We started on our parental birthday-polooza last weekend. You see, My dad's is the 1st, then 8 days later is Joe's dad, then 8 days later is Joe's mom.
So this year, we switched and celebrated Jim's on the 1st as we were in town for our church's annual Water is Basic Run (a GREAT cause if your church/group/whatever is looking to give.)
We had a great meal at Pappasito's with very poor and strange service and followed it up with a movie watching of The Express. This was a great film about football and adversity, but more than that, pursuing what God put in you to do and to wholly.
In the insuing week period that we must all suffer through to get to the next weekend, we had a few bumps. Ryker the wonder dog, who finds no man, woman or dog a stranger, decided to dart away from me as we were going to the car and greet an on-coming walker. Now, Ryker being the speed demon that he is, doesn't just trot up to said walker and dog...he RUNS as fast as he can startling walker and 95lb boxer who does NOT like Ryker. Tussle insues and lady decides to tell me all about what a depraved and horrible human being I am, as well as Ryker.
Me not one to enjoy a good barating, appologizes and slings Ryker into the car and drives off shaking! I finally pull over and check Ryker to make sure he's ok where I find his neck thoroughly wet, but nothing else. MEANWILE, lovely neighbor lady storms into backyard where Joe is working and begins again on her tirade agaist dog and owner saying her dog is bleeding and he can't defend himself because he was on a leash....on and on...
UGH! Ok, let me get a few things straight. I think this is NOT good that her dog is bleeding. I feel horrible when I hear this, but her dog is more than 2 times the size of mine and has bulldog jaws that could snap his neck in a matter of seconds. Her defense that the boxer couldn't defend himself because he was on a leash is null since Ryker's neck was wet - he just has more hair thankfully! We apologized several times, offered to pay for anything and so on.
I guess the problem I had was that she attacked ME for an animal acting to defend itself. She made me feel like a horrible person who has no regard for anyone else and doesn't try to be a good pet parent, when all I've ever done with any neighbor is say hi and try to be nice and raise a good, friendly dog. Really just made me want to move right then, and I still feel this way. I am sad.
(I may take most of this down later, but I just needed to rant right now...I'm sure I could tell you more, but it still makes me sad.)
THEN ON FRIDAY...I scooped up Joe from work and headed to Kingwood to visit the folks for my dad's delayed birthday. Jennifer and Jamie were also in town for Jamie's 14th wedding he's participated in, so we had a LOT of fun together. We really had a great time and I greatly appreciated the time I got to spend with my parents.
HOWEVER, on the way home, ughhh...
We were driving for about an hour and a half when all of the sudden I saw this THING coming...a 3 INCH diameter rock or something like it. Like a flash, Joe and I had our arms over our head when a big BOOOMMMMM struck the windshield (mind you we're traveling at about 70 mph).
And now we have a LARGE 5 in diameter ripple-effect crack with about an 18 in arch on the last ripple extending across the windshield.
There were no big trucks, there was no one slinging mud or hauling anything. It was a fluke and now we have to shell out to get a new windshield.
Can't wait to see what this week holds and then we'll get to wish Holly a happy birthday.
Moral of this post: Watch your dog, be kind to your neighbors and remember they have feelings too, and AVOID LARGE SWIFT-MOVING ROCKS!!!!!!!!
Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and time to revel in the Greatest Joy!
Yes, that is it!
This little beauty is accompanying Joe and I to our church group's Christmas party tonight. It's gotta taste as good as it looks, right? I sure hope so. If all else fails...we'll just eat the chocolate truffle icing and ganache in between the THREE layers...
Well, let me tell you, he's a cutie. With long legs, feet, toes and fingers...he's definitely got his daddy's height. And with a beautiful nose and delicate lips from his mama!
I was also blessed with the chance to baby sit yesterday and assist mama, and it was so much fun. He's a scrunchy little baby that likes to nestle right in and get all warm and snuggly and stay that way. I'm sure this will all change soon enough, but for now, oh, how sweet you are to hold Mr. Caleb!
I have a hate-hate relationship going with my vacuum. It is a little guy that never really had much get-up-and-go, but with the addition of very fuzzy carpet, a dog and just plain hard flooring, this guy does NOT cut it!
This photo, besides containing to stunningly beautiful people, is of Joe and me on our honeymoon after we boarded our flight headed to Jamaica! We were married less than 24 hours when we boarded our plane to our island destination.
Also, here's a self-portrait of my new hair. Nothing really to write home about. I was looking for a bit more wow-factor, but I don't think I got it. Guess there's always next time...
How exciting, I know!!! We've been wanting a tree for a while and I LOVE maples and I love fall...so why not a striking red tree for our backyard. After a short/long trip to Lowe's, Joe dug Carl a little home and set him right in.
Welcome Carl! We love you!
I've also included the slide show below so you can see some of the steps we took! You all must come by and see it in person some time!
We looked like a traveling circus when we took these kids out for a walk - a little rat terrier (all of 5 lbs.), a huge great Dane (all of 150 lbs), a lovely black lab AND a Ryker dog! We at the Casa de O'Brien do not descriminate on against race, size, age or gender! No sir-ree-bob!
But, we had a great week besides the ever-lurking feeling of impending doom you have when your best friend's house may be destroyed and her husband is out driving around in it because he's a sherrif! But, God took care of our nerves and our families keeping mine safe in Kingwood and Dina's relatives safe in South East Texas.
I had just put the final swipes of furniture polish on when our 'client' came to check it out. He liked it! Success! Just so you feel included, here's the finished product!
Next up in the O'Brien workshop is an entryway table just for our little house! It will looks something like this Pottery Barn one, and I'm even going to try my hand at distress painting it. It involves a blowtorch! Anyone want to play with me??
I think that's about it...finishing up some baby crafts for Mr. Caleb and his momma, starting back to subbing and doing whatever else! Most importantly, waiting in excited anticipation for Fall and my favorite Country Living issue, October!!!
That's right folks! Our little red puppy turns the Big #1 today. It's so crazy...it seems like so long ago when we got him from Operation Kindness and he was just a little guy at 6 months old!
Thank you God for your grace and gifts!
Ryker, being a dog, thinks this is the best thing ever! Joe and I being humans, think ICK! again and begin to worry about rabies, bites and worst of all...MOMMA Possum.
Then I thought this morning, I am tired of losing my cell phone in my big tote that I have been using this summer, so I decided to make it a little tote of it's own I can attach either on the strap or the zipper inside. It's lined with a fun polka-dot fabric on the inside.
Next, my friend mentioned she needed a glasses case for her sun glasses. I said, let me try! I NEED the practice. So this is what I came up with - complete with a nifty ribbon to attach where needed. Hope it works!
To note, the editor did acknowledge the quote the next day, saying "for the record: We sure feel silly."
2. Addison July Jazz - Joe and I met Jennifer and Jamie for a cool evening of jazz. We camped out with our picnic blankets, basket, hot and fresh pizza and awesome Central Market Cupcakes. A fun time was had by all. We will be returning in August for some symphony sounds if you would like to join us!
3. Ryker now answers the door for me! Dogs are awesome. Unwanted solicitors - just pretend you're not here and let the dog bark at them through the door and window! Works like a charm! Here's my dog-wonder in his official uniform...he's a man in blue, er, teal...
4. I escaped jury duty. Enough said.
