Updates on Life

I need to blog more often. I have let life get in the way of writing. So many things have happened. So many changes.

For me, I was named Teacher of the Year at Huron Middle School. An event that was quite humbling and very unexpected.

For my sons, Brayden was named an "All Star" for the month of May, at Washington School.
Brenden started Tennis. He was named as the number six player for the Huron Tiger's Varsity Team. Quite an honor, considering he was only in the 7th Grade. He competed at the State Competition, and won his match. This summer, tennis continued. He won second place at the Hub City Tournament in Aberdeen, SD. I am very proud of him.

All in all, life is good.

Life on Colorado Avenue: Life on Colorado Avenue: A New Chapter 2014

Life on Colorado Avenue: Life on Colorado Avenue: A New Chapter 2014: Life on Colorado Avenue: A New Chapter 2014 : It has been over a year since I posted. Life has changed. There have been marriages, births, d...

Life on Colorado Avenue: A New Chapter 2014

Life on Colorado Avenue: A New Chapter 2014: It has been over a year since I posted. Life has changed. There have been marriages, births, deaths, and challenges for all. However, life is still good.
We are anticipating spring! While some areas near us have had blizzards, we have had warmer weather and the return of birds. Flowers have been re-potted at my house, and we are eagerly getting ready for spring.
I love spring. It is the signal of new life, after a long cold winter.

Brayden is beginning to communicate more. I am so excited by this. It means that he is starting to better be able to communicate his wants and needs with the rest of the world. He has recently told us he wants to race cars. Dan asked him how he planned on racing. He looked at Dan and said, "Help!"

Brenden is starting to learn to drive. I am not sure I am ready for that, because it means he is getting older. It also means I am getting older. I do not want to admit to that some days!  Who knows, perhaps Brenden and Brayden will race cars together some day!

Life is Still Good

Though it has been a while since I last blogged, things are still good. We had loss of a family member, but we also realize that there are still good things in life, and can still report some celebrations.

Tonight, Brenden earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. We are very proud of him. It is a huge accomplishment for someone only 12 years old. 

Brenden taking his test

He has been studying with Dana and Mary Ellen Vaillancourt for the past 5 1/2 years. We are very grateful for their patience and dedication with Brenden, and the rest of the students in their classes. 

Life on Colorado Avenue: It's a Good LifeIt is still a good life. Brayden...

Life on Colorado Avenue: It's a Good Life It is still a good life. Brayden...: It's a Good Life It is still a good life. Brayden is healing very nicely from his surgery. He has passed the stage where we have to worry ...

It's a Good Life

It is still a good life. Brayden is healing very nicely from his surgery. He has passed the stage where we have to worry about infection. Life is almost back to "normal," or whatever that is at our house.


Soccer season is almost here again. When it was not too hot out, Brenden and Dan would practice with the team each Sunday evening.




Brenden at soccer 2012

Brayden just chillin' watching Brenden play soccer

Tennis season has also ended for Brenden. Summer is quickly coming to a close at our house. The School year will be upon us in just a few short weeks. I know that Brayden is ready to go back to see his friends. I think Brenden would like a few more days of summer vacation. However, he does have all of his school supplies ready to go......

Brayden was able to go back to his horse riding therapy last week. He loves riding Roany out at Hope Ranch. Liz and her crew are so wonderful to Brayden. If you ever know of someone who can benefit from riding therapy in the Huron, SD area, contact Hope Therapeutic Riding. They have done so very much to bring Brayden out of his shell. If Roany is busy when we get out there, Brayden gets mad. Brayden and Roany are best buddies.

 Brayden and Roany at Hope Therapeutic Riding



When Brayden rides, he wraps his feet around the horn of the saddle. We always joke that he is doing "Horse Yoga," instead of riding therapy. I should add that he also falls asleep when riding, as he gets so very relaxed. It is a good thing that he has someone helping him stay in the saddle.

Even though summer is starting to come to a close, there is still plenty of time to have more adventures. Stay tuned.........



It is a Good Life - Surgery and Waiting


Life is good. In fact, life is wonderful! Brayden had the screws and plates removed from his hip this week. He also had a bone marrow biopsy, as he has macrocytosis. Brayden did well at the hospital. He was discharged the same day. Brayden’s surgeon planned to keep him over night, but Brayden returned to normal so well that there was no reason to keep him. The preliminary biopsy results are good.  We are now waiting for the rest of the biopsy results to come back from the Mayo Clinic. Until then, enjoying life getting back to "normal."

Brayden is doing well! Brayden has returned to being my "Gumby." He already started to fold in half and nap face first in the carpet. He started that again, the day after surgery. This position is his favorite way to sleep. It does not matter if he is on the floor, or in his bed. I can start Brayden laying on his back in bed, but 10 minutes later, this is how you will find him.

I know that Brayden is feeling better. He told me to “go to work” today. I think he is telling me that he has had too much time at home with Mom, and needs his social life back. I did not think that 8 year olds had a big social life, but this kid does!

My son Gumby (a.k.a. Brayden)

Face plant in the carpet - A happy napper!

Plates and screws from Brayden's hip

It is a Good Life - Wildlife, Close to Home 

Sometimes plans change, and one can find adventures in nature close to home. Today started out like any lazy Sunday, which are quite rare at my house. The sky was grey and cloudy, it looked like there may be rain in the forecast. The the boys and I decided to stay home, and be lazy.


Brayden "jigging" for fish

After lunch, it still had not rained, so we went to the Outdoor Expo at the fairgrounds. The boys gave fishing a try.

Brayden got quite excited when a fish took the worm off of his fish hook. He said that he was "jigging" his line. He got upset, when Dan took the pole away to put on a new worm. He was ready to fish! Brayden was perfectly happy with "jigging" his pole and empty fish hook. Brayden tried fishing again with a new worm, but the fish were not cooperative today.

Brenden patiently waiting for the fish to bite his line

Brenden had at least five fish fascinated with his minnow and bobber. We could see them from shore. The fish would swim close to shore. They circled the bobber and minnow, to investigate what was in the water with them. The fish would look at the minnow and bobber, sit still, swim around the bobber and minnow, and then come back and do the routine all over again. It was a shame that the fish were not hungry and cooperative today. It would have been fun to watch Brenden and Brayden catch a fish, even if we would have to release it back into the pond.

Geese watching all of the children fish

We had fun watching geese, and looking at the fish in the pond.
There was still a lot for Brayden and Brenden to do. Displays of native fish in aquariums and ponds. Frogs, toads and turtle were also available for all to enjoy. There were many new campers to tour. Puppies were running around and there was Kayaking in a shallow man-made pond.

I told Brenden I would kayak in the pond, but he refused to go with me. I think he was afraid that I would embarrass him, by capsizing my kayak. I was not worried. I can swim, and I have paddled a kayak in the past. He is at the age when it is not always "cool" to do things with his mother. The boys have grown up too fast!

Turtles - A species native to the area



Frogs - species native to the area

Later, we went to see ducks, chickens, pheasant, partridge and rabbits at the local hardware store. The store wildlife and personnel were blessed with the presence of a cocker spaniel and a golden lab. Neither the dogs, nor the fowl and rabbits were impressed with one another. However, the dogs do think that it is the best thing in the world, when we take them to the store.

 Our town is not large enough to have a Petco or other store that allows animals to shop. When the dogs are allowed to come with us, they go crazy. I am not sure if they are excited to spend extra time with me, or to go for the free dog treat from the store. I am leaning toward the free dog treat!

Brayden after a long afternoon at the expo and shopping

It is a Good Life - Brayden's Sanctuary

This weekend, we built a pond in the backyard for Brayden. It all started when we went to a local building supply store. If you know Brayden at all, it takes something very special to make Brayden excited. He saw a large brick waterfall, on display at the store. He became very excited, and expressed that he wanted the waterfall in his backyard. He was so excited, that he started stomping his feet, knocking his knees together and clapping his hands. (These are all the things that he does when he is excited and very happy).  Much to my sadness, the waterfall cost over $800.00. That was definitely out of my budget. We decided on a backyard pond, complete with a fountain.

Now please do not get the impression that Brayden is overly spoiled. Brayden rarely ever asks for anything. He does not play with toys, he cannot hold very many things. Brayden did not get excited about anything in life, until he started riding horses at "Hope Therapeutic Riding," two years ago. When Brayden does ask for something, we try to pay attention to his wants. We also consider how it will benefit him educationally, as well.

Yesterday, the pond was constructed. Brayden became very excited, when he saw the pond. He had the look on his face that stated, "Really, this is for me? I cannot believe it!" He said that the pond was just as good as a waterfall.

Today, we spent a lot of time in the backyard, re potting house plants. We did this next to his new pond. He was very happy. Tonight, he told me that the pond was better than the waterfall at the building supply store.

We will buy some goldfish, to place in Brayden's pond later this week. We will wait until midweek, as it will be in the 40's here, the next few nights. Now, the challenge will become keeping the dogs out of the pond on hot days. I have a feeling that Bella may make it her personal wading pool. If that happens, I am not sure how the fish will feel. However, I know that Bella will be very happy.

Taffy, Brayden and Bella

It is a Good Life - Babies, Babies, Babies

I returned to my home, from taking Brayden to his play date, and found a baby bunny in my backyard today. I must have looked like a goof to my neighbors, following the bunny around with my camera, in the rain this morning. I live on a fairly busy street, so I am sure that I provided humor for anyone who drove by my home. I can only imagine what the bunny was thinking. "What is this strange human doing, and why is she following me?"

Here are some of the pictures that I took of Baby Bunny. It is amazing the wildlife that can be found all around my home, even though I live in town. What a blessing!

It is a Good Life - Camp Out in the Backyard

My son is currently having a camp out in the backyard. There are four boys. They are singing, using a propane fire pit for a campfire, and all are playing on either laptops or Ipads. Camping sure has changed from when I was a kid! I was told that they are going to stay up all night long. It could be an interesting day tomorrow! I think that I should wake up really early, and make some noise by the tent. Or perhaps, I will just leave it to the birds to wake them.

For those of you that are following the bunny saga, we have seen baby bunnies under the steps of my front porch. I have also seen Momma Bunny there the past few days. It is good to know that our bunny family is safe and sound! 

It is a Good Life - The Bunny Saga

I thought my baby bunnies were eaten by birds this week. I am happy to report that they have been moved. I saw baby bunnies yesterday, I saw Momma Bunny this morning. I believe that Momma Bunny just thought our yard was just too busy. Brenden saw one hiding under my deck this afternoon. Neither of us had a camera with us. I hope to post pictures soon. Stay tuned.......

(As I write this, Brayden is sitting by my side. He wants to put his feet on the laptop!)

It is a Good Life - The Bunny Saga Ends, New Life Begins

The bunny saga is officially over. The rabbits are no longer in my backyard. I am hoping that Momma Bunny moved her brood, due to too much life in my backyard. I hope that the birds or other animals did not get to them. I have not seen Momma Bunny for at least two days, and the nest is now empty. My son is sad. I know that he was hoping to see baby rabbits in the backyard. I know that my dogs did not get them, as I watched them very closely, every time I let them out.

Apparently the rabbits no longer phase my dogs. I took them both to Runnings today. They both walked by the baby bunny pen and had no interest in the rabbits. They were too busy "power shopping" for their new favorite, sweet potato fries for dogs. Both dogs now prefer these treats to the biscuit type of treat. The ones that we buy have not artificial flavor, color or preservatives. Just sweet potatoes and natural vitamins.

I was fortunate to witness new life this week. I took my class on a field trip to the wetlands. We witnessed baby ducks hatching in the wild. We were told by our guides that the babies were not hatched earlier in the day. We actually witnessed one leave it's shell for the very first time. It was beautiful!

Now, on to a new chapter. Time to find a new saga to post. Stay tuned......

It is a Good Life - The Bunny Saga Continues....
5/8/12

Though I had not seen Momma Bunny last night, she did appear today. She sat under my lilac bush, watching her nest, most of the evening. She did let me get very close to her, to take her picture. She also let me get close to her nest, so that I could take a picture of that, as well. I had to reinstall the protective fence. I am sure that one of my dogs had moved it. I was worried that I did not leave her a big enough entrance to the den; so of course, me being me I had to go and double check it. That is when she let me get within two feet of her.

Bella and Taffy still keep a watchful eye on the brood. I also keep a watchful eye on the dogs. Stay tuned for future developments.......




Baby Bunny nest

Momma Bunny

It is a Good Life

There is nothing new to report on the bunny saga, in my back yard. Bella still wants to go out to check on her babies. I watch her very closely. I showed my students this blog today. They said, "Mrs. S, you have two very crazy dogs!" I think that they were too polite to also say that they thought I was a bit crazy too. The kids did enjoy seeing the pictures of the momma rabbit. I hope she comes back when I am home, so that I can take more pictures to post.

I hope that this blog will bring a little smile to your face, and that you will have a good day, wherever you may be.

It is a Good Life

Meet the Bunny Caretakers

This is Bella, she is the one who alerted me to the new addition in my backyard. She has become the new self-proclaimed caretaker of the baby bunnies, when mother bunny is away. She had driven me crazy all day, wanting to go out to check on her babies. She will be allowed out back only with supervision, until the babies are ready to scamper away.

Bella

This is Taffy, she keeps Bella in line, and does not allow her to get too close to the baby bunnies. She is definitely the dog in control at our house. Alpha dog, most definitely.

Taffy

Life on Colorado Avenue: It is a Good Life

Life on Colorado Avenue: It is a Good Life:   A New Backyard Adventure  Today, we woke up to find a baby bunny nest in my yard. I discovered it, after my dog decided that ...

It is a Good Life

 

A New Backyard Adventure



Today, we woke up to find a baby bunny nest in my yard. I discovered it, after my dog decided that she wanted to dig to find out what was in the new hole in the back yard. I quickly brought her in the house. My son and I found some old garden fence. We moved the fur that my dog had removed from the nest back onto the babies, and carefully placed the fence around the nest. We took care that the dogs could not enter the area, but the momma bunny would be able to return. We also both said a prayer that the momma bunny would come back to care for her brood, and that everyone would be fine. This is not the first time that we have had baby bunnies in the backyard. Perhaps we will be blessed to watch them grow up.

Momma Bunny Returns

After making my first post, I thought I should take pictures of our new backyard nest, to place on my blog. To my surprise, Momma Bunny had returned. Here is a series of pictures, showing what she was doing. I took the pictures from my kitchen window.



Momma Bunny coming back to her nest



<><><><>

<><> <><>

Wondering why there is a fence around her nest?



Momma Bunny checking on her babies