7 point buck

I haven't heard of a lot of hunters getting a deer this year. The opening day of deer season on Monday was just a terrible rainy day for hunting. Many of the hunters said they were back inside before noon.

I called and talked to Mom and she said that Dad got an 8 point this morning. She couldn't locate her battery charger to charge her camera batteries so I have no picture to attach.

Congratulations on your 7 point buck, Dad. It's been a few, hasn't it?

When will the sickness end??

This fall season has been rough on the Smith household in the way of illnesses. It all started with Maleah coming down with Strep Throat a week before going to the beach in September. She was well for maybe a week after her antibiotics then she got an ordinary cold. We got her cleared up then Connor started with one. At that point it all becomes fuzzy, but I can say we've been fighting it all off since. About 2 weeks ago, I developed a sinus infection so off to the doctor I went for antibiotics. I figured since I had to blow a half day of work, I might as well squeeze Maleah into her doctor too. As it turned out, Maleah had a double ear infection, probably a sinus infection AND pink eye! She's been on an anitbiotic since last Tuesday so I figured we were out of the woods with her being sick, but just when I assumed she were on the mends, BAMB... she started with intestinal flu... I was up Sunday morning at 3:30 changing bed sheets, blankets, jammies... You name it she messed on it. Yesterday she was fine through the day, but bedtime came and I heard the unmistakable cough that every mother dreads hearing. Yep, she was spitting up again. Today she isn't spitting up but it's coming out the other end. Poor Maleah, I can't get this girl better!

Looking back on the day when dealing with just one cold a year (of my own) never looked so appealing!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving.... I will have to say that this is my favorite Holiday of the year. I have so many things to be thankful for but I have to say I'm most thankful for my family. We have 3 sets of wonderful Grandparents who will do anything for us if needed. My sisters are great! I just wish we had more time to spend together. I have two wonderful children and I must not forget my loving husband who puts up with all my imperfections. I love you all!

Thanksgiving meal is always at my house. This year I had a total of 14 between lunch and dinner. I'm happy to have had everyone stick around for leftovers so I don't have too much to throw out.

Those in attendance this year: Brian, Connor, Maleah, Mom, Dad, Justine, Cory, Britney, Brenda, Jenelle, Winston, Billy, Kim and Myself. It was a smaller group this year, in years past I've had a lot more.

Canon PowerShot

This is my early Christmas present. It arrived today and I can't wait to start taking pictures. It has a lot of features that my Sony didn't. I love that it has a 12x optical zoom, whereas, my Sony has a 3x optical zoom. I love the sports setting for the action shots of the kids. I am going to love this camera! It couldn't be coming at a better time too. I ordered it Thursday night and on Friday, Maleah tramped on my Sony and broke it.

Boo Boo Girl

You know Maleah, it's a rare day when she doesn't have a mark somewhere on her face. The is a snapshot of her scratched up face this week. I don't even know how she did all them. She woke up this morning with the scratch by her lips. I checked for sharp fingernails, but I can't locate one. If I can ever get her face scratch/bruise free, I'd like to get professional pictures taken. For now, I guess I have a typical 2 year old.

Flurries

We saw snow flurries here in Brookville this afternoon for the first time this season. Tonight we have a windy wintery mix and it's miserable out. Now is the time when I'd like to be able to allow Diesel ouside to do his business off his leash. We have had a beautiful autumn, it's hard to let go of the tought that we won't be having 70 degree weather upon us anytime soon.

Diesel and the Kids

The kids love Diesel. Maleah wasn't too sure about him at first, but now they get along really well. Diesel likes to kiss Maleah and she gets upset about that, but for the most part she no longer has fear of dogs.

As I think into the future, this is the dog that the kids will grow old with. Diesel should reach his ripe old age when Connor is close to graduating high school. There is a lot to be said for the animal that you grew up with. Diesel will be a wonderful dog for the kids.

Meet Diesel

This is our new family member, Diesel. We took him to the vet today and its confirmed that he is not a full blooded Mastiff, but a Mastiff/Lab mix. He is 9 months old and weighs 60 pounds. The vet doesn't feel that Diesel will get too much larger. It's amazing how well Diesel fits into our family. He is gentle with the kids, house trained, and CALM!!! We can't get over how well he listens. He's been here for almost a week and we are in love with him.