Dog Bed

Bed Buddy

South has chosen her spot at night: the stinkiest room in the house!  It's humorous to me, considering that Aiden has never really liked dogs and was championing for a kitten during our dog search.  Now South is an inseparable part of his life.  Aiden enjoys giving her treats and letting her out of her kennel to go potty.  It will be sweet to watch them grow up together!  What would childhood be without a dog?!

Wrestling with Dad

After a long night at work, Andy came home and wrestled with jammie-jam clad boys.  They were having a great time ... but Ashton is a sucker for the word "Cheese!" - I get this face from him every time!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

This is the position South took last night while I was watching Leno: half in her doggie bed, half on my slippered feet.  She's still such a puppy: go-go-go all day long until she just zonks right out, snoring and dreaming.  Her foster mom was right: she DOES snore!  It is hilariously old-man-ish!

You Have GOT to Be Kidding Me!

Yes, it's March 26th.  The snow was so cool in December.  DECEMBER people!!!  I just want to stop wearing socks!

3 Amigos

Are they not adorable?!  I couldn't scramble for my camera fast enough.  I guess garbage day brings them together ... at least they're not fighting over matchbox cars!  Aiden likes to "vroom" them across the floor, usually at his little brother, who scream/yells back at his big brother (in anger or camaraderie, I'm not sure), as South chases them, making both boys yell and laugh.  They are all three getting along so well.  South even checked on each of them at naptime ... and chose Aiden's bed to hang out in!

Introducing the Newest Member of the Family!

Name: South Paw
Age: ~ 7 months
Breed: Boxer, Terrier and whatever else God put in her!
State of Origin: Tennessee

I have been wanting a big dog for a long time, and finally took the time to find one.  We found our sweet puppy through a local rescue shelter that had her in a foster home.  Her foster mommy was tearful to leave her with us, but she found us to be a perfect fit.  The dog came with the name "Sara" but we knew that we couldn't be calling our dog Andy's beloved sister's name.  After an hour of debate, we came up with "South," sticking with the same first consonant sound.  Our first dog as a couple was name Phoenix (from where she came from) so this pup is "South" because she came from down South.  Andy came up with South Paw not too long ago and it's sticking.  She is adorable with the kids, dumb enough to not be able to sniff out a treat, and loving enough to want to curl up on the couch with me.  She has a good deep bark and she even whined when I ran out to get her dog food.  We already love her!  And now we are heading out to Petsmart to get her a kennel and treats!

The Fresh Air is SO Good for Them!

Big Spring Tease

I was getting so desperate for spring that I started buying flowers for myself every time I went to the grocery store!  And then all of the sudden, weather is in the 60's!  Oh joy!  I've been pulling the boys in the wagon around the neighborhood 3 times a day, I let Ash crawl around on the deck, and the boys have been staying up until the sun goes down (aka, 8:30 or 9!).  And . . . the weather dude says it won't last, and snow isn't out of the question.  Sigh.  Well, it was nice while it lasted.  See you soon spring ... right?!

P.S.  Isn't the bunny candle-topper adorable?!  Courtesy of Gigi - thanks Gig!

Good News or Bad News First?

I have been a "car girl" pretty much my whole life.  I spent more time (MUCH more time!) under the hood of my dad's Toyota truck than I ever did in the kitchen with Mom.  I have always been attentive to vehicles, and I am super opinionated about them.  I was raised (rather unorthodox!) facing backwards in a 5-point harness racing seat bolted to the bed of the shelled Toyota 4x4, Dad going on for hours about the benefits of a Toyota.  I've always told Andy I only want him to buy me two things: a 2 carat ruby ring and a Toyota 4-Runner.  Well, suffice it to say that the 4-Runner was much easier to obtain!  I've been enjoying The Mommy Car (as we lovingly refer to it as) for 2.5 years.  It has moved us into our first house, pulled countless cars out of the snow, gotten us safely to Moe's every week, and driven Ashton home from the hospital (twice, actually!).  A few features I like to brag about: height above all other cars in town, back window rolls down (it's amazing!), so much room to change a diaper or nurse a baby in middle back seat with car seats on either side, and of course, the 4-wheel drive.   Now, Andy and I are pretty anal about most things in our lives.  We like to make sure our spiritual lives, marriage, kids' attitudes, personal grooming, and house are in tip-top shape.  And that leaves no room for the vehicles.  Not that we don't care, we just don't have the time.  So when the check engine lamp came on the other day, I wasn't super surprised (but never the less, freaked out!).  Andy and I are finally getting our finances under control and debts paid off and savings in place for the first time in 7 years, and I was so afraid that whatever was wrong would eat up all of Andy's hard work of keeping me from spending.  So Andy sacrificed some sleep this morning and elbowed The Mommy Car into the dealership.  Andy called me up after 2 hours:  "You want the good news or the bad news?"  Me: (always the optimist) "The bad news, of course."  Andy: "The catalytic converter is shot and it's going to be $2100, minus initial labor, to replace it."  Me: "You said there was good news?"  Andy: "This problem is so common that Toyota includes it in its warranty .... completely.  It's free, even the labor done today."  Praise the Lord ... Big Time!  Thankfully I DID listen to Dad and bought a used vehicle with extended warranty.  And yes, I have to agree and could go on for hours on how amazing Toyota is, no matter WHAT the media blows up about.  And by the way: the dealership told Andy they haven't even had 1 customer bring their vehicle in for a stuck accelerator.  Hmmm ... I'm not even going to get started on my feelings for the media and their frenzy to make anything news.  Just one more thing to say: LOVE my Toyota!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

A Happy Birthday wish from our house to yours, Grandma!  How many grandmas can boast of still being in their 40s?!  Have a blessed day!

Love this baby SO much!

Zib's Special Time While Ash Naps

Little Nudist

Ashton is such a happy kid ... unless he's teething.  And combo'd with waking up early, he is a fussy, non-cooperative grump!  I tried changing his diaper in the living room where I was hoping Curious George would distract him so I could avoid a wrestling match.  Well, that plan failed miserably and I felt badly for Aiden that he couldn't hear his show, so I just let Ash crawl over to the toy area for just a minute.  Little rascal pee'd on the toy rug!  Never a dull moment with the Peech!

Morning in the Kitchen

To me, nothing is more relaxing than being in the kitchen.  I know that sounds pretty crazy, but cooking and baking are my artistic outlet.  Not good for the waistline, but I don't ever hear my tastebuds complaining!