Birthday (and Recall ) Season has Begun!

Today marks the beginning of 5 months of busy holidays and birthday planning for our family.  I-man celebrated his special day today with a bowling bash complete with matching shirts for the guests.  They seemed to have a great time, though I think the bowling alley was happy to see us go.   The event was also L'il M's first time "bowling".   She was adorable, loved it and actually managed to knock down 9 pins with the most incredibly slow-moving ball that she rolled from the line.

I was plagued, not once, but twice today with not having a camera for significant moments in my kids lives.  Ugh- sometimes I wish I had a small snap n go type camera.  Maybe I would keep it more handy and accessible.  So no pictures to post about the day.

September and October make me feel so exhausted much of the time.  Back-to-school, many parent meetings, fall sports, play practices, trying to keep tabs on the kids grades, not to mention the usual home needs.  Then there is that daily requirement to feed your family dinner.  I think that one event is my nemesis.  We cannot manage to eat as a family but on rarity, and it really cheapens the value of time spent planning and cooking a meal.  I have work to do on my attitude in that area.  Eeeks!

Guide Dog puppy recall talk is surfacing.  There are only 2 trucks left that will empty my club of it's mostly mature puppies.  Raisers feeling saddened by the imminent departure of the amazing dogs those sassy little babies became.  Raising little puppies in the middle of a Rocky Mountain winter is not always fun, and many committed raisers are discouraged by the prospect (ahem, no one in particular) of having to go outside every hour in freezing weather.  In reality, I don't mind it that much, but L'il M is in such a phase right now, that I cannot get out of her sight in the house, let alone if I go outside without her, she freaks.  I think the secondary effects of a puppy could do me in.  What to do?  Ask for a transfer!  Unless, of course, there is a female black lab Simon puppy....  that I don't know if I could resist!   Only time will tell.

Been a while...

Ok, I admit it.  I kinda stink at the blogging thing.  I feel drawn back into it, although I think the posts will begin to take a different focus.  Much has happened, so I will update on the previous posts first.

• Janetta graduated from Guide Dogs for the Blind in January 2012.  She was the last puppy from retired breeder, Elsa, to graduate.  Janetta was placed with the most amazing woman who's lifestyle so closely mimics mine, it is kind of freaky.  Guide Dogs placement staff is truly amazing!  We are so happy with the life our special girl has!  There was a special article in the Gresham, Ore paper about the pair.  You can read it here www.theoutlookonline.com/news/story.php?story_id=132806364140184500.
• Keiko also graduated from Guide Dogs for the Blind in March 2012. 
• Rudy completed his Open agility titles in February 2012.  I am so nervous about competing at the "excellent" level.  That's where all the "big dogs" hang out!
• Baby M is now Toddler M, as the posts to come will show.