Things that go bump in the night

I know it has only been 2 days since my last post, but I felt the need to share the events of yesterday and last night..............

Yesterday, after therapy and tutoring, I came home and finally mowed my jungle of a yard.
I put Maddi on a leash in my side yard, so that she was outside but out from under my feet. I kept her on that while I mowed the front yard, but when I got to the back, I decided to unleash her but keep the gate closed ( I could still see her). As I suspected, she is still too little to be left untied in the side yard. She quickly discovered that she could fit between the gap of the house and the gate....................... to walk beside me as I mowed the back yard. She was right with me every row and every turn. I never worried about her running away, only that she thought the lawn mower was a huge chew toy. A couple of times of "NO MADDI" and that was nipped. It was really cute that she "helped" me mow.

Now, on to last night..................Apparently all of the walking wore Maddi out. She went to sleep when the lights went out, unlike her mother who was battling a mowing headache. After 2 hours of sleep we went outside for a 1:30 tinkle time. When we came back in, I hung up the leash in the same place I always do, only for the basket to come flying off the wall, throwing its contents all around the kitchen. (did I mention it was 1:30??) Maddi does not wait around to help me pick anything up, but runs into my room and starts moaning and faintly barking, like she is some kind of superhero dog. I got everything put up only to discover that Maddi was nowhere to be found. I finally found her UNDER my bed, all the way against the wall, away from my grasp. I kept telling her that Mommy was okay. Deep down inside I know she was worried about my safety. (Yeah right) We battled for the rest of the night/morning and she was only "safe" under my bed. I could never persuade her to get back in her bed. We were up at 8 this morning and have actually got alot done. She has sat and played outside while I made numerous phone calls.

I simply hope that tonite goes better. I am glad I am on Spring Break, so that I can rest if I need to.

"Maddi Go Night Night! Mommy is Leepy"

On top of school wearing me out, I have Maddi to thank as well. Our week has been long, but we are making it. I am discovering that puppies are pretty much children with four legs, fur, and sharp teeth. They groan and whine instead of talk, but are still children.

Maddi went to the vet yesterday for her first round of shots. I thought she would be excited to actually ride in the car, instead of being placed in the "torture chamber" while Mommy goes to work. She was fine on our trek to Oak Ridge, to meet Aunt Kathy, Jofuf, and her sister Kashmir for the double vet appointment. UNTIL we pulled into the parking lot, I put the car in park, and Jofuf attempted to get the door open to get her out................... HURLOFDOGFOODCHUNKS, in my car! Jofuf managed to get her out of the car for round 2 of her car sick belly. We managed to detangle Maddi and Kashmir from their leash web and take them inside where the shots and scales awaited them. We were called back, Kashmir prances right on and Maddi bows up. I had to pick her up. She was weighed and the verdict is 15.4 lbs. Kashmir weighed 15.6 lbs. Now, you all know that I have issues with scales and numbers. I told Maddi that she shouldn't worry about the number on the scale, but how she feels. (Kashmir looks bigger than Maddi) I don't want her to have body image issues like her mommy. While at the vet, Maddi was given the bright yellow dewormer (liquid form) and a shot of some sort. She did very well. Since she is a car puker, she was not allowed to get a milkbone treat for her good behavior. (If you would like more details of the vet visit, I am sure Kathy has written about it on her blog)
I need to mention the fact that Kathy locked her keys in her car for the 2nd Saturday in a row. Luckily, her friend Tammy has an extra set and lives a mere 5 minutes from the vet. We loaded all people and pets into the puke-mobile and headed up the hill to fetch the keys. Of course we had to visit and let the sister dogs wrestle and play. At one point, my girl Maddi, was very close to becoming a Teenage Mutant Ninja Dog. She stepped onto and then into the sewer grate, merely escaping the meeting of her maker. I rescued her and assured her I wouldn't let her become a TMND!!!! By the way, does anyone know the name of the Rat from TMNT????

If you have read my other posts, you know that Maddi sleeps in my room, next to my bed. All I have to say is that some nights are better than others. Last Saturday, I bought her a microfiber bed that in true OCD Carol fashion, matches my bed. She had no problem accepting the new sleeping arrangement and, 75% of the time, responds to the stern command of "Maddi, go nite nite, Mommy is very sleepy." I have been awakened at all hours of the night to a cute little black face by my bed, commanding me to go outside and use the yard, instead of the carpet. I know I should be thankful that she lets me know she has to go potty, but at 2 and 3 in the morning, I fail to see the success in it. I have stood out there many nights/mornings thinking that this is insane and why am I out here in the darkness, instead of snuggled in my microfiber covers? I know why. Because my puppy is slowly (very slowly some days) learning that the yard is where she should do her thang, not the house. I get aggravated when she insists on playing, rolling around in the grass, and attacking assorted leaves and twigs, instead of coming back to go nite nite. She discovered the earphones under my bed. Yes, one morning I woke up, saw something dark in my floor, thought she had pooped in my floor, only to discover in my groggy state, that it was the black foam from my headset. Apparently I don't use them that often if they were under my bed.
In Maddi's defense, I have discovered that she is very loyal and remembers and learns better than I think she does. Wherever I am, she is there. When I get ready to go somewhere, she lies by the bathroom door or lies on the bathroom rug and watches me. In the kitchen, she is either eating or with me. Even here in the computer room, she has a blankie with some of her toys and occupies herself while I type. She loves my house shoes, grabbing them whenever they leave my feet. She doesn't chew on them, but wrestles with them, then sleeps on them. Maybe because they have my scent and are soft. It is one of the cuter things she does. Trying to get on my couch is another. Someday soon she will succeed at it.

Alright, onto other things, non Maddi related.............After discovering that NONE of my capri pants fit, I knew I needed to visit the local Kohl's, use that 15% "Pick a Day" coupon, and score some clearance and sale items. After the Vet, I brought Maddi home and went to meet Kathy for shopping and bonding. We had an absolute blast! All through my ordeal/recovery, I have been discovering "small blessings". My growing relationship/friendship with Kathy is one of them. Upon her entrance at Kohl's, she was full force ahead, seeing what size my expanding backside needed and grabbing some 80% off clearance capri pants and assorted other items for me to try on. We did find some things for Kathy as well, it wasn't all about me. My greatest find of the day, however, was not a clearance item(but it was on sale). Kathy had gone to find me another size of shorts (bigger) and while she was gone, I tried on a dress to be worn at all Spring functions...................... as soon as I put it on, I knew it was it!!!! I couldn't wait to show Kathy. I feel so good in this dress. Kathy came back and I stepped back and said "ta da". She didn't even look at the dress at first. She was smiling and looking at my eyes, then discovering the dress. She loved it too. It fit, but a size larger would allow me to feel more comfortable. Unfortunately, the store we were at didn't have the larger size, the one at West Town did. SCORE!!! I am very happy with my dress and can't wait to wear it. Our day was fun, tiring, and memorable. No offense, but some pants made me look like a "hamburger in a hot dog bun". (A CarolKathyism) Thank you for the pale pink fe-phops, the Weigels Diet Coke, and most of all, for being YOU.

I am on Spring Break this next week. I so have to mow tomorrow! Maddi is getting lost in the clumps of overgrown grass. Her "Army Dog" days are over soon. I do have assorted therapy/ support groups throughout the week, will be working with my boys (the ones I am doing homebound for) on their schoolwork, and totally messing with Maddi's weekday schedule.
Hope everyone has a great week and thanks for checking on me.
Love and hugs to all my peeps!!!! WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Park Pictures, Potty Training, and Playfulness

Maddi and I are slowly gaining a routine to our days. Saturday night's test with the room failed, as far as Maddi's sleeping arrangement. After 2 hours of yelping, I gave in and she made herself comfortable on a blanket next to my bed. (She just wants to be near her Mommy.) She does great (as far as I know) during the night. I keep my bedroom and bathroom doors closed so she can't wander the house alone.

Potty training is going slow but better. I am getting better at sensing when she needs to go and rewarding her with treats and praise after she goes.

Sunday was hard for me. I had to leave her while I went to church. I was, however, excited to come home to her and I believe the feeling was mutual. Monday was even harder, a long school day. I was so glad to get home and I got the same reaction when I let her out of the room. She whines and jumps and wags her tail. We also have to run and play for about 10 minutes too. I am enjoying watching her "attack" assorted leaves and twigs. I think I could give her a pile of them and she would be happy. We have found a ball that she flings all over the house, sliding on the wood floors. She cracks me up.

Here are some pictures of our day at the Park and back at the Reeder's:

Maddi and her sister, Kashmir

"But Mommy, I don't want to walk!"

Free Throw Lesson = She shoots, she scores!

(Thanks to Adam's Stellar Pointers)

Bill & Josh VS. Joseph & Adam

"I didn't know Ms. Yvette was going to make

us do yard work. We just wanted to visit!!"

The Whooped Wonder Twins

Knock, Knock.....Who's There?????

That is how my Friday night went, with a knock the door, a slight (okay alot) bit of freaking out because I didn't know who was there, and opened the door to find a black puppy sitting on my porch!!! I was beyond surprised!!! Kathy, Anne, Isaiah, and Arissa were taking pictures of every priceless moment.
After my shock had worn off a little bit, it was time to head inside, to the kitchen floor. Kathy and Anne had not only brought me the puppy, who has now been named Maddi Lynn, but also a stinkin cute retractable leash, puppy chow, a dog brush, dog shampoo, and assorted chew toys and treats. I am still in awe that I am a Mommy! Not an Aunt, but a Mommy. Being the OCD gal I am, it was not long before Maddi was experiencing her first bath!! She was very dirty, (3 washes and 3 rinses dirty). Anne helped me while Kathy and Isaiah took pictures. She was so soft and smelled pretty. I kept her wrapped in a blanket until she stopped shivering. I am already spoiling her. I have wanted a puppy for so long.
This will be a fun and challenging way to come home. Being that she is a puppy, I know I may come home to miscellaneous items that have been chewed upon.
Maddi has already made herself comfortable here with me. Within no time, she was laying on the blanket I use on the couch, right at my feet, stretching her little puppy body out everywhere. This is where she met her Grandma and Grandpa. I knew Mom couldn't wait 2 weeks to meet Maddi. After leaving Kathy's, she called and asked if they could come out and meet her. Mom walked straight in and woke up my baby. Daddy sat on the deck and played with her (scratching her belly and roughing her up). I am glad they came out to see us!!!!
Maddi and I had our first outing together today (hopefully Kathy will email me the pictures tomorrow). We met her sister, Kashmir, her Aunt Kathy and assorted children for a "play date" at the Reeder's residence. I came prepared with the leash, container of water, water bowl, and treats, in what Kathy and Yvette call "Maddi's Diaper Bag". (Haha my sisters!!)
The boys (Joseph, Adam, Joshua, and "Doug") played basketball and us girlies bonded. Bonding of the women ended up with us (mostly Kamry and Yvette) trimming the branches in Yvette's backyard.
Maddi and Kashmir wore each other (and their mothers) out! They nibbled and wrestled with each other all afternoon. They eventually had to be put in Time Out (placed on their respective leashes, apart from one another). I know Maddi had a good time. She has been totally worthless all evening. She laid at my feet while I finished grading papers, possibly snoring. I have decided to try letting her stay/sleep in the little officey area I have. I have removed all possible puppy hazards and moved her blanket from the garage (which is where she slept last nite) and set up her stuff in there. I can close the door and if she should use the bathroom on the carpet, it won't matter. That carpet in there is digusting anyway. We will see how tonight goes. She may keep me up all night.
(If you want the details of the events leading up to Maddi's arrival at my door step, visit Kathy's blog at http://miscellaneousmenagerieofwhimsicalwond.blogspot.com/

I could never thank Kathy and Anne enough for doing this for me. They have given me a much needed gift and I think Maddi and I will be good for each other. (She already follows me around like I am special.) I love you both Kathy and Anne.

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

As of March 1st, I am no longer the Cheerleading Sponsor/Coach!!! I know it will hit some of the girls harder than others. There were a (select) few that honestly cared. I am grateful for the memories that were made and the relationships that were created. I am not crying because it's over, I am smiling because of those good memories. I did feel a sense of relief after telling my principal about my decision and a small weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I know in my heart that I have done what is best for me!!! Teaching and activities after school leave little time for ME and (hopefully) that will change as a result of giving up my cheerleading duties. I know me and I will probably find other activities to fill my time.

I have been battling heartburn and other assorted ailments for quite some time. Anything and everything gives me heartburn. I am going to the doctor on Monday for a physical. I want everything checked! (From my head to my toes!) My thyroid hasn't been checked since I began treatment in November. Weight-wise, I have changed (adding some poundage) and that tends to affect the ol' thyroid. I have gone from having an underactive thyroid to an overactive one, to who knows what it is now. I am interested to find out all my levels, etc. I love my doctor (Dr. McMichael) Dr. McMikey as Anne calls him. He treats me wonderfully, never making me feel crazy or inferior because of this stupid ED that I am dealing with every day, hour, minute, and second.

The highlight of my week was Tuesday. My best friend, Yvette, her husband, Bill, aka "Doug", and son, Adam, went to my nephew Isaiah's basketball game. We all (yes that includes the entire Stratman clan) ended up going to Mr. Gatti's for dinner afterwards. We had a blast, laughing, joking, and being us....... goofy. There is a Pill for that,but there could be side effects. Good times, Good times!!!!!

Before resigning from the CheerDrama(On Thursday), I read to our Kindergarteners for Dr. Seuss' Birthday. I completely understand why I teach Middle School and not the little people. I was bombarded with "Hey, you know what?" and "Hey, I know you.", from the minute I walked in. ("Hey" is how they start every sentence.) One thing I learned from the littles was how to pick my nose without anyone noticing. *****(Simply sit criss-cross-applesauce, place hands together around mouth, rest elbows on knees, take a random finger, slide it into the nostril of choice, get what you need, and move the "prize" to your mouth.) What a learning experience!!!!!