Bad Doggie Tuesday - Grooming

If you own a dog, I'm sure you have visited the groomer a time or two.  When you own a Golden Retriever and a Goldendoodle you are on a first name basis with the groomer.

Last night after I picked up the dogs from the kennel, Crosley was a tad bit smelly.  I don't have time to get him to the groomer this week, so a home bath with shampoo and the hose did the trick. 

So, I thought it would be fun to share some of the grooms Crosley has experienced.  Yes, I know some are very unfortunate, but as I'm learning how to care for his carpet of hair, it's been a bit of a challenge.  How do you bath your dogs?  Do you frequent the groomer?  Do you love it when they put bows and bandannas in their hair?

Personally the first two are my favorite.  The shaggy look is when I think Crosley looks his best.  The problem is, when you let it get too long it becomes matted and the below happens.....

 Can you even believe it's the same dog?!  This groom made me cry.  The groom below is better but looks a little feminine for a male dog.  Arghhh! 

I almost feel for Crosley...the poor boy is probably going through an identity crisis.  I am certain we will figure out a haircut that suits him best very soon.  In the meantime, I'll just shower him with bones as an apology. 

Well Balanced Meals

We are currently away from home enjoying a brief visit with family but I wanted to take a moment to discuss kid's eating habits.  Specifically my own children. 

When we are on vacation our meal choices tend to be less than ideal.  For us it started the day before we left on vacation.  We had a number of errands to run before we headed out the next morning.  We were in such a hurry that we we realized we had not fed the kids. 

So to make it up to them we announced "Ice Cream for everyone!!" 

The next morning as we are packing up the car, Morgan states in her disappointed voice "Mom, you didn't feed me any dinner last night.  Will you please feed me dinner today?"

So now I feel like a terrible, horrible, rotten parent.  I assure her, "Baby, Mommy will feed you dinner and we'll make sure to get a good breakfast on our way."

As we are pulling out Chris announces to the kids, "I need to stop and get gas so let's all run in and pick out something to eat.  And I don't want you picking out any candy for breakfast.  Pick out something healthy, like a donut."

I see a parent of the year award in our not so distant future.

Blanket Holes

I know you have all heard of donut holes before, and I'm sure you've even eaten one or two (or 10.  I swear I'll never admit to that if you tell anyone :)  But have you ever heard of blanket holes?

My kids love to cuddle with their favorite blankets (imagine the beautiful handmade type you are given when they are infants) while they are watching a movie. 

Logan was first to point out to me that his blanket indeed is showing it's wear. 

"Mom, my blanket has holes in it now."

"Awww buddy.  I'm sorry."

Apparently the conversation is not over as he informs me that these are not your typical blanket holes.

"These are fart holes.  I fart on the blanket and it blows holes through it."  he says.

And who say's we aren't a classy bunch?

Photo by Designs by Difulvio

Children Say It. Even When They Are Babies

Have you ever in your life seen anything so adorable?  No matter what age, Children Say It.  And these two are definitely enjoying each other's company.

Video via

Bad Doggie Tuesday - Dapper Doggie

So in an attempt to turn my bad doggie into a stylin doggie I purchased this adorable collar for him.

I know this isn't Crosley in the picture, but at least you get the idea.  I promise to share a picture of him being dapper as soon as it's ready.

This is the actual fabric I selected.  Charming right?  I'm not sure if this will improve his behavior, but it will certainly improve his look.  Go get your dog one today.

Photo via

Man Face er Man Something

This next post is a golden oldie (Thank You to Erin for reminding me of this...Hi Erin!) but hands down one of my son's most memorable moments to date.

You see we were in the middle of a bathroom remodel and had taken down the old mirror (imagine a huge piece of glass that spans two sinks) and placed it into the walk in closet.  My husband thinks he can find a new use for everything so it remained there for nearly two years after the remodel was complete.  Anyhoo...

The mirror served it's purposes.  I could make sure I looked good enough to head to work each day, Morgan posed & Logan, well Logan, learned about his manhood in this mirror.

After he finished his shower for the evening, he was towel drying himself off in front of the mirror.  Lookin a this way and a that way.  (I was secretly pretending not to be watching)  Apparently he loved what he saw that day because next thing I know he's shakin his tail feathers (and other objects) to the mirror.

Very proudly he proclaims "Oh my gosh, there's a man staring back at me." 

Heat Index Rising

Is it hot where you live?  It's been a sauna here in the Midwest.  It does look like there is an end in sight and we should be enjoying a bit of a cool down this weekend.

My kids are feeling the heat too.  But that doesn't stop summer camp from taking the kids on their planned field trip to the local airport for plane viewing, tours and a picnic.

When I picked Morgan up from her day I couldn't wait to hear how it went.

"Morgan, how was your field trip?  Were you hot at the airport?"

She replies, "Mom, I was smokin hot."

"Yes I know baby.  You get that from your mother."

Photo: Designs by Difulvio