New Family Photo's

A couple weeks ago we went out with our favorite photographer and did another family photo shoot with her. We had such a good time, and the weather was Amazing!! If you would like to see all the photo's, click the link below.

Spring Time Photo's

Sam is a great photographer and again caught candid moments that will mean so much to us in years to come. She also did some well thought out portraits for me. She is more of a candid photographer so she totally was sweet to get some "family" shots at my request. Sam I am going to miss your sensitive spirit and patient soul when we leave. I will be forever grateful for what you have captured on film for us.

The girls and the dogs cooperated for the most part. That in itself was amazing!! Jim and I have lost a total of 50 pounds between us and I have to say he is looking HOT!! If you want to hear more about our journey to get healthy check out our other site (Living Up To The Adventure)

All in all a great day, and made some more great memories!

Love to everybody!

My kids cuter than yours...

Not that I'm bragging or anything. Last week we got to watch Carmen preform in the "Three Piggy Opera". It was adorable. Its on the video below, its 12 minutes long, so it might take a minute or two to load. And honestly my camera takes the worst videos ever!! If I had remembered that I would have brought our big old clunky camera. Oh well, you get the idea.

Jim took a bunch of photos too. So cute!

The Scariest Thing On Earth

No, its not the Swamp Thing either. It's the fear that comes with a sick child.
As you know, Carmen has epilepsy. She has been diagnosed for about 4 years now. They started with no warning when she was about 3.5 years old. They aren't the grand mal type where she twitches or convulses like you think of when you hear seizure. She stares off into space, unable to control what her body does. Many kids with her type of disorder go undiagnosed. Its sad but true, these types of seizures are hard to catch. Unless your like Carmen and have 3 minute long ones right off the bat.
Carmen, it would seem, has brain damage. Science hasn't advanced enough to tell us exactly how or why she has it, but it's there. As her mom I have gone through all of the doubt, worry and guilt about how I could have inflicted this upon my innocent little one. But all of that doesn't help resolve the problem at hand. Where her brain damage is, is in her front temporal lobes. Where our empathy, social grace, body language readers, appropriate responses to social settings all are. Since she has her damage there, she is awkward at times. Things that you and I take for granted she just doesn't get, and doesn't even realise its wrong or rude.. she just doesn't notice that she has hurt people feelings. And not because she is a rude person, she just literally doesn't know it. Her brain isn't wired that way. Thinks like feeling bad for others when they are crying is something she had to be taught, and repeatedly reinforced. As she grows she has to rewire her brain to function more "normal". And since she was born this way, and science is still not there yet, we don't know exactly where she will struggle and where the connections are crystal clear. Everyday is a new struggle for her, new settings, new situations and she walks blindly into them.
She has been on Trileptal (seizure medication) from the first day she was diagnosed. She has done well on it over the years. As her weight and or metabolism change we have tweaked it. One doctor even overdosed her on it, but she has responded well to this medication.
About two years ago we started her on an additional medication, Keppra, to supplement the fact that Trileptal just wasn't cutting it anymore. Keppra was amazing, it was a night and day type or response for her. Her body really liked the Keppra and we went from dealing with 2-3 seizures a day, to none. A miracle if you ask me.
But again we are at a crossroads with her. She isn't fully covered by medications anymore. She struggles to keep control of her motor skills. And is back to having 1-2 seizures a day. They aren't the full blown falling down three minute long ones, but they are scary none the less.
She knows somethings wrong with her too. She has started telling me that she feels stupid and that she hates that her brain "keeps being silly". It breaks my heart. It was bad enough carrying this burden when I knew she didn't realise she was any different, or that anything was wrong. But we are at an age that she notices, and I'm sure her classmates notice that she IS different. She is too young to fully explain what is going on, not that it would really make it any easier for her. And I don't want to make her feel more uncomfortable about this than she already does. But I feel like by leaving her in the dark, I am making this journey even harder for her.
She doesn't have many friends at school. Honestly that is partly my fault. Since she was little we have spent a good chunk of her life at doctors offices at one appointment or another. I am a control freak mother, so struggle to put her in any situation that would highlight her differences from other kids that get the normal social interactions. So I have sheltered her, more than I should have probably.
We are starting her on a new medication tomorrow. I am very nervous about this. Hopeful that this will be another miracle for her, to take her through the next few years of life without too many complications. But in the short term, I am really worried that she will be one of the few who has an allergic reactions or have a side affect that will harm her. What is best for her? Whats the worst that could happen? "What if" is a big part of my life as you can tell.
So what is my biggest fear? My little blond angel leaving me too soon. That just one seizure will take her away. That this new medication will create some kind of complication, that she will be more harmed by it than better. That IS the scariest thing on Earth.

aww dang.. I need a tissue....

The future's looking golden

Really, it is!! As our move gets closer and closer we are turning our thoughts to our future in this little town we will soon call home. We have always rented and so look forward to settling down and maybe, actually...hopefully owning a home!! I know, I'm in shock too.
We have looked around at the current home market and there are some possibilities but our list of "must haves" is a hard one to complete. We want something that is big enough, but not a monster (I don't want to have to clean all the time), it needs to have room to spread out, land (at a minimum 1 acre). Needs to be close-ish to town and in our price range. Easy peasy, right? We're not asking for much. :0)
With all of this in mind we have yet to find THE house. So our thoughts turn to property and possibly building. Land is pretty cheap out there and well so are building costs. It's actually a possibility, as scary and exciting as that is.
We have found a property that suits most all our needs and has the perk of nice neighbors! My bro and sister in law purchased the plot next to the one we want, lol.
It's five acres of relatively flat prairie land. It has enough of a rolling hill affect to make it interesting. And its golden, sigh, so pretty. I love the colors out there. The sky is so big!! The biggest I have ever seen and the land just stretches out around you. The air is clean and crisp you feel healthier just for having been there.

As with everything in our lives it comes with a catch. We have to wait (we all know how good I am at that) because since we will be getting out of the military we will be technically jobless, or newly employed, SO we have to wait to get financing before we can stake our claim on a little piece of earthly heaven.
Until then we have pictures and memories. And the excitement of where we would put what.

In this picture we are chattin with my bro and sis about the pros and con's of the property. The girls were bug hunting I believe.

The view of the closest neighbor. He is about 15 acres away. Not bad considering we haven't lived in a house without sharing at least two walls with other families in about 10 years.

Standing at the back of the property looking down the slope to the cars that are parked on the gravel road. Mind you the truck? ya its huge!!! So that will give you an idea of how much room there is on 5 acres.

 Another shot from the back, the cars on the left and in the distance the black/bluish smudges are the downtown area. Its about 10-15 minutes away from town I think.

 Rosie running around, enjoying the outdoors time and the bug hunting adventure!!

 A little pond situated on the property behind us. They run seasonal cattle through this area but the pond is full of water year round.

 The cool old fence line. Its useless when you have kids or dogs... or wild animals in the area (which you would be surprised how many roam that area) so it will have to be replaced, but I think its pretty.

 The road up to the property. Da Bro's is straight ahead and ours would be to the left of it, at the end of the road of course.

 Pretty view up from the road, nice gentle slope, pretty grass, ahhhh sigh, happiness! This would be the Bro's property.. ish. Its hard to tell when there are no real markers. Now imagine a sprawling lodge with huge windows, a nicely manicured forest of green and a shop to rival Top Gear's... yep that's our neighbors!!

More goodness. This would be our property. Cant you just picture our Victorian farmhouse with greenhouse and big shop? our orchard of fruit trees? my lilac lined driveway??? I can, just squint your eyes and use your imagination, its there I promise!

Im Horrible!!

I just realised that I never introduced the newest member of our family!! How could you guys not mention that I haven't explained how we got our sweet Sophie? Come on people, I depend on you to let me know when I'm slacking off. lol

Anyways, we will pretend that 6 months haven't passed.. Introducing the newest member of our family!

Sophie Lawson

As you can see, she isn't a puppy. She is actually about two weeks younger than Roonie. She is much smaller partly because she is a female, partly because she is from the working line of the breed, and well partly because she was malnutritioned when we got her. Poor thing.

We were contacted by our breeder, who had been contacted by someone else, that a female pyr was going to be put into a high kill shelter in the area and they were hoping to find her a forever home instead. Well, we have always said we wanted two dogs (more if I get my way) and we have to have females, long story.. So we offered to take her but were on our way out of town for my brother's wedding. The family that had her said they would keep her for two weeks till we got home.

So I went up and got her, she was super shy, underweight and covered in fleas. Poor thing didn't know how to walk on a leash, had no training at all, and her coat was a sticky yellow color.

Since we have had her she has become a central part of our lives. Roonie is in love with her, they play like siblings, fighting over the same bone when three others are laying next to them. :0)

She has gained about 30 pounds, has a beautiful coat that is continuing to come in fuller, thicker and softer. She went through puppy basics and did well, considering I had to start with issues that others created for her and what she had done for almost the first year of her life. To training her to respond to me and not think I was going to beat her (grrr it still makes me angry that someone hit her). She isn't going to be winning any obedience awards but she now walks happily on leash, responds to my commands (most of the time, lol). And she is less fearful of every noise or new object. She still barks ALOT at other dogs, we are working on her chilling out. Especially when on leash, at a heal at my side.. yah not my favorite thing she does, but like I said, she has come so far in such a short time. I am very proud of her!

She has become a big part of our lives. The girls love to have her around. Carmen feels its her job to entertain Sophie early every morning. I hear her from her room reading books to Sophie.. she doesn't want Roonie to hone in on her time though. And we all know how well the Moose does when he is being ignored, lol.

She will let you do most anything to her. Except get near her face. Poor thing was hit in the face I think, so she is really sensitive about that. Just in the last few weeks she will let you kiss the top of her head. She will let you pet it, and if she starts it you can touch her muzzle, but don't force it or she will just leave the room.

Like I said, she came to us with a whole bag of issues of her own. But she is a doll and I think she truly wants to make us happy. More so than Roonie that is. She has really come out of her shell while with us. She loves to run around the backyard and chase Roonie, biting his ankles, lol.

She loves marrow bones (not sure if she ever had one before coming to us), and string cheese. Oh and did I mention that we are her fourth owners? Ya, poor thing started to act up at the time we had had her about 3 months... get this. The breeder had her for about 3 months, then the first owner who had her for three months (who got rid of her because he broke up with this girlfriend and didn't want the dog anymore), and then the family who had her before us, at the three month mark decided they couldn't take on what she needed. So she was bounced around so much that I think she was prepping herself for us to pass her along too. Nope, sorry sweets your stuck with us for good!! (and that includes all the silly hats, headbands, and plastic jewelry the girls dress you up in)

Well, thats the story of our sweet little Sophie. She is such a sweet spirit that we cant imagine our lives without her. At this moment she is sleeping on my foot under the table. :0) Love this girl!!

A Dogs Life

As you all know I have two dogs, well more like moose.. moose's?, meese? lol.. whatever, they are large dogs. They are my furry babies. I love them and adore their stubborn independant spirits. I couldnt live without their fur everywhere and their slobber on my nicest clothing. They are precious to me, and the day they pass away it will break my heart. That being said I got this in an email. It was a forward so I dont know who actually wrote it originally, but I really was touched so thought I would share it. Even though its talking about a dogs life, it can easily be transitioned over to all aspects of your life. enjoy..

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).....

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named, Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's
family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why they are.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me!
I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live.
He said, "People are born so they can learn how to live a good life.....like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?
TheSix-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to live as long.''

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog were the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good.

So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy.

Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING...

Have a great life.

Beach Photo's

Two in one evening??? I know, you are beside yourself with excitement. Anyhoo, here are a couple of my favorite pictures taken of my family last October at the beach. We had a friend take them Samantha Denney Photography she is just amazing. Super laid back (you have to be with two kids and two dogs, lol) and she has a great eye for getting the perfect shot.

 This is the girls with the pup's. We had only had Sophie for a few weeks by then, but she fits so well with our family we couldn't imagine it without her!

This competes for the best shot of the day. I love the girls expressions and the dogs in profile, heaven forbid they look at the camera, lol.

My babies... what more can I say??

Finally one with everyone looking the same way. You would be amazed at how hard Sam had to work to get this shot. I simply LOVE it!

This was a request of mine.. I have seen it done before, and liked the idea. I actually have, somewhere, this shot when Rosie was a few weeks old.. minus the dogs too of course. But I love how she included the dogs, they are such a big part of our lives, they should be there too!

And lastly a great shot, great pose, great background but the sun is in all of our eyes, lol... There was no convincing the kids to not grimace in this photo.

I have more, again she did an amazing job and gave us a disc with the rights to the photos. If you are ever in the area and want a great photographer check her out!! I hope to have her take our pictures again before we head out of the state. Thanks again Sam for all your hard work!!

On the Road Again

It is a theme of our lives... Can you hear our theme song playing in the background... "on the road again..." ya that would be it.
We are moving again. Hopefully this will be the last big move for us. We hope to purchase/build once we are in the town, but across the country? ya.. this will be the last one, hopefully.
Jim is getting out of the military, well active duty.. but thats another long story. And we will be heading from Virginia to Montana! We are really excited about finally being settled, being near family and friends, and meeting new people we wont have to say goodbye to in a year! We will also be settled enough to get the girls into a good school that will be their last. All good things going on here.
We will be moving near my brother and sister-in-law and their little bun (in the oven). We met some great people while visiting for their wedding and hope to continue those relationships.
We wont move till this summer, but have already started the process of getting out of the military as well as the process for the move.
Im not excited to go through another move, but excited that this will be our last!

tooth aches

The past few days I have been getting the girls into the dentists to get their check ups. They both are cavity free!! Go Girls! But dealing with the riff raff of the people who live in this area of the USA, well, sucks!! People here are so extremely rude and self absorbed that its amazing anyone gets anything accomplished.
I fear for the children of this generation, they are out of control and no adults seem to be willing to take time from their electronic devices to parent them. We spent over an hour last night surrounded by heathen children and oblivious parents. It is just amazing, and not in a good way. The children were yelling that they were going to kill each other and running around the waiting room. I was flabbergasted! That would never fly in my house, much less a public area. Coming from Germany, where every child is respectful and under control to this part of over populated United States has been the largest culture shock of my life. Moving to Germany was simple compared to the people I have had to deal with since we have returned.
The dentist and staff of this particular clinic were nice, but over worked. They didnt get Carmen back for an hour, and then she sat in an exam chair for 30 minutes before they started to work on her. I realise running late isnt in their control, and there was a string of unruly children that were seen right before us (surprising yes, kids out of control??? never). I dont hold it against the clinic but I wont be going back. I am a very patient person and try to give most people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to situations like this. But I cant deal with their clientele, its not the staff, but who they see that is going to lose their business for me. Thank goodness we are moving in a few months and wont be needing to do their next check ups in this town.
But that aside, both girls rocked their appointments and both were responsive, respectful and patient. I was so proud of them both.

~Puppy Love~

The other day the girls and I headed down to J & R Great Pyrenees Ranch. The owner, Miss Roberta, had a litter of puppies and she invited us to come down and see them. The puppies are about 9 weeks old and just the cutest little bits ever!

The girls were bummed that we couldnt bring any home, lets be honest I wanted to bring them ALL home, but had to settle with helping Roberta out a little bit and holding their cutest in the process.
I cant say enough about this breed. They are just amazing, if you want more information you can contact me of course or if you would like one of this amazing litter of puppies you can contact Roberta directly at her site J & R Great Pyrenees Ranch. Her site has great information on the breed and she is really good about replying to your emails. I dont know if there is more information about this particular litter on it, but I know she had three puppies still available as of Friday. (That is if I cant talk Jim into going down there and scooping them all up ourselves!!)
Here are some videos that i took while down there.

Lego man attacks!!!

Last night went as most nights, whining crying at bed time. Giggles as daddy played with them, and then quiet. Well, that should have been our first warning sign.
Carmen comes screaming downstairs that Rosemary is crying and wont stop. I race up and find Rosie standing in the middle of the room crying, red faced.
After calming her down, because nothing she said was english, she said something was up her nose. Oh yes, her nose. I looked and low and behold there was a small yellow lego head up her nose! It has already been pushed up past the cartilage and stuck.
After calling 911 and the firefighter (in firefighter/mcguyver fashion) tried to get her to blow it out, it was decided that we needed to head into the ER.
Off we go, at around 8:30pm.  We got in pretty quick for ER standards and Rose's explanation is only that she tossed them up! A later version including "squishing" but we still didn't get a reason or a logical method of how that lovely lego got in there.
We ended up with four doctors and five nurses in the room all said and done. They told us it was a slow and boring night so everyone wanted to see the lego stuck up a 4 year olds' nose. I'm glad our evening out could give someone some entertainment.
Rose took them prodding around her nose like a champ and even got a popsicle out of the deal. By 10:30 we were home and by 11pm everyone was in bed. This time the room has been emptied of all lego's.
And if my dad is reading this, yes it was a piece from the set you sent her. It was the body of a fire extinguisher, not the head off of one of the poor unsuspecting men. :0)
Gotta love kids!

Promises, Promises...

I am going to promise to TRY to update this more often. Being back in the states makes me less driven to actually update this. Many of you already get updates through my facebook page. But I am going to make a point of tryingto update this at least once a week with new things going on in the family.
I have also started a new blog, a personal girly site that is about my crafts, cooking and new lifestyle. If you are interested in seeing what Im up to please go on over and have a peak. If you like it, subscribe or follow! You'll get updates when I post to it. So check out Jen's Blog.