I'm Still Going Strong. Big Girl Panties On. Muscles Flexed.

Last Sunday, I had this week entirely planned out. It was important that I stayed on track and stuck to my schedule as much as possible. The month of April, with the exception of the first week, is going to be extraordinarily busy. We're pup and house sitting for some of our neighbor friends, 2 separate households, for the remainder of April and possibly into the first few days of May. Easter Sunday will be the only break we have between the 2 pup and house sitting jobs.

My Project Biscuit Love Room Catastrophe

THIS happened earlier today while tackling a project in the Biscuit Love Room. By myself. Lisa was at work. I didn't tell her I was going to embark on this project. I made the decision on the overnight. I had a vision in my head of where I was going to move this and that. In order for the biscuit room to accommodate my new plans, I had to move stuff. It probably wasn't the smartest decision to do it alone, but...

The Fecal Test Results Came Back Negative, But...

On Monday, Willa had her first doctors appointment since joining our family. I was on edge. A bundle of nerves. Aside from being in heat, a slight yeasty odor in her ears the week prior, a bit of itching, and soft stools, there were no major health related issues that concerned us. The doctor checked Willa's ears with a fine toothed comb. Nothing. No odor. No infection. At the end of the visit, she was given a clean bill of health.

Bodacious Soft Baked Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recipe

Each week, I create and bake a new, homemade dog treat recipe. The inspiration behind most of the recipes I create come from requests I receive via email or private messages. Sometimes, the inspiration is based on the seasonal fruit we have on hand, a great sale on produce, or my urge to experiment with ingredients I've never used in a homemade dog treat. This week, my inspiration had nothing to do with ingredients or sales or emails. It had everything to do with a sweet pup who recently had oral surgery.

...And Now, We Wait For The Fecal Test Results

Willa had her first appointment with the doctor today. I was a bundle of nerves. With all of our kids, during their first doctors appointment, there's always been a not-so-pleasant surprise or two. So far, in the 3 weeks Willa has been with us, we haven't noticed anything major that's health related, but there are a couple of concerns.

I'm A Bundle Of Nerves Because Willa Has Her First Appointment With The Doctor Tomorrow

Willa has her first appointment with the doctor tomorrow. I always hate that "first" visit to the doctor...the one made shortly after our family gets a little bigger. She's getting UTD on vaccinations, a full exam, a slew of tests, including fecal, and a nail trim. And yes, when Lisa takes Willa outside at 3:45 a.m. tomorrow morning, she'll be collecting poop in a Ziploc bag. In addition, the doctor will also determine if and when she's fully out of heat and give us a safe time frame of when we can schedule the surgery to get her spayed.

Snack Time Is A Big Deal In Our Crazy Home

Snack time, in our crazy home, is a pretty big deal. The kids know when it's snack time. Even Olivia, our rescue Guinea Pig. If she doesn't get her bowl o' produce at a certain time, she lets us know. It's the same with Coco, Sophie, Lobo, and Willa. They'll pace, bark at Lisa and I, and do everything in their power to tell us, "Moms...it's snack time."

The Sewing Machine Got A Workout This Week

I revved up the sewing machine this week and managed to finish a couple of Bodacious Patchwork Doggy Quilts. Originally, in honor of it officially being Spring, I wanted to use some lighter colored fabric, but I found myself drawn the darker shades. To brighten things up, I added some yellow squares with applique hearts. My artistic brain justified this as, "It's still cold and raw outside, but brighter and warmer days are ahead."

Lobo Peed On My Hoodie Because I Wouldn't Give Him Dove Chocolate

I ate 3 small pieces of Dove chocolate with my coffee this morning. Yep...PMS. Usually, when I indulge in something the kids can't have, I do it in private. However, my craving for chocolate during this month's PMS has been through the roof. I can't get enough. I opened the cupboard this morning to get a few crackers to eat before taking my vitamins. There it was. The bag of Dove chocolate. Lobo was at my feet. The bag of Dove chocolate was right there. Right. There. I caved. Big mistake.

There Are So Many Things To Consider. Questions To Answer.

As of late, I've been seeing a lot of posts from new dog parents expressing frustrations. They're on the verge of giving up.  I've also stumbled on quite a few desperate pleas from dog parents who are trying to re-home their dog. They no longer have time for "the dog." They're moving and can't take "the dog." They weren't expecting "the dog" to cost so much. They're expecting a baby and don't want to deal with "the dog." The relationship or marriage didn't work out and neither person wants "the dog." I see stuff like this all the time, but I think Willa is the reason for my as-of-late heightened awareness and sensitivity.

Random Rant - It's Not Okay For You To Touch Our Kids Without Permission

Towards the end of last year, Lisa and I were in a retail location that allowed pets. It was the holiday season so the store was busy. While browsing, I noticed an older lady shopping. She had a tiny dog in her carriage. I also took notice to a couple of young children running around the store with the intent to pet every dog in the store. I could tell a few of the dog parents were getting irritated.They had every right to be.

Our Version Of The 40 Bags In 40 Days Challenge

I've been seeing a lot of blog posts and Facebook updates about the 40 Bags In 40 Days Challenge. It happens every year during the first week of March and runs through the 2nd week of April. It's supposed to coincide with the 40 days of Lent. The purpose is to declutter one area in your living space a day. I am not familiar with the details. I'm not religious. I don't participate in Lent. So, decluttering our home during this period and filling up to 40 bags to complete the challenge isn't my thing. However, because I am a work at home Dog Mom, keeping our home clutter free and organized is something I do throughout the year.

We Had Plans, But The Universe And Fate Had Something Else In Mind

I have a Hotmail account that I created about 10 years ago. At one time I used this account for my personal email. I stopped using it a few years ago when I switched to Gmail for my work, blog, and personal emails. It was easier to have everything in one place. Since then, my old Hotmail account sits dormant most of the time, but on occasion, I check it. Once in a while, I'll come across an email from an acquaintance who forgot about my new email account or a really great online coupon. Most of the time, I visit my old Hotmail account to go through a few folders where I've stashed old emails. That's exactly what I did earlier tonight.

I'm Kind Of Not Looking Forward To The Warm Weather Months

The Spring season will officially be here in 2 days. For us New England folks, that means very little right now. The temperatures are still below freezing. We can't rule out another snowstorm or two. There's still snow on the ground. And, we've got another month or so left before the grass turns greens and the trees and spring flowers start budding and blooming. Spring tends to be a gradual process in our neck of the woods.

The Concept Of Improvising Gets A Bad Rap. But, It Shouldn't.

Years ago, date night or date day used to happen away from home. It was nothing for us to take off for a few hours at night for dinner and drinks or to enjoy an afternoon taking scenic drives, visiting the local wineries, or frequenting the numerous flea markets in the area. We also ran errands together. A few times, we ventured out of state for a night or two. Spontaneity was an option. Now, not so much.

I Almost Feel Like A Failure. The Operative Word Is...Almost.

Before writing this post, I spent an hour just sitting here, gazing aimlessly at the photo I chose for this blog column. Willa was, and still is, curled up in a tiny ball against my leg, sound asleep. I'm beyond exhausted. I haven't slept for more than 2 or 3 hours at a time in 2 weeks. I have yet to create a homemade dog treat recipe this week. I still need to add a couple of pages to both blog sites. Not a single quilt was made. I've fallen behind on the Bodacious Biscuit Love Blog Site. The big painting project we had scheduled for April is rescheduled for the week before Memorial Day. My to-do lists scribbled on PostIt Notes have sat untouched. I almost feel like a failure. The operative word is...almost.

Here's The Recipe For Our Peanut Butter Banana Cinna Dog Biscuits

The inspiration for last week's new homemade dog treat recipe was the newest addition to our family...sweet Willamina. We're in the process of transitioning her to the same homemade meals and treats our kids eat. It's a slow process, but one we've been through several times with our other kids. Last week, I created a recipe for Bodacious Strawberry Banana Dog Treats. These treats were peanut butter free. This week, I wanted to introduce Willa to peanut butter.

We Didn't Get Much Snow, But We Got A Lot Of Wind

If I see one more Facebook post about Blizzard Stella/Eugene being a bust or how inadequate meteorologists are, I'm going to scream. Seriously. Yesterday we were under a blizzard warning from 8 in the morning until 8 in the evening. They predicted up to 2 feet of snow, with greater totals in some areas, winds up to 60 mph, and widespread power outages. Well, that didn't exactly happen in our area.

Bring It On, Mother Nature

I've been keeping close watch on this storm for a while now. The Weather Channel named it Blizzard Stella. Our local channels named it Blizzard Eugene. It's massive. This morning, we were under a winter storm warning. Later in the day, they upgraded us to a blizzard watch. Late this afternoon, they upgraded us again to a blizzard warning. There's strict criteria to a storm being classified as a blizzard. Once that happens, you know shit is about to get real.

9 More Things You Probably Shouldn't Say To A Dog Mom

The other day I published a blog column about finally being able to understand the Moms who have pushed the boundaries. If you keep up with this blog, you'll know that a week and a half ago, our family got a little bigger. Willamina joined our family. She's a sweet Jack Russel pup, under 2 years old, in heat, who needed a home after being pushed into the category of "unwanted" from a couple who had split up. We now have 5 rescue kids...4 pups and 1 (Guinea) piggy.

Here's The Recipe, And A Few Tips, For Crock Pot Pup Meals

I'm a little behind on most stuff including the page for 'Homemade Meals For The Pups.' A few people have reached out asking about the crock pot meals that I make for our kids. I've received dozens of replies and messages asking for the recipe. Up until about a month ago, I simply threw everything into the crock pot without measuring. After numerous requests for the recipe, I measured the ingredients for the last couple of crock pot meals.

It's Been A Week Since Willamina Joined Our Family

Yesterday marked a week since sweet Willamina joined our family. It's been crazy. I had to shift my schedule around a bit including when I sleep. Total. Sleep. Deprivation.  This was, and still is, necessary while Willa adjusts to her new surroundings, her siblings, the new sounds, us, and everything between. Although we've had some challenges because she's in heat, that didn't stop her from making it quite clear she's the perfect fit, and balance, to our family.

How Did I Honor International Women's Day?

Yesterday it was International Women's Day and, because I have a vagina, I was encouraged to NOT engage in paid and unpaid work, avoid spending money, and wear red in solidarity. Um. Okay. I'm not one to conform. I embrace the unconventional and the Wabi Sabi way of life. Aside from that, I'm also a realist. I'm a wife. I'm a Dog Mom. I don't have the luxury of NOT engaging in paid and unpaid work. My kids depend on me. My wife depends on me. Our day to day life depends on me. There mere thought of waking up and not doing a damn thing because, what? I'm a...woman? It makes me laugh just to think about it.

It Has Taken Me Twice As Long, But They're Done

The past week has been a blur. I'm behind on a few things. Sleep deprivation is through the roof. Even though I declared Sunday as an official Catch Up Day, I'm still struggling to keep up with things. This craziness is temporary. I've been through it with each addition to our family. It lasts for a few weeks. This time around may be a bit longer because Willa is in heat. Exhale. Despite all, I've managed to create a couple more Bodacious Patchwork Doggy Quilts.

It's Been A Gradual Process, But I'm Finally There

Early on in my career, one of the many things I did for the company I worked for was write blogs. I was also responsible for getting my foot in the door with Mommy Bloggers. That was our target audience. During this time, I scheduled and conducted interviews with Moms of human children. In a way it was awkward because I wasn't a Mom of human children, but they provided me with valuable insight. And, it was always a pleasure to chat with these women from all walks of life.

Sipping Coffee And Hemming Newborn Pants At 7 In The Morning

When Lobo joined our family, it was late January of 2015. It was the day after major surgery to remove one of his hind legs and neutering. He had been rescued a few days prior from a nightmare and was pretty much on death's door. In addition to recovering from his surgery, we also had to contend with other issues. One of those issues was 75% hair loss due to a massive flea infestation before he was rescued. Lobo was also covered with scabs from where he dug into his skin to scratch. Lots of them.

I Officially Declared Today As "Catch Up Day"

The past few days have been a total blur. I can't remember the last time I was this exhausted. I'm behind on a few work things. I need to bake more biscuit love. My blogs have fallen a bit behind. To be expected. On Thursday, our family got a little bigger. It's been a bit of a challenge because the newest addition to our family, Willa, is in heat.

We've Already Started The Process Of Transitioning Willa To Homemade Meals

Sweet Willa joined our family 2 days ago and we've already started the process of transitioning her to the same homemade meals Coco, Sophie, and Lobo eat. It's a gradual process and one that we've been through several times. It takes about 2 weeks. We don't rush it. Their tummies need time to adjust and it's uncertain if they will have a food allergy, food sensitivity, or something that doesn't settle well.

It's Going To Be Okay. It Was Meant To Be.

The past 24 hours have been chaotic, a bit emotional, and exhausting. Two days ago,  I knew a big change was right around the corner. Think back to the last time you stood outside, during the summer months, and even though the sun was shining, you just knew thunderstorms would be rolling in later. Maybe there was something in the air. Or, a smell. Maybe the birds were acting out of sorts. Something. That's the way it's been, for me, over the past week or so.

Welcome Home, Wilhelmina

It's almost midnight. I have been sitting here on the sofa, working from my Chromebook, staring at the screen. There's a slightly unfamiliar bundle of 10 pound furry love curled up beside of me. I don't know where to begin. How do I even start this this post? How can I possibly make sense of what happened today? I can't. Not yet. I keep coming back to the blog column I published yesterday. I had a feeling the Universe was shifting. Fate was putting in her two cents. Change was inevitable.

The Universe Is Shifting And It's Much Bigger Than A Shimmy Shake

Back in 2010, midsummer, I lived out of state. On this one particular day, I was sitting on the antique cement bench located in the middle of my vegetable garden. The soil, where I lived, had produced one of the most abundant gardens I've ever grown. The house I lived in was paid for. No mortgage. It was filled with furniture and decor from an upscale department store. I was in my mid-30's. I had reached my goals. Crossed off the items on my bucket list. However, there I was, sitting in the middle of my garden, eating sun-warmed grape tomatoes. Completely. Miserable.