Thursday

Is it Thursday already... I lose track of my days too easily, I think.

Anyway... this past weekend, we headed out to Chattanooga, TN for a cheer competition that Emma was in... my mom and sister came with us - so me, Emma, my mom and sister all went to the competition while Daniel and the other 3 kids stayed at the hotel or bumped around town... we really only had to be there in the morning so the afternoons were free...

Let me tell you, having a family of 6 can get really expensive, so we are always looking for the offbeat paths.... too bad, it was like 20 degrees most of the weekend so that cut out alot of free parks and stuff... but we did go and tour the Mayfield Creamery and that was fun - and our tour came with a large scoop of ice cream for each person, so well worth the minimal tour cost....

We also went to the Chattanooga Zoo - since we are members of our local zoo, we got in at a discounted price and the day actually warmed up into the 50s... and the zoo was pretty deserted, so although it was small, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

And let me tell you... I fell in love at the zoo....

With a crow.... :)

Yep, an American crow - which is not what you are thinking probably... its not one of those black birds that hang out in groups in a field that kind of swarm (although to be honest, I think those are pretty too).... American crows are actually pretty big - like the size of a parrot/macaw and they are solid black - black feet, black eyes, black beak - think of the size of the crow that Maleficent carries around in Sleeping Beauty but all shiny and black.

But here is the thing.... American crows can talk!

Like parrots, but even better - not only do they mimic the words you say, but also the inflection and the tone, so if you didnt know it was the crow talking, you would think it was an actual person... unlike a parrot, which sounds well, like a parrot.

Of course, if youve ever seen my photography logo, you know Im kind of into crows anyway, but seeing one up close and personal kind of sealed the deal...

We came up to them and I was so excited... especially when the crow then asked me "Whats new?" I about fell out, and then he flirted with me for a good 10 minutes... he said "hello" as well... and really it took Daniel finally dragging me away before I would actually leave... because really, I could have stayed there all day... and if I lived in Chattanooga, that crow would so be my boyfriend and I would go see him every day

Ok, really, thats just weird, isnt it?

But yeah, I was seriously trying to figure out a way to sneak that bird out of there and take him home.... I even did some research when we got home and found that it is illegal to have an American crow as a pet, and they tear up everything, so yeah, I guess that isnt going to happen.

Sad....

Anyway.... back to reality for a minute...

Emma's team did 4th out of 7 teams, which isnt really fantastic and I think it hurt their feelings a bit, but we only have 12 on our team and when you are competing with teams that have 20-25 on them, well, they are probably going to do more stunts and stuff... no shame there.... Ill be interested in seeing if the coach changes up the routine before the next competition though

Also, on the trip, Wallace started not feeling good... mostly a cold - fever, runny nose, headache... nothing serious.... and mostly, Wallace has an amazing high tolerance for pain - unless he has a cold, and then he becomes absolutely pitiful... and well, his behavior becomes atrocious! Like really, really bad.

And once he develops that attitude of "I dont have to do anything, I dont have to follow the rules, I can do whatever I want - including being ugly and mean to other people" well, it becomes really stressful for our whole family.... and no matter how many times Wallace gets in trouble, he seems to think he has to continue this attitude even when not sick....

Its frustrating... seriously.... I cant even tell you - it reminds me of when Wallace first came home.

Honestly, I wish people would quit asking how Willow is doing - she is doing wonderful/fantastic/amazingly well.... we, are still stuck on getting Wallace to do right.

Sigh.....

He has been home for 3 years now... so only 3 more years with us and that will be the same amount of time he went without a family

Sigh....

In other news.... we STILL havent been able to get him on social security..... He has been home for 3 years!  Ugh - its one thing after another, after another, after another.... and guess what?  Without a SS#, you cant get on Medicaid - not super convenient with you have a child with severe medical issues....

Sigh.....

Since you didnt ask.... Willow is not used to this cold weather and she has a bit of a head-cold/junk.... it doesnt get cold where she is from, so all this is new to her....

And Im so ready for spring.... :)

And yeah, Oliver is pretty much staying now... :)

Long post... I will be impressed if you made it the whole way through