Random Thoughts

While purchasing some decor for Sadie's party, I had a little cry session.  Warning to all who are coming:  I might cry the entire time.  Happy tears; not sad.  I just cannot believe she is already 2!

Ben had a note in his folder, reporting he was looking under the stalls in the boys' bathroom.  He said other boys were doing it too, but I told him to please NEVER do that again.

I signed Ben up for Boy Scouts again and changed his piano day to accomodate.  Let the activity carnival begin..

Ben has a play date tomorrow with his friend Blake, and he is VERY excited.

Sadie starts riding at Windridge next week and she is VERY excited ;)

Greg started work at the free clinic on Wednesday and said it went very well.

My friend, Rachel, whose baby has severe hypotonia and epilepsy, is taking a 2 week trip to Duke University to get some answers for her sweet baby.  I am in some serious prayer about this. 

I am excited to start a new bible study with some friends.  I so need this.

I worked out today.  Not enjoyable, but I did it.

We plan to do something on Labor Day, but have no idea what "it" is.

My mom is going on a business trip to New York, and I am so excited for her.  She works so hard at her job, and little perks like this make it worthwhile.

Greg and I are taking advantage of a weekend getaway in October, and I'm so thankful that my sister has agreed to watch the kids and dog :)

My nephew, Dylan, was hit by a car yesterday evening while riding his skateboard.  He is fine, other than some soft tissue injury and cuts/scrapes.  I am so grateful.  I pray that he heals quickly and never gets on a skateboard again.

Louis is adjusting to his "alone time".  I just give him extra love when I get home, and that seems to make it all better. 

I have lots to do this week, but I'm excited about Sadie's party!

Ok, I think I'm done.

Good News

We FINALLY have Sadie's genetic testing back and it is NORMAL.  

So, what's next?

We just continue to do what we are doing.

Lots of therapy.

Feeding her powdered donuts ;)

And surrounding her with people her love and care for her.

Just Another Manic Monday

I know Mondays aren't really great for anyone, but mine seemed especially challenging.  I woke at 6 am to shower, pack Sadie's diaper bag, prepare Ben's breakfast, tackle some chores, etc.  We barely made it out the door in time, and I was nowhere near ready for the gym.  I'm trying to travel from Ben's school directly to the gym, but I just can't seem to get it all together by the time we need to leave.  My hair was still wet, Sadie had not been fed, I was "sort of" dressed to workout.  We headed back to the house to finish what was started and finally made it back out around 8:30.  On the way to the gym, Greg calls to ask if I can bring his glasses to the clinic.  U-TURN.  I finally make it to the gym a little after nine and head to the daycare.  I sat Sadie on the counter as usual and handed the provider my key tag.  Before I knew it, Sadie had jumped off the counter.  I caught her (sort of). You might ask, "why on earth does this woman sit her baby on the counter?".  Well, its just what I've always done.  She usually just swings her legs back and forth with excitement, and I'm always right next to her.  She came away from it mostly unscathed other than some redness on the right side of her cheek.  She calmed down pretty quickly, but I couldn't leave her there after that.  I felt like the worst mother in the world.  U-TURN.  After some motrin, lots of love, and some book-reading, we were both feeling better.

The dog is having some serious abandonment issues.  He just cries and cries when we leave, even though I'm rarely gone for more than an hour.  I purchased a kennel and hope that will make him feel safe when we are out of the house.  If I can just make myself put the dog in the kennel...

I think I just attract needy dogs.

How can a family of four create so much laundry?  4 loads done, 4 to go.

I look at the calendar and have to laugh.  Every single day is full of something to do, somewhere to be...

I pick Ben up from school, get him a snack, and finally sit down to have a minute to myself and realize...Ben has piano practice.

Retrieve piano books, re-pack diaper bag, listen to dog wimper as I grab my keys...

We arrive home, and begin dinner and baths...

Greg arrives home.  I spend maybe 2 minutes with him, then pass out.

Lovely Monday.

Outside Time

We  have been spending so much time outside!  Last night Greg put up Sadie's swing  (why wait for her birthday when she can be enjoying it now?).  Ben took another round on the slip 'n slide.  Louis just hung out.

 

 

Me?  Well, I was in the kitchen preparing my first seafood boil.  We devoured it outside on the patio w/ some veggie focaccia.  I have to say, I was pretty proud of myself.  It needs a little tweeking of course, but most all was gone by the end of dinner.  That's a pretty good sign to me :)

 

 

This morning, Greg and I took turns on the trail near our house.  I love having quiet time to myself :)  On my way back, I ran into Greg, Ben (on his bike), Sadie (on her Amtryke), and Louis (being pulled on his leash by Ben).  It was such a hilarious picture.  Greg is very ambitious. 

Louis and Sadie are napping now.  Greg is at the hardware store (when is he not?), and Ben is playing Wii (he's not allowed to play it on school nights).

I'm thinking of napping myself...

 

Very Happy Friday!

We woke to a temp of 68 degrees this morn. HEAVEN.  I just can't wait until Fall! My favorite season of all! 

Greg had coffee on the back patio with Sadie and Louis this morning :)

Sweet Louis (now pronounced like Louis Armstrong; the other pronunciation just didn't fit) has definitely acclimated to our household.

He slept at the foot of our bed last night and greeted both children this morning in his own way.

He sits between Sadie's legs (with a pained look on his face) and lets her roughly pet/clap him, etc.

I just feel so lucky to have him.

I picked him up from the groomer's and didn't even recognize him!

We headed to the park.  I am definitely taking advantage of these lower temps!

Louis was taken on a long walk and then Sadie hit the swings!

Sweet Louis is now fast asleep in his doggy bed.  He has been poked and prodded for 2 days straight and is worn out!

 

So...

After our wonderful dog-sitting experience last week, Greg and I started researching dog breeds.  We found the perfect breed (King Cavalier Spaniel)  and starting looking at breeders around the nation.  The price: $1800.  OUCH. 

So, on a whim, the kids and I took a trip to the SPCA last night.  I've done it before, and it always hurts my heart.  I just can't believe so many people choose not to spay or neuter their pets, when it is almost free if they just take the energy to get the animal to the shelter for the procedure.  There were at least 40 puppies there, grouped into cages with their siblings.  Most were labs.  No golden retrievers :(  So, I let the kids look at the dogs a few times, then headed out. 

I had just loaded up the kids and was heading to the driver's side when a woman and her mother came walking up the sidewalk, crying.  They were holding a little poodle and said to me, "Please take our dog.  We can't take it in there."

"What's going on?", I replied.  They then told me their landlord had threatened to evict them if they kept it (there was a "no pet" policy").  I then asked them a million questions about the dog, told them I would call my husband, and encouraged them to go inside and get the dog registered at the shelter.  It really is a nice shelter, and I was pretty sure Greg would say no, maybe, or no ;)  And yet, it felt VERY right.  

So...I called him, and after a few minutes, he said YES!  I went into the clinic to retrieve the dog, and the owners were sooo happy.

After a very tearful goodbye (these people seriously loved this dog), we headed home.  I had no idea what to expect, but he is amazing.  Totally potty-trained, wonderful with kids, doesn't bark, so loving, etc.  What a blessing to our family!

 So...please welcome Louis Jacobs  

He had a wonderful night snuggling his Daddy (Greg is smitten, by the way).

We headed to the vet this am for the full head to toe check-up and multiple vaccinations.

Poor sugar had no idea what was about to happen :(

This is Louis post-vaccination.

Tomorrow, he heads to the groomer's...

For now, he has a new camo collar/leash, tags, a chenille doggy bed, and some premium dog food.

He is a very happy dog.

The kids love him.

My bank account does not.

  

2nd Grade

I just love this boy so much!

The first day of school today went just fine.

Ben's favorite part of the day: LUNCH.

He was so excited to have different choices.

Least favorite part: waiting for me during carpool.  I, too, was upset with the 45 minute wait :(

This evening, we headed to piano practice.  Ben really likes his new teacher.  Mrs. Cathy is a sweetheart.

 

I'm praying for a wonderful first week for Ben.  Lots of "newness" for him, but I know he will overcome any obstacle in his path.