It has been suggested that I submit to my husband about the dog issue. So, this weekend we got a dog. We were told that she was great with kids, other dogs, and they didn't think our cats would be an issue because she lived with a guinea pig. We have come to learn that cats and guinea pigs are not the same. We learned this pretty quickly. When she first saw the cats, she barked and chased them. This was to be expected. But then she got all four paws on our upright piano, lifted our couch with her head, and knocked over a recliner, all trying to get one of the cats. Then the next day, she busted threw the baby gate to the laundry room where a cat was sitting; and chased him into the wall. When I went to pick him up and see if he was okay, he was covered in slobber because the dog had gotten him in her mouth. The dog went back to her foster home. We're pretty sure she wanted to eat the cats.

We have called about a few other dogs, but they either don't get along with kids, cats, or other dogs. (since we have dogs in the family, this is important to us). Seriously, all we want to do is rescue a dog but it's getting ridiculous. Not to mention my darling husband is starting to be wishy washy on picking one. You all know how ridiculously wonderful my hubby is, but frankly he's getting a bit whiny and I'm not sure if he really wants a dog. I am starting to think that he is enjoying this rollercoaster he's putting me on. I think we're just going to let Liam pick one out for us.

What am I going to do with him?

Seriously, if I end up with grey hair, I'm going to blame it on Liam. Last night he was up three times from 11 pm to 2 am. Finally at 2 we decided to give him some ibuprofen in case his teeth were bothering him. Then at 2:30 when he started crying again, Bill and I decided to let him cry for a half hour and see if he would fall asleep. Not even two minutes later we heard a thud. We both flew out of bed and into his room. He was standing on the floor crying. Somehow he hurled himself out of his crib, in his sleepsack (like a sleeping bag with armholes), and landed on the floor. How in the world did he manage to do that?! He's 16 months old, for goodness sake! I'm pretty sure Rori was pretty close to three before she climbed out of her crib. Honestly this kid is something else. He's had at least two blackeyes and stitches on his upper lip and countless bruises. He just amazes me all the time. I think his fearlessness is a good thing, but I just pray that God keeps him safe! Frankly I wish that I could be more like him, and maybe God is teaching me something through Liam. I have always been a 'fraidy cat and have probably missed out on a lot of opportunities by playing it safe. I am so thankful that God put this crazy, ridiculous, funny, loveable ball of energy in my life!

Quick post/announcement

I am pleased to announce that my big sister, Jenna, is expecting her second baby! She's due at the beginning of May! Frankly, I'm very happy and a bit relieved. My ovaries have been crying out to me for usage, which was making my mom's eye twitch (not in a good way) at the thought of watching 3 kids on the day I work. So holding her new baby should assuage the ovaries for a while (or at the very least, seeing her sleep deprived state during the summer will do it)! Congratulations Big Sister!

Oops, I did it again!

You'd think I would have learned my lesson earlier this week, but no. Bill and I were doing things around the house and Liam was sleeping. Rori is usually pretty good at being unsupervised for a little bit. Today, however, she came down the stairs in her high heel princess shoes with a huge grin on her face. You could tell that she felt beautiful and she was hoping that we thought so too.

When I saw her, I immediately worried that she had used my $100 bottle of skin cream that makes me glow the way that I do. Ok, who am I kidding, I thought she used my free bottle of Dove moisturizer that my brother-in-law got from work. But let's pretend that I have a $100 bottle of cream. Anyway, I told her how beautiful she looked and asked her what she had put on her face. She looked at me and said, "butt paste." I just smiled and continued to tell her how pretty she was, but inside I was thinking, "she's pretty smart. I think that models use Preparation H cream to get rid of undereye circles!" Maybe diaper rash cream has the same effect! But I probably won't be trying it tonight. Oh, and don't worry, I'll teach her about how to keep the lipstick from getting on her teeth--other than that she did a great job :)

But, I'm not ready for a dog!

We used to have the most wonderful dog in the world (that's her at the top, Sarge is at the bottom)--and I'm not just biased. Everyone always complimented Leia. One time we had to board her while we went on vacation because my whole family went and we didn't have anyone to watch her. When we went to pick her up, they said that everyone loved her and had even left a note reminding them to tell us how great she was. They didn't tell every dog owner that (I know that for a fact). My mom called her, "the most human dog she'd ever met." Unfortunately she died suddenly when she was only five years old. We were absolutely devastated. That was two years ago. Every once in a while we talk about getting another dog--we've even tried two. That's how my parent's ended up with Sarge, and the other dog we would have kept except she had separation anxiety and I nicknamed her "Pissy Patsy." She went back to her foster home.

Anyway, Bill had mentioned getting a dog and I knew we would be watching Sarge while my parents were in Florida so I suggested seeing how that went. Normally Sarge rolls in poop at least once during his stay or does something to make me glad to not have a dog. Sadly this time he was a perfect gentleman. And the kids just loved having him here. Which sent Bill on the hunt for a dog. I found out today that he went so far as to fill out an application for one and he's currently on the phone with foster of her. I am not a happy camper. I'm not sure that I'm ready to deal with the responsibility of a dog again, but I want Bill to be happy. Is this going to be part of my "love dare"? ARG! Why did I make that vow? Is it to late to rescind?

This is what I get for "me" time

We've had a rough couple of days and nights, Rori has been sick throwing up and has an ear infection. I am really tired and selfishly in need of some "me" time. So, I decided to quickly check my email and let the kids play unsupervised for a minute. This is what I went upstairs to find

Liam had lip gloss all over his head, and his pants were stuffed with play dough. And, I'm pretty sure this chair had a seat on it when I went downstairs.

I asked Rori what happened and this is how she looked

Hmmm....guilty or innocent?

I'm Caleb...minus the porn!

How's that for a title? Bill and I went to see Fireproof tonight and I'm worried that I am more like Caleb (Kirk Cameron's character) than I would like. I find myself being selfish and not working to do things for Bill. I have always thought that Bill and I have had a very healthy marriage, but I have to give most of the credit for that to Bill. I have decided to make a conscious decision to think of what I can do for Bill, before I start grumbling about the things that I want him to do for me.

Today was "Sweetest Day." I have never thought much about "Hallmark holidays" but you know what, everytime that Bill thinks of them, I never think, "that's lame--it's a Hallmark holiday." No, I think, "wow, that was really sweet." Bill bought me and Rori flowers and a DVD that I've been wanting, and I loved it. You know what I got him? Zilch. And sadly, I know that gifts are Bill's love language. He loves to give and receive gifts, and I know it, and yet, I blame my lack of thoughtfulness on the fact that I'm tired, or busy, or it's too hard to take the kids to the store. Yet, Bill went to three stores to get my DVD.

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful man for my husband, and I am going to start working on my own version of the "Love Dare." (If you haven't seen the movie--go see it and you'll know what I'm talking about). I'll keep you posted--not for bragging rights, but so that I have some kind of accountability. Our marriage is very far from danger--RIGHT NOW--but I know that things can creep in and eat away at a marriage, and a lazy attitude can be one of them and I am not about to let that happen.