Jan and Feb were pretty rough here. During Jan we all were sick a couple times (colds, ear infections ,stomach bugs, etc). In fact I ended up getting (walking) pneumonia 4 days before the semester started. That really threw a wrench in the start of the semester and set me back quite a bit. That same weeked our dog Brandy (below) got sick. At the vet we found out she had llymphoma. She stayed relatively healthy for a few weeks, but on Valentine's day we took her to the Vet to be put down. That was REALLY rough as Brandy was such a great dog. That same day Tim came down with another stomach bug! He fought that off and we were all healthy for a couple weeks, but it is now March 8th and Sammy has ANOTHER ear infection. This was not meant to be a downer post, but thought I would fill you in on why there are so few postings so far. We are praying for health and hope that future postings are about fun and not illness!
Love ya all - the Sicky Bunch
No, it is not what you think.... The baby boy is not here yet - we got a second dog! It was not planned, but not unplanned. For a while we have discussed getting a second dog, and this one just seemed "right." Our first dog, Brandy, is an 8 year old border collie and spaniel mix. We got her in 2005 from the Humane Society. She has been a great dog and we love her a lot. Our new dog is also from the Humane Society - they were set-up in the Pet Smart down the road and this dog was sitting there crying in her cage. Next thing I know we are driving home a new dog and a cart full of toys, bowls, food, leashes, etc... She is a an 8 month old Irish Terrier mix (lab perhaps?). He owner went to Iraq and the rest of his family moved out of the state to be with family. The dog is used to having babies around, is house broken, and is very mellow (for an 8 months old puppy). Her name is Xena - not sure we are going to keep it - any suggestions? Xena and Brandy have hit it off quite well, and already cuddle on the sofa together...
It has been so hot here the past few weeks. The highs are always over 100, usually closer to 110 degrees! Also, the humidty has also gone up a bit due it being the "monsoon" season making it even more uncomfortable. Most people I talk to agree with me that they are ready for it to be over and cooler weather to come. Everyone that is except Lizzy, who does not seem to mind the heat! She is always asking to go to the park. So one morning while it was still "relatively cool" Lizzy and I went to the park with our dog. Brandy enjoyed sitting in the grass in the shade, and Lizzy enjoyed playing on the jungle gym.
For the past few weeks Tim has been working hard in the backyard upgrading the landscaping. Here Lizzy and Brandy rest in the shade on a blanket while daddy works in the sun.
Lizzy saw Brandy sleeping on the sofa, and decided to join her.
Lizzy loves being outside - so much that she wants to eat at the picnic table even when it is sort of chilly out! I usually sit by her and help her eat (and use the spoon the correct direction...), however this time Brandy jumped up and joined us too so I did not have any free hands!
Every evening Lizzy plays in the backyard with mommy and daddy. The hardest part is getting her to come back inside!
Poor Brandy does not know where to sleep after Lizzy moved the books from the bookshelf to Brandy's bed...
Shortly before Christmas I "lost" my camera. I just found it this morning in my car - maybe I should clean it more often! Anyway, during that time I did take pictures on my phone, however I could not figure out how to get them off until yesterday... So here are a few pictures from my phone - now that I found my camera I am expecting to start to put things up more often again!
Sat Jan 10: We went to the new Cabelas. It was huge and gave us a lot to look at - fish, taxidermy, etc. After lunch in the cafeteria Lizzy relaxed in a baby sixed camoflauge sofa.
Tues Jan 6: Lizzy and mommy enjoy a nice walk outside!
Wed Dec 31: Lizzy reading - wearing only a bow, diaper, and shoes...
Wed Dec 31: We met Patty and Addy at the park. The girls had missed eachother and enjoyed playing outside.
Wed Dec 31: Lizzy is sound asleep after playing in the park with Addy
Sun Dec 28: Lizzy just HAD to hold the leash and walk the dog herself!
Sun Dec 28: Lizzy and Grandma Sharon at Barnes and Nobles - while there Lizzy came over to me and said "poopoo" and then did the deed. We were very surprised and are wondering if it is time to potty train???
Here Lizzy and Brandy cuddle while waking up - a quiet moment before gifts and fun.
