I'm not really complaining. I'm just plumb tuckered out. Erik really is a very easy kid, happy most of the time, easily entertaining himself with anything that's near (a strap on his stroller suffices just fine). It's just hard sometimes when I'm tired because he really can't do anything for himself at all. And days when I don't feel good or I feel overwhelmed, I really wish he could. At least feed himself, maybe. I wish my mom lived closer. She's the perfect "helper" for things like this. She'd come over, smiling, cheerful as always, ready to dive in and help out. She and Joe hope to retire here in a year or so, and if I can get Mark to agree to live here that much longer, it'll be great!! (He wants to go back up north.)

I think I'm just in a complaining mood. I hope you don't mind. It's hard to be sunny and cheerful ALL of the time, and sometimes I just want to whine. I'm pretty good at whining, actually. I've had years of experience at it. But I really don't have reason to whine. I have a wonderful, loving husband who thinks I'm made of gold, I have two great teenage sons who help out a lot around the house, a daughter who has really turned her life around and is graduating as a Marine next week, a new little boy who is cheerful and loving and fun, and 2 dogs that I just adore and who bring so much light into the house. I think I'm just tired. Not getting enough sleep, and here I am, needing some cheese to go with my whine to share with the whole world. ...or, at least, those who care to read my blog.

Here are some pictures, and maybe by posting them, I'll perk up a little. You know how I love pictures...!!! :o)