Time for Another Tasty Names Family Update!

Lots of things have been going on . . .

Unfortunately, I did not get the special education aide position at Buffalo Wings' school, but I did get hired as a substitute teacher! It may actually work out better this way. Had I gotten the aide job, I would have had to leave probably just after the term started after Christmas, since I'll be looking for an internship (student teaching) at that time. Besides, by substituting, I'll be known in probably all of the schools in the district, which I hope will make it easier for me to get a job when the time comes.

I've pushed the start of my training back just a bit, to Nov. 1. I feel good about that. It had something to do with my sweet brother turning in some paperwork a bit late (he co-signed for my Region IV loan), but it's really OK. And I love him very much. :o) And I'm actually not upset about it. It will be nice to ease into work a little before having to pile studying on top of it.

Remember the fridge incident (go down a few posts to "Oy Vey!")? Well . . . now we have to get our shower replaced! Here's how it has all gone down:
I came in from work a few nights ago and smelled a smell.
I said, "What's that smell?"
BW said, "What smell?"
He hasn't been able to smell for about a week and a half now, due to sinus issues.
Upon further investigation over the next couple of days, I discovered that the smell was mold, coming from a damp wall and carpet, which was hidden by a rubbermaid container. The damp carpet and wall are adjacent to the shower in the master bathroom. We called our landlords, who send a plumber. The plumber said that the shower is leaking everywhere, not just into our bedroom, and the entire bottom part will have to be torn out and redone - drain, tile, and all. I feel awful for our poor landlords, who really have been such a blessing to us. They take great care of us and this house, and never hesitate at the slightest problem. So . . . I'm not looking forward to the grand mess that is about to take place here!

My parents are coming next week, to help celebrate Banana's second birthday! Where did these past two years go???? He's so big and sweet. I can hardly believe he was ever a tiny little baby. We'll be having a little party for him a week from Saturday. Wish you could all be here with us!

As per substitute teaching, I put in my two-weeks' notice at the store. My boss asked if I could stay on minimally, as well as if I could pick up some hours over the holidays and in the summer. She said I could essentially make my own schedule and keep my discount! For the time being, I'll be working every second Tuesday and every second Saturday.

Soccer is in full-swing. Chicken Nugget is playing strong, and BW is her coach. She's so cute! This is her third year to play, and she loves it. The other two kids love to go to the games and watch her, and Banana really tries to run out onto the field and join the game!

We got a cat. Well, actually, a cat wandered up to the house one day while Noodle, Banana, and I were out playing. He is still a kitten, but a bigger kitten, and he was really hungry. I fed him. And I kept feeding him. And the kids started to pet him. And we named him. So now he is our cat, and his name is Eddie, and even BW likes him (from a distance), even though he is allergic.

I stepped out into the garage the other night and standing there, pretty as you please, was quite a large possum. It's been many years since I've seen a possum that close up, and though it didn't scare me, it was not the sight I expected to see. The thing turned its head to look at me, and I could swear it smiled. Then it turned back to where it had been eating the cat's food, seemed to think for a moment, and moved its clumsy body to waddle under our van. I called BW out there to experience the possum with me.
"What do you do with a possum?" he asked," Will it attack me?"
"I don't think so," I said, "See if it is still under the van."
BW looked and sure enough, it was still there.
"It looked at me," he said.
I went over to a picture that I was painting, sat down, and didn't give another thought to the possum. BW stood there, a bit bewildered, checked under the van again, but the possum was gone. Eddie hopped up to help me paint. A peaceful night ensued.

I'll leave you with some funny quotes:

BW, upon coming home from school one day:
"I'm tired."
"Of what?" I asked.
"Lots of things," he answered, "but mostly of being awake."

Noodle, upon laying down for a nap:
"I love you. And I love Daddy. And I love Banana and Chicken Nugget. I love my family."
"Awww . . . we love you too." I said.
"Ewww . . . you stink."

Banana, upon pretending to be a dinosaur:
"Rooooaaaaarrrrr!!!!!!!!!"
Me: "Oh! I'm so scared!" (pretending to cry)
Banana, pauses and looks concerned: "Don't cry, Mamma. I'll keep you safe." (hug)

Chicken Nugget and Noodle go with me to the store to pick up my paycheck. I walk into the store, dancing as usual. My co-workers make fun of me, as usual, trying to tell me that I am not a good dancer.
"CN," I say, "Tell them I am a good dancer!"
CN, after pause, says, "Well . . . do I have to?"

Noodle, after climbing up into my lap and giving me a hug, says:
"I'm daddy's girl!"
"Oh!" I say, "You're not mommy's girl?"
"No. But I'm still your family."