This Is Not Our Dog

But we do love her! Some of our neighbors graciously agreed to let us walk their dog once in awhile. Sojourner is enraptured with Mia, the fluffy puppy. (I say puppy-- she's 8(?) years old...)
 Whit will give her a fleeting pat.
Mom watches the kids get great exercise without feeling like a football coach-- BEFORE: "Go on the slide. Race around the playground. Okay, I'll chase a little. Keep moving!"
NOW: No need for words. Just watching them run with the dog. "Sigh." of happiness

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Family Tree "Mom, what's the name of your Pappy? The one who called everyone silly names?" "Pappy Roy."  "Oh. What are the name of your other grandparents? What were they like?" public domain from www.jessicacrabtree.com The kids and I had a long discussion about my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles today.  I did my best to give a short story about each person.  Was it wrong that I told them the truth about Farmer Ken? (My paternal grandfather) Not a nice guy. Grouchy. I felt so sad as I was recounting how he was never loving or kind. He was surly or silent. I must note that once he let me light his pipe. Perhaps the nicest thing he ever did. Sometimes he would let us watch Nickelodeon, a special treat since we didn't have that at home. But overall, a life marked by a frown. One that I drew next to his name on the roughly sketched tree I drew for the kids. I had so many good stories about Pappy Roy. I felt so hap...
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