One, Two, THREE!

He's captured my heart! He's sweet and feisty and makes me smile. And I can't talk about him without telling how special he is.

And for the times when he gets me up way too early to go outside (said in a whisper voice that sends him and Titan through the roof with excitment) or when I can't sit in peace because he must be on my lap and then get down and then back up..repeat, repeat, repeat and for the times he goes tilted (angry) because he's sleepy and doesn't want to be bothered by his furry siblings -

well they're all worth it because he's Mason and he's special! And he makes up for all of those things when he runs to get a squeaky toy because Jim just got home and he knows he's going to ask him where his toys are or when you ask him if he wants to see Grandma and he turns his head to the side and then pounces on you, and if you say boat or byes - well be ready because he wants instant gratification!
He's three today! The Mason puppy is three! This could call for a lil doggie ice cream celebration!

New Do's

The 'boys' are ready for summer! They're rockin' their new hair cuts!

Titan definitely pulls off his short hair better than Mason. But I think they're both still the cutest ever!

Beauty for their ashes

Molly and Max spent 4 l o n g months in a shelter. I'm a BIG softie for stuff like that...I mean seriously if I really thought about it, I'd tear right up! But when I walk by them now and see this...I know that they've been blessed!

So I guess all of that hard time paid off for them! =) As they lounge around the house and wait for the next opportunity for a treat.

"....He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory.” Isaiah 61:3

All creatures great and small, The Lord God made them all!

A blanket for Mason

In my effort to keep up with things around the house, I decided to organize my closet. I found a small blanket that my grandma had made for Mason not too long before she passed away last year. I pulled it out and put it in the middle of the family room floor to see if it got any attention. It wasn't there too long before....

It's the cutest thing, as soon as we sit down and there's nothing for him to investigate he goes right to his blanket. It's almost like he knows it's his. =) But, I have this saying I'd say to the kids when someone would 'steal' the spot they were sitting...move your feet, lose your seat. Looks like it happens to the furry kids too!

Sure glad I found it...it's been a popular spot!

7 short days later...

What a difference a week can make! Last week at this time, we were snowed in (well not quite, but close)

And today you'd never believe all that snow was ever here!

And inside too. A week ago...

and now...

ahhhh, back to normal!

So after all the Christmas decorations were packed away nice and tidy waiting for next year, we decided to take advantage of the sunshine and go for a drive. We ended up riding to the spot on the river where we put the boat in. The water was really high and rushing, but really pretty. The 'boys' love being near the water. They haven't been on the boat just yet but I just know they'll love it!

And the views were nothing short of spectacular!

Before we went home, we stopped to grab some carry out - the 'boys' and I were 'boring' (Ha! Luanne) waiting in the car so we took some pictures. Love them!

Our furry family

Oh how I love them! Seriously, I do...I've always had a pet, every since I was little. I really can't imagine not having any. Chelsea, our devil cat (said with love!) of nearly 17 years passed away 2 years ago in July and we were 'petless' for 7 L O N G weeks. I tried, ok! Ha! I have this really special place in my heart for animals.

So, this week as we tell y'all about our pets hosted by Kelly's Korner well....I'm sooo 'cited to!

If you've followed us you might remember that I've mentioned that our furry family's grown but wasn't necessarily planned. Here's a little more about that -

This is Molly!

We adopted her from a local shelter. When I called to ask about her, I was told that she was surrendered in May by a family who had a member who'd developed allergies. (It was September when she came home with us...that's a long time to wait, huh?!) They went on to tell me that while I was welcome to adopt 'just her', she was surrendered with a friend who'd she been with the entire time - including their stay in the shelter. Well, in case you couldn't guess, there's not a chance that I would leave him behind! So, I introduce you to Max....

Kinda funny but they were adopted based on a small picture of each of them. I have neither the courage or willpower to actually go 'in the back' to see their little faces in cages waiting for a home! (I'm sure some of you are thinking I have serious issues at this point...you're probably right but hey - it's who I am!) So, needless to say it was a surprise to see how big Max actually is. He has the longest legs I think I've ever seen on a cat. But he's as sweet as he is tall!

Together, they're quite a pair! Molly is most definitely the queen of the house. She's so gentle and welcoming but doesn't hesitate to let you know who's in charge!

Then there's Mason! Let me start by saying that I never thought we'd have a dog...seriously! While I love them, being committed to taking him out and training him and having to be home, well...I didn't see us doing that. That's until Mason man! A birthday present a year ago, he is without a doubt a joy! He's a mix of a shih-tzu and poodle and is the tiniest little man. 'All grown up' at 5 1/2 pounds he's found his place here. Even when I'm out late at night or up waaay to early in the morning so he can go potty, the good still outweighs the chores that come along with him.

Lastly but most certainly not least...there's Titan. He's Julieanne's and moved in with her earlier this year. Coming from the same breeder as Mason (really the reason Mason was adopted...T is just so darn cute!) they are best friends! They're great company for each other and are for certain partners in crime most days! Only 1 month older but twice as big, Titan has the best personality and is very loving (as long as he knows you...if not, well let's just say it's going to be a show!). And please take special notice of those teeth...aren't they just the best?

So that sums them up. Probably two more than I'd set out to have but if you think I could pick which two that'd be, then you haven't paid attention! =) I LOVE THEM!

Yep, it's true, it's starting to look a lot like Christmas around here.

I definitely didn't plan to decorate today, that's for sure, but let's say the house was screaming for a little attention so why not! I mean if I was going to clean, why not go ahead and go for it.

It's usually a work in progress so I'm sure I'll add more over the next couple of days/weeks but all of the main things are out. I'll admit that I'm feeling a little bah humbug this year so I'm hoping the glow of the lights make me feel a little more festive.

I'll share pictures of our decorations on December 14th when The Nester hosts the Christmas tour of homes!

It's beautiful outside today too! I mean it's one of those days that you know won't happen many more times this year. So between sneaking in a peek at football, Duffy's trying to get the yard cleaned up a little. Of course he has lots of help!

So back to finishing up laundry, maybe squeeze in washing my car and then off to watch the boys play hockey this evening. Hope y'all are having a good weekend!

Only Molly

I was sitting on the floor looking through the pictures on my camera and Molly would not leave me alone. Don't misunderstand, I don't usually mind but she was persistent tonight so I had to catch her in the act! This makes me laugh every time I look at it! Hope it makes you smile too.

One year later...really?

It almost doesn't seem possible, but one year ago today we brought Mason home. I never have liked it when people say that the older you get the faster time goes, it just didn't make sense to me...well it's starting to now. Ha!

Life sure has changed since his arrival. No more waking up and just laying in bed, nope, he's ready and waiting to 'go outside'. Those two little words can get you more kisses than you can imagine. Nor can I just take my time getting home. He's waiting! Sounds like I'm complaining, but truth is I wouldn't trade him for anything! He's the sweetest and I'm not quite sure what I did with all of my time before he was here!

Lazy days...

I really do love 3 day weekends! It takes a little pressure off of getting stuff done. This morning as I sat at the kitchen table and listened to Duffy, Jon and Jake talk about football, I found Mason tucked in a blanket that hadn't made its way back to the basket. Look close and you'll see his eye peeking. =) Kinda captures the morning for me...

Cats and Dogs and TURTLES! Oh my!

As if there isn't enough going on around the house, today Julie's friend Jenna brought her two turtles to join the family! The good thing about them is that they can't run around and mess things up..ha! Truthfully, they're fun to watch. Still a little skittish from being transported but swimming around and checking out their new digs.
Max and Molly are especially excited about the new arrivals. Molly isn't quite tall enough to get up close and personal, but Max uses those unusually long legs of his to get a closer look!

Oh yeah, their names? Well, Mango and Marley, of course! (Thanks Kenny! :))

Wordless Wednesday

He's lucky he's so darn cute!

I should've known when Mason was so quiet that he was into something..but I was too busy to check. (I was blogging! ;)) When I finally looked for him, here's what I found. One less pillow for us! I honestly think he was proud! Have we hit the terrible 1's? Do puppies go through that!?

The Mason Boy is 1!

When we got Mason he weighed in at a whooping 2.5 lbs. One year later he's grown to 5 lbs. Still the runt, he's feisty and tough! But,truth be known he's a sweetheart and I don't remember not having him! He's 1 today!

For the birds

So, birds are not my favorite creature God created! Truth be known, I'm terrified of them...could have something to do with an experience at Culler Lake when I was young. A flock of ducks, scared by a dog, flying at me, I can't be sure but I do know that birds freak me out. But, this weekend we discovered one made our tree home. The tree closest to the patio at that! We'll all get along just fine as long as she continues to fly away when I'm outside. From the looks of things, we'll have little ones before too long. Needless to say, Molly and Max are very excited to have feathered friends living so close!

Titan's 1 today!

Today's Titan's 1st birthday. He's changed a lot in a year!











Kinda hard to believe it's the same puppy!

Sweet and innocent?

I'm sure you're thinking that this sweet, innocent face couldn't hurt a fly, right?

Well...this morning as we strolled through the yard while 'going potty outside', Titan discovered something that I would've never spotted! Before I knew it, this furry little creature was hanging from his mouth. After a quick second to suppress the screams that were almost out of my mouth, I started repeating..DROP IT, DROP IT! Finally, he did. Shew

For the record, the little guy had made his way to mouse heaven before Titan found him, but still!

Max A.K.A. Simba!

I noticed that Max wasn't getting the proper recognition as the lion of the family - there's been no mention of him here. So, I thought I'd post a pic of him outside on the patio. To know Max is to know that he is rarely still and spends most of his time on patrol. That's how he got the nickname Simba. You can just see it in his eyes, can't you?!

Ice cream for the 'boys'

Are they spoiled? Of course they are! Isn't that what they're for? Mason and Titan think Frosty Paws are the bomb!

Cat's Meow

Most of the time when you pass the house, you'll find Miss Molly perched in the front window just like the cat in the Cat's Meow collection. It's her window to the world. As nosey as she is, I'm surprised she gets any rest here!