Sick day and other random thoughts.

Well today I was going to write up a nice little layer mask tutorial.
That was my intention anyway.
However, yesterday I wasn't feeling well.
I thought it was just due to a cold I am fighting.
Well, after a long night spent hugging the porcelain throne,
I don't have it in me to write a tutorial.
However, being the smart and resourceful person that I am.
And not wanting to do any more work than needed.
I had this bright idea.
Rita, over at the Coffeeshop has written a wonderful layer mask tutorial for Elements users.
Why re-invent the wheel?
See, I'm smart like that.
Don't forget that elements does not have a layer mask stand alone. You will need to download that here.
Rita gives instructions on how to download actions on your version of Elements.
Thank you Rita.
Layer masks will make your life complete.



I am also compelled to show you these.
Remember this little cutie?




He now goes by Behemoth Buck.
Behemoth is not an understatement.
This is a week and a half worth of growth.
I promise there were no steroids involved.

On second thought, his favorite side dish is spinach.


And because I feel it is my duty to share all sides of the story.


Owning a duck, does have it's down side.


Because the nature of the last two pictures did not sit well with my stomach.
I am going to go crawl back into bed.
Good-bye and good luck.

The Story Behind "Buck" the Duck.

I promised that I would give an explanation.
The reason behind our recent duck purchase.
In fact, I think I need an explanation for why this happened.
So I will try.
I blame "Fritz".
We met Fritz the day before Buck came to be a part of our family.
Fritz is also a duck.
He was taking his owner for a walk in the park.
At the duck pond.
It was quite the sight.
A white duck waddling right beside a lady.
Just as I was thinking, "Hmmm...it almost looks as if that duck belongs to her", she picked him up and snuggled him close.
The kids quickly approached her, wanting to get a closer look.
They bombarded her with all kinds of questions.
Does he swim?
No, he just watches the other ducks. He doesn't know he's a duck.
Where does he sleep?
Oh, he sleeps with us.
Doesn't he poop all over.
No, he wears duck diapers.
Why of course, what a silly question kids.
Does he stay inside all day?
Oh, of course not, he has a little pen in the back yard, but he is not too thrilled with it.
This is because Fritz doesn't know he's a duck.
He thinks he's human.
At this point the duck is nuzzling this lady's neck while the kids are rubbing it's back.
I am literally thinking...CRAZY DUCK LADY!
Fast forward one day.
The kids have been talking about the duck non-stop.
C-boy is out trying to tame the hens, but quickly aborts his plan when Brewster the rooster decides to attack.
He comes in and asks if he can cut his head off with an axe.
But Brewster's newly aggressive behavior is a whole different topic.
Right now we are talking about Buck.
So we needed to buy some more chicken feed and headed to the feed store.
Lo and behold, baby ducks had just arrived.
C-boy immediately wanted one. He had five dollars burning a hole in his pocket.
The duck was $4.99.
I did say NO, initially. I really did.
But the animal loving store worker kept talking with C-boy, telling him what an amazing pet a duck makes.
I mentioned Fritz to the guy and he knew Fritz personally.
I should have known.
He then told me we could integrate the duck in with the chickens, and that the duck eats the same food as the chickens.
That's all I needed to hear.
I figured it was just like adding one more chicken to the family.
We bought the duck.
Buck, at this point, has not integrated with the chickens.
He is sleeping in our laundry room, in a giant tupperware storage bin.
All snuggled in under a cozy heat lamp.
Did I mention ducks stink.
They make a mess with their water and food.
Turning it into a soggy concoction.
I don't think I love this duck.


But, I must say, he is impossibly cute.


He loves social interaction. He's a social duck.


He enjoys a little hair nibble.


Loves him some "cheek".
I beg you not to look through J-boy's glasses.



And can't get enough "lobe".


And when he's had all the nibbling he can take.
He enjoys a little nap.


And the smile on these faces.
Is why I said YES to the duck.
But I will say this.
If your child wants a duck.
JUST SAY NO.

What I needed

I will make a promise to you.
I promise that not every post from here on out is going to be about a duck.
I promise that I will take as many pictures of my children as I do of the duck.
I promise that this week I will tell you the story behind my impulsive "Yes" to the duck.
I know that many of you are concerned about my mental state.
As you should be.
I am fully aware that a duck is an interesting, if not strange, choice for a family pet.
But I can explain, I really can.
But enough about the duck.
For today, anyway.
************************************************************************************



Now, time for a confession.
I love being a Mom.
I love being with my children and husband.
I really do.
But, yesterday, after a culmination of events..
It felt like the sacrifice was too much.
I will spare you from all of the details of my mini-meltdown.
But we'll just say, there was a mini-meltdown.
Here is what I love about God.
He knows what I NEED exactly when I need it.
So, yesterday, when I jumped in my get away car...
I believe it was NO accident...
That this song was playing.



He is and was exactly what I needed.




Don't forget, tomorrow is Mom n' Me Monday. Dad's are welcome too! Just post a picture of you with your little's and come back here and link up. I am loving seeing all of you with your little treasures!

WHAT THE.............

Meet "Buck".

I wanted to name him Bill.

Get it? Like Duck Bill!

No such luck.
I plead a momentary lapse of sanity.
Last night, once all the kids were tucked in bed.
And Buck was crying for attention.
I just might have said, "I can't believe we own a duck!"
To which D-man replied, "I can...I live with YOU!"
Is he implying that I'm impulsive???
Because that would be so not true.
But then again.

WE HAVE A DUCK!