Scrappy Old Lady

My cat, Mindy, turned 18 this month!

Merry Christmas

We hope that you have a very, Merry Christmas. That you and yours are able to spend time together - loving, laughing, remembering, sharing, and experiencing the joy that the Lord has given us through His son.

Pippin and Steve wish you a Merry Christmas while hoping the abuse ends soon.  Mindy escaped the torture, but wishes you the same as well.  :)

Sick Baby

Poor Baby Dog.  Stevie has been sick this week.  Monday night, he started coughing.  When I say coughing, I'm talking hacking like a seal.  I worried that he'd somehow gotten kennel cough at the dog park because his cough was that bad.  Todd took him to the doctor on Tuesday and found out that Steve had an infection plus a fever on top of that.  You can tell he's felt really crummy because he sleeps a lot, doesn't do his usual running around the house, stopped barking, and hasn't been eating much.  You can even tell he's lost some weight!

It's really hard seeing him feel so poorly & knowing all we can do is give him cheese (stuffed with meds!) and love on him.  Steve loves the cheese (especially when he can separate his pill and spit it out!) and the loving is something he needs on a continual basis anyway.


I have the sickies, Mom.  Have you seen my blankie?



Unleash the Hounds!

Pippin and Steve truly enjoyed having us home for the Thanksgiving Break.  They proved this by murdering the rest of the throw pillows on the couch when we left them to go to my mom's for Thanksgiving dinner.  :/

We decided on Saturday to take them to the park.  The kids definitely needed some exercise and a way to release much pent-up energy.  Going to the dog park with Steve is always a crap shoot because he has a new "affinity" for small dogs and is such a nosy bastard that he has to get in to everyone's business (play fights, barking, etc.).  So . . . with trepidation, we headed into the dog park.  Because of past events at a smaller, laidback park closer to our home, we drove a bit further from home to the park that is typically full with lots of busy dogs.  Thankfully it was!

Pippin immediately took off running to go introduce herself to all of the humans and prove how unloved she is at home.  I always remember how timid and scared she was the first time we ever took her to the park.  She LOVES it now and plays so nicely with everyone.  Pippin did a playbow to another dog that was very tiny (keep reading to hear more about this dog) and they played together for a minute.  Pipp did have her first skirmish with another dog.  I think he wouldn't leave her alone & she really took up for herself.  I was proud.

Everyone always asks about Pippin & mentions how sweet she is!

Steve, on the other hand, is a different story.  Todd and I are very aware that some people might be hesitant around a large dog with his looks (aka pittie).  It's obvious they don't know what a chicken baby Steve can be.  Because of this, we always keep a close eye on him and stay within a reasonable proximity.  I charged Todd with the wrangling of big boy in hopes that he could move faster than me should the need arise.

You know . . . in a . . . hypothetical . . . situation . . . like . . . maybe . . . perhaps . . . if . . . when Steve might have found a little Pomeranian in a pink sweater. (Who became Pipp's future tiny playmate.)  He was all over that! He didn't hurt the dog & the owner didn't seem to care that her little girl got stepped on by our 122 lb. bone crusher.  In fact, she laughed it off while we internally freaked that our dog would kill her fluffy little dog.  WTH?



On the run.  Keep running!  Get tired!

I'm still not sure why people with small dogs think it's okay to take their little pups out of the small dog area and take them into the large dog area. The main reason I've heard is "my dog is used to big dogs!" Well, people, our dog isn't used to little dogs. In fact, he likes to step on them and carry them around in his large jaws!  It is because he is a DOG.  Wonder how the small dog owners would like it if I took my big dog in their side of the park.  Yep - that's what I thought.  Flame away if you like, but c'mon, really people!  (my blog - my opinion!)

All in all, the kids obviously had fun at the park, behaved fairly well, and were WORN OUT when it was time to leave.  Mission accomplished!  We will definitely have to return again soon as long as the weather allows.  Goodness knows the new throw pillows I plan to buy will need the break.  Here are a couple of more pics of them during the car ride home.



Tell-tale sign Steve is tired: wrinkly face, squinty eyes.



How funny & cute is this?!

Thanksgiving 2010

All I need to say is LOTS of amazing food and loved ones.  What else would Thanksgiving need to be????  The spread of food was enough to truly feed an army.  That's just how we do it.  There was turkey, ham, dressing, 2 gravies, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls, green bean casserole, blackeyed pea soup, salad, creamed spinach, jello salad, deviled eggs, and probably other stuff I can't even remember.  Other family members took photos of the spread, but they aren't good about sharing photos like I am.  (hint hint)

This year we enjoyed lots of family - my Mom & Rick, my brother Jeffrey, my Dad & Joyce, Pat & Linda (Todd's Dad & his wife), my brother Michael, Danielle, Aeva & Will, and Todd and I.  We also had two friends - Jeff, who rents from my mom & Rick, and Diana, a friend of the family.  It was wonderful to be together, enjoy all of the food, and count our blessings.



Jeffrey & Dad



Dad, Linda & Pat

 

Todd, official family carver of all birds and pigs.



Linda & Joyce being pretty while waiting on food.

 

Nobody was willing to quit eating & look up to smile.



Thanksgiving dinner is a serious affair for Mike.



Will (age 3 1/2) loves Thanksgiving!



My sister in-law Danielle.



Mom sneaks a taste.  :)



Papa & Aeva (now 7 1/2)



Linda & Mom (my Mom & stepmom in-law)

The Happy Couple

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and found the opportunity to recognize the blessings in your life.  As I've told myself and others, "Life doesn't have to be perfect for you to be able to count the blessings you already have."

Crazy Pets

This post is surprisingly not about the fact the dogs murdered the remaining five pillows on our couches after being left on Thanksgiving Day.  It is also not about the fact that they unsuccessfully tried to drag one of their huge dog beds out back to murder as well.   It is not even about the fact that there are leaves ALL OVER the floors in the den, kitchen, and breakfast nook and sweeping is an endless task that I don't even attempt anymore.

This post IS about the fact that while our dogs are incredibly needy and fairly destructive, they are sweet and funny.  Whichever dog makes it under our bed when we go to sleep wins that place for the night.  They shimmy their big bodies beneath Todd's side of the bed and sleep in their little "cave."  Last night Steve didn't win under the bed privileges, so he made do as best he could by using bedroom curtains as a blanket to stay warm.  This is what I woke up to this morning - so funny!

 

Rewind: Day Three in California

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Obviously school and life has gotten in the way of me blogging.  Well, here's a rewind (from about 90 days ago!) from our third day in the San Francisco Bay area.

We woke up very late in our awesome Monterey hotel room.  The biggest decision of the morning was whether I wanted to take a bath or a shower.  (I opted for the tub in case you are wondering.)  Upon checking out exactly at 12 noon, Todd and I headed over to Monterey's Fisherman's wharf  to find some lunch.  Walking around and sampling chowder from a few places on the way, it made it easy to decide we wanted chowder for lunch!

We had some fairly good food at a decent restaurant with really crappy service, and I got some more good pics while we sat there (forever).  Our primary entertainment was the seals.  They were great!  Reminding us of our dogs at home, the seals played, swam, showed off, sunbathed, and barked.  It was as if they were doing it all simply for our entertainment.  I really couldn't get enough of them.  Since I loved so many of the shots I took of seals, I'm including all of them.  :)

We left Monterey late afternoon & drove to Los Gatos to see my friend Penny, her husband, James, and their son, Matthew.  Penny and I met a few years ago, and their family recently moved to California.

Todd enjoyed driving the winding roads lined with tall trees.

I enjoyed the views from Penny's balcony.

Matthew enjoyed having company from Texas that expressed interest in his Hot Wheels.

After enjoying some good pizza at a Los Gatos restaurant, we said goodbye to our friends and headed back to Niles.  We spent a long evening chatting, drinking, and hot tubbing with Greg and Shareen, and prepared for a busy weekend ahead of us.

Ahead: Day 4 - Todd and Kristin hit Niles!

Seven Years

Seven years ago today, a man and a woman went on a blind date.  That wonderful date turned into a lifetime.  The man and the woman have been through many ups and downs in the past seven years, but they wouldn't have it any other way - as long as they are together.

Our first photo together with our first snowman, on our first Valentine's Day together.

Guess Who is Grounded?

One hint:  It's not Todd, Mindy or me.

Dear Santa,

Please bring throw pillows for the couch for the dogs humans.  One stuffed and one with feathers would be great.

Love,
Todd & Kristin

101 in 1001

I have been so busy not working on my 101 in 1001 that I didn't even know it had ended. Well, I didn't too hot on ticking things off my list, but I always have good intentions!  Here is my final list:

From January 1, 2008, I had 1001 days to complete 101 things. Items in italics were activities in progress and those that are crossed out were completed!

1. Think of 101 things to do before 1001 days ends!

2. Get pregnant AND have a baby

3. Read more often - at least 4 books/year

4. Consistently walk the dogs 2-3x/week

5. Have a girls’ weekend with college friends

6. Clean out and organize the house

7. Paint & organize laundry room

8. Find a new teaching position or new job (well, I got sent back to 4th)

9. Set up a 403b

10. Clean out my closet - at least 1/2 must be donated

11. Get a new computer

12. Finish our wedding scrapbook

13. Send all of our photos for scanning at scanmyphotos.com

14. Share scanned photos with friends & family

15. Visit family & friends in Georgia

16. Vacation out of the country

17. Have an official date night with Todd at least 2x/month

18. Recarpet the bedrooms

19. Wood flooring in the formal living/dining

20. Buy new bedroom furniture

21. Lose weight

22. Try yoga

23. Build up savings

24. Switch AMEX to my married name

25. Watch "Gone With the Wind"

26. Sell items on "stuff to sell" list

27. Have wing back chairs reupholstered

28. Buy new dining room set

29. Learn Photoshop

30. Get a sewing machine (Mary gave me hers.)

31. Learn to sew (with my new machine)

32. Sew cases for throw pillows & make dog beds (bought some)

33. Finish cross-stitch quilt Never mind - the damn dogs ate it. :(

34. Make or buy curtains for den & living room

35. Keep my car clean (Car Spa!) at least 2x/yr

36. Work on my fear of heights Screw that. I'm going to die someday falling off the curb anyway.

37. Get a pedicure

38. Go on a scrapbook retreat This could become a habit!

39. Start a small garden on the west side of the house.

40. Finish painting the house (interior)

41. Have family/friends over for a nice dinner (w/ china, flatware & Waterford!)

42. Eat the food in the freezer or dump it

43. Buy entertainment center for the den

44. Landscape the front yard

45. Keep blog updated

46. Enter debits in checkbook and keep balanced on a regular basis (Forget it - learned I REALLY suck BAD at this)

47. See more movies - theater & home Thank you, Netflix!

48. Figure out what to put above the mantel

49. Work together to find "a place for everything" so everything will be in its place

50. Buy a new, tall plant for the den

51. Donate extra blankets & sheets to local animal shelter

52. Create a will & file with attorney

53. Mail in my organ donor registration card

54. Update my passport

55. Meet with a financial planner

56. Wash, dry, fold & put away laundry every 1-2 weeks

57. Get home computers networked

58. Setup a shared calendar on said network Bought a magnetic white board calendar for fridge.

59. Clean the weeks in between the maid's visits

60. Make our bed at least 3x/week (w/ Todd's help . . . or not)

61. Learn to like the Sonicare toothbrush (never will - makes my nose itch)

62. Complete one set of the Crest whitening strips in my cabinet

63. Take a few clothing items to consignment

64. Clean out & organize all linens

65. Re-register to vote

66. Learn more about the election process

67. See a dermatologist

68. Reorganize kitchen tools

69. Strip cabinet and use for storing serving pieces

70. Sell stuff on Craig's List

71. Put black shutters on front of house (paint existing or buy new)

72. Clean out under bathroom cabinets

73. Recycle magazines

74. Learn the dance to "Thriller" (Note: This was on my list before Michael Jackson's death.)

75. Convince Todd that he would enjoy learning the two-step (and take me dancing!)

76. Go boot scooting with friends (even if Todd won't go)

77. Paint & glaze kitchen cabinets

78. Replace lovely golden, laminate countertops in kitchen

79. Try one new recipe each month

80. Get finances merged

81. Encourage/bribe/force Todd to clean out his office

82. Assist Todd in cleaning out the garage

83. Plant flowers & keep them alive

84. Clean up & reupholster rocking chair for my classroom

85. Laminate & cut out all the Math crap I need for school

86. Get my laptop connected to network & printer

87. Use my mom's pool at least 2x/month each summer

88. Clean out entry closet

89. Socialize Stevie more so he won't be a jerk dog around other puppies

90. Schedule Steve's surgery :(

91. Paint/tile/replace countertop in middle bathroom

92. Clean all of the baseboards & chair railings in the house

93. Quilt my old sorority & fraternity t-shirts

94. Repair/replace windows, doors, and exterior siding/trim

95. Go to the eye doctor and get glasses and/or contacts since Lasik didn't work too well. I'm now a four-eyes!

96. Redecorate the guest room

97. Clean out guest room closet

98. Organize gift wrap, ribbons, etc.

99. Sell or get rid of king-size bed in guest room.

100. Figure out the date when all of this should be complete. I think my finish date is September 29, 2010.

Wow . . . time flies when you aren't accomplishing much!  Guess I got some of my goals accomplished, but not as many as I had planned to do.

Is that a squash . . .

or is Todd happy to see me?

I think it's a bit of both.  :)  Apparently, my gardener husband did such a good job ignoring his garden that it produced from the 5-lb. squash plant!  This photo cracks me up just because it is Todd beeing goofy.

We have both been completely overwhelmed with work/school.  Maybe if things ever settle down (and something in our lives happens more than work-related stuff), I'll have more to say!  Until then, we are counting down the days until the Thanksgiving break and holiday.

Welcome Fall!

With the gorgeous weather and amazing temperatures we've had the past couple of weeks, I decided to do a little bit of "autumning" around the house.  Both Todd and I have been SO VERY BUSY with work, but we are enjoying the changing of the seasons.

I bought mums last weekend and can't wait for them to fully bloom.  Today I bought pumpkins and decorated them.  We can carve them if we want when it gets closer to Halloween.  They definitely aren't perfect, but I had a good time making them, so I'm okay with that!  Here are a few blurry shots of my handiwork.

Rewind: San Francisco - Day Two

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Wednesday morning, we woke up to the cool breezes at Casa Pacifica and prepared for a new day of adventure.  After I learned to use the orange tree picker (which may have an official name), showered and packed, we headed out for Monterey.  It was about an hour drive from Niles, and we were looking forward to enjoying the scenery on the way down.  Not far on our trip, signs were beckoning us and we had to stop quickly.  The Gods of all things burger & fries were calling our names.  Who were we to ignore them?

Since there is not an In-N-Out Burger to be found in Texas (coming soon though!), you know we just HAD to!  If you've had In-N-Out before, then you know exactly what I'm talking about.  If you haven't, then you're missing out!

After ordering some good burgers and fries, eating them outdoors without sweating to death (another thing not to be found in Texas in July), we were again on our way.  Notice Todd's arm in the background . . . nobody touches the food before a photo is snapped!  :)

We headed into Monterey and went directly to our first destination --- The Monterey Bay Aquarium.  While as teachers we prefer not to be surrounded by children during our summer vacations, we were really excited about seeing the aquarium.  Enthralled by all it has to offer, we saw amazing exhibits of sea life and enjoyed the fantastic views of the bay.  Because of the tons of pics we took at the Aquarium, I'm adding a slide show here.  :)

 After a few hours at the aquarium, we ventured out for some shopping.  Of course we had to buy some t-shirts and postcards, and I tried to convince Todd that this hat was awesome!  I don't think he quite agreed.

I still laugh my ass off every time I see this!

After our shopping expedition was over, we hopped in the car and headed towards Carmel.  We took the famous & beautiful 17 Mile Drive.  Although we only drove maybe half of 17 Mile Drive (that's the actual name of the road), it was so beautiful that it took us a long time because of all the stops and photos taken!

There were amazing views, sea life, beautiful beaches, deer, amazing homes, chilly water, and crisp, clean air.  We truly could have spent hours just cruising around and taking pics. As we headed in to Carmel-by-the-Sea, we stopped at Carmel Beach to admire more beauty, remember how freaking hot it was in Dallas, and relax. 

Walking around Carmel, we saw many shops and restaurants. After checking out menus and using our trusty tourist map, we decided on Flaherty's for dinner.  They had awesome seafood, so it was a great decision.  We were spent, but we had no hotel reservations.  Since we knew the area a bit better and there were more hotel options, we headed back to Monterey.  We landed at the Hotel Pacific.  Another score!

Since we arrived so late (after 9pm), the hotel upgraded us to a suite and we enjoyed all of the space and amenities.  As you'll see in the pics, the suite had an awesome king-sized feather bed, big tub and separate shower, open windows, fireplace, flat screen TV, breakfast nook, patio/balcony, and more.  It was so "California!"  We wanted to spend more time there - as in move in for a while.  :)

By the time we got settled, we hit the sack.  We slept for almost twelve hours (!!!) and took our own sweet time getting ready.  We literally left at noon the next day - check out time.

Tomorrow . . . Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf, dining, seals, lots of seals, even more seals, a drive to Los Gatos, views from my friend Penny's house, dinner, and back to Cafe Pacifica for beverages and bed.  I promise to try to finish blogging this trip before  . . . Christmas.  I really do.