Thursday, October 26, 2006

Play Day at Daisy's House

Daisy had some friends over last night, Miss Cha Cha and Franklin. Franklin is the masculine Jack Russell. He is also a shorty Jack but not a miniature. This is the first time Daisy had 2 friends over at once. I was skeptical, but they all did very well. No accidents in the house! :-) Cha Cha stayed in the wings most the night. She didn't care to partake in the horseplay. She was nervous, sad, and jealous because her mom had Jonas most the night and Cha Cha hasn't been around too many babies. It was a fun night and all dogs slept very well afterwards! Daisy has been wandering the house today smelling where her friends once trod and wishes they were back.

Daisy getting tuckered out, taking a break.

Franklin

Miss Cha Cha

Mom! Can you believe Franklin is eating MY food!

Friday, October 20, 2006

It's Friday!

I look forward to not having to work tomorrow. I can wake up, feed Jonas, and maybe catch a little more sleep. I'm glad all I have to do tomorrow is house work. This is Joe's weekend to work. He works every other weekend. He is on nights so he will sleep during the day tomorrow and wake up a few hours before he has to return to work. Jonas has shown signs of teething lately. We haven't found any yet though. There are several people on my side of the family that started teething at 3 months, so I've been expecting it. Today, I got to see my friend Kim who lives in Tampa. We shared Pumpkin Spice Frappacinos from Starbucks and did a little shopping. This was the first time for her to meet Jonas! I treasure moments like today. Miss you Kim!
Here are some pictures of Jonas taken during the last couple weeks!

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Daddy

Fall for Greenville is this weekend and that means Joe works a ton of overtime. He is putting in about 45 hours in 3 days. Jonas and I have been going down each day to see daddy for a little bit. The weather has been just beautiful-sunny and a little cool. Today Jonas was going bananas (so his shirt said) with his monkey outfit, complements of Aunt Mimi. He sure lit up with smiles when he saw daddy.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

3 Months Old


Jonas was 3 months old on Oct. 3rd. I was waiting for the "right" picture to turn out so I could post it. He is sporting his little Polo outfit, a gift from Miss Becky in Wilmington, NC. Aren't his cheeks great!? When you cover up all his hair the focus goes more to his round face! :-)
He loves to talk to us and acts like he might turn over soon. He is also grabbing for objects or pictures on fabric. He is a WONDERFUL sleeper! I can't believe its already been 3 months! We love you so much Jonas!

Mmm...Mmm...Mmm...Dessert!


As I sit at my computer working, I'm craving something sweet. This has been an every day occurance since the birth of Jonas! I was so good during my pregnancy with self control and now after Jonas is here, its been a struggle. I have ALWAYS loved chocolate and home baked goods. So, my mind is wandering off to recipes from the past. Those of you who know me, know that I love to bake more than I love to cook. If dinner doesn't turn out so great, there is usually a wonderful dessert to follow!
I figured I'd share some cook books and I'll probaly start sharing recipes as well. My all time staple for desserts is The Cake Mix Doctor. (see link on the side) My sister-in-law and I LOVE these books. Every recipe starts with a cake mix, but after doctoring it up it tastes like its from scratch. I don't think we've found a bad recipe yet. We love you Anne Byrn!
Or favorite for this time of year is:
Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake with
Cinnamon/Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

1 pkg plain German Chocolate Cake Mix
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup cinnamon chips
Place rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist a 13x 9 pan with vegtable oil.
Place cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Blend with electric mixer on low for 1 minute, scrape sides, and mix on medium speed for 2 more minutes.
The batter will be thick. Fold in the cinnamon chips until well combined. Pour into prepared pan and place in oven. Bake until the cake springs back, 35-40 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes.

Frosting:
1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, at room temperature
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey's cocoa works)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners sugar
Place the cream cheese and butter in a larg mixing bowl. Blend with electric mixer on low until well combined. Add cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla and 3 3/4 cups of confectioners' sugar. Mix on low spead until the ingredients are moistened, about 30 seconds. Add more sugar if the frosting seems too thin. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is fluffy, 2 minutes more.

Ice your cake and enjoy! Happy Fall!

Monday, October 09, 2006

Ouch!

Have any of you moms experienced this? I started feeling this pain when Jonas was around 6 weeks old. I could barely pick him up and was finding unique ways to pick him up and hold him. My mom helped me realize what I have. Let me tell you, its painful!
deQuervain's Tendinitis

deQuervain's tendinitis is a condition brought on by irritation or swelling of the tendons found along the thumb side of the wrist. The irritation causes the compartment (lining) around the tendon to swell, changing the shape of the compartment; this makes it difficult for the tendons to move as they should. The swelling can cause pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist, usually noticed when forming a fist, grasping or gripping things, or turning the wrist.
What causes deQuervain's Tendinitis?

The cause of deQuervain's tendinitis is an irritation of the tendons at the base of the thumb. For example, awkward hand positions required by a NEW MOTHER in caring for an infant is a common cause of this condition

I LOVE you Jonas and I would never trade you to ease my pain!

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Amazement

I'm amazed. The neighbors actually paid to get their dog back. Unbelievable. Miss Springer Spaniel has been tied up in the back yard since her return.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Yea Video!!

I found out today through a blogging friend that you CAN post videos! Just don't get board with me, because my sister is going to LOVE this! It is hard being so far away from each other while I'm experiencing motherhood for the first time. So, this is all about you Andrea! Enjoy! We love you, Kris and the girls and hope this helps you feel a little closer. I captured Jonas sleeping the other day. Today I got him during bath time.(don't worry we tried not to make it x-rated) Today, he started grabbing onto things and holding them for the first time. He was pretty amused. :-)

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Animal Control

Joe and I built our house almost 5 years ago. We chose a lot in an area that is having fast growth. We didn't let the two red-neck lots next to us hinder our decision because we felt they would eventually sell. Both lots, with homes, have been here 25+ years. All the homes surrounding them are probably 15 or less years old. We haven't had too much trouble with the neighbors in 5 years but the issue of loose K-9's comes up every once in a while. In these 5 years both neighbors have had pit bulls, at one time or another, and both pits have either come in our yard or charged at Joe.
The one family reminds me of so many of the red-neck emails that float around. We've talked with them often and both sides have been friendly. Around April, I started keeping my distance. They had two dogs that remained outside, occasionally tied up. The youngest of the two was not tied up this particular day and ran out into the road an got hit by a truck. It was a Saturday morning and the neighbors came to our door, told us what happened, and asked Joe if he could shoot the dog to put it out of its misery. I went with Joe outside because I did not trust the neighbor's judgment and wanted to help the dog if it could be helped. By the time we made it out, the dog was dead. Two months later, dog # 2 was loose. It wandered in our yard for a while then back to his yard. I sit at the living room window everyday to do my work and I had just seen the dog. I put my head down then all of the sudden I heard it get hit and it howled. I flew out of my chair and went running outside. (6 months pregnant) The dog was rolling in our ditch. I went to knock on the neighbors door. She comes in her PJ's (1:30 p.m.) and I'm catching my breath. I told her that her other dog just got hit. She said WHAT? I didn't even know it was loose! We sat there with the dog, who was alert, and the neighbor started saying she didn't have a car to take it anywhere. I offered to load the dog into my car and drive her to my vet, since she didn't have one. Go figure. She proceeded to tell me she didn't have any money, but she could do a payment plan if the vet allowed her. I offered to drive her by the bank, asked if she had a credit card...everything I could think of. I called 3 vets and no one did payment plans. I asked her what she was going to do. I'm fuming inside at this point and trying really hard not to burst into tears. She said she would get a sheet and take it inside and figure it out. She never left the house that day and I never saw the dog again. Dog #3 arrives and its a Pit who has puppies soon after the arrival. The Pit was in our yard one too many times and I called Animal Control. I told them the history of the neighbor's neglect. Animal Control came out and talked to them and gave them a warning. I was told if any of their animals comes in our yard and I can seize it, animal control will come pick the dog up. The Pit left recently and you guessed it, Dog #4 arrives.

Dog #4 is an adorable Springer Spaniel puppy. She is all legs and just flops around playing. After about a week of her coming in and out of the yard, I reminded Joe that I WOULD seize a dog in order to keep it safe from the busy road :-) Yesterday was the BIG day.

Miss Springer was in our yard and I went outside, after opening the garage door. She immediately wanted to play so I just guided her into the garage and shut it. I dialed animal control and started sweating. :-) A.C. came within a couple hours, 10 minutes after the neighbor arrived home from grocery shopping! A.C. took the dog and told me the neighbors would have to pay at least $475 to get her back. That made me feel better. I am certain they won't pay it since they didn't have the money to help the last dog who got hit.
My actions may have been bold, but I truly belive I saved another dog from being killed. I wish the laws were stronger and the neighbors had more consequences for the neglect they've shown. You don't deserve to own a dog if you are not going to take care of it. Dogs are a luxery.
Feel free to post your comment! :-)