Dog-gone Day

Most of today went to the dogs - our dogs. We packed up a cooler of ice water, loaded the "kids" into the car, and went to the dog park in Plano. We met our friend, Traci, and her puppy, Nika, there.

Pippin had a wonderful time! She was more interested in greeting all of the humans and getting extra love. Mackey, as always, spent a majority of his time waiting by the gate to leave. Steve, unlike his siblings, was in time-out THREE times because he was barking and acting like a jerk. He behaved like an angel while on the leash with either mom or dad, but unleash him and BAM - behold jerk dog! It made me sad because he's really a sweet boy (just not today).


After park time, the beasts crashed in the car and came home for bath time! This is not their favorite activity, but they were so filthy. For the past couple of hours, they have been sleeping - snoring and all! So, yes, today went to the dogs. And most of it was good!

Is it Friday yet?

I will be SO relieved when tomorrow comes - especially after the kids leave and I can race out of the parking lot, trying not to hit them with my car. Ah, the temptations of life! :)

It's been a long week for both of us! Todd had another week of football and spent much of his time dealing with his computer repairs/rebuilds. I had a doctor's appointment, meeting with the group that owns Jeffrey's home, and dealing with rotten students. We are both already burned out with work, so we're looking forward to a fun and relaxing weekend. We have two Halloween parties to attend, so we'll spend some time getting our costumes together and dressing up. *Pictures to come.*

Protective Big Sister

I have a severely-handicapped little brother named Jeffrey. He lives in a group home in Dallas. We found out last week that one of his caretakers hit him on the head. Luckily, said caretaker was fired, found guilty of abuse by the state, and now is dealing with law enforcement. If you see my "Blogalicious" post below, you'll also know this person has his own corner in hell waiting, too.

What kind of a sick sonofabitch would hurt someone that couldn't defend himself? Can Jeffrey be extremely frustrating? Yes. Can he work you into such a frenzy that you feel you'll lose your mind? Yes. Does he do it on purpose? Hell no. I'm sure he thinks that we are all the ones with a problem. I know Jeff definitely HAS to get more frustrated with us than us with him.

Jeff is MH/MR and deaf/blind in addition to his many other handicaps. He had two strokes before he was ten years old. His right side is partially paralyzed. His left side is so incredibly strong that he could easily hurt someone, but Jeff couldn't hurt someone intentionally. Jeffrey is legally deaf & blind, but he can see and hear. In the past he has battled anorexia, kidney problems, strokes, collapsed lungs, had multiple surgeries, has been self-abusive, and more. The fact that lived past the age of six surprised many of his doctors. Jeffrey turned 36 on October 1st.

I spoke the case manager of the group home today, and she told me she was only able to share certain information since it was a state case now. When she told me that she couldn't give names (especially of "S.O.B.") I told her I didn't want to know his name. If I had his name I would find him. If he thinks his life is miserable now, he hasn't met me yet. Being the highly emotional person that I am, I'm just proud of myself that I handled the conversation with the case manager in a logical, professional, mature manner.

When my mother told me what happened, I was devastated. I was so angry and heartbroken that I could barely speak. All I could do was cry. I cry now when I think about it and probably will for a while. I have always been the protector of my brother, even though we are only a few years apart in age. Jeffrey is my heart. He is truly my hero. What he has endured in his short life is more than any of us ever will. The fact that someone tried to hurt him and that I wasn't there to protect him kills me. I feel like I have failed him, and it will take me a long time to get over it.









I love you, brother.

Happy Birthday to My Mom

Today is my mom's birthday. I'm still not sure how she looks so good and is younger than me. My mom is a phenomenal woman - strong, loving, caring, beautiful, ethical, sensitive, hard-working, patient, and kind - just to name a few.


Happy Birthday, Mom!

Blogalicious

My first blog post. I feel so blogalicious. How that feels, I do not know. I honestly have no idea what exactly we will do with this blog, but I felt the need to develop one. Our life together is not really that exciting, but it's our life, and we like it that way. How about an exciting round of getting to know Todd and Kristin? (That was not YOU rolling your eyes!)

5 Things About Kristin
1. I am very sensitive and emotional. I can cry at the drop of a hat & do it quite often. It's not always about sad stuff, just anything that tugs at my heart strings. My students never see me cry - until the last day of school. Maybe.
2. Meat makes me nervous. Mainly raw meat (I won't touch it), but really meat in general. I eat meat; I just can't think about it while I'm masticating the flesh of another animal. The only thing I will eat off the bone is chicken wings because I smother them in sauce and Ranch. If the tragedy of my teeth hitting the bone occurs, meal over.
3. I would hate to be a cow. I should behave and be good in this life or God may punish me and turn me into a cow for my next life. That would suck - even if I lived in India.
4. My family and friends are what matters most to me. If you know me, then you already know this. I am fiercely loyal and will do anything for those I love. My pets are included as family.
5. I absolutely despise meanness and cruelty. Especially towards those who are weak - elderly, handicapped, children, animals, etc. There is nothing worse in this world to me, and I think those who intentionally hurt others have a special corner in hell saved just for them.

5 Things About Todd (as written by Kristin)
1. Todd has the most tender heart. He doesn't show it most of the time, but all you have to do is see him with one of our dog babies. He's a sucker for four-legged creatures. (That's just one reason I love him.)
2. Todd's favorite superhero is Batman. Superman comes in a close second.
3. Todd is a Writer-Racanteur-Liar. He can explain.
4. When I asked Todd what else I should write about him, he told me to add Firewatcher-Sleeper. I have no idea what that means, but he thinks it's funny.
5. Todd named our puppy Steve. He thought it would be cool to go to the beach & yell, "Steve," and several men would turn around. This applies (and also works!) at public dog parks.

Well, one down, many to come. Hope you're still awake.