Leftovers

Ralph has developed some other nice skills lately. He is working on jumping using a mini-trampoline. I found a fancy one with a bar and music and stuff on Amazon before Christmas but it just didn't fit into the budget. Can you say craigslist? Got a nearly new one for a ten-spot! All the kids love it. They get on with Ralph, hold his hands and show him how to bend his knees and jump. He's really getting it!

Another skill is walking backward. This is a skill, isn't it? I caught him being silly yesterday, giggling and walking backward. Too fun.

But the most useful skill he has recently developed and the skill that has me going bonkers is this: shaking his head "yes" and "no." He is using this skill quite a lot when it comes to food and drink, oh, and bedtime!

On another note, my carpet sucks. (I was a sucker for a too-good deal.) It looks like a dirty, old stray poodle mix. It was the most beautiful, shiny, soft, fluffy carpet once upon a time. But many children, a dog or two here and there plus three years have taken their toll.

I would so love to have some really high quality carpet in my front room. But I still have messy little children. And, come to think of it, messy big boys, too. I can't justify spending that kind of money when my heart is set on adoption.

On Thursday I finally went berserk when my dog would not quit barfing. He made spot after spot all over the place and he didn't even have the decency to lick it up! I ran down to the hardware store and rented a heavy duty carpet cleaner.

Have I mentioned how much I love this little hardware store? I had to run up there on Saturday because the dog (same bleepin' dog) broke his line and I needed to replace it right away. I pulled into the parking lot at 5:30pm, thinking that they were open until 6pm. But, no. The sign said closed.

I started to turn the car around when I saw a man inside waving his arms wildly. It was Tom, the owner. He was waving me inside! I parked the car and hurried inside, knowing that he was probably bone tired and ready to get home. He told me that he hates for anyone to have to drive into the city because he was closed. I told him that I would just as soon spend my money there anyway.

Where was I? Ah, the carpet. I worked on the living room for a couple of hours. It was just gross. Worse than I thought it would be. I was surprised at how much better it looks after a mediocre cleaning job. Not too bad.

So, back to Ralph. He has an appointment with his audiologist in Kansas City tomorrow afternoon, but tonight he is running a fever. We've been waiting for this visit for over a month, but I may have to cancel. Either way I'll have some sweet pictures to share tomorrow!