On the other side of things...

O always makes up for what we feel we are lacking! Here are some cute pics of her.....she's a crack up! She's becoming the little lady...she's very independent and VERY opinionated! (Hmm....wonder where that comes from?? lol.) Anyway, for the last few weeks we've been taking O to The Little Gym...where she can play with other kids her age, climb, jump, tumble, run...well you get the picture! She has a blast. Her favorite part is bubbles...she really likes bubbles!!

Thank you Trish.

Before I go to bed....I do my usual rounds of website searches, read blogs, check myspace then I go in my room...watch some TV. Pray. Then off to bed. Tonight I read something to remind me....that one part of my routine needs more focus. The last few days have been rough, not knowing what is going to happen...what will happen if the unthinkable happens. I just want SCREAM at them for doing this to us!!!!!! I don't mean to get preachy....but I do have to state the obvious....and state my claim.
Needless to say I've allowed someone else control my thoughts...instead of SCREAMING to Him. I realized I haven't got down on my knees and really PRAYED. It's funny, He held us up through our 1st major crisis after celebrating one year of marriage. Then last year, He lifted us up and lead us through the threat of Cancer. Through it all...He was there. And why I'm allowing this time to be any different is beyond me. I know it's not going to be easy and it's probably going to get pretty scary.....but I know, I remember....God is faithful.....He is OUR rock in whom we take refuge. (PS. 94)

Thank you Trish for reminding me that God is FAITHFUL. My family is my daily reminder of His adundant blessings.

Meet Fred.

My husband named him that....because he can't help but be the BIGGEST kid when it comes to icky creatures. I told him since this little guy doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, I guess we should name him--jokingly of course--and he did!! HA!

So...meet Fred the frog!

He's actually NOT as big as this picture makes him look.
He's probably about the size of your mouse (for your computer that is--LOL).

This is not zoomed...he's pretty teeny actually!
(and YES that is a snow shovel--don't ask!?!?!)

When life throws you lemons....

I guess it's best to make Lemondae........

and with the way things are going in the world...we probably should think about selling it too!!


Life has threw us a couple of lemons yesterday....right now we are still digesting the information. We are all fine, safe & healthy--so no worries there. Just asking to keep us in your prayers. I guess at some point over the course of the next few days we'll start mapping out a plan & praying for direction. I know God is FAITHFUL & has great things in store for us....I just didn't figure He'd do it this way!! Or maybe HE was trying to get our attention! HA! It's no laughing matter I suppose...but all you can do is laugh....well sure we can laugh now but yesterday....not so much laughing!!!

Okay I lied.

I went into the Princess' room. This is what I found. I'm not sure what this is all about...but lately I find that she likes to hang her feet out of the crib! Who knows?!?!?!


Could these feet be ANY freakin' cuter!?!?!



P.S. No babies were woken up during this photo session! =o)

Nothing really new to post.

My big sister came back into town....really only to tighen up some loose ends and then she's on her way to Cali for about a month. I've really missed her. I've also really missed my mom. I'm still getting used to after having her with me for the last 3 and half years. Mom is really happy though and that's most important....but I still miss her.

That's it. Tomorrow is play day & the Heart of Tulsa Arts & Craft fair to scope out if it's something we should look into in the fall!! We'll see.

Anyway. I'll post pics later. Oh yeah, I did make a new DIAPER CAKE...go check it out!

i could just eat her up.

couldn't you???

The Pink Basket.

I bought this basket for I think 50 cents at Hobbly Lobby the other day to go in her room....it's really cute. I thought I could throw her ever expanding hair bow collection in there.......well, O had a different idea! Which brings me to my next point...I've spent some pretty good hard earned $$ on toys....most she doesn't really play with. Is this what parents mean when they say, "they'll play with the box more then the actual toy"??? And if that's the case.....why do I still feel the need to spend my hard earned money??? LOL!!!!!

Oh what fun she had though!

Did you know????

What goes around does come around! There's no doubt that recycling is an important environmental stewardship effort which reaps many benefits key to the long-term sustainability of our planet.

Did you know that...
---->Recycling a soda can saves 96% of the energy used to make a can from ore, produces 95% less air pollution and 97% less water pollution?
---->One recycled aluminum can is equivalent in energy to a half a can full of gasoline?
---->If every American household recycled just one out of every ten discarded HDPE bottles (used in milk jugs and most shampoo and detergent bottles), it would keep 200,000,000 pounds of plastic out of landfills.

It doesn't take much....just an extra trash can and in some cities you probably even have access to a special curbside service that will haul it away for you!!!! Just check with your local chamber of commerce. Just ONE small step to make such a HUGE difference!!

A new blog.

I decided that I'm going to make a blog for my diaper cakes because...well....not everyone has a myspace or wants to create one JUST to see what I've done!! SOOOOOOOOO....VIOLA!
Here's the link!! Spread the word!!!

www.youniquetechnique.blogspot.com

One year ago.....

One year ago today.....our life changed with one little word....CANCER. My husband was diagonised with malignant melanoma of the eye. A few days later we packed up our things and took our 3 month old daughter to Philadelphia for a life changing experience & one week after he was diagonsed he lost his right eye. It happened so quickly, we didn't have to think, we just did. For each other and for our little girl. Today is a special day because, while yes it was tragic, Heath is still with us. He's a cancer survivor...as much as that's hard to still swollow.......it's the most courageous thing to hear and I'm so proud that he was so brave to face it! God had HIS hand in the midst of it all and helped us get through....there is NO DOUBT about that and I'm thankful for His blessings. Today.....It's a good day.
I love you Baby....O loves you too!


This was my post one year ago....

A little terrified of what's ahead but I'm hopeful. Right now I'm not sure if I'm going up or down. No words to describe what I'm feeling inside....until I heard this today and decided to stand up and call on my angels. I'm still a little scared but I know I'm...NO.....I know WE are in the safety of HIS arms.
_____________________________________________________________________________
I need a sign to let me know you're here

All of these lines are being crossed over the atmosphere

I need to know that things are gonna look up

Cause I feel us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup

When there is no place safe and no safe place to put my head

When you can feel the world shake from the words that I said

And I'm calling all angels And I'm calling all you angels

And I won't give up if you don't give up

I won't give up if you don't give up

I won't give up if you don't give up

I won't give up if you don't give up

I need a sign to let me know you're here

Cause my tv set just keeps it all from being clear

I want a reason for the way things have to be

I need a hand to help build up some kind of hope inside of me

And I'm calling all angels And I'm calling all you angels

When children have to play inside so they don't disappear

While private eyes solve marriage lies cause we dont talk for years

And football teams are kissing queens and losing sight of having dreams

In a world where all we want is only what we want untill it's ours

And I'm calling all angels And I'm calling all you angels And I'm calling all angels

(I won't give up if you don't give up)

And I'm calling all you angels

(I won't give up if you don't give up)

Calling all you angels

(I won't give up if you don't give up)

Calling all you angels

(I won't give up if you don't give up)

Calling all you angels

4th of July weekend.

Well we had a pretty eventful 4th of July weekend....although Heath was out of town all weekend because of a gig.....we still managed to have a great time!!!

O & I went to Auntie Sally's on Friday night....we attempted to see the fireworks but she just couldn't last. So we went home....then Saturday....O went swimming for the first time. Her cousin S invited her over to swim at her pool and we thought it would a great thing for O. And it was.....O had a blast & I think we need to figure something out to get her out in a pool more often!!! So here are some pictures of O in the swimming pool...she was sooooo cute!!!




O & S in their 4th of July wagon!

You have to see this video!!

Get your tissues out ladies!!!
A little background first.....
(this was in the 60's and 70's so people didn't know any better to leave wild animals wild)
Two friends had a pet lion cub that lived with them in their London Home. He would go to work with them, but soon he reached over 100lbs and they realized he was just too big. So they contacted someone they knew who directed them to a program in Africa that would rehabilitate Christian the lion and set him free. A year later they decide to go visit Christian, they are told he has been set free and they probably won't see him while they are visiting the reserve. The day they come to visit, suddenly Christian appears...like he could sense his old friends were there. The rehabilitors said he would not know them anymore.
Here's the link.... http://youtube.com/watch?v=_6UWU4--lv0

Thanks Marlita!

Thanks to Marlita...I finally figured out how to get my blog background changed....and it's not even midnight yet! I've also added a poll...I'll change the question every once in a while so I invite you to check it out and play along!!! I'm also going to try adding my playlist (just like Trish has)...but that's for another day! Hope my new blog is a little easier on the eyes!

So for now, I bid you goodnight!!!!!

Oh yeah....Country Fever!

The Brandon Clark Band (Heath's band) was able to secure another spot at Country Fever Fest in Pryor, Oklahoma this year. This time they played two of the four day event. The likes of Willie Nelson, Gretchen Wilson, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley and Sugarland were just a few of the BIG names to headline at this years event (last year Big & Rich & Reba McIntire were among the big names to play). On Thursday the guys played in an all day family tent, then Sunday they got to play the main stage! This year there was a meet & greet & lots of great press there.....O & I headed out there to support our guy....we were so proud...PLUS it was Father's Day...what a better way to spend the day!!! Way to go Daddy....we love you!!!

This is O showing her support as well as being a DIVA...she knew she was important...she was with the band!


One day I hope to see the Brandon Clark Band's face on the side of one of these!! Wouldn't that be awesome!!!

Backstage there was an area where the bands & other VIP's got to go for food, drinks and A/C cause it was hotter then H*LL out there!! This is their poster!!

O of course...she's an Okie and gots to show that she's got the fever!


Us on the way home. I was sick and Heath was exhausted from a FULL weekend of giging! He better get used to it if this is the life he wants!!!

Go to www.brandonclark.org to order a CD or listen to some of their music. I think you'd be surprised....and for those who have a myspace...go to http://www.myspace.com/bclarktulsa you can also listen to some songs there.

It's been a few days.....

Not much to report. I didn't got to Pugtona this year....I've gone the last 3 years. With a one year old....it seemed nearly impossible, however I don't think she would be at a loss for babysitters!! Oh well....I start the count down to Puggerfest in October! Don't worry I will start an officially countdown and annoy the heck out of you!!!

Simon is doing good....he's still very scared but slowly showing what a sweetie he is...he loves being close to Ben. I think he feels safe around him because he doesn't move too fast!! LOL!

O is--well--O. Not enough hours in the day to get into everything. But LOVE IT! We are trying to come up with fun things to take her to & expose her to new things. Living in Tulsa seems to prove difficult because they isn't a whole lot of options. Soooo....we are getting creative!

Tomorrow...Ben will say his finally goodbyes to the love of his life Annabelle (yes she's a pug)....so we have our afternoon set aside for the farewells. No one is dying, it's just that Annabelle and her family are moving to St. Louis!

That's about it. I'll post pictures this weekend. For now...PEACE OUT!!

STUPID PEOPLE!!!!

I hate uneducated, selfish, money hungry STUPID backyard & puppymill breeders. I've worked with our local Pug rescue now for almost 6 years and I thought I'd seen it all but apperently I've only scratched the surface. I'm helping our rescue director out while she goes on vacation (which is LONG over due) and she needed to place a some pugs in some temporary foster homes (currently there are a little over 30 in just our rescue alone). Of course I agree! Anyway....she wanted me to foster Simon. He's a puppymill boy....overbred.....not properly cared for...etc., etc., etc...... Well turns out his jaw is pretty much mush and all the bottom teeth were rotten & he had TWO husk like teeth proturding from the bottom which prevented him from eating properly. This guy is only six. There was a forced sale of dogs from a kennel that owed over $50000 in fines with 300+ dogs. Two pugs were pulled thank God. Simon was one of them......I went to meet our transport & went to pick up & he just froze! He's sooooo scared! He couldn't really eat anything with his mouth the way it was and cannot close it all the way. Well Gail, got him, took him to the vet and got him all fixed up. He will forever have "rubber jaw" as the vet called it but at least now he's eating soft food and will start getting treated the way a pug (or any dog for that matter) should be treated!!!
This is what an uncared for puppymiller looks like....it's not something the humane society or rescuers make up....it's REAL, it's happening EVERYWHERE not just in hick towns, not just the amish...but everyday ordinary people who think it's cute to have puppies or do it for the money! Now don't get me wrong I know there are plenty of quality, RESPONSIBLE breeders who follow the law, care for their pets & make sure that their lineage of their bred is kept in tact NOT just because it's cute to have puppies!!!! Or just to have one liter to see what they'll look like. Meanwhile, thousands of healthy, abandoned dogs get put down because someone BOUGHT a puppy! I'm sick and tired of it..............it really DOES have to stop. TOO many innocent animals pay the price for our selfish needs.
This is the outcome of the "wanting" cute puppies and money hungry humans...




This is what is what HE has to deal with for the rest of his life......was it worth it??


**steps off her soap box now**

Simon is up for adpotion & I know he's an extreme case but it's reality. He does need some house manners but that is only because he has been kept in a crate all his life ONLY to be let out for breeding. He's sweet & with time, patience, encouragement & love he will make a great Pug. I'll be working on him & hoping we can bring him out of his shell. I see it already...he sniffed Olivia and she laughed at him. Even she sees his potential.

He's ready for someone to love him unconditionally & help him sit up with confidence that he's not ever going to be hurt again.

guck.........mooooooooooooo.

that's O's new thing. she was playing with toys....she pulled out a "duck" and said "guck"....then two seconds later...she pulled out a "cow" and said "moooo".

yup, she's pretty much a genius.

I was looking at her tonight....

she's soooooo big! Where does the time go???

This was her just last year in her bed...

and this was her tonight!!

It's been a while.....

time for an update. Well, I went to Chicago.....Heath & O (puggies too) survived. Saw the Sex & The City movie....which was great but it also made me sad because now I can't bring myself to watch anymore episodes because now I know how it all ends...and in some way brought me some sort of closure I wasn't prepared for! Is that weird?? It was good regardless...and maybe once I'm back on the scrapbooking track I'll put those suckers in for old times sake! Go see it if you haven't..........only if you are or were a fan because then seriously...none of it would make sense! ;o) Pictures of our weekend will follow!

O is doing great in her summer program. It's two days a week but she seems to be doing pretty good. I've been looking around for fall programs....I've got to get her signed up somewhere soon. She's walking and babbling. She's hysterical. I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world.

Heath has been playing alot......promoting the new CD and it's been doing pretty good. And although I'm sad because I'm alone most every weekend.....I know this is what I signed up for! I'm so proud of him/them....they've worked so hard and are so talented....I just want them to succeed...especially because I see the talent that IS out there and think............their band is so much more talented...how can this be??????????????? Anyway....I pray that something good happens. I'm not looking forward to next weekend though........he'll be gone Thurs-Sunday. It's sad we won't celebrate Father's Day together! Ahhh.......the life of the wife of a Rock Star! LOL! ;o)

My mom left for Wisconsin this morning....whether it's permanent or not I know this is the time for my family to grow. To use the tools my mom taught me and make my family stronger. So while YES I will be sad that she is gone and WILL miss her no matter what ANYONE says....I know this is all for the best.

Okay, that's about it on the update. Here are some pics from Chicago!

Me & Cyndi our 1st day....in downtown.

Heading to the movie.

Me & my sisters

After we went to bar called Pops for Champange. It was pretty awesome...


Me & Becca.


Suzie & Alexis

After we went dancing at this really cheesy but FUN club called the Excalibur.



The next day we went sight seeing.....the architecture was beautiful.

more pictures.

i took the subway for the first time.......that was pretty interesting and smelly!!!

then when were weren't on the subway we were walking (ugh).

We Shopped on Michigan Ave.

that was pretty much it. There are some more pictures....just waiting on the other ladies to upload their pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!