Life with the black-hair-shedder

A friend recently asked me for pictures of our dog. Can you believe that Ransom is going to be on the wall of their nursery? I am so honored that our pooch made a [positive] impact on someone's life.

Ok, well it is more like their nursery is dog-themed and they knew we love our dog [too much] and would have a plethora of pictures handy. But, it was kinda fun clicking threw pictures over the last 18 months with Ransom.

So, for those of you who check-out when I post pictures of the pups, you may stop reading now.

This was our first meeting with Ransom. I wasn't immediately attached at this point. It was the second visit when I knew I would not walk out of that shelter without him.

The first month was a challenge [on our marriage]; and there were serious thoughts of taking him back. Which pretty much made me cry just thinking about it. But finding him at 4:30 in the morning like this, was more humorous than anything.

There was also the skunk incident at 4:30 in the morning.

But we kept going and he soon made himself at home [fyi - this is a big fat no-no]. We learned that he loves laying on anything soft and comfy.

The metal crate saved the day [and Ransom's life in our home]. With the right amount of conditioning, he now contentedly calls his crate home while we are away.

Our mission for each day became: wear Ransom out. As an energetic 1-year-old, this was a challenge. We took trips to the dog park, long walks each morning, and runs with Hubs. We filled a backpack with 10-pounds and even forced this "water dog" into the water.

Soon, we found ourselves doing anything for those sad eyes.

Frequently, he causes us to laugh, and I'm not sure what we talked about before he arrived.

But, I do know that he is worth every single piece of black hair that sheds from his body all over my clean house. And I can't wait to have another!

Top Ten Favorite Smells

I am so thankful for the sense of smell. Without thinking, we go throughout our days breathing in aromas. They warn us of danger, make our stomachs growl, and even bring back memories. These are just a few of the smells I love.

1.  My Hubs' deodorant. It means comfort, love, protection and home. There is no where I would rather be than in my husband's embrace.

2.  Wood burning. Whether a fireplace or a bonfire, the smell of wood burning just brings a sense of calm and warmth. I usually take deep breaths to inhale that woodsy goodness.

3.  The ocean. That salty air smell of course takes me back to O'ahu and our time there. It makes me relax and enjoy the peaceful breeze.

4.  Grey Flannel Cologne. Reminds me of my parents, mainly my dad, but really I can't think of one parent without the other because each is so connected to the other. It reminds me of them and how much I love them.

5.  Coffee. Coffee takes me to so many places - including Pop-pop's truck, days of homework and studying, and friends. Especially the smell of coffee and cardboard mixed together. The smell of coffee compels me to drink a cup and discuss the issues of my life with someone I love.

6.  Books. You know the smell of Barnes and Noble or the smell of a public library? Either of those smells reminds me of my love of words and the amazing talent of those who express themselves by writing. Whether opinions, or thoughts, or history, or fiction that takes you to another world - I love it all.

7.  Tobacco. The smell of hugging my grandpa-in-law in a giant bear hug where I completely disappear in his embrace. It reminds of this man currently residing in Heaven, whom I anticipate seeing someday soon.

8.  Pumpkin Pie. Another smell of fall, which I love. Pumpkin pie is a staple of the holiday season and makes me think of family, laughter, and fun.

9.  Frazier Fir. Ah, the smell of pine needles and sap. Makes me dream of the forest and the complete encasement of one's self by trees.

10.  Warm Vanilla Sugar by Bath & Body Works. The lotion I took to Italy in 2001 and anytime I smell that scent, I immediately think and pray of those missionaries and the people they minister to in Venice.

Low Key

I hung out with my parents and extended family this weekend for my birthday. A first in the past six years. It was very low key. I went to church, read, did some shopping, drank some coffee, and just vegged. And I'm not complaining since the past month has been such a whirlwind. It was nice to take it easy.

I did get to have a couple of birthday meals, though. Hubs loves to ask our waiter or waitress how old they think I am. At our first meal, our waiter thought I was 18. Not surprising.

Our second waitress thought about it for a while. She guessed 20, which I think she thought was older than I was. Then she brings out all the employees. I can handle being sung to, but that was not the case. She also brought out a wooden contraption with a saddle on it. Then invited me to sit on it, wave a napkin over my head and yell, "Yee-haw!"

The options were to be a poor sport/kill joy and decline the offer to sit on the pretend horse, thus embarrassing myself and the waitress further than what was needed. Or, do just have some fun and get out on the fake horse.

Here's what I did (fuzzy because taken on cell phones)...

What's a birthday without a little excitement?

A morning race run

Pre-run family photo:

The 3-mile winners:

Post-run family photo:

Turns out I won the 2-mile race. Though it doesn't really count considering I was the only person running the 2-mile route - everyone else walked. 

Still, it was a fun time and a great way to start the day!

Shop til you drop (literally) - take 2

It's Sunday night - 10:30pm. Usually, I would be in my comfys, reading a book, easing myself into a good night sleep. Note - I enter my late twenties in a few weeks and am not even tempted to stay up into the wee hours anymore.

Instead, I hopped into a black Honda civic with two beauties for a 24-hour shopping trip. The goal was to find a dress for one of them - the one up for homecoming queen in a few weeks. Shopping trips seems to be better with little-to-no sleep (read post).

I have not had so much fun shopping in a long time. The companions were excellent - my aunt and closest relative, Ruth. She lives in KC and was gracious to let us invade her space for a while. She is so fun to shop with and has been my "sister" for years. I was so excited to spend time with her. And my two gorgeous cousins - Bethany and Sarah. These girls are so fun - we laughed and shared and talked about God. It was so easy to be with them. Not having a sister, it was so fun to see Bethany and Sarah interact together. I was just so impressed with them both in so many ways; and I love them even more than I already did.

Our shopping lasted from 10:30 am - 6:30 pm and we are sad to say we came home empty-handed. Although we saw beautiful dresses (and some ugly ones), we just didn't find the right one. Yet.

We got home at 11:15 pm on Monday. Tired and defeated. But, it was the highlight of my weekend and I really hope to do it again!

Work Day!

Hubs and I rarely have house projects. We rent. So, yesterday we spent the day at my parents' home working on a major transformation.

The mission: cover this out-of-date blue house with blue trim with white paint
Hours worked: 12

BEFORE:

There is a lot of blue. It was a big task and didn't necessarily get started on track. Finally, the first of the paint was applied:

When we started using the sprayer, progress sped up!

Getting dirty also sped up.

That's not a glove on his hand...

Wedding ring, watch...all sacrificed for the project. Or, inadvertantly sprayed by Jake.

I was content to work on the railing. All. Day.

Only my mother seemed comfortable high on a ladder, though we all were up there at different point in time. Hubs and I even ventured on the roof to get some hard-to-reach spots. It only took me 5 minutes to gain up the courage to actually get back on the ladder and come down. Finally, we reached our goal for the day and began the clean up. We used a lot of paint.

You may have noticed that we painted right over the windows...

Watch this...

Just cut...and peel.

Walah!

Hubs thought it was cool too.

The railing turned out pretty well.

Mission: Accomplished!

The Adoption Process

I don't know how I did it. We moved to Kansas and Hubs said, "No dog." Our landlord said dogs were okay, but Hubs still said, "No dog." Four weeks later we were looking at the local shelters and rescues for an older dog. One Sunday we found ourselves torn between a lab mix only known as Brandon and a lab/husky named Riley.

"Brandon" had a crooked tail and looked a little mangy; Riley was huge and very hairy. Brandon seemed calm; Riley was full of excitement.

We went home and thought about it. We weighed the pros and cons. Four days later, we were approved to adopt Brandon so we decided to go see him one more time.

This time, when Brandon walked into the room I knew I was not going to be able to leave him. This time, we connected and I knew he was mine. Hubs knew too, and we took him home.

The first month was trying. Brandon, now named Ransom, was adjusting to living in our home. And after being abandoned, he had issues. He ate through his crate, not to mention that he devoured a library book and much more. When we left, he would literally go crazy. We would find him soaked with drool, panting furiously, and a crazed look in his eye. He had "separation anxiety."

Hubs was done with him. It caused us problems and I, yes even I the lover of floppy-eared dogs, said that it wasn't worth having him. We could never leave without fearing what we would return home to. As a last resort, we bought a giant metal crate. This time we introduced him slowly to the crate with treats, instead of shoving him in and locking it. This time, we put it in our living area, instead of out in the sunroom. This time, we taught him that when he enters his crate it is a promise that we are coming back for him. There is no need for him to freak out because his crate is a security.

And we had a changed dog. In a year, he has learned many commands. He plays so well with other dogs, he barks only when someone comes to the door or is commanded to. He is calm when we have friends and family over. He doesn't jump on people. He has become a great dog, a running companion, and a true part of our family (read stories here, here and here). Some days I look at him walking into a room and am amazed that we have a 70-pound animal living in our house and that is okay. 

Hubs said yesterday, "I wish we knew if he was happy here." We decided that a dog's sense of happiness is not like ours. Ransom is happy because he is fed each day, because he gets ample exercise, because he is taken care of, and because he has a home. 

Not everyone understands or want to live with a dog, but for Hubs and I, it is a blast. We get exercise, we get to play with him, we get to clean up after him, we get to snuggle with him, we get to laugh at his antics, and of course we get to train him how we want him to behave. But the best is when we come home and that crooked tail just starts a-waggin back and forth. It's been a fun year; and I can't wait for more!

Home away from home

For three nights, this was our bedroom:

Not too shabby for a 7x7 area. We had an air mattress and a 2-foot wide entry area for our bags and Ransom, of course.

The first night, Hubs and I laid down on our brand new bed (purchased not even a week earlier). We were drifting off to sleep when we heard a loud noise and I felt a punch to my face from the bed. I sat up and we heard a hiss. The mattress had popped! The next morning, after sleeping on the hard ground, Hubs drove back to town to exchange the broken mattress for a new one. The next two nights were much more comfortable.

This was our kitchen:

And our dining room was screened in once we moved the table in:

This was our living room:

And our back yard:

But most importantly, for three days, this was our family:

Siblings

Most likely, we will know each other longer than we know anyone else on earth:

Isn't it great that you can get together with your siblings and always find things to talk about? Whether it be memories or catching up, I'll always know and love my brothers. We've lived with each other and we have tons of life shared together. It's fun to be together...and it is fun to be away from each other for a time.

I was happy to have lots of sibling-time this weekend. I used to drive them around everywhere...this weekend, the youngest drove us around everywhere. We laughed. We teased. We criticized. We argued. But, we all know that we love each other.

My brothers were super cool when I added a brother to the family. They welcomed him in, hung out with him, and loved him just like family. Now, I am super duper excited to have a sister in our family. Mom and I won't be so out-numbered and it will be fun to have another girl to talk with. I cannot wait for future family gatherings so that we siblings can get together - all five of us!

Cramped

Earlier this week, my youngest brother and I spent 4 hours of quality time together. In his car. His 2-door car. Did I mention he was moving? Or that his method of packing is throw-everything-into-the-backseat-and-go?

He comes to pick me out and the backseat is already loaded to the roof. Yet we managed to squeeze my average-sized suitcase on top of it all.

Take a look at my foot space:

What? You can't see my feet. Nor could I for 4 hours.

Well, at least I'm smiling...