Lazy Squirrel

Found this lazy character hanging out on my Adirondack Chair...

My 4th graders

So yesterday I put all of my 4th grade self portraits up as a display, but wanted passers-by to enjoy them as much as I enjoy looking at them, so in my classroom windows looking out was the best place I could think to display them. I didn't think that I could get them all in there, and in fact, some of my students still have to finish their work, so they are not all up (but most are).

The kids really seemed to love this project, and it was a somewhat low-key way to start the year. I just thought I would share these with you! I will put up a better photo when I get a chance - I just took this one with my cell phone yesterday!

Obie's Saturday night shindig

Well, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone for coming to the party last night for Obie. It meant the world to us to have you all here. Obie loves his new toys and all the catnip he received, and is happily sharing them with Unix, Ellie and Inga. I think he is still purring from all of the attention he received last night!

For those of you who are reading this and aren't sure what I am talking about - we deceided to have a party to celebrate Obie's life since he has this stupid cancer. It was a great reason to have a bunch of friends over, and just hang out for the evening. Everyone brought Obie a treat or a toy or both, and all in all everyone had fun.

"Hoochie Poochie Dance"

Today, after the Eagles sadly lost to the Packers, Lanie sat on her sit and spin toy, and very plainly said "I am doing a hoochie poochie dance." So, naturally, I asked her who taught her this particular dance. Her reply? "God told me to do a hoochie poochie dance!"

I think I am going to have to have a conversation with God about this...

Did I even mention that I got a job???

So much has been happening lately, I don't think I ever posted that I found a job! Well, I did. I am teaching art in one of the best districts in the state - grades 3, 4 and high school studio in art. I love it. It is a ton of work, but I do love it.

Erin & James got married!

Ok, I am terribly, TERRIBLY slow about keeping up with the blog. They were married on 8/25 at Bristol Harbor. We were too busy having way too much fun to take a whole ton of photos at the wedding. The day was beautiful - warm and windy, turning to hot, turning to rain, thunder and lightening, then a rainbow, a beautiful sunset, some shooting stars, and finally, fireworks!

We had a fabulous time, and are both so glad to have been a part of the day! We love Erin & James!!!

'Ello Guv-Nuh'

"The West Irondequoit Central School District hosted a special guest on Thursday, September 6. Governor Eliot Spitzer was in town to learn how schools are using the increased funding that the state has provided for education this year. The visit was part of a state-wide tour of schools that the governor is making this month. West Irondequoit was the only district he visited in Monroe County. "

Not too shabby!!! (This is where I teach...)

It's raining, it's pouring!

Just waiting for the old man to be snoring...

So, last night Cathie, the barn owner where Quinn lives called... he got kicked by another horse - and is very hurt. He can't walk, but luckily he doesn't have a fracture or a break anywhere, so that is positive. However, he is on stall rest for at least 8 months, which is going to break his spirit terribly. Lanie and I are going out to see him in a little bit. Poor horse...

Our oven has passed away.... yes, it is true. Though we won't be holding a proper funeral for it, we will be on the hunt for another oven... I suppose it was about time to get another one - we were just hoping this one would hold out just a LITTLE longer...

There must be some kind of virus in the house too, because I believe the exhaust fan in the upstairs bathroom is thinking seriously about going on disability soon. It coughs and sputters when you turn it on. Fan-tastic timing!!!

I am not writing this to try to get pity from anyone - I am just venting... seriously though, between Obie, Quinn, the oven and the exhaust (not to mention that we have had family members fall ill recently, as well as a close family friend who is seriously ill at the moment), it is hard to keep up with it all!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Guess it is time to let go and let God! :-)

Cancer is confirmed

Hi everyone,

Dr. Markel called today. Though it is NOT Lymphosarcoma, it is Lymphoma. Not good. There are some options, which consist of a 2nd surgery, which would have been more effective if there was only one lump to deal with, but since there were at least three (and I Have found at least one more), it seems to have spread. F*c%.

Another option is to take him in the car (which TOTALLY freaks him out) to Cornell to meet with a feline oncologist to discuss having an MRI or catscan, and see where all the cancer has located itself. IF it seems reasonable (that is relative) then we could move on to chemotherapy, which is something that lymphoma does tend to respond to... the $hitty part about that is... who has cat insurance? What the heck does chemo cost? Is it even going to help him? Damnit - I can't even begin to express how frustrated I am that this is not cut and dry. If she had called saying that there was nothing that could be done, I could, eventually, handle that. If she had called and said that chemo was a sure thing for a cure, I could handle that, and we would deal with the financial part as we could, but this is more along the lines of - well, you could try this or that, and maybe they will help, and maybe they won't...

If I sound sad, frustrated, confused... I am... I just want what is best for Obie.

Obie is out of surgery

Lanie and I are on our way to go and get Obie from the vet. It will be two weeks until we really know anything more about the lumps, but hopefully it will be uneventful once we get him home. I will keep everyone posted!

Obie has cancer

Which sucks. No better way to even try to say that. I am angry that he is sick, of course, not angry with him, but just angry, and terribly sad. Aubrey noticed a lump on him over the weekend, so Monday I took him to the vet's, which he hates going to (though, I will tell you, we use the BEST vet in the world, Dr. Balonek, and have seen Dr. Markel this time with Obie, and she has been tremendous). They aspirated two of the three lumps that I had found up until then to send the cells away for analysis. I have since found at least one more lump. He was fine a month ago when he went for his yearly vet visit, so this thing is moving really fast. He has lost his voice (and those of you who know him, he is a real talker, all the time), and has lost a pound in the last month, which is not good.

Dr. Markel (or Martin, I feel terrible that I don't even know which is her name) called me this morning with Obie's results, stating that they were inconclusive, BUT the lab felt that there was reason for concern of cancer, as the cells were very abnormal.

I am just praying that the tumors are ALL benign, and that he is able to recover.

Obie goes in for surgery tomorrow morning at 7am, and should, if all goes OK, come home tomorrow night. It will be two weeks until we know whether or not the tumors are benign or malignant, and what, if any course of medication would help.

For those of you who read this, please keep Obie, or "The Bus", Mr. Bussadon, Obidon Milosakitty, Gary Bussy (all silly names we call him) in your thoughts. He is a great guy, and we are really sad that he has to go through this. Thanks.

I have a website!

Click on the link (where it says above - I have a website) to see the website for my classroom - I am so excited - this is the first web page I have ever created - I am sure with more practice, it will get better!

Link to more photos

Our Summer, 2007 trip

This should take you to some more photos of the trip...

More Vacation photos

Vacation Photos

Here are some of the photos - friends and family... on the way to Iowa, and in Iowa

Ok - some photos from our trip

I will be adding these from time to time - we took so many photos, it is hard to choose which to put up here! I wanted to remember to put this one up though in particular. It is a sign that was hanging inside the door at a tattoo shop in Decorah, Iowa. I thought it was funny...

Sorry I am slacking off a bit on the blog

I have had many requests to get off my duff and update this blog - and I will, I promise. I have two little boys, and of course my 2 year old kiddo here with me, and life is getting pretty wild! So, needless to say, I have little time for the blog. I will update it asap (maybe even tomorrow) with some photos from our vacation this summer to Iowa and to the Soo, both of which were amazing... it is awalys so wonderful to spend time with friends, and of course with family!

Love to you all, and I will update soon, I promise!!!

Catherine

More artwork

Just thought I would share... more lithography

Mommy, Catherine, Daddy, Aubrey!

... so today Lanie woke up at about 7, and started (pleasantly) yelling "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!", so when I didn't answer, she started yelling "Catherine! Catherine" (perfectly pronounced, might I add), so when I didn't answer then, she yelled "Daddy! Daddy! Aubrey! Aubrey!"...

Needless to say, we got up and answered her...