Angels in disguise

We were privileged to have a couple of angels at our house this week, ministering to our needs during a difficult time. These angels go by the names of "Mom" and "DeAnn", and they look just like my normal mom and sister, but they saved our whole household this week and I know who they really are! They must be angels, to leave their families the week before Christmas and stay here with us, driving my children all over town, cooking, cleaning, watching movies with Sophie, telling bedtime stories, taking kids shopping, and even helping Adam with his home school assignments! And, taking care of a very sick me (I just had gallbladder removal surgery on Monday, and the anaesthesia made me so sick!).
I did not plan on needing any help with this surgery. I did not want anyone to come and take care of us, because I thought I would be fine. But somebody knew differently and sent those angels.

Thank you, Mom and DeAnn! And Thank you, all the other angels (sisters Teri and Kay, among other dear friends) who weren't here in person, but were here in spirit. You sent flowers, called and checked up on me, brought in meals, and still continue to lift my spirits when I get discouraged with slow recovery. I am so lucky to have angels in my life!

Our Dog, Uncle Rico

This is Uncle Rico, our family dog. His history? Well, I got caught too many times with the cats in the house (Chad is/thinks he is allergic) so they had to live outside. Of course, they all got eaten by coyotes. In 3 1/2 years, we lost 4 cats. My kids were devastated. And being of the school of thought that every child needs a pet, I broke down and decided to give a dog a try. I duly did my research: I knew I didn't want a large dog because after being bitten on the face by a German Shepherd as a child, big dogs terrify me. I didn't want one that would shed. I didn't want one that was too yappy. And it would help if it could be kind of furry like a cat. Voila! A Shih Tzu!



Chad and I went to the pet store and looked at Rico and a wild little Yorkie that was bouncing off the walls. Rico cuddled up on my lap and looked up at me with liquid black eyes. When he threw in a little whimper, I was sold! But the biggest sale was watching my kids when I brought Rico home...Megan cried, and the other ones were just freaking out with excitement! Chad thought it would be funny to name him after the ridiculous Uncle Rico on Napoleon Dynamite...but I shortened it to Rico and it fits just right.




Rico's favorite thing to do is sit by the back doors looking out for cats to come into our yard. If he sees one (and since our neighbor has around 7 cats, he sees them often), he whines at the door until I let him out, and then he goes tearing after the cat, barking wildly at them. The cats couldn't care less, but it makes Rico feel like a good big guard dog, so it works.



Otherwise, Rico is a LOUSY guard dog. He loves people, ESPECIALLY strangers! The pizza guy is his favorite, but he adores most other people who come to my door.
Some of the things about a dog that I was surprised with: Rico likes to chew minty gum. He doesn't swallow it, he just chews and then spits it out when he is done. Rico loves Chad more than anyone in the whole family. When Chad comes home, the two of them are just silly together. (that does make me smile) Rico is glued to me most of the day (I protect him from the kids) - and he gives me nice little puppy pedicures while I am typing at the computer!
So, the dog experiment has been largely a success. At least until he poops on my new carpet...then that'll be grounds for divorce! Maybe...

Thanksgiving in New Harmony

As is tradition in our family, we went to New Harmony UT (never heard of it? most haven't. Exit 42 on I-15) to enjoy the holiday with family at my parent's and my sister's homes. This year, we stayed with my sister DeAnn Carter and her family (Thank you, DeAnn, you guys are just awesome!). It was great because mom didn't want Rico in her brand-new home (understandably), but DeAnn is a dog-lover so he was welcome there! And he had a great doggy time running with DeAnn's pack!

New Harmony is a tiny little town with a few houses, a church (Mormon, of course), a post office, a fire station, and a little park with nothing but grass. No traffic to speak of, and no creepy people that might abduct my kids (I'm related to the whole town, plus, I doubt if anyone there would want them!) Consequently, my kids have ultimate freedom in NH. They ride their motorcycles and the quad all over town, from grandma's to aunt DeAnn's to the cemetary to look at relative's gravesites (hmmm...they are ALL our relatives!), to the park for a rousing game of soccer, to the creek bed to look at interesting rocks - and the only thing I fear is that they might hit a deer. Of which, there are magically MANY! They have paintball wars with the cousins, Wii tournaments, and at aunt DeAnn's house there are always fun crafts and kid games going on. Meanwhile, Chad and I visit with loved ones and watch movies and play marathon games of Phase 10. And eat. My relatives can COOK!

What's not to love about New Harmony?!

The scenery is to-die-for, with Zion's to the East and other beautiful mountains to the West...and life is just slower there. So restful. My ancestors came from England via Salt Lake and settled New Harmony in the 1800's - I can see why they didn't want to leave. Not much going on there, but definitely a Vacation Destination for our family!