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Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Week In Random Thoughts


Whiskers and Jack lounging on my desk

  1. Well, the stress of summer is catching up with me!  Every August I feel it sucking all patience, humor and life from my body. :)  It hasn't been a bad summer at all, but having three teenage boys with autism in the house 24/7 does get a bit wearisome.  They have enjoyed themselves, though.  Last week, from our yard, I could hear the high school marching band as they began practices on the football field and knew that the end was near! ha.  Silence is what I crave...a morning without Alvin and the Chipmunks singing Home On The Range at the same time Veggie Tales is blasting I Don't Got A Belly Button.  lol.  Yeah, my sanity is wearing thing. hahaha.
  2. To celebrate the summer being on it's last month, I bought the boys new lunch boxes and socks.  The lunch boxes had gone in the trash the last day of school. They were well past their prime. ha.  And the socks?  Well, let's just say that the heels are bare and they aren't as white as they once were.  In fact, you just don't realize how bad they are until you buy new! :)  I also did a little online shopping for school clothes.  Old Navy..got such good deals  and free shipping.
  3. I decided on a whim and very spur of the moment to open an Etsy shop! This was not at all what I had planned to do on a week away from blogging!   I was considering a few things such as going back to selling on eBay, needing a creative outlet, enjoying a weekly art co-op...or not, and cleaning out my house.  Sometimes you just don't feel right about the options and God just drops something new right in your lap, you know?  This was one of those times.  So,  within a few hours I had signed up, completed all the necessary background stuff, and started photographing and listing some things.  What a great way to share some of my drawings and auction finds! I still need to have some of my drawings printed, so those will be another week or so away.  The Grand Opening is Monday!  I hope you'll take a look, even if just for fun.  I plan to add new things weekly.
  4. I had swore I wasn't going to let any zucchini become as big as the Goodyear Blimp and pick them while they were nice and small.  Well, I didn't check for three days and guess what...I have 4 Goodyear Blimps sitting on the kitchen island this morning. haha.  I'm going to spend the day doing some baking.  
  5. I've been watching the Olympics!  Always fun!  I got to thinking, as I've learned to maneuver through the house with a new kitten underfoot, that if this were some kind of sport, I might have a chance at the gold!  lol...I've got it down pat now,...graceful, smooth and no longer take a tumble or let out a shriek when he trips me up. haha.  Now, seriously....with some of the more odd sports, I think they should consider this! :)
  6. We're in the midst of working on filing for guardianship of our boys.  Turning 18, they are their own adults now, unless we do the legal work.  We've hired an attorney and have been working on the necessary things.  They also, aside from this, needed checkups with the doctor, which we did last month.  They tried to do some blood work, and after sticking Alex a dozen times, couldn't find a vein and they referred us to the hospital where they might have better luck.  I hate this type of thing.  Poor boys, screaming, while a group of adults hold them down and poke them with needles.  Repeat.  Repeat.  We need to go this coming week and get this done.  I've put it off for several weeks now! Fortunately, The Mister works at the hospital, so hopefully he can just come up to the next floor and give me a hand. :) 
Well, that's probably enough rambling.
What did you do this week?
I've missed you!
If you made any big announcements on your blog
that I missed, please tell me here! :)



78 comments:

  1. Welcome back! How exciting...and brave. I've wondered too about doing something other than blogging for fun but haven't come up with anything:)I pulled my zucchini plant out :) and I've been juicing tomatoes and freezing peaches this week. We also heard the news that my FIL has cancer again, so we've been thinking alot about that. No big announcement, just life happening here. I too look forward to the end of August, :) although this summer did go well, I love quiet solitude. Have a happy Saturday. I will go visit your shop :)

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    1. Oh, so sorry about your FIL. Thanks for telling me that. I will be praying for him!

      My zucchini plant is huge! I need to keep up with it better. lol. The tomatoes just keep growing but not really ripening yet. I do hope they do it at varied times and not lay a few hundred on me at once. hahaha. I do, however, love to stock them up in jars or in the freezer in a variety of ways, so the complaining will be minimal. :)

      Quiet solitude. I can't wait. :)

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    2. Thank you for your prayers! Deep breath...God is Faithful! and I think we'll make it through this...

      Tomato sauces are the easiest and the most fun thing to preserve. I juice them and store it in the freezer till I have enough for pizza sauce, it's the salsa that is time consuming that I don't enjoy doing.

      I'll pray the 'needlework' next week will go well. You're amazing!

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    3. You're right...salsa is the most work...but it's our favorite! When the guys get in school and I have a few days I'll do that. Right now I'm just loving them fresh...on sandwiches, burgers or just sliced on my plate. yum.

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    4. me too. love them fresh. I posted an open faced breakfast sandwich several days ago that is yummy and takes fresh tomatoes.

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    5. oh, thanks for telling me...that sounds like something we would love! A nice change for Sunday brunch, too! I'll come take a look soon!

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    6. Martha, I used up 14 cups of zucchini today! ha. 10 cups went into 3 different kinds of bread and then 4 cups was sauteed with tomato and onion to go with dinner. Whew!

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  2. Congrats on opening your Etsy shop, Betsy! I've had that thought cross through my mind with my overflow knitting projects. But, then I decide that I can't part with any of them... yet. ;) You are such an amazing mom to your precious sons. I cannot imagine having the kind of stamina and grace you muster. I will pray the next needle stick is successful. blessings ~ tanna

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    1. thanks, tanna....we'll need all the prayers we can get! :)

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    2. tanna....open that shop! I want to buy something! :)

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  3. what a week, exciting, frustrating and wonderful all in the same week, I will enjoy so much going to visit your Etsy, what a wonderful idea!

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    1. thanks, laurie. I was hoping to fee more rested, but not really! haha. I'll add a link for my shop when it opens. I think it will be fun! :)

      exciting, frustrating and wonderful....I love that. It kind of sums up my life. haha.

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  4. Congrats on the Etsy shop! I don't know if I'm missing it, but I don't see the link. Can you share it?

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    1. It doesn't open until Monday and then I'll add the link! :)

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  5. Well come back againg Betsy:) and congrats by your Etsy Shop! Nice idea.
    I love this picture of Whsiky and jack "talking" are so funny, I LOVE THE jACK FACE!
    Sorry by the poor kids and the tests, Esperanza always has problems with the veins and suffer and hates needles of course sigh!!
    Hope the next time will be better and the Mr. can help you!
    Nice to see you agagin Betsy, you know I missed you!

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    1. I love that picture of jack and whiskers...hilarious look on his face! :) he's been a lot of fun.

      I know poor kids and needles! I need to stop procrastinating and just take them!

      I missed you, too!

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  6. Replies
    1. we seem to be eating a lot of them lately! I even put zucchini and tomato in one with cheese. yum.

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    2. Always to zucchini9 I add cheese LOL
      is yummy!!

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    3. me, too! They go so well together! :)

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  7. Welcome back to blogland!
    Your zucchini sounds like my okra and I only planted one plant. I really need to learn how to freeze them for use this winter....
    Good luck with your new business venture!

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    1. thanks. :): You know, I've never grown okra! It is good in veggie soup in the winter....I'm sure you could find freezing instructions online.

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  8. Nothing new here...you did much, much more than me this past week! I'm looking forward to seeing your etsy shop...how will you print your drawings? Your blogger "voice" is always so cheerful, but I will seriously pray for you and those doctor appointments with the kids, certainly not fun for anyone. I can only imagine how you must crave some peace, Betsy, you are so patient, kind and filled with joy...Have a good weekend!

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    1. haha...I hadn't planned on doing a single thing! I felt stressed and needed to relax and what do I do? I jump head first into opening a store. lol.... should be fun, though and meets several of the needs I have right now. I'm excited!

      Thanks for your prayers...you're right...not at all fun and quite stressful. We've done it before...I guess that's why I keep putting it off! lol....

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    2. I think I'm going to have Vista Print do a few prints for me and see how they turn out. I've used them for things before and liked the results, so we will see!

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  9. Betsy, welcome back! You've been missed!! Sorry to hear about the issues with the boys. I too, absolutely HATE seeing doctors & nurses holding a kid down and poking and proding.. UGH.... I have to leave the room before I hit somebody! The Mrs. understands completely! Life here is trudging along as close to normal as possible. Took my great grandson for his first ride around the yard on my tractor while I cut grass (see my post).... THAT was the highlight of my week! Again, welcome back!!!!

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    1. aww...I LOVE to see little kids riding with grandpa on tractors. I remember my oldest doing that and seeing several kids in the neighborhood. So sweet to watch and fun for them! :)

      thanks for the well wishes on the blood work. A shot would be no problem but to be still to take blood is a different story altogether. I usually stay strong until it's all done and then sob all the way home. lol...oh dear.

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    2. LOL... I understand completely!

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  10. The kitten does look totally engrossed in what Whiskers has to say. Such focus in the eyes...wonderful shot. I'm sending you some energy and prayers to make it through the rest of the summer. "This too shall pass." I saw something on a recipe website about someone who went on vacation and returned to "baseball bat" sized zucchini. Besides the normal baking, shredding and freezing, they scooped them out and stuffed them with lots of goodies and either grilled or baked them. Sounds like one or two would make an entire meal for your bunch. :)

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    1. Magpie...he looks so much better than when we got him. Amazing what food, sleep, and love will do! ha. He's such a sweetie and so full of personality. His expressions are hilarious!

      I'm so glad you mentioned filling and baking the zucchini! I've done that before and totally forgot! Yes, that's a great way to use a whole one and so yummy for dinner, too! I also love them sauteed with tomato, onion and garlic and add a little Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Mmmm.

      Thanks for the prayers, too! :)

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  11. i did not think about the fact you would have to do that with your boys...wow....cool on the etsy shop....smiles....and a funny pic...the week for me was saying goodbye to boys i work with....i did have an interview with the school and will find out monday on that...

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    1. Yeah...we even need a medical power of attorney to be able to have a say in their doctor appointment or an ER trip. Lots to do and think about.

      Your week sounds emotionally exhausting. I've been praying for you...hope the school job is a go...you would be SO good at that. :)

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  12. I'll join in on all the congrats on the Etsy shop. It will be interesting to see what's there (and maybe a much-needed kick in the pants to do some cleaning around here since I've determined NOTHING new can come in till some things leave!)

    I always bought my boys new socks, t-shirts, and underwear to start the school year. To make it easy on me, each had their own brand of underclothes so I knew where they went after laundering. Socks just got divided evenly across the laundry baskets, though :-)

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    1. Well, browse through Etsy and you may become inspired like I did! ha.

      I do the same with the brands divided among the men. Although the triplets share, they are separate from Taylor and The Mister. It does make doing laundry a lot easier!

      I like starting the school year with some fresh things. I removed any tired looking stuff and made a list of what they needed. Thankfully book bags and shoes still look pretty good!

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  13. Wow, a lot has happened this week. I'm so glad you are going to sell on Etsy. I'm not familiar with it, but I keep hearing the word on different blogs. How do we get to your link?

    My heart just aches for the boys and trying to get blood work. When Jill was in that horrendous car accident at 18 and spend a year in the hospital. I cried everytime they had trouble getting blood. A few times I just had to yell ~~ STOP...enough go get your supervisor. I know how hard that is.... I'm praying it goes well at the hospital and you and the Mister can be a comfort to them.

    The first pictues of the cats is so adorable..good advice too.

    Sending lots of love and hugs

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    1. thanks, Wanda. I'll give the link Monday when I open up the store officially.

      Wow...you really can relate to the blood work! I'll let all of you know what day we go so you can pray for us! I knew Jill was in a car accident but didn't realize she was in the hospital for a year. Oh my.

      Whiskers is giving good advice....even to humans. ha.

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  14. Jack knows he has it good
    And stray he never would
    But yeah lots of crap is out there
    Although I know he'll end up on the roof at your lair haha
    Those sports are soo dumb
    About as sporting as drinking rum
    Jumping on a trampoline
    And swimming in unison making a scene?
    Pfft right
    You dodging cats would be a sight
    I've got that down too
    And have been tripped a time or two at my zoo
    Of course zucchini
    Rhymes with weenie
    So had to add that
    Just because I'm that kind of cat haha
    And etsy?
    All I know about that as it rhymes with Betsy
    Home on the range with the chipmunks each day
    hahaha oh that would send me to some other range to stay
    Hopefully everything with the boys and bloodwork goes well too
    And now I'm done rhyming at your zoo

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    1. haha...oh Pat, how I've missed you
      rhyming at my zoo.
      Yes I bet you'd give me stiff competition
      in the synchronized cat walking rendition.
      Tried to call my store Betsy's Etsy
      and that name was already taken, you see.
      How dare they use my name
      and play that kind of game. lol.
      Yes, Jack will end up on the roof
      but Marmy will watch over him a lot, too.
      He is dying to go outside
      but he seems to be such a little guy!
      I won't let him yet
      but in a few weeks, I bet.

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  15. Betsy, from the bottom of my heart I don't know how you keep up, much less maintain your wonderful pleasant, positive attitude. Sure brought tears to my eyes reading about the drs. appointment.

    I hope to be one of your first customers at the Etsy shop! I need more of your beautiful drawings on my walls. The one I have makes me smile every time I walk by it.

    You really deserved a longer break but glad you had a productive short one!

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    1. Aw, thanks nanny. :) My real break will come when school starts. haha. But I've never been known to sit and do nothing, although that would be good for me. I do admit that as being a huge fault of mine. ha. Thanks for the good wishes for the boys this week...

      Hopefully I'll have some of my art in there in a couple of weeks. Want to make sure I can get them printed in a quality way. No more selling originals like you have! ha.

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  16. I am excited to hear that you have opened an Etsy shop and I hope you will keep us posted with the progress of it. I have been interested in doing one with my photography, but just haven't! Best of luck to you with it!

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    1. I saw a lot of photography for sale on Etsy! You should do it!

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  17. Ha!Betsy you can see how we missed you;
    I wanna say you I show Esperanza Jack picture talking with whisky and she loved jack face :)))

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    1. haha yes, I feel loved. :)

      Aw, glad Esperanza liked Jack's picture. He's sleeping in my arms like a baby right now...lol...I'm typing with one hand. ha. Spoiked kitty!

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  18. Love the picture of the cats, Ive two that are almost doubles, Ambrose and Lucy. Sounds like you had a hectic break! Good luck with your etsy shop

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    1. Well, hi, Sharon! would you believe I have 6 cats that are black and white? ha. Nine in total. Long story but I've rescued the neighborhood feral cats and they've adopted me. lol... Your Ambrose and Lucy sound adorable! :)

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  19. Adore your two cats! Wow Betsy, not one to sit on your laurels, good luck with your shop. I shall visit it on Monday.

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    1. thanks, linda..I'd be honored to have you stop in and browse.

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  20. Welcome back, Betsy. What a yummy looking new header. You take such marvelous photos! My week has been quiet, enjoying the results of the remodeling project and gearing up for the next phase, to begin later this month. I'll be looking forward to checking out your shop. Great idea. I admire your energy and spirit so much.

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    1. thanks, janice...I make that granola and we love it. :) I am SO enjoying your posts about the home remodels and makeovers! Everything has been wonderful so far...can't wait to see the next phase! :)

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    2. Thank you, Betsy. I'm dreading, yet looking forward to the next phase. And by the way, I read your posts about autism with great interest as I have grandsons with autism.

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    3. yes, dread...but then is SO wonderful when it's done. But still, there is a little excitement at the anticipation, too. I love that kind of stuff.

      Thanks for reminding me about the autism in your family. You had told me before, but I had forgotten!

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  21. Are you the 'Cat Whisperer'? You can read their thoughts and body language and goodness knows what else.

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  22. Yes, welcome back.
    Nothing new in my neck of the woods.
    Read up on the odd ball sports that were dropped from the Olympics.
    Who would of thought Solo Synchroinzed Swimming would of been dropped? LOL, funny stuff.

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    1. I was intrigued with the solo synchronized swimming. Why did'nt they just call it swim dancing? ha.

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  23. I love the picture of Jack and Whiskers and you are so sweet to let them lounge on your desk! We had to obtain guardianship of Matt too ... quite an ordeal but so necessary. I'm so sorry your boys have such a hard time dealing with blood work. The first time Matt had it done, he had to be held down but he found out that it really wasn't that bad and thankfully he's been fine with it ever since. I'll be praying for all of you this week! And can't wait to check out your Etsy shop.

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    1. I had that little red pillow there for Jack to nap on as an alternative to my lap. ha. Then Whiskers thought it was a great spot for her!. At least they weren't on my keyboard. :)

      Thanks for the good wishes about the bloodwork. :)

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  24. Oh crap! I have to file for guardianship for my son when he turns 18? It should be a given. I wish. How do I go about it? Do I have to hire a lawyer and go to court?

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    1. why, yes you do! :( Well, you don't have to..it depends on the severity of his autism. If he can talk, communicate well and you think he will eventually live on his own, then no, you don't. We did have an attorney take over for us after I spent a week totally confused by the dysfunctional online governmental sites and trying to download the necessary forms. We wanted to make sure we did it right and it seemed a better choice to have a professional do it. We wouldn't have even been able to attend the fall IEP meeting without some kind of power of attorney to sit in on his education plans, so you do have to have something in place.

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  25. Have missed you so! Looking forward to seeing the things in your shop :)

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    1. Aw, thanks Bette! The shop is going to be fun! ...I hope! ha.

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  26. The Etsy store sounds exciting, Good luck with that!

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  27. Welcome back to blogging and congrats on your Etsy store. Please include a link as soon as it is up. Here's hoping you get some peace and quiet soon.

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    1. thanks, shelley! I will put a link up....either late tonight or in the morning. :) Peace and quiet will come when school starts! yippee! ha.

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  28. Just returned from a week vacationing in Durango Co with family. It was so beautiful there & I miss the cool mountain air already. Best wishes on your new Etsy store too. I'll watch for the link.
    I feel so bad that your boys had such a bad experience at the Drs. Hopefully the next time will go better.
    Nana.

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    1. Everyone says Colorado is beautiful. :)

      Thanks about the boys...pray for us as we get that blood work done at the hospital this week! :)

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  29. don't let the little one outside. I hate to think of the dangers out there for him. We have a huge resident hawk in our neighborhood and last weekend I heard him dive into the bushes. I was loud and scary. Just keep the little pip squeak in and safe.
    I love his expression.

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    1. I told The Mister last week that a hawk would carry him off! Great minds, Kim.... he's only three pounds!

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  30. Welcome back! I hope you got some good rest.

    Good luck with the new Etsy shop. Did u put a link in your sidebar?

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  31. I'm just beginning to catch up after being away for a week. Looks like I missed a lot.

    My wife made zucchini bread for the first time and we all enjoyed it. We may have to try some of your creative variations.

    I know what it is like trying to draw blood from your screaming kid(s). It is one of my worst experiences as a father. Hopefully you found someone who could draw it quickly... that makes all the difference.

    Hang in there, Betsy. The end of the summer will soon be here.

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    1. Well, we haven't done the bloodwork yet....hopefully Friday. :(

      Yes, the end of the summer is in sight! ha.

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  32. " but having three teenage boys with autism in the house 24/7 does get a bit wearisome. "
    --that's an understatement of sorts, surely! I so admire you, Betsy. You really do put the rest of us to shame there. I doubt many of us could do nearly as well under such trying circumstance. (So glad, btw, to read the injections went well! Who woudl have guessed that--20 mins? Whoa!) As it is, I really think all that noise woudl drive me absolutely bonkers. I don't think I coudl do it. I have such sensitive hearing, just like my sister. But then again, when its one's children, it's amazing how far we'll go in love.

    I'm so impressed too you took time off and came up with such a brilliant product offering--your etsy. And how long have I tried to do mine? I seem in capable of doing that. Great job. You have truly lovely things there too. Hope it goes gangbusters for you, Betsy.

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