Had a couple of cool moments today.
1. While cutting the grass, I spot a mole that ran from the mower and started to burrow. I was by my fire pit and I quickly grabbed one of the wooden sticks that I use as a poker. I stabbed the mole right in its noggin. Sorry, not sorry PETA.
2. Proud Dad moment - DW was working, so I was in charge. I go out to cut the grass. Gave my kids their marching orders, (do homework, take showers, empty the trash cans from their rooms, etc.) I'm in the garage and my oldest DD comes out and tells me that my youngest broke her mom's handheld mirror. My oldest DD did nothing to get her sister in trouble and cexplained to me how it happened and she was very clear about it being an accident. I go inside and I have complete rage internally but am outwardly emotionless. I go grab the vacuum to make sure there is no glass. Only to my surprise, my oldest DD cleaned up the shards of glass AND vacuumed up everything. Meanwhile my youngest is bawling terribly out of fear. I quickly consoled her explaining that accidents happen and she need not be worried. I went out of my to emphasize to my soon-to-be 10 yo how proud I was of her actions.
I was so proud of my DD for taking care of the situation and even more so for being compassionate towards her little sister.
Every once in a while, it's nice to see things like that happen and to get that affirmation that you're doing okay as a parent.
Happy Birthday!
I think he learned that you don't snap your fingers in front of mom like you expect her or any of your sisters to jump.
Last year they did a bang up job on my turf. So if I eliminated a mother, then even better. I have considered investing in an outside cat just for hunting purposes! My dog is excellent at herding and running off deer, but she's not a hunter. 
