Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Plagues: An Update

And they keep on comin'.

While it wasn't water turning red, a nice brown spot, a.k.a. water stain, formed yesterday on the guest bathroom ceiling, which explained why the door suddenly stopped shutting on Thursday. A trip to the attic revealed a leaking air conditioner. The even better news came when the repairman said the best fix was an entire new system.

We've known for some time now that our museum-ready ac unit was on its way out, but we've nursed and nurtured it along to last until the construction started on the remodel. And we're only five weeks away--sigh. Here's to hoping our second unit can withstand the double duty!

Heaven help us. I think I need to call a priest.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Mother's Day 2012

This year I don't have any cute pre-church pics of Anna and me because her daddy was on call this year and the Sunday morning mommy-and-me routine is fairly chaotic. (Take that, doctor's wife wannabe. Ha.) But please know, especially you, Dr. Youree, that I am in no way complaining about Mother's Day 2012. The day was great for me: a sweet card from my sweetie, a surprise lunch visit from my man, a short but satisfying nap, and a fantastic dinner and swim thanks to the Carpenter clan.  And don't forget the simple joys of life with Anna Zane.

Just like everyone else, Mother's Day prompts me to think about those maternal figures in my story. . . you know, someone like the most important woman in my life. And who is that lady on my lofty pedestal?

My mother?

My grandmother?

My sister?

My best friend?

My mentor?

No, none of those, although I love each one.

The most special woman I know is a Dallas mother who made a special choice so that I could love a special girl. She gave me the gift of motherhood. And she is the mother I most admire. She chose life for that baby girl in her womb. Analyzing her circumstances and coming to grips with a difficult reality, she made a brave decision to choose a better life for Anna. Self-less, not selfish, friends . . . a birthmother who sacrificed so much to do what was best for my baby. I love her forever for that.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Plague Outbreak at the Youree Residence

Boils. Dead rodents. Fleas. Fungus. Boxes.

Like the famed Old Testament story, we seem plagued with less-than-stellar infestations and maladies of late. Let me explain.

Boils. I have more than 20 mosquito bites covering my body, which were placed there by--apparently--the mother of all insects.

Dead rodents. Our neighborhood opossum went on to his "eternal reward" under our deck. This occurred sometime in the last 7-10 days. We began seeing flies hovering around the back door, and then we smelled it on Thursday. After two hours of removing and replacing boards from the deck today, the Moses-esque hero from Cridder Critters found the rotting rodent and removed it.

Fleas. (Ew--how I wish I wasn't typing news of this reality.) The aforementioned opossum was, of course, the carrier of seemingly MILLIONS of fleas, who are now frantically trying to find a new host. Our deck and back yard is infested . . . as in horror-film infested. Take a step on the deck or yard, and you, my friend, have multiple fleas on you. We've had a few inside too, but we've vacuumed like crazy and have stopped using the back door/yard since determining the source. The pest control fella from Zap Exterminating was scheduled to arrive today at 3:00, but he was unable to purchase enough treatment materials. Bless his heart, he drove to Dallas this evening to secure the chemicals. We hope he can treat the yard and house tomorrow, but with a heavy chance for rain, I'm not getting too optimistic. In that case, Wednesday can not get here fast enough.

Fungus. While Anna's scalp is practically back to normal, we are still stripping her bed linens daily, taking oral medications, and washing in special shampoo to keep that invasive ringworm fungus away for good.

Boxes. And yes, all of this is happening while we are attempting to pack up the house into four stacks: garage, storage, apartment, and yard sale. Like the Israelites, I have hope, faith, and an idea about the Promised Land; but I can't seem to get out of dodge.

Pharaoh, please, let the people go.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Anna, the Musician

Anna Zane enjoyed another fun semester of music class. This Thursday was her last for the spring. It's so unreal to remember how little she was when we started and now she twirls in class. She truly does love it. We absolutely see the fruits of it at home. She loves any music--and dances her heart out (and her bottom too sometimes, ha).

Anna and her friend Fiona striking a pose before class. 


Playing our instruments. Hi, Miss Mandy!



Anna, who once sat so nicely in my lap, now runs/dances/stares at others in the middle of the circle or outside the circle . . . anywhere but sitting still. And that's how you roll in music class.


Anna's buddy AJ is very fond of her. In several classes, he followed her around the entire time, wanting to hug and play. Dare I say, she already has an admirer?




Me capturing her long enough to get a somewhat decent shot.

Anna hugs AJ

Buddies

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Happy 90th, Papa Gene!

Almost two weeks ago, the Youree clan gathered to celebrate Papa Youree's 90th birthday. It was such a fun day and a wonderful way to honor the fella we love so much--even if we were forced to wear OSU garb. Ha!

This is the view I most often see now. She's on the move, this little one. 


Questionable shirt, cute face

Snacking!

Anna and Mia having a deep discussion.

Cousin Sadie and Anna Zane



Papa and his great-grands



Wheeeeere's Anna?

Papa and his grands

They share something in common. Any guesses?