Whiney Whinerson . . .

Excuse my while I whine for one moment.

My computer has decided it would no longer like to be friends with Blogger. Which is a shame because Blogger and I have been friends for like, forever {or three years}. So I'm mad at my computer. And I'm considering a new friend like WordPress or SquareSpace. And I'm blogging on my old computer, which is even more painfully slow than ever since being taken over by my almost-a-teenager.

Okay, enough whining. Except for one more thing about that almost-a-teenager. His hair is long. As in Justin Bieber long, but with little flippy wings on the side and in the back. I really like it. He thinks it is awesome. What is not awesome, however, is the conversation we had for the millionth time last night about why he does not need a cell phone. I heard, "Aww, Mom!" no less than twenty times.

I need readers to weigh in here - not that it will sway my decision - but I am curious. Do you let your young kids have cell phones? If so, why? Big C gave me five reasons why he needed one last night and I was easily able to shoot down each reason within seconds. Especially the "But ALL my friends have one!" reason. Really, the cell phone issue deserves its own post. So tell me what you think and then we'll talk about it. Or I'll talk about it and you can just shake your head in disbelief. You know.

ps. He's going to a 7th grade Pumpkin Patch Bonfire tonight. It's the same one he begged us NOT to chaparone. Why? Why do they have to grow up?

An Open Letter . . .

Dear Robin,

I went out to check on the progress of your little bird family this afternoon and found this. As my heart sank, my mouth uttered the words "Oh No!"

I am sad. I am confused. I am upset. And now I am investigating the disappearance of your unborn offspring.

I just saw you sitting there as still as a statue yesterday afternoon. Where did you go? Who took your babies? I know it wasn't you - because you don't have hands capable of the job. You thought you were safe there in the holly tree with its thorny leaves and ideal location out of the wind's way.

Who would crawl into a spiky holly bush to eat a few eggs? I know the squirrels aren't dumb enough to do that. Besides, there is no evidence of disruption to the nest. There is not a sign of broken shells anywhere. My thoughts are on a hawk we see occasionally sitting on our fence or a stinkin' cat who roams the neighborhood causing general trouble. (sorry to offend any cat lovers out there - but I'm a hater.)

I'm sorry momma Robin. I'm sorry our tree didn't work out for you. I'm sorry we didn't get to enjoy another spring of hatchlings tweeting wildly in the morning for breakfast. And I'm sorry you did all that work and didn't get to see the fruit of your labor or receive just appreciation for all your efforts. In that way, I can totally relate!

Thank you for letting me take a picture of your creation. Come back again next year and try once more.

Sincerely,
Dragonfly

ps. Do you mind if I keep your vacated nest as a little memento of our all-to-brief relationship?

Five Reasons Today is a Great Day . . .

Today the five fabulous Wilkinson Quintuplets come home to Austin, Texas! (My cousin and his wife are the amazing parents.) Congratulations babies and mom and dad! What a huge journey it has already been . . . and you've only just started!

The quints are four weeks old and are as cute as can be and doing really well. Just to put it all into perspective for those of us who only have one baby at a time, I've added a picture that Rachelle posted on her blog. THAT IS ONLY ONE DAY'S WORTH OF BOTTLES, PEOPLE!!!!

It is a great day for our whole family to know that these babies are home, safe and healthy. Heavenly Father answers prayers! Viva la Baby! Baby! Baby! Baby! Baby!

No One Sent Me The Memo . . .

Ever feel like you're out of the loop? That was me yesterday when I drove up to my own house and found a huge for sale sign in the middle of the yard. In the back of my mind I'm thinking, "Did the Hubby talk to me about this and I just don't remember? "

So I called the Hubby, who laughed hysterically and told me to call the Realty company listed on the sign and ask how much our house was going for. Before I did that, though, I had to know if this was some kind of cruel joke he was playing on me. He assured me that he'd had nothing to do with it.

Here's my conversation with Re/Max SupaRealtor (my title for realtors who have entire buses driving around town with their face and phone number plastered all over it) Sherry Wilson's office:

Me: Hi. I'm calling about a house for sale on Lawford Drive in Leesburg.

Receptionist: Oh great, we just listed that house today.

Me: Can you tell me the list price?

Receptionist: Yes, it's $475,000.

Me: Okay, now I know this is a joke because my house is worth at least $545,000.

Receptionist: I'm sorry?

Me: Well, the for sale sign is in my yard. But I'm not selling my house for that low of a price. Oh wait, did I mention I'M NOT SELLING MY HOUSE AT ALL???

Receptionist: I am so sorry maam. Blah, blah, blah. We'll have our sign people come and remove the sign right away.

That was yesterday at 2:00. I'm typing this at 9:34 the next morning - sign still in my yard. The best thing to come out of this funny little error is that all of our neighbors have called or come over in dismay because they've seen the sign in our yard. Other than that, it is getting old now because I can't mow my grass until they take the sign out.

Happy Quintuplet Day!!!

Say hello to the Wilkinson Quints (photos courtesy of Wilkinson Family)

My cousins Jayson and Rachelle Wilkinson had thier quintuplets this morning. Huge congratulations to them for not only delivering five beautiful babies, but for also breaking the world record for quintuplet combined birth weight. One of the quints was 5 lb 1 oz, another was 4 lb 15 oz - unheard of in this kind of a multiple birth, apparently. Way to go Rachelle!

Rachelle and Jayson are both amazing peolple. Please take the time to check out their website, http://www.wilkinsonquints.org/ and if you are able, donate in the "How You Can Help" section.

Our prayers are with Rustin, Ryder, Kassidee, Kadence and Kyndall as they start their adventure in the world. Happy Birthday!

Photo Below Courtesy of Dave Cruz

Free-Wheelin' Visionary . . .

I just finished taking a quick personality test online, and was given the above label as a diagnosis of my personality. Funny, I've never thought to apply the words "free wheelin" to myself before (but visionary, why YES - finally someone recognizes . . .) Anyway, when I read the description of a free-wheelin visionary, I did find that much of it fell into a category that I would put myself in.

You can scroll over the colors in the strip below and it will describe the personality attributes that I have. Remember, this is just based on this particular test. I don't tend to think I am average in the empathy department. But I do agree that I am low in the masculinity department. :)

I've also provided the website if you'd like to go take the test youself. Have fun!
www.personaldna.com

The Reality of FIVE Babies . . .

Last night I became fascinated by a show on Discovery Channel called "Quintuplets: The First Year", mostly because my cousin is having quintuplets in July. I sat there and cried as I watched this woman give birth at 30 weeks and 5 days to the tiniest little babies. Her body was ravaged by the pregnancy and the babies had to fight to stay alive for a few months in the ICU before they could go home. Two of the five babies had to have serious surgery to correct vision problems. This couple's home is filled with strangers almost 24 hours a day - strangers who are helping them feed, change and rock the five babies.

This is going to be my cousin's life. When given the option to selectively reduce, they prayed about it and decided not to. They will have a very busy, difficult time ahead of them, but I really admire their desire to bring these children to the earth. What bravery and selflessness.

I also wondered last night, if put in the same situation, would I make the same brave choices?