my kids are getting big...

School Pictures came home today...somehow they look more grown up here than on my own snapshots. *sniff sniff*

Mean People-revisited

Last week, in a fit of emotion, I eloquently stated that "mean people suck."  When I didn't elaborate, people emailed or called me wanting to know what terrible ordeal I had been through.

The reality is, there wasn't any huge "ordeal" that caused me to come to my epiphany, just daily encounters with everyday people that left me feeling less than warm and fuzzy.  I'm no perfectly cheery person, but I am a "pay it forward" kind of person.  I smile at people and say hi or good morning most of the time-probably a leftover from the campus "howdy" at A&M; I let people cut in line on the highway; I always give moms that sympathetic smile at WalMart when I can see they are at their wit's end.  

I think because of my "we are the world, incense and crystals" mentality, I'm constantly shocked when someone is beyond rude, beyond hateful, and just really really mean.   I suppose you could say I'm a little learning disabled in this area of instruction; Todd looks at me when I'm in a fit of hurt saying, "Really?  You haven't figured this out by now?"  No, I haven't.  And I don't want to.

Here are a few examples in no particular chronological order or level of importance:

Example #1:  WalMart checker having a look of HATE as I pull out my coupons, my reusable bags, and Grady pushes her bag holder thingie.  Really?  A-You guys sold me the bags, and B-Am I not allowed to use my coupons or have children? Yes, both are annoying, but didn't you see the wine in my basket?  The coupons help me save a little extra so I can have that extra bottle; the bags make me feel happy about not using plastic. Lighten up.

Example #2:  Coworkers.  Aren't we all on the same team?  Take a deep breath.

Example #3:  Other drivers.  The road was built for all of us.  I'm just sayin'.  Turn up the radio and relax in the few minutes of the day that you are sitting down and all the kids are tied up.

Example #4:  Moms having a look of superiority as they look upon another mom in distress. Go ahead, bask in your wonderfulness and judgement, but the minute you do, I guarantee your kid will pee his pants and cuss like a Sailor about how you haven't fed him in the last week.  Get off your high horse.

Example #5:  The anonymous comment.  If you have something to say, own it.  Or, as my "Grandpappy Old Reliable used to say" (bonus points if you know what movie that's from), "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

The end.  That's really all I have to say about that.  :)

The Swine

I'm not sure what to think of the Swine Flu craziness. I am usually not one for overreacting, but all this craziness has left even me searching out a little more Purell. FWISD is closed until May 11? Crazy.

I've read my fair share of internet info, and I'm still not freaked out. Yet. Maybe tomorrow when the State of Texas closes I will understand the pandemic a little more clearly.

It's Called Talladega!

You watch the entire race twice a year knowing something big is going to happen. It does not get any bigger than this. This wreck happened about 100 yards from the finish line. Unfortunately 7 fans were hurt in this melee. I believe the worse injury was a broken jaw bone so at least nothing too serious. I guess that person will have to sip the beer through a straw for a while. It is amazing how the fence held up against a 3,500 lb car flying through the air at 190 mph. You have to see it!


http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=db7a84f0-41b0-458f-b127-29248f690854&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral

Big Kid Fun

We had big fun this weekend! One of my most favorite people, Brandi (and her lovely family) came to visit. They rolled in about 8 Friday night, and we began the immediate comfortable conversation of old friends. We sat on the back porch sipping beverages and telling wonderful stories, both old and new. Saturday, we parted ways for a few hours while they spent some quality time with family still living here, and Todd and I spent some productive time getting dinner and spirits ready for another night of relaxing fun. Shelly and Jared came over for round 2, and we again laughed around the dinner table for hours and hours. With still so much to talk about, Brandi and I forced ourselves to go to bed around 2 this morning. I guess we wanted to soak up each second of that quality time; it's great to be blessed with such good people in my life-people that make me feel happy.

During all of the big grown up fun, our kids had wonderful little person fun. They spent most of the time in the backyard on the trampoline, but also went a hike, colored, played Wii, Star Wars, and Barbies (depending on how teams were divided.) There were even a few slumber parties thrown in for extra super bonding fun. Our families don't see eachother often, so it was neat to see our kids form their own little relationships and realize their own common ground.

Here's to a great weekend with wonderful friends! We miss you guys already! :)

babies

These little cuties just hatched on our back porch! Their mom has been very protective of her nest on our speaker, and now we know why! It's so fun to hear their little chirps, and see their beaks pop open when we close the back door. The kids have loved watching the nest building, egg laying, bird hatching process, and of course-I loved seeing that enthusiasm. This is what having a "backyard classroom" is all about! :)

on raising a slob

Friday morning I went into Madison's room to get it ready for weekend company. The day before, I had asked her to put away laundry, toys, etc, and this was her solution. Notice the clean clothes still in the laundry basket, the other clothes thrown on the shelf; the picture below shows her crazy wonderful organization skills at work with her toys.
I spent the next 2 hours clearing out 4 trashbags of crap, and 2 bags of clothes. I almost went Dr. Phil on her booty clearing out everything in her room, and making her earn it back bit by bit. Instead, I settled for a minimalist approach and kept only the most obvious treasures. When Madison came home, she was met with a new improved closet: She was a little stressed when she couldn't find her Little Pet Shop extravaganza, and had quite the meltdown when one of her handwritten stories was "missing." My solution? Put your crap away so I don't get confused and think it's trash.

excessive?

Chili's take-out, dinner for five. I think this is just a little too much packaging for one meal-heck for 5 meals. Didn't we celebrate something this week? Right. Earth Day-Jarhead must have discussed proper celebration techniques with the managers.

Dermatologist-Stage 1

At the intense urging of my sweet husband and overprotective father, I went to the dermatologist today to have a few "irregular spots" looked over. I've had multiple moles change shape in some way over the last couple years, and most recently, a few odd, dark spots have appeared on my forehead. Being an albino, so to speak, and having multiple sunburns throughout my life, I have the history to be concerned when things just don't look "as they used to". I've also watched my dad battle the effects too much UV, and hope to avoid some of the treatments he's had to endure. After today's visit though, I'm not sure it's going to be avoidable.

I was pretty insecure sitting in the waiting room because I felt like an official over-reactor, but had promised the men in my life I would have these things checked out, so there I was. Once I was called into the examining room I explained my insecurity, peer pressure, and then exposed my spots.

That's when the lecture began.

I felt like a child in time-out for throwing a fit. She looked at my spots, took measurements, asked my my "sunburn history" (uh-every summer for the past 33 years? plus some!), and then proceeded to explain the sun damage on my arms spot for spot. She showed me the contrast in my forearm vs. underarm, and the exact amount of sun damage involved in that contrast. The entire time she was berating me about my skin and all its damage, I was cussing myself for not bathing in sunscreen since I was 3. I felt like apologizing, but all I did was shake my head in understanding.

The thing is, I'm probably one of the most anal sunscreen or hat wearin' people you might come across, but my skin betrays me. Very rarely do I intend to get any sun at all-it's almost like I'm a sun magnet, and even through applications of sunscreen my skin will burn...sizzle....cook, etc. The doc told me to apply sunscreen to my face and body everyday, and apply every two hours whether I need to or not. She also told me not to consider staying outside for more than 30 minutes without a hat. I say she told me, but really she kind of yelled at me. Nothing I could have said in my defense would have mattered. My skin gave me away.

In the end, my moles were fine, but she plans on "watching them." Anything larger than 6mm, anything that changes to an irregular shape, and any color change is worth noting from this point forward. She was not happy with the spots on my forehead, but said it was early to do any kind of treatment. She told me we could not "reverse the damage already done", but we could prevent future damage from this point forward. I felt whupped.

So, I plan on making some intense sunscreen purchases tomorrow, and lathering up hourly as directed. Hopefully, next time I will get a lollipop instead of a lecture.

Bless me Father, for I have sinned...

Madison made her First Confession tonight. She was all stressed about it, which I thought was kind of funny. I mean, how bad could her sins be? Was she really mean to her brothers? or really really mean. :) I tried to ease her fears though, and as we practiced her prayers we went over the ceremony step by step. She seemed a little more comfortable after that, but still wary of the whole thing. When we arrived at church, I gave her a rosary that Sona, one of her Godmothers, had bought for her while visiting Notre Dame. I told her to hold it tight, and when she was nervous to just think of us and how proud we are of her and this big moment. I think she felt super special after that.

Then the festivities began. Even armed with her special rosary, she still looked a little nervous.Father talked to them about "God's eraser", and went over a Gospel from Luke. I think he sensed the tension because he also went over the mechanics of the little ceremony and told all the kids not to worry.

Then there was the waiting. Madison looked totally angelic the entire time. I'm sure she was just examining her conscience.When it was finally her turn, she slowly walked up to the priest and laid it all out there for him. I got a thumbs up on her walk back to her seat, so I guessed it was all good.

After the ceremony, she received an official certificate and plaque of the Act of Contrition. She told me she felt weird, but good. She was looking forward to saying the prayer again before bedtime to have her "special time," which made me smile. Special time is always a good thing, and I'm glad tonight made that impression on our Madison.

Spring Fun Run

It started with kindergarten, and Tanner was all smiles as he and Todd headed down the half-mile path. He looked like he might be bookin' it a little faster than in the fall, and even outran Todd for a few seconds at the finish line. He was dern proud of that medal too.
Second grade was soon up to speed, and off to the races. Madison tackled the 3/4 mile run again this time around, although she looks like she might be just going for a walk in the park...

That is until the end of the race-that looked a little more brutal...don't you think?

But, she was the 5th or 6th girl to finish in that longer run, so that may have made it all worth it. They both beat their fall times, and I might, maybe, perhaps have seen a little more competitiveness than the fall? They get that from me and my "can't we all just get along" nature. :) Not only did they have fun during the run, but they couldn't wait to cheer on their friends and offer congrats at the end of every race. That's worth a medal in my book. Todd also wins a medal for running with both kids, definitely earning that watered down grape gatorade at the finish line. Way to go Scroggins Clan!

mean people suck

and that's all I have to say about that.

a reflection on time management

Last Friday, I finished up my 6 week long term sub gig in 6th grade Science. People kept asking me if I was super pumped about my "last day", and to be honest, it just kind of came and went without fanfare or hoopla. When I told the kids it was my last day, some jaws actually dropped at how fast the time had gone. I took that as a good sign in that I provided a somewhat nice transition between teachers, and that the kids weren't counting down the days until the "crazy sub" left. :) Some were super sweet and asked me to stay-that they would even miss me, and others, well, I know they did a little happy dance to see me go. Remember, these were 6th graders. But overall, I have to say that I really enjoyed being back in my 'element' (hehe, science nerd joke), teaching my favorite things and getting to know these kids. I enjoyed the daily adult conversation, the schedule, the creativity, and the surprises of everyday. Todd even had lunch with me a few times, and the smirk on his face when he watched me teach told me I was totally back in my groove, which was also a nice feeling.

That being said, our life had its total crazy moments while Todd and I constantly coordinated our schedules to complete the endless to-do lists. Not that our life doesn't always have crazy moments-this was just a new kind of crazy. I had to learn to let go of a clean house and a made bed. We both had to learn to problem solve mealtime with an incomplete pantry. Laundry was never ending, and free time was a new kind of luxury. I missed a kindergarten field trip, rarely worked out, and cutting my hair? Impossible.

Transitioning back into "home life" these past 2 days has been interesting. It seems that no matter which hat I'm wearing, time management is my greatest weakness. Monday morning stretched endlessly before me as I made my mental to do list. I thought I had plenty of time to sit for breakfast, play a little Star Wars with Grady, watch a little Dora, take a little inventory of my flowerbeds, and take Marley on a little walk. Before I knew it, it was 11:30, Todd was headed home for lunch, and I hadn't showered or made myself presentable in any way. I realized if I had been at school, I would have already taught 4 classes. As it stood at home, I had spastically started some laundry, made a bed or two, and put away 2 of the 4 breakfast dishes. How unproductive can a person be?? Now, because of my crazy need for productivity and order, as a SAHM, I have learned to submerge myself in an array of sanity-saving plans for both me and the kids. Because of their structure, I am quite the advocate for these playgroups and other activities, but on this particular day, ADD took over. I also have to admit though, this was not the first time a day got away from me before a brush met my hair. But, snuggling and playing with Grady for the morning-also a nice feeling.

My point? I might not have one. I just know that both sides of the coin are equally frustrating and fulfilling. I see women, moms, and even dads having the working vs. staying home discussion all the time, and most of the time I see tempers flaring. I see women getting defensive and hurt; I see moms putting their collective arms around their children and desperately hoping for wisdom as they take each step deeper into motherhood. My conclusion: there is no right answer to this debate; there is only your answer, and I wish that as women and mothers we were more accepting of that fact. I wish it felt like we were all on the same side, and no matter a person's choice in hats, we all embraced motherhood, eachother, and most importantly, ourselves with acceptance, tenderness, and understanding. I suppose that's my point-there are ups and downs to so many things in this crazy world, wouldn't it be great if we all held on to eachother for the ride?

April 21st

Aggies gathered together on June 26, 1883 to live over again their college days, the victories and defeats won and lost upon the drill field and classroom. Eventually the annual gathering evolved into a celebration of Texas Independence on San Jacinto Day – April 21st. Over time the tradition has changed, but its very essence has remained “If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.” Muster is celebrated in more than four hundred places worldwide, with the largest ceremony on the Texas A&M campus in College Station. Aggie Muster as we know it today is credited to E. E. McQuillen ’20, who served as the Executive Secretary of The Association of Former Students. It is fitting that he was honored to serve as the first Campus Muster speaker.

Muster is a time to look to the past, present, and future…not only to grieve but to reflect and to celebrate the lives that connect us to one another. A gesture so simple in nature yet so lasting in spirit, Muster is the lasting impression every Aggie leaves with us; it reminds us of the greatness that lies within these walls, of the loyalty we possess, of the connection that binds us, and of the idea that every Aggie has a place of importance – whether they are present in flesh or spirit.

Source

Clothesline

Todd recently put up my clothesline. Since its installation, a few friends have eyed it skeptically asking if it was indeed, a clothesline. I can answered that yes, it was. I noticed my neighbor's clothesline shortly after we moved into our house, and then began noticing them more and more around town. I asked Todd to make one for me, but he just rolled his eyes. However, his Grandad overheard my request, and welded one for me special. I love it. It makes me super happy to hang my laundry in the fresh air, and there's just something so serene about taking a minute to walk outside from my crazy house and overrun life to do something as simple as hanging a comforter in the wind. It's a still moment-and I'm thinking a collection of still moments might lead to a still mind. Imagine that.

girl scout campount-year 2

This weekend, Madison and I adventured to Lake Murray with her Girl Scout Troop. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical of the potential for superfun given our forecast of cold and rain. BUT-it turned out to be a lovely weekend of giggles and fun for the girls and their leaders.

We arrived Friday night to set up camp, and started the excitement with hot dogs and snickerdoodles. Yum. Saturday morning we headed to Tucker Tower for a workshop on animals headed by a real live conservationist. She was a little dramatic with the many animal skins and stuffed animals, but the girls were througholy engrossed-as you can see.After the show and tell, the girls made animal footprint casts from molds. Crafty Madison totally grooved on this. I have to brag, our girls listened and behaved like angels throughout the entire workshop. We were proud.

While the molds dried, the girls went to the top of the tower, and Madison snapped these landscape pics. She's dying for a "real camera" of her own. Guess she does take after her mom in some ways!

We headed back to camp, went on a hike, and made "dinner packets" that we cooked in the coals of our campfire. Along the way, the girls played "truth or dare", "I Spy", and just gabbed the way girls do. Saturday night we attended a bonfire with all the troops camping. The girls sang a song they made up, and watched the other skits. The night ended by retiring an American Flag in the bonfire. Madison and I both got a little teary as the owner of the flag described how that flag was flown everyday by her Great Grandparents when their 5 sons were fighting in WWII. I guess Madison's a little like her mom in other ways too.

Sunday we closed camp with a morning service thanking God for all the wonderful people and blessings He has given us. Overall-a wonderfully successful event thanks to our super fantastic troop leaders-troop leaders that made me laugh out loud all weekend! Definitely one for the memory books! :)

Federal Criminal Court Witness Duty is Fun!

Oh, except for the 10 hours I had to stand outside the court waiting my turn for 2 days. Come on you either paid your taxes or you didn't, it is real simple. Just sayin!

another day at the zoo

Tuesday, Tanner's kindergarten class went on a field trip to the zoo. I was overwhelmed with guilt for not making the trip, but being "just a sub", I didn't feel I could take the day off as I might normally do. Initially, I had enlisted Todd to step in as chaperone, but he was called to the Big City to testify in court on some hospital accounting issue. (Yes, you read that right. Just imagine.) So, we packed Tanner his little sack lunch, and sent him on his little way. Luckily, I'm blessed with some really awesome friends who were fulfilling their supermom duty and attending the event. They watched over my Tanner, bought him a toy at the gift shop (totally above and beyond the call of duty!), and gave him a ride home. Thank you so much Jennifer and April for being mom substitutes, and EVEN sending along these superwonderful pictures! I owe you a million! Just start a tab, will ya? :)
Just think how many pictures like this we will have in about 12 more years! I can't wait to put together the scrapbook!!! But then again, I can. :)

Tax Season Disclaimer

I think it is funny that most people think that if you are a CPA you must be a tax expert. Obviously we know more than most people, but we don't know everything. The reason most CPAs are not experts is because accounting has many more uses in the job world than filing taxes for people and therefore you don't have to mess with taxes except personally if you don't want to in a job function. Most intelligent CPAs can probably figure most of it out with some time to research. We did have to take some classes. But you must remember, that tax laws change and unless it is relevant to me I may not know about it. The reason I say this is because more than 2 people were asking me for advice on April 14th (the day before their returns were due!) I will help anyone, but I need ample time to make sure I tell you the right thing. (Stepping off the soap box now!)

Anyone Else Catching Crabs?

Well I am not either! But I think the Deadliest Catch is a really good show. I can watch these guys do the same thing show after show, but I never get tired of it. I think I rewatched episodes 45-60 last weekend back to back to back. The new season started Tuesday night. While I think a lot of this stuff is staged, I am impressed that they can get these guys doing what they want them to do in those harsh conditions. These guys work about 6 months of the year on the crab boats and make about $50,000. That is not a bad deal, but they are putting their lives on the line everytime they go out. I will note that I think the really dangerous job is being the camera man filming these episodes. Worth a watch if you are not watching!

after 12 years of marriage...I guess it takes a lot...

"How was the Easter Egg hunt in Nocona?" (pause)

"How was the Easter Egg hunt in Nocona?" (another pause)

"How was the Easter Egg hunt in Nocona?" (3rd question in 1 minute)

"Todd-How was the Easter Egg hunt in Nocona?" (getting irritated)

"TODD! Did your mom say anything about the Easter Egg hunt?" (super annoyed)

"TODD!!"



"Danielle, you are going to have to be more interesting than Deadliest Catch if you want me to answer your questions."



Oh, yes he did.

Hippity Hippity Hop & Birthday Cake

We were busy bunnies this Easter Weekend. Cool Aunt Patti started the celebrations on Friday by attending the kids' Easter Egg Hunts at school, and EVEN picking them up. It doesn't take all that much to excite our little hoodlums. :)
Saturday, we invited the Miller Clan and some "old time neighbors" over to bask in the glory of Patti's visit, Easter, and my Mom's Bday. We started the festivities with the ol' coloring egg tradition.

In theory, this activity is always a great plan, but in reality it is filled with too many landmines. The "magic crayon" doesn't allow correct illustrations, the eggs CRACK if you push them too hard, the glitter and stickers don't stick, the dye is PERMANENT (always a bad plan in my book). But, we persevered, and did manage to create some fantastic masterpieces.

After the eggstravaganza, we opened a few bottles of wine and settled into some great conversation, educated the parents on facebook and texting, and laughed really really hard. :)

In the meantime, the kids played on the trampoline, hunted Easter Eggs, and fed the hungry hippos. Those hippos can make you crazy, don't you think?

The Easter Bunny came during the night, leaving aquatic life for each kid-this last week left us down 2 fish, and up 3 broken hearts. That Easter Bunny is so smart for replenishing our fish population. We did a quick happy dance, dressed in our Sunday Finest, and were seated in church by 9:25. I think the kids could sense the special day, because they seemed a little more attentive and sweet than usual. Either that, or they started crashing from their early morning sugar high. After church we went IMMEDIATELY to the nearest gas station and purchased a 44 ounce diet coke (x2), and after a little hesitation, Todd enjoyed every little sip. Needless to say, our diet coke habit is back and here to stay.We then headed to The Club for a very special lunch with my family, and I even managed a picture of all 3 kids LOOKING at the camera. Happy Easter to me. :)

I love weekends like this, where the fun memories are so crammed in our brain we all just sit around with a dopey smile on our face. Great times. :) Happy Easter! Happy Spring!

Did I Forget to Say Thank You?

It goes without saying that I have an awesome wife! Because of all she does, I dedicate this song to her. I love you Dani!

young chivalry

6th graders are funny-especially watching them navigate the "I want to play on the playground, but she's kinda cute" emotions.

One boy in particular is so twitterpated with his little girlfriend, that he acts like a super freak in class-even bringing lego toys to class one day. Toys. Good grief! I think he's just so excited that she's in his atmosphere that he can't reign in his actions completely. Despite the superfreakness, he's a super neat kid. He makes me laugh everyday. And, he walks his girl to every class, either carrying her books or her bookbag. Today, he pulled out her chair for her as she sat in her desk.

It's just neat to a boy turning into a nice young man-to already know that those little things make his girl feel like a princess. I hope it sticks. I have a feeling it just might.

home sweet home

Marley's here to stay...and it seems as though he's made himself quite cozy in his new home.

computer's back...

So, the laptop had to go to the doctor and have its mouse replaced. Since that time I've been using the other computer. It's ok for checking email and cruising the web, but super annoying for typing large amounts of information or (gasp) uploading pics. Now that I'm reunited, I can upload those zoo pictures I spoke of earlier in the week. The pic above shows most of my crazy kids and all of Shelly's crazies. Grady rebelled against posing for pics on this particular day. Madison and Tanner always obsess about the map. They keep us on track to see the lions, tigers and bears.

I love butt pics...I don't know why. Here the boys are looking at the lions we just heard ROARING. Actually ROARING. I'd never heard that before, but man-it's sumthin'!

The roaring lion discussed earlier. Did I mention how LOUD it was?? You could hear it throughout the whole zoo! Amazing.
Thaine was the biggest kid in the group-here he was in the middle of discussing exactly what kind of crocodile we were watching. Madison and Sam also had a heated debate on the topic. Kids-they like to argue, don't they?
Madison was feeling prissy and photogenic for a second-I snatched up that moment, and documented accordingly.

It was an overall successful and exhausting trip. Since we've never covered the entire zoo in one trip, I'm guessing that's how it's supposed to be. Tanner is going to the zoo with his kindergarten class next week, and we'll probably fit in another trip before the dog days of summer-maybe by then we'll have seen the lions, tigers, bears AND the Texas side (which really we can just see driving down the road, can't we??). :)

nascar widow survival kit

Day 1:
-Plan 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

Day 2:
-Go on 6th Grade Field Trip to King Tut
-Run 3 on 3 "Midnight Madness" Basketball Tournament.
-Witness grown men fight for a six inch trophy.

Day 3:
-Get Tball pictures made & watch first Tball game.
-Go to 4 year old Birthday Party at the Ft. Worth Zoo (superfun by they way- pics coming soon.) Walk through the zoo with all 3 kids, plus everyone else in Ft. Worth.
-Decompress with an impromptu slumber party with good friends.

Day 4:
-Go to Mass with all 3 kids and attend "First Confession Meeting."
-Go to IHOP for lunch, and mistakingly cut up "smiley face pancake" for 3 year old and live to tell about it.

Nap on a Sunday afternoon. :)

bird on a ceiling

We have birds living on our back porch. They recently constructed a lovely establishment, I'm sure the envy of all their little friends, on our back porch speakers. Todd was not excited about the construction, but I refused to let him demolish the homestead these little guys worked on so diligently for 2 weeks! Such reckless behavior would have left them homeless! and I'm sure there are babies on the way! It's our job to help provide a little comfort for them during this stage of their life-until they get back on their own feet anyway, and find a nice tree of their own to call home.

I'm cracking myself up-

Anyway, last night-when Todd took the dogs outside for their "evening business", one of the birds FLEW IN THE HOUSE! It was the most hilarious site to watch Todd run all over the living room, stopping every now and then to JUMP UP AND TRY TO CATCH THE BIRD. He opened all the doors and tried to herd the bird out, and cussed me occassionally for not helping. I gently explained that birds are not herd animals, and it was just going to have to find the exit on its own-independent decision making skills are vital for survival you know. :)

Eventually, the bird did fly out the open door and we all settled back down. It was a funny 15 minutes though. Laugh out loud funny I tell ya.