Friday, August 31, 2007

Ladies and Gentlemen...



THE CABINET DOORS ARE UP! What do you think?

If you want to laugh

Check out Laura Goins blog. She has posted a "grape fall" from UTube that was played on Rick and Bubba this morning. It is very funny...

My sweet boy

Papa and the great-grands




We so enjoyed Papa coming to visit this week. I had some better pictures of Papa with Kate and Brooks on Mom's camera, but just didn't get them downloaded onto the computer. The kids stayed at Mom and Dad's on Monday while I worked, and Papa played with them (mostly Brooks) all day. Before church on Wed, Papa fed Brooks and it was hilarious! Brooks had baby food all over his face.

Mischa Moore (I KNOW I didn't spell your name correctly!) came by the clinic to say hi yesterday - I'm so glad you did! We went to Faulkner together, and she is married to Dave Moore. They have the 2 cutest little boys you have ever seen. Come to find out, they are next door neighbors of Dr. Brooks! Mischa is homeschooling her oldest (he's 5) - I know she'll do great with him. She said, it's just keeping the 2 year old occupied!

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

The carpet is in






The guys finished laying down the carpet today just after noon. I wasn't sure they were coming today, but I was so happy that today was the day for them.

So, while many of you are wondering, "WHY ARE THEY COVERING HARDWOOD?" - well, here you go:
  1. The hardwood floors that were put in 20 years ago were showing significant signs of wear.
  2. There was water damage on the west side of the living room, and the wood had begun to buckle.
  3. The previous owners kept their dogs in large wire crates that scratched the floor.
  4. It was laid as a 3" then 5" width, and I hate for things to be that unsymmetrical.
  5. To have them refinished (sanded and stained) would have cost almost as much as carpet.
  6. My feet hurt all the time from walking on so many hard surfaces.
  7. The new hardwood in the kitchen and foyer are so wonderful; they instantly made the living room hardwood look terrible.
  8. Brooks is learning to crawl and walk!
  9. I hate to sweep, and I really hate to sweep the living room! Vacuuming is so much easier.
  10. The finish was so poor that I couldn't mop them at all. The room felt dirty all the time.

I really didn't think that I could come up with that many reasons! HA! I guess I have been stirring about these floors for a while. Anyway, we are so happy to have some pretty carpet installed!

Trying the new video feature!

So, I thought I'd try this new feature. This is Kate in the bathtub at Lads to Leaders Conference in '06.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Potty training, oh no! Take 2

Well, I am PROUD to say that potty training is going so much better now. There for a while, it was going terrible. So, I pretty much just went back to what we were doing - nothing. But, Kate has just caught on to the concept - like it just clicked. She is going constantly in the potty, but still using pull-ups otherwise. I just haven't gotten brave enough to try panties again.

My Papa is here visiting from GA. Kate and Brooks went to Meme and Pa's house today, and they had a ball. I have some pictures to download from Mom's camera. They are great.

Oh - a Kate funny (Mama funny). On Sunday, she asked to go to the potty before church started. I took her and she pottied. Well, she is all about getting stickers for going. She was asking for one, but I didn't bring any to church! We were in the 2's and 3's classroom, and I just KNEW that there would be a sticker in there SOMEWHERE, but there wasn't. All I could find was post-it-notes. Well, I was in a pinch, so I took one and gave it to her - and she was so proud of going to the potty and getting a "sticker"...

Friday, August 24, 2007

Michael Vick's mistake

I'm sure that you have undoubtedly heard of Michael Vick plea bargaining with the feds to the charges of dog fighting. I just cannot understand why anyone would ruin their professional career - and ruin it this way. As a veterinarian, I have heard and witnessed first hand terrible stories of dog fighting. I wish Alabama counties were tougher on fighting rings than they are. But, as we know, Alabama is behind in many areas, and only one is animal welfare.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a PETA advocate. There is a line that separates animals from humans, in how they are treated and regarded. But, using an animal's own instincts in such a lethal way is terrible. For the sport and the money.

Anyway, I have been really disgusted with this story over the last few weeks. I'm sure that he won't get enough jail time, but his loss of revenue is enough for me. I just wish that everyone convicted of this crime could get the same punishment...

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Some goofy pictures






So, the kids were in great moods today, so I took some pictures.

Kate is wearing Mama's shoes... Mom has told the story many times about how much I loved her shoes as a child. When she got home from the hospital with Casey, all I could do was be excited about seeing her shoes again (I obviously missed them more than her while she was gone!)

The last is of our Wed. night class for this quarter. Nia and I are teaching the Jr. and Sr. High girls. They are a good group, and I hope they are enjoying our class. We are really enjoying teaching them...
Not much has been happening this week at our house. Pest control is coming on Friday - YEAH! We have finally decided on a carpet and store, so hopefully that will get rolling by Friday. We are STILL waiting on cabinet hinges. ARGH. The countdown to Brooks' birthday is fast approaching.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Together again

It is so good to have my husband and my kids together at home with me! Today, when Scott and Kate got home, Kate ran over to the couch, gave me a kiss, and then asked me to read her favorite book (for now) "I'm a Big Sister". We read it to her as Kate and Brooks (not Ellie and Baby). I missed her so much the last 2 days. PawPaw is feeling much better, and hopefully he will be home tomorrow. Kate had a great time swimming at GranGran's and PawPaw's pool. She has talked about that since getting home.

Brooks cut his 3rd tooth today! He cut his first 2 within a day of each other, 2 1/2 months ago. He has been such a happier baby the last 2 weeks, and here comes another tooth. What a surprise!

Wesley is running around our house like a tornado. I wish I could attach a duster to him.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Birmingham was great

The JCVMA conference was great. It was good to see many people that I haven't seen in several years. Dr. Bartley, my favorite veterinarian, was there. Dr. Daniel was there too. I was a technician at Dr. Goodwin's clinic when Dr. Bartley was there, and Dr. Daniel did his preceptorship and was employed there, too. It is so strange to think of them as fellow colleagues. Oh, the memories!

Candy, Robin, Rennie, Rebecca, Tonya and Trisha - I saw several faces you would know. Dr. Blagburn and Dr. McIntyre were there was speakers. Mandy Rains was there, too. She was the only classmate of ours I saw there. She looked great; she has lost around 30 pounds since graduating. Brandy (one of the techs from neuro rotation) was there, too. She is in Huntsville now and has a 4 year old daughter that looks just like her.

I thought Dr. Norsworthy's lectures were fantastic, as usual. He always presents such practical information. I got a copy of his latest book - I actually won it in a raffle. I have looked over it for over an hour tonight - it is great! Listening to liver lectures reminds me that I think I have forgotten most that I learned about hepatitis! I plan to really brush up on this topic over the next few weeks. I know, I'm a nerd. But, CE's always get me inspired. I need to study before the inspiration dwindles! HA!

Friday, August 17, 2007

Greetings from afar!

I am in Birmingham this weekend for a veterinary conference. I really do enjoy these things because I learn a lot, but at the same time get reminded of how much I don't know. I need to do this more often than what is required, because it really is motivational.

Scott and Kate are headed down to Mobile tomorrow to visit his dad. He was put back in the hospital this past Wednesday with breathing problems. Please keep him in your prayers. Brooks is staying with Mom - my first night without him! That is a hard pill to swallow. I won't see my Kate for 2 days...

But, I am having a great time. I have enjoyed some time to myself and have shopped while here! Our conference is in the Wynfrey Hotel adjacent to the Galleria, so that makes some nice break time. It's a good thing that I am a R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-L-E shopper! HA!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

I really need a 3rd hand

Wednesday nights are usually a handful for me. The kids and I go to church, and Scott meets us there after work if he gets off earlier enough. I usually have both hands/arms full of kids and bags coming and going. This quarter is a bit hairier, because I am co-teaching and have lessons to bring too.

Well, when my hands are full, Kate will hold on to my skirt or pants leg. This has happened enough times that she does it without being prompted. Tonight was no exception. As we were walking towards the church building, she was holding onto my pants. We were about 10 yards from the building when all of the sudden she grabs a big handful of BUTT, instead of pants!

I guess every person behind us coming to church got a big laugh. I just let her go because I needed to get her in the building and get us all to class.

What was funny was thinking that Scott would have been so proud of her....

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Talk about neat

My Papa (my Dad's father) just returned from a trip to visit the WWII memorial in D.C. This trip (along with others) are being sponsored by some non-profit groups in Valdosta, GA. They are flying as many WWII veterans as possible to see the memorial. He really enjoyed the trip and I wish I could have seen him there.

If case you would like to see some pictures - you can click here: http://www.valdostaphotos.com/photos/main/viewimage-28809-5E6F1350.htm
My Papa is in the back center, just to the left of the black gentleman up front.
http://www.valdostaphotos.com/photos/main/viewimage-29316-5E6F2054.htm
Here is Papa in front of the memorial.

Pony tails


Well, we have found out that neither Home Depot or Lowes carries the hinges we need. So, I am going to call the cabinet guy again today (I hope he doesn't have caller ID - he is probably tired of seeing "The Busbys" come up) to see if he can get the hinges. :O( Man, I'm ready to have the doors back up.
I just had a flashback - Kate crawled up on our bed so quickly, in almost 1 climb. This time last year, she was barely able to crawl up on the bed. How time flies!

Friday, August 10, 2007

A future veterinarian



Last, but not least, is Abby. She is my neighbor's daughter. She has a horse at the barn where Reed is. She has gone to the clinic this summer with me, and I have enjoyed having her there so much. She will definitely go to vet school! I am so proud of the hard worker and christian girl she is!

The clinic






Today was Dr. Brooks' birthday, so I brought a cake for her. Since this was special, I also brought my camera, and took several pictures of the girls for you to see. The first one is of Kimber and Blake. Second is of Dr. Brooks and Jessica. Juli is next. I didn't get Elizabeth's picture today...

The cat in the pictures is Phabio (pronounced Fabio). He had an abscess on his back, but we were more fascinated with his eyes. It must be no fun to be cross eyed all the time.

The dalmation is Topper. He is 10 years old and had 4 herniated discs in his back. He went to the vet school at AU and spent ALOT of money for surgery, but he is walking after only 2 weeks. Fantastic progress! Unfortunately, during his cage confinement, he has hit his tail so often on the cage and crate that it wouldn't stop bleeding, so I amputated part of it off. It's hard to fault a dog that is wagging his tail too much, especially after back surgery. I think he was wagging his tail in this picture! :)

What a great day


Pa said they kids were great again today. I am so glad that he stepped in to help us out! I am also going to post some pictures from work, so everyone can meet my coworkers, and see some animals, too. Aunt Casey is feeling better, Sophia is feeling better and Paw Paw went home from the hospital today! We are all thankful.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Three cheers for Pa!

When Pa always says, "The things I do for my children...", well, it has developed into a fine art. This morning, after Sophia woke up with a fever and Casey still felt terrible, Mom decided to go to Nashville and help the Hesters out. Dad said he would watch Kate and Brooks today! :0) And, I'm happy to say that everyone made out beautifully! Dad said that Kate was an angel all day, and she certainly is a happy girl tonight. Brooks did well for him, too.

Dr. Brooks had a dental appt today, and a massage this afternoon, so I'm so glad that I didn't have to call in sick on her. I even ended up taking the kids to the clinic with me until Dad got there. It was so fun having Kate in exam rooms with me. She was just great. Jessica held Brooks while I worked until Dad got there. What troopers we have!

Pa is coming again tomorrow to keep children again. I hope it will run as smoothly!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Man, is it hot

Well, not much has gone on at the Busby house today. We are still waiting on the cabinet man to come... but, this isn't an emergency. Come to think of it, are there emergencies in the cabinet world?

Dad came by today and got the new lights hung in the kid's bathroom, and he hung the GIGANTIC mirror that I got at the furniture auction last month. Yeah!

Scott's Dad, "Paw Paw", is in the hospital in Mobile. He has pneumonia. For those who don't know, he has struggled his entire life with COPD and emphysema. He hopefully won't be there but a few days. We hope you feel better soon, Paw Paw!

My sister, Casey, has been sick, too! She had a terrible head cold (she equated it to the flu) for the last 9 days, started feeling better, then spend the night throwing up last night. Sophia brought home a 24 hour bug from daycare, but she's fine today. I feel so bad for her - hope you are feeling better too - girl! I'll call you tonight!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

We are almost there

Let me tell you, painting kitchen cabinets are not for the faint of heart. But, they are well worth the effort! We are nearly done, but are having to have a cabinet maker come out and hang the doors. He said that commonly occurs when switching out the type of hinges we have to new ones.

Yesterday I spent the entire day cleaning our house from top to bottom. Mom watched the kids for me so that I could get some serious work done. It is wonderful to have a clean house. I got to go to the barn and see my horse yesterday, too!

You guys keep Scott in mind today. It is SO hot outside. He did fine yesterday, and said that the drivers were reminded yesterday to go slow and drink lots of fluids. Scott said he drank almost 2 gallons of water yesterday! He is sensible about the heat, thank goodness.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Terry and Beth's kids


For those who remember Terry and Beth from Faulkner, here is an updated picture of their kids: Cruz and Callie. Aren't they precious!? Doesn't Cruz look like Terry?

Friday, August 3, 2007

New cabinets





Here are pics of the new cabinets. I couldn't add enough pics before...

Are we there yet?






This week has been L-O-N-G-E-R than last week!

Here are the before pictures...

The first 2 are of the house right after we put a contract on it. The second 2 are of the kitchen just before we started painting. As you can see, our appliances have been changed out, the new floors are in, and we added the recessed lighting (thanks, Jason!)

Our kitchen cabinets are almost finished. Here's what we have done:
  1. sand all surfaces

  2. paint 2 coats of oil based (I know, yuck) primer

  3. sand in between the primer coats

  4. paint 2 coats of our paint color

  5. go over all surfaces with a milk chocolate glaze

  6. paint 2-3 coats of polycrylic
We are half way through #5. I hope to get the rest of the glazing done tonight. Then maybe we can start with the polycrylic tomorrow. Scott is at Home Depot looking for hinges right now. We already have knobs and handles picked out. They are so pretty!

Auburn Hill Drive, Chapter 2



Most of you don't know, but we live on a historical street. The first governor of Alabama (and the only gov of Alabama as a territory) is buried on this street. This land was once their family farm. He and his wife and several children are buried in a private cemetary at the end of the street. You can barely see the black wrough iron of the graveyard by the american flag. There are several young children buried there - it reminds me of how fragile babies were back in those days. I am so glad we live in 2007!

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Kate funny

We had "somehow" misplaced our cordless phone earlier this week. Scott just knew he had it outside while we were painting, but we couldn't find it. So, we were attached to the phone on the wall the last few days. This morning, while in the kitchen, I heard the cordless phone ringing when Scott called. I searched the house but then couldn't hear it. I went outside on the carport and heard it more clearly, though still muffled.

Then it hit me.

I opened up the new mailbox (yet to be put up), and found all of our miniature paint rollers, a rubber ball, and the telephone. Thanks, Kate...

Happy Birthday to me!

I almost forgot (easy to do these days) - today is my birthday! :) Bullet should be getting fixed today, too - so we will have our AC back! :)

What I did on my vacation

We have been painting kitchen cabinets since Sunday. What a job! We have all the doors lined up in order on our carport, and Scott got the bottom half of the framing sanded and painted last night. We are finally ready for the paint color - I am excited about that. I have some before pics taken, but my memory card is full, so I will have to move some pics to a CD before I can take some after. Not that we are finished anyway!

The kids have been great, as always. Brooks had a really fussy day on Sunday, but he has been a bit better since. I think that he missed me last week, and his routine got all off. Unfortunately, being so tired on Sunday (from working last week), the fussiness was hard to deal with at church. But, even on the bad days, I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. We are so thankful for our kids.

Has Kate done anything cute lately? Yesterday, at the paint store, she was telling me all the numbers she could see. Then she was telling me all the letters, and what sounds they made. Brooks is "crawling" - really pulling - himself around. He isn't stationary any longer. I need to update the baby book before I forget.