New Halti

If anyone ever doubts how much I walk the dogs, this should put your questions to rest. If you are not familiar with a Halti, it is similar to a "head collar" and NOT a muzzle. It controls the dog's head and prevents them from pulling on the leash. As we were finishing our walk on Tuesday, I stopped to talk to a neighbor. I noticed that Griffey's had totally ripped apart in one spot (picture on the right). So I had to run to Petco last night and get him another one. I forgot how much they were...$21.99! But it is soooo worth it because it saves my shoulder from being pulled out of the socket. I tried to think of how many walks this Halti has endured so far. We walk about 4-6x per week. So let's say 5 walks per week x 52 weeks = 260 x 4 years = 1040 walks!! When I think about it that way, $21.99 is money well spent!

Griffey just had to get in the picture. He's such a ham! He was so cute when he just walked over and laid down beside his Haltis. As someone would say, "He's a big sweetie!" :)

American Idol - week seven

Tonight's theme: country music with songs by Shania Twain. All I can say is, tomorrow's results show is going to be very difficult. I thought everyone did very well this week. In fact, I would have to say that performances by Lee and Crystal were not my favorite this week. I really, really liked Casey. Buuuuut, in looking back at overall consistency throughout the competition so far, my bottom three would be Aaron, Siobhan, and then Big Mike. At this stage of the game, everyone is so good and it is not as easy to weed anyone out. We'll see what happens...

Death by Chocolate

After my muffin fiasco last week, I decided to jump back in the saddle and attempt another baked goodie. We are having a pig out at work tomorrow (pig out = everyone brings in food and we graze all day in the kitchen). Pig outs can be disasterous if you are watching your diet. You have to pick and choose what you want to "waste" your calories on. Anywho, I decided to make a favorite of mine: death by chocolate. For starters, I need brownie bites to go in the mix. This did bring a little bit of anxiety as I was not sure how my oven was going to treat my brownie mix. However, I was pleasantly surprised and the brownies turned out spectacular. Here is the finished product.

Mmmm. Brownie squares, cool whip, pudding, and bits of cut up candy. Let me know if you want my *secret* recipe. It couldn't be much easier! In fact, this recipe is so irresistible that I had to make a smaller dish for myself at home...Of course I did sample a small bit, just to make sure it was good enough to take to work :)

Dog Snuggie

Yes, it's official. I've hit rock bottom. I was shopping at Meijer today and was in the pet area checking out any sales on treats or food. I have noticed the snuggies for dogs on the end cap numerous times, and I always chuckle to myself as I stroll on by. Well today I noticed that they were on clearance and there was only one large pink one left. With some hesitations, I placed the item in my cart. I mean, what's $5.99 for what will surely be a great family joke? I have not told Jim about this yet, and I am waiting for him to read my blog and give me a phone call to discuss this. After I got home, I put the new purchase on Sloopy and she actually looked pretty cute and warm. I guess the box was right...it advertises "Keeps you warm and your PAWS free!" Paws free for what???? Like Sloopy is going to wear her snuggie while she's working on a laptop or reading a book! And it cracks me up too because there are numerous pics of other dogs enjoying their snuggies. Two small dogs are playing a game of Backgammon and another one is holding a remote -- paws free of course.

I guess when Jim finally makes his way home, he will find his two girls bundled up in their snuggies enjoying hands free (and paws free) warmth!

Doesn't Griffey's expression just scream, "I want one too!"

Tacky Tuesday...

Sorry that Tacky Tuesday has been on a brief hiatus. I fell asleep sitting upright on the couch after Idol last week, and this week I have an even better story than discussing something I hate about our kitchen. So I have an early morning meeting tomorrow at work. Myself and another co-worker usually take turns bringing a breakfast goodie for the group to nibble on. I usually make something because it is more personal and cheaper than just buying something at the store. So tonight I decided to make cinnamon streusel muffins from a box mix. I used my silicone muffin cups, mixed up the batter, and put them in the oven. When I pulled out the first dozen, they were poofy. Within minutes, the centers had caved in, creating a disgusting looking bowl of dough that was not even done. After a few minutes of looking at them, I put them back in the oven for a few more minutes. You would think this might have helped, but no. The muffins ended up rock hard, so this meant all twelve went into a grocery bag to head outside to the trash can. I then spoke to my MIL, Jody, and she informed me that my oven was probably too hot and was baking the muffins too quickly. So I took her advice, turned the temp down, and let the oven cool for a bit. I tried the second dozen, only to have the same results. I threw the doughy bowl shaped muffins in the bag with the others, and headed to Kroger to purchase a dozen glazed doughnuts! Thank goodness Kroger is only a block away! So needless to say, my ego is a little bit shattered after I already had a failed attempt at puppy chow on Sunday. Maybe I've lost my baking touch???

American Idol - week six

This week's theme...inspirational songs. My rankings for the top: Crystal and Lee. Big Mike was a distant third. Everyone else for me was just blah. It is getting harder and harder to send someone home, but this week I would put the bottom three as Aaron, Siobhan, and Tim. I really liked Siobhan a few weeks ago. But the more and more I see her, I think she belongs on Broadway and not the radio. Just my opinion. But Ms. Bowersox was AMAZING. Her song was definitely inspirational and even brought a tear to my eyes, especially when she choked up. Go hometown favorite!

Baby Shower

Today my mom and I ventured to Kansas, Ohio (yes, Kansas) to attend the baby shower of my cousin Eric's wife, Judy (yes, I am aware how gramatically incorrect that sentence sounds). Eric is the son of my dad's sister, so this was all "Harrison" family that we spent the day with. Judy is due May 1 and will be having a boy, Nathan Xavier DeVanna. It was nice to see my aunt and cousins, check out Eric and Judy's new house, and meet the newest addition to our family. I love my extended family, I just wish I got to see them more frequently!

Aunt Connie and Lacie Claire

Judy, the mom to be

A homemade quilt someone made

Judy opening the gift from Mom and I

Val & Lacie, Me, and Jenna -- Hmmm, who will be preggers next?

Jenna and Asher's new dog Marty (big one) and Aunt Connie's dog, Macy
You all know how much I love poochies!

American Idol - week five

Tonight the group performed Elvis hits, with help from mentor, Adam Lambert. Overall, I thought it was an average night. I rank the top performers as follows: Lee, Crystal, Katie, Tim, Siobhan, Casey. As for the bottom, and since TWO must go home tomorrow, it should be Andrew and Aaron. Big Mike's song about put me to sleep, but the vocals were good. I think he deserves another chance to stick around. Crystal is amazing, of course. But I really feel like Lee is coming along week by week and growing so much. He is really reminding me of David Cook...

Driveway Baths

I forgot to mention yesterday that the puppies received their first driveway baths of the season after I got home from the ball game. I had hooked up the hose on Saturday but just ran out of time. I washed Sloopy first -- she was a little resistant but ended up behaving wonderfully and just stood there like she was being pampered at the spa. Griffey, however, was HORRIBLE. He kept running away from me and shaking all over every time I tried to work in the shampoo or rinse him. He totally soaked my car and I noticed spots all over the windshield this morning. But the results were sooo worth the hassle. The pups smell great and they are sooooo soft, just like big stuffed animals!

Mud Hens vs. Louisville

Today I went to my first Mud Hens game of the season with my mom. We had terrific seats in the front row by the visitor's bullpen (thanks, dad!) and it turned out to be a beautiful day. Now I must throw it out there that by no means do I get excited over these games. It's just so different than the bigs, and I am not big on the Hens because they are affiliated with the Detroit Tigers. Puke. However, this weekend they happened to be playing the Louisville Bats (the farm team of the Reds). Annnnndd, the Reds new Cuban pitching phenom just happened to be making his first pro start today. Aroldis Chapman is AWESOME. We were able to watch him warm up right in front of us. He is a long legged, lanky individual who can hurl the ball over 100 MPH. Behind his fabulous pitching, the Bats won today 2-1.

Chapman's first pro pitch

He registered 101 on the radar gun a few times, as you can see on the scoreboard

Tacky Tuesday

Today's topic...the kitchen rugs. They are a very cute pattern, I must admit. However, after years of wear and tear, they are starting to look a little rough. The dogs love laying on them (especially in winter) because they are a warm, comforting surface. This leaves the rugs full of hair and dirt, which are virtually impossible to get entirely clean. As a neat freak, this definitely bothers me. In some spots, the rugs have begun to unravel, and the Dyson does a good job of finding those loose pieces and making them worse. In the new kitchen, I'm thinking of having only two rugs; one under the sink, and the other in front of the side door for people to use as they enter our home. I can't wait to pitch these in the dumpster...

On a bright note, I went to the Lucas County Building Regulations (permit) office today and submitted our plans and permits for the building and electrical work. Cross your fingers that the building permit is approved on our first try. If so, it'll just get us one step closer to building our wonderful new addition!

American Idol - week four

Tonight the theme was songs by Paul McCartney and John Lennon. I think everyone did a pretty good job this week, and this is where it gets harder and harder to start weeding out the performers. My top four: Casey, Crystal, Lee, and Katie. Lee is reminding me more and more of David Cook...love his voice! My bottom three: Aaron, Andrew, Tim. I think Tim will skate by again, so it comes down to the "A" guys. It's surprising that for a season I thought would belong to the girls, the first three voted off have been females...

Happy Easter

I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter and was able to spend it with friends and/or family. I went to church with my mom and dad, and had lunch with them in Sylvania afterward. Mom made turkeyburgers on the grill...yummy! Since it was such a gorgeous day here, I decided to use my zoo membership and spend a few hours there. It was a day of free entertainment! About half of the animals were active, and to my dismay, my favorite animal (African Wild Dog) was no where to be found. :( I got to see the new baby giraffe, and the elephants were doing tricks with a trainer while I was there. Here are some of my favorite pics from the day. I must admit that while I was at the zoo, I kept thinking how much more fun it would be to have a little one there with me...And Jim of course!

Meerkat

Gorillas

Sleeping beauty...er, hippo

Polar bear

Louie the elephant

Mama and baby giraffe