The Dog will Never.....

I think we've done alright at this pet adventure so far. "O" is sleeping in his crate faithfully everynight, he's reliving himself in the appropriate spots, he's getting better at walking on a leash and he's jumping up on people habit has been curbed. But, we got hit with the flu bug this week and my resistance was down. Poor Abby is in the thick of it right now. I know exactly how she feels, because I was there 48 hours ago and I'm still wiped out. Oakley has sensed something is up and he climbed into bed with her. They look so peaceful together, how could I disrupt that?
It's that sweet face that gets me everytime. (Both hers and his)

I'm looking forward to V-Day. I've signed up to bring cake to a little celebratory gathering. How does red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting sound? I really want to make cupcakes, but I feel like maybe I should also do another cake too that would appeal to a broader audience. I think there will already be lots of chocolate, so I need suggestions for another cakey item. P.S. It needs to be something I can frost and write on. Hmmmmm.....

Oakley Makes 6

We added a new member to our family today. We are so excited to have Oakley in our home! He is a beautiful 100% labrador retriever we were able to adopt from the Labrador and Friends Dog Rescue of San Diego. We owe a huge thanks to April for getting us this dog right away, he already had lots of people interested in him, but she raced to get him for us. He's very loveable and friendly. He's a big boy and he loves to play. The kids are so happy and excited they can barely stand it. We decided on the name Oakley in honor of Nana's home of Oakley, Idaho.
Of course this special occasion called for a trip to Petco. Abby's got this dog's needs all figured out!
We got lots of help from Kim at Petco. I have a feeling we'll be spending lots of time at this place.
And to think, this is just the beginning..........
This was pretty hilarious tonight. Nana and Mark are trying to coax Oakley into his new home, the crate. This training will be a breeze, right?
Welcome Home Oakley!! (Cheese!)

Do the Do'

What do you think of this hairdo? David is sporting "the Troy" (from HSM3)lately. It works for him. It is getting to be about time to get a trim.



Here's Mark's new do: surgical cap. He ran the Kaiser Half Marathon run two Saturdays ago. He posted a very respectable time. He never ceases to amaze me with his ability to run long distances without the traditional training routines. (maybe "baffles me" is a more acurate term) Looks like he earned himself a cute orange goody bag too!

Sunday Memories (aka insane ramblings of a teenage girl)

I pulled out my old journal today. The journal started on January 4, 1989. Yup, 20 years ago. Talk about high entertainment value! I was immediately brought back to those days of teenage woe and glee. I didn't remember myself being on such an emotional roller coaster during those years, but clearly age has dimmed my memories. Boy was I up and down! It was hilarious to read about the petty fights between my girlfriends and the multiple random crushes I had on boys. I had also totally forgotten that it was in fact me who broke up first with my first "boyfriend". Of course we made up and broke up about a dozen times in a 8 week period, but still, let the record stand that I officially did the first dumping!! Go figure, I have long remembered it the other way around. (Good thing I kept a record, huh?) I couldn't help but wonder(worry) about what it will be like when my children reach adolescence. Will they be as lovesick and emotional as I was? Oh dear. Heaven help me. I'm sure they will. I better keep this journal handy for reference.
The nachos are my tribute to my favorite teenage Sunday meal. Some families have roast every Sunday. Parms have "the brown meal" every Sunday. My Dad always had soft boiled eggs and toast after church. I always made nachos for myself. Today I made them for my family. It was a simple, pleasurable meal, made infinitely sweeter by the emotional stability 20 years has earned me.

I Ski (I'm a Skier)

Day 1- David begins his journey


Here's the best part of the day: Hanging with Dad, people watching and sipping some hot chocolate.


Nothing like a soft place to rest your head after a hard day of skiing.


Day Two was especially cold. (The girls were warm and toasty back home.)



Ski buds-


Day Three- A Star is Born



This kid is getting the hang of it now!


Love that powder!!


(A great big thanks goes out to the brillant inventor of the "Edgie Wedgie". If you don't have one, GET ONE!)