Imaginary Birthday Parties

Let me see, today we had a birthday party for my daughter's babydoll, complete with birthday cake (animal crackers) and tea ( milk in my teapot). We sang "happy birthday," blew out candles and opened presents after which my daughter, Mae-Marie, and my youngest son, Tucker, put on a miniature play in honor of Elizabeth's (babydoll's) birthday. Everything is always full blown with my children, but I love it. This morning, the boys (Albert, David, Scotty and Tucker) all decided to see whom they could tie up better. I walked by the room several times only to see a different one tied with rope ina variety knots and twists. Yesterday, the boys salvaged what ropes were left of Scott's hammock after Freckles (our male dane) destroyed it. They spent a long time figuring out how to tie knots in them to make swings for their sister, to make a lasso to catch anything that moves, and to make their version of a bullwhip. These ropes kept them entertained all afternoon. Boys, I love 'em. This morning we tended to the farm animals and did our outdoor chores, then came in and did our school work.

Our female great dane, Shadow, is expecting puppies any day now. She is "officially" due on Monday, but it could be a few days early or late. We really can't tell how many she is going to have, she hides it so well. But then, she is a big dog with a lot of room, so we'll see. We already have a few buyers who are interested. That is, if I can convince the children that we cannot possibly keep them all. There almost isn't enough room in the house for us all as it is - I can't imagine several more danes running through it. This is an older picture of the danes from Easter, but it is the best I have right now of them. Shadow is two years old. We bought her from another family back in February and she was a sad sight to see - so thin and afraid. Thankfully, she has regained her spirits and is so happy here. I don't have any idea of what happened to her, but I am glad she is here with us now. Freckles, my baby boy, is now weighing in somewhere around 250lbs. He just turned a year in this picture back in March. He is a sweet animal, but he does have a very strong personality. I hope we will have beautiful puppies from these two.

Scott, my dear sweet husband will be returning from work in a little while. It is pretty late, but we have plans to pop some popcorn and watch a Poirot mystery together. Kind of a little "late date night" in the living room. We are both avid mystery fans and he is our favorite.

All in all, it was a good day today. Tomorrow brings with it another set of adventures to look forward to.