Puppy dog kisses and Burglary

I am officially grossed out by my sweet little bundle of puppy!! Word of warning to anyone whom may be greeted by Quade with a wet kiss.....you never, ever, ever know where that cute little face has been or what it's eaten.

YUP YOU GUESS IT...QUADE IS A TURD BURGLER!!!! Not only has he been trying to get the Kitty Crunchies but I actually busted him feasting on Poopsicles in the back yard....BLECHHH!!

You know I wouldn't mind Quade cleaning up after himself if it was like these two examples:






Off to brush someone's teeth, give them a bath and basically just sanitize their furry body then out in the snow to find the remaining poopsicles! Ta Ta for now.

Merry Christmas to friends near and far!!

Snow pictures

I've been playing around a bit more with lighting, black and white and flash with all the snow fall. Some of the pictures are good, others not so good, lol.

I hope this stays for Christmas and we don't get any rain to ruin it!

Christmas Meme from Christy

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping
2. Real tree or artificial? Real
3. When do you put up the tree? Way sooner then this year, lol. Usually two weeks before Christmas.
4. When do you take the tree down? Just after Hal's birthday (January 3)
5. Do you like egg nog? Sort of
6. Favorite gift received as a child? New tobaggan and tape deck
7. Do you have a nativity scene? No but there was a really cute one through Avon years ago that I liked
8. Hardest person to buy for? The teenagers!
9. Easiest person to buy for? ME! LOL Hal is actually easy to buy for.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Prefer mail but this year there will be a few e-cards going out.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can't say, it would sound worse then it was
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Can't pick just one.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually a few months before
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes I am sure I have (DITTO)
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Everything Christmas dinner!
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire)
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? It really depends. I'd like to travel to spend Christmas with our family sometime soon.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Yeppers, Ms. Christmas here!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Depends on what i've decorated the tree with, have both
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve and the rest on Chirstmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? I sometimes have a hard time with the commercialism of Christmas.
23. Favorite ornament, theme or color? I adore snowmen! As for the Christmas tree a lot of the cherished ornaments are ones the kids have made
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey and everything that goes with it!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? To be surrounded by those we love and for those we love but can't be with to know how much they are cherished and missed this special time of year.

7 Days and Counting!!

I'M SOOOOO EXCITED!!!

Christmas Spirit has finally hit here. I'm not sure if it's because the stress of getting the parcel off to Vernon is gone or if it's the feet of snow that we have but all I can say is it's about darn time, lol.

Here's some pictures that we took today of the snow, xmas decoration, Cleo and Quade:

NEW BLOG ADDRESS!!

Hi all,
Not too sure what happened to this blog but for some reason the setup is all screwy and it's driving me nuts so i'm starting a new blog at this address:
http://penzthots2.blogspot.com/

Not sure what happened

but my old blog was all screwed up so this will be the new one.

Why??

When Hal and I bought the house I insisted on having a self cleaning oven with the flat top cook stove, there was no way I was ever going to clean burners and an oven again.

Well I ask myself now 'WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR SELF CLEANING OVEN SO LONG THAT NOW YOU HAVE TO CLEAN IT BEFORE YOU REALLY SELF CLEAN IT?!?!?!'

I'm off to finish cleaning before I self clean, lol.

You Are Blitzen

Always in good spirits, you're the reindeer who loves to party down with Santa. Why You're Naughty: You're always blitzed on Christmas Eve, while flying! Why You're Nice: You mix up a mean eggnog martini.

Obviously they weren't at the Luau or they'd know I can't make mixed drinks.....oh, that was just blender drinks, lol.
These were fun Shari!

My Elf Name

Your Elf Name Is...

Spicy Tinsel Toes

What's" Your Elf Name?

Introducing 'Seth Morgan'

I'm proud to introduce my new little nephew "Seth Morgan" born November 21 and weighing in at 5 lbs 13 oz. A huge congratulations to my little 'sis' Cori and her husband Richie on this little miracle and wishing them a world of happiness in the years to come.

The week in review

The last week has been pretty much uneventful other then a bit of snow here. Quade is completely back to normal and now in heavy duty teething mode on those back molars. He's doing really well with just chewing on his toys and nothing else. *knock on wood* I can't believe he's 15 weeks old now and weighs in at 40 lbs. He's not chubby at all but looks very healthy and is one solid pup.

Cleo and Quade get along so well except for the fact that Quade likes to jump up on her and when he gets close to her hips she yelps so that has me a bit concerned.

Photography class started this week and it was really interesting. We learned about shooting from different angles, directions and when it's best to use a flash. I'm looking forward to learning more and to be able to take better photos.
We have homework and i've taken some shots but need to get out and take some more before class on Wednesday or go through some photos and use them for the assignment.


I've started Christmas shopping and this year will be cut back from last year, which is a good thing. Hal and I are going to plan a trip away instead of buying each other stuff we don't really need. I picked up a few things at Fields and need to get to BookMasters to pick up some other items. The only thing Hal is getting will be picked up at Home Hardware and HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH FISHING! *that's just in case my computer illiterate hubby actually finds this place, lol.

I'm disappointed he's not going to hockey tonight as I was looking forward to some time alone in the house and to putz around with the music cranked. Oh well, i'll probably crank the tunes anyways and he can just turn the game up. Who know's maybe he'll change his mind and go...i'll try prompting him to go that it will help work out the stiffness in his groin.

I'm going to upload a few pictures and will be back to post.

Update on Quade

I'm off to bed in a few minutes but wanted to post an update on Quade. We fed him boiled rice and hamburger today and so far it seems okay. He's only heaved a couple of times but nothing has come up and his poop has finally firmed up a bit. The poor little fella has the worst gas and must still be having some cramping as he'll go to stretch out and then he squinches back up again with a whimper.
He actually played with Cleo tonight for about 10 minutes and seemed more himself. I took him out for his business a bit ago and he had a big drink of water *relief*. I don't care if that means I have to get up tonight with him to let him do his business, he had a good drink and with the firmer poop it's less chance of dehydration.

Thank you all for you thoughts and prayers, it means a lot. We'll see how tonight goes and that will decide whether we're off to the vet or not.

Take care, sweet dreams!

Meal Plan Monday

Back to healthy eating as Hal and I have fallen off the wagon!!

Pork Souvlaki, Greek Salad and Rice
Grilled veggies, lean steak and oven roasted potatoes
Salmon, Rice Pilaf and asparagus
Ravioli Marinara with zucchini and mushrooms, broiled seasoned chicken and garlic toast (recipe below)
Hal's night: Hamburger Helper with garden salad
Tomato soup with Ham and Cheese sandwiches
Beef Stew with dumplings

For the most part it's healthy. A lot of it comes down to how we prepare it...bon appetit!!

Marinara Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

2 (14-ounce) cans plum (Roma) tomatoes, hand crushed, hard cores removed

1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, chopped

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until onions are softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and cook over medium heat, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, add the basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes about 4 cups.

It's been a long night..

and i'm worried about my puppy. Since he's come home and we've changed his food every once in awhile he's had diarrhea so we cut back the amount and he's okay. Well yesterday morning I notice he had runny poos again but chalked it up to him sneaking one of Cleo's fish oil pills. All day yesterday when he'd do his business it was soft even after adding some rice to it.

Other then that he seemed normal, full of energy and just Quade. Last night he wanted to go to bed earlier then normal and then in the middle of the night he vomited in his crate. Up I get, clean it up and put him outside to do his business.

When we come inside usually he's full of energy and just wants to play and torment Cleo and Willow, this morning he came in and just flopped over on the floor. He wouldn't drink anything either and usually he's a gulper when he gets up. He was so restless, couldn't seem to get comfortable and wanted to be on me or touching me. Usually he'll flop on the tiles in the Kitchen. By 6:30 this morning he finally seemed to settle after the occasional dry heave, fart and moan. He's now awake, been back out to do his business and his poo has firmed up a bit but he's still not thirsty and doesn't have much energy.

He's here to cuddle up again so i'm going to hang with him. Please say a little prayer that he's feeling better soon. I know he's only a dog and it's probably just a flu of sorts but with Parvo and all those other bad things out there it's a worry.

Off to snuggle with my Devil.

Ever have one of these days?

...you know the one where you can't stand to be in a room with yourself?!?!?! Holy crap am I a cranky wench tonight, it's brutal!

Hal and I finally have a weekend off together and I just want to be by myself. I felt guilty tonight eating dinner upstairs by myself in the quiet but could not bring myself to go down and listen to hockey blaring. However, it was probably a good thing or the tv may have found itself with a new attachment a la dinner plate!

My body is in such limbo right now and it feels like pms bloaty, irritable and just off. My moods are horrendous and have zero patience at this particular moment, even for myself! I'm taking my cranky assed self to bed and going to try to get a good nights sleep. Perhaps tomorrow will be a better day for Me to put up with MYSELF and I, as miserable as they are tonight!!


xo to all,

A work in progress

As you can tell i've made some changes to my blog. I was wanting something fresh and new but in the process lost some information so i'm slowly adding it back. This template is also the old blogger style so it's not as easy to upload pictures and information but I really like it.

Be back soon....

ONE DEAD MOUSE!!!

I at a loss for this and didn't expect it to happen so soon after the last one but having a new puppy in the house who has a penchant for all things shiny, bright and that move it was sure to happen sooner or later.....

R I P

Wordy Wednesday

*edited to add that I know it's Thursday but just found this today so i'm doing Wordy Wednesday as well.

Wednesday word day....The W's ...

one thing wonderful: my family and friends
one thing wacky: Cleo, she cracks me up
three things wild: bears (lots of them right now too), wolves and eagles
one thing wet: Quade's tongue
five things wilted: outside plants in planters, lettuce that I just tossed, leaves on the lawn, one of my house plants and can't think of a fifth one....
one thing weary: Me, tired after working today, grocery shopping, making dinner and now relaxing
seven things wasted: just cleaned out my fridge so this should be easy: peas, spinach, coleslaw, fruit dip, sour cream, a toy I bought for Quade...gone in 20 minutes and money on lotto ticket
eight things warrant-less: WHAT?!
one thing wiggly: Quade and Cleo's bums when I come home from work
one thing written: Grocery list (by Hal)
one thing wanting: To get a winter coat
two things worthless: life without love and wasted food
one thing weightless: love
one thing wobbly: Quade
one thing wrinkled: blanket on the couch
a few things wealthy: myself with all the blessings in my life, those with children and someone in the world with lots of dough, lol.

well thats my wordy wednesday

'D' day

Today was the first day that i've really taken a huge step towards getting to be a healthier me. As most of you with PCOS know it's soooo difficult to lose weight, to stay with it when you want to give up because one week you lose 2 pounds and the next week you'll gain three, etc.

Lately in the afternoon I've been experiencing little crashes even when i've eaten very healthy. For me this is scary as it's an indicator that internally organs are not working properly again. Acne is on the increase again and other PCOS symptoms are flaring up.

Firstly, i'm on something to force a period.....yes any men who are reading this, the dreaded PERIOD! LOL

Secondly, a new regimen of medications to try together and get the PCOS symptoms under control and this should help with motivation, focus and most importantly energy for working out which equals weight loss.

I dreaded going to the Dr. even though he's been wonderful. It's just another reminder of what I have and if I didn't then there would be no need to be seeing him so often. I knew it would be more bloodwork, ultrasounds and other tests. It's best to get them out of the way and to be prepared for whatever is going on and work to make an improvement.

So today is one step closer to a better me tomorrow. Jenny, do you have room for one more?

A Much overdue ..

THANK YOU!!

This is to all of you who participated in the puppy shower for Quade/Rio. I want to thank Shari and all involved in throwing this wonderful surprise and boy was I surprised, lol!!

The night before we had a luau at the house and I knew Shari and the kids and Laura were going to stop by on Sunday to help clean up the leftovers. Well Shari calls me Sunday morning and we're chit chatting and she says "We'll be over soon, have you had your shower?" I told her no I hadn't and she says "Well hurry up and have your shower, we'll be there around 12"
I'm thinking to myself "Shari never tells me to have a shower, she's seen me looking pretty scary in the mornings, lol." We chat a bit more and she says "Well you better hurry up and have your shower." Now i'm getting a complex thinking, "I'm a big girl but do I really smell THAT bad?" LOL
I don't even know if i'd gotten into the shower when the phone rings again and it's Laura saying she was coming down and could I put on some coffee too cuz she really likes my percolated coffee. K, now any of you who know us know that Laura and Hal like weaker coffee and I like it strong...this should have been a tip off that something else was afoot but did I clue in....NO!!!

I was all showered and dressed very casually (like a bum), coffee was on and I had tidied up the kitchen from the night before. I just sit down on the couch to check email when I hear a vehicle pull up and hear Jenny and Shari talking, could hear the kids, then I hear Laura and i'm thinking "Oh good, there here this is going to be a nice little visit."
Then Shari says "Oh Pen, can you come and get the door?" Now i'm thinking to myself there's Jenny, Laura and the boys all out there and one of them can't get the door...but no biggie get up and go around the corner and down my driveway is a stream of people, balloons, gift bags and goodies!!!! I was stunned and all I could say was "No, i'm not coming down there!" LOL.

Quade was spoiled rotten with all the wonderful treats, new bowl, visi vests for him and Cleo AND stuffed toys with squeakers that he loves, a Kong and peanut butter stuffing, a flashing safety collar, flashers for everyone with dogs, homemade dog cookies for goodie bags treats, treats and more treats; did I say treats already? LOL Brenda even brought a Pinata and Quade even got a Devil Costume!! Everyone pitched in and bought us a big bag of dog food too. I’m so blown away still.
It's been a couple of weeks and they haven't even put a dent in the dog treats. Shari also bought a great little book to keep photographs, medical records, paperwork, etc. It's going to come in very handy.

I feel as though those two words don't even begin to cover how much it meant and to have everyone back to the house after the luau the night before. So from my whole heart I want so say how blessed I am to have such wonderful, caring, thoughtful friends.

Thank you Shari and kids, Laura, Jenny and boys, Michelle and Sara, Gloria and Sam, Nancy, Brenda, Marion, Sue, Tasha, Torey and Rita. Hopefully I haven't forgotten anyone and this is something I will never forget for the rest of my life.

Hugs and love to each one of you for this from all of us!

Here's the guest of honour Satan, I mean Rio...oh right Quade

Cleo checking out the bag to see what other surprises are in there and if she can sneak a cookie!

Ms. Kali Joy thinking "oooh, he'll never miss this one!"


Kali and the boys plotting to get the goods, lol


Hal arriving home at lunch...he thought we were still continuing on from the night before, lol.

Hal was surprised as I was about the whole thing AND the stash of goodies you see behind Hal.


Laura and Parker

Gavin and Jonas
Michelle and Quade


Gloria and Quade - Gloria herself is the proud owner of a beautiful boy Dozer...he's massive! It's exciting and scary to know that Quade will be that big one day too.


Tasha and Torey such a sweet picture!


Sue loving up my girl Cleo with Seamus and Kali in the background.

MEAL PLAN MONDAY

Hello all,
This week will have a couple of meals from last week as we didn't have them and i've got all the food for them:

Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots and yorkshires (Yorkshire is a pastry like cup that you bake in the oven quickly on a high heat and then fill with gravy..or that's what we do)

Swedish Meatballs, rice and garden salad

Vegetarian lasagne, ceasar salad and garlic toast

Homemade potato, corn chowder soup with biscuits

Pork kabobs, rice and veggie stir fry

Foil chicken - I've got to go surfing on line for this recipe unless someone has one they'd suggest.

Looking forward to reading some other menu plans for inspiration and variety.
Bon apetit!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNY!!!!

Hope your day was as wonderful as you are!
Here's to a great year ahead and many years of friendship as well.

Birthday hugs and a whole lotta love!