Another Present!

Our kids received another package today so let the birthday celebration continue!  Mitch and Noa with Dawn observing must have been baking up a storm in KS.  Abby & Keystone love their treats.  Thanks to Mitch, Dawn, Noa, Iason, Maddy, Jake & Gentleman!

It's so funny how excited they were to receive a package:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkq_lxlOVOI

They couldn't wait to taste what is in the bag:

Yep, it's as yummy as it smells:

Spoiled rotten!

The Birthday Celebration Comes To An End

To end the great 8th birthday weekend, I'll give you a few links to some movies we took.  If you're bored with the pups by now, just move along.  If you can't get enough of the furry cuteness, you are in luck!

Eating of the birthday cake:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxoU1jxOf10

Opening of the gift from the Legg’s:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FngpT7GlmM

Anticipation of their treats:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Mnt4qLIfyU

Thank you for the treats!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_lN7RDrGM0

I have to admit that my own voice annoys the hell out me by the end, but the mute button is easy enough to use. 

You may think I'm a little nuts about my dogs.  You would be right.  Every year is a gift in itself, and a wonderful reason to celebrate the awesome pups I call my kids.

It Was A Great 8th Birthday!

The kids had a great birthday yesterday!  They had a snowman cake.  I seem to have snowman on the brain these days; it's the shape of an 8, and we got 2" of snow yesterday.  The area near my work got much more.  We went out in the afternoon and played in the snow a little bit, and they had so much fun.  A snowball to the mouth is just a faster way to eat it:

 

Here is their cake:

They were very excited to eat cake:

They were not real happy about wearing party hats, but they'd do anything for a second piece of cake. 

Aunt Suzie, Uncle Kevin, and nieces Taylor and Peyton sent a special box from the best bakery ever 3 Dog Bakery in Kansas City.  They KNOW when deliveries are from there.

Dehydrated sweet potatoes are yummy!

The kids got EXTRA big bones decorated with their names.  They only got to eat about half of one, or they wouldn't have had any room for dinner.  Keystone eating his big bone:

Abbytail chowing down on her bone:

I have a few more videos to post later today to wrap up their birthday celebration weekend!

The Kids Are 8!

Happiest of happy birthdays to Abbytail, Keystone, and my God-dogson Baxter. I could not possibly love them all more. They have brought joy to everyone who has been lucky enough to know them.  8 wonderful years ago, they were born into our lives.

Amber and her 11 beautiful babies on 2/25/2003:

1 Day Old Sleeping Puppy Pile

(we later changed the color coding, but the gray collar is Baxter):

Almost a week old (mint green = Keystone), their ears are getting longer:

Feeding time (1 month, 1 day old), puppy view:
 

 We watched Survivor on Thursday evenings with Suzie & Kevin, and what better opportunity than to cuddle a couple of pups?

"Puppy Jail" and the most cool thing of all?  Puppy Cam -- Todd had a webcam so that I could see them while at work.  How fun was that!?!

Puppy mom Shell came over every week to visit the "monsters"

(she is being loved to death):

Abbytail is the sassiest little Alpha dog in our house. She has few fears and wears her heart on her sleeve. She chose her daddy.

Abby has the blue/red collar, sleeping against the wall (almost a month old):

 

Keystone is the ultimate lap dog who EVERYONE loves (does not matter if you like dogs or not). It doesn't matter that he's almost 105 lbs, that is inconsequential. He would rather have your love and belly rub than a t-r-e-a-t, but he does love birthday cake. And beer. He was my pick of the litter.

Keystone, in the beginning of his lap-dog-training, kicking back with a cold one

on Aunt Suzie's lap:

Mr. B is simply put, family. Every time I am so lucky to see him, I get that excited whine from him and my heart does a flip-flop. I love that boy. And his brother, but it will be Sam's day later in the year. Baxter is the luckiest dog in the world to have such awesome dog-parents (see Puppy mom Shell above).

 This is Dawn carrying two babies (the furry one is Baxter, she always favored him):

Here are all the pups with their mom, Amber:



(L to R) Abby, Baxter, Amber, Keystone 10/27/03

I hope and pray there are many, many more wonderful years to come.  These guys are the very best. I could not wish for better furry family members. 

Check back tomorrow for pics of their birthday cake!  It's time to eat!!!

Almost Eight

I am so excited about tomorrow. The kids turn EIGHT tomorrow. The cake is baked (not frosted yet because the frosting cracks). I decided to make a snowman-shaped cake. Cause, you know, a snowman is the shape of an 8.

HAPPY LAST DAY AS SEVEN, ABBYTAIL, KEYSTONE, and BAXTER!!!!

Professional Lint Filter Cleanerer (and yes I know that's not a real word)

Let's say that I'm a professional.... lint filter cleaner.  Just for grins.  Maybe I am, maybe I'm not.  And let's say that there is a Professional Association of Lint Filter Cleaner-ers (PALFC).  And let's say that I needed more filters to clean this past summer.  They helped me make connections so that I could get a few more filters to clean, but I really wanted bigger ones.  I am just thankful to have a few lint filters that I am currently responsible for cleaning.

Ok, let's say that I volunteered to do as much as I could to help out the PALFC.  I spent countless hours volunteering.  Then I just got a little frustrated because some of the processes are inefficient.  I could step in and volunteer MORE to help the PALFC improve the inefficient processes.  Oh, did I mention that I get to volunteer with some folks who got the filters that I really wanted to clean?  They got the big shiny new one's.  I have the small old plastic kind.  It just kind of grates on my nerves like cheese, every time I have to see them, but it's not their fault.  It's not personal, but it doesn't help the way I feel, nonetheless.

Oh, and we have our planning meetings at their place, cause, well, that's where the big shiny new filters are, and nobody else came up with any alternatives.  And our association meetings are on the OPPOSITE side of town from me, even further than I want to go.  Let's pick a direction.  Let's say the association dinners are all the way out West.  And I live East.  So I opt not to have that tasty glass of wine that I so desperately want to enjoy at the end of an evening, cause I know what kind of horrendous drive I have and I'm already exhausted before I even arrive for the dinner and presentation.  I fear falling asleep on the way home as much as I abhor drinking & driving.

So here's the dilemma people.  I am TRYING to DECREASE my volunteer responsibilities.  But I am being asked to take on a bigger leadership role.  That means working with those people who get to clean the big shiny new filters even more.

Why am I going to feel bad when I draw the volunteering line and refuse to step across it, even though the PALFC really helped me when I needed more filters to clean?  Why can't I get over the fact that I don't have big new shiny filters to clean?  Why can't I just go East and clean fish tanks?  Cleaning is cleaning....

Booze & Beads, Episode 3

The first Sprint cup NASCAR race of 2011, the Daytona 500, was accompanied by the 3rd episode of Booze & Beads.  Unfortunately, I was not feeling particularly creative today.  I could not commit to one project on which to work.  So I ended up getting nothing created.  However I did manage to take better pics of a few new pieces you have not seen yet.  And what WAS I thinking?  Tric brought all her lovely projects over, and I should have been snapping pictures.  She has grown her skills in beading, and has quite the collection of lovelies to wear.

Here are a few items I have recently made:

Closer up of the set above (square stones in round circles):

Today's beverage is what I call The Kitchen Sink.  Cause it just had a little bit of everything thrown into the pitcher.  It tasted somewhat like a Sex On The Beach or a Bahama Mama, it was fruity and tasty.

The Kitchen Sink:
About 2.5 parts Orange Juice
About 2 parts Pineapple Juice
About 1 part of the following:

• Peach Schnapps
• Malibu Rum
• Grape Vodka
• Midori liquor
• Grenadine (maybe a little less than half a part)

Mix it all up and take it for a spin around the track!

Eeewwwww That Smell

I am sensitive to scents.  I stopped wearing perfume about 15 years ago.  Todd became a little sensitive as well and he stopped wearing cologne.  I don't know why we both became sensitive.  I developed allergies late in life which did not help.

I hate smelly-old-lady-perfume with a PAAAASHION.  Anything with a floral smell makes me nauseous.  If it is particularly strong, I can actually become physically ill.  Remember how I really miss Hobby Lobby?  I missed it even more today.  I went to Michael's.  I had to use the bathroom.  I went into said bathroom. Big. Mistake.  But I really had to go.  So I went.  They have an automated air freshener and it SPRAYED while I was in there and I thought I was going to gag.  I got the hell out of there.  I started not feeling well and drove straight home.  I had the windows down with the heater on full blast (it's cold here right now).  When I got home, I headed straight for the bathroom.  I almost lost my cookies. Twice.  I then took a shower and washed my hair. Twice.  Then I did a sinus rinse, and brushed my teeth.  I finally felt like my head was not full of that horrifying smell.  I'm tellin ya, it was bad.  If I never smell perfume again, I would be one happy camper.  Especially the old lady flowery kind.

In happier news, tomorrow is the start of the 2011 Sprint NASCAR season, Daytona 500 baby!!!!

Miscellaneous Ramblings

I can NOT wait for SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!!!  Do you know what Sunday is, boys and girls?  IT'S THE FIRST REAL SPRINT CUP RACE OF THE 2011 SEASON, that's what!  Pull those straps down tight, we're going racin'!!!  It's just 5 days away....

My "nephew" or something like that cause he's NOT my brother, (he's the child of my parents) Lucky is doing well after knee surgery.  But he looks kind of sad with his shaved butt.  Thought I'd share.  He's a good boy.  I feel for him going through this, and I feel for my parents.  He's doing really well though.  We sent a get-well gift and wish all the best for his recovery.

We are "supposed" to get snow tonight.  I will believe it when I see it!  We've gotten nothing, while all our family and a lot of friends have gotten FEET of the white cold powdery stuff.  I want lots of snow!  That means I can work from home and don't have to face a horrible commute into work.  But no, I have to drive in, day after day.  Here's the snow in Oklahoma, with my other "nephew" Bud.  You have no idea how badly I want to be there with Todd and the kids.  To go run around and play in that snow, then come in and drink hot cocoa.  I didn't get that this year.  Or last year.  We dearly love playing in the stuff.  There is nothing more exciting than waking up to a lot of snow and watching the kids run out in it for the first time.  Fun times.  Maybe next year.  Maybe tomorrow.  Ha.

(Some) Siblings Suck

I have a lot of friends who have siblings who cause grief or stress in their lives, both intentional and unbeknownst.  This is a post about sucky siblings.  If you know about this blog, there is nothing mean spirited written here about you.

I count my blessings because I am not in this category.  My family is really great, and every time I support a friend with a witch for a sister, I thank my lucky stars that my family is awesome.  Now don't get me wrong, because it's not all flowers blooming nonstop and birds chirping.  I don't really know my two older brothers; we are virtually strangers.  Since we have become adults, I really don't know them (there was an age gap when we were growing up).  I have only seen/spoken to my oldest brother once in 4 years, at a family function and I didn't really get to talk to him.  I could/should pick up the phone and call him, but I haven't.  So, if anything, my brothers actually have a few things they could bitch about me, and rightfully so.  The good thing is that we have a mutual connection and that is our parents, who we all love unconditionally.

I have friends in situations across the spectrum of sibling issues.  One person has a jealous sister who just can't be happy for anyone else who happens to be in a better place in life.  This kills me, because how could anyone not be happy for their own sibling who got their act together?  Sure, jealousy is natural, but it should be far outweighed by joy for your sibling.  One's own selfish feelings should never be so great that it makes one do or say hurtful things, especially to a sibling!  My brothers are both doing well (from what I hear) and are happy, which is always my hope.  I hope every year that they are doing better and are even happier.  How could anyone want anything less for their own flesh and blood?

I have another friend who has siblings who are just downright inconsiderate.  The siblings have absolutely no idea how much they have hurt this person's feelings, and it just kills me.  This person just wanted to be included in their lives, and not feel like just an afterthought.  It felt as though club membership would never be granted unless there was the physical act of procreation.  To hell with that, I say!  Just because someone didn't produce offspring doesn't mean their feelings are any less valuable.  Communication and inclusion are so important to this person, but it could only be supported one way for so long without reciprocation.

I believe close friends are the family we choose.  We are stuck-or-blessed with the blood-related people in our family, but our friends are chosen.  I have some really beloved friends who are even more close to me than family, and I am so thankful for them being in my life.  I wish every sibling would treat their family members like friends and *act* like you love each other.  If you've got that kind of family, you are certainly blessed.

Birthdays, Birthdays!

Don't you just love it when an entire meal dining out is just fabulous?  We had one last night.  Our favorite restaurant in Reno is the Cactus Creek restaurant in a small little dive of a neighborhood casino (which means it's not a big flashy high rise downtown).  We go here to celebrate birthday's, anniversary's, mom-is-in-town, etc.  This is "our" restaurant and LOVE it.  We took a chance and went here for the first time on our 10th anniversary--and SCORE, it was a huge hit.  We knew we were making a memory, one way or the other.  Fortunately it ended up being a good memory.

We went here last night for Todd's birthday.  The food was *perfect*, and it is consistently this way every time we go.  We started out with fresh baked Dutch Crunch rolls with real butter.  We were dehydrated, so a beer for Todd and a pomegranate martini for me quenched our thirsts.  I LOVE their pomegranate martini so much, I've never ordered any other kind of drink at this restaurant.  Next, we had wonderful Caesar salads with a tart and tangy dressing and crisp romaine lettuce, and enough Parmesan cheese for a small army (just like I like it!).  Then the reason for driving North of the "N", the main courses were served.  Todd had their garlic studded prime rib, perfectly medium rare, and he could CUT IT WITH A FORK.  I had their sea scallops sunset style.  OH MY GAWD IT WAS EVEN BETTER THAN I REMEMBERED.  This scallop dish was the first entree I ever tried at this restaurant, and this was the second time I chose to devour savor this succulent dish.  The spinach on the bottom had some kind of cream dancing about the edges.  On top of that were the most succulent, sweet, perfectly seared and cooked large dry scallops I have ever eaten.  Poured all around like a sweet robe was a yellow citrus sauce (thus the sunset) that complimented all of the other flavors perfectly.  I was beginning to regret that I had no spoon with which to scoop every single drop of this luscious sauce into my mouth, when I remembered that I had bread to the rescue.  Also, the cheddar chipotle potato casserole is always a must-order.

The grand finale was a sweet slice of plain cheesecake on top of a drizzled strawberry sauce.  This had to be the creamiest, tastiest cheesecake I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.  Anyway, it was a GREAT BIRTHDAY MEAL!  It was wonderful to spend time celebrating my wonderful husband!

Speaking of birthdays, I may now reveal my best creation to date.  My Angel Judy had a birthday today (Happy Birthday, Aunt Judy!).  I made this lovely number just for her, all sterling silver.  Some day there will be matching earrings, but I just couldn't wrap one more piece of wire!

Happy Birthday, Todd!

Happy Birthday to my loving husband, trusted confidant, and bestest friend ever.

Our dear friend, Sam, made this and I think it's so awesome, I had to share (made me cry, I miss KS so much):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGU0JLtSzvA

Start Your Engines!

As the rest of the world celebrates the Super Bowl football game, I sit here in utter anticipation.  Each day I wake up and I think to myself, it's almost here.  Just a few more days, and it's ALMOST HERE!

Last year's finale was so heart-poundingly, adrenaline-inducingly and mind-blowingly EXCITING that I could Not. Sit. Still.  Y'all, it was fantasmical.   I know that isn't a real word.  Neither is poundingly, inducingly, or blowingly, but they just fit here. 

In just 12 days - 14 hours - 46 minutes, it's the beginning of the 2011 NASCAR season.  It's the DAYTONA 500, Baby!!!

And here is this year's star, Carl Edwards (try not to drool on your keyboard, ladies):

However, Carl's got nothing on Todd -- I'm a lucky girl!

Wild, Wild West

Here's my latest jewelry duo (necklace & earrings).  Turquoise always reminds me of cowboys, but this is green turquoise, and chunky.  And yes, I was wearing my boots that day.  I live in the West, you know.

Loss

We lost our beloved furry cousin today.  He was such a great part of our family and he will be dearly missed by all of us, but no more so than by our Uncle Frank and Aunt Judy.  We feel so sad for their empty home.  We love and miss you, Boomer, with all our hearts.