Happy New Year!

Do you remember 1999 and the hype about Y2K? Fast forward ten years to 2010. The past decade has flown by in a blur...it's true that the older you get, the faster the years fly by.

Much has happened in our lives since moving to Georgia ten years ago. As for me, I couldn't be happier. I am blissfully married to a man I have adored for nearly 21 years; we are settled in our new home of 2-1/2 years; my daughter and her family moved from Wisconsin and live within a 10-minute drive; we are both gainfully employed in a troubled economy; and I am blessed with amazing friends. We are DINKS (dual-income-no-kids) and DILDOS (dual-income-little-dog-owners).

2010 heralded the arrival of our ninth grandchild - Aldis Mariette - born around 7am New Year's Day. She is the second child for Chad (Doughboy's son) and Sarah.

And life goes on...

CONGRATULATIONS CHAD, SARAH AND MILO!

P.S. I am the excited winner of an amazing photographic print from Kate at Chronicles of a Country Girl. I have followed Kate's blog for about 1-1/2 years and won the print by leaving a comment on her blog about our New Year's plans. If you haven't visited Kate's blog, please click the blog link on my blog roll - you will be hooked! Thanks MUCH, Kate! Blessings and happy New Year to you :)

An Uncommon Christmas

When I think of Christmas, memories of familial traditions come to mind. Christmas Eve church service by candlelight, the tree adorned with bright lights, chubby toddler hands tugging at colorfully wrapped gifts, tantalizing scents of cinnamon and pine, the inviting glow of a fireplace, carefully prepared dinner buffet with traditional favorites, and sounds of holiday carols playing softly in the background of excited voices.


This year, however, was entirely different. Instead of a fireplace, our grandchildren - Ayden, Jameson, Ava - were splashing around in a swimming pool, followed by a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Whoa there, Sparky... I'm getting ahead of myself.


Doughboy and I, along with Jamie, Jason and the kids spent Christmas week in Florida. We rented a lovely 4 bedroom house (that had a heated swimming pool) close to Disneyworld and visited 6 theme parks in as many days. Day 1 was Universal Studios; Universal's Islands of Adventure on Day 2; Disney's Animal Kingdom on Day 3; Disney's Magic Kingdom on Day 4; Disney's EPCOT on Christmas Eve; Disney's Hollywood Studios Christmas Day. Phew!


Thanks to a letter Ayden wrote to Santa, gifts were delivered to our Florida vacation home for opening on Christmas morning. With the exception of warm rain showers early Christmas day, we were blessed with perfect weather with each day's temps on the rise. By mid week we had shed our jackets in favor of short-sleeved shirts. Yes, we experienced a tantrum or two, and the kids were worn out by dusk each evening, but our family enjoyed a fun-filled unconventional Christmas holiday.

Come to think of it, it wasn't that unconventional. After all, Christmas isn't about a tree, fireplace, food, decorations, or gifts. It's about being together...


Wherever you were, I hope your Christmas holiday was magical!

So Lucky

I've already discussed my obsession with scrapbooking. Obsession is putting it mildly, but that's not the purpose of my post. I am lucky because Doughboy is always willing to support my obsession. I can't ask for anything more.

I decided to empty four drawers where I store my large ribbon assortment and find a better form of storage. After searching the internet, I discovered a seller on ebay that hand crafts wood ribbon storage. The units were small and pricey and I knew Doughboy could make something better. I showed him a photo of the ebay unit, and here is my new ribbon storage. Yes, I know I am lucky. Thanks sweetheart!!!


Hmmmm...with my new ribbon storage unit I now have the luxury of four empty drawers. I wonder how long they'll stay empty? It sounds like an excuse to go shopping for more supplies ;)

Click on the photo below for a slide show of additional scrap room views.

11 weeks 21 Days

Eleven-week-old Teddy has been part of our family for twenty-one days. To most people this wouldn't be much to write about. To us, Teddy has rocked our world :)

We enjoy walking along the path on weekends. It's fun for the pups and good for us to get out and enjoy the fresh fall air. Teddy whines for the first several minutes begging to be picked up and carried. Eventually giving up, he falls in step with Kady and the two forge ahead with their nose to the ground taking in all the smells.

Teddy's favorite part of the walk is stopping to collect leaves, sticks or whatever lies in his path.

C'mon, guys...can't you keep up?

If Teddy is very good (which happens most of the time) he is rewarded with a chewy treat.

This little ball of fluff means the world to us :)

Sunday Afternoon

After yesterday's rain, today was sunny, breezy, and warm - a perfect day for a walk along the path. Teddy didn't like the leash. He cried and refused to walk. We removed the leash and he followed Kady the entire time. Kady has become Teddy's surrogate mother - he adores her and will follow her anywhere. Dianora, our salt 'n pepper Scottie always lags behind choosing instead to walk at HER pace. Never mind everyone else.

Teddy came to an abrupt stop and refused to leave the safety of Pete's feet.

The long walk proved tiresome for everyone. You know what is said about sleeping dogs...let them lie :)

Look at this adorable face! It rates a 10 on the cuteness scale.

When God Closes A Door, He Opens A Window

Anyone who views a pet as a cherished family member knows the depth of pain that comes from their loss. Leo passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 13th at one month short of his 8th birthday. Pete and I sobbed for days, wondering what could have been done and if we had we done enough. Questions, doubt, aching pain. Leo's death ripped the heart from my chest in ways I never thought possible. He was my constant companion. My shadow. My friend.

I awoke Saturday morning to a gray day. As I laid in bed listening to the steady rain, I felt a heaviness in my chest as I remembered Leo. He would have been snuggled under my chin. Pete and I dressed and began our Saturday morning routine - breakfast, taking Kady and Dee to their grooming appointment, and other miscellaneous errands. After a visit to schedule our pool closing, I led Pete next door to Yorkie & Friends. I had never been to this shop, and my goal was not to buy a puppy. I wasn't over losing Leo and didn't know if I would ever be ready for another puppy. Yet, I was curious. The owner explained that all her puppies are either her own or come from local contacts whom she trusts. We looked around at a few cute puppies...but none tugged my heart strings. Perhaps I was expecting too much, too soon.

"Do you have any more puppies?" She led us to the back of the small room where I saw a brown ball of fluff. He is a Shorkie - half Shi Tzu, half Yorkie - and the offspring of the owner's own dog. His 8-week old sister was adopted the previous day. I fell in love immediately.

I looked at Pete with pleading eyes. He knew we wouldn't be going home alone.

He looks like a minature bear...so we named him Teddy.

Teddy enjoys watching television with his dad. They discuss football strategy.


Leo will always hold a specialy place in my heart. But there's plenty of room for Teddy, Kady and Dianora. It is a three dog night once again :)

Fall Soccer Begins

With summer winding down, fall soccer is in full swing. Ayden's participation in soccer last spring was to learn the basics and practice drills. This fall puts those skills to use by playing actual games. I was incredibly proud of Ayden at his first game this past Saturday. He was the highest scoring player on his team, making 3 goals. Go Ayden!


Ayden gets a high five from his coach after scoring a goal.

Jameson amuses himself with Bumpa. He adores Pete!

Mimi - stop taking pictures!

A rare opportunity to catch Jameson sitting still.

Princess Patty Cake Ava.