A good ending to a great day

Yesterday was quite a good day....from beginning to end....Collin worked hard in the yard all day...it is really looking quite nice...it will be such a good feeling to get it all done...it has been a long 2 years or so since we started...it will feel really great to have most of it done before Dylan arrives....I had a business meeting at 8:00 am and was busy at the office until about 1:00 pm...made it home to help for a couple of hours and then had to go work at our mall office from 4:00 until 6:00...I really don't like the mall.....and go there as little as possible...but I thought while I was there I needed to pick up some invitations for our upcoming party for Dylan...as I headed toward the Hallmark store a force greater than my own pulled me into Gymboree Baby Store...I felt like a alcoholic that just left a AA meeting walking right into a bar....I knew this was dangerous territory for me...I really cannot be trusted to my own devices in these baby stores...I cautiously walked thru the store...trying my best not to touch anything...the touch the pickup the admiration of the cuteness is what gets you in these stores...I was doing fairly then I saw it the 40% off sign in bright red letters........like a beacon calling to me....and there it was right in front of me the cutest little outfit....my mind immediately began to justify this little outfit....where was Collin when I needed him....then the sickness took over completely... and my mind said thank goodness Collin isn't here.........at that moment I realized that Mr Mooks still needed to get baby Dylan a gift......and I thought to myself ...self now Mr Mooks is a pretty simple cat...a free barn cat...with minimal expectations in life...a simple but nice gift is what Mr Mooks would pick....unlike Winston which only the best most extravagant wonderful outrageous little outfit would do...so thats what I did I picked a very nice but simple outfit from Mr Mooks off of the 40% off rack...

Winston the little helper

Today was another busy day in the yard. I unloaded 2 ton's of landscape rock in the yard. I also started the final little fence in our yard. It should be done tomorrow. Denise put the patio furniture in it's right place. It is supposed to be nice tomorrow, so I will finish the gate and fence and then go get some more rock for the back of the garage. We also have one more piece of lattice to put up. Winston was a little helper today. He was by my side all day, whether getting rock or helping build the fence. Mostly he was just on guard with both eyes closed. There was a cuter picture before these pictures. He actual had both paws on the board, plus his head, but we couldn't get he camera soon enough. These were the next best thing.

Dylan......mom is calling for you...

I can't wait for Dylan to get here....not because I hate being pregnant for the most part being pregnant isn't so bad...as long as I am not trying to tie my shoes or look in the mirror...all is well...but I can't wait to meet our little son....patience has really never been one of my good traits....waiting...waiting...usually if I want something...I figure out how to get it...which I have done so with Dylan....but not much I can do to speed up his upcoming arrival....making it worse we went to meet our good friends John and Carries 5 day old daughter Josephine....at first I was kind of scared...wow she is small...thought she really wasn't she was a little over 7 lbs...but seemed very tiny...I finally got enough courage to hold her...it was wonderful...which is a first for me...I am not a big baby person...but I loved holding her...and watching her...it was really wonderful...she is a great baby...and she is very lucky to have such wonderful loving parents...her year and a half old brother David was alot of fun also and is adjusting quite well to his sister....its really great having friends with a new baby.....

We also went to the Doctor this morning...we had a little scare...I hadn't felt Dylan move for about 12 hours....so we were a little concerned...the Doctors were wonderful and got us in this morning...they attached me to a machine for about 20 minutes monitoring Dylan's heartbeat...good news all is well....they also think Dylan has turned around and is no longer breech...do to where they found his heartbeat....next week will tell for sure...but all in all a big relief and good news............so with that Dylan.........mom is calling you and Dad is waiting patiently....we can't wait to meet our little son.........

Mr Mooks our forgotten member of the family

Alot of you are unaware that we have Mr Mooks our cat....he has been a family member for about 6 or 7 years now...I am not sure why we don't talk more about Mr Mooks...it probably has something to do with that he is very easy and requires very little attention to be happy...unlike Winston who demands attention....Solomon was the same way...very demanding...well with that I am going to devote the blog to my wonderful cat Mr Mooks....

Mr Mooks came into my life approximately 7 years ago...I had just lost my most beautiful wonderful kitten...he died while getting declawed and fixed...it was fairly traumatic...anyways one of my clients knew I lost my kitten and offered me a barn cat...that was 6 months old that was not doing well as a barn cat....he got picked on alot by the other cats and he was always following the tractors and trucks around just waiting to get squashed...at a weak moment I said yes...without even seeing Mr Mooks...I adopted him site unseen...which is probably a good thing since he really is nothing special to look at...he is a gray tabby with a short tail and a funny fat body...he fit in immediately though....and really loved being with people and with the dogs....he requires little to no attention...is not moody and is pretty friendly cat...the arrival of Dylan will not faze Mr Mooks....

Mr Mooks has been to the vet I think 4 times in his life....to get rid of the ear mites...mind you he gave them to all three of my dogs also...to get fixed...and twice to help Winston breed with a female bulldog..........otherwise he has never been sick...never had a hair ball....and has just been a easy pet....Below is a day in the life of Mr Mooks...

He spends his day in front of the front door with his belly in the air or curled up on our leather couch...in the evening we have our special time....as soon as he hears my bath water run he comes and sits with me while I take my bath...he never misses a night...I think he initially started coming in because Winston will not come in while I am taking a bath...he is scared he will end up in the tub....so I pet him with my wet hands every night...his whole back and head is wet when we are done......then its time for bed...he sleeps on the bed every night...and every night sometime around 4-5 he cries at the door to get up...this is our routine everyday...his constiency is very comforting to me....and I look forward to his daily routine and being apart of it....

He has been patient thru being chased by puppies....humped by Winston...beat up by other cats we have had....somehow he just goes with the flow...in his ever accepting way....he has to very significant stories of his life that come to mind........I will share both of these with you...

Mr Mooks really is not my cat...he really is Winston's cat...Winston loves Mr Mooks with a passion...he gets very upset when guest come over and pet his cat...he humps his cat daily...and Mr Mooks doesn't mind in fact he rubs up against Winston...sleeps with Winston...they love each other....clean each other...they are good buddies thru and thru...so now let me get to the story...Mr Mooks was very instrumental in Winston being able to mate and make little Winstons...We had agreed to breed Winston with a female bulldog...his stud fee is approximately 1000-1400 dollars...and the owner of the female bulldog will sell the puppies each for that 1000-1400...so its important that when its time to breed that we don't miss the female bulldogs cycle...and that Winston can perform when necessary...with bull dogs it is common to use artificial insemination....this is the route we went with...just one problem....Winston hated the female bull dog....she did nothing for him....he had no interest in her and could not get excited...so that the vet could then take a sample for the artificial insemination...we were dead in the water...no 1000.00 no baby bull dogs..........the vet desperately asked me if I knew of anything that would get Winton excited........well that was easy......Mr Mooks....Mr Mooks the barn cat found his calling in his life....this once little to no value barn cat was now priceless.......I rushed home and swooped up Mr Mooks and off to the Vet we went....brought Mr Mooks in to the exam room...with the Doctor and his assistant waiting to see Mr Mooks work his magic...like clockwork we started petting Mr Mooks...thats all it took a couple of sweet kitty kitty kittys and Winston could not help himself..........within minutes we struck gold.........and 8 little beautiful English bulldogs were conceived due to our wonderful Mr Mooks.........

This last story is not nearly as funny....in fact it truly makes me appreciate just how special this ordinary gray tabby is....last summer when my home sold in South Dakota it was finally time to make my long awaited move....unfortunately my home sold in May and I still needed to stay and work in South Dakota till the end of summer....I found a apartment to rent...and decided that I would keep the dogs with me...but that Mr Mooks could make the move to Cheyenne...he was so easy ....we assumed he would be fine....we assumed wrong...in a big way....he cried everyday for his family....Collin after about a week finally could not take his crying anymore and let him outside....Mr Mooks loved the outdoors in Rapid City...so Collin thought he would be fine to be outside...he might stop crying....he always came home...and would wait by the door in Rapid City....but not in Cheyenne....Mr Mooks did not come home....day after day....Mr Mooks could not be found...........I was sick to my stomach and so sad....I envisioned my cat trying to find his way back to South Dakota....after a week of no Mr Mooks...we pretty much gave up hope that he could or would find his way back to the litte house on 6ths street....I finally got sometime off and made my way to Cheyenne with all the dogs in tow....in my heart hoping that maybe he would smell me smell Ardie....if he was still alive maybe he would come home....but realistically it has been 10 days since he came up missing.......so we had little hope....we spent the day around the house trying not to think of Mr Mooks...but hoping that he would show up....nightfall finally came and I brought the dogs in....we went to bed...and pretty much my dreams of Mr Mooks finding his family had gone....but then it happened approximately 3 am...Collin woke me up...we could both here this meowing out our bedroom window...I knew that meow immediately it was my beautiful most wonderful...very very special Mr Mooks....it was at that moment I knew that I didn't have just a gray funny looking barn cat...but the greatest cat on earth...that night he curled up on the bed...and life went back to normal...with the morning sun on his belly....his nightly baths with mom...and him curling up with us every night for bed....we learned a valuable lesson from Mr Mooks that day....to love and honor your family....to Mr Mooks thats what its all about his family....so heres to our wonderful Mr Mooks

I have the most popular husband in town!!!!

All of the girls at work loved their miniature flower boxes...they all loved the fact that Collin wanted to make them for them............ahhhhhh....they all think I am the luckiest lady to have such a wonderful husband...he helps me quite a bit at work...plus he is a fireman in uniform...they all think he is just the greatest....I must say I agree.......well at least almost all of the time...anyways 2 agents saw them and we already have 8 orders.......so we are going to have to take sometime next week to get organized and do a couple of sample boxes...all 8 wanted cowboy style flower boxes...I think I have figured something out...so I will put together my sample boxes and also get some stain swatches together for ordering...and get order forms together....then will roll it out to all the agents........and see what happens...once I have all of our theme boxes done will put them online so everyone can see them..........well with that until next time..........

A new career.........................

Collin and I have decided that we are going to go into a joint venture...we are going to start a new business for ourselves...not that we are busy enough already....I wanted flower boxes for the house...I could only find one store here in Cheyenne that had cedar flower boxes and they were just way to expensive...so we decided that we would attempt to make our own flower boxes...we both were a little unsure of just how much work this was going to take and if they would turn out at all.......well......BIG TIME SUCCESS...we made our own custom sized cedar flower boxes for our windows......they were easy to make and are really quite cute....and we really had a good time making them....we have decided that we are going to make them and sell them at a local craft fairs...also give them to my clients as house warming gifts filled with fresh flowers...and offer this item to the other agents in my office to give to their clients...we will have different sizes available with different stains and you will have the option of personalizing them with different themes right on the spot at the craft fair for a additional fee....we had left over cedar and made little tiny flower boxes for the 6 secretaries at work for assistants week this week....they turned out pretty cute filled with fresh flowers and greens.....the standard 30 inch or so flower box will be $12.95 with themed boxes $15.00 and filled with flowers $19.95...custom size boxes available at special order...will do themed smaller cedar boxes that can be filled with fresh flowers or also like a dog box filled with dog treats....anyways we have all kinds of ideas...I doubt that we will be able to retire on our new business but it would take us about 3 hours to make 30 standard flower boxes and about another hour to get them stained....we would make almost $300.00 so for 4 hours of work on one of our days off....we both really enjoyed making them and looking forward to trying out our new little business....a extra $300.00 to $500.00 a month going to a saving account for Dylan or for family vacations will add up quick...with not much effort and something we both enjoy...we will get pictures online once we get ours on the front of the house............the picture above is from left over scrap cedar that we made for my secretaries...this is just a small 10 inch flower box.....personalized...so if we were to sell this box it filled with flowers just like it is we would sell it for $13.95....what a bargain..........

Tired..........its a good thing

I can safely speak for both Collin and I...we are tired and yes its a good thing....it has been a extremely productive last couple of days...we managed to get the exterior of the house painted, trimmed out for the most part, the deck stained, fence stained, and patio re stained...I was also able to get a home sold earlier today that means if all goes well 4 closings in the next 2 weeks so all is good at work ...the exterior of our home is looking really good...am fairly happy with the color and all of the neighbors think it looks great so that's a good thing...I managed quite well painting doors and trimming out windows but by the end of the day we were down right exhausted...but it feels really good to have most of the projects done....still some spring planting, gravel needs to be brought in for the side patio, window boxes, and some finishing touch up on the painting...we are trying to get this all done in the next 2-3 weeks...trying to take advantage of the fact that I am still feeling well and can help quite a bit...once Dylan is here I think all improvements around the house could come to a screeching halt....the nesting part of me really wants it all done....we have worked so hard to get everything done...Collin has been really wonderful in trying to get everything done...I think he likes the way it looks once a project is done and is always glad that we do them...once they are done...but I know that he would be just fine without doing ALL the projects...some are not necessary... but does them because its what I want...for example making the flower boxes for the windows....by no means is it necessary but I am so excited about them that he agrees to do them... I am very lucky ....and he is so lucky that I know that flower boxes will look great on the house.......the truth is we make a great team and work together on all of our projects side by side...we sometimes get a little frustrated with each other especially if it has been a long day of projects but we always manage to appreciate each others ideas and work in the end...its always rewarding at the end of the day.......with that I am really tired and not quite sure this blog really made any sense but here it is....I am to tired to worry about it.............until tomorrow hopefully a better blog ......thanks for reading...and always for sharing

Feet First

We had another doctors appointment today for baby Dylan...all went well...good blood pressure...good heart beat...the only concern is that we think he is still breech...we go back in 2 weeks and will have a more thorough exam to find out for sure....if he is still breech they then will discuss having a aversion...I think thats what it is called...its where they manipulate the baby by turning him around by pressing and pushing on the outside of your tummy....the procedure does carry quite a few different concerns with it.....so I am not sure that if he is still breech that we will go forward with a aversion...we will have to weigh all of the risk...if he does not go head down on his own....and we don't proceed with a aversion then we will be having a c-section...which also carries its own risk...the problem with the aversion...is if things start to go bad during the procedure they will need to do a emergency c section on a pre term baby....so the only way I would agree to a aversion would be having it done very close to full term and would want to proceed immediately with induced labor and delivery....instinctualy I just feel if he is breech then their is a reason for it...whether its due to my body or due to Dylan and I am concerned about intervening with it at this time.....we were hoping that he would turn by now...but since that hasn't happened I will need to do some additional research on the subject so that we can make the best informed decision if needed....of course he can decide to move into his head down position at any time right up to birth..........will keep you all posted.......for now keep wishing for bottoms up for Dylan........

Winston has impeccable taste.........

I learned long ago that if I didn't want to take responsibility for my actions...I could always count on Winston to take the heat for me....he always has my back....truly mans best friend...
About a month ago Collin and I went shopping and I wanted to stop by Dillard's to see if they had any baby stuff on sale....we have been very very good about only buying him clothing that has been on sale and we have received a ton of pre loved baby wear from our good friends John and Carrie...well I found this most darling little hat and slippers...they were very whimsical and I just loved them...unfortunately they were not on sale and Collin with his good level head talked me out of getting them...well thank goodness Collin and his good level head was nowhere in site as I marched myself back into Dillard's.........this time on a mission...to find that little hat and those slippers...I told myself that by now they would be at least 30% off and that would help me justify the purchase...well if the truth must be told...it didn't matter if they had raised the price of these little lovely items...I wasn't walking out of the store with out them....I briskly walked right by the discount rack right to the beautiful display of this wonderful brand of extra beautiful baby clothes...and there they were my prized little cap and slippers....just in time they only had one little hat left....lucky me......poor Collin......since I was already caught up in the moment and who knows if I would ever make my way back to this beautiful display I also bought Dylan a onesie that matches perfect and a beautiful full size blanket....I am very happy with my purchase and no remorse has set in yet...in fact the girl at the register asked if I needed a gift box and I stated no that these items were for me...yes for me...this is the first and only beautiful little item I have bought my son....everything else he has is very boyish...I wanted babyish just one babyish outfit...I then changed my mind and say yes can I please have a gift box....I just remembered that Winston hasn't gotten baby Dylan a gift yet....yes Winston has impeccable taste.......thanks Winston.....can't wait to see what Mr Mooks the cat brings Dylan next.....

Gutters and home improvement

Mr Mooks and Woo-man

Just sitting on the couch watching a little TV. Our local news is just a joke. At least once a day they have a screw-up. Today the weather man had the temperature difference from 76 yesterday to 40 today. He even has the numbers high lighted. Then proceeds to say it was a 26 degree change. I know you can mess up with math on the spur of the moment but doing the the math before hand, this should not happen. The other day, they somehow managed to interview one of the local drunks about the snow storm. He appeared to be drunk and his answer made him sound like he was 12 years old. I would have love to have seen the whole interview.

I took the gutters off the house today. It was not as hard as I thought it would be. Once again, if you have the right tools the jobs become a lot easier. I got some bolt cutters and some blades for my saw-zaw. Probably saved about 170 dollars doing it myself. We are going to paint the house on Friday and Saturday. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

I have been reading Confessions of a Economic Hit Man. Dad sent me the book. It is a really good book. It really makes you think about how our policies have effected our security.

I have found my limits

Early on in the pregnancy I had terrible morning sickness....but like clockwork as soon as I hit my second trimester the sickness went away...since then I have been feeling pretty good...in fact I have great energy for most of the day and besides occasional heartburn and figuring out how to maneuver around my every growing belly the pregnancy has been going great....but yesterday I found my limits....we worked yesterday on getting the house ready to paint this weekend...and I just plain over did it....and started having some serious cramping last night...called my doctor just to make sure that I didn't need to go in....which I didn't as long as it didn't continue or get worse...it was a little scary...not to mention I was just down right tired and my whole body was hurting......it made me realize that I just can't do as much as I did before I was pregnant...so I will slow down a little...........not a lot.......just a little...still so much I want to get done before baby Dylan gets here........but I will begin to monitor my daily activity...all is well today...no problems.......ate well, drank well, and did not over do it.........Dylan seems to confirm that all is well with all of his kicks........

Pinch me....I'm dreaming

Wow...another good day.....this feels almost to good to be true....we started out the day at our birthing class at the hospital...it wasn't really a true birthing class...more a overview of what you can expect..which she really didn't cover anything I haven't heard yet... but its good to hear it over and over....perhaps it will sink in a little better that way.....the main reason I really wanted to go was to see how supportive and mainstream the hospital was when it came to supporting natural child birth...I was really happy with their birthing rooms and I believe that there birthing philosophy follows very closely to my own wants and concerns about having Dylan....so that was a huge relief...the only disappointment was that they don't have baths...otherwise it was really good........

I listed my first property yesterday....we have been getting the property ready for about a month...the homeowners really worked hard to get everything ready....Collin and I went over last week and staged the home, painted, and did some last minute needed yard work....well we listed it at 4:30 yesterday and picked up a full price offer with no contingencies less than 24 hours later....so am very thrilled for my clients and for our family to....they have already put a offer on a new home contingent on their home selling so this was really awesome for them....it isn't over until we sign papers at closing........but it looks really good....I have another listing this coming week and possibly another one here in the next 2 weeks...and working with 2 buyers on new properties...
so I am very happy with how things are going so far....

To celebrate such a good day...we are ending the day with ice cream and lemon pie...

Now its all Dylan all day long

We had a great day today....as much as we both miss the dogs...the stress of worrying about a dying dog.........we don't miss.....we spent a year constantly worrying about Solomon first then Ardie at the end...I think when you are living it you don't realize how stressful it is...but now that we don't have the constant worry or the constant financial strain...its amazing how much we both feel better....we have always been extremely excited about baby Dylan but with the dogs...so much of our immediate attention and concern was needed so we really didn't focus our excited energy toward baby Dylan....now its all Dylan all day long...we went shopping at one of our favorite stores Sierra Trading Post today...we get their catalogs and they had the jogging stroller that I have wanted for a good savings....its normally like $330.00 to $350,00 dollars and they had it advertised for $230,00....so we headed down this morning to snatch one up along with our 10% off coupon...and as we walked in the door we noticed a large sign that stated any purchase over $100.00 and receive 20% off..............CHA CHING...Collins eyes lit up with excitement and off he went buying some goodies for himself......we spent about $150.00 on bike gear for Collin and I got a pj short set ...we both kind of felt guilty its been a long time since we have splurged like that on ourselves.......but the guilt didn't last long when Collin reminded me that what we spent was 1/2 of what we would have spent on one of our trips to CSU with Solomon......what was super awesome was the stroller actually ran up for $199,00 with a additional 20% off...so we got our very cool jogging stroller for about 1/2 price............a great day

The Vote 3-1 Wintson loses a victory for the working class

We voted on it today....and Winston lost hands down...there will be no canned dog food....
After we did all that work in talking ourselves into giving our little pot roast canned dog food...
it was not only a no but a hell no....As much as Winston loves his canned dog food...his little tummy does not agree....our entire house has smelled like really bad rotten eggs all day...I literally gagged with the smell of him....Collin kept pushing him away from him...and Mr. Mooks tried to stay up high to get away from the deadly fumes.......not even his cute little wrinkled pout can win this battle...I must call it a blog...since I am having a hard time focusing on typing with my little meatball sitting next to me.....bombing away as I type....hopefully the air will clear by tomorrow.....

Whose the boss now...........

When Solomon passed away...both Collin and I thought that we had regained control over the household....it was so obvious to us when Solomon was alive that he ran us...he would bark at us until we did what he wanted...we always finally gave in.......he was dying after all...how can you say no to a dying dog....

Were we wrong.....oh yes...Whose the boss now...let me tell you its not Collin...its not I...yes it would be the little pot roast with legs running around here...better known as Winston...I think because Solomon was so loud and avert with hiss bossiness that we didn't pay much attention to Winston's controlling ways....Winston is a bigger more demanding that Solomon ever was....and he is clever...Solomon barked....then got his way...but Winston barks, pouts, cries, grunts, shivers, hyperventilates, you name it this little man does it to get his way....

His wish is our command...and most of the time...we enjoy being bossed around by this little stink machine.....we are well trained and obey almost all of his commands.........

1. Sleeping on the bed- every night.... and if he doesn't feel like getting on the bed...he cries until you pick him up...and put him on the bed....and covers he scratches at the covers until you let him under the covers.....this happens a minimum of 2 to 4 times a night

2. Dinnertime.......yes I am responsible for this......it is just so cute...except when we have guest over....he barks and growls at the dinner table until you give him treats from the table

3. outside...he hates it and pouts at the door until we let him in

4. outings....he goes everywhere I mean everywhere with us....this has become a little much....
he hates staying home and shivers, drools, and hyperventilates if he has to go into his kennel...we can't say no to him........so he goes

the list goes on and on....and yes I can hear you all now...its Denise...that Denise she just spoils her dogs..........well let me correct you all right now..........Collin yes perfect Collin is getting ready to start a new chore for us that could really spell trouble....

Canned dog food......bad stuff....when Ardie was sick Collin picked up some canned dog food for Ardie....anyways we had a couple of cans left...and yes you guessed it....Winston has found a new heaven here on earth....and we can't help but enjoy watching him eat his canned dog food...he just loves it and his little belly is so cute when he is done eating...he looks like a little balloon just waiting to be popped....we have discussed why it would be a bad idea to buy anymore canned dog food......but as I stopped by the Fire Station today...Collin asked if I gave Winston the rest of the canned dog food......which I hadn't...he finished by saying that he was going to stop by Wal-Mart and pick up some more canned dog food for Winston....he has completely justified getting this delicacy for Winston....he has decided he Will get the less expensive brand and that it really is just a couple of quarters a day.....this is the same man that drives across town to save 6 cents a gallon for gas....he has justified giving our little tyrant just something more that he can boss us around over......we both know we are jumping off a cliff that we will not be able to recover from....but anything for our little boss we just want him happy......so we will slave away and do our best to keep up with all of his commands....with that I am going to remind Collin to pick up Winston's new favorite treat...........

Tea and my blanket...a end to a good day

I am sitting here drinking tea and wrapped in a blanket.....it is a end to a good day...Collin is watching both the Rockies and the Nuggets tonight also a end to a good day....Winston just got a can of dog food...no dry food today.....also a end to a good day...today was a truly enjoyable day...we started the day at our home away from home......that would be Lowe's...we picked up some paint and stain...and started the morning projects with helping one of my clients do a little painting on their outside stoop...we then made our way home and Collin worked on staining our walkway and patio...and I managed to rack the dead grass out of the front yard...and clean up all of our front flower beds....most of our plants survived the winter I am a little worried about 2 of our front flower beds that Solomon and Ardie made a bed out of...so I am assuming that I will need to replant those here in the beginning of May...I am also planning on putting in 3 new flower beds in the backyard in May now that it is done...I also made us a nice fresh grilled chicken salad for lunch and peanut butter cookies for a snack....cooking, baking, and working in the yard, really make me so happy.....I was just absolutely content today....as much as I miss Ardie and Solomon I don't miss all the stress and worry about them....I had great energy today but my pregnant body finally gave up and let me know I was over doing it......a nice hot bath resolved most of my aches and pains.......we finished the evening with chili and fries from Wendy's at $6.00 for dinner for both of us.....pretty hard to beat.......with that I am going to finish my tea.......its so good I might get a second cup and pick up a baby book and start reading..........until tomorrow and hoping you all had a good day also........

And then there was one.......

Winston...Winston...Winston...I would be totally lost without Winston...this is the first time in the last 10 years that I have only had one dog...its so quiet...and I must admit quite a bit easier to manage just one dog...I didn't say better but it has been easier...this last year has really been a emotional roller coaster when it comes to pets...We brought Solomon home this time last year and immediately began dealing with his heart problems and the constant worry if he was going to be here from day to day...not to mention the financial drain...then before we said goodbye to Solomon...Ardie started limping....and then of course Ardies cancer and again the everyday worry about how he was handling his illness...so its good that we will have a break from all of this pet stress....We are very thankful that Winston and Mr Mooks the cat are healthy........I think we will be waiting sometime before we bring another Dog into our home...Our focus this summer will be focusing on being the best parents we can and focusing all of our energy on our little boy....We both think Winston will be wonderful with Dylan....we think he is really going to enjoy having his little brother around to take care of.....its been a crazy busy emotional week and am glad that it is almost over with.........until tomorrow

Ardie and the lives he touched

If you have been keeping up with our blog...then you are aware that our Great Pyrenees Ardie was diagnosed with bone cancer and we have been enjoying our last days together...well Monday was our last day together......if you know me well at all...their is a good chance that you knew just what a remarkably special dog Ardie was....I personally have never had a pet that touched so many lives in such a special way.....he was truly one of a kind...If Ardie was a person....he would be someone that we would all admire and look up to.......a group of words that would describe him are kind, gentle, brave, strong, beautiful, patient, and noble... his veterinarian's all called him stoic thru his very painful battle with bone cancer....

As we said our final goodbyes on Monday...their was no doubt in my mind that Ardie knew this was his final farewell....he tried his very best to stay strong for us...but thru his panting I knew that he was scared...I held him tight trying to comfort him......and he tried his best to comfort me.....that was my Ardie....always my rock.....

So as you can imagine.......life won't be the same without my beloved Ardie.....these are shoes that simply cannot be filled........I would like to honor Ardie with sharing a couple of memorable moments that he not only shared with me but shared with others.........

It all began when I gave Ardie a home when he was barely 9 months old and weighed a mere 85 pounds...he was shy and unsure of himself as a pup....but quickly grew into a 135-140 big beautiful boy....people have always gravitated towards Ardie.......he simply stopped traffic....when Ardie was approximately 2 years old.....I almost gave this awesome dog away....here is the story...

. As you all know my dogs go every where I go....it was a warm summer night and we headed down to the local county fair...I remember it was a weekend night and the fair was packed...we strolled thru the carnival...I had taken a young man to go ride rides...so he found a ride that he wanted to ride and me and Ardie watched and waited for the ride to finish...well we happened to be standing next to a family with a special needs child....the next thing I knew this little boy sat down on the ground and Ardie joined him...he laid right next to this little boy as close as he could get.....these two..Ardie and the little boy were in there own world....to them time time had stopped...they paid no attention to the hundreds of people drudging thru the carnival...Ardie began to lick this little boy...which wouldn't be shocking to most..but in the 9 years I have been with Ardie he has NEVER licked anyone and here he is licking this little boy...doing his job taking care of this young child...somehow Ardie sensed that this little boy was special........and he filled a need........his parents and I watched in amazement this special bond these two shared.......his parents shared with me that this was very rare to see their son so content and engaged...we all teared up......and enjoyed this special moment...I came so close to handing over the leash to that little boy on that summer night......

I am glad that I didn't because at only 2 years of age...Ardie still had alot more impact left to make in his life....here are some more special moments......

Ardie has turned out to be quite a ambassador for the Great Pyrenees Breed....he directly has been responsible for many adoptions of other Great Pyrenees... because he left such a wonderful impact on these peoples lives they all sought out a Ardie dog...Stephanie my dear friend in South Dakota adopted Daisy a great Pyrenees from a animal shelter...I took Gus a Colorado Great Pyrenees back to South Dakota to good friends that would not consider any other breed or dog unless he was like Ardie,....one of my contractors from Rapid City adopted a great Pyrenees for his young family...Collins mom made a home for Barkley who is part great Pyrenees..... and most recently a teacher from St Marys school........fell in love with Ardie after he visited the school....and adopted a great Pyrenees from the Greeley animal shelter.......and I am sure the list goes on...he has had so many people ask to take his picture...or have sat and cuddled with him as I took him to work.......he truly was a special boy

As I am blogging about what a stoic and remarkable dog Ardie was.... Collin has reminded me of his remarkable ability to eat anything and everything that was at counter heights....I remember the first time I came home to a empty Halloween bowl....Ardie ate a minimum of 3 large bags of

candy bars...wrappers and all........panic rushed over me...I knew that he was going to die...well I am glad to say that chocolate never killed him...and whether is what a plate of chocolate brownies or most recently a giant bag of m&ms he often enjoyed these treats with a passion.......in the last 6 months or so Ardies age was beginning to show and it seemed that he had finally stopped raiding the counter tops...so about a month ago.....when I came home and found a entire rotisserie chicken eaten and a giant bag of m&ms inhaled........their was no part of me that was upset.......in fact it brought a huge smile across my face......that was my Ardie.......I was just glad that he felt good enough to go back to raiding the counter tops again..

For the last 9 years of my life...I have always came home to the comfort of my Ardie dog waiting for me.....it was so hard coming home Monday night and not having my Ardie dog home waiting for me.......for the last 9 years he has slept at the end of my bed....even when Ardie was feeling his worst he would still hop into the bedroom on his 3 legs to be with us at night........the house seems almost to quiet to bare.........I know my beloved Ardie is in a better place.........its just so hard without him......I miss him greatly

Ardie thank you so much for all you have given me over the years.......if letting you raid the counter tops everyday would take the pain away and bring you back to me....I would happily do it in a second........I have found peace in knowing that you are not in pain anymore......and I feel you close to us..........you truly were a angel on earth.......thanks for all the wonderful memories....you made my life better for being in it.......

Thanks for reading and joining me in honoring our Beloved Ardie

In Mourning

Just a quick blog today...Yesterday was a extremely busy day at work...put 2 offers in on 2 different properties...and have 1 that has gone under contract....the other should go under contract.........hopefully in the next 48 hours....another 12 hour day.......more importantly we said our final good bye to Ardie yesterday morning.............. I have not really had a chance to begin to grieve or mourn our loss.........and it is to painful at this point to even think about typing about his loss.......and the meaning he has had to our family........we are extremely heart broken.....and when I have a moment to gather my thoughts and the pain isn't quite so fresh.........I will follow up with a blog for my beloved Ardie.........