a frog named cameron grace.

since granddad k. and nana d.,
have moved home to their lake house-
we've gotten in touch with our wildlife side.

at least the little people have.

this mama?
we'll......................
mr.m. claims there's not an animal loving bone,
in my body.

and, i don't disagree.

i just remind him- that i know who REALLY takes
care of the pets- once they join your family.
and....it's not the daddy or the children.
{although they may embrace that position at the beginning.}

and, i'm already fulfilled with plenty of home duties,
caring for our three-
i'd prefer not to add dustings of doggie fur,
or a mildewing, froggy tank to the list.



plus- let's be honest.
most pet stories end with tears-
some more quickly than others.
{RIP oh dear neglected newt of my own childhood.}

so, back to the frog,
granddad k. knows of ggirl's weakness for anything living-
and thus she brought home a lake frog.
which was promptly named "cameron grace"
{after beloved friends}
and given a new, glorious home-
in our water filled, tupperware container on our patio.

yes, the pleading for cameron grace
to live inside our home, fell on deaf mommy ears:

mommy...i promise he won't jump out of the box,
into our house.
but, can he sleep in my bed with me?
or, i know! he can take bath's with me! right?



but, mama...he's SO cute.
and green, and bumpy!
i love cameron grace SOOO much.
{insert fulfilled animal lovers sigh}



i think he's a prince, maybe...?
i think i'll kiss him.



yes. that was spontaneous.
{while i was there with the camera}
yes. she kissed him.
yes. i immediately protested.
and yes. i had to control my compulsion
to make her put antibacterial soap in her mouth and lips.
{cameron grace the frog was just fine- he had just
jumped right back into his water home}



and so thus was the short,
but happy, life of cameron grace the frog.

i wish i could tell you,
he is still happily swimming his heart out
{in our tupperware container},
affectionately handled by preschoolers,
but this story does have a sad ending.

cameron grace the frog,
was found belly up- after lunch time-
two days after he moved to our home.

he was gently placed to rest,
in a quiet corner of our backyard-
by the children & mr.m.
who was home over lunch.
{thank goodness!}

he was utterly, loved to his death.
may he rest in toddler-free peace.



{ps. if you are a concerned member of PETA,
i promise no animals were intentionally harmed in this story,
and cameron grace the frog was treated with the utmost care.}