Dreaming What Ifs...

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

All that Matters.....

My sister married her man of 9 years last weekend. 

Without going into every single detail....the wedding started 90 minutes late and there were more than a few bumps and bruises along the way....

But in the end only one thing mattered:

 

Amanda and Joey.  Together. Man and Wife.  LOVE

Congrats sis.  May the rest be smoother sailing. 

Shutterfly Holiday Cards - Easy Peasy for me AND for you!

Last year, I "sold out" and actually advertised on my blog for the first time in FOUR years.  And I don't regret one single word. 

I wrote about Shutterfly's Holiday Cards (and was "paid" in cards).  I was a little skepical but in the end was DELIGHTED with a beautiful and happy set of cards. 

So - when the chance came up and I was offered the same deal - with a little extra for my readers, I jumped at the chance.  So now I will be able to offer THREE READERS some free cards too!   

With Shutterfly's HUGE selection of card types to choose from, I was able to customize which pictures I wanted to include and arranged them to my specifics.  I made Folded Greeting Cards with a personalized greeting inside.  It was easy and fun.  Shutterfly offers many colors and fonts choices!

I was so happy with my cards I even made a few Calendars for grandparents:  You know that grandparents Love items like this....and Shutterfly was so nice to even include ALL the various holidays on the calendar too.  (by the way - the paper is Heavy-duty cardstock.  I've used this calendar all year and it hasn't ripped or torn once - not even through the little nail hole.  Color me happy!)

So, folks  - Yes, I highly recommend Shutterfly as a Christmas Card provider. 

AND....the first 3 readers who respond and write, "I WANT SHUTTERFLY CARDS!" will receive a promotional code worth 25 FREE Holiday Cards.  Isn't that Super Fantastic?  I think so too.

Thanks Shutterfly.  Now go check them out! 

Holiday Cards

Calendars

And Psst  - they even have OTHER cards too!

 

OH -  Are you a blogger? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q

 

 

 

 

Sad Decisions

I finally took our new stray, Ullr, to the vet today for an exam and vaccines.

They asked to perform an FIV test.  I reluctantly said, "go ahead" - thinking it was a waste of money.

The results came back positive. 

Our doctor was very apologetic and sorrowful.  Ullr is very healthy and he said plenty of cats live many healthy long FIV+ years. 

(and this is where the word, "however" comes into play and where decisions have to be made).

It is the recommendation of higher veterinarian authories that outdoor cats be culled when tested positive with FIV.  My vet admitted he disagreed with the statement.  "It is hard to put down a healthy, happy cat like Ullr."

FIV positive cats should be indoor-only.  This is to keep the disease from spreading to other felines and to protect the cat from increase in infections with it's lowered immune system.

What to do with Ullr.  My husband, Dave, has made it quite plain that he does NOT want Ullr in the house.  One cat (Penelope) is enough and the risk of cat spray is more than he can handle.  

Buttercup is in love with Ullr.  He is a sweet, loving, and gentle cat around the kids.  Even The Caboose enjoys attention from him.  

As a responsible pet owner, I feel strongly about NOT leaving him outside to possibly fight and infect other neighborhood cats.  As a home owner, I am not ready to deal with possible cat spray either.  As a parent, I do not want to explain to my children why a healthy cat like Ullr needs to be put to sleep permanently.  

Ullr is content outside.  He has walked into the house a few times, looked around and then quickly escaped back to where he is comfortable.  (This is why we fear cat spray - he may dislike being cooped up and act out in his anger.  And yes, he is neutered.)   

So, Dave and I will talk.  I'll try to convince him Ullr needs to be an inside cat.  He'll try to convince me that Ullr doesn't fight and that is why he can stay outside.  I'll argue that we don't know his territory range.  Dave will remind me how bad the urine was when Skunky was having kidney failure.  And ultimately - a decision will be made.

The Spammers Strike Again

Since I haven't been blogging regularly, I've forgotten one important rule....

Be Careful With Post Titles.

My picture of Jammin' being carried like a pappoose has garnered me TONS of spam - all aimed at getting me to view pictures of little boys and girls who like be clothes-less.  (I'm trying to type nicely here without triggering more spam). 

Obviously, I can't use the words B.i.g. and B.o.y.s. and B.a.b.i.e.d. all in the same sentence.  That was just asking for trouble.  It's a sad day when the porn spammers outnumber regular comments.

Something of Her Own

For the past three years, she has sat through Cub Scout meetings for her brother.  She has taken nature walks, picked up trash, visited museums and fish ladders with all the boys.  She watched as her mother and father planned events, sewed on patches, and made trips to the art store.  She listened to stories of Scout camp and overnight Lock-Ins.  She viewed pictures of visits with the Mayor, National Guard, and local Service people.  

She wanted to belong.

When I mentioned the possibility of finding a Girl Scout Troop, her eyes lit up and she jumped with enthusiasm.  I quickly made some phone calls and found one.

Now she is a Brownie.  She attended her first all Girl's meeting this evening.  She listened to the plan for an upcoming hike in two weeks.  She saw the flyer for the local OSU sorority halloween party for Girl Scouts.  She learned the scout salute.  She sang the Girl Scout song.  She participated in the friendship circle.

She belongs and couldn't be more happy.      

Eight is Great

Last weekend, Buttercup celebrated birthday number eight.  She asked for a bunny cake.  She wanted a  huge party with all her friends.

I made the bunny cake but we didn't have a huge party. 

Instead, as a family, we attended the famous musical Oklahoma.  (read HERE to find out about the cast.)

We LOVED the performance.  Even 10 year old Jammin' thought it was good.  Several times I caught a smile on his face during the performance.  Afterwards, Buttercup sang.  I sang.  Dave sang.  Jammin' hummed quietly.

It was a good day to be eight.