I've read and seen some amazingly negative (and downright scary) things written about Barack Obama's introduction to our country as president.
I'm a seeker of optimism and light and I was thrilled to find this out on the 'net. It's good to see optimistic views, and uplifting to realize that there are good spins to every negative one.
I am actually saddened at some of the reactions (Particularly the Doomsdayers). It seems everyone is always looking at the end, when we are living right now. Enjoy this life, seek the positives! There are so many positives in this world, today, right now. If we all lived 300, even 100 years ago our eyes would be wide in shock at how good we have it now.
Prophecy Fulfilled - Barack Obama Poster
This inspirational poster describes Barak from the Old Testament in the Bible, and also explains the Biblical meaning of Hussein. An excerpt from the poster reads:
"Hussein is of Biblical meaning: good and handsome. So you see, Barak was destined to be a good and handsome man that would rise like a flash of lightning to win victory in a battle against overwhelming odds." We do not claim ties to any political party, but we are happy and hopeful that this will be an amazing change in U.S. history.
http://madeinethiopia.net/littleafrica/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=230_231&products_id=270
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Prophecy Fulfilled
Hibiscus
I planted 2 of these peach colored Hibiscus last year and they have proven to be very hardy. The flowers are striking too! I wanted red but they were out so I "settled" for these... turns out I like them better! :-)
Sharing IS Caring!
Michael, doing what Michael does best. Being cute and silly. Totally can embarrass me, but you know what? I wouldn't have married him if he was anyone else. Irony is great isn't it? ;-)
<3 that guy!
<3 that guy!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Edgar the Spider
In our house spiders are important little creatures. We catch and release here when possible. The only ones I am likely to squish would be the toxic ones, but those are so good at hiding I don't have to! :-)
The kids spotted a spider hanging out under a banister while we were out yesterday. Michael told them about Edgar- just a silly made up story. By the time he was done all the kids respected the spider and had lots of questions about it.
Very cute moments!
The kids spotted a spider hanging out under a banister while we were out yesterday. Michael told them about Edgar- just a silly made up story. By the time he was done all the kids respected the spider and had lots of questions about it.
Very cute moments!
Moira's Art
She drew this... It's me and her daddy she says. They'll grow up saying we were mushy. I'll take that over the alternatives any day.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner for St. Patricks Day
Proof that I *can* cook when I am willing!
Dinner today :-) YUMMY!
www.ehow.com/how_4787242_beef-cabbage-dinner-patricks-day...
Dinner today :-) YUMMY!
www.ehow.com/how_4787242_beef-cabbage-dinner-patricks-day...
LOL
I am such a cruel mom!
KISS YOUR BROTHER MOIRA!!
Matthew: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Parenthood can be so fun! ;-)
KISS YOUR BROTHER MOIRA!!
Matthew: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Parenthood can be so fun! ;-)
My brand of Entertainment
I heard the hubby headed my way. As he sauntered in to the kitchen I made a really loud
HI YAH !!!!
and promptly slammed the knife into the cabbage.
His eyes got wide and then he shook his head and laughed at me. Then I took a photo, naturally.
Life is good!
HI YAH !!!!
and promptly slammed the knife into the cabbage.
His eyes got wide and then he shook his head and laughed at me. Then I took a photo, naturally.
Life is good!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Trouble... staring me in the face
These two are always up to SOMETHING! Together, always.
I truly think they were destined to be together in this big world. It's amazing how they clicked right off the bat and are practically inseparable.
Charley's just the chump they play with when they are sick of each other. Not that he cares anyway.
I truly think they were destined to be together in this big world. It's amazing how they clicked right off the bat and are practically inseparable.
Charley's just the chump they play with when they are sick of each other. Not that he cares anyway.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friends or Foes...
When my babies were under 6 they were best little buddies. They were always together, playing and being cute. Always making me smile, rarely stressing me out.
People sometimes look at me like I am crazy, but raising twins up to school age was SO fun for me. Sure, I liked breaks occasionally and some days were rough. But overall I really loved that time with these two kids.
After they started school and started really forming their own sense of self things got harder. They have opinions, they have their own ideas!
They are both SO very different in so many ways.
Moira is the dreamer, the artist, the free spirit. She's easy going. She can be moody, just like most females can. But overall she's just an easy going, happy spirited kid. She can be stubborn about things. She's also a born charmer. She knows how to flash a smile or give a kiss just as the right time. Overall she is a very easy child to parent.
Matthew is our hard liner. There has to be an answer for everything, there's no gray area in his mind. He's very strong willed and opinionated. He doesn't accept easy answers, he wants specifics and he wants to see the proof. He's a very good kid, very ethical. He is the one you could trust with anything. He's got a strong sense of right and wrong, and he sticks to the rules. That is, the rules he agrees with.
I admit it's harder to parent Matthew. His personality makes it harder on both of us, as parents. I think because he really pushes us to our maximum. He questions us on everything, he talks constantly. He is VERY smart. When he latches on to an idea and won't let go he can drive us up the wall. I equate him to a bulldog, he just holds on and persists. LOL
I see more of my personality in him than Michael's. He's strong willed like I am, very intelligent like his father. He'll do well as an adult I think. Moira is laid back like her daddy!
Keeping in mind that he and I will butt heads I always try extra hard with him. My father and I butted heads my entire childhood. I try to laugh off as much as I can.
Parenting two kids that are so very different has given me varying perspectives on parenting. There are no hard lines, there are no steadfast rules. You do your best and make mistakes. Learn from the mistakes. I laugh when I need to. I poke fun at myself and I have also used some times I am frustrated with the kids to poke fun at the situation.
Both of them are growing with a great sense of humor. They also know they have flaws, like we all do. Matthew can look at me sometimes and say "I'm talking too much and driving you nuts, huh?" and I can look at him and say "Oh yeah, you are" and we both start laughing.
That's what I want, honestly and humor. I want them to be honest with me, and I want to be honest with them.
We all know we are imperfect in this house, but we love one another- flaws and all.
This photo was taken of them tonight. They wanted to sleep in Moira's room together. They either love each other or want to run away from one another.
I truly hope they grow realizing we love them both equally and that the sibling rivalry is low. I want them to love each other and be friends. They are likely to be it for each other, sibling wise.
They have their moments of friendship and play still, and I know they love each other. It's a sweet thing.
People sometimes look at me like I am crazy, but raising twins up to school age was SO fun for me. Sure, I liked breaks occasionally and some days were rough. But overall I really loved that time with these two kids.
After they started school and started really forming their own sense of self things got harder. They have opinions, they have their own ideas!
They are both SO very different in so many ways.
Moira is the dreamer, the artist, the free spirit. She's easy going. She can be moody, just like most females can. But overall she's just an easy going, happy spirited kid. She can be stubborn about things. She's also a born charmer. She knows how to flash a smile or give a kiss just as the right time. Overall she is a very easy child to parent.
Matthew is our hard liner. There has to be an answer for everything, there's no gray area in his mind. He's very strong willed and opinionated. He doesn't accept easy answers, he wants specifics and he wants to see the proof. He's a very good kid, very ethical. He is the one you could trust with anything. He's got a strong sense of right and wrong, and he sticks to the rules. That is, the rules he agrees with.
I admit it's harder to parent Matthew. His personality makes it harder on both of us, as parents. I think because he really pushes us to our maximum. He questions us on everything, he talks constantly. He is VERY smart. When he latches on to an idea and won't let go he can drive us up the wall. I equate him to a bulldog, he just holds on and persists. LOL
I see more of my personality in him than Michael's. He's strong willed like I am, very intelligent like his father. He'll do well as an adult I think. Moira is laid back like her daddy!
Keeping in mind that he and I will butt heads I always try extra hard with him. My father and I butted heads my entire childhood. I try to laugh off as much as I can.
Parenting two kids that are so very different has given me varying perspectives on parenting. There are no hard lines, there are no steadfast rules. You do your best and make mistakes. Learn from the mistakes. I laugh when I need to. I poke fun at myself and I have also used some times I am frustrated with the kids to poke fun at the situation.
Both of them are growing with a great sense of humor. They also know they have flaws, like we all do. Matthew can look at me sometimes and say "I'm talking too much and driving you nuts, huh?" and I can look at him and say "Oh yeah, you are" and we both start laughing.
That's what I want, honestly and humor. I want them to be honest with me, and I want to be honest with them.
We all know we are imperfect in this house, but we love one another- flaws and all.
This photo was taken of them tonight. They wanted to sleep in Moira's room together. They either love each other or want to run away from one another.
I truly hope they grow realizing we love them both equally and that the sibling rivalry is low. I want them to love each other and be friends. They are likely to be it for each other, sibling wise.
They have their moments of friendship and play still, and I know they love each other. It's a sweet thing.
Art......
I have a broad definition of art, as do most of us I assume.
I'm artistic in many ways. I've always loved decorating my house, rearranging furniture, scrapbooking or making cards. I love color! I enjoy photography and (small scale) photo editing. I'd like to improve on all of those as time goes on.
One that I've always wished I was good at was painting and drawing. I've always felt that was a "gift". Not everyone can sit down and draw whatever is in their head, or even something on a picture.
I can draw to a degree, but I'm not a gifted artist in that regard. My husband is. He's very good at that. It's something I admire.
Over the weekend I bought some watercolors to play around with. Although I am not the most talented it is fun to dabble.
I'll never be gifted with it, and it will never come easy for me. But it's fun regardless! I might get a bit better with practice, although I never expect to do anything amazing.
This is one of my first attempts at watercolors. I think I might enjoy colored pencil better. My hands aren't as steady and I am not great with the brushes! I do need practice though, so I won't give up just yet. :)
I learned from this one. Shading... I need to start from the center next time. Additionally, brush sizes. I can utilize the various sizes better than I did today. There's other things but no need to list them all.
Enough rambling. That's my story for the day :-P.
I'm artistic in many ways. I've always loved decorating my house, rearranging furniture, scrapbooking or making cards. I love color! I enjoy photography and (small scale) photo editing. I'd like to improve on all of those as time goes on.
One that I've always wished I was good at was painting and drawing. I've always felt that was a "gift". Not everyone can sit down and draw whatever is in their head, or even something on a picture.
I can draw to a degree, but I'm not a gifted artist in that regard. My husband is. He's very good at that. It's something I admire.
Over the weekend I bought some watercolors to play around with. Although I am not the most talented it is fun to dabble.
I'll never be gifted with it, and it will never come easy for me. But it's fun regardless! I might get a bit better with practice, although I never expect to do anything amazing.
This is one of my first attempts at watercolors. I think I might enjoy colored pencil better. My hands aren't as steady and I am not great with the brushes! I do need practice though, so I won't give up just yet. :)
I learned from this one. Shading... I need to start from the center next time. Additionally, brush sizes. I can utilize the various sizes better than I did today. There's other things but no need to list them all.
Enough rambling. That's my story for the day :-P.
Scrabble
This is a favorite game of ours. Michael and I have challenged each other many times over the years. We are both stiff competition for one another!
We've started playing with the twins. It's a good game for them at their age. Matthew, not surprisingly, is already a small pro! He has it down.
Moira is more of my wild card. She likes to entertain and be cute while we wait for her turn. There's times when she asks me to help her. But she's getting better. For her it's mostly a concentration thing. She likes to goof off, lol. (see the other photos! :P)
We have fun with it though!
We've started playing with the twins. It's a good game for them at their age. Matthew, not surprisingly, is already a small pro! He has it down.
Moira is more of my wild card. She likes to entertain and be cute while we wait for her turn. There's times when she asks me to help her. But she's getting better. For her it's mostly a concentration thing. She likes to goof off, lol. (see the other photos! :P)
We have fun with it though!
My downfall....
Easter candy.
Specifically Cadbury's Royal Dark Mini Eggs....
Oh my word. I can eat them until I turn green. The crispy candy coating. The smooth, sweet chocolate.
It will be a good thing when Easter passes.... My tush is not happy with my mouth at the moment.
Specifically Cadbury's Royal Dark Mini Eggs....
Oh my word. I can eat them until I turn green. The crispy candy coating. The smooth, sweet chocolate.
It will be a good thing when Easter passes.... My tush is not happy with my mouth at the moment.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Azaleas
My Azaleas are starting to bloom.
We've had a solid 4 days of hard rain here, and another day forcasted.
They are eating it up! This coming week should be absolutely gorgeous with all the flowers blooming and about to bloom.
We've had a solid 4 days of hard rain here, and another day forcasted.
They are eating it up! This coming week should be absolutely gorgeous with all the flowers blooming and about to bloom.
Hair cut and a dog
Sophie decided she wanted in on the hair cutting session. I'd almost finished Moira's hair when SophSoph (what we usually call her) jumped up on Moira. She stayed there through the blow drying too, lol.
She loves blow dryers, my other two hate them!
The pic is grainy but oh well :).
She loves blow dryers, my other two hate them!
The pic is grainy but oh well :).
Eye Remover
Someone has a sense of humor at Wal-Mart.
This is the receipt from my "eye makeup remover pads".
That can't be a mistake!
LOL
This is the receipt from my "eye makeup remover pads".
That can't be a mistake!
LOL
Friday, March 13, 2009
She's breaking out!
Today I was quietly concentrating when I hear Abby grumbling. I also hear a light clanking sound.
When I hear things like that it isn't to be ignored. She is up to something.
I found her at the front door, attemtping to open it. Yes, she was trying to TURN the doorknob on the front door, with her mouth.
She grumbled and sighed (oh yes, she sighs) some at me and would not leave the door.
Turns out the door to the backyard was closed and she couldn't get out to pee. Oops!!
It's been raining and VERY cold here the last few days so we had closed that door to force them to "let us know" so we can watch them when they go out (otherwise we have mud everywhere).
When I hear things like that it isn't to be ignored. She is up to something.
I found her at the front door, attemtping to open it. Yes, she was trying to TURN the doorknob on the front door, with her mouth.
She grumbled and sighed (oh yes, she sighs) some at me and would not leave the door.
Turns out the door to the backyard was closed and she couldn't get out to pee. Oops!!
It's been raining and VERY cold here the last few days so we had closed that door to force them to "let us know" so we can watch them when they go out (otherwise we have mud everywhere).
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Do they float?
(Isaac) We want to see if they float....
(Matthew) Come on let's see if they float!!!!!
(Moira) Do they float?!
(Sound of running water)
Kids in unison: YAY THEY FLOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Plasticy clanging sounds and more running water)
My curiosity gets the better of me and I grab my camera and go in the bathroom where they are.
Four kids, over the sink, jumping up and down with glee.
(Alec) They really float!!!
What I see:
Legos, floating in the sink.
Yes, they really float!!!!!
As I walk away, they continue to play in the sink.
(Moira) YAY we are gonna make a crocodile float!
(The boys) Ahhhhhhh!!!!!
(Matthew) Come on let's see if they float!!!!!
(Moira) Do they float?!
(Sound of running water)
Kids in unison: YAY THEY FLOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Plasticy clanging sounds and more running water)
My curiosity gets the better of me and I grab my camera and go in the bathroom where they are.
Four kids, over the sink, jumping up and down with glee.
(Alec) They really float!!!
What I see:
Legos, floating in the sink.
Yes, they really float!!!!!
As I walk away, they continue to play in the sink.
(Moira) YAY we are gonna make a crocodile float!
(The boys) Ahhhhhhh!!!!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Den After
The paint color is called "brass tack". It's a brown base with greenish/golden tones. It goes very well with the room. It also looks good going from room to room (since every room is a different color lol).
The lamp on the center table near that window is actually red, but it looks orange or some other strange hue in the pics.
I became sick halfway through the project so it took a few days more than I had hoped, but at least it's done!
You can see the "befores" and more "after" on my flickr stream.
The lamp on the center table near that window is actually red, but it looks orange or some other strange hue in the pics.
I became sick halfway through the project so it took a few days more than I had hoped, but at least it's done!
You can see the "befores" and more "after" on my flickr stream.
splinter hemorrhage
For the past year or so I've noticed these strange splinter like things under my nails. It's an off and on thing, usually on my pinky finger. They aren't "real" splinters, but they are bits of blood that come to the surface.
I never thought much about it but I "googled" it yesterday.
Of course now I am a little freaked out. I found NOTHING good about them. My main concern is Rheumatoid Arthritis, which apparently this can be linked to.
My grandfather suffered from RA miserably, and one of the drugs he took ultimately took his life. It scares me.
I'll be seeing the Doctor on Friday morning.
*Hoping I am just paranoid*
I never thought much about it but I "googled" it yesterday.
Of course now I am a little freaked out. I found NOTHING good about them. My main concern is Rheumatoid Arthritis, which apparently this can be linked to.
My grandfather suffered from RA miserably, and one of the drugs he took ultimately took his life. It scares me.
I'll be seeing the Doctor on Friday morning.
*Hoping I am just paranoid*
TREATS
Michael was looking around for snack food tonight. First of all, he isn't a snacker. Second of all, I don't typically buy treat type foods. (You'd never know by looking at me though >.>).
ANYWAY!
He started complaining because:
1) I went 30 minutes down the road JUST to buy their dog food. It's GOOD food!
2) He found that I bought a bunch of soft dog food, instead of just dry. I buy soft when it's on sale because Charley won't take his pills without me concealing it! :-0
3) To add insult to hubby's injuries... he saw the bag of treats that you see in this photo and thought it was dried fruit treats for HUMANS.
He was not thrilled. On top of all that he'd been feeling bad and asked me to pick up some chicken and rice soup for him. I was at Target so I got what they had available.... chicken/veggie/noodle. I bought 4 cans. He counted up the soft dog food containers... 16 in total (did I mention they were on sale?) and was not pleased I only brought 4 cans of soup home. He compared himself to the 3 dogs and told me he wished I loved him as much >.<.
But really, who eats THAT much soup? I don't have ESP!!!
I guess I was a bad wifey this week. I'll ask for my flogging now, thank you. I can do no good!
Hubby, I beg for your forgiveness. I am not worthy!!
ANYWAY!
He started complaining because:
1) I went 30 minutes down the road JUST to buy their dog food. It's GOOD food!
2) He found that I bought a bunch of soft dog food, instead of just dry. I buy soft when it's on sale because Charley won't take his pills without me concealing it! :-0
3) To add insult to hubby's injuries... he saw the bag of treats that you see in this photo and thought it was dried fruit treats for HUMANS.
He was not thrilled. On top of all that he'd been feeling bad and asked me to pick up some chicken and rice soup for him. I was at Target so I got what they had available.... chicken/veggie/noodle. I bought 4 cans. He counted up the soft dog food containers... 16 in total (did I mention they were on sale?) and was not pleased I only brought 4 cans of soup home. He compared himself to the 3 dogs and told me he wished I loved him as much >.<.
But really, who eats THAT much soup? I don't have ESP!!!
I guess I was a bad wifey this week. I'll ask for my flogging now, thank you. I can do no good!
Hubby, I beg for your forgiveness. I am not worthy!!
peach tree blooms
Our backyard peach tree is blooming. The peaches never plump up but the flowers are pretty.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Junebug... I eat you!
See her junebug toy?
She was flinging it all over the place and catching it. Rolling around on the floor with it. Throwing it half way across the room. Pouncing on it.... LOL.
She was flinging it all over the place and catching it. Rolling around on the floor with it. Throwing it half way across the room. Pouncing on it.... LOL.
Typical Dog play
Typical Dog play
Originally uploaded by **~Donna~**
See how Charley starts to do something then just mostly ignores them? LOL
Typical of him :P. He would chase them if they stole something he really wanted.
Columbine- Origami Blue/White
One of the flowers I got from the Rose Emporium last week. One just bloomed! They are so pretty, and they like shade so hopefully they do well in our yard.
HEY! Let go of my hair!
Just kidding, she's yawning! lol
They were all over him for a bit today. Michael is sick and Charley's got something stuck in his mouth... gotta take him to the vet tommorrow.
At least I think he does, he won't let me get in there to have a good look. He's chomping a lot and his breath smells horrible.
Hopefully it's nothing serious.
They were all over him for a bit today. Michael is sick and Charley's got something stuck in his mouth... gotta take him to the vet tommorrow.
At least I think he does, he won't let me get in there to have a good look. He's chomping a lot and his breath smells horrible.
Hopefully it's nothing serious.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Stinky Fish
I thought having a small fish tank would be kind of fun.
I forgot what a pain in the arse they are. They also STINK.
I'll do my best to keep them alive, but once they are gone I am done with fish tanks!
The bettas are much easier to deal with, and they don't stink like goldfish!!!!
The tank is pretty though!
I forgot what a pain in the arse they are. They also STINK.
I'll do my best to keep them alive, but once they are gone I am done with fish tanks!
The bettas are much easier to deal with, and they don't stink like goldfish!!!!
The tank is pretty though!
Matthew's Obsession
Matthew has some OCD tendencies. Since Michael has none, excluding his computer games, I have to blame myself for passing it to him.
Most recently he has become obsessed with taking his temperature.
Every.Single.Day.
Sick or not, he's gonna take his temperature. He WANTS to be sick. I'm sure it's no secret that when you are a kid, staying home from school is FUN. Well, for the "typical" kid anyway. He's pretty typical.
So every day it's the same. He gets up, takes his temperature. He'll inform us that its 98-99 and that he "feels funny". We do the typical eyeroll at him and tell him he's going to school and that he needs to get over it. Daily ritual here.
When he gets home he takes it again- unless he's got something he wants to do. Then he's "totally fine momma!!!" He could be dying, but he's totally fine- because he WANTS to be doing whatever it is.
Silly boy!
Most recently he has become obsessed with taking his temperature.
Every.Single.Day.
Sick or not, he's gonna take his temperature. He WANTS to be sick. I'm sure it's no secret that when you are a kid, staying home from school is FUN. Well, for the "typical" kid anyway. He's pretty typical.
So every day it's the same. He gets up, takes his temperature. He'll inform us that its 98-99 and that he "feels funny". We do the typical eyeroll at him and tell him he's going to school and that he needs to get over it. Daily ritual here.
When he gets home he takes it again- unless he's got something he wants to do. Then he's "totally fine momma!!!" He could be dying, but he's totally fine- because he WANTS to be doing whatever it is.
Silly boy!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Sophie Sitting Pretty
Sophie is my blog topic for today!
As I've mentioned before she was a "stray" that showed up in our yard. Moira came running up to me "Mommy, MOMMY Santa brought us a dog for our birthday!!!" It happened to be their birthday, December 21st. Oh of all days, lol.
After explaining to her that it was most likely a wandering dog she accepted that it was highly likely we'd be returning the dog to its real owner shortly. We had gone through a similar situation a few months earlier with a white terrier. We found it's owner 2 days later and she cried and, to this day, still talks about that dog. She told the owner she loved her and wanted to see it a lot.
We are going on 3 months and still have not found Sophie's "owner". We've had 2 ads out in the paper, along with calling the pound and the local vets here. She had no microchip or tags. I have to say, please keep tags on your pets! I can't imagine not having something so easy and simple put on an animal you care about having returned to you.
Over the last few months we have undoubtedly become attached to her. She and our poodle, Abby, are- for lack of a better term- best friends. They do almost everything together. We adopted Charley over the summer to be her buddy and play but he never was what she needed, he'd rather be next to my foot or getting a belly rub.
Sophie filled that spot right up- they run and play. She will yap at Abby or paw Abby's face until Abby gets up and chases her around. It's been good for them!
Sophie has some quirks. One, she can be given a treat or toy and will go hide it. Then she comes back to yap LOUDLY at one of the other dogs- wanting to get what they have. That can be very, very annoying. Especially since I give them each one of whatever it is, and she's gone and hid hers and wants theirs.
Second, she sneaky pees. It has made house training very difficult. I can't crate her alone because she is too loud. She can maintain yapping and whining for crazy amounts of time if she deems it necessary. It seems to have gotten better, but she still does it! She can pee standing straight up, you'd never know. >.< She even peed right in front of our vet on the tile!
Third, she's a door 'dasher'. If she sees any door or gate open, she'll make a mad dash to get through it- regardless of where it leads (bedrooms, bathrooms, garage, yard, etc). Luckily we have been able to teach her the front door is a big huge NO. She's run out into the street 3 times that I can remember. Luckily each time she has come to me when called. Scary though! She did that at the vets too. That's why we call her "The Defector".
We have a few theories on how she got to us. One, she "dashed" out of wherever she was living. Two, she jumped out of someone's car. Three, someone dumped her off here because they were tired of her.
Considering the only 2 calls we got for missing dogs were not her and there were no reports/signs up for her we are honestly thinking someone dumped her. Add that to the fact that we have a fully fenced yard and it just adds to the ??'s.
We'll probably never know. I never thought I'd love a Chihuahua (possibly chi-pom) but she's super cute and very sweet. She can be annoying at times but I'm tolerant and have the time to invest in her "issues" :-).
As I've mentioned before she was a "stray" that showed up in our yard. Moira came running up to me "Mommy, MOMMY Santa brought us a dog for our birthday!!!" It happened to be their birthday, December 21st. Oh of all days, lol.
After explaining to her that it was most likely a wandering dog she accepted that it was highly likely we'd be returning the dog to its real owner shortly. We had gone through a similar situation a few months earlier with a white terrier. We found it's owner 2 days later and she cried and, to this day, still talks about that dog. She told the owner she loved her and wanted to see it a lot.
We are going on 3 months and still have not found Sophie's "owner". We've had 2 ads out in the paper, along with calling the pound and the local vets here. She had no microchip or tags. I have to say, please keep tags on your pets! I can't imagine not having something so easy and simple put on an animal you care about having returned to you.
Over the last few months we have undoubtedly become attached to her. She and our poodle, Abby, are- for lack of a better term- best friends. They do almost everything together. We adopted Charley over the summer to be her buddy and play but he never was what she needed, he'd rather be next to my foot or getting a belly rub.
Sophie filled that spot right up- they run and play. She will yap at Abby or paw Abby's face until Abby gets up and chases her around. It's been good for them!
Sophie has some quirks. One, she can be given a treat or toy and will go hide it. Then she comes back to yap LOUDLY at one of the other dogs- wanting to get what they have. That can be very, very annoying. Especially since I give them each one of whatever it is, and she's gone and hid hers and wants theirs.
Second, she sneaky pees. It has made house training very difficult. I can't crate her alone because she is too loud. She can maintain yapping and whining for crazy amounts of time if she deems it necessary. It seems to have gotten better, but she still does it! She can pee standing straight up, you'd never know. >.< She even peed right in front of our vet on the tile!
Third, she's a door 'dasher'. If she sees any door or gate open, she'll make a mad dash to get through it- regardless of where it leads (bedrooms, bathrooms, garage, yard, etc). Luckily we have been able to teach her the front door is a big huge NO. She's run out into the street 3 times that I can remember. Luckily each time she has come to me when called. Scary though! She did that at the vets too. That's why we call her "The Defector".
We have a few theories on how she got to us. One, she "dashed" out of wherever she was living. Two, she jumped out of someone's car. Three, someone dumped her off here because they were tired of her.
Considering the only 2 calls we got for missing dogs were not her and there were no reports/signs up for her we are honestly thinking someone dumped her. Add that to the fact that we have a fully fenced yard and it just adds to the ??'s.
We'll probably never know. I never thought I'd love a Chihuahua (possibly chi-pom) but she's super cute and very sweet. She can be annoying at times but I'm tolerant and have the time to invest in her "issues" :-).
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The vet visit- good news/bad news
I took the dogs to the vet today for their yearly vaccinations and check ups. This is a story of good news, bad news.
All of them gained about a pound since our last visits. Sophie went back first for a fecal exam and came back without any issues.They took Abby back and I thought Sophie was going bonkers wondering where her friend was. She paced and scratched at the door. She really loves Abby!
At one point we were talking about Sophie and how she wound up with us. I offered the story and also possible reasons someone might have dumped her in our yard (which, considering no one has claimed her for almost 3 months, leads me to believe that's very likely what happened.
First of all she is a yapper. She yaps at the wind. She yaps when Charley has something she wants. She hides toys she wants then goes after the other two for things she thinks she would like. And she doesn't stop barking until they give in. It can be very annoying for ALL of us within her range.
She is an escape artist. She will RUSH any door, gate, etc. Doesn't matter where it goes to, it's like a game to her. She did it at the vets and they started calling her Houdini. lol She's strange.
She also is not house trained. Not for lack of effort on my end. She's sneaky. She pees standing straight up at times, you would never know she's doing it. She also goes in cycles of being good, then being bad again. It's hard to keep up with her. It's also not limited to pee. I've stepped in poo before too. It's not fun. Luckily that seems to have stopped the last couple of weeks.
I was explaining all this to the vet. About the time I was telling her how sneaky Sophie is about the peeing, Sophie walked over to the corner of the tiled room and promptly peed all over the floor. RIGHT in front of us. But, she had the presence of mind to do it in the corner........ lol. The vet said that with small dogs like this it is common to have "potty training" issues and delays like this. My carpet isn't pleased, let me tell you. I did find the humor in her peeing right as we were talking about her bad behavior though. Gotta love her, LOL.
She did agree that Sophie seems to be just a year old. I'd guess she's about the same age as Abby or maybe a couple of months younger.
The bad news I got....
I adopted Charley from the Houston Poodle Rescue last summer and he tested negative for heartworms. I've had him on heartworm medicine monthly since we brought him home. I always had a little nagging in the back of my mind about him and heartworms but had dismissed it because of that negative result they got.
Today he tested positive and my other 2 were negative. It looks like he was in incubation stage when we adopted him, so the test showed a negative. Apparently there's up to a 6 month incubation phase before they will show up positive. Upon reading further I found that you need 5 adult female worms present in the heart to get a positive result.
He was found roaming the streets and was a matted, tangled mess. We also believe he was abused because of the extreme fear he had with men. So life was hard on this little guy until we got him. My best guess is he picked them up on the streets that spring or early summer before he was found.
The Vet told me today it was a very good thing he's been on the HW meds since we adopted him because it slows their life cycle down greatly and also reduces transmission to other dogs. If I understood her correctly they also kill the baby worms before they can become adults. I couldn't find anything on the internet about that however.
In 2 years she will recheck him for a positive or negative. Apparently the HW medicine will reduce the life of the worm to 2 years or less and he can be clear of HW's by then. So we are going that route. We are going with that because it's less stressful than the shots, and he's still a young dog. He isn't showing any of the usual signs of a heavy infection (his seems very light due to HW meds).
The shots might be an option if we get ancy, which I am waffling on. I hate the thought of him having those worms in his heart. I found myself giving him extra attention all afternoon because of that. He's such a little sweetheart, truly. He didn't ask for this :-(.
This picture was done with my cell phone. These two are always good there. They lay or sit by me until they want them. Sophie was all over the place once she calmed down, lol.
Apparently she can scale walls....
In HEELS nonetheless! What on earth?
PS I made a blog for her... maybe I'll get more creative with the stories. We'll see how motivated I am, lol.
blythesadventures.blogspot.com/
PS I made a blog for her... maybe I'll get more creative with the stories. We'll see how motivated I am, lol.
blythesadventures.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Squirrel Tease
Look! It's a Squirrel!!!
The dogs all ran to and fro trying to be where it was.
The little guy KNEW he was driving them crazy. He taunted them!!!
I got a good laugh out of this today.
Charley can jump straight off the ground and almost reach the top of our fence! That dog has some spring action. lol
View the "tease" here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/donnamanning/3329518023/
The dogs all ran to and fro trying to be where it was.
The little guy KNEW he was driving them crazy. He taunted them!!!
I got a good laugh out of this today.
Charley can jump straight off the ground and almost reach the top of our fence! That dog has some spring action. lol
View the "tease" here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/donnamanning/3329518023/
Homework
Moira was being a nut today while doing her homework. Nothing out of the ordinary there.
She's been very pro active about doing her work, most days I don't have to ask her- she just comes right in and does it. I see it as a sign that she's maturing. She's starting to understand that if she finishes things early she can have more time to do fun things. Which also means she's doing homework that is due closer to the end of the week well ahead of time.
Now I need to figure out how to motivate Matthew to follow suite! lol
She's been very pro active about doing her work, most days I don't have to ask her- she just comes right in and does it. I see it as a sign that she's maturing. She's starting to understand that if she finishes things early she can have more time to do fun things. Which also means she's doing homework that is due closer to the end of the week well ahead of time.
Now I need to figure out how to motivate Matthew to follow suite! lol
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Southern Flyer Diner
They wore poodle skirts and bobby socks.
It was totally 50's theme. I should have taken some interior pictures but it was busy. Maybe next time.
See more photos and descriptions on my flickr stream if you'd like!
It was totally 50's theme. I should have taken some interior pictures but it was busy. Maybe next time.
See more photos and descriptions on my flickr stream if you'd like!
He's secure in his masculinity
I took the dogs to the groomer for a bath and fluff today. I just don't do it like they do!
When I went to pick them up Charley had bows, lol. This is a first for him.
The funny thing is Abby rubs and scratches hers out within a couple of minutes of being home, if they survive the car ride.
Charley could care less, he hasn't touched them at all. They have stayed perfect all day.
So cute!!!
When I went to pick them up Charley had bows, lol. This is a first for him.
The funny thing is Abby rubs and scratches hers out within a couple of minutes of being home, if they survive the car ride.
Charley could care less, he hasn't touched them at all. They have stayed perfect all day.
So cute!!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Cold
He said he was freezing.
I really hate the heater though. Stinking thing.... it makes my nose dry, gives me a headache, and smells funny. I tried to tell him it might be broken but the heater guy says it's fine, just old.
He put this "get up" together and spent the morning playing his game. I guess it worked because he didn't bug me about the heater for quite awhile!!
Later on though... I came home from a shopping trip.... I thought the house was going to melt me.
HOT, and not in a good way!!
PS You don't need to say it. I know I married the biggest dork ever.
I <3 Dorks!!!! I'm a dork lover! :-P
I really hate the heater though. Stinking thing.... it makes my nose dry, gives me a headache, and smells funny. I tried to tell him it might be broken but the heater guy says it's fine, just old.
He put this "get up" together and spent the morning playing his game. I guess it worked because he didn't bug me about the heater for quite awhile!!
Later on though... I came home from a shopping trip.... I thought the house was going to melt me.
HOT, and not in a good way!!
PS You don't need to say it. I know I married the biggest dork ever.
I <3 Dorks!!!! I'm a dork lover! :-P
Repainting the Den
I finally got sick enough of the yellow to take action.
The kids have some "art" that needs to be primered over. I got it all taped off today.
A couple years ago I gave them permission to tape paper to the wall and pretend it was a chalk board. What I did NOT expect was for them to use permanent marker. The bleed thru is still on the wall under the window. There's also some stick figures in pencil over the couch. One of them used a red crayon on another area, although it's just one line.
Aside from those the yellow is driving me nutty. I traded out all the denim/yellow/white (theme) a few years ago for more neutral earthy tones. I really love that, but the yellow just kills it.
Michael's been saying he loves the yellow for years now, but as you all probably know by now- he's crazy! ;-).
I promise the yellow DID look good when I had denim on the couches and coordinating pillows/curtains.
But it's time for a change!
I'll be busy painting for a couple of days.
The kids have some "art" that needs to be primered over. I got it all taped off today.
A couple years ago I gave them permission to tape paper to the wall and pretend it was a chalk board. What I did NOT expect was for them to use permanent marker. The bleed thru is still on the wall under the window. There's also some stick figures in pencil over the couch. One of them used a red crayon on another area, although it's just one line.
Aside from those the yellow is driving me nutty. I traded out all the denim/yellow/white (theme) a few years ago for more neutral earthy tones. I really love that, but the yellow just kills it.
Michael's been saying he loves the yellow for years now, but as you all probably know by now- he's crazy! ;-).
I promise the yellow DID look good when I had denim on the couches and coordinating pillows/curtains.
But it's time for a change!
I'll be busy painting for a couple of days.
Blythe gives up, again.
Blythe took her bike for a ride.
She tried to ram the gate down but unfortunately she didn't succeed in bringing it down.
She did succeed in getting a flat tire though!
So she's relaxing in a tub without any water.
I don't think she's right in the head, if you want to know the truth.
I'm a bit afraid of what she'll do next.
She tried to ram the gate down but unfortunately she didn't succeed in bringing it down.
She did succeed in getting a flat tire though!
So she's relaxing in a tub without any water.
I don't think she's right in the head, if you want to know the truth.
I'm a bit afraid of what she'll do next.
GET ME OUT OF HERE! Week 3 (ADAW)
She thinks we are all crazy. So she got herself a bike.
Unfortunately there's no getting away from us. She's stuck here.
Welcome to the Loony Bin Blythe!!!
Unfortunately there's no getting away from us. She's stuck here.
Welcome to the Loony Bin Blythe!!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Day 60/365: Stew!
I had an urge to make a stew.
Pretty sure the sky must be falling or something :P.
This is before I added the tomatoes, mushrooms, stock, and potatoes. It looked pretty this way though! :-)
It was goood!! Luckily there's enough for dinner tomorrow! Then I have to cook again Tuesday (boooo).
I think I'll try a black bean salad.... been thinking about those for a couple of weeks now!
Pretty sure the sky must be falling or something :P.
This is before I added the tomatoes, mushrooms, stock, and potatoes. It looked pretty this way though! :-)
It was goood!! Luckily there's enough for dinner tomorrow! Then I have to cook again Tuesday (boooo).
I think I'll try a black bean salad.... been thinking about those for a couple of weeks now!
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