Still Around

We are still alive!  The pups are doing great.  They are so funny and so sweet.  A day doesn't go by that they don't entertain us in some form or fashion.  We are still working on Steve's licking and Pippin's barking, but that is simply par for the course!

School is almost out for the summer and we are both BEYOND exhausted.  I seriously can't remember the last time I was this incredibly exhausted.  Both of us found success in our students' testing results.  We are both very proud of ourselves and our kids!  There is a ton of work to be done before our break begins.  I've been moved to 5th grade Math, so a lot of boxes and moving needs to take place.

One more week, and we begin our summer vacation.  Todd will be taking more graduate classes and trying to relax in between.  I will be completely redecorating our guest room (pics will come!), reorganizing the house, going to Colorado to visit a friend, and relaxing as well.  Todd will add another candle to his birthday cake in June, so we will find some way to celebrate.  In late July, we plan to take a vacation to the beach - most likely Sandestin.

Until then . . . we hope for some sleep.

One Year

A year ago today, Todd left to take Mackey to the vet and came home with an empty leash.  It seems like forever since our buddy crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  Our family changed in an instant.

Our hearts are heavy as we miss our silly, sweet, goofy, weird, funny man more today than usual.  We miss you, Mack Daddy.

Brushing Teeth - Round One

Please join me in my first attempt at brushing Stevie's teeth.  There wasn't a fight over it (surprisingly, since he won't let anyone trim his nails!), but I can't exactly call it a success.

As a viewer, I implore you not to look at the filthy flooring in the video.  And forgive the shakiness of the video since Pippin was trying to get involved even though she doesn't like the toothpaste.  And pay no attention to my pajama pants.  And don't worry about the beeping sound of the oven timer towards the end of the video.

Guess we'll have to keep trying - that would be to keep trying the tooth brushing, videoing, and domestic duties!

OUR Wish

I heard this song on my iPod while driving to work this morning, and it made me smile.  After Todd and I shared  our "first dance" at our wedding reception, we invited our family and wedding party to join us on the dance floor. This is the song we chose to play - "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts.  What a special time that was to be surrounded by our loved ones.

We Remember

As the United States celebrates that truth and justice prevail, my heart and  stomach have gone back in time with my memories of that tragic day ten years ago and the days that followed.

I posted this on Facebook just a few moments ago, "Bottom line is that we are AMERICANS. Let's put the political opinions aside, and be assured that the mastermind behind our worst day in history has been given what he was due. Remember the lives lost on 9/11 and our many troops since then, and pray that this is one small way justice can be made."


"This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done." - George W. Bush, 5.1.11

The mastermind of evil is gone, but evil will continue to plague our Earth.  Let us celebrate that this chapter has closed while being vigilant enough to stay safe.

I Wish I Had a Camera in My Forehead

Seriously - if I could have a small camera implanted in my forehead, I might actually do it.  The reason?  My dog is so damn funny.  And you know I have to be talking about Steve.  Now, don't get me wrong, Pippin can be quite comical herself, but that Steve . . . he is a riot.

Last night, I went back to our bedroom to get ready for bed.  Steve was watching as I gave Todd a kiss and headed to the hall.  I motioned and said, "C'mon buddy.  Come with Mom."  He started my way, and I decided (for fun) to run.  He took off like a lightning bolt and almost knocked me over as we got into the bedroom.  Then comes the funny part.

Steve and I get into the bedroom and he immediately drops his front legs down, begins rubbing his face all over the rug, and has his butt up high in the air.  What this meant, I don't know.  I start scratching his hips and, while his ass is up, he turns his head and looks up at me.  If I just could've gotten a picture.  One teeny, tiny picture.

Believe me, the picture would've been worth more than my 1000 (or less) words.  Guess I'll call the plastic surgeon about getting that implant.

All Hail Breaks Loose

We had quite a storm last night!  Lots of lightning, thunder, pouring rain & hail.  Thankfully lightning doesn't strike the same place twice.

I took of our disastrous back patio on my cell phone.  It is dark, but you can hear how loud it was.  Notice that you did not hear our dogs outside barking!  Probably because they were inside panting and hiding under the bed.  :)