She's Broke.

The other day she must have done something really irritating to Sam because, the normally patient and calm boy, was screaming from the other room. 

"You're going to pay for that!!!!!"

Her response....

"That's ok, I don't have any money anyways!"

Dog Days of Summer

So it's been one full week of Johnny"ness".

He is settling in nicely with us.

After 3 baths,  2 trips to the vet, flea infestation removal, de-worming (again), a viral infection which led to vomiting and dehydration, which then led to injection of fluids and anti-vomiting medicine, prescription dog food....

I think we are in the free and clear for a little while.

He seems to have a great temperament and we ADORE him!

Nights are slowly getting better. We have definitely been thrown back to newborn baby days.

He is very smart and learning fast.

He is even starting to recognize his name.

I have to be honest in saying that I really did not want another puppy.... ever. 

I had wanted to adopt a golden about 2 or 3 years old.

The breed rescue groups denied us because we don't have a fully fenced in yard.

So I reluctantly started searching for a puppy.

So that is the short story of how we ended up with Johnny.

He's been worth every penny and worry.

Why?

Just look below and smile.

But most importantly it's because Beth has met her match.

I have often referred to Beth as my Karmic penance.

Johnny is hers.

:)

Heeeerrrrreeeee's........ Johnny! :)

Introducing the newest member of our family.

Our 6 week old Golden Retriever puppy named Johnny.

We are looking forward to watching him grow up right along side the kids.

I am wishing that this little guy will be a great dog for us.

I am hoping that he lives a long life and can carry the kids through high school.

I am praying that their childhood is enhanced and their love of animals is greatened by Johnny.

There is a lot of responsibilities loaded onto his little shoulders.

My dream is that someday when they are older, with their own families, they will be able to look back and think, "Johnny, he was the best dog ever!"

I Think I Gave Birth to Foreign Diplomats.

It's true.

Our life seems to be one big negotiation. 

The past few weeks as most American families were enjoying their summer weekends cutting the grass, going to the beach, family cook outs, swimming in pools, ect. we were heavily involved in something similar to NATO peace negotiations. 

They have forced my hand to resort to bribes and empty threats.

Everything from mealtime menus, clothing, movie viewing, which color plate gets used and by whom, seating placement (including but not limited to) in the vehicles and the  kitchen table, who's turn it is to get the mail, who's turn it is to turn off the shower...

and the list goes on and on.

These situations may seem mundane to the casual observer, but a wrong decision at any of these events and the fragile equilibrium between sanity and chaos can erupt ruthlessly.

I know.... I've seen it. I've lived it.

It is complex at times with Beth's command on Asian culture,

and Sam's knowledge and displays of brute force and guerilla warfare.

I do give them a slight learning curve.

Being that they are foreign diplomats, English is not their first language.

So that being said I have accepted the fact that I typically have to repeat certain phrases multiple times. 

Things like,

"Sam, get your hands off your sister."

"Beth, communicate in a different way, I don't understand the language of Whine & Scream."

Night times are especially critical. 

Anyone who knows our family struggles with sleep, know what I am talking about. 

I am very much to blame.... I admit it.

Since Sam was born I was so in love with him that I never wanted to let him go. 

Because of this, he fell asleep next to me for the next 4 to 5 years. 

Beth.... well Beth had her own problems but that's an entirely different story.

Long story short, we have a delicate balance to find every evening.

Phase 1- It starts by the proclamations of not being the slightest bit tired.

In fact they seem convinced that they can pull an all-nighter.

After much debate they finally agree go upstairs and begin their nightly rituals.

Phase 2- Lighting.

Yes, the lighting is as critical as West Bank negotiations between Israel and Palestine. 

Sam wants the hallway light on.... Beth doesn't because it's too bright.

Beth wants the bathroom light on.... the light doesn't travel far enough down the hallway for Sam's liking.

They both have night lights too.

But here's the kicker...

Beth faithfully sleeps with a sleep mask.

Regardless of the lighting situation she can't see it anyways.

So our mediation into the situation led us to remove the light bulbs from one of the hallway lights (for Sam) and the bathroom light goes on for Beth.

Both have their night lights on.

And then when everyone is satisfied, Beth slips her sleep mask over her eyes and falls fast asleep.

If Brian is the President and Treasure in the family than I must be the Secretary of State and Vice-President.

Maybe I need to give Hillary a call and get some advice.