My sad morning with an injured doe...

I had a weird morning.

I was in charge of taking the boys to school today because Wesley had a training downtown. I had to head to Alpharetta for a store visit after drop off so before we could head to school, I had to get ready as well as get the boys ready.

Timing wise, we were doing great. I dropped the boys off and regrouped before heading to Alpharetta. As I pulled into the line to exit the school, I noticed the traffic had stopped. I looked around and saw a hurt deer in the yard next to the school/church. It didn't take much to realize the car in the front of the traffic jam had hit the deer. The poor animal was trying to run away but it was obvious her back legs were broken.

There were enough people around that I knew I was not needed so I backed up and decided to go out the other way. A I was about to pull out, the traffic jam broke and everyone left. I realized there was a chance everyone thought "someone else will stop" and help had not been called.

 So, I turned around. I called directory assistance and found the number for Animal Control. As I pulled up to the scene two men were examining the situation. I had been connected to the dispatcher and explained the problem. They said they would send someone.

 By the time I got off the phone, it was just me and another parent. Since the deer was in the neighbor's yard, this dad volunteered to go explain to the homeowners what happened (it was an older gentleman he spoke with and he said he would go tell his wife. He was sure she would be concerned!) Since I was willing to wait, he left and I sat there for what seemed like hours waiting on the police to show up.

15 minutes later, an officer arrived and I explained what happened. He didn't seem too happy that the driver who hit the deer was not around but he said "I'll take care of it."

 And that was it - I just left.

I am not an "animal person" but as I drove away, I couldn't help but wonder what "I'll take care of it means." Probably, what I am thinking it means is what it means, and that breaks my heart. The poor deer was so scared and helpless and I just left him in the hands of that officer.

I pulled away to head to work and received a call from my boss that I wasn't needed in Alpharetta. I was looking forward to the visit, but so glad I didn't have to go in. I ran some errands and did a few things around the house.

A I pulled back into the school to pick up Jackson and Philip, I was so scared of what I would see. Thankfully. The area where I had left the deer was bare. I can only hope someone is nursing her back to health so she can quickly get back to her "motherly duties" in the wild. The movie Bambi has nothing on the emotions I am feeling today! So sad.

Exercise...

Exercise your right to vote today!!!

Even if it is just for the snacks, as it is for Jackson.
When I told him we were going to vote, replied "Yes! I get cookies there!" (but he picked Cheetos today instead of cookies!)

What is with this pose?
I asked Jackson where he learned it and he said "Barnes"
Barnes is a little boy in his class who must be a riot! Jackson comes home most days with interesting words or stories he has learned from Barnes. My favorite was when he asked me if all fish's heads come off when fishing?" I asked Barnes's mom about this particular story and she said "Yes, we took him fishing. T he fish he caught had heads but after they were cleaned, the heads were gone."
So..Barnes came to school telling all the kids when you go fishing, it causes heads to come off the fish!
Jackson thinks he is historical! I'm starting to agree!

Work Day Switch

Wesley had a conflict come up this Tuesday so we had to switch my day in the office. Since the boys don't have school on Mondays, Wesley was home with them all morning. Here's the picture I got today of them reading together!

Thank you, Mom, for those recorded storybooks.
The boys LOVE them and spent a hour this morning "reading" to each other!

We had already made the work switch when Wesley had another conflict come up for Monday afternoon. Late Sunday, we called Kate and asked for the huge favor of watching the boys for us for 3 hours. She graciously said "Bring them over!"

Jackson was so excited! He loves playing with Sam's toys (Sam does have REALLY cool toys!). Wesley called me from the car and Jackson got on the line. He asked if I could not pick him up for a really long time so he could play with Sam! So sweet!

When I arrived, Kate and I talked for a hour and a half while Philip & Jack and Jackson & Sam continued to play.

What an amazing blessing we have in the Hazlewood family!

I adore Kate and value our friendship so much! It is always so nice just to be around her and talk. Wesley and Ben get along great. Both grew up around Knoxville and are UT fans and both love Kate (Ben for many reasons; Wesley for her cooking :-)

And as the most amazing added bonus - our boys are the same age and get along! Now, it took Sam and Jackson some time to become friends because Jackson had a bad habit of hitting Sam (once we found him on top of Sam. It's a wonder Kate let me back in her house!) but they now have bonded over a mutual love for Cars.

And Jack and Philip are the most fun-loving boys in the world and just enjoy playing and laughing together!

I am so blessed with this friendship and look forward to many years of growing closer to this beautiful family.

Philip, Jack and Sam playing basketball

Sam. Jack and Philip
Look at the smiles on Jack and Philip - they are so cute together.  I can't wait to see the trouble these two find as they get older! 

Photo Stream

As I was going through our I-photo account this morning to pull off some recent pictures, I saw some random pictures. I could tell they were from the Alpharetta YMCA, but when were they taken and who took them??

Ah Ha!
Mystery solved - I see those little legs and Star Wars shoes. I guess Jackson got ahold of Daddy's I-Phone when he was at work with him Saturday night!

IKEA!

Tonight, we took a family trip to IKEA. The boys did really great considering what we asked of them - 2 hours in a furniture store with LOTS of breakable things they couldn't touch!!

I was able to find two lamps I have been eyeing since July. We also picked up a few odds & ends but left without too big of a dent in the wallet.

It was a fun night. I probably won't go back with two youngsters again, but I am glad we went as a family..this once!

Dinner at the Cafe
We had such a hard time convincing Philip to sit in the basket, we didn't dare take him out during dinner! He ate his meatballs and chicken fingers from his throne above us!

I wanted to go back and look at some curtains so Wesley stalled the boys with an after dinner treat.
Jackson and his cinnamon roll...and Philip grabbing for...

Ice Cream!

"Tomato" Warnings

Our friends, the Underwoods, offered to watch Jackson and Philip so Wesley and I could go out last night. We had a gift certificate for the Cheesecake so we enjoyed a delicious, quiet dinner.

As we were leaving the restaurant, Wesley received a phone call from the Executive Director at the Alpharetta YMCA. She wanted to let Wesley know storms were headed our way and asked him to let the group at the Teen Center know what the proper tornado procedures were.

We quickly drove to pick up the boys and headed home to watch the weather. Wesley was in constant contact with the group at the Y but wanted to monitor the storms as well.

As we drove home, we talked about the storms, and I was a little worried. This was the first storm to pass our way since the devastation in Tuscaloosa last year. I was scared. Wesley and I discussed it openly since both boys were asleep in the back seat.

Note to self: Just because it is quiet doesn't mean little ears are asleep.

As we exited the highway, we heard from the back, "Are the 'tomatoes' heading our way?"

It was a serious question from Jackson, but Wesley and I had to chuckle.

Sadly, our reassurance that we were going to be okay, didn't help Jackson. He was freaked out and spent the evening with Wesley and me watching the News for 'Tomato' updates.

For about 15 minutes, Wesley thought it might be best to wake Philip and get in the bathroom.

True to each personality - Jackson kept asking "why?" "what's going on?" "how long" and Philip just wanted to climb on the toilet and read books!

I am not sure why Wesley snapped this picture, but it shows us all squished in the bathroom (Flashers was there too!) waiting on the storms. Thankfully, we were only in there for a few minutes and then we all headed to bed! 

Dandelions and Dirty Hands

Two of the many reasons I love being the Mommy to two little boys!

Freshly picked just for me! 

Jackson - after a long day in the dirt!

Philip - after a long day of doing anything and everything his older brother does!