our new little boy...

or I should say Ashlee's little boy...He's a Brussels-griffin (like in the movie As Good As It Gets)

Very interesting thing about this little guy is it turns out he come from the same breeder as Crue did.

It took us, well, Ashlee a long time to find a name for him. She finally decided he looks like a Cooper...like Alice Cooper.

He is very sweet and a smart dog. He already can go through the doggie door. Now we just have to train him when you need to go potty you us the door to do so.

Oh and I know you might be thinking we are nuts...heck that's what I think of ourselves. I think in Craig's old age he has gotten softer. He was the one who said we could get another dog for Ashlee. I guess it didn't help her birthday was right around the corner. Plus he hates to see her sad.

So know we are back to 4 dogs...

~Hannah~

~Max~

~Jett~

(Jett loves his daddy..he will not let Craig out of site. This picture was take the day Craig got home from being out of town...I don't think Jett missed his daddy??)

~Cooper~

i was thinking today...

and I know that can be dangerous, but I was watching my children today and I realized what great kids I have! I know sometimes they argue and sass back but they are really good kids.

I love when we all just get together laugh and have fun...I love when we have trials in our lives and they rally together with open, loving arms. I am in deed grateful for my 4 beautiful, sweet children! Even when they are little stinkers, my life would not be complete without either one of them!

a lot has happened...

in the last few days. On Wednesday, Ashlee and I went and got our hair cut. We had a good time. Ashlee took about 3 inches off her hair and it looks great!

before

after

Yesterday was Preston's birthday. He turned 10. I can't believe how quickly the time flies. Preston mentioned to me that all the kids ages are in their 10's and not their 20's..soo true son!

He got a bike for his birthday but we gave it to him early so he could ride it to school. Preston also got some video games, a movie and of course money from family members.

Preston blowing the candles out. He wanted chocolate cake with chocolate icing and chocolate ice cream. That's my boys...loves his chocolate!

As for today I wish not to repeat! I drove Ashlee and Cody to school and when I came home I noticed the back gate open. Went into the house and called all our dogs. Hannah and Jett was in the house but no Max or Crue to be found. Craig drove around while I waited for Jessie's bus. After a few minutes Craig came back with no luck. I took my turn and drove around. Praying in my head, Please Heavenly Father help me find our puppies. I turned the corner and saw Max. I stopped the car and yelled of Max. He jumped right into my arms. I figured Crue had to be near by. I got back into the car and drove down the street some more. I found Crue and was so happy to see him. I got out of the car and yelled for Crue. He was not so eager like Max. Crue ran the opposite direction the car was facing. Back into the car to chase him down. Once again he ran from me. He was a fast little sucker! I lost site of him and started looking all over once again. With a prayer in my heart, I was asking please let me find Crue. I decided to head home to see if by chance Crue went home. I noticed a small rug type thing in the middle of the street. My heart sank and I was pleading it wasn't Crue. As I approached the small object I knew exactly what it was, it was our little Crue. I found him laying motionless on the ground. I called Craig and he met me there.

By this time I was late to work. I arrived and everyone was so sweet and supportive of my situation. They actually sent me home. They all pitched in and took over my duties and said to take care of myself and family! My sweet boss/friend even sent me some beautiful flowers! I was deeply touched by all the love and support everyone has showed me.

In due time our hearts will stop aching but with the love of family and friends we will get through this. We will always have a special place in our heart for Crue...love and miss ya Crueser...

4 out the door...

and no more...I am bored!!! Finally peace and quiet for Craig while he is working from home. Our children started school yesterday. It is going to be nice to get back on a schedule.

Ashlee and Cody not present for pictures...being typical teenagers...

Preston & Jessie

Max wanted to go with Jess...poor Maxie has to stay home

tonight for...

family night was back to school fathers blessings. It started out by dessert first. We went to Bahama Bucks a great place to get shaved ice! Then home for family night.

Craig was in charge of the lesson, so he left it up to us to do the rest of the program. No one could decide on the song so I kept singing songs that suited the situation. First I started with The Spirit of God, then on to I am Like a Star Shining Brightly. As the kids will still not help to decide on a song i heard some name calling. So I began to sing Jesus said love everyone treat them kindly too. When your heart was filled with love other's will love you. That song was a no go for the family, so I said how about Primary Colors and I proceeded to sing that song. About this time Craig said,"that is enough! Your singing was like having nails driven into my ears." Can you believe he would say that???!!! Well I guess I do because I know I can't sing. I am really surprised the dogs didn't begin to howl and the windows didn't shatter.

I love to sing and wished I could sing but that is one talent I did not inherit. We finished our family night and ended up on a good note...me not singing..

i finally found...

the best root beer and here it is...

When I was little and we used to visit Arizona my Uncle Gary would always treat us to a Sarsaparillas. Before we moved to St. Louis I was able to find them at Fry's grocery store. When we moved back they were no longer on the shelves. I was very disappointed.

I have looked and looked all over and could not find them. A month ago Ashlee went to Tombstone and they sold Sarsaparillas there. She bought one for me and brought it home. Oh what a treat but thought to myself will I have to drive to Tombstone to get another one. That is no longer the case. The other night Craig and I were shopping at Albertsons. We were in the soda isle and something said to me look for Sarsaparillas. Not sure why but I did and walla there they were....sitting there waiting for me!

Oh and have i enjoyed my little treat.....