Maggie's De Coco Cafe

After much thought and deliberation we have chosen a Chocolate Lab to join our family....We have been thru the entire realm of dogs...from Mastiffs to another bulldog...to another Bernese Mountain Dog...from puppies to older dogs...from shelter pups to dogs from a private breeders...of course there are no guarantees to anything in life... but we are very excited about Maggie...and think she is going to be a wonderful fit in our family...we decided that this year we would be getting another dog to join our family we just didn't realize it would be this soon...but the opportunity has presented itself for both Maggie and for us and we are going for it....Maggie is a 4 year old Chocolate Lab...she comes from a stellar breeder nestled in the rolling hills of Santa Margarita California...her first 2 years of life she was quite busy crossing the state of California showing off in dog shows and has 13 First Place Ribbons to be proud of...her last 2 years she has had 2 litters of pups...she has been great mother but had difficulty delivering both litters and had to have c-sections (see we already have something in common)...after the 2nd c section her current owners decided that breeding was not in Maggie's cards and had her fixed...Maggie has been resting and getting back on her feet after motherhood and will soon be ready for a new home....and this is when the rest of her story will begin here in Cheyenne Wyoming....we are very very excited...our paths crossed by chance...I was actually in contact with a different breeder talking about what we were looking for...and making possible plans to purchase one of her dogs later this year....somewhere along the conversation ..Maggie came up...see this breeder I was visiting with actually provideds all the breeding stock for a neighboring Breeder...she told me that she knew of a great female Chocolate Lab and that the owner wanted to place her with a good home.....and that she thinks it would be a great match...we looked at pictures of Maggie and were so excited...but we didn't want to get our hopes up...maybe the owner already had a new home in mind for Maggie...maybe she wants a different type of family for Maggie...maybe she changed her mind about finding Maggie a new home....after a hour or so conversation with Maggie's owner and a long chat with Collin finished by a good night sleep on it....we will be picking up our new family member later this month...above is a picture of Maggie we feel so honored and so lucky to bring her into our family...

Mr Mooks a pretty cool cat

We have been blessed with a wonderful cat....Mr Mooks...I have had Mr Mooks for a long time now...he has always been a pretty cool cat...he really loves the dogs...people....and has become quite fond of Dylan...Wherever Dylan is...you can count on Mr Mooks is pretty darn close...he loves to sit next to Dylan and thinks it is just great when Dylan pulls and pets on him....I am not sure why Mr Mooks has such a fascination with Dylan but we are just fine with it....Mr Mooks has never really been Collin's favorite cat....but Collin has grown to love our little fat gray haired tabby...especially since he has been so great with Dylan....did I mention that Dylan thinks he is a pretty cool cat too.......

Christmas Eve

This year we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve since Collin had to work on Christmas...Collin's mom made it up for Christmas Eve and it was thoroughly enjoyable day...the morning started out slow with the whole family snuggled together in bed...we eventually made our way to the kitchen where we started the day with biscuits and gravy and Dylan and Collin finished the morning playing together and I enjoyed my time baking Gingerbread men for Santa's plate....Collin's mom made a apple pie and chocolate pie which we are still enjoying.....Dylan got a early start on opening his gifts....and after the 8th gift or so he was wore out from opening gifts...fell back into his boppy and soon was fast asleep.....it was

quite impressive all the gifts under the tree this year...and all for our little guy.....we didn't intend to buy so much for Dylan but we would see this or see that and pick up this and pick up that and before you know it between his Aunts and Uncles, neighbors and grandparents Dylan racked up over 30 presents....alot of great books....toys...darling outfits...and jammies....we really enjoyed the day....

And a good day had by all.......

Today was a good day had by all...Collin started out the morning early...delivering food baskets to needy families thru out the city of Cheyenne...Dylan and I were suppose to join him...but when the alarm went off at 6:00 am...I couldn't bare to walk up my little Dillybar all snuggled up close in my arms...so with that Dad gave us a quick kiss and was on his way....Dylan finally began to stir about 8:30 we took a quick shower together...and then Collin came and picked us up...we headed down to the fire station for a family style breakfast that was served to all the fireman and their families who helped distribute the food baskets....after breakfast we made our way to the Salvation Army were Collin found the most horrid looking Christmas sweater ever....he was very proud of his $3.00 find and is confident that he will win the ugliest Christmas sweater contest being held at one of the Christmas parties we are attending tomorrow ...the real problem is 2 other parties we are attending are going to think that he just has really really bad taste...after Salvation Army we made our way to Hobby Lobby....ahhhh home away from home...I love this store...with the final stop by my office at work...then we headed home....where Dylan and I took one of our sumptuous 3 hour naps and Collin actually ran to Fort Collins to get the car looked at...once Dad was home we went out for a early dinner....Dylan is really such a good baby...and does so well in restaurants....of course if we are eating ...then he wants to eat also...we came prepared with baby food...the meal was very enjoyable for all of us...we are now home....Dylan is down for another nap....Dad is multi tasking taking in a little tv and computer at the same time...I am going to enjoy a hot cup of tea and start working on my newest craft project...........

Pictures of Dylan

Trip To Grandma and Grandpa's

We just got back yesterday from a quick trip to South Dakota....the weather was bitterly cold with a high of 12 below on our drive to Grandma's house....we had a early Christmas and Dylan got all kinds of good toys....he loves his Elmo Live doll and has a new toy the hippos sings, monkeys throw balls, all kinds of things for Dylan to play with..we all really enjoyed our time with my mom and with Darrel it is very special to see your child interact with their Grandparents....it warms your heart like nothing else...

Happy Sunday

Today was a very cold very enjoyable day....the whole family slept in....had a relaxing morning...and then made our way out to go and do the remainder of our Christmas shopping....mainly stocking stuffers...we also had to get Dylan his very own stocking...in good Moody fashion we found a beautiful stocking with a needlepoint picture of Santa on the front at 50% off...we also picked up 2 identical collectible ornaments....one will be for us...one will go with Dylan once he is a adult...we will collect one a year for both of us...well I guess from now until forever....one of those tradition things that I am so crazy about...last night we went to Collin's work Christmas party...it was a good time and child friendly which made it even better...this afternoon we had my Christmas party which was also nice...we shared dinner with about 160 other agents and their families...the food was pretty darn good.......a local fine dining restaurant here in Cheyenne catered it for us....not sure Cheyenne and fine dining can be used in the same sentence...but the food was surprisingly very good...salmon, chicken, steak, pasta, and all kinds of good food....we are now back at home getting ready to head to South Dakota tomorrow to see Grandma and Grandpa Davis for a early Christmas...lucky us we get 2 Christmas celebrations this year...we will be back on Wednesday....until then stay warm

Jack Lalenne Power Juicer....forever

As we laid in bed this morning scanning the Sunday paper for Christmas deals...my eyes could not help but become fixated on the Target add that offered the Jack Lalenne Power Juicer...no please don't buy us one....we are already or I should say Collin is already a proud owner of the Jack Lalenne Power Juicer...I can remember clear as day when the phone rang in Rapid City...my darling boyfriend on the other end asking my thoughts on his pending purchase of the Jack Lalenne Power Juicer....because this part Juicer part garbage disposal had a hefty price tag of $150.00 bucks....Collin stumbled across this Wonder machine as he was channel surfing...he immediately become enamored with all the things this powerful juicer could do....he became almost trance liked when he made the call to Rapid...as his girlfriend I could here the yearning in his voice to own his very own Jack Lalenne Power Juicer...he had visions dancing in his head of fruit smoothies, ham and cheese shakes, powerful beet and carrot juice...this machine could do it all...no more leftovers in the fridge....no more need to use the garbage disposal...simply the magic of the Jack Lalenne Power Juicer will juice anything......think of the money and time you will save...literally you will never need another appliance again...simply juice your way to healthier better way of life........Collin was sold..the hefty price tag didn't begin to slow him down when he realized how much money this 8th world wonder would save him...and with that he even paid the express shipping to get started right away juicing his way thru life....Collin quickly went to the store and bought all kinds of fruit and veggies..anxiously awaiting the arrival of his wonder machine....and then the faithful day came....the juicer arrived...and reality began....Ole Jack Lalenne didn't mention how heavy this darn juicer was and that it is as big as a stove...or how many parts needed to be watched every time you use it...or the fact that $12.00 in fruit and veggies produced a whopping two 8 ounce glasses of juice....no Mr Jack Lalenne must have forgot all about these incredible features....I believe Collin used the machine once....it was the most expensive glass of juice EVER....this beautiful Jack Lalenne Power Juicer is in mint condition and would be quite a deal for someone wanting a barely used Juicer...but the truth is that we will always have the Jack Lalenne Power Juicer...it will follow us into old age...as a girlfriend I found it amusing...as a wife the reality is that we can't get rid of it..it cost to much money.....it is also almost to much to bare looking at it so it is tucked deep into the cabinets...so it is not a daily or constant reminder of the $150.00 dollars we blew.....Collin still hopes that someday his juicer will be all that was promised to him by ole Jack...until that day comes though it has provided a good amount of laughter and we quickly rush thru any infomercials that might catch our eye.......

The $4.99 Santa

I knew as soon as I walked into Walgreens that it was a bad idea...that there was a reason Santa Pictures were only $4.99....As we made our way up to the Walgreens Santa I swore to myself that never again ...that in the future we will happily choke down the $24.95 for the Mall Santa....as I made the initial decision to go to the discount Santa...I told myself....really how different can one Santa be from the next...you know the the red suit...the white beard...the ho ho ho...I actually snickered to myself thinking those poor foolish mothers shelling out the $24.99 for that over priced Mall Santa.....not me...I was going to save myself twenty bucks and then spend that on more important stuff like dog treats and overpriced hats for Dylan you know the 18 knit caps he has now just don't seem like enough...as we made our way to go see the generic Santa...I couldn't help but notice that their was no little Santa house...no snow...no Big Santa Chair...no velvet rope keeping everyone from Santa until it was your special turn...your special time with Santa ...just you and Santa and all of your dreams for Christmas...no the Walgreen Santa...was in a metal folding chair...propped up right next to the discount bargain bin at the front of the store...he did say hello in kind of a desperate way...his red santa suit was wrinkled and his beard hung low....a young girl in her WalGreens smock quickly wisked Dylan onto the discount Santa's lap...she quickly snapped a couple of shots with a cheap little camera....Cheapo Santa didn't ask what our little guy would like for Christmas...if Dylan had been naughty or nice...no candy cane to end the visit....just that will be $4.95 and then on our way...yes on our way....tomorrow is Sunday and seems like it will be the perfect day to do see the real Santa the one and only Mall Santa....the $24.95 Santa...we are going to get the whole experience..the waiting in line...the anticipation four your turn to sit on Santa's lap...I will relish the velvet rope...the Santa House...the nice little ole lady that is Santa' wife that will help Dylan onto the wonderful and kind Santa's lap...the $24.95 Santa will surely have a treat for our boy...will ask Dylan if he has been good or bad...and share that special moment with Dylan only the real Mall Santa can do....I will stand in line with the rest of the mothers...beaming with pride...telling myself how can you put a price on memories like this..happily handing over my $24.95

Good Wednesday

Who would ever think that Wednesday mornings could be so nice....the whole family sleeped in together...including Mr Mooks and Whoo man.....all snuggled up on the bed....the last couple of days have been soooo busy that we really needed close family time...all of us just close together....I am going to do most of my work from home today....with the whole family together....it is a cold winter day here in Cheyenne...but the sun is bright and is streaming thru the front window warming my face as only the Sun can do as I type this email....Winston is by my side....Dylan is playing in his jumperoo...Dad is taking a well rested couple of minutes and eating waffles and reading the news...and Mr Mooks is like myself and taking advantage of the warm sun on this cold winter day...though he is stretched out warming his tummy instead of his face....well I can't put it off any longer...it is time to get back to work .........and with that I hope you all have a good Wednesday tooo......

4th gear and shifting into overdrive.....

Busy day...had to be at the office at 8:00 am and have been running ever since...just put another property under contract....and celebrated with a hot dog from Sam's Club......we really know how to celebrate in the Moody house....we are seriously thinking about buying a nice camera for our family Christmas gift...last year we bought our video camera....I hate electronics....if I just can't push a button and call it good ....I am in big trouble....so I have completly bowed out of the decision making process on the new camera....I will be happy with whatever Collin finds for us as long as it can take quick action shots...thats what we hate about our existing camera....Dylan had a great day at home with his Dad...and did quite well without me at home today...I came home at 10:00 and nursed him otherwise him and dad have made a day of it....I made it back home at 4:00 again...the beauty of my work is so much of it is done over the phone and computer....which can be done anywhere...and literally my office is less than a 5 minute drive including the 5 or so stop lights....we are very fortunate...well with that I am going to sign off for the night.......share a beer with my husband and bake some cookies.......

Running on empty and 100 miles to go

Work and home...have been presenting a challenge...Work has started to really pick up...and Dylan is becoming more active....and throw in the busiest time of the year for Holidays.....and I am being quite challenged....but here is the good news....I am up for it....often tired....often running....a forgetful mind....but happy happy happy......thankful for all the opportunity at work...and blessed with a beautiful baby boy...and loving the spirit of the holidays...oh did I mention I am grateful for my wonderful and hard working husband.....don't get me wrong...I have my moments of feeling slightly overwhelmed....but once I put it all in perspective...the overwhelmed feeling turns to pretty much joy...and empowerment....the feeling of digging deep and knowing I can get it done...it is something that I have always thrived on my entire life...whether it was in sports or business....I have always loved the feeling of running on empty and still have 100 miles to go....it brings the best out of me....it is so awesome when the mind can take over and make things happen....when the body is ready to quit...or when your mentally baked....and physically you pull it thru...often on auto pilot....but when you look back and say wow I did it... of course I didn't mention I must have lost my cell phone 5 times this week.....I found it all 5 times ...that's what really counts....and that I showed up to a Holiday party with my dessert and gift in hand the only problem was I was exactly one week early..........oopps....dork award for the week...I am sure there were other blunders in my challenged state....but I was possibly so overwhelmed at the time I can't remember them......so I am thankful for the cranky teething baby...all of my work...all of the snow we shoveled...and the family and memories and challenges we over came this week........what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger...........on a full tank and ready to start next week.....bring it on

Long last night......leads to great day

Long night....last night was a little on the long side....Dylan is teething and having quite the time with it...I am glad that I was their to comfort my little guy though it meant not much sleep for me....had a morning meeting at 8:00 this morning and toured homes...my clients home went under contract....and was a good productive day...went and had a great lunch with Collin and Dylan...and late this afternoon had a 2 hour nap with my Dillybar.....one of Dylan's Christmas gifts arrived...we got him a little toy center for his room...so all of his small toys have a place to go....I believe Collin is going to work on putting it together tonight and I need to get the Christmas tree done...Dylan seems to be doing a little better today with the teething....we will see how this evening goes.........wish us luck

DylanMacPhieMoody@hotmail.com

Dylan had quite a busy day today...it started off with a baby sing along and read time at the library....he then signed up for the winter reading club at the library...they needed a email to send information....and with that DylanMacPhieMoody@hotmail.com was created...now if you want to email Dylan directly or send him something feel free to do so...mom and dad will manage it ...until Dylan is big enough to do so....what fun...yesterday was pretty darn quiet...we did manage though to make it out to do a little x-mas shopping for Dylan....Kohls had a 40% off on fisher price and 50% off playschool toys...so we got some pretty good deals...last night and today Dylan has been a tad cranky....he is teething and having his first little tooth coming thru....we called the Doctor and they recommended some baby liquid Tylenol....so we are hoping that helps ease the pain....otherwise had a productive day at work and should be under contract on a home later this evening......wish me luck....