Halloween

Again, I admit to being the worst blogger ever. As it gets closer and closer to the holiday season, I get busier and busier. Today is day 2 of contractors working all over the house, so I am stuck here inside. I actually hear more spanish going on in my home then anything. Reminds me of Mexico!!!

Wow.... that was an A.D.D intro for ya!!

So much has gone on since I last posted. The most recent event was Halloween. Earlier in the month we took Parker to Howl-o-Weenie and he loved it. D.R.E.A.M. is the dachshund rescue mission here in Atlanta and they put this even on every year. People get together to celebrate our lovely animals. Most of the dogs were dressed up, including Parker who decided to be a football! It was a little warm so he went as himself for most part. We got to walk around, let him sniff, and kiss a couple of the the lady wieners. We had fun watching the races and walking around to talk with the vendors. It was a success and made Parker sleep for 3 days. He just has too much fun!!!

For the real Halloween we carved pumpkins and handed out candy for the first time in our new house. Parker had a ton of fun giving kiss to all the kids, whether they were ready for it or not. We had candy.... peanut free bowl, gluten free option, and a healthier choice of small boxes of raisins.( Ty didnt think the raisins would be a hit, but those first timers who are like 1yrs old loved it!!) There are just too many allergies around that I thought it would be good. Success!

The dog park!

Last Sunday, Ty's big 30th birthday, we decided to take Parker to a dog park. The weather was perfect, I finally had a day off, and going to the park seemed like the perfect family time for the three of us. After getting all the equipment ready to go... Parker's water, "potty bags," leash, toys, etc we made a trip across town to try this out. I had already researched the park and we decided it was going to the calmest of them all. We should be fine, right????
The car trip was not to long, about 20 minutes, and Parker was ready to just get out and sniff. We walked over a bridge, past the soccer fields, past the playground, and through an open field to get to our destination. I really wish I would have taken a picture. I wanted to....but I was too nervous for Parker. We see right away that the gated area was separated, one side labeled big dogs and the other small. Already, Parker was a nervous wreck with me. What was I putting him through????
We let Parker in the gate and all the big dogs on the other side were just barking as he trotted by.I was beginning to wonder how this no leash zone was going to be. In the small dog side there was already one of those Whippet dogs. I understand how they are super skinny and may weigh as much as a little dog, BUT THEY ARE NOT LITTLE! This dog was towering over Parker. ( I totally understand that Parker is classified as a midget dog, says his vet, but I was picturing him with cocker spaniels and chihuahuas.) After the dogs calmed down, and stopped thinking of him as an afternoon snack, I was sure he would just run like he always does. Ty and I got his toy and were tossing it like normal, but it didnt work. The Whippet, and another dog that they thought was "small," kept getting Parker's toy. Poor little guy!!!! He would start to run, noticed them running behind, and just fell to the ground. He was playing dead!! These dogs would just stand over him, sniff, lick, and basically "dog molest." He was so scared, petrified, and ready to go after 5 minutes. Ty and I felt the same.
After about 25 minutes and half a bottle of water we gave up. The owner of the Whippet didn't seem to care if Parker could even move from her dog annoying him and it just wasn't good. We decided the track around the fields would be better. We did a little trail, took a couple pictures, and headed home. Parker was passed out after his "adventure" and we will try it again somewhere else.
What a trip!

The last month...

WOW! I am the worst blogger ever. I really thought I would be writing more often but life has been a whirlwind these past couple of weeks. For the last six weekends we have either had company here or been somewhere. CRAZY. After this next weekend it should all slow down.
A few weeks ago Ty and I made a trip up to Ohio for a wedding. It was perfect that grandma's birthday was the same weekend so we were able to be there for the celebration. We had a cookout with family and friends and it was a success!! Mom made her homemade baked macaroni and cheese so I was super happy. People just enjoyed company, desserts, and a little corn hole. It was so great to be home to catch up with everyone, including the family dog Titus. Its amazing how calm he is compared to Parker!! HA HA
Before we went on the trip, Ty and got a new car. His car was dying and going to cost more to fix it then it was worth, so it was time to say goodbye. After much thought, including future lil' Kincaids, we went with a bigger vehicle. We have been truly blessed with our new car and unfortunately they only pics I have of it are from my phone and are on Facebook. You can just resort to those!
In other news.... Parker is the same. He has actually learned how to climb up all the stairs and is getting quite fast at it. He doesn't go down yet and I am perfectly ok with that. For such a little body, he continues to believe he is a mastiff. We love him so we usually let him get with his attitude.

Enjoy some pictures and I promise to get better at this.

Meeting Julie Andrews

I will just say that meeting Julie last night was one of the coolest things ever! It all started about 2 weeks ago when Ty and I went to Barnes and Noble before church. We were just wasting some time and saw a sign that said Julie Andrews would be signing her new children's book that she co-wrote with her daughter. I automatically wanted to go, even though I dont have a kid to give the book to....one day I will. Anyways, I found the book she wrote, flipped through, and decided to think about it since I have such a crazy work schedule I didnt' know if I would be working during the signing. We left with some Curious George books and went on to church.
After the service and mingling with friends, I decided to go back. Ty went in to get the book for me and my wristband while I chatted in the car on the phone. My new book came in a clear bag with a wristband and piece of paper with rules and regulations. Having regulations means you are that important!! The rules were... the wristband allowed you and 4 guests to meet her but only one book signed, line was first come first served starting at 4 and event started at 6, she was not making a presentation, cell phones off and put away, no pictures in line or with Julie, no signing other books or memorabilia, etc etc. This was INTENSE, but I didn't care...IT'S MARY POPPINS!
So yesterday came and I was so excited that I was actually not working. I spent the day doing stuff around the house and a little shopping. I convinced Ty to go with me and stand in line so I wouldn't get bored. He agreed to go and knew he would get a good dinner out of the deal. When we got to the store we didn't see many people, until we were told where to go at the end of the line. The line wrapped up and down the aisles. I learned that 200 wristbands were sold, but keep in mind people could bring their entourage, including crying children and cute little girls in tu-tus. We saw young people, grandparents, huge fans with Mary Poppins stuff, etc. (clearly they didn't read the guidelines) A few associates were in line to tell us what page to open to, what to do and say, and just really be annoying. The line went REALLY slow and people were getting impatient, kids cried, and some even left. I was NOT leaving, NOT an option.
We finally get to the front of the line where we were met by her manager/someone in a suit and a police officer. We chit chatted with them and got to just see her interact with the people in front of us. I was smiling ear to ear about it and Ty was just supportive and excited too. ( We weren't too happy that they made Ty take off his baseball hate. They said it was a British thing and she wouldnt like it if he had it on. I totally understood but I think she was more scared of his crazy hair then having a hat on.) They finally said it was time and we approached the table. The conversation went like this...

Julie: Hello, thank you so much for coming. How are you?
Me: Im doing well
Ty: Good
Julie: Thank you for waiting in line.
(silence... what do you say to her???)
Julie: So who will be the lucky one to get this book?
Me: That would be me. (small giggle because Im actually talking to her)
Julie: Awe
Ty; She is a teacher. (Ty telling her Im a teacher so I dont look like a weirdo who buys children's books just for fun) She has already read it a few times at home.
Me: Yes! I read your book aloud at home and love it. ( Im such a dork!)
Julie: Thats wonderful. You can tell all your students to put their sparkle on.
Me: Yes.
Julie: Well thank you again for waiting in line and coming.
Me: No thank you
Ty: Thank you
Both of us: Have a great evening
Julie: You as well

OK.... so I wasnt expecting any of that. I was thinking we would walk up, she would sign, we say thanks, and then over. I felt like such a dork. She was the one asking us stuff and not the other way around. I went in not wanting to waste her time and sound like an idiot and she wanted to basically have tea with me. OMG!!! I almost felt like we were on a first name basis. Walking out of Barnes and Noble was on a cloud and I couldn't stop saying, "How cool was that?"

A good day with a good cause

Today was a HUGE day for the little man. Life has been pretty steady and Parker was ready to have some time outside of the house. Ty and I have been planning for the dachshund races for about 2 months now and I was able to get off work to make it happen. DREAM is the dachshund rescue group and they put on races each year. When I say race keep in mind that they run 20 ft for the pups and 36 feet for the adults. They race the doggies just for fun and the entry fee is a donation of 3 dollars. They put them in groups... puppies, adult, seniors, and even the puppies with the carts. There was a senior who was 18 years old, didnt run at all but made it across the finish line.
We had a ton of fun watching the races and Parker was watching to learn what to do this October. We wanted him to race but his doctor said it might not be the best idea. They had a few booths set up that sold shirts, dog clothes, organic treats, etc. I got a really cute shirt that I have included a picture of. Parker had a blast socializing and letting people oooooo and ahhhh over his cuteness, and of course he loved all the pictures people took. I was happy to take my camera but it was just too much going on to really take pictures.
Halloweenie is coming in October and we are excited to take him there. We were told today that there will be about 400 dogs and they dress up for halloween and have fun little races and contests. He seemed to enjoy himself and a trip to Petsmart on the way home topped it off.
Enjoy the pictures!

Parker is making it!!

He survived! Parker is home and doing well. His surgery went fine and when he got home he was as crazy as before. Ty and I think he was just so happy about being out of the vet and back into his surroundings. He had a little stomach problem and is still on meds, but life is good with him. The cone is on for most of the time but we take it off to give him a break. The poor thing keeps walking into the wall.

Lets try this..

Well, Im going to give this a try! Ty and I have a ton of family and friends all over the place so I thought it would be a good idea to start a blog so people can check in on us. I have really enjoyed reading blogs from other friends so I just thought it would be fun.
I can say that today has already been eventful! Parker went in for his surgery this morning and what a toll it has taken on me. He is in for his neutering and I really thought I would be more happy then sad. Boy was I wrong!! Ty and I have been talking about this day for a while now, knowing it was for the best and could potentially help him out a great deal. Well... the tears started as soon as we pulled out of the neighborhood! Parker was in my lap and I just couldn't stop thinking about him being in pain. I know that he is put to sleep for it and feels nothing, but I just kept thinking of him when he wakes up. I think I watch a little too much Animal Planet, where you see animals rescued and watch them go through surgeries. They always have that little tube in their mouth that causes their tongue to go to the side and it kills me to see it. I just kept seeing Parker in my head like that and couldn't hold back my emotions. Lil man had no idea what was going on but was quick to kiss my tears and lay on me as Ty drove.
When we got to the clinic I had to keep the tears in and collect myself. I think they have already seen me cry too much on previous occasions. We got him all signed in and ready and made sure they took the inventory of his belongings. He is going to be staying there until Friday morning for recovery and rest so we made sure he had all the comforts of home. Im sure he will spend most of his time sleeping, but it makes me feel better that he has a new "baby" to lay with, rope to chew, and a new "big boy" bed....( just a bigger one for him to stretch out on.) After saying good-bye and getting some more kisses, he was off. He went straight to the back and my tears just came flowing again. How did I get so sappy?? The AMAZING lady at the front told me he would be fine and I could call as many times as I wanted to. She has seen him since day 2 so we feel like the staff at Loving Hands is family. We are blessed with such great people to keep him healthy.
Until next time...