Emma Turns 1! 12/19

Little Miss Emma.  This sweet girl turns ONE today!

For such a tiny little bundle of fur, she is both sweet and fierce.  She loves to be held, to the point that I joke about getting a baby carrier for her!  Emma loves getting a fresh marrow bone and will gnaw on it endlessly.  She is territorial about it too.  If one of the other dogs comes near her bone she puffs up and barks her head off.  She may be a little neurotic about her stuff but she is just precious. 

Sweater Girls

I am one of those people that would dress up their dogs with bows and sweaters.  Joe was never a fan.

While he was away on a business trip, I saw some cute sweaters for the puppies and couldn't resist.  You know what they say "The mice will play when the cat's away".  

Besides it was pretty cold out already for November so I figured they *NEED* them!

Riley however was not impressed.

You can't resist the cuteness of puppies in sweaters!

At least I can't!

Piper's Gotcha Day

Today marks one year since we brought Piper home. 

She's grown into a gorgeous, and loving dog. She likes to think she's the alpha dog in our pack. 

 

She was so tiny when she first came home and had the cutest white "tutu" around her tush, which has since disappeared. 

She's been Riley's BFF from the start.

And we love her.

Backyard Findings

Life with the puppies has opened my eyes to our backyard a lot more lately. 

The other day I found the dogs fighting over this feather. Emma was fiercely protective over it. Not sure what bird it comes from but I'd have to guess a hawk, since they're always flying around. 

Then another day I spotted a lump of something laying in the yard. No idea what it could be, I went out to find it was a dead bird (pigeon or dove). Somehow the dogs weren't going near it and I had to dispose of it, freaking out the entire time, hoping it wouldn't wake up and attack me. (No picture that time.)

Tonight the dogs were outside again, and all but Piper had come inside. I called her a few times but didn't see her until I went out. It was starting to get dark and the lights didn't go on until I went out and saw her wrestling with a dead squirrel. 

Now I'm pretty sure she did not kill it. I've seen her "hunt" squirrels before but they're too quick for her.  I think a hawk killed it and it fell either from its claws or it died somehow in the trees above and the wind knocked it down. Who knows?? All I do know is Joe wasn't home and I couldn't leave it there since the dogs would be going back out again. I, very squimishly, got the pooper scooper and got it in a bag to get rid of. Again, thinking this thing was messing with me and would wake up and attack me! 

Next time Joe better be home to dispose of things!! 

Riley's Gotcha Day

I've learned to never say never the hard way. We always said we'd never get a dog. As the girls grew up, we realized getting a dog wouldn't be too bad. At first we used it as a way to keep the girls in check. Yep parenting at its best.

Eventually, I realized I wouldn't mind having company with me during the day. I  thought of all the pros that having a dog would bring, of course I also thought of the cons. 

Finally the day came when we went to visit a puppy named Riley. She was so playful and sweet. 

We got to bring her home for the day to get to know her better. 

It was instant love.

A year ago today, we made her official and got to bring her home for good. It was the best decision ever!

Piper Turns 1!

Our sweet Piper turns one year old today!

She has the sweetest disposition. She can be feisty and playful with the other dogs but she is more of a lover.  She will  sit by you for hours if you show her some love and pet her or rub her belly.  If you stop she'll remind you that she's still there waiting for more love. She will gladly curl up on your lap or snuggle with you if you nap on the couch. 

And she's one.

Puppy Number 4!

After all the years of saying no to getting a dog, I never imagined myself with one let alone FOUR, but we did just that. Two weeks ago we brought home Rosie to see how she fit in with our crazy family, and last night, made her officially ours.

I was very hesitant to bond with her, not wanting another puppy, to be honest. Joe was the reason I was playing along. I can't say no to him. If it makes him happy then I'm all for it. 

She has the same father as the other three puppies and actually is a full sister to Piper, sharing the same mother as well. She's just as sweet as Piper too. She loves to her her belly rubbed. 

We couldn't come up with a name for her that we all agreed on either. We originally wanted to call her Claire, but it didn't suit her. Marissa started calling her "no name", until I put a stop to that! Not sure who came up with Rosie (maybe one of my sisters??), but I wasn't sure, being that my first name is Rosaria and my sisters call me Ro. In the end we all liked it and she learned her name very quick. 

I finally did bond with her, how could I not?  She makes me laugh with her head tilt when I talk to her, and she's a love. 

Riley Turns 1!

One year ago today, Riley was born! When she was born, we weren't looking for a dog, we were just coming to terms that it was time to give in to one of the girls' dreams of having a dog.  We had no idea of her existence until September, but now we couldn't love her more!

Not the best birthday picture, but it was a rainy day out so we'll have to try tomorrow. She has the most expressive eyes and we have a close bond. I just love this puppy! 

I'm A Dog Mom

You know how new moms are all about making their baby's food? Well I never did that....but here I am making the puppies their treats.

I slice a sweet potato with a mandolin, lay them on racks in the oven at a low setting (my oven has a dehydrate setting) and leave them in for about 5 hours or so. That's it! 

Yep. I'm a dog mom. But at least I'm not a crazy cat lady!!

We're Walking

With Spring finally showing up around here, I decided to start taking the older puppies with me on walks to Gianna's school to pick her up. (Emma still needs to be leash trained)

Riley was over the moon to explore new places. She thought we were going for a ride but was so happy to walk! She was practically dragging me! 

Piper had her turn the following day and loved it too. She's just a tiny bit more reserved than Riley. ;)

I have hopes to do this as much as possible so that I can get some exercise in. Working out every day hasn't been happening much since I can't bring the puppies into the basement with me while I hit the treadmill. I figure this is a win win for all of us. So happy for the nicer weather! 

Officially Ours

Today we made things official and brought home puppy number 3. We also chose her name after realizing it's been on our list of names since our puppy search began in September.

Her name is Emma.

She has the sweetest disposition but holds her own with the older puppies. We love her! 

Puppy Number 3

Yep, we did. Again!

We had to visit the breeder for dog food and Joe needed a puppy fix. With everything going on with his ear, playing with small puppies can make anyone happy. 

We immediately fell in love with this little girl. After having to give up Annie, back in January, there was no way I'd say no to Joe's request, Especially now. 

We even got to bring her home overnight (she's just 10 weeks old, we can bring her home at 12 weeks) to get her used to her surroundings. So hard to believe Riley and Piper were that small! She's so tiny and sweet!  

Can't wait to bring her home for good!  Now to pick a name...

Piper's Half Birthday

Today is officially Piper's half birthday!

She's only been with us since November but she's much loved. 

Puppy Randomness

The puppies have taken over the house.  Though sometimes their space gets invaded as well.  Marissa loves to crawl in their space with them since it's a nice warm spot!  Piper could care less, as long as you pet her.  Riley however, was not amused.

Riley has taken over this couch in my scraproom, and was not about to let the basket of clothes stand in her way of a comfy place to nap.  Of course, after taking this shot, I took the basket away so she could stretch out.

Riley and Piper are truly BFF's.  Even in their sleep they hold paws!  So adorable!

Gianna requested to watch Hercules with me in the scrap room.  Riley was not impressed.

They took over the couch in my scraproom.  My house is going to the dogs!!

Enough With The Snow

Mother Nature is being mean this year with all the snow she's been dumping on us.

We got hit hard overnight and the kids had no school. They didn't complain about staying home. Neither did I.  I'd rather have them home instead of a delayed opening or half day and having to go out in it.

My only complaint was for the poor puppies that had to go outside. I guess it's not too bad since they have so much fun in it. We make sure to towel them off when they come inside to warm them up.   Poor Riley gets it the worst. 

Me? I just miss my flip flops.

Hello February!

We aren't sports obsessed around here, but we do love watching the Super Bowl.  Gianna is rooting for the Seahawks even though Joe, Marissa and I are all hoping for the Bronco's to win.  Gianna thought it would be funny to have Riley wear her Giants jersey with some modification.

Riley was not amused.

In honor of the Super Bowl, I decided to break out the crock pot and make my first chili.  I found an easy recipe on Pinterest and for my first time, it came out pretty good!  There are some things I'd do a little different, but I'll just keep trying out recipes until I find "the one".

Needless to say, there was plenty of it and I'll be enjoying it all weekend.  

Shopping Haul

Seems crazy to be out shopping for new goodies just after purging some old supplies, but I swear I was good!

I went primarily for some white cardstock that I use for all of us.  Joe's work needs signs, the girls' homework, they all use my cardstock!  I couldn't help drool over some of these goodies.

That's mostly what I did though, drool.  I just came home with these.  Wood veneers?  I'm a sucker!  Plus the mustache ones are really for Gianna-she's obsessed!  

Later while checking Instagram, I found Staples was running an awesome deal on photo paper. BOGO free?  You bet I turned off the stove (I was cooking dinner) and ran to my nearest Staples!  

Apparently, I get all my news from Instagram.  LOL!!

My ferocious attack dog guards me well as I IG my score from Staples....I love her.

7th Grade Dance

Tonight was Marissa's 7th grade dance.  Nothing formal, just fun.

She had a blast and said she danced the entire time!  I'm so happy to hear that!  I had to ask her why I never see her dance around the house at all, but in true teenager form, she wouldn't answer. *sigh*  I guess I'll just settle with her letting me take her picture after she got home.  She was so hyper and happy and that makes me happy.

She couldn't resist playing with the puppies when she got home.  Piper is the easiest puppy and will let you do almost anything to her if it means she has your attention. (She's a sucker for her ears and tummy rubbed)

She's a cool puppy

Piper got "lei'd".

Yes we amuse ourselves, but it's harmless.  Piper loved the attention.

Monday Happenings

Mondays for me are pretty routine.  Food shopping is usually on the agenda.  That's one of my least favorite chores.  I have it down to about an hour and I know that's not long but I just don't like it.

After rushing to put all the food away, I made it to my annual eye Dr appt.  This is another thing I'm not crazy about but only because I don't like getting my eyes dilated.  It gives me a major headache that lasts all day.  Not fun.  However, I do like my Dr.  He explains things to you in plain English, and is just a nice guy.  Luckily, he said he has a new machine that will do the same thing for the dilating part without the drops that give me a headache!  I had to pay extra for it but I consider it completely worth it!!  Add to that, he had me try new contact lenses that were even more comfortable than my last lenses AND for filling out a survey, he gave me a Starbucks giftcard.  NICE!

When I hang out in my scraproom, the puppies have the option of laying on a bed or the couch (tough life, I know!).  Lately they've been wandering a little. I had thought Riley was sleeping in my bathroom, but couldn't find her.  Knowing the doors were closed and she was just hiding, I kept calling her name.  In the end, Piper lead me to her.  She was napping in the closet, under Joe's shirts!  

You can hardly see her!

She must've been sleeping soundly, since she just laid there and after a little love from me, she went back to sleep.  Too funny!

I spotted this fox at the jug handle by my house today.  I've never seen one that close up!  It was feasting on the dead deer that must've been hit by a car (GROSS).  I can't wait to show Gianna since she is all about "What does the fox say?"

That's my Monday.  I gets wild and crazy around here! LOL!

Saying Goodbye To Annie

We've been puppy sitting Annie since December, and have to admit, we've grown attached to her.  We considered adopting her but I wasn't sure if I could handle it.  

Yesterday, we were told that she was adopted and would be going to her new home on Thursday.  Joe is not taking the news well at all.  They have a bond, and now I'm just kicking myself for not adopting her sooner.