Steph's Reality Blend

***Written (ahem, STARTED) a few days ago*** Oh, the tears. Real, hyperventilating, snot-inducing tears. There were even moments I felt sorry for him. Really. Heartbreak displayed in anyone for almost any reason can get to me. Teddy lost his (apparently favorite) stuffed animal, Big Puppy, which he had chosen to bring over any others, to the family reunion we attended the week before last. What initially puzzled me about this (other than that we searched high and low for it before we left and can't imagine how it might have gotten lost, when stuffed animals always stay on or near beds) was why cry TONIGHT? He hasn't had Big Puppy for two weeks, and he hasn't had any real tears over it until now. That was my initial reaction, too, was to ask WHY?? when Teddy managed to communicate through the gasps and sniffling what he was gasping and sniffling for. He had no answer, and I assume he cried tonight because he's extra tired or emotionally insecure, and it just GOT to...

Yep, it finally clicked for her. I think she had to be in the right (goofy, pre-bed time) mood, because she's had the balance from riding the Strider, as well as the pedal/braking know-how from another little bike - she just had to WANT to put them together! Might as well take this opportunity to give a quick run-down of what we've been up to this last month, besides the usual mechanic work, farming help, laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, sleeping, etc: - I've been putting a fair portion of my spare time into prepping for SCHOOL this fall (first time, and tutoring a class too! Can't blame me for wanting to be prepared!) - We've finally replaced all the boards (including frame, joists, etc) of our back deck (thank you Loren!), and Randy and I keep noticing how strange it is to walk on a deck that's not squishy and doesn't wiggle. The railings aren't done, as we plan on getting some used patio doors for their tempered glass and creating a ...