Dog Days of Summer... literally

Today was a day spent with the dogs. We ventured as a family (this happens rarely now as the kids get older) to a dog expo. There was every type of dog imaginable, with owners to match. It proved to be an interesting day. Unlike our first born dog, Molly was actually sociable! To the unknowing observer she was the best behaved animal a person could wish for. (I think it must of been the heat, she was too hot to argue) Lil Bit thought it was the best day of her life, with more butts to sniff then her nose could handle. Yes I said that! As a friend of mine once said, a dog's driver's license is located below it's tail.

The heat was intense with little or no shade to be found, so Blaine and I parked our butts in a small shady spot and let the kids roam (kids meaning children and dogs alike) It was like people watching but they had more hair and four legs. Kyra attempted to teach our dogs how to traverse an agility course. Blaine and I had a great laugh watching, she was great at the course, going back and forth through the zig zag poles, over the jump, through the tunnel. Now I will tell you I am talking about Kyra, not the dogs who thought it was all a joke. Molly looked at Kyra like she was a crazed lunatic. Lil Bit thought the tunnel was a great place to find shade.

After a few hours in the heat it was time to head for home, did I mention the trip back meant a long hike uphill to the van? What was absolutely hilarous? Molly would not walk back up the hill, she planted her butt and would not budge! Blaine ended up having to carry her up the friggen hill! Can you say "princess"! Oh also, she is Blaine's pet! I just have to shake my head and laugh to myself, its pretty bad when you have to carry your flippin dog uphill!.. lol

Alas, we finally made it home where everyone except Kass and myself proceeded to lay down and have a nap!

Ahhh the life of luxury, if only I could come back as a spoiled dog!

May...the month of many changes.

It's been a very busy May for us. Many travels and many changes.
Our oldest decided it was time to make his own nest and has moved out to be master of his own domain. Its been a smooth adjustment so far, and we are very proud of him, although being a mom I will always wonder where he is and what he is doing. Blaine keeps telling me he will be ok, and I know deep down he will be, doesn't stop me worrying though.
This was also the month that Blaine's mom was moved into special care. She no longer has the ability to care for herself, however being as stubborn as she is, she thinks she can. When you find a block of cheese wrapped up in the underwear drawer, it's time. Blaine and his brother made a trip south and she has been placed in a wonderful home. She continues to complain however that those boys from up north are up to something and she should find a lawyer, cause this place she is living in has way to many rules. lol We love her to death, and have to take what she says with a smile, her memory retention is only about 10 minutes long and you have to remind her who you are after that. I told her that I would love to live where she is living, meals made for her, a maid, laundry done, a spa, hair salon, you name it she has it! It that not what we ask for all the time???.
Blaine and I also succeeded in taking out first mini holiday without the kids. The first in 20 years. Keagan came home for a few days and kept watch over the younger two, the neighbors were informed that we would be away, basically all avenues were covered, heck and I was still nervous. But....
No one died, no one bled, no one starved, they got sleep, made it to school and were still talking to each other when we got home.. also.. the house was clean *gasp* We have to try for longer then three days ... lol Heck maybe even somewhere tropical the next time!

Tired...

It's been a rough couple of weeks, between the reno, the kids and family. Blaine's mom has been diagnosed with demensia and needs 24 hr care. Kass ended up in hospital with a concussion. My mom has just been told she has to have booth knees operated on. Keagan has moved out on his own then bad luck struck and his truck died again, got the car running and that proceeded to break down and need towing three times in one week. ..

Needless to say, we are all very worn out.

However... the renos are done, Blaine's mom is moving into a beautiful place rated number one in the lower mainland. Kass is fine and turns 15 tomorrow. Keagan has the car fixed and parts ordered for his truck. My mom is a tough woman and she will make out just fine.

What is that saying.. God only gives you what you can handle? Well we made it this far and are doing just fine.

Back to work tomorrow after the long weekend, Blaine is down south moving his mom and will be back in a few days. We are all healthy, have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and clothes on our backs. Most importantly, we have each other.. God is good!

Half way there...

I sit here and it is almost 11:30 Thursday evening. The laying of floor has begun. Knock on wood (no pun intended) the need for the first aid kit has not arisen. So much for a family affair, Ky is working on scrapbooking, Keag has gone to bed , I sit here also watching a movie, as Blaine and Kass install the floor. Hey whatever works right? I will post pictures and let you know the outcome soon. Keep your fingers crossed, its only just the beginning!

Renovating with Teenagers 101

Ok let me start by saying you know how people tell you not to mix your alcohol? Well here is another little tidbit of information. Do not mix renovations and teenangers, more hands does not always mean less work, especially when the hands are attached to the opinionated, all knowing teenagers.
We have started tearing out flooring to replace it with laminate, at the same time we are putting in a second bathroom downstairs, then we will start on the kitchen. Teens are not patient, listen only half the time, and what they hear is not necessarily what you said, add this to a husband whose patience level is worn and the fact I am dealing with pnemonia and not allowed to help. I am sure you get the idea.
All i keep saying to myself is that when it's done... Its going to be beautiful! (all the while clicking my heels together three times.) There's no place like home!

Pray for us in this time of much needed patience, band-aids and dirt!