Thanksgiving

November has come and is almost out of here!  Where in the world has the time gone!  We have so much to be grateful.  When my heart is in the right place it is extremely full.  Sometimes I have to snap myself out of the beginning of a pity party when I start to dwell on one trivial trial-hey, I am honest and I am human .  As much as I am a positive person, I occasionally give in to temper tantrums.  Who doesn't?  You are lying :)
Some things I am grateful for:
*My family.  Sometimes my kids and spouse (hee hee) can drive me BA-NANAS!  But at the end of the day, they are the most important.  I love each one of them.
*My house.  It's not the newest nor biggest, but it's ours; it's a home; it's safe and protects us from the elements; it's comfortable.
*Our vehicles.  Have I ever mentioned how I feel like a used car lot.  We have 4 vehicles: 2 trucks, a sedan, and a suburban.  We have 2 (TWO) drivers.  In our defense, one truck is a work truck, the suburban is mine and Trevor has the other two for him. 
*Our health.  In a world where everyone knows someone with a debilitating disease, we feel blessed that we just catch a cold every now and then.
*My hubby's income.  Again, in a world where so many people are out of work or underemployed we are grateful for the income that provides for us. 
*Our extended families.  We both have very good in-laws that love us and support us in all we do. 
*Our friends.  We have some of the greatest friends who have amazing listening skills, who can make us laugh, who can related to us and our craziness!
*Our horses.  There is nothing better than a ride up the trail with all six of us.  Great family time.
*Our dog, Belle.  She's a nut, but she brings smiles to all of our faces.
*The Gospel.  Our membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Without our Savior we would have none of this, or at least not have gratitude for all of it.  Everything comes from Him and for that I am eternally grateful.

Of course there is more, but the list would just go on and on and on and on and on and on.....

Thanksgiving Day was wonderful:  Dinner at my brother's house with all the family and a friend of my mom's.  I hope we didn't scare her away :)  We can get a little obnoxious playing games and goofing around. 
The next day we hopped in the truck and drove up to the mountains to find our perfect Christmas tree.  Well, we found one....all 40 feet of it!  I will have to post a picture later-for some reason it's not letting me do it now-it says I have run out of storage space, HUH?


Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Updates

I figured I should jot some thoughts down while my two naughty, er, beautiful children were sitting in time-out.  Oh, some days I wonder....that's all, just wonder.

The pups all went to their  homes.  I feel so blessed that I had a good feeling about each owner.  All were going to homes where they would be hunting or homes with lots of children to give them lots of loves.  One pup went to a couple that planned on having her as a house dog-apparently they have had lots of labs as house dogs and thoroughly enjoy having them inside all the time.  I say, to each his own.  Belle does get to come in and enjoy the home, but she is definitely an outdoor dog.

Halloween came and went.  It was the warmest Halloween ever.  I believe the temp was 75 degrees.  I will take that any day.  Tomorrow we are supposed to get a huge snow storm, so now I can listen to Christmas music without feeling too guilty :)

Sporty and one of his baseball buddies-Chip-needless to say, he is quite entertaining



My little ninja fell asleep around 6pm and didn't wake up until the next morning.  When he woke up he asked if we were going trick-or-treating.  Poor kid-missed Halloween.

Sporty has started basketball and he is on a great team this year.  His coach is a really great coach.  His team consists of a mix of baseball team members and football team members.  It's really fun to watch them play and it's more fun for Sporty to have his sport buddies on his team.  He bonds so easily with his teammates and he truly loves them all.

Diva has started basketball as well.  BRAGGING MOMENT:  Diva is a very good athlete.  She is very competitive and she has the drive to do well, alot like Sporty.  I am her coach and I am really enjoying my team.  These girls work so hard and play with a lot of spunk.  We are even 3--0, which at this age really doesn't mean anything, but heck, we are undefeated.  I have twin towers which is awesome and then I have 2 half-pints that are cuter than snot.  They get in there and strip the ball away from the opponent-it.is.awesome!

Lolo is doing very well in Kindergarten.  She still has no Zilch, ZERO, NADA desire to play soccer or sports for that matter.  That's okay, really.  She has started to play the piano and she wants to play the violin.  Good enough for us :)

Z-man is, well, out of control. He's gotten away with being crazy and encourage by uncles to be crazy for so long that it has kind of become him. We are trying to tame the beast without killing the spirit :)

Here we are in a nutshell.  Yes, we are just a little bit nuts, too.  Well, I am.

So much...

There is so much going on and I am over whelmed.  All pups have been sold and will go to their new homes in two weeks. PHEW!
Sporty played football and made it to the play-offs, only to get beat by ONE amazing kid (his team was good, no doubt, but this kid was A-MAZING!).
Diva is playing comp soccer and her team is fantastic.  They have won all their games and tied once.  Not bad for a bunch of 7 year-olds.
Lolo is enjoying kindergarten and sings all the time.  She sings conversations which is so funny to hear but the siblings get annoyed very easily. 
Z-man is my right hand guy, especially when it comes to the pups.  He loves to help feed them and hold them and MAUL them.
Trevor is busy teaching, taking a class, and, oh yeah, being the 2nd councilor in the bishopric.  This will be get interesting as basketball and baseball get started.  I really am a coach's widow and now a bishopric's widow.
All is well, all is well-at least that is what I tell myself as I lay in the corner, in the fetal position sucking my thumb....

Look Who is Here!!!

We are soooo excited to announce the arrival of 9 pups!  They arrived on Friday August 31, 2012, starting at 6:50 pm and ending at 3:43 am.   And yes, I did assist on the births.  It was actually kind of gross but cool at the same time.  My kids were able to witness a few births as well.  There are 5 females and 4 males.  All are healthy and beautiful.  Belle is one amazing momma and I couldn't be more proud!

 

 

 

Look how pink they all are-like little piglets!

 

This is Stalker-the proud papa :)

 

Here is Belle-she's exhausted.

2 weeks old.  Their eyes just opened and their personalities are starting to come out.  So fun!

 These pups are so blasted adorable and fun!  I actually did not sleep the first week of their life-I was a nervous wreck!  I ended up getting sick, sick, sick and am now starting to feel better.  We are sure enjoying them and it is so funny listening to them whine, yelp, bark, growl, and howl.  They are beginning to wrestle with each other and play each other-oh.so.adorable!

Puppy watch 2012

This is Belle-our NOW calm Lab.  Who knew that knocking her up would calm her down so much.  So much so that she's been sleeping in Sporty's room at night and she does not get off her bed.

This sweetie is due this week with her first litter of puppies.  Exciting!!!  Our kids cannot wait and frankly, neither can I.  I think I am nesting just as much as she is.  I have been buying blankets, heat lamps and other items just to get ready for the arrival.  I have put all her blankets in her whelping box, cleaned out the kiddie pool (back up if needed), and I check on her hourly if she isn't by my side in the house.  I think I am a nervous Grandma :)

This is Belle when she was about 2 weeks along-she just wanted to lay here ALL.DAY.LONG.

This picture was taken yesterday-she looks and acts like she is 9 months pregnant. I can totally empathize with her.   However, when she is outside she is still bouncing around, following us around, playing, and being so sweet :)

 

 

 

Isn't she gorgeous?  These puppies are gonna be beautiful :)

Good luck baby girl-I will post pictures once the wee ones arrive!

Random

I am tending my cute niece (1) and nephew (3) today.  My nephew told me he wanted to help me with the laundry (his mom wasn't kidding when she said he would help!) so he sorted with me and we took the baskets into the laundry room.  Now, our washer and dryer are in our storage room which also houses our MASSIVE food storage shelves, an extra fridge, some more shelves full of storage, as well as our cat and dog.  Yes, I am a sucker-I bring my sweet lab in every night to sleep-I don't want her scared outside or cold!  Anyway, we walk in and H immediately says, "It stinks!"  Turning to his sister who was still in the family room he says, "Don't come in here.  It stinks, so stay there."  So protective.  And yes, it did make me laugh.  I am not stupid-I know that if animals are in a room, chances are that it will stink.  I just thought we did a great job in containing the smell by changing the litter and spraying Febreeze just about EVERY time we go in there.  Well, the saying goes, "Out of the mouth of babes..."  Thanks H for reminding me that my storage room stinks :)

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

This year our family ventured out with Trevor's brother's family up to the Uinta Mountains to find us a Christmas tree.  We loaded everyone up into the truck (we even brought our beloved Belle) and headed out for the drive to find the perfect Christmas Tree.  Flash forward-we didn't find the perfect tree but we certainly had a great time.  The kids had fun tromping through the snow and playing with cousins.  Belle was in heaven running around and bothering Ben's dog Gus.  Gus had to teach Belle a few lessons in manners, though.  I thought by the end of the adventure she would leave him alone, but apparently she's kind of dumb. 

Zman and Sporty

I know this looks suspicious, but it really is a running action shot. 

Cousin E and Diva-I didn't do too hot in the photo taking department...

We got the tree home and decided it was not what we wanted and ended up going to a parking lot with lots of trees to choose from.  The one we got was BEAUTIFUL.  I am happy with the adventure we had and I am happy with the finished product.  Good times-good memories!

Merry Christmas everyone!

It's genetic

Normally I am a very responsible person-I remember things, I follow through on things, I plan on things.  Today I got a taste of what's it like to be like people I may or may not be related to...I was a space case!  Lolo came to me around 2:30 laughing and says, "Mom!  Belle is still in her kennel."  She immediately starts giggling and acting like a spaz-apple does not fall far from the tree, people.  I run downstairs and sure enough, my beautiful Lab is still in her crate.  She had been in there since about 10pm last night!  Usually, I take her out around 7:30 every morning and put her in her outside kennel and feed her.  I completely forgot!  She was so good-no accidents, no whimpering, NOTHING!  She went outside with her tail-a-waggin and that was that.  She deserved a hot dog for my stupidity-the real kind, BEEF, not the yucky fake ones I give to my kids.  :)  Seriously, I blame my mother's family for that snafu.  It's genetic-my mom once put milk in the cupboard and I laughed.  Boy, karma sucks.

Boring

One thing I could blog about is how I found out I have some MAJOR allergies.  I know, snooze-fest, but it's true.  I have been miserable since the end of August and last week I found out why...DARN ALLERGIES.  Cats, horses, ragweed, thistle, any weed, grass, trees, and a few other outdoorsie stuff.

When this all started back in August, I was informed that alfalfa tablets were great for the sinuses.  So I went to the health food store and the owner whole-heartedly agreed as well as Grizzly Adams who was standing in line behind me.   In his words, alfalfa is "the perfect plant to take for overall health".  Well, if he claims it, then it must be true.  After all, he looks like he lives off the land and probably takes "medicinal" marijuana for those crazy leg cramps.  So I got them home and was taking 3 pills, 3 times a day (those were the instructions).  My sinus infection was not clearing up (even on antibiotics), my nose was still snotty and congested-these pills were a crock of crap.  Flash forward to my allergy test,  Dun, Dun, DUN.   I am allergic to ALFALFA!  Who knew, who knew.  Even Grizzly Adams was wrong on this one.

Surprisingly, I am only moderately allergic to my highly-trained dog, Belle (that's a shout-out to Roger).  Good news, except for the cat and horses, they are all seasonal.  But what to do about my psycho cat, Callie.....She was a 4 on the scale where everything was a 5 or 6.

I also have to go in and have a small procedure done in a week so this will be interesting-hopefully it will help clear up some of the side problems associated with my allergies.  Maybe I will come out with a slightly new nose....  Just sayin.

New running buddy

Since I am not officially training for anything I decided to start taking my dog Belle on my morning runs.  First of all, she is crazy; second of all, she is hyper; third of all, she is frickin strong; and fourth of all, SHE.IS.HYPER.  It was a challenge the first half of the run-she kept zig zagging in front of me and the other ladies which about caused some of us to face plant.  That would not be good.  By the end of the run she pretty much stayed by me, but I think it was because she was too tired to exert any more energy.

When we finished, I put her in her dog run, fed her, and went inside to get ready.  A little while later I opened our back door (which is usually greeted by a hyper dog) to check on Belle-she was out, probably snoring even!  Some time later after that I checked on her-this time she looked at me, but still would not get up.  Poor pup-she's out of shape!  By the afternoon she was up and at 'em and ready to play.  I don't know why it struck me so funny, but it did.  Maybe it was because I have never seen her so CALM.  I took her out again this morning, but this time she recovered much faster.  Oh that funny dog. 

Cue Pomp and Circumstance

I have a graduate on my hands.  Yes, that's right, Belle has graduated from puppy school.  HOORAY!  After 8 weeks of intense training, she is now ready to be a Guide Dog, a Rescue Dog, a Guard Dog, a chef, a babysitter, a hunter, a chauffeur, and a trainer.  I KNOW!  Amazing!  And all for just a wee little fee.  We couldn't be more proud of her.  Last night was her graduation and the pups all got to play games, have relay races and win dog biscuits.  It was a lot of fun and not just for the puppies.  You should have seen all the video cameras that were there.  I will admit I did bring my camera (and you will see all the fantastic shots that Sporty took of her in just a moment-I know the suspense is KILLING you.) and I did record one spot-I couldn't resist capturing the moment where Belle walks up to the teacher, gets her diploma and comes back to me-sniff sniff, tear tear.   I cannot believe she is ALL grown up-7 months old.  Boy, it seems like yesterday we brought her home and I was sleeping on the couch with her all curled up on my chest.  Now, she would cave my chest in!  Love this dog!

Again-this is Sporty's work.  Here we are all lining up to get ready for the relay races.  That's Charly the Boxer next to us-they were buddies. 

Let's go Belle

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Can you see Ollie, the Maltese?  He just got neutered so he had to wear that awful cone-poor puppy, he also had on a sweater...

This is Yaeggar (sp?)  I fell in love with this German Shepherd.  He is beautiful and he and Belle were best buds.  They loved to sit by each other. 

Belle and Cassie were the finalists for the "Stay" competition.  We actually had to leave the building while the teacher threw tennis balls past them, called them, whistled to them-we watched through a window.  Eventually Belle sat up and she lost.  We did get a big dog biscuit, though.

Her diploma! 

I highly recommend this puppy school!  They are great to work with and they are great to help you over the phone and answer any questions you have.  Not to mention that they know what they are talking about!

Belle...in training-we think?

Here is a wee update on Belle-my dog, er baby.  I seriously LOVE this dog.  She has been going to puppy school for 3 weeks now and we can see a difference all ready.  She still has a LONG way to go, but we have totally noticed how she is much calmer now and she stays still for longer periods of time-that is until Callie the psychotic kitten emerges to bug Belle.  HOWEVER, we also have noticed that when other people are around or even the first half hour of puppy school, she is so naughty-she acts like we haven't worked with her at all.  So I thought I would put a clip of her and some of what we have been working on, on the blog-she doesn't cooperate.  These clips are all very short so watch and enjoy as my puppy makes a fool out of me.  LOL!

She really does make me look like a fool...

I have been slacking...through day 26

DAY 16  It is the last day of November and I still have not finished my 30 days of gratitude!  Well, I have been busy and I am thankful for that! 

DAY 17  I am grateful for in-laws, yes, in-laws.  I have amazing in-laws.  Roger and Annette are kind, gracious, GIVING, fun and entertaining people-although sometimes they don't realize just how entertaining they are :)  They have always been extremely welcoming to me and have accepted me for who I am-a loud, sometimes obnoxious, say what comes to mind, happy go-lucky chicka!  Anyway, they are always there for us and Trevor's siblings.  They watch the grandkids, take us on super fun vacations (Nauvoo, Bear Lake, Glacier, to name a few); they come over on a moments notice when Trev and I have to take a child to get x-rays for a broken arm, or stitches;  they have great timing when any of us need diapers or laundry detergent; they have us over for Sunday dinners;  I know Annette agonizes over gifts for the kids for birthdays and Christmas-she puts A LOT of time and effort in her decision making; Roger gets the ponies out for pony rides.  The list goes on and on and on.  So thank you!  We love you.

DAY 18  I am thankful that we have family close.  Both my family and Trevor's family live very close so we are able to go to movies on a moments notice-like "Tangled" .  Super cute show!  And we are able to have game night with my siblings.  Family is important and I am glad they are near.

DAY 19 I am thankful for friends.  I have some amazing friends-some that I see once a year, some I see every few months, and some I see weekly.  Each friend has a special place in my heart and each one is a special lady themselves.  Some of these ladies I have know since kindergarten; some I met in the mother's room at the church while nursing our babies; some I met through running; all are wonderful, good people, and they mean the world to me.

DAY 20 I am grateful for my parents.  They are awesome, great, wonderful people.  They taught me so many things, they raised me right, they prepared me for the time when I would be married.  They are always there for me and my siblings.  They, too, watch the grandkids, have Sunday dinners, take us on awesome vacations (Disneyland, SeaWorld, Lake Powell), have fun game nights.  There is just too many to name-I love them with all my heart!

DAY 21  I am thankful for my dog, Belle!  She is ALWAYS excited to see me, and when I am having a bad moment, she just wags her tail as if to say, "Let's run and have fun.  You are the BEST EVER!"  okay, maybe not that, but she brings a smile to my face on a daily basis.

DAY 22 I am grateful for our two horses, Missy and Pretty Girl.  There is nothing better than a nice ride up the Pass and talking with my husband.  It's so calm and serene to go on a nice long ride-I know Trevor likes to clear his head on a ride.  He always comes back happy and at peace.  He loves those rides.  I like the date nights we take on them where we talk and discuss things-it's a time where we can discuss more serious matters and we listen to each other.  Our horses provide that for us.  Plus, I just think horses are about the most beautiful animals on this planet!

Sporty on Pretty Girl

Sorry, Missy's not looking.

DAY 23    I am thankful for the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I am grateful for their guidance and their inspiration.  I am thankful that we are lead by a latter-day prophet.  I testify that Thomas S. Monson has been called of God to be a mouth piece for our Lord.  I testify that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are also called of God.  I am thankful for them and the opportunity we have to listen and then read their inspired words.

DAY 24  I am thankful for the Harry Potter Series-I know, dumb.  But those books and other good books give me an out during the day where I can just sit, relax, and enjoy myself and enter a world of fantasy that's very entertaining.  I am reading the series over again-I like it that much!

DAY 25   I am thankful for the actual holiday, Thanksgiving.  I thoroughly enjoy this day and spending time with family.  This day warms my soul as I sit and ponder all the blessings in my life.  I love how the entire day is a constant reminder of what we have to be thankful for, from family to friends, from warm clothes to a furnace that produces heat, from having a car to being able to walk around in a free country.  I love this holiday.  Plus, the food is awesome!

DAY 26     I am thankful for the Scriptures. I am grateful for the lessons they teach me, for the guidance they give me, and for the inspiration I need in my life. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon and the testament of our Savior. I am thankful that we can get answers from our Heavenly Father by reading this book and the other sacred scriptures. I am grateful that He communicates with us through these good books.