Reunited!

Meet Ruby!

You may be thinking one of two things: "Why aren't there photos of the dog?" or "Why is she posting about a dog that we all know she has?"

Actually this is a post about this "Ruby"



This "Ruby" was swiped off the shelves at Shopko while mom was looking for window shades. Big H's eyes got big as he picked it up and happily exclaimed "Ruby! Ruby!"

Then, to put the cherry on top of the cuteness cake, he snuggled it close to his chest and gave me a huge smile.



The fact is that this is not an unusual sight. Every stuffed animal gets this loving adoration from Big H- and it also gets named "Ruby". But didn't mean that this emotional pregnant mom didn't continue to pace around the store, trying to stall while I thought up a plan to take away the "Ruby".

Perhaps a bribe with candy? Nah! It was close to lunch time and it's hard enough to get them to eat without a tummy full of sweets. Take it away and let him cry while we make our way to the car? That would probably have been the best choice, but my pregnant heart could not take it.



The toy was just the right price: cheap enough for buying it not to be totally ridiculous, but expensive enough for me to feel a twinge of guilt for spending so frivolously. Craig called me while I debated in my head, and I asked him if I could just buy the Giraffe. He said it was fine, so we walked out of the store with a new "Ruby".



For days the "Ruby" never left his side. He'd go to sleep with it, wake up with it in his hand and he'd carry it all through the house- and to the doctors office. He even shared it with his brother who also happens to be quite fond of it.

Sadly this "Ruby" is out of commission for the week because it happened to be in the same bed as the poopy diaper Big H managed to take off the other day.

I'm sure there will be untold excitement when Big H is reunited with his "Ruby".

What Better Name for a Dog

We found this stuffed dog in a parking lot when I was pregnant with the boys, and my pregnant emotions persuaded me to take it home and wash it. Now it's become one of the toys that we are trying to turn into security objects for the boys. Both boys like the dog, but Big H had a bear that he liked to so I gave Little H the dog. But after this sweet little display how could I not let Big H have the dog.



As it turns out all toy- stuffed or plastic- animals are Ruby. But I still let him have the dog. Little H isn't really taking to security items, but Big H is. He hangs on to blankets, stuffed animals, etc. He likes to feel secure.

P.S. For those that don't know our little mini dachshund is named Ruby.

June 7, 2010: There's a Lawn to be Mowed. . .

. . .and thankfully it is no longer ours. Though our very overgrown back yard mowing experience probably would have made a good post I forgot to take pictures, so instead I'll right about helping Craig mow my Grandma Andreason's lawn.



The twins and I paid Grandma a visit



while Craig mowed her lawn.



This has become a weekly chore, and my sweet Grandma won't let us do it without pay so it's a nice way to earn some money.

This dog is name Rudy? Or Ruthie? Or something along those lines. Something that sounds very similar to Ruby. . .



. . .and so most of our stay was trying to remember which dog we were yelling at to stop barking.



Did I mention this sweet little pup of ours decided to get herself lost on Friday. She thought it was important to jump out of the car to bark at a little boy. The little boys Dad needed gas and with all the confusion and nervousness, of being approached by a strange man while I was alone in a park with the boys, I left her behind. My mother is to thank for her happy return. Craig and I weren't sure what to do because if she had ended up in the pound we couldn't afford to get her out. Well she did end up in the pound, and it was my mom who bailed her out.



Thanks for the cookies Grandma! They were delicious!



Yay! Dad's done!



Now he can play!



The twins had fun helping Dad, and Grandma enjoyed the visit. With Craig's new work schedule this weekly chore may now be mine, so the twins will get to stop by every time.

January 24-30, 2010: Just to Catch You Up!

Last week was a fun week for us.

Craig and I gave talks in church on Sunday. We had to talk on Faith and Testimony. Craig did a wonderful job. I, however, never refer to my public speaking moments as anything close to wonderful.

The boys finally got over their colds, which was such a relief for everyone.

The boys also discovered Ruby's dog dishes. Big H plays in the water and Little H eats the food. Big H has been known to sneak a few bites himself :P

We learned that Little H can crawl up at least one step, and he's starting to pull himself up to the standing position.

On Saturday Craig and I took my parents to the "Sherlock Holmes" movie with some gift cards we had from Christmas. We all really enjoyed the film. Thank you to my Aunt Salonna for watching the boys so we could enjoy a get away to the movies!

We also learned that the boys like fruit loops. . .a lot!

October 19, 2009: New Arrivals

I forgot to mention that while we were painting our dog, Ruby, decided to go into labor. She gave birth to three beautiful puppies.






Great timing huh? ;)

Yes We are Those Kind of People

I have to admit it- even though I've spent a majority of my life dressing up my animals in costumes- we have become those people who put outfits on their small dogs. Yes we bought an actual article of clothing for our pet that she wears daily.

OK. . .OK. . .we bought two!



She just seems so cold up here, and since they have such cute Halloween outfits we thought, "Why not be festive?"

Well she's going to be cold all winter and she can't wear that pumpkin sweater the whole time, so we bought here a pink doggy coat too.



I know it's tacky, but truthfully I've kind of always wanted an excuse to buy my dog a sweater.

On another note look at the cute bag I made for my friend during conference! So this is a first and they will only get better, but I still thought it looked pretty cute.

Friday October 2, 2009: Mom Finally Gets Her Little Girl

On Friday our friends, John and Holly, brought as a little present.

Meet Ruby!



She's the newest member of our family and we are so happy to have her!