Being a mom is sometimes not exactly what you sign up for. Sometimes, it's quite disgusting. I would say that having grown up on a farm has prepared me for the creepy crawlies that my son seems fascinated by. And, loving animals has made me immune to the 2 dogs, 2 cats, 5 turtles, 3 lizards, and whatever else happens to claim us as home every now and again. But, nothing could quite prepare me for what we experienced this morning. It's been raining so much in Memphis that we really think its spring and with the wet comes mushrooms and other uncommon sightings.
I'm used to picking up bugs for my two to examine, and so it was not at all alarming to pick up the slug that I found on the front porch 2 nights ago....AT FIRST. This gargantuan gastropod was the largest one of its kind I have ever seen. I thought Harrison would go crazy (boys love this stuff, right?) But, he was so disgusted he wouldn't even touch it. I thought the kids science teachers might like to show and tell, but, my kids' internal alarms were saying "No way. We're not taking that to school. Mom, you're
insane!"
The plan was to let “him” go far away from our house, but Lloyd decided to keep him to show his team at work...that was until
The Great Escape. Can you imagine my Spanish speaking housekeeper's horror if she were to find this climbing on the wall? The slime is INVINCIBLE. 409 doesn't touch it. I've learned my lesson. If even my kids are grossed out, it's not coming in my house!!!!!!!!!!!!! We'll be cleaning up slime for days.
Better not mess with our kids! Taekwondo is a family passion. Grayson is a yellow belt and Harrison is a green belt at present. This was Grayson's first taekwondo tournament. I sang the national anthem to kick off the morning (first time to do this... almost fainted) and by the end of the day, the kids each placed in their divisions. (Harrison placed 3rd in sparring, and Grayson placed second in patterns). They're planning for gold next time.
Our friend, Mr. Talley works as an EMT at the fair each year, and the kids look forward to his invitation each fall to attend. This is the first time we'd actually gone to a “Strange Show” and I must say that I’d rather not be strange. My children have no fear. I'm not sure this will serve them so well in the future. I needed an EMT when they particapted! (Deep breaths.) 
I'm used to picking up bugs for my two to examine, and so it was not at all alarming to pick up the slug that I found on the front porch 2 nights ago....AT FIRST. This gargantuan gastropod was the largest one of its kind I have ever seen. I thought Harrison would go crazy (boys love this stuff, right?) But, he was so disgusted he wouldn't even touch it. I thought the kids science teachers might like to show and tell, but, my kids' internal alarms were saying "No way. We're not taking that to school. Mom, you're insane!" 
Lloyd was born on September 9th. This date in particular has become very important to us, as many special memories throughout our years together seem to fall on or around his birthday. This year was had special significance, since this particular numerology sequence won’t occur again until 1000 years from now (in the year 3009). It seemed only fitting that his birthday should be celebrated with 9 friends at 6 PM (that’s 9 upside down) at 959 Cooper Ave. (a Mexican joint in Memphis called Café Ole). His guests brought $9 each to give to a chosen charity, and he happened to give it to his favorite 9 lives (A.K.A. the cat rescue place called The House of Mews) haven. Happy birthday, love! 
