never say never

I have always said, "I will never have a cat!" No offense to cat lovers out there...I've just never been into them. Kittens yes. Sometimes. But the work, the mess, the food, the vet. Four children seem enough work most days.

And then I stopped in at my friend, Jackie's house this week....and she needed a home for these kittens. That are about 4 months old. Although you can't see in the above picture...This kitten has blue eyes. He is so cute.

And again...I said never....but look at the joy this little animal brings. So far William changes his kitten's name everyday..His name has been Junior, Sugar, and Buddy.

These kittens stay outside. And so every day since we got them on Tuesday....my children spend hours outside.

Just loving on them....
And watching every move.

However we were gone last night and the kittens must have got lonely...because the neighbor called and had a little message for us. And I quote the phone message,

"Ugh...Don & Heather, this is Toby....this is NOT going to work - your cats are crawling on our screens. My dog is going crazy. This is not going to work."

Ahhhh....I know that's what I get for living in a sub-division.

But honestly this is the only complaint. I love that we can walk in the evenings without fear of fast paced traffic. I love the neighborhood. There is just a few things you sacrifice to live close to others. And I know God planted me here for a reason. I have several things to work on. One of them being my attitude.

Fortunately Donovan in this situation took care of personal relations this time. He called the neighbor this morning and apologized for the inconvenience and disruption. And that we will work at a solution.

I do not want to ruin their screens. I do want the kittens to stay over in our yard. Now any ideas how I can accomplishment this?? Without pouring money down the drain?

In other news....this was applesauce week.

Since our 2nd child was born, it has been our tradition to invite both of Donovan's grandma's over, his mama, and my step-mom over to help. This year my step-mom wasn't able to help, but my sister-in-law came instead. I really did poorly at getting pictures this year.

But I tell you what...the grandma's that were here cut 3 bushels of apples by 10:30! It was amazing.
I wish I would've gotten pictures of them talking and cutting up the apples.
This is Suzy's Great Grandma Lydia....who helped out by reading to Suzy while we got lunch ready. I really do value my children knowing their grandparents. And their great-grandparents. Something I never knew as a child. They are so blessed.
And this is what happens when the grandma's leave and you are busy trying to get applesauce into the canner. Big brother hands over the chocolate to baby sister. Good thing there is only one bite out of each of the 9 chocolate bars she was given.