Puppy Training

MK - I'm no puppy training expert. Remember, we had to get a shock collar for Hula! But I think she's a decently behaved dog now. I think it took about 2 1/2 weeks for Hula to stop crying at night. Lucy may take to it faster. I'm telling you...it is great practice for babies because, with Ace, I had 9 MONTHS of sleepless nights where I was waking up every 2 hours. One thing I meant to suggest: We actually made a command for Hula: "Go get in your crate." We taught it just like we taught her sit, down, shake, etc. I made her sit in the kitchen and told her to "stay" while I backed up and got by her crate. Then I'd say "Hula, go get in your crate" and she'd come to me to get the cheese but I'd give it to her once she got into the crate. It is now our favorite command we've taught her.
You said "limb" to describe what fell off your tree. I would have said "half the tree fell off." That is a crazy, big "limb." I'm glad you and Lucy are safe.
Happy puppy training.

Lucy and the Tree

It's official! Matt and I are the proud owners of a puppy! We got Lucy on Sunday afternoon on the way home from Tyler (thanks for going with us, Ruthie and Shane!!). Lucy came from a wonderful family in Farmersville, TX....we were able to meet her mom/dad/sisters while we were there. We asked the breeder if there was a girl puppy who is very "low key" and "chill"....she pointed immediately to Lucy and the rest is history! Lucy has lived up to her description--she might be the most laid back puppy ever--perfect for Matt and I! Lucy loves to sleep, take walks, and play in the front yard. Her favorite thing to do is curl up in a cool patch of grass to take a nap....even though she is very calm most of the time, she definitely has her hyper "puppy" moments when we play with her toys. We are trying to crate-train her at night...not the easiest thing to do! She is doing better--she only cries for ~5-10 min. when we put her in her crate. Hopefully she'll learn to love her crate soon. Kelly---how long did you wake up every few hours to let Hula out? We are definitely sleep-deprived and looking forward to a full night's rest again! I can't wait for all of you to meet Lucy--you will absolutely love her! Come visit soon!! 

With good news, also comes sad news....Sunday was very eventful; especially getting Lucy. Unfortunately, the excitement didn't stop there. Matt and I have 2 huge, beautiful pear trees in our front yard. On Sunday night (while Matt was at work), I heard a huge thud and the doorbell rang. Our neighbor had come over to tell us that a HUGE limb had broken off of our tree! Matt and I knew that it was coming (the previous owner hadn't taken care of the yard), but we were hoping to wait until the Fall to trim them back. It's safe to say that we'll be getting them trimmed sooner than later--the joys of home ownership! We are so thankful that Lucy and I weren't in the front yard when it broke (we had spent the majority of the night playing in the yard), and that it broke in the grass instead of on top of our roof. I guess there's a silver lining in everything!

Out of shape like me?

Is anyone else hurting all over from this weekend?! Surely the 10 minutes I spent on the knee-board was not enough to make my triceps hurt like fire and make me sleep in EVERY morning this week. Or maybe they were. Bright spot: My sunburn no longer stings! I only had two measley photos on my camera from this weekend. Here they are:

MK-I love your eyes in this photo!

=)Kelly

2008 Lake Weekend

THANK you Brittany for planning a fantastic weekend: meals, cleaning, scheduling, etc, etc. and showing Ace the deer!
THANK you Mary Kathryn for Catch-Phrase, Rock Bank and suggesting that we take the photo BEFORE we got out on the lake.
THANK you Ruthie for a once-in-a-lifetime jet ski memory and a bout of breathless laughing.
THANK you Shannon for jet ski tips (even though they got me in trouble for being too close to the boats) and tying back those long, blonde locks so they didn't slap me in the face!

I had the BEST time. It reinforced my belief that I don't deserve such beautiful friends.