ABBY: The Wonder Dog

Yes, we lost our minds and got a dog! ABBY came from the Humane Society. She is 3 years old, house trained, leash trained and has many tricks. She really is a dream dog. Trust me when I say- I wasn't going to get "any" dog. I was NOT getting a puppy. I was NOT getting a high maintenance dog that required a lot of training...etc. She fits into our family perfectly. She is half pug and jack russell ( maybe). She loves to play but knows when it is time to chill out. Abby tolerates Henry beating on her and loves to see the older kids walk through the door. Abby is fast as lightning. Loves to play catch and chase.

It has been over a year since we have had a dog. If I had never gotten one again, it would have been fine with me. The decision came from many things. We noticed the younger children were getting frightened from dogs that were super calm. Red flag. That should not be happening. Jax really wanted a dog. He offered up his birthday money. I really, really had zero interest in a dog. She needed to be completely trained and I refuse to chase a dog down the street or the canal. Been there-done that! I am too old, too set in my ways and too busy for that kind of chaos.
So, I did a bunch of little tests on Abby to see her temperament, behavior and interaction skills with dogs and kids. She won me over. She had Thomas at "bark"!
Abby really is a wonderful dog. She travels well in the car and loves to sit in your lap. She keeps Memom company too! It was win, win for us all and we are thankful for her.

It is finally getting to be Spring here. The bulbs are creeping up through the ground. It has turned from snow to rain and some drizzle, grey days. I think I can start putting up some snow gear soon!!

I had a Dr. appt the other day. Since I am now 13 years out, I get to do a battery of tests to check for "other cancers". Folks- I haven't had a scan in 10 years. I was like- no big deal! I had an echocardiogram, chest xray, CBC, colonoscopy ( had it 2 years ago), mammogram ( Sept) and a MRI of the breast. All good BUT the MRI kinda wigged me out. It wasn't the MRI but the IV with saline solution then contrast flowing through my veins. WHOA!!!! Brought back some serious memories. It was ALL the tastes. Totally freaked me out. I actually went by Jack in the Box for comfort food,came home and napped just to get over it.
For some reason I thought--- "WHAT IF"??? I must say- I know better to EVER walk down the what if aisle but it happened and it was terrible all day until the results came back -- normal! Thank you Jesus!!
Don't want to allow myself to walk down that road--but it happened. Next year, I will be more prepared.
I am not stupid to think it won't ever happen again.... I do have a higher chance of boob cancer. I think it just reminded me- to slow it down and enjoy them moment! The next moment can change your life forever......
Glad I know a good Doctor!! :}

A Quick Update Jan-Feb, 2011

I know it has been a long time since I have posted! The house has been a shakin' and a movin'! From Catholic Schools week, Auction and the end of ski lessons.... things are in full swing. We realized that we have skied every weekend since November and were a little burned out by the end of February. Its been a fun ride.
We had our school's auction. It is one of the biggest fundraisers. We had a blast. No dancing-- a little odd but you were home by 10pm--- didn't give Thomas a chance to turn off the lights!! A nice dinner and great auction. The fund goal was 100k... I think we raised around 95k!! Not bad at all for such a small community!!!
Henry got his first haircut. He looks like a lost member of the Beatles. We will try again. He also got his first pair of shoes. He LOVES them... and loves to show them off. He has learned the art of a "fit". He literally stands on his head with the diaper bottom straight up in the air in screams!! It is hilarious.
The rest of the crew is good. Jax is enjoying the Harry Potter books. We even skipped school and went to the exhibit in Seattle. Blaise is taking karate. A good discipline for him.
The girls are fine..... sassy, sassy, sassy but fine! They will definitely challenge me in the future. I see an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs in my future! :}

Getting ready for the traffic of guests. Memom will return to Texas with her sister in April and be gone for 6+ weeks. This is will be great for her.... hard for me. Its just terrible when the "Laundry Fairy" leaves town. My BFF from Highschool comes during Easter.
The rest-- is not very exciting.
Thomas and I are great. Trying to get in a groove with life... but good. I love him more and more everyday.
I will update soon... take care, much love and we miss you.