Buddy Day 2

Yesterday when I left for work and put Buddy in the kennel he was none to happy. He cried, and it was just the saddest thing. So I thought for sure he would be barking when I got home, but he didn't. I walked all the way thru the house and downstairs, and he didn't make a noise. But oh was he happy when I let him out. He gave me so many kisses. I think he thought I wasn't coming back. But I did. We went outside and played in the yard. He has so much room to run around. He just bounced all over the back yard. And I ran with him, and we played ball. And oh I think he was just so happy.

He and Gabe are doing ok with each other. Gabe still isn't over excited about it, but he is adjusting. He actually came downstairs twice last night without having to be asked.

Last night I went to Target before heading home and picked up just a few quick things, and I stopped in the Dog aisle. Oh my goodness they have such cute stuff for dogs. I saw some cute sweaters, and a really cute cute. I did NOT buy them. I don't want to tramuatize Buddy too much just yet, but maybe some day....

Buddy

This is Buddy. The new man in my life. He is a 8 month Porkie (a Yorkie and Pekinise mix). He is so sweet and cute and bouncey. Yes Bouncy when he gets really excited he tends to bounce all over the place.

My ex Toby bought him for his daughter's birthday this year, and the first time I met him I feel in love him. He just has such a sweet personalitity, and just wants to be loved, and to give love. Toby hasn't had the time or patience to train him, so last week when he asked me if I wanted Buddy I jumped at the chance. Look at that face I just want to love it.
So yesterday I went to pick him up and introduce him to the new people in his life. First we went to Carrin house so he could meet Toby and Lucy and Charile. (Carrin and the kids and Todd had already met him when I watched him while Toby was on vacation). This was interesting, but over all went very well, I think. Charile didn't warm up to him. But Toby and Lucy were starting to get used to him after the intial sniffing and getting to know each other. I kept Buddy in my arms till they could get the sniffing done, and then kept him on a leash until they were used to each other.
Then we went to Noah's football game. He just sat next to me and laid his head down. He let me watch the game, and didn't do too much. He didn't want to be too far away from me, but I think that will change once he realizes that he isn't going to be left somewhere.
After the game, Noah's team won by the way. They are the only undeafeted team left after yesterday. I took Buddy home. He and Gabriel, (my roommates dog) don't fight, but Buddy has so much energy and is just all over the place that he stresses Gabe out from time to time. But they went outside and went potty and then the ran in the back yard for a little while, and then I took Buddy downstairs and showed him his new home. So far I don't think he has any complaints with the home, although this morning he was crying when I put him in his kennel. It broke my heart to hear him crying. But until he learns not to potty in the house, he has to be in there when I am not home. I am so excited to have him at my house. I really truly hope it all works out.

That being said, I will admit that it makes me a little sad that this sweet little dog doesn't even realize what is going on and had to leave the home he has come to know and love. But I know he will learn to love living with me, and I know I will love him with all my heart. It is a little scary knowing that I am responsible for another living being. I know it's not the same as having a baby, but I have to say this is freaking me out just a little. I have to make sure he fed, and has a place to live, and is taken care of, and happy, and all those things. I just hope I can do a good job.

My Super Wonderfully Stupid Weekend

Yes yes I said stupid. This weekend started out pretty good. Friday I hung out at home and watched TV and movies, and ordered a pizza, and had a pretty relaxing and calm night. I took a sleeping pill and went to sleep. I slept until 10:30 on Saturday.

I woke and started doing laundry. My only plans for the weekend were to go to my sister Carrin's daughter Morgan's soccer game on Saturday and her son Noah's football game on Sunday. Around 11 I got a call from Toby. He told me about how he was making BBQ pork ribs, and corn on the cob, and baked potatoes for dinner that night. I think I said something about how I was going to Mo's soccer game and didn't have plans for the weekend or something. And we started talking about his daughter Kaylee, and I offered to take her to the soccer game so she could play with the kids, and then bring Morgan over after so they could play since Kaylle doestn'have any kids she can play with at Toby's house. And he said that sounded like a good idea. So I picked her up and we went to the game, and then back to Toby's house. The girls played we had dinner and then Megan called and I went to pick her up. The girls played some more, and after it got dark they came in and were playiing the Wii. They were having fun. Toby even was racing one of them. So I decided that I want to race Toby and kick his ass!! So I grabbed the steering wheel, and sat down. Started to pick my racer and the car, was just about to pick the course when all of a sudden I fell through the coffee table I sat on to race Toby. Which was glass. Yes glass. I didn't even think about it being glass when I sat down. And apparently neither did Toby because he didn't say anything at all about me sitting on the table either.
Once we realized what happened. I started to get up, which Toby thought was a bad idea, but I wasn't really think at this point. I got up and started to look around myself to see if I had gotten cut or anything. And sure enough, I have a big old gash on my back. Just above my booty. It wasn't gushing blood, but there was enough blood that it wasn't pretty and made my woozy. Yes woozy. I don't like blood of any ANY kind. Thankful Toby who doesn't like blood either, was able to get me something to but on the wound. And then we started to figure out what to attach it with. Toby ended up running to Walmart and getting bandages, and Neosporin. He fixed me right up. And then when he finally was able to sit down, and process everything he sat there and was shocked. He couldn't really say anything. We sat down and watched a movie and then girls went to bed.

This morning when I woke it hurt like hell, and is still bleeding a little bit, but Thank God I didn't have to go to the hostipal. Just keep the pain pills coming, and I should be fine.
It was a great time until I screwed up and scared everyone, but hey atleast everyone has a story to tell after the weekend right???...

Shh.... Do You Hear That?

That is the oh so sweet sound of nothing!! No admixes churning away, no trucks running. No boys yelling, no phones ringing. Yes it is a sweet sound. It sucks because it means you are not hauling any mud today so that means we aren't making any money today. But on the other hand it's so nice to not have constant noise in the background. I have gotten to the point where I just don't even notice it anymore, except when it's not there.

This is the first job I have ever worked at where I love it when it rains on the weekends, instead of during the week. Yes it makes it harder for me to do things, but if it only rains on the weekends then we don't have days were we can't make money.

The only people here right now are Deb, Toby, and me. It's oh so quiet. I love it!!

Sh... don't tell anyone but I might sneak out of here early today! It will just be our little secret.

Love Songs

Let me start out explaining how this topic is on my mind. I have an iPod. I have had one since oh almost ever. I could never live without one now that I have one. I absolutely love it. I don't have to carry any cd's with me anymore. I carry it with every where. Yes every where. There aren't too many times you will find me with out it. And I can organize my music how ever I want. I can make playlists at the touch of button. You know like the old mix tapes you had to spend hours making for your best friend, your boy friend, or a girls night out.

As I was reorganizing my music today, I was making a playlist of love songs. I don't know why, but these have always been my favorite. These songs that someone was able to write, and convey all their feelings about some in such a beautiful way. These songs that can remind us of a past love, or make us think of a current love, or help us hope for a future love. These songs that can make us smile, laugh, or most often tear up because they are so sweet.

Someone asked me once what kind of music I liked, and I said just about anything. So they asked well then how do you decided if you like a song or not, and I told them. It has to move me in some way. It has to move my body in dance, my spirit in worship, or soul in some way. Love songs can do all that. Most of them are slow, and sweet, but I also like the ones that are more upbeat. Two of my favorites are, When I'm 64 by the The Beatles, and Love You Madly by Cake. These are totally not slow and sweet at all, but they are love songs in the best sense of the words.

That all being said there is one song out on the radio now that I absolutely can't get enough of. Johnny and June by Heidi Newfield. It is written about how she wants a love like Johnny and June's. I have the lyrics here, and highlighted my favorite parts. It just makes me hope that one day I can find like that. Some one who wants to hold me till the end of time, and all that. Isn't it deep down how we all want to be loved?


Johnny and June

Oh there's something 'bout a man in black,
Makes me want to buy a cadillac,
Throw the top back,
And roll down to Jackson town,
I wanna be there on the stage with you,
You and I could be the next rage too,
Hear the crowd roar,
Make 'em want more,
Kick the footlights out,

I wanna love like Johnny and June,
Rings of fire burnin' with you,
I wanna walk the line,
Walk the line,
'Till the end of time,
I wanna love,
Love ya that much,
Cash it all in,
Give it all up,
When you're gone,
I wanna go too,
Like Johnny and June,

I wanna hold you baby right or wrong,
Build a world around a country song,
Pray a sweet prayer,
Follow you there,
Down in history,

I wanna love like Johnny and June,
Rings of fire burnin' with you,
I wanna walk the line,
Walk the line,
'Till the end of time,
I wanna love,
Love ya that much,
Cash it all in,
Give it all up,
When you're gone,
I wanna go too,
Like Johnny and June,

Like Johnny and June,
More than life itself,
No-one else,
This endless promise,
They don't make love like that anymore,
Is that too much to be askin' for,

I wanna love like Johnny and June,
Rings of fire burnin' with you,
I wanna walk the line,
Walk the line,
'Till the end of time,
I wanna love,
Love ya that much,
Cash it all in,
Give it all up,
When you're gone,
I wanna go too,
Like Johnny and June,

Like Johnny and June,
And when we're gone,
There'll be no tears to cry,
Only memories of our lives,
They'll remember, remember,
A love like that.

Sick! Sick! Sick!

All I have to say is if you are sick, STAY HOME! Don't infect the rest of us. And if you do come in to work, STAY IN YOUR OFFICE AND DON"T COME into MINE!! And when you do get me sick because you will. Everyone knows that NOW I catch everything. Don't be pissy when I can't come to work and you have to do my job. Oh yeah and thanks for costing my some of vacation time that I will have to take when I get sick, since you were so tight assed you couldn't use your own!! Thanks. Thanks so much. I really really appreciate it.

Politics

Last week my sister wrote a blog about Sarah Palin, and I read it, but I didn't respond to it. I too follow politics, maybe a little more closely then my sister. I have a pretty big opionion on politics, but I chose to follow the lead of my parents as I was growing up. We both have a side, but we don't talk about it.
I am a registered Democrat. Yes a Democrat. Most of my friends from my church can't believe this. To them it was as if I said I was worship Buddha or something. But I don't blindly follow the Democratic party. I vote based on what issues are important to me, and who most closes aligns with those issues. That being said, I have been recieving emails about the candidates for some time from different people, and I find it a little distrubing that so many people out there feel it is ok to push their own choices on other people. I don't know if I should be offended that they don't think I can think for my self so they have to do the thinking for me, or if they just feel like I will make the wrong decision. If someone wants to intelligently and fairly talk politics with me and trully find out what my thoughts are. I am all for that. But if you just want to try and "get me to your side" then No I don't want to talk with you. What happened to having open discussions and having a fair debate about issues. Things that are important to you aren't important to me. Just like everything else in this world. We are ALL DIFFERENT. We come from different backgrounds, we have different worries, we have different lives. So let me just make my choices by myself, and I will let you make your choices by yourself. If you come to me and ask me about things I will gladly give you any information as accurately as I can, but other then that I won't try to influence your choice with my own adgenda.

My Town

I grew up in Spencer, WI so I suppose that is "my hometown", but I never felt like I was meant to be there. When I graduated from High School, I tried to stick around and go to school, and make it work, but as fate would have it, God had other things in mind for me. I moved to the Council Bluffs, Iowa, Omaha Nebraska area. Where my some of my mom's family lives and my sister had moved to.
I lived with my aunt and my sister for awhile, and eventually ended up in Omaha, NE. Which for those of you who don't know Council Bluffs, IA, and Omaha are connected. There is only a river seperating them. For most people from Omaha this might as well be a whole continent.
I have lived in the area for 12 years OMG can you believe it. And there are times I can't believe that small town girl me lives in the big city. Well okay it's not New York, or L.A. or Miami, or even as big as Kansas City or Minneapolis, but it's big enough. And you know what I really do love this city, and I believe it is where I have been meant to live my whole life. Here are a couple of reason I love this town.

First the shopping. Yes the shopping. It is pretty good. We might not have designer boutiques, like some places, but we do have great shopping. Way better then the area that I grew up in. There are so many places to shop, if you can't find what you are looking for, you aren't really looking. And if you really need the designer goods you can take a day trip to Kansas City, MO and get your designer fix.
Second the sports. Yes the sports. We might not have any Professional teams, but we have lots of differents sports and some pretty good teams in the area. Yes we have the Huskers, Gag gag. I can't stand them probably because every one thinks they are so great and can do NO wrong, but I just don't get what the big deal is. People in this state think they are a religion. No joke. But other then Husker, we have the Creighton Blue Jays who are pretty good at basketball, and baseball. Then we as a city host the College World Series every year, and even though we don't often have a home state team in the tournament you can't help but get caught up in the excitment and over the years everyone picks a favorite team and roots for them to come back every year. This year we hosted the Olympic Swimming Trials and the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. (I didn't get a chance to go this year, but I was so proud to have it hosted in my town). We also have a rodeo every year, and great hockey teams, and a AA Baseball team. We have a golf tournament every year too. A pretty big, (well I don't really follow golf, but they broadcast it on the Golf Channel so I guess that's pretty big. Not Tiger Woods or anything, but still...) And on top of what is right here in Omaha if you drive 3 hours away you are in Kansas City MO and can see a NASCAR race, a Cheifs game, or a Royals game.
After sports it would have to be the other events that come to town. We have a great Arena that was built about 5 years ago. This has brought some big concert into town, so you don't have to travel anywhere to see your favorite bands. Kenny Chesney loves come to this town so much he kicks off his concert here, Faith and Tim kicked off their concert here a couple of years ago. Kiss came to town, Cher, and a bunch of others that only go to Great Venues.
There are other things that make this city so great too. We have a world class zoo. It is right up with some of the best of the USA. We have the Missouri River to boat on, (wouldn't recommend swimming it's not very clean). Drive 20 minutes in any directions and there are places to camp that aren't in the city. There are lakes to boat and swim in. There is Mahoney State park to rent a cabin at. There is Fun Plex Water Park.
And then there is eating. Yes eating. Omaha is a test market for restraunts. So before a restraunt goes national they will open up one or two places here in Omaha and see how it goes over. So there is almost always a new restraunt to try all the time. And there are so many different kinds of food to eat. There is truly something for everyone.
These are just a couple of reason why I love this city. Please come down and check it out for yourself, if you don't believe me.

Back From Vacation

So I am back at work, after being gone for 5 wonderful relaxing days. Yes even the 9 1/2 hour car ride yesterday with 3 kids was relaxing!!
It all started with an 8 hour drive on Wednesday. I picked the kids up after I got done at work from their dad's house, and we stopped at McDonald's and hit the road. Oh the quiet. Yes quiet. I would think with 3 kids who are used to a long drive, but have always had a way to watch movies it wouldn't be, but it was. Noah played his Gameboy, Megan slept, and Morgan, well I'm not really sure what Morgan did. After the Megan woke up from her nap, I was telling her and Morgan how their mom and I used to pass the time on car rides before portable DVD players and GameBoys and the like came about. We used to see who could spot the most liscense plates from different states, and the Alphabet Game. You know the one where you have to find all the letters of the Alphabet on road signs in order. The girls were actually having fun with it. Then it got dark and they all feel asleep again, and slept pretty much until we got to Pittsville, WI, yes an actually name of a town. I do not know why but it always seems like they wake up at this point. They all stayed awake until we got to Nana's house, and then it was straight to bed.
After everyone woke up and had breakfast, it was time for the kids to do their homework. And then we waited for Papa Kenny to call so we could meet up with him.
We went in to meet him at Grandma Weinfurter's house, and he didn't expect the kids. He was very happy to see them. We went out for dinner and then back to Nana Sheri's house to wait for Nana, and Grandpa George.
The next day we woke up and did more homework, and then the girls got a special surprise, a pedicure. This is Megan getting her toes done. I loved it. I usually do my own pedicures, but I thought why not let someone else pamper me. The place we went was not like the places I usually go. It was one small room, and one lady doing all the work. No big massage chairs to sit in and no feeling like you are on an assembly line.

After the pedicures we went to Nana's and packed up to hit the road to Phillips, WI. A hour or so drive. After we got up there, and unpacked, Noah got his extra time with Grandpa. They went to Stratford/Park Falls Football game. Just the boys, and the girls went out for Friday Night Fish Fry. Oh Yummy. Megz proceed to out drink us all with 3 cocktails, Morgan only had 1 beer (rootbeer), and Nana & I had 2 drinks. Morgan flirted with the bartender, and got us great service. Thanks Mo!!Then it was back to the Chrouser Compound for some down time.

The next morning the fun began, with exploring around the lake, and fishing, and then swimming!!


We took a boat ride that afternoon, and then Carla and Tegan came up and the kids were off playing again. I went out to the dock by the boat house to do some fishing, and before you know it I was screaming because I had actually caught a true fish. Not a Blue Gill, or Sun Fish like the kids were catching. I didn't know what to do. So I screamed for help, and everyone came running. George got the net and got him out of the water. He was beautiful in a slimy fishy Northern kind of a way. I didn't really think I would actually catch a fish, it was just a way to hang out with George and the kids, and here I am with my fish (Michael). (I will post a picture when I get it from my mom). Then Grandpa took the boys out in the boat to do some fishing. I think the boys really enjoyed this. The girls were a little upset that they didn't get to go, but were promised they could go later. Then it was dinner time, and time to play out of the water, so that is what they did. We did 4 wheeler rides, and played on the swings, and shot hoops, and explored.
The next morning, the Kaufman's showed up. Jennifer, Kip, and their 3 beautiful girls. The kids loved it. There were more then enough kids for everyone to play with, and do their things with. After lunch (Michael)I got my nap that I had wanted to take all weekend. And the kids got to play. And then it was cocktail hour, and time to get ready for dinner. Chicken and corn on the Cob, and Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, and fresh green beans. Oh yummy yummy yummy. The first time all weekend I actually gorged my self, and ate so much I was miserable after dinner.

After dinner I started to pack up everything to be ready the next morning for the long car ride back to Nebraska.

We woke up the next morning and took showers and ate breakfast and then said our good-byes. Oh how we didn't want to go, but we knew we had too. I have to work, and then kids have to go back to their mom and to school. So we hooked up the DVD player, and got on the road. After 9 1/2 hours, and a million potty stops, Thank You Morgan. And Lunch and dinner, and 3 states we made it home.

The kids were so well behaved all weekend, I could hardly believe it. They helped out cleaning up, they helped me do laundry, there was only 2 fits, and not arguements. Just a relaxing and fun time for everyone.