Noah The Turtle

The Thompson household isn't full of just dogs, we also have 3 outdoor cats and 3 indoor cats (Ragdolls) , a snake, and Noah, our California Desert Turtle. Noah was found 2 years ago in a empty lot in very poor condition. He'd obviously escaped from someone and hadn't had food or water in quite awhile. We have had turtles in the past so we brought him home and nursed him back to health. He has become an interesting part of our menagerie and the Poms just love him. Mick herds him around the yard and loves to guard him from the other dogs when Noah is eating. These pictures taken today show Noah eating some corn on the cob, Mickey protecting him and then Mickey stealing from him!!!!

Father's Day a Day Early

My first week of vacation was so enjoyable. I watched Aubrey in the mornings and got to watch Einstein DVD's and play on the floor with all kinds of toys. I got to watch her experience Zwiebach Toast, smile, play, sleep and throw food on the floor.I also got to catch up on some much needed rest this past week and got the house a little more organized.
Tonite we celebrated Father's day a day early because Brad has to leave for Arizona tomorrow and will be gone till Thursday. So, we all met at PF Chang's and enjoyed a delicious meal together. Of course, Aubrey was there and she has been such a welcome addition to our family. It is fun to have a baby around again that fusses , throws food, makes noise and gives the best smiles in the world. Brad and Justin are good Fathers and tomorrow I hope to let my own father know how much I love and appreciate him. Happy Father's Day

Follow-up

I just thought I should follow-up with my decision on my job dilema. Well, I signed the contract with KCSOS!!!! It was a very stressful week but I feel very good about my decision. It was very difficult to go into work on Friday and tell people I'd worked closely with for 17 years that I wouldn't be returning. I was emotional at times and it was difficult to clean out my belongings, wipe-out my computer and drive away from a job that has been very good to me. However, I am confident that I am going into this new job with assurance that this is where I am supposed to go. I'm excited about the change and looking forward to see where this job will take me in the field of school nursing.

While I was cleaning out my belongings the other nurses were already dividing up my schools and my supervisor was having my job posted. Now, I'm not saying they aren't going to miss me but, they didn't miss a beat, I am replaceable!!!! LOL

On a brighter note, my little grandaughter Aubrey turned 9 months old on the 8th of June and for the next 3 weeks I get to take care of her while her mom and dad are teaching summer school. I'm very excited about spending time with her and looking forward to some time off before starting my new job.

Job Dilemma

What a dilemma, I'm ready to make a decision about taking a job with the Kern Co. Supt. of Schools and it is very difficult decision. I work in a job now where I feel very comfortable with all of my schools and principals, have lots of very wonderful friends and students that I work with and it is really a pretty easy job. I am looking at taking on a very challenging, but, and this is a big but, the new job will be much more personally satisfying with many more opportunities to make an impact on the health and well being of children. I feel that it is a job that I will be respected as a school nurse and that my input and creativity will be valued.

OK, sounds good, the down side is I don't get credit for all my experience and my salary will start out basically the same as it is now but the ceiling cap on the new job is $20,000 more than my current job. I will be working more days and an hour longer each day. They have offered me as many extra days as I want to make up for the salary loss (who wants to work more?). They also assure me that in less than two years I'll be far higher than I would be if I stayed where I am. They are getting a probable 4% increase in July. That doesn't sound all that bad if expenses for a dog show, vet bill or a cruise come up! Another big plus is I make my own schedule!!! That is a big PLUS.

OK, so, keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I consider my options and make my decision. I know God has plans for me,to give me a future and a hope . Pray that I keep myself open to his guidance . KIM

Doodle Bug park

Video showing Doodle Bug Park

Kurt's Triathlon Sprint

I can't believe it, the end of May is here and the school year is coming to a close. Life has been busy and hectic as I'm considering a job change, training dogs, going to classes , birthdays, graduations and planning vacations.

Yesterday Brad and I gathered all the dogs and drove out to Lake Ming to watch Kurt who had entered the Action Sports Bakersfield Triathlon Sprint. First of all, what a mistake to have brought the dogs, there were fox tails everywhere and I found out that having a fluffy little Pomeranian around fox tails is AWFUL!! They were miserable and hours had to be spent to get rid of all those burrowing fox tails and we are still concerned that Daisy might have one in her ear. But, back to the Triathlon, Kurt did fantastic!! His final time was 1 hour 24 minutes and 37 seconds and he came in 3rd for his age group (20-24) and 18th overall!! Way to go Kurt and I bet this is just the first of many races. He trained a lot taking time to bicycle, run and swim in preparation for this race and loosing about 15 pounds in the process. Alisha, Barbie and Aubrey were also there to cheer him on.

Hollywood Dog Obedience Club

Well, more dog info to post!! Mick, Gage and I traveled South to the Hollywood Dog Obedience Club's Obedience Trial/Rally Trial. Both of them had completed their Rally Novice title so it was time to take the big step to Rally Advanced. In Advanced Rally the dog has several new exercises added to the course such as pivots and side steps and a jump plus the dog must do the whole course off-lead. Well, we arrived at the Gabrieleno Equestrian Center and it was a beautiful and clear day but very windy and when I checked in I found out that Gage would be the first entry to do the Advanced Rally A course and Mick would be the last. As our turn drew close I began to feel a little nervous and hoped my boys wouldn't blow away because it was pretty windy. Gage did just great and it is such a feeling of accomplishment to spend time training a dog and to be successful. Gage scored a 91 and ended up in third place and completed his first leg for Advanced Rally out of a needed 3 legs. Gage did a really tricky pivot by doing a complete flip in the air and landing at my side (such a showboat). Mick went in last and Mick is notorious for not always paying close attention but let me tell you, this boy can strut and everyone said he looked very attentive and quite beautiful. Mick made it through the course and also received a qualifying score of 79 however it took a lot to keep his attention and I thought I was going to be hoarse by the end of the course. YEAH!!! It is so much fun to see your time and efforts at training be rewarded as you work as a team. You can't tell I love these guys can you?