The Face of 14

Well, today my last born child turned 14 years old. That makes me how old?????? Yesterday she chose chicken breasts, wild rice, and brussel sprouts for dinner. Yes, your read it right. I actually have a child who chooses brussel sprouts for her birthday dinner. Of course, she also chose spice cake with purple frosting. Now I think that each of my girls chooses spice cake for their birthday. Do they really like it or do they choose it 'cause it's my favorite? Makes me wonder.....

Anyway, the frosting was actually cream cheese frosting with the help of blue and red food coloring and some purple sprinkles. It was a quiet dinner, as it didn't include any other family members, but I think this is what we have to get used to. As our family grows up and each starts their own families, traditions take on new faces. This face is one of a 14 year old who would still rather hang with Mom and Dad then go to a friend's house, one who still gets excited about going to Chuck E Cheese's, and will spend her birthday Target money on a sidewalk chalk games to play with a two year old. I love her tender heart. Part of me hopes she'll never change......

We woke up this morning, and of course, she had spice cake for breakfast. I figure, once a year it won't kill her. I did, however, manage to get most of a banana down her before dropping her off for camp. It'll be a rough week for her.....she's at SPA CAMP. That's right, she has five whole days of pedicures, manicures, facials, makeup, and hair do's. She'll get all the other regular camp stuff too, but she doesn't care about any of that. Can't wait to hear all about it.

On another note....is it just because I'm getting older, or because the reality is setting in that my girls are all growing up and will all be gone in a blink of an eye. I have been dropping kids off to Girl Scout camp since Aimee and Joleen were in the first grade. That's a lot of camps. I've put each one of my 4 girls on a bus to camp many times over, but each and every time I tear up when it's time to say goodbye. I know she'll be back in a few days, so why do I do that? Is it because I'm relinquishing control? Do I even really have control in the first place?

I know....we'll blame it on hormones. Let's blame everything on hormones......

Meet Spencer...

Okay, since it's been so long since I've published anything, I thought I do two today! (You're impressed, aren't you?) Anyway, this is Spencer. Hopefully, he will become a permanent member of the Skeels' home. While I was at the hair salon yesterday, my hair dresser and I were talking. Seems she had just rescued this dog from the street about 3 weeks ago, and we were getting ready to adopt a dog in about 3 weeks. She hung "found" posters, placed an ad and asked around, but no one claimed him. Since she already has four dogs, two horses and two parrots, she could not keep this one. She also works for the Hesperia Zoo and trains productions pets including two baby tigers! She was willing to allow us to bring Spencer (she called him Spot) home to see how he and Buster would get along. Let me just tell you, that these two dogs were buddies from the moment they met, so we don't see a problem at all. Spencer is an English Pointer, about 2 years old. He has already been neutered, housebroken, and trained. He is extrememly docil, and very nice. It's funny, 'cause Buster is a tiny lap dog who thinks he's a big boy, and Spencer is a big boy who thinks he's a lap dog! I don't know what he weighs yet, but trust me....he's NOT a lap dog! The internet said this breed weighs from 44 to 60 pounds. His teeth and gums look wonderful and his coat shines beautifully. I can't believe no one is missing him, because someone took great care with him. Anyway, here are some pictures of him. Can't wait for you to meet him!

Sarah.....14 going on 21

Okay, Okay....I know it's been Mother's Day for quite some time now, but if you don't mind cutting me a little bit of slack, I'd appreciate it very much. Sarah is quickly approaching her 14th birthday. This year she asked us for eyeliner and contact lenses. Well, I finally gave in to the eyeliner.....brown only, but am making her wait on the contacts at least another year. She's been asking to have her hair highlighted for at least a year now. We settled on that. It's beautiful, although I threatened to not pay the hair stylist 'cause she took my little girl from me while we were in her shop! Here she is showing off a bit!