I've got a lot to do today. I have my son, who is two, helping me. Already today, he picked up his letters, and is picking up his blocks, and helped me to feed the birds. It won't be long until he's feeding cilantro to the piggies... well, maybe a little longer.

He's such a great kid. I'm so happy I'm teaching him from such a young age how to respect and care for animals. Of course, I'll be responsible for the petting zoo, but every opportunity is one to teach and learn.

...

It's day, what, four on this fleece?

Because my toddler was sick, I spent the morning battling anything and everything that even MIGHT smell bad, swept the fleece, swept the carpet, washed the dishes, took out the trash (took out the bathroom trash too) and washed the icky clothes. This plus crackers and milk, and he appears to be feeling better. Not to mention the fact that the house does not reek. Not sure what had caused it, but it's gone now.

I'm getting a little worried...

There is something that's been bothering me. I'm sensitive to names because of my own history, but as a long time dog owner, I know that dogs do feel stress when given a derisive name, not from the meaning, but from your feelings about the dog that resulted in it. I may think certain names like "Messy boy" for my son, but I would not name him such. My dog's name is Buddy, a friendly family oriented name. Though he may not be the most driven or even bright creature in the world, to name...

I changed the fleece last night. I was reluctant because I had this image of having to be a circus performer to change it. I'm really a ditz some times. You see, I made the cage so that four panels along the side can be removed, and with that small fix, I neither had to become a contortionist or even remove the coroplast. I just pulled the towels out, wiped with vinegar and water, and put fresh towels down. Not even the slightest headache.

I still have to wash the used fleece, but that's...

We have mice. Not the kind that live in cages.

I have yarn, pets, and a toddler, so if a few natural deterrents don't dissuade them, I will feel little qualm about hiring a professional. My family comes first.

In other news, I've fixed my shopping list to give my boys a bit more variety than Cilantro and lettuce and the occasional carrot. Now I have 2-3 time/week treats marked on my list, thanks to the BIG LIST on this site. And since I'm out of the "blessed herb"...