Welcome Home

Surprisingly a small miracle has taken place at our house. I am sure you are all tired of hearing about my dogs but they are like my kids. I have nothing else to talk about except kids and animals! I will try to post about more intellectual topics in the future! Anyways-I had Bella given to e by a breeder for free which never happens. French bulldogs go for $3000 easy and so selling a pet the breeder could sell them at a reduced price of $1500 with no problem. So I assumed that if I ever wanted another frenchie I was doomed to pay full price. But my good friends at the vet clinic that I used to work at put in a good word for me with the frenchie breeders that come in and I amazingly scored another free frenchie! She is two years old and came from Russia-as did my other Frenchie. But she has seizures and has to be on two medications every day to prevent episodes. The breeder didn't want to breed her and have the puppies have this problem as well but didn't feel she could find a good permanent home for her that would maintain her meds and bloodwork. I am totally comfortable of the all the extras and now she has come to live with us. Her name is 'Stella' and is quite chubby. I've renamed her fatty bo blattey! She has had really no training at all and seems to not know her name. I feel sad for these poor dogs that belong to breeders because although their physical needs are usually well met their emotional needs are neglected. {Matt snickers as I write this} But dogs are very social animals and need that 'pack companionship'. Stella is just soaking up the attention she is getting. And I have no doubt that she will be in excellent shape within a few months going up and down the stairs, chasing chickens, ferret, and small children. not to mention Strider's playful energy levels. Now you all know my secret of how I stay skinny! Who needs a gym when who have a household like Dr. Doolittle! The breeder also brought down a littler of frenchie puppies for the vet to check. I knew it would be hard to see frenchies again but I broke down at the vet's. It was hard to see the big ears and hear unique snort. It was good and bad. It is good to have a snorty dog comfortably sleeping in my lap again though. Wish me luck in the training process because I do believe frenchie's are the dumbest and most stubborn dog to train but worth it in the end.

As to the ferret some have requested more pics of her. Here are some of her looking to be rescued and then sleeping safely in Oma's (grandma) lap. I have had to put a lock on Monkey's cage because Joey is getting to rough with her I am afraid that she will get
hurt. He was very upset about the new rule but I know it will be better for everyone!

Playing Catch Up

After a trial hits home-either big or small -it seems to take me a while to get back into some sort of routine. So, I have some pictures and stories to tell from the last few weeks so bear with me!


After Bella, my little french bulldog, died- I tried to fill up my days with activities to keep me distracted. One of them was to build a snowman with the dry Utah snow. It took a long time but after lots of packing and pounding of the snow we were successful. Elise is a determined and very good snowman builder. She built the head of the snowman entirely by herself. Joseph wanted to know after the snowman was done if he would come alive! Joey was bored after a little while so he went on to play ball with Strider. It is a fun game to play because you get a snowball and tell the dog that you have a ball. Then you throw the snowball and Strider takes off after the ball. Of course when the snowball lands it breaks apart and disappears in the snow but Strider knows the ball is somewhere in that area! Here are some pics of the kids having a snowball fight on our new deck.

One of the worst things a grieving pet owner can do is to go to a pet store! Well, I did. A few days after losing Bella and I came home with a 6 week old baby ferret. I had one a long time ago and I love their little personality. I could certainly use a laugh anyway! Elise named her 'Monkey' since she likes to hang from the top of her cage. I knew the kids would like her but I had no idea they would smother her in attention. They hold and play with her all day long. Lets just say the ferret gets a good night s rest at the end of the day! I like that the kids hold her a lot because the more a ferret is handled the better pet it becomes!

Here are just some funny pictures of Joey eating his 'Big daddy donut'. I went to the store to pick some things up and the kids wanted a donut. So I obliged when Joey wanted the giant size donut. It was fun to watch him eat it!

Until We Meet Again....

Tuesday night Matt took the trash out and our French bulldog followed him out. A car veered off the road to pass another car pulling into their driveway. The veering car hit and killed our sweet Bella who was standing in the grass. She lived only a few minutes and died in my arms. It was one of the hardest and horrible things I've had to do when I buried her that cold, snowy night. She was my shadow, my companion. I am having a hard time going through my daily routines without her. My children were sweet in their simple faith. Elise hugged me when we told her Bella was gone and simply said that we will see Bella again and to not be so sad. It is just that it will be such a long time before that happens. A heaven without my animals would not be heaven at all! Joseph pointed his finger out the window and replied ' I will get on my big boy bike and find Bella for you!' If only he could bring her back to me. Bella was the BEST family dog ever. She tolerated my kids jumping on her, pulling on her, riding her without even a complaint. She was content to follow me from room to room or excited to go to the park to run with the kids. Bella often was found as a stow away in the car. Jumping into action whenever I picked up my purse and bolting out the door with the kids to get into the car first. I have so many fond memories which is all I have of her now. I am an animal lover and when I lose a pet I suffer for a long time. I grieve and grieve-a big void unable to be filled. My days lost to memories. I try to fill up the time with distractions which helps some. But when the day is done, kids off to bed and the house is quiet once again I find myself full of grief and tears. I have nothing else to say really but have tears to shed for my loss. I miss you Bella. Know that you will always be remembered. If you have any fond memories of my Bella I would enjoy reading about them.Our first picture of Bella when we brought her home Feb. 2002.
Our first Christmas with Elise and Bella. Dec. 2003A bit blurry but you can see that Bella was a friend to all- even the hairless cat 'Pinky'.
Our neighbor loving the dogs the day before the accident.
Matt's niece giving her a love. So tolerant and accepting.

Sorry that I didn't flip this picture. Bella and Elise were witches together this year for Halloween.Strider our dobie is lost without his companion. He is not eating very well-neither am I- and sleeps all day long. I am so sorry. I took this picture the day before she died. How can I go on without that face and those ears.

A Different Kind of Wedding Reception

Friday I went to Matt's cousin's wedding reception held at an organ reception hall. I was a bit intimidated when I found out where it was being held and what kind of entertainment would be there. But, we went anyway, out of duty and curiosity. The organ music was actually very good. All around the room were fun 'bells and whistles' that would occasionally add to the entertaining organ solo. Different from most formal receptions but entertaining. The organist started out the evening by playing the Mickey Mouse song and then on to Star Wars theme song, Fiddler on the Roof, Polkas, and then ending with Phantom of the Opera. Different but good! For the favors they had little bride & groom rubber duckies for all to take home. Then the belly dancer came out to perform. That was our cue to leave but I had to stay for a little bit to see what she was going to do. I knew it was time to go when my two year old son was mesmerized by the lack of clothes and my four year old daughter was very upset that she couldn't stay to watch because she wanted to learn to dance like her! Here are a few pictures of the not so talented belly dancer....I heard a rumor as we were leaving that Elvis would be appearing at 8:00. Disappointed that I had to miss him!

A New Job

I have found the perfect job for me! I was surfing ksl.com when I came across a help wanted ad-Horse Carriage Drivers needed for the Holidays. What a perfect opportunity to learn how to drive a carriage. I have always wanted to go on one at Christmas time but thought it was too expensive-now I can do it all night long and get paid for it! The very best part of the job is that I can pick my own hours. I just mark what day I want to work and show up for my shift. I can work everyday or take 6 months off! The part I am most worried about is the cold. I have already started training and love all of it except the cold and it is just going to get colder. Friday & Saturday nights I have worn my sweat pants under my jeans, thermal top, long sleeve shirt, wool sweater, hoodie, down vest, and my long duster. I have been comfortable with that but it has only dropped to the low 50s at night. How much more can I wear when the temperature drops to the low 30s?! I need a thermos of hot chocolate!
The horses are awesome. They are controlled pretty much by voice commands. And they really are gentle giants. the one I had Saturday night was Bert and he is a Clydesdale and he is 8 feet tall from his front hoof to his withers or shoulder! The equipment isn't too hard to remember how to put on but I can't remember what the parts are called. I have to pull out and put away my own carriage from the barn which is pretty heavy. My shoulders are still stiff! the draft horse can pull up to 4 times its weight! Amazing! And the horses rally like the work. When you pull them out of their paddock they are ancy and can't wait to get out on the streets.
Well, I expect to see you all up at temple square this Christmas for a carriage ride! Here is the website if you'd like to look around! htpp://www.carriageforhire.net

Stay at Home Mom

Elise and Joseph
the Tiger Tamer What's a circus w/out the trapeze!
I took my kids to the circus last week which was very fun for all-but on the way there I was thinking how lucky I am to be able to stay at home with my kids. I have the freedom to drop everything and run up to SLC to the circus, or go to the park. If I had to work I would miss out on so much. I have a friend that tells me all the time that life is all about the journey and I am enjoying mine.

Elise quit preschool-uhgg, it is starting already! But we do it at home three days a week. I thought I would dread it trying to make sure I taught her all she needs to succeed in kindergarten-geometry, chemisty, you know. But I find myself really enjoying the time with her. Her little mind is like a sponge and soaks up so much as well as retains it. She has a thirst for learning that I hope I can encourage her to retain throughout her life. Her Dad loves learning new stuff and is always talking about going back to school or doing some online courses. He already had two master degrees! Sheesh! I am glad that Elise got her thirst for knowledge from her dad! I was never a big fan of school-just the social part really!

Well, I love my little family and am so blessed to get to watch them grow and develop each step of the way. Thank you Matt for getting those degrees to make my life happier:)

Catch Up

Well, as Hannah mentioned I do have some catch up to do. I won't bore you all with it all at once. I thought I would post about my chickens. We got baby chicks for the kids at Easter and they are know grown and laying eggs. It is Elise's favorite chore of the day to go and gather the eggs from the hen house. I just hope she still likes it when there is snow and freezing outside! It was so exciting the day I found eggs. I wasn't expecting them to lay for at least another month. I was also so very surprised at how small they were. They are getting bigger now. We also have a rooster but he is very quiet. No cock- a-doodle-doing from him. I think he knows that if we find out he is a rooster he'll become Sunday dinner! I caught him this morning laying on the eggs. Maybe he thinks he is a hen!?

I am some what weird in the fact that my future goal in life is to have a mini farm. I want to have a couple cows, horses, chickens, maybe a milking goat or two, a pig to butcher in the fall. I grew up part of my years on a mini farm and I loved it. I never looked at my outside chores as 'chores'. It was enjoyable and an outlet for me- still is- hence the garden and the chickens and the two dogs! Which is way my household duties don't get done. I need to hire a full time "Alice" from the Brady Bunch to do the mundane daily things of a house wife!

Along with that I have finally put together a scrapbook page of my Frenchie Bella. I was somewhat inspired to do so after Jessi's blog about dogs. I love my frenchie and think that once past the stubborn/stupid puppy phase they seem to go through they are THE best family dog. She is loyal- follows me from room to room which often I feel bad about because that is sometimes the only exercise she gets, she is protective- will bark at the fence or the door until I call her off and then she'll lick the visitor all over the face, and she is patient- with two small children I often find her dressed in their clothing or being used as a landing pad from off the couch. She has never snapped at anyone torturing her! I haven't heard- did Jessie get a dog?! I could have at least two more but Matt keeps me in check!

Ta Ta for now!

The World's Greatest Bar Band

Well- I am back! I thought I would post about my recent adventure to a local bar in SLC where Matt and I went and watched George Thorogood and the Destoyers. He is known for 'Bad to the Bone' and 'Move it on Over' for those who don't know who he is! He is one of my favorite groups though I must admit I didn't know he was still performing! I started listening to him as a sophmore in highscool. and he was considered a classic back then! He put on a great show for being an old timer. It was totally awesome to hear him sing bbbbbaaad to the bone live! It is always entertaining to be the only people not drinking alcohol. We were next to a very nice but very drunk man during the concert. Matt stood between the drunk guy and me just to keep him from falling into me! I have been singing his songs all week because of it! He has a great distinctive voice with a bluesy-rock 'n roll style of music. The place was packed and I overheard some latecomers comment that Thorogood is still packing a full house.









It is good to be back and I have enjoyed reading your blogs. I'll be back soon!