into my change section, and separating the receipt from the paper money before I stash the cash in my wallet. It takes me as long to perform this operation as it does to make the purchase itself.

I need to go on an observation mission to see how other women do it.

Flying Solo

I guess Andrew is on his final flight to Winnipeg about now. He flew out of Torreon at 12:05 which was a nice change from the usual 6:45am departure. The kids and I dropped him off. Eva cried off and on for a while afterward. Broke my heart. I told her we all have to be strong and brave for only 7 more sleeps. The knowledge that a present is forthcoming is what will keep her going, I think. ;)

Andrew going away was particularly tough this time. Andrew's relationship with the kids has really deepened and become very rich lately. I love seeing him with them, and the looks on their faces when they're with him. And the squeals of delight when he comes home from work!! Amazing.

This afternoon the kids and I joined about 50 other Circle of Friends members for a Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a great time. I didn't get to do as much visiting as I would have liked, but I did fit quite a bit in, considering I was in charge of two little people. They did really great. I met a few new people which was fun. The food was amazing, as usual. The kids went to bed no problem and I'm enjoying a bit of 'laxin time now. Ahhhhh.