Ducks & Dinner

Today was a beautiful day. Joe got off work early, so we headed to the park. We took Harley with us for the first time. We got her in October right before it got cold out, so we hadn't had the chance to take her anywhere. Like most dogs, she really enjoyed sticking her head out the car window as we drove.

This particular park has walking trails through the woods, and a creek that runs through it. The most important attraction to the girls is always the ducks.

They helped me push the wagon up the hill.

"Okay... Come back!"

After the park, we headed to the pet store to get some crickets for our leopard gecko, Dora. (Guess who named her!)

Summer read a book in the car.

We also got Jack a collar. Apparently part of the grieving process after losing a cat is to spoil your other pets.


I had made soup in the crock pot earlier in the day. Italian Zucchini and Bell Pepper Soup. It was really good, and healthy!


Camryn had wiped food in her hair so it was sticking up like a mohawk. I had to get a picture, despite her throwing a fit.


House update... So first, per our contract, we were supposed to close on the 5th. Then, last Friday, we were told that we would close Thursday or Friday of this week. Yesterday, we were told that we would definitely be closing next Monday. Today, we were told that now we don't know because the title company is waiting for documents to reach them after being shipped this morning. Needless to say... well... I don't think I need to say anything, that probably hurt your head to read so you know how I feel.

Tomorrow, my cousin Richard is going to come over after school so I can give him a mini cello lesson. I played the cello in my school orchestra for 7 years, and now as a freshman in high school, he is going to start playing. I have my own cello so I'm going to use it to teach him the basics before he has his first private lesson. He already plays the piano and guitar, so I'm sure he'll pick it up pretty quickly.

I think it's bedtime now, have a great night!

Pictures

As promised, I've been taking tons of pictures with my new camera. I'm really happy with the quality of the pictures, and how easy it is to use.

Summer and Camryn played with their blocks this morning:






Here's our dinner from yesterday... sauteed green beans, homemade mashed potatoes, and mahi mahi:


(That picture decided it wanted to be sideways... I tried to fix it twice.)

We got a new booster seat on Saturday, for Summer, so that Camryn could move from her high chair to the table. She loves it.





Our lovely new laptop:



Summer playing with my elf figurines:




"Playing" the horn ornament:



Last but not least, here's a video of Harley, chasing her tail. She does this more than any dog I've ever seen, it's pretty hilarious.

Twilight Zone

I woke up this morning in a time warp. I'm still in it. I have no idea what time it really is, all I know is that there is no way that my kids and I slept till 11:30am.

I guess if that really did happen and it really is already almost 3:00, it's because of the crazy hectic visiting and eating schedule we had these last four days.

Unfortunately Harley didn't suffer that same exhaustion and spent her time alone ripping up her toy basket, a John Grisham book, and Joe's expensive computer gaming headphones. We are going to get her a nice-sized crate today to stay in while were sleeping or not here, before she makes a meal of our 2-year old couch. I love her but part of me wonders if a Boston Terrier would be causing this much destruction.

I think it may have snowed this morning, while I was in my time warp. Joe sent me a text message while I was sleeping that said "look outside" but when I finally did that it was just wet. I hope it snows again. I always say that if it's going to be cold it might as well snow and look pretty.

I wish I could take some pictures of our Christmas decorations to share. I'm currently waiting for my camera to come back to life after having water spilled on it by Miss Summer. Keep your fingers crossed on that one. Maybe I can try to get a couple good ones with my camera phone.

I need to get back to my laundry unfortunately. Happy Monday!

Puppies and Potties

Summer peed in her potty last night, but has pretty much refused to sit on it today. Not even for a marshmallow. I think I might need to upgrade the treat. I want to make a potty chart for her, maybe that will work. We switched her over completely from Pampers to Pull-Ups during the day. I don't see much difference in them with exception to the little purple flowers that tell me that I suck at getting her to her potty in time.

(Summer trying on my shoe)

(Camryn with her Blankie)

We are having an issue with Harley. First, she started jumping up on our 5ft tall flower box (somehow... it's so tall.. we think she may have some type of superhero jumping ability) on the side of the house and jumping down into the front yard. She would then chase squirrels down the street and have to be grabbed by a neighbor who happened to be outside. That happened 3 times and then we solved that problem by putting flower pots along the edge of the flower box. That lasted a few days, but then she found a hole in the fence and has a new escape route. Until we patch it up, we're having to take her outside on her leash to use the bathroom, and we can't let her run around the backyard because she heads straight for the hole. It's very frustrating. She's lucky that in every other aspect she's still a great dog.

(biting her tail)

Meet Harley

This is Harley. (sleeping in the cats' bed!) We got her a little over a week ago, from a girl who posted an ad on Craigslist. I was actually on there looking for Boston Terriers, and came across her. Her description sounded perfect and there was something about her picture that gave me a feeling that she was meant to be our dog. I e-mailed the owner, and here she is! She was originally dropped off as a little puppy on a farm in TN. The people kept her, but had to keep her outside because they had several small dogs in the house. Their daughter eventually took her up here to Louisville because she had a lot of land, but got a divorce soon after and had to move into a 1 bedroom apt.

Our original plan was to get a Boston Terrier now, from a BT rescue, and then in a few years when the kids are older, get a bigger dog from the Humane Society. I guess we're doing things a little backwards, but Harley is a great dog, so it was fate. She's around 9 months old we are told, is already spayed, up-to-date on her shots, on heart-worm and flea control, and HOUSEBROKEN. I'm so happy that I don't have to housebreak a puppy. I imagine that potty-training a 2-year old and a puppy at the same time do not go together well.



She's well-behaved, and only torments the cats a little. She's great with the kids too, which is very important. We're not sure what she's mixed with, but we think that because of her markings and coat, she may be a Lab/AmStaff mix.

She loves to be around us, and follows us around the house. If we leave, she tries to run out the door to go with us, and when we get home, it's amazing how excited she is! She loves to sleep in our bed, too. Last night, I tossed and turned because Harley was laying in between Joe and I in our queen sized bed all night, with her head on my pillow.

We are so excited about this addition to our family, so I had to share her with you all. I'll be back soon with Halloween pictures of our pirate and sugar plum fairy!