Gus' fashion show

It's been so dreary in Chillicothe, MO. Foggy and misty and ugly!!!!! Ugh! I'm needing some sunshine and warmth and GREEN!!! This photo was taken from the end of the driveway. Notice that you cannot even see the house. Visibility was less than 1/4 mile. That's mighty dangerous while driving.

I was probably 200 feet from the house before it appeared out of nowhere!!!

Thank goodness it was still there!!!

I was beginning to worry.

I thought maybe I pulled into the wrong driveway.

Have you ever wondered what happens in your home when no one is there? I do.

Well, different topic. I've ventured into "one of those people". You know the sort I'm talking about. (whispering) The "dress up your dog sort". I would have joined this group long ago, but it's hard to find clothes for Gus. He's big boned. (ahem)

Each size gave an example of a breed to gage the fit.

Example:

XS- Chihuahua

S- Bichon Frise

M- Cocker Spaniel

L- Labrador Retriever

XL- Rottweiler

XXL- Great Dane or GUS

It's not because of his height or length. It is because of his girth.

Gus understands this and it's okay with him.

Don't you think he looks stunning in camo? Let's take a moment to build up Gus' self-esteem everyone.

Gus, you're a hottie!!!

Work that run-way!!!!

Simply stunning!!

A blushing bride......... well, that might be pushing it.

Sorry Gus!

Valentine banner

I found a tutorial on YouTube. When I visit YouTube I normally click on the videos with a more.......... funny nature. I was pleasantly surprised to find that you could also find useful information there. Who knew?

Anyway the tutorial was "How to make crepe paper rosettes". FABULOUS!!!!! So guess what I have been doing? You got it!!!!

I love crepe paper rosettes.

I cannot stop making crepe paper rosettes.

Someone please help me STOP making crepe paper rosettes!!!

You got it....... making crepe paper rosettes.

If you want some, but don't want to make them. Go to this etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckygirlgoods

Praying for Haiti

My heart has been so heavy this week for Haiti. Golly, how do you wrap you mind around 100,000+ dead? I don't know about you, but I cannot!

It's so easy to forget about since it didn't happen on American soil. However, let's not forget that we are fellow sojourners. Temporary residents of this crazy, crazy world. Brought together because we have a wonderful and merciful God. We are all God's people (whether or not they recognize their heritage).

Whatever your faith friends, please remember these people. Give how you can. Whether in financial support, mission or prayer.

My husband and son had arranged a trip to Haiti in July. A team was assembled from our church and Rick was going to provide medical mission for the people. The town is called Montrouis. It is a coastal city. Very, VERY poor.

Below is a letter from American friends who live in Montrouis.

Dear Friends:
Here is an update....you will not believe the devastation in Port au Prince...but as previously
reported, we are fine and remain strong in The Lord. .keep praying for the people. We had
another aftershock at 1:15AM this morning. Pray that God will kill this thing and no more
quakes of any kind...buildings continue to crumble in Port au Prince due to poor building
methods...But we thank our God that this building rocked and rolled but no damage. The
Boss Mason, Lexes John Pierre ate with us this morning and we all celebrated with him how
strong he and his men built this building that has kept us safe.

We now know some houses have crumbled here in Montrouis...we will be working with the
church Pastors to bring relief not only here but in Port au Prince...but it is our policy so you
will know, we go through the Pastors and their churches to meet needs.

You can help by sending ANY AMOUNT of money to House Of Bread...P.O. Box 733,
Chillicothe,Mo...64601...mark your check "Haiti Earthquake".

At this time all telephone communications are out of service. Pray our e mail stays with us.
We just bought new Digicel Phones and now learned the Digicel main office in Port has been
flattened...gone...we have our Haitel nbr which may work latr...you can try if you want...it is
011-509-3-567-0361....but the best right now is e mail.

Some of our staff including Pastor Rigaud have left for Port au Prince to try and check on and
find their family members...pray for them and their safety.

One thing we know and that is diesel fuel may become very scarce. we need it to pump water
and keep our batteries charged..pray we can find it when we need it.

Power is off in Port and we understand the International Airport is closed...but apparently some
military aircraft from the U.S. and other countries are using the facility...U.S. Coast Guard Cutters
have begun to arrive by sea.

Gayle and another nurse have gone out to see what people need around us. We are providing good
water thanks to many of our partners. It turned a little cloudy yesterday when we were pumping
for the people and this morning also...but it has now cleared up.

We learnd of a miracle and how God protects his people...Harrington Rigaud, Pastor Andrea's
brother lives in Port au Prince. This apartment house he lives in is now rubble...but guess what
he was'nt in the building...Praise God....Love In Christ...Jim and Gayle...Haiti

It's hard to write about my new UGG's after that. So I'm going to say much. Just that I wanted a pair of these since Rick and I's trip to New York two years ago.

Congo wants a pair also.

REALLY wants a pair!!!!!

He's liking mine a little too much for my comfort.

Ughh, what are you doing, Congo?

He would have crawled inside the boots if he would have fit.

I have (ahem) largish feet for a woman. I'm excited that I was able to go down a size. Opps, that was also a confession to my TRUE size, huh? Hey, I'm a tall girl.

Flakes

You can not believe how beautiful our trees looked yesterday. I don't know how to describe it to you except to say, it was magical. Almost like a painting. I caught myself staring out the windows several times. I do not like snow, but MAN it's sure pretty!!!!!

By the time I got around to taking photos, the snow had begun to melt. :( That's not like me. I did capture a few close ups of the trees in the front yard. From a distance, the snow looked like ice. I was a little surprised when I got close enough to see those big ole' flakes. They were so big, it looked like fake Christmas snow that you buy in a bag.

I did some playing around with the filters on iphoto. I thought the colors were fun. Which do you like better? I couldn't decide.

I'm sure that you know this, but you can click on the photos. It should enlarge them on your computer.

I'm documenting this for one reason. I DIDN'T DO IT THIS TIME!!!!!! My man tried ice skating in a car. I believe that I will pull this out next time I run into the garage door. Notice I didn't say IF I run into the garage door.

Well tootles friends. I'm off to cook at the church. Hope to visit with you tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary

one year...........

12 months.......

52 weeks.........

365 days.........

525,600 minutes ago

I began my blog.

January 10th, 2009 I sat before my keyboard...... and started pecking!!!!!!

This blog has served more than one purpose for me.

1. It gives my friends and family current photos of the monkeys. (I'm not so great about sending pictures)

2. It helps me document all the "little nothings" that I'm positive I'd forget.

3. It helps me take more photos.

*bonus: I'm discovering that people I barely know are reading about our crazy life. That's awesome!!!!

So............ Happy first anniversary "mommyofthree"

Okay, I'm going to throw some pictures on this blog that may not be for the weak-of-stomach. I've had these pictures for over a week. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Then I began thinking...... I'm all about preserving memories, right? I'm not sure that I want to remember this, but I'm afraid the scar on my finger won't let me forget.

As I have mentioned to you, we have been experiencing mighty frigid temperatures in Missouri. Poor T-bone, who lives in our garage, is a sensitive sort. He loves comfort. 65 to 75 degrees is wonderful to him. I'm afraid that Missouri only offers those temps. about a week out of the year. The rest of the time, it's either -0 or 101. No in between. I felt a little sorry for T one day. He was shivering. It was a little like watching a grown man cry. It melted me.

My brain began turning. I could let him in? He is 200 pounds and stinky though. Hummm, what to do?

Alright T, you can come in for a little bit. Then I will put you in the kennel with Jesse (she has heat lamps).

So, I'm in the bathroom showering. Getting ready (putting on my face). I hear a ruckus in the kitchen. A loud, banging, clinking ruckus. Dare I check?........... Jeez, I'm afraid I have to.........

T-bone, what are you doing? He instantly knew his error. His head was hanging two inches off the ground. He had those pouty lips and sad eyes. ARRRRRRRRR!!!!!! He emptied an entire garbage can into the kitchen floor. Icky scraps, used toilet paper, and coffee grounds ALL OVER!!!

OUT YOU GO!!!!

So I put on my cold gear (hat, gloves, thick coat, boots, long underwear, another hat, scarf, ski mask, two sweatshirts, heated socks and a blanket). Grabbed a 20 pound bag of food (so the doggies would be well fed) and two cans of wet food (so it would taste better) and headed out the door. Gus slipped out with me (that will be important information in a minute).

T gladly followed me (I was carrying food..... he likes food). I opened the kennel door to let the big guy in.

Then I realized that Gus Bus entered the kennel also. My hands were full..... I couldn't stop him. This is a big deal because Jesse, our female, doesn't exactly LIKE Gus. That's probably being too kind. SHE HATES GUS!!!!!!

Instantly the fight was on. Usually fights are between two parties, but not this one. It was Jesse fighting and Gus whelping!!!!!!! I dropped all the food on the ground and tried to separate the doggies. STUPID.....STUPID.....STUPID!!!!!

I was bit.

There was blood.

Lots of blood.

So much blood that I couldn't tell who was hurt, (me, Jesse or Gus).

I had a strange adrenaline rush so I suddenly acquired these crazy super powers. I was able to lift our 170 pound female with ONE HAND, open the kennel door with the other, and lift our 70 pound Gus out the door. All the while, Jesse was fighting me violently trying to attack the fat bulldog. Don't ask, I have no idea how I did it.

So below are the photos of my finger (or finner as my Aunt P says)

The stitches come out Thursday. YEAH!!!! I'll be so glad. The skin is dry around the wound and it itches like crazy. It's just a huge irritation.

I know that your day wouldn't have been the same without those photos. Huh? Sorry!

My friends, I'm the biggest baby you have ever met. I drove myself to Carrollton (Rick was working in the ER)

OH-OH-OH..... I left out the part where Ian had to help me change clothes. Poor kid. He didn't talk for two hours afterwards.

Anywhoo..... Rick gave me a shot to numb it before he could stitch. I said bad words. In front of my kids!!!!! After I said "the words", I looked up. Ryan was smiling and Ian was appalled! Mommy usually doesn't say the S-word. Mommy said it 15 times in one sitting. Opppss!

Then I started feeling a little woozy. My ears started buzzing. My head was suddenly 50 pounds. I felt the blood leave my head and go to my feet.

NO, I DIDN'T PASS OUT..... but I sure wanted to.

I drove myself home then vegged on the couch for the rest of the day. I ordered people around. I need a drink. I need some grapes. I need a hug. I need, I need, I need.

Then Rick informed me that my legs work fine.

Domestic wanna-be

There isn't a word for how cold it is outside.

I agree with Congo. I'll stay inside where it's warm and look out the windows.

Being cooped up in the house has caused a bit of boredom for me. There is plenty I "need to do". But "want to do" is a completely different story. This weather makes my eyelids heavy. I want to curl up on the couch. Drink chicken noodle soup from a cup. Then watch movies and nap between them. To fight off the doldrums, I thought I would whip up some bread. Not out of a can or from the frozen section and especially not from a plastic Wonder bag.

I've always wanted to be an expert bread maker. I've tried a couple times....... and failed. Today, I woke up with a brand new attitude. "By Golly......I'm gonna make bread........and it's going to turn out this time"! The act of confessing out loud is mighty...... mighty I tell ya.

I am not a stupid girl. I figured that if I tried two different recipes, one of them should turn out.

I'm raising the odds.

My first recipe is called "friendship bread". This bread requires patience.... work..... and a little love. You stir it twice a day for 5 to 10 days. Basically, till it rots. You then remove a cup of this dough, called "starter". Mix it with the rest of the ingredients, throw er' in the oven, and enjoy. The idea is to give friends, family and likewise starters. That way, they can make their own bread. Isn't that SWEEEETTT?

My second recipe is Grandmother's bread. I made this before and it was wonderful! The monkeys sure devored it!!! Within 3.9 seconds!!!! Click on the link for the recipe. Easy easy peasy.

Who else thinks that yeast is amazing? I think about things like that. Call me crazy!

Congo and I are both so ready for Spring.

Rick...... I think that we settled in the wrong state. MISSOURI? Why-oh-why?

Dawn's COLOR CHALLENGE

I've decided to participate in Dawn McVey's 21st Color Challenge. This is my first ever!!! I'm thriving....... remember? The idea is to include all the colors in the above photo. Wasn't too hard for me. LOVE THOSE COLORS!!!!! I'm glad she threw the yellow in there. I would have never thought to do that. Hence, the name...... challenge!!!

So, here she is......

My middle child has been doing some creating of his own.

Ian wants to be a chef...........

but I think he would make a wonderful engineer.

He fiddles tirelessly over little plastic pieces. Connects them magically.

It miraculously begins to transform into..........

something I recognize.

Then we watch the gears turn 'round & 'round.......

until we both are sick to our stomach.

I just had a genius thought. He could combine his gift of cooking and building. Ever seen Ace of Cakes....... enough said!!!!!

Build-A-Bear

Last Saturday Dana, Logan, Gracie, Ian and I headed to the city. Logan had a gift certificate to the Build-a-Bear-Workshop. Yeah!!! Gracie, Ian and I gladly helped him spend his money.

Me: "Logan, Look at these sunglasses"!

Gracie: "Logan, a fluffy tutu"!

Ian: "Here is a MU costume"!

Dana: "Look at those shoes"!

He made some very fine choices. All by himself!!! He opted for a adorable puppy that he named Buddy. Buddy was soft.....and cuddly. He was so stinkin' cute.

Is it weird that I am 34 and want to make animals at build-a-bear?

These were adorable. But I'm more of a Theodore fan.

Who could go wrong with Hello Kitty......... HELLO!!!!!

Luke, "I am your father"!!!!

If I stuffed an animal. I would stuff an owl. I love owls.

Gracie would have made this one.

After working up an appetite at BABW, we headed to Bravo. Logan and Ian had pizzas bigger than their heads.

Ian wouldn't get near me.

Ian hates his picture taken.

Ian would rather have a flu shot.

Gracie loves pictures.

Gracie is a ham.

Gus is indifferent.

He wants to sleep.

He works hard all day.

He deserves rest.

Cute tongue, huh?

The more he relaxes, the further it sticks out. He was only half relaxed here.

The "C" Necklace

Below is a funny conversation I had with Gracie today. All this happened in Target........ as she was showing me a shiny, silver necklace with a letter C hanging from it (the C had faux crystals, in case you were wondering)

Gracie: "Mom, look".

Let me explain before moving on. I don't always answer after the first time my children call me. I hear the word "mom" 1,694 times a day from my children. Sometimes "mom" is said nicely. Sometimes "mom" is said loudly. Mostly, it's said like this....... "mom........mom.....mom....mom....mom..Mom.........MOM!!!! That's when I answer. Often, I would like to change the word that americans use for "mom". For instance, it could be "rumple". (Rumple, could I have a friend over? Rumple, could I have peanut butter and honey?

Ohhh.... who am I kidding? Rumple is terrible. Moving on......

Me: "That's pretty"!

Gracie: "Can I have it"? (Which means, buy this for me.)

Me: "Gracie, it has a C on it, your name starts with a G"

Gracie: "I know mom, it could mean Christian. Cause I'm a Christian" (as she says this, she blinks her long eyelashes, and smiles softly. Very CUTE! Very CUNNING!)

Friends, that is how badly she likes to buy things. She would even settle for a C necklace when her name starts with a G. She has quick wit, I must confess. I couldn't have come up with an answer like that so quickly. Rick and I are in for it in 10 years. Possibly less at this rate.

It's sure hard not to giggle at things like that. Or buy cheap Target necklaces with letter C's on them. I fought off the urge to splurge though....... and bought her a DS stylus instead.

or Which would you want?

Goodness...... I should have bought the "C" necklace, huh?

My New Friends

Ohhh friends. It's time to snap myself back into reality.

Let me introduce you to my new friends.....

Mr. Elliptical......

Mr. Treadmill.....

and lastly, Mr. Torture

Ugh!!!!!

I've signed myself up on www.myfitnesspal.com and I am joining a jazzercise class. (weeping)

Remember the days when you could shove things in your mouth all day and not gain a pound. What happened? It really isn't fair. (weeping harder)

I am thinking about the times when I sat down with a tub of frosting and a spoon....... then ate. I'm thinking of hot buttered popcorn at the movie theatre. I'm thinking of cookies and cream ice cream with hard shell on the top. (sobbing uncontrollably)

I love food.... and food loves my hips.

FOOD...... I'm breaking up with you!!!

Temporarily......... don't go to far.......... or see other people! Wait for me!!!!!!