Home again Home again...

What a terrible blog to be leaving up for such a long time, how about we add something on a more positive note.

Andrew and I just got back from his parents house in St. Maries ID. (up by Coeur D' Alene) It was a great trip. His parents house is nestled up in the pine trees and everyone has wood burning stoves, so it had a very cozy feel/smell. It was very much like a winter wonderland...especially since it snowed 3-4 feet over the week period that we were there. I was able to meet some of his family for the second time and it was good to become more familiar with their faces and get to know them better.

Christmas day was a little slower than what I would have thought, especially since Hailey, the only little one, was more excited to see the wild turkeys than to open her presents (Welcome to the Shaw's). However it was very nice and relaxed and we enjoyed being there with his family. Linda loved her paintings so that made all the effort worth while and it made me feel good when she would show everyone when they came over.

Andrew's niece, Jasmyn was baptized the day after Christmas and asked Andrew to do it. This is particularly significant because neither of her parents are active and she is 10. I quickly learned how to play I am A Child of God (I don't know how I made it this long without ever having to play it) and the other Shaw's put together a little program it was nice and small and since Bishop Shaw had the keys to the building, we were able to get in and out pretty quick.

We also went to a Casino for dinner just outside of St. Maries and we had all-you-can-eat crab. I thought it was good, but nothing compared to Andrew who was in heaven and ate and ate and ate. He loved it. I enjoyed the crab and some shrimp, but they also had roast and desserts and salad bars etc. It was very much worth the money mmm.

I would have to say my favorite part of the trip was watching the old family movies. They were so funny. I have never seen a picture of Andrew younger than his mission until this weekend, so this was a real treat. I have had so much fun looking at Andrew and seeing him as a little kid. I even got a glimps of a day when Andrew was grounded for leaving his 7 yr old brother at home alone for 20 minutes. Andrew started by saying "I am grounded again". Overall I think Andrew was a much happier and "good" boy than he made himself out to be. I was also able to watch his older brother Danny that died and that was nice to be able to understand more who they are talking about when they talk about Danny.

I the rest of the downtime we mostly scrapbooked, played the Wii (got a little tennis elbow), and watched movies. Oh, it was great. PLUS they just moved into a new house, so everything was very nice and big and perfect for everyone to come. We are hoping to make a trip up in the summer sometime too.

I would like to add that Jake, the puppy, was very good in the car too. THANK GOODNESS. We were so close to getting him some stuff to "help" him sleep for the ride from the vet, however we ran out of time and had to wing it. Much to our pleasure he slept most of the ride anyway and we just chucked french fries the other direction in the truck so he would run for them while we hurried and ate our food. There was not barfing or pooping or peeing or chewing of any kind it was wonderful.

Venting

Have you ever written an email to someone as a means to vent, and then as soon as the venting was completed and the entirety of your frustration mellowed, you happily hit the delete button? I feel that it is a fairly effective venting method. You are able to say all the things that would completely satisfy your constant thoughts, and have the relief of NOT dealing with the consequences/completely obliterated relationship that you just created.

For the most part I believe people to think of me as a fairly nice person. The realization came to me the other day that if people could only hear my thoughts...my reputation would be demolished. I think for the most part people tend to THINK a lot more than they say, and it is the talent of holding your tongue that makes you seem nicer to people than others. I feel the need to clarify, there are only certain situations/people that I feel the need to "hold my thoughts". For those that are now wondering what thoughts I have about them! Ha ha, there are only a few people (2 at this point). These thoughts that I have would lead you all to believe me a completely horrible person however.

Here is where I experiment with the blog as a venting possibility. Depending on the comments I may or may not ever attempt it again and resort to my emailing vent method. Subject of Discussion: Bossy Co-Worker. I have a co-worker that is a little lazy and a lot bossy. Being that she is a senior member of the staff I am sure that she is entitled to some bossing, but I feel that the level has surpassed its limits. She tells me what to do more than my real boss. Being that I am female I of course place a lot of weight on HOW the bossing is done rather than the actual bossing. Tossing an empty box on my desk and saying we are out...not exactly my way of hearing "could you please order some more".

She calls me obsessively from her desk to see what my co-worker is doing at his desk and why he isn't answering her calls. If neither of us are answering-I am quite often already on the phone-she will call me 3-4x until I answer, so she can ask my why my co-worker isn't answering her call. (WALK DOWN THE HALL AND FIGURE IT OUT!..OR better yet, wait...and try again later.) 9x out of 10, he is either on the phone already or with someone. I don't know why she doesn't just figure that one of the two of those are the reason he is not answering and not bother to call me about it, just for me to tell her that he is either on the phone or with someone.

I consider myself to be a fairly well educated receptionist in this business. Most of the things I do aren't mistakes they have reason. She will quite often call me to let me know I made a mistake. After a breif explanation, she realizes that it wasn't in fact a mistake, rather, just more work for her. She would have realized this after about 3 more seconds of thinking before she decided to pick up the phone and call me from her desk about 6 yards away. I think she doesn't like it when I prove her wrong, especially when she finishes telling me what to do, and I tell her that her demand is pointless because of a fact she decided not to hear at the beginning of the conversation.

I assigned her a closing this morning that wasn't hers because a co-worker was already closing one at the same time...she changed it back to her co-worker. I don't know if she just did it because she thought I got it wrong, or she just doesn't want to do it. Both are likely.

Now the reason that I feel bad about these negative thoughts. She is pretty nice most of the time and shouldn't I be mature enough to handle a little bossing/annoyances. Maybe I just compare myself to my Mother who seems like a saint to me when it comes to treating people with the most Christlike respect you can imagine. And then I always have the voice in the back of my head of my Mom and Dad always calling me the "Angel" and feeling like I am letting them down and proving that their old claims are in fact completely false. This would again be a slap in the face as my brothers would say "we have been telling you this all along".

With hesitancy I publish this post.

New Baby

I just was so excited for Katie that I thought I would share. Katie had her baby girl Bailey Faye Bradley last week and just sent some pictures this morning. The baby came 3 weeks early because she just wasn't growing enough, and they felt they could do more for her out than in. So she was in "the box" for a few days, but is now out (however this was my favorite picture) They are both doing well, besides a little jaundice and learning to breath while she eats they are in good shape and hoping that she gains more weight soon. She is currently 4 lbs 4oz. I think she looks like her brother...which means she looks like a Carter to me...maybe the Bradleys will disagree :)

Christmas

Christmas is coming so fast I hardly know what I am going to do! I was talking to (my) Mom on the phone the other day and she said that there was only 2 weeks until Christmas and I nearly panicked. I have had so many things to do lately that I didn't know if I was going to be able to do them all. I have been working on some paintings for Mother-in-law (thanks to Andrew) and those have taken up a bit of my time, and trying to not neglect a painting requested by another friend. Plus there of course is all of the shopping (Which I got up at 6:30 on Saturday to do, so I could avoid the crowds). And then I wanted to try and make Gingerbread men for the neighbors. Plus of course we went to the Christmas Concert at the Conference Center and then doing all this plus taking care of a puppy and trying to learn all about graphic arts and still retain sanity. Oh yes, and then there was the clock that we made for my in-laws and then finishing up gifts for my own family and getting my other painting prepped for selling.

HOWEVER, I took a break yesterday and decided I wasn't going to do any of it. I went home and made dinner, and because I wanted to, decided to keep painting (it is looking good!). I also made a list of things to do at work and deligated them to different days of the week. It is hard for me to sit at work when I know I could be home getting everything on my list done if I just had ONE full day to do them all.

Andrew is pretty excited to be heading home though, we haven't been since Labor Day before we got married. His entire family is going to be in town this year, so it will be quite the experienc, especially since I will be meeting some of his family for the 2nd time...ever. I just hope things go well, my first Christmas away from home! (Okay technically I spent Christmas at Jenny's house, but she is my sister, so that is hardly "away")

On a completely different topic. I have, as I am sure most of you have, gotten into politics a bit more this election and have been interested to keep up with the polls and the different platforms etc. I was interested to find that Romney is up 5% since the last time I checked putting him in 3rd place for the Republican party. Guiliani is leading with 24% of votes, Huckabee at 22% and Romney at 16%. Guliani however was down 12% since the last poll was taken. I thought this was interesting. I would hope for Huckabee over Guiliani for various reasons but think Romney would do a great job. I don't know if you are aware, but there have been 19 republican presidents and 13 democratic. This makes me wonder if Guiliani, from New York, only picked Republican, because he thought it would increase his chances of being elected. As for the Democrats, Hillary and Obama are still at the top, but I don't pay as much attention to them, but if I were to pick between the two, I would go for Obama. There is just something about Hillary?...I don't know..I don't know what I think about a women as president. Most of the Women that I know that would make a good president...I don't really like as people. That is totally my opinion and nothing I am so set on I would take it to my grave either, maybe if she does make it, she will prove me wrong.


I also have learned how incredibly smart Mitt Romney is, he went to Yale, Graduated at the top of his class at BYU and then got a duel business/law degree.

Darn Cat

Sorry another post on the darn cat. Well yesterday I was holding and loving the cat and it was purring abundantly when it crawled up onto the keyboard where he is not allowed. Well as I went to pull him down he pulled out all his claws ready for a hard landing. I can't blame him since Andrew doesn't put him down very carefully. As the cat prepared to cling to anything it could it found my nose! Yes, today at work I have a nice big red scratch across the bulb of my nose...oh so attractive. Andrew got in trouble for putting/tossing the cat to hard, and you better believe the cat had a harder landing after that one.

On a funnier note. The cat gets really jealous when we are all outside and he is locked in. The window to the back door has wood panes on the outside that the cat jumps up to and uses his fingernails to climb up the window pane. As my visiting teachers were leaving yesterday they caught a glimps of my cat in the middle of the window hanging by its claws

Fra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra

On Sunday I got to go and see Alishia sing in her (my old) student ward. It was fun to be there and see all the familiar faces. One of the girls that was baptized in my ward while I was the RS pres. had her farewell talk and I was so glad to be there!

Alishia did a great job with her roommate, I didn't know she could sing so well. She said she was shaking quite a bit, but even from the front row I couldn't tell. For someone with such a big smile, she certainly doesn't open her mouth very big when she sings. It reminded me of when I use to see Becky sing and how she blinked a lot (especially the high notes). She was very clear and plenty loud and had a very pretty sound. Her roommate was a little whispery, but also has a very pretty voice.

Christmas Favorites

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper! Otherwise they can peek!!

2. Real tree or artificial? Right now I have about 1/3 of a fake tree (the bottom half I turned into garland) but I would love a real tree. I bought it at Walmart and it didn't have all the pieces to the stand, so I took it back and the second one didn't have more pieces. I hate taking things back so I kept it and the top is my mini tree being held up with styrophoam and a sheet as a skirt (it really doesn't look as bad as it sounds) and the rest is garland above my windows.

3. When do you take the tree down? I don't know...when it doesn't feel like Christmas anymore.

4. Do you like eggnog? Yep in a small glass..sometimes with milk and only the meadow gold brand. Andrew loves it though, and it was his condition to being festive. As long as he had his eggnog he would let me play all the Christmas music and put up all the decor and be jolly at the same time.

5. Favorite gift received as a child? It is a toss up...oh...probably my Addy doll or my precioius places mansion. I had saved for weeks for the Addy doll and finally had enough to buy it just in time for Christmas. My Mom did all she could to keep me from buying it and somehow I still was surprised when I opened the box. She is still a great doll.

6. Do you have a nativity scene? Yep, we got a great one from Mexico I really like it.

8. Hardest person to buy for? (I thought Kenny was easy) Brother-in-laws...I don't do so well. I am determined to just get them gift cards (that is all they want anyway right?)

9. Easiest person to buy for? Me...I know exactly what I want. Ha ha, j/k Mom is the easiest for me. I think of things that I want to get her even if it isn't her birthday/Christmas.

10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? I once got some basket of lotion and soaps with a smell I really didn't like..It was still very nice and sweet of them and would have been great with the right smells. I think it was the worst because it is a gift I probably normally would have loved...except...

11. Mail or email Christmas card? I don't know...I like to get the ones in the mail, but I like email too. I will see whether or not I am a Christmas card sender or not, depends on if I can get Andrew to take a family pic. After further thought, I like just simple cards in the mail, with a good picture.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? While You Were Sleeping (that is kinda Christmassy right?) Otherwise...probably Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase...ha ha ha classic.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? September...I like to evenly distribute the purchases over the course of paychecks.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so. I did give one away once, that I think is being used as a white elephant this year ha ha.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Oranges :) and Graham Crunch

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? hmm. I like both, it depends on if you are doing an elegant tree or a toy tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night...such a good one, however I also really like A Long Time Ago that we all sang together those may years ago.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sheesh

So I tried to change my template this morning (after seeing all the festive ones out there) and somehow in the process deleted me whole links list. It has seriously taken me almost all morning to try and collect them all again. SO, if you see that you are not on the link list and should be, please let me know.

Yesterday we fed the missionaries. It was an interesting experience, we had Navajo Tacos, which one was certain to tell us he had only had 3 times on his mission BUT that they were all in the last 3 months (Great) but he said that one thing he really wanted was pancakes. Note to self: if I ever feed the missionaries again, I will make pancakes.

Interesting

We got a Christmas card from our vet yesterday. He said he felt like we did the right thing and wanted to let us know he was sorry. He also added that they had found after they put him down that he actually had cancer and had a ton of fluid in his lungs. We thought that was interesting and we were glad to know that we didn't waste any money on the medication that was for his heart and would have done nothing for the real problem...poor skip, he was probably really not feeling well. He was such a trooper too and went hunting and tried to run everytime we took him out and he was always so exhausted when he got home...NO WONDER!

Nervous/Excited

Today I sold my first real painting!... I am not sure how I feel about it. It is Andrew's painting. I painted the view behind the house and the landlords came over and looked at it and really liked it. Well, Jodine called and asked if she could buy a print and (I had just talked to Andrew) told her pricing and everything, but that I would sell the original for about double what the print would cost. I didn't think she would actually take it, but she did!! So, I kinda feel bad because I am selling Andrew's painting..I am a little sentimental, but I guess if anyone was going to buy it, I am glad that it is someone that grew up in that house and looked over that pond a million more times than we did. They will probably love it more than we do.

I am excited because I feel like an official artist. :) I don't know at what point you become official, but now I feel officially official. Anyway, Andrew always complained that he would have liked the picture at a different angle so, I will have to do another one for him at the angle that he wants :). Plus I am excited because I feel really blessed. I think that Heavenly Father is helping me out by helping me sell these paintings, he really does look out for us.

Funny

My visiting teacher thinks my name is Amanda, and has called me that a few times now...it will be really funny when she realizes that my name is not Amanda.

Portfolio

I added a few new pics to the portfolio if you would like to check them out! deannaleeshaw.blogspot.com

To do Today

The time of boredom is over. I have had a very slow-paced summer and fall. I have come to the realization that I now have no time left. I have had some great progress with my paintings and have some projects to work on (which I am pretty excited about). And I am also trying to learn how to use all of these programs to get me started with Graphic design. The programs are pretty complex and there is a lot to learn (no wonder people make an entire major of it). Consequently I am pretty busy these days with all that on top of my full-time job. I actually love being busy, as long as it is not stressful, my only obstacle at this point is Andrew. Without me around to constantly entertain him, he is pretty bored while I am either painting or on the computer. Unfortunately there isn't much hunting in the evening ( I never thought I would say that) Maybe I will make him study for the GMAT HA!...yeah right. Somehow I will try to find time to do the everday things, like put up my Christmas decorations.

I thought I would add that our microfiber couch cushions went through the wash very well, you can't even tell a difference! Consequently after restuffing all of the couch back together we have fixed the cat pee problem...if it weren't cold that cat would be OUT. Speaking of the cat however, I have to add that the cat and puppy are really cute together. The puppy of which, just occured to me, I haven't yet mentioned. I have mentioned how fiesty the cat is, well, she now has a friend to play with and they are actually a pretty good match for eachother. They play together so much that the cat is now pretty friendly with Andrew and I...sweet.

SO, the new puppy came as you can imagine as a result of skip dying. The guy that sold us skip was selling these as well and felt bad and gave us this one for free. Andrew named him Wiskey. He already seems to be promising for a good hunting dog, but until then he sure is a cute puppy...and no, he isn't allowed on the carpet/couches etc.

So I just copied my blogs into a word document so I could print them as a journal and it ended up being 20 pages. Who would have thought that I would have 20 pages worth of journal entries since August. That is way better than any journal entries I have averaged. This journal even has pictures!!

Pets

So, I can admit that I am a little crazy. Letting my husband have the number of pets that he has isn't exactly normal. I have one pet that I would call "mine" and I have to say I am more willing to give it away than any of the others. Arriving home from the Thanksgiving vacation, we came home to find that the cat had used our couch as its own personal litter box. Why after months of using its regular litter box it decided to use the couch, I don't know. The smell of male cat urine is far worse than dog pee. I am a firm believer. We spent the evening lest night removing the cushions from all the couches and reading up on the best ways to clean both microfiber and cat urine. Note to self: Lock the cat in the basement next time we leave.

Frazzled

Yesterday after work I ran to the grocery store to get some last minute items for Enrichment/Thanksgiving. I was going to try and leave work early but we ended up being busy, so I would just have to hurry. I was about to my house at 6:00 when Andrew called and said sorry he wasn't home yet, but he had a meeting run late at work and the errand I had him run for me wasn't done yet. I then told him that I wasn't home either. His only response was, you're not...the house is a mess. I was fully aware of this. I told him to get done what he could asap.

When I got home I scrambled. I gave myself 15 minutes to do a quick clean of the house, which meant I stuffed everything in the bedroom and closed the door. I then quickly whipped up a batch of snickerdoodles in the time that it took the oven to preheat and got the first batch in. I then did the dishes, which if you do not remember doesn't include a dishwasher, unless you call my hands and soap a dishwasher. I then scrambled to get things ready with the centerpiece for my table in the process breaking a new glass candleholder that I had (grr), and all the supplies out for the activity, put another batch of cookies in the oven, and proceeded to sweep the floor. It was about 10 minutes to 7:00 at this point and I decided to do some more cleaning. I threw the dirty cookie bowl and beaters into the fridge and hurried and washed the last of the dishes. I also put up the extra table and chairs we barrowed from the church. Andrew called at least 2 more times to tell me that he was going to be longer than he thought...I just told him that if he wasn't going to be there than I had to go, and I couldn't talk!

Quickly 7:00 arrived...then 7:10 and Brittany and a friend of hers showed up, about a half hour later a member of the Relief Society came. All of that and I had 3 people show up to my house!! I really wouldn't have minded at all, but someone at church on Sunday said "we are all going to fit in your house?". This naturally made me think that maybe a lot of people would come. I wasn't really expecting very many until she said that and it freaked me out. So, even though we had a good time and did what we planned to, I admit I was a little dissapointed and exasperated at the amount of rush I went through for 3 people. Oh well, I did my job, what else can I do.

The rush didn't end there though. As I was laying in bed last night I was thinking about the Jello that I needed to make for Thanksgiving, realized that there wouldn't be much time to make it the day of, and in order to have it set up in time for the drive down south I would have to make sure it was ready before we left for work. SO, this morning I got out of bed early even though I didn't need to shower and proceeded to follow the directions to the Jello I had never made before (the directions are a little confusing might I add, for someone who never made it before) I pulled my dirty cookie bowl and beaters out of the fridge, hurried and washed the beaters so I could blend the cream cheese mixture. I Proceeded adding everything together, realizing the bowl wasn't big enough, switching to the bigger one, splattering cranberry sauce on my clean shirt, throwing a tantrum ran and changed. I was almost finished when I realized that this had to be set up in layers. With 10 minutes before I left for work I sent Andrew to work on what he could. Shouting orders from the bathroom while I tried to flat iron my hair and put some make-up on. Andrew was only awake at that point because as I was boiling water the cookie dough I spilled on the hot plate had burned off and sent the fire alarm off. As I was freaking out, Andrew told me to calm down, to go to work, and he would bring me some breakfast and finish the Jello (I love him). SO, I can sit here and laugh at my morning/evening, because I am calm and at my desk with my Egg McMuffin and Orange Juice that Andrew brought and able to look back at this and see whatever humor there is in it. HA!

Hellooo

Well, I have to say thanks to everyone who posted to the last blog, you are all very sweet. We are doing much better and Andrew is already looking forward to the day that he can get another dog. I have to keep reminding him that the next pet we get will be a child.

We have a pretty busy week this week. Tonight I have Enrichment at my house and then tomorrow Andrew has the Scouts coming over. Plus of course there is the trip south for Thanksgiving. I have to say I am a little nervous! I have never been nervous about doing this kind of thing before, but I think I am mostly scared about how many people will show up, my house is only so big and I hope I can fit them all in! They haven't had enrichment for a while in my ward so I imagine that the first few might have a pretty good turn out. Hopefully all goes well. We are doing a really cute activity, I will post more about it tomorrow.

I have to say that even though there is extra work involved, I love feeling like I am a part of my ward and am being actively part of my community. I haven't felt that for a little while and it is really comforting to feel like you are not watching life going on around you but not living it yourself.

Things are coming together with the Graphic Arts endeavor, we are waiting for one last thing to come in the mail and then we are in business. Meanwhile I have had some painting requests and some people interested in getting some prints, so that is great! I have been spending most of my evening working on different painting projects which is of course one of my favorite things so that has been really fun. hmmm...I might bring them home for Thanksgiving, that is a good idea.

Well, ta ta for now!

I've Seen Better Days

Yesterday Andrew called me after he got back from Pheasant hunting, with his brothers and the dogs, stating that he thought he would take Skip to the vet. We have noticed that he hasn't been feeling very well lately and gets tired pretty quick when he is out hunting. Andrew took him over and the vets first thoughts were that he possibly had pneumonia or maybe even worms. Unfortunately they had to do a bunch of tests to be sure. After work we were both going to meet at the Vet's. I almost got there when Andrew said he was already leaving and that we could talk about it when we got home.

Getting out of my car Andrew pulled up, I waited a second for Andrew to get out. When he did he just said that he needed a hug and burst into tears. I gave him a big hug as he explained that Skip had Myochardiopothy and was only going to live a maximum of 3-6 months on medication. The Doctor gave him the choice of whether he wanted to put him on the medication, which would only prolong the ineviteable, or to have him put down. Andrew decided to have him be put down. He said he was choking up when the doctor asked if he wanted to go see him one last time. Andrew said he couldn't do it, so he just let the doctor take care of it.

As much as we have had problems with him, we somehow got attached. Andrew mentioned that he was his first dog that was his own. It was really hard on him, he even felt stupid that he was so emotional about it (because you all know how "manly" Andrew is) but he loved his dog. So, sadly I write to you today with one less dog. The doctors said that they had never seen the heart problems escalate so fast (we just had him checked in April) and even asked if they could look at things after he was gone. So technically Skip was donated to science :) .

I do have to admit, it solves our dog-house problem, and our dog-carrier problem, and we no longer need to buy an extra shock-colar. I am very glad that we have Tucker now though, so Nash doesn't have to be all alone. He will probably be sad too. It is a good things all dogs go to heaven. :)

(Oh wait except Otis, Brittany's dog, he apparently didn't)

Wish me luck!

Andrew and I have decided to make a career change. I am now going to learn the basics of Graphic Arts! I have a sister-in-law named Liz that is currently a Graphic Artist and has worked for Watkins Printing for 7 years. She with this job has been able to work at home with her kids while putting her husband through school (he is now earning his PHD). She talked with her boss who said he would give me a job doing a similar thing if I put together a good portfolio and took a design class. Well, this has become interesting because yesterday we went and got Liz's old Mac computer (which is still pretty nice) from her work who was selling it because Liz's just upgraded. WELL, we got home from buying the computer at Watkins and came home to fine that there was no power chord attached (?) and the free monitor I got from work is so ancient that it doesn't even plug into the computer! So I was so excited to try out my new computer and everything just to be dissapointed. Much to Andrews relief we now are needing a new monitor, Andrew hated the other one thinking it was a real dinosour that took up the whole desk. Regardless, I am really excited about the change, since I sit on photoshop for hours anyway playing with all my pictures, I might as well get paid to do it with other people's pictures. They said I will more than likely be working on designing peoples wedding announcements and stuff! Fun hah! I will probably stay here at the Title company for a few more months until my future job is secure and then we will make the switch. I will probably make at least 2 dollars an hour more starting out and then freelance work is almost double that, SO we are hoping that this investment will pay off. :)

Are you ready for this?

I hope you are all ready for this because it took me all morning! I am actually pretty excited about it. I thought I would put that up for now and then add the rest later (I need to move my legs a bit). http://deannaleeshaw.blogspot.com/ Check it out!!!

Extra Christmas Cash

Well, for the most part everyone on this blog doesn't really apply to this message, however you can help me spread the word if you would like :). I am doing any portrait drawings or paintings or anything of that nature for whomever, if you are interested and would like to give something like that away for Christmas or know of anybody who might, let me know. Andrew and I are trying to save as much money as possible this Christmas/season of time, 'till the CC's are paid off. Consequently we are thinking of extra ways that we can save money...SO I thought throw this out there and see if there are any takers. I have also been doing a little Graphic Design type stuff at work lately and have really liked it and am going to try and learn all the right programs and software to take a stab at that as well. (In case you are wondering, the prize at the end is the ability to go off birth control, so you can understand my motivations :) ) I will probably see about uploading some of my previous work that you may not have seen so you can decide if I am worth it or not.

As far as pricing goes...I am really not sure what it is worth to people, so maybe you could help me decide? Since you are all close friends/family anyway right!

Four places I've lived: Woodland Hills, Logan, Benson, Elkridge MD
Four jobs I've had: Picking only four I would say Pier 49, Mountain West Title, Deseret Book Northern Title
Four things I'd like to do before I die: Learn to play the piano (well), Publish my pumpkin book, Sell some paintings, Have lots of kids.
Four favorite desserts: Peach Cobbler, Lee's Milkshake (with nestles, mallows and banana and crystalized milk chunks in my ice cream) , Chocolate moulten cake, cookies and milk
Four interesting facts about me: I can lick my elbow, I can rarely find shoes in the "adult" section of the shoe store, I am in the 90th percentile for my size doing the bench press, I was pigeon-toed.
Four favorite movies: Pride and Prejudice, Pirates of the Caribean, Lady and the Tramp, Fugative
Four people I'm tagging: Cali, Sheena, Brittany, Paige (since all my sisters have been taken)

Check out my Slide Show!

Okay OKAY!

This is the picture from last year, we didn't think to take one this year, but it pretty much looks the same now as it did then. Sorry you don't get to see the whole thing but the bottom of my little red dress is flared out with a circle hoop at abould mid-thigh length and then I just wore a tight black skirt and boots underneath. I won a $25 gift card to Best Buy...It might be worth it, except everything I want at best buy is a few hundred dollars, so $25 bucks doesn't really seem to make a dent. I am sure I can find something to that I like however :) In case you are wondering the person to my right is Andrew and he is scorpion. Both of our costumes were selected from the Walmart kids dept. If I weren't at work I would get the original and show you all a full body shot, which does make it better, but I am at work and don't have access to any of my pictures (I stole this one from my myspace page). Andrews costume amazingly he stretched into and the legs stop just below his knees and the arms are quarter-length, but it was the condition that actually got him in a costume. If he made a joke out of it, it wasn't nearly as bad I guess :).

Halloween

Yesterday I dressed up at Strawberry Shortcake, the same costume as last year. I decided that nobody at work had seen it so it was fine to wear. I quickly felt foolish at work when I was the only one who seemed to dress in any costume at all. All embarassment was dimmed by two other women at work who decided to celebrate the festivities of the holiday and dressed up as well. My boss had advertised that there would be prizes for the best costume, so I thought there would be a lot more dressed (especially since the prizes here are usually pretty good). WELL, since there were only 3 of us, it wasn't hard for us all to win, first second and third place. With the votes cast I have to say that, YES, I won first place. :) The second I left the building I took everything off and will have to seriously consider if I will dress up again.

lol

Foggy Mornings

Well, you all now know just how much I love my husband, and knowing that I will never have to go again when I have children is what causes me to support Andrew while I can...and then be done. (Wynter I don't think I will ever go dear hunting either, but you should bring Travis over and we can send our husbands, and then we can play).

SO this morning at about 7:45 I was driving down the road (same road as the pheasant incident) and it was extremely foggy, however I was on a fairly rural road so I wasn't expecting much trouble as far as intersections or other cars in general. However you can never be too careful, like this morning. I approached what I thought migh be a motorcycle, but he didn't have his headlights on. I got closer I noticed he was moving into my lane. I quickly discovered that it was a cow. About 15 feet away he turned so he was broadside to me and just stood there as I slowed to a stop. After a few seconds I honked and scared him/her a bit and he started running down the road again, I swerved around him eventually and tried to guide him off the road as I noticed another car coming. I quickly got him off and was able to speed up enough that the other car wouldn't hit me, not knowing that I was only going 20 miles per hour. And they say all of the action is in the city!

La Di Da

SO, you think we would learn, but there is something wrong with us and we just don't. Yes, you guessed it, the dogs got out again. Andrew spent some time calling all the neighbors in the ward to let them know that they dogs had gotten out. "You and those dogs!" (That was said by the R.S. President). Luckily (I think our luck is almost gone) Andrew found them this morning running down the road in Amalga, which is probably about 10-15 miles from our house. I think for Family Home Evening next week we will be burrying cynderblocks under the kennel walls so those diggers won't be getting out anymore. Just for the record, those of you looking to get another dog, don't get bird dogs, they are so energetic that if you don't let them out to run everyday, they will dig out and run all by themselves. I must say that our Nash has stuck around every time so if you want a Vizsla, they are really cute and very obedient. Maybe we should tie them all together. I bet it would be a lot harder for them to run far if they were all tied together.

oops

I hit a pheasant with my car the other day...no damage..to my car at least.

Update.

I added a new video that you all should check out. Andrew sent it to me thinking it was pretty funny that then I sent it to Mom and she laughed her head off and told me to send it to Dad. With such a reaction I decided to put it up...it is pretty funny. I am proud to say that I passes my shooting test. I was a little nervous, but I scored 27 out of 30! Yeah! There was a picture of a squirell that we were supposed to shoot 10x to see if we could get within the target and we got the targets back and found that mine had 17 holes in it. I knew I only shot 10 but I found out that a girl 2 people over only had 3 holes in her target. The best part was that she is in college and argued with the instructor that she was pretty sure she was hitting her own target. Ha ha ha it was funny, she was pretty embarrassed. Today I take the test and will hopefully pass, ha ha, I am not really worried, Andrew only missed one when he took it when he was 10.

BANG!

Today I have the beloved experience of being tested on my ability to shoot a 22. I am not sure what to think. One side of me says, DeAnna you are taking a hunters safety class with a kid that is only 8 yrs old, if he can do it...you definitely can. Then my other side kicks in and says Yes, but you have only ever shot a gun about 4x in your life, probably as many times as the 8 yr old! I will have to let you know whether or not I pass the hunter safety class, it would be torture to have to take it again!! Not that I don't find the information valuable, but I do believe I could absorb as much info in 3 hrs as it took us to absorb in 15. For those of you who may be wanting to take the class in the future BE EDUCATED in knowing that they are available ONLINE. If only I knew. I think that you have to put in the same amount of time, but who wouldn't rather do it from their computer in their pj's? Since I did not take it online I am going to go home today and practice a little to make sure I can shoot stuff at 30 yards, not very far I know, but the targets aren't very big either.

Another thing that largely bothers me. There are three boys about 12 in our class that every time they come head straight for the soda machine and get 2 pops and then a candy bar. Then the exercise repeats itself and they buy another soda and candy during the break. Between the three of them the eats about 5 candy bars and 6 sodas every tuesday and thursday....no wonder there is an obesity epidemic. Where are they parents? Do they even know? Are they supplying the money?

Reality Check: After I imagine myself at twelve years old, I remember getting a baby ruth and beach nuts everyday before school. Where were my parents? Did they even know? Were they supplying the money? (ok they actually were but they didn't know that I was taking it out of the change jar in their closet. They found out later and I got in big trouble ha ha). BUT STILL, we should do something about the availability of healthier foods in vending machines.

Alex, the new cat.

I thought this was interesting

If you want to read the whole article go to http://health.msn.com/dietfitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100171438&GT1=10514 it isn't very long, but I thought it was interesting. (Becky you will have to let us know if it is credible).

Myth #5: "Salt causes high blood pressure and should be avoided."
The origin: In the 1940s, a Duke University researcher named Walter Kempner, M.D., became famous for using salt restriction to treat people with high blood pressure. Later, studies confirmed that reducing salt could help reduce hypertension.
What science really shows: Large-scale scientific reviews have determined there's no reason for people with normal blood pressure to restrict their sodium intake. Now, if you already have high blood pressure, you may be "salt sensitive." As a result, reducing the amount of salt you eat could be helpful.
However, it's been known for the past 20 years that people with high blood pressure who don't want to lower their salt intake can simply consume more potassium-containing foods. Why? Because it's really the balance of the two minerals that matters. In fact, Dutch researchers determined that a low potassium intake has the same impact on your blood pressure as high salt consumption does. And it turns out, the average guy consumes 3,100 milligrams (mg) of potassium a day—1,600 mg less than recommended.
The bottom line: Strive for a potassium-rich diet, which you can achieve by eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and legumes. For instance, spinach, broccoli, bananas, white potatoes, and most types of beans each contain more than 400 mg potassium per serving.

Car Commercial

I added a new UTUBE video on my side bar, most of you have probably seen this, but the music is kinda quiet, so you have to listen carefully.

Feel free to copy and reply

50 ODD things about you!
1. How tall are you? 5' 5" - It really isn't that odd though.
2. Have you ever done heroin? I really don't have a good response to this except no...
3. Do you own a gun?Actually, YES, and I learned how to shoot it.
4. Do you recycle? Yes I do
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Well, that all depends on what the appointment is for :)
6. What do you think about hot dogs? I don't really think about Hot Dogs
7. What's your favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night
8. What do you prefer to eat in the morning? Usually Steak and Potatoes, sometimes cereal.
9.Can you do push ups? CAN I?
10. Is your bathroom clean? No, it is due for a cleaning.
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring
12. Do you like painkillers? For some reason this seems like a stupid questions...yes I do.
16. Middle Name? Lee
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment..sugar, brainwash, bologna
18. Name the last 3 things you have bought:? Dog Food, Nylons, groceries
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Hot Chocolate, Peppermint tea, water
20. Who is your hero? Superman
21. Last person you called? Christa--I wanted to see if she would babysit my cat..I don't think she got my message.
22. Current worry?....getting work off for Christmas.
23. Current hate?........................My work pants are ugly
24. Favorite place to be? Lake Powell ahhh warm.
25. How did you bring in the new year? I don't even know...maybe I was asleep
26. Where would you like to go? Seattle or Mexico
27. Do you own slippers? Yes, I have cold feet
28. What shirt are you wearing? A white cotton, long sleeved shirt from Old Navy
29. Do you burn or tan? Usually Tan, but I burn more now that I am on birth control
30. Favorite color(s)? red
31. Why did you choose your display name? D for DeAnna, A for Andrew, Shaws for Shaws
32. Do you swear a lot? No
33. What songs do you sing in the shower?I usually make up my own melodies in the shower.
34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Bugs or Mice or I actually had a fear of a cougar jumping through the family room window when I had to get up to use the bathroom.
35. What's in your pockets right now? gloves and a dime
36. Last thing/person that made you laugh? My coworkers kids...they like candy...a lot
37. Best bed sheets as a child? ooh Grandma's or Mom's really old ones that are really soft.
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Honestly I think sore muscles, an excercise science degree really works you and I had some really really sore muscles at times.
39. Are you doing anything else right now? I am at work, so I am occasionally answering the phone.
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 1 (sadly it is my in-laws ancient one, but it is better than none!)
41. Who is your loudest friend? Honestly most of my friends have been pretty quiet, I was usually the loud one. (maybe Janalyn Bingham was louder)
42. Who is your most silent friend? Sheena
43. Does someone have a crush on you? I don't think so.
44. Do you wish on shooting stars? No, I am too busy looking at them.
45. What is your favorite book? Twilight
46. What is your favorite candy? Hot tomales, skittles, and twix and werthers
47. What song do/did you want played at your wedding? Broken Road by Rascal Flats
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Mole People ha ha ha
49. What were you doing @ 12 AM last night? sleeping/sweeping the sheets for bed bugs
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning?How can I get my clothes on the quickest way to keep warm?

Bored

To answer your question Carillisa, yes, I have stuff to do at work, but honestly not enough. At this point I don't think I am the only one in the office that is bored. I put up all the fall decorations today and enjoyed a long company meeting this morning, but we haven't received any new orders today, which leaves me with little to do. Interest rates dropped again though, so hopefully we will see more people buying and therefore more business.

Until then I have successfully completely my meal list for 2 weeks and the complimenting grocery list. I have even organized the groceries on the list to the appropriate order so they line up as I walk through the store (don't pretend you have never done it).

I also had the great opportunity yesterday to go to my first hunters safety course that Andrew signed me up for. I was one of 4 -6 girls and about 15 12-yr-old boys. It was such a great learning experience. There were things that I never even thought of before. Did you know you should always treat a gun as if it were loaded? Who knew? After about 2.5 hours I went home completely invigorated for the next classes I still have to attend. Oh yes and don't you worry, I was very happy to give up my one chance at exercise during the week playing ward volleyball.

Until next time....

HAPPY ONE YEAR

Andrew and I celebrated our one year wedding anneversary on Friday, what a fun day! He did a great job. First off he surprised me with a new kitten to replace my Alice, but he couldn't wait until Friday, so I got him on Wednesday. Then he sent me a dozen roses to work (love flowers!). Then he brought me lunch to work and ordered me a mini banana cream pie. And then ha ha ha as another "gift" for me he donated his hunting fund to buying me a shotgun so I could go with him when he goes bird hunting. Yes, I know, you are all probably rolling on the ground at the sight of me holding a big-ol shotgun, but it was sweet in whatever way you want to look at it. After I got home from work we headed to Hamilton's (where we had our wedding dinner). After we watched a really really lame movie, but enjoyed sparkling cider and cheese and crackers. It was a great day.

http://www.lovine.com/hobbes/wonderland.html

OK folks, I was going to paste the picture, but the whole page is lol funny, you have to go to comics and then scroll in a couple pages, but it is the picture day strip, so check it out.

Sigh

Well, I feel a little embarrassed posting this because you think we would learn eventually. Yesterday I got a call at work from a neighbor stating that he caught our dogs chasing his cows and that he currently had Nash...the other two ran off. GRR. I quickly called Andrew who didn't pick up his phones so I ran over to his work (the convenience of only working a few doors down) and interrupted the phone call he was on to tell him the dogs were out and to check his phone messages. I left before he got off the phone, but he headed straight for the dogs just after I left. Luckily they had collected the other two dogs by the time he got there and was able to get all 3 back. Phew! Andrew decided to teach them a lesson before he filled the hole in and put the shock collar on the two "usual culprits" and waited around the corner. The second Tucker (the main culprit) started for the hole Andrew made sure it wasn't a pleasant experience. Skip having been shock-collar trained knew that the collar meant trouble, barely approached the hole with the collar on, he backed up before Andrew had to teach any lessons...and my little Nash, completely without collar didn't even try. I love that one.

Sadly the news doesn't end there. On Sunday I let the cat out before we went to church because she was in a particularly ferocious mood and was biting my ankles and trying to climb up Andrews leg with his nice suit on...we thought outside was a more appropriate hang-out. We usually leave her outside when we go to work anyway, so she wouldn't have too much trouble while we were at church.... Well we were a little wrong. We haven't seen her since :( We have noticed that even though her cat food is getting eaten, it is by the other BIG cats in the neighborhood. One in particular we call Lucky because it is still there even with Andrews efforts to get rid of it. Yesterday we found Lucky eating the cats food and were able to call it to us while it at and made friends with it. Slowly we were able to get it into the house. We pet it for a little bit and eventually Andrew shut the door and we trapped it in. I tried to see if it would let me pick it up....no, it growled and bit my wrist and it scared me and I no longer liked it at all. It really just made me miss my kitten, who always let me pick it up and would actually jump up on my shoulder and perch there. At that point Andrew and I decided that we were going to turn it into the Humane Society and we trapped it with Tuna Fish in the dog kennel and locked it in the garage until this morning. Andrew said they were just going to put it to sleep so I might as well just let him "take care of it" but I told him that the cat was named Lucky for a reason and that I didn't want to chance the possibility of it coming back. Especially since we felt that it might be the reason why Alice wasn't there, we think it scared her off its "territory". So, he I believe was planning on taking the dogs out to a place in the valley that they go duck hunting and was going to bring the cat too. This morning I noticed that even with Lucky being locked up that the cat food was still eaten, so we think that there are more cats around that we may need to get rid of. Meanwhile I am really praying that my cat comes back. In case you are wondering, yes I might have an unhealthy attachment to my cat, but really she is still a kitten and how can you not love a kitten?

My sister-in-law sent me this link, so you need to check out my Imogen Heap link on my sidebar, it is pretty impressive, the lyrics are kinda funny for the style of song, but I like it.

Catching Up

I created this mostly for Cali because I think it is rediculous that I don't even know where she works, since when did she want to go into accounting and so on....They are meant to be somewhat open-ended, feel free to have long answers...the point is that I am wanting to know more, not less. (Just because I had Cali in mind doesn't mean, I don't want to hear the same from everyone else)

1. Where do you work?: Northern Title Company
2. Why did you choose to work there? Because I knew what I would be doing and I thought that with my work experience I would be able to get paid more.
3. Do you like your job? So far I love it, I have worked here almost a month...usually after a couple weeks I can tell if I am going to like it or not, but I don't forsee any problems yet, which I think is great!
5. What are the Pros/Cons? The Pro's are that I work only 4 doors down from Andrew and we can have lunch together and everything. It is a nice 8-5 and no holidays, overtime and benefits etc. I really like the people I work with and have a pretty comfortable working environment. Cons, I am the receptionist, which is generally known as the bottom of the totum poll, but hopefully I can work up quickly and give the post to someone else :).
6. What was/is your major/minor? Exercise Science/Human Development
7. What made you pick that? Honestly my Patriarchal Blessing, otherwise it probably would have been English and Art.
8. Do you have any pets? Yes, I have 3 dogs, 3 snakes, 3 turtles, and my cat (which is lost at the moment and I hope comes back.
9. Are they inside or outside pets? The dogs are out...the cat is in and out. Everything else is in.
10. Where do you live? I live in Benson, which is just West of Logan.
11. Do you like it? I love it there, I am not much of a cowgirl, but the people there are great and the country is beautiful and we live right on the pond which is also beautiful, so that works.
12. What are the top 5 things on your "wants" list?
a. My Kitten to come home
b. To stop working and get a kid
c. A bosch or kitchen aid.
d. A desktop computer
e. payoff student loans
13. What is stopping you from getting them? Money, the fact that a cat in the country is like a needle in a haystack and the need for health insurance and the desire to be better financially "able".
14. Where is your next vacation location? I think probably St. Maries Idaho (it is up by Cour de'Alain which is where Andrew's parents are from)
15. What is the best thing about your life right now? Andrew :)
16. Why? He cleaned the house and mowed the lawn for me yesterday before I got home. (I guess he got sick of work-at work)
17. Worst? My Kitten is gone :( (I don't know why, but I am really attached)
18. If you had unlimited talent what would you do different than what you are doing now? Oooh, I would play the piano really well and not worry when they ask me to play in Relief Society. I would be a much better painter and I would sell my artwork for money and get paid to paint all day. I would be more athletic and prove that even though I am small I can still kick butt :) (Yes, it was painful to be the smallest in the Exercise Science major....HOWEVER, for my size I am in the 90th percentile for bench press...yes, that means if I was playing other people my size, I would dominate)
19. What are 5 things you would say that you do well? (a moment to recognize that you are good at something)
a. I socialize well, I don't have a hard time meeting new people or striking up conversation with just anyone.
b. I would say I do art well, but not great.
c. I am a descent decorator, the only thing slowing me down is $$$
d. I am a pretty good Sewer, when I take the time.
e. I am a great cleaner, especially my new car. (the old one not as much)
20. If you were to make any changes in your life right now, what would they be? I would make Andrew light the pilot light in the furnace so we can turn on the heater so our house isn't 65 every time I come home. (He is determined to not use the heater until there is frost on the windows (there was some on my car this morning...I wonder if that counts).

SAD SAD SAD SAD. Andrew and I get to go on a free cruise (to the Bahamas!!!) with his work and the only thing we have to pay for is the plane tickets to Florida...but lets get real, we both just barely graduated and have student loans up to our eyeballs and Florida just really isn't that cheap of a flight...yesterday we decided not to go...I am really crying inside.

Cat

My cat likes to sit on my shoulder while I get ready for work, today she lept up there while I was putting on my mascara. You would think that I would have smudged it all over, but in fact, I didn't at all! (No this has nothing to do with the joke)

I love Calvin and Hobbes

Rubber Band

At my desk I have my computer directly in front of me, a printer to my right, and my plant, picture and phone to my left. Below me is a running heater (even though it isn't that cold out) and above me are skylights to the roof. I was looking up at the skylights today and noticed that on the ledge before the windows peak there is a rubber band hanging half-way off the edge. I couldn't help but giggle. That lone rubber band represents a little goofing off in the office and takes some of the boring edge off the monotonous day. I have gotten nearly everyone in the office to look up at the rubber band. The last receptionist claimed innocense, other co-workers just smiled. I got a bet for $5 that I couldn't shoot it down with another rubber band. I wonder who it was, and what was taking place? :) I am going to try and win $5.

About Andrew

It just so happens that today is going to be a boring day at work, since all the work is gone to a golf tournament today as well as some of our staff. I have been here for 45 minutes and only managed to fill the candy bowls and check my emails. So, I will gladly fill out this "tagged" profile list.

Andrew Shaw
Getting to know Andrew:
What is his name? Andrew Michael Shaw
How long have you been together, including dating? Approaching 1.75 years
How long did you date? ha ha ha....well...about a month and a half BUT we were friends all school year first!
How old is he? 25
Who eats more: Andrew used to eat triple what I did, but he doesn't want to gain anymore weight, so now it is only about double.
Who said I love you first: You know...I don't really remember...oh yeah, it was me I think, he didn't want to say it over the phone, but I kinda did anyway (he was living in Texas).
Who is taller? Andrew is close to a foot taller (yeah, I get to wear all my tall shoes!)
Who sings better? :) I do -- But Andrew wanted to be a country singer when he was little, which I thought was so cute.
Who is smarter? I am not really sure, I am better at studying, but Andrew remembers things better...he has a better GPA so I would say him, but I also don't know who's classes were harder. We are both smrt.
Whose temper is worse? Mine (sad I know...he doesn't get mad about anything!)
Who does the laundry? Both, but I have to admit I was suprised at how often Andrew does laundry...he should though, he gets clothes dirty so fast.
Who does the dishes? Andrew
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me, I am in charge of the lamp (even though we both have one.)
Who pays the bills? Andrew
Who mows the lawn? Andrew won't let me....?
Who cooks dinner? Me, that is why Andrew has to do the dishes...unless I am really tired then we have to eat what he cooks (usually not my favorite things)
Who drives when you are together? Depends on who's car and how far...His car and long trips, he does, short trips and my car, I do. We don't like adjusting the seat for a short drive to the church or just in town.
Who is more stubborn? Depends on the topic...religious stuff, me. Getting what they want, Andrew
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Neither...which causes some trouble now and then...eventually I do, because I quite often am. If he is, he appologizes before he has to admit anything.
Whose parents do you see the most? Mine, but his have come to see us more (sad)
Who kissed who first? He kissed me, it was a very sweet little kiss. It was the same night he held my hand.
Who asked who out? He asked me out, with a barrowed phone number from his roommate (the roommate that had been asking me out before!)
Who proposed? Technically me, officially Andrew
Who is more sensitive? Me, I don't think Andrew has a sensitive bone in his body. (maybe one)
Who has more friends? Andrew has more friends he keeps in touch with, but generally I am not as picky about who I am friends with, but they aren't usually as close.
Who has more siblings? He does, he has a brother that died, so he is one up on me.
Who wears the pants in the family? On the outside, people probably think Andrew does, but inside we all know who's boss.
Who is cleaner? Me ( I had to add that question because it has been a topic of discussion lately :) )

The Cat

The latest just came minutes ago when Andrew, debating whether this story should be told, decided to inform me on the life-threatening experience with our cat. Do you want to just guess which dog it was? Andrew wouldn't even tell me, but I guessed exactly which one and if you have heard anything about violent behavior with one particular dog of ours, you will know which one too. Apparently Andrew thought the cat was in no danger since Skip has been acting so under-the-weather. He was wrong. After not moving for quite some time Skip decided that the cat was a worthy cause to suddenly decide to move. He had her in his mouth and started shaking when Andrew heroically lept over the barb-wire fence and pried the dogs mouth open. Only then did the cat decide to run. She ran straight for the house after leaving Skip with a few battle wounds on his nose. According to Andrew the cat seemed unscathed, but we may need to watch her carefully for possible internal wounds. I have come to the conclusion that I should become a vet.

The Dogs

I was telling Betsy that I was ready for the spider picture to no longer be at the top of my page, so I thought I would add another blog and update everyone on my lonely week without Andrew.
Day 1: No phone call from Andrew, Alishia forgot about our sleepover (at least she was having fun country dancing). Sad day
Day 2: I came home to find Skip and Tucker escaped the dog kennel (Nash was a good and was in the yard). I spent 1.5 hrs telling neighbors and searching for them. Thankfully my sis-in-law invited me to eat at her house (her hubby was with Andrew too). I came home to find that our neighbor drove around and found my dogs. Good neighbor. I talked to Andrew briefly (his left his cell phone). Stressful, but ok day (people make a big difference)
Day 3: I cleaned the house and did laundry and Alishia remembered our sleepover, I gave her charcoal pic I drew. I got to talk to Andrew. Good and Productive Day.
Day 4: I weeded my flower bed and went grocery shopping..productuve. Dogs dug around the brick and bucket I used to block their hole...didn't find them. Exasperating day.
Day 5: Andrew came home at 6:00 am, and slept while I went to church. I announced the missing dogs. After church we searched for them. When we came home they were in the kennel and I had 3 messages from my neigbors. Good Day. I love my neighbors.

Skip isn't doing so well, we aren't sure what is wrong with him but he seems really tired and won't hardly move (sore muscles maybe?) Tucker suffered a inch long gash that sent skin flapping that we bandaged with my handy first aid kit. Nash was very happy to see them both but didn't have much time to play since the others were so tired they just layed there. Plans for Kennel reinforcements are underway! I think now would be a good time to add that the cat has stayed put and she doesn't have any current injuries and likes to sleep in our dirty clothes bin at night.

I just did the creepiest thing today.....ugh (chills)
Andrew and I bought some pest-control for the house after we got back to get rid of all of the spiders. He did a pretty good house treatment then the front of the house, then I went around and did the rest of the house. Well, it has been about two weeks and I have been pretty pleased with all of the dead spiders I have been seeing around. BUT we still had a little left in the bottom of the canister, so I went back outside and did a pretty good job under the lip around the house. I treated one area then moved on and walked back around to the first area and there were 7 HUGE spiders escaping where I had just treated.....chills again.....it was so gross. They are about the size of an oreo. Anyway, you better believe they got the rest of the bug spray devoted just to them...ugh that will forever be implanted in my memory....I never hated spiders before I moved here. P.S. They looked like the spider in the picture

Ron and Nash are representatives of the other two dogs and the other two turtles.

The Shaws

Andrew and I just got back from a summer working in Baltimore and are very happy to be back! Andrew is starting his first semester of grad-school this year with and MBA and and emphasis in Hospital Administration, we just added to our family of pets with a new kitten named Alice. That tallies us up to 3 snakes, 3 turtles, 2 dogs and a kitten...and if you want to add the rat I guess you can but technically it is snake food...sorry. I only voted for one dog and the cat, and the rest are for Andrew the zoo-keeper. (As long as he takes care of them...I don't really care.