Meet and Love Bella Kate Birdwell!

Bella Kate Birdwell

Mark it on your calendars. . . two days ago is the day I officially went out of my mind.  Well, is that really true?  Are you really out of your mind when you KNOW that what you are doing is crazy or are you just crazy and out of your mind when you don't even realize what you've done.

Yep, we have another dog.  A 3-year old, female, 84lb. Great White Pyrenees at that.  She is massive and. . . get this. . . she's an inside dog.  Oh my, I just heard many jaws hit the floor.  Deke, pick your jaw up and put it back together so you can tell me how crazy I am tomorrow night at the party.  Yes, I know it's a shock everyone.

But, here is the deal.  I THINK after having the second child I've loosened up a little of my OCD ways.  However, I just realized that I need more self help in that area so I agreed to have this doggie inside.  So far I'm loving it.  However, it is not shedding season.  I'm sure you will hear a different story come that month!

Bella is the sweetest, kindest, most well behaved dog I have ever met.  If I didn't see her breathing I would sometimes think she is a polar bear rug.  She has only been with our family two days now but already her devotion shines brightly.  She loves us so much which is making us fall hard and quick for her.

So. . . everyone is wondering what the "story" is right?  Well, here goes. . .

Chase Parker had a checkup appt with his therapy office on Monday at 5pm.  When I arrived and was waiting with him in the lobby I saw this beautiful white pup through the glass door.  When Tammy came out to greet us I asked her about the dog.  She told me the story of how she had adopted her from the Humane Society a few days ago but, that, unfortunately, she did not get along with her other large breed dog.  So, she was desperately trying to find another home for her so she didn't have to go back to the pound.  While she was telling me this I was falling in love.  Bella (actually Tammy had named her Lola) was just so sweet and so gentle and yet SO big (just the type of dog that would be great for our family!).  Paul has always always always wanted a large breed dog. . . especially a Saint Bernard.  I have always always always emphatically said no due to the fact that they are extremely large, but mostly have that horrific drool.  With all the Basset Hounds I've had in my lifetime I have endured enough drool!  But, even though Bella is not quite as big as a Saint Bernard I thought possibly Paul might fall for her too.  So, I sent him pictures from my phone and called him.  I could tell (even though he was giving me a hard time) that he wanted her home with us too!  So, long story short, Tammy helped me load her and all of her belongings up in the Rover and we were home bound.  Chase Parker didn't seem to mind at all.  And, I knew Zachary would love her to death.

Now. . . what I DIDN'T expect was next.  When I arrived home Paul took one look at her and said, "Ok, we can keep her but here's the stipulation."  My heart immediately sank.  It sounded bad.  He continued on to say, "If I let you keep her you have to let me keep her inside."  Whoa.  That threw the entire deal off for me.  I was riding down the road a few minutes prior to this conversation feeling all happy that I have a great dog and have the perfect dog setup with our air conditioned shed, complete with pet doors, in the backyard and even an invisible fence for Bella (or still Lola at this point) to enjoy.  NEVER had it entered my mind that she would be an inside dog!  But, Paul was pretty set on this.  He wanted to try it. . . so, I agreed.

That's my story. . . our cat, Blue, would probably tell an entirely different kind of story.  He is not too sure of this "horse" that has come to live with him.  He is taking it all pretty good and I can tell from the way he is handling it that they will be snuggle buddies before long.

Now, before I get to all the pictures of Bella's first photoshoot. . . I'll tell you quickly about how we arrived at her name.  First of all, Paul said, "I'm not having a dog named Lola."  So, obviously we had to change it.  That first night we struggled to find a name and had a very hard time of it.  Finally we agreed upon Bella Kate.  However, after some input from a friend we decided to change her name to Aspen.  I loved the name Aspen and so did Paul. . . however, Zachary did not.  He pitched a fit!  He laid it on thick. . . telling us that Aspen was too hard for him to say, also told us that we weren't being fair since we had told him that she was his dog, and even went on to say that no matter what we named her he was going to call her Bella.  So, we caved.  Bella Kate Birdwell she is and will forever remain.  Now, on to the most important part. . . her first photoshoot today.  She did great.  However, I can't wait to get her outside for a "real" photoshoot but it was nasty weather.  I am going to LOVE shooting her with the kids too.  She is SUCH a "pose me and do whatever" kind of dog.  We love her and hope to have her a part of our family for many years to come.  However, when you come over to our house from now on don't expect perfection on the floors or furniture but, instead, you will find the perfect doggie.

To Tammy. . . . thank you for introducing our sweet doggie to us.  You not only are my son's therapist but now mine.  You knew I needed some sensory, OCD help didn't you!

Everyone, come on by and meet her but for now. . . enjoy some pictures. . .

A Star Studded Christmas Program. . .

Ok, nothing is cuter at Christmas time (or anytime) than 2, 3, and 4 year olds up on stage performing!  Yesterday we enjoyed Zachary's Christmas program at his preschool.  I am happy to report that my son participated this year.  Last year when he was on stage for different programs I thought maybe I needed to go up there and check his pulse.  He never participated in singing, hand movements, or speaking, even though at home he sung and practiced all the time!  Up on stage he just stood there looking like he was at death's door.  It was so frustrating for me!  Me, who wants fantastic video and pictures, but how could I get them with my child looking drugged!  Uugh.  So, this year I decided bribery might be the way to go.  So, I tried it and, happy to report, it worked.

I had been telling Zach for weeks that if he sung the songs, with hand movements, spoke his part into the microphone where everyone could hear that we would go to Walmart after the program and buy him a monster truck.  He was so excited and so was I.  When I saw him after the show of course that was the very first thing he asked me.  When the kids came down the aisle, headed to the stage, as the program started I saw Zachary walking briskly and looking extremely focused and serious like he was on a mission to win a monster truck.  I knew I had a chance at winning this year!

Papa, Grammy, Uncle David, Grandma, Granddaddy, Chase Parker and Daddy were all in attendance with me at the show.  We had the very first row.  I was lucky to get good seats.  EVERYONE got there early.

Zachary played the part of one of the three kings.  He looked so handsome.   And, most of all, at some points during the show he actually even looked like he was having fun.  Kudos to his wonderful teacher, Candace Duclos and all the staff at the school for a wonderful performance!  TUMP rocks!!!

After his program we took him out to lunch to celebrate.  Grammy, Papa, Uncle David, and Chase Parker went with us.  We all had a fun day!

Below I have included some pictures from the show and a little video.  I also have pictures of a special present that Zachary brought his Daddy and me for Christmas.  He made it at school and it is, of course, one of our favorite decorations.

Enjoy some pictures now. . .

a Christmas wreath design made out of Zach's handprints. . . say it with me. . . "awwwww".

Zach's Christmas tree and presents. . . 

will never tire of seeing that sweet little signature he has. . . 

my King! (Zach is in the middle with the purple robe and crown)

one of Zach's best friends performing like the star he is!

Zach's other best friend (we call them the 3 Muskateers) doing a fantastic job!

Chase Parker did this the entire time. . . the children had his full undivided attention!

saying his part (bribery is the key!)

this is when they all were supposed to smile for the cameras at the very end. .. hilarious!

Here is a little video. . . sadly, it does not have his speaking part on it.  Paul was videoing with another camera while I was taking pictures and videoing with my SLR just a little.  Paul videoed the speaking part and I can't get the video off that camera onto my computer.  Yikes!  Am working on it!  Sorry for the technical difficulty.  . . . and, sorry for the microphone blocking your view of Zachary in this video.

the Zach cheering section. . . 

The after show, let your hair down moments. . . . EVERYBODY loves Chase Parker. . . who could blame them?

the entire crew (minus me!) for a family shot

I'm SO proud of all three of my boys!

and lastly, THE picture of the year. . . without the tape. . . 

Hustlin' and Bustlin'. . .

Our Home Looks Like Christmas!

Finally the decorations are done.  I've had the inside decorations done since Thanksgiving weekend but finally just put the finishing touches on the outside.  Zachary and Chase helped me put the last strand of lights on this afternoon when we arrived home from school.  (Paul and I did most of the outside lights over the weekend but we saved a little for Zach to help with.)

Zachary's little tree in his room. . . 

The decorations would not be complete without the Christmas train!

and the Christmas kitty!  (We are missing our other three animals that we lost this past year.  Our first Christmas in a long while without Jessi, Alex, and Pootie.)

and the Nativity. . . remembering that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

I have not had the gumption this year to go hog wild with outside lights like we usually have done in past years.  I told Paul that Zachary may let us slide if we put out a train blow up decoration this year.  So, I found a Thomas Train and sure enough, that did the trick.  I haven't heard one complaint that there aren't enough lights outside.  Usually Paul and I stay up ALL night long putting out the lights but this year I just couldn't get on board with that idea.

Every year I primarily do all the "research" and figure out a good list of Christmas gifts for the boys.  After my list is compiled Paul will sit down with me and give me his opinion and then I do all the ordering.  (sounds like an easy job for Paul huh!)  Well, Sunday morning at 3AM it was finally DONE!  And, all packages are in stock and are due to arrive well before Christmas.  I am always relieved when this can be crossed off my list.

We are looking forward to a family Christmas party at my brother's house this year.  I love seeing their home decorated for Christmas.  My sister in law has an amazing gift for decorating.  We are sure to have a fantastic time.  I am going to bake an oreo cheesecake for everyone!  We are also going to play our Giftmas game which is a family tradition.

We also have Zach's Christmas play to see this week.  It will be this Friday at his school.  He is one of the three kings and is so excited that everyone is coming to see him.  I'm happy to say that he knows his line.     

And, next week Zachary is looking forward to having his friends over for a playdate.  I thought we would make some Gingerpops together.  I'm sure it will be a hilarious time as usual.

And finally. . . from our family to yours. . . Merry Christmas!!

Playing Hookie To Play Play Play!

Yesterday I woke up and thought to myself that it sure would be fun to play all day with my boys.  At breakfast I asked Zach if he had anything important going on at school that day.  He told me, "probably just the same schedule", and then he went thoroughly through every detail of the order of his days at preschool.  After listening to all I simply asked if he would like to play hookie to play with Mommy and brother all day.  He grinned and said, "well, I guess that would be ok."

We started off our day with a yummy breakfast and then snuggled together under a blanket on the couch and watched Charlie Brown Christmas on tv.  That didn't last long for Chase Parker who decided getting down on the floor to crash trucks would be much more fun.

After breakfast we went upstairs and started building a new train track.  I am not the best at this and am always amazed at Zach's skills in this area.  He can put a cool track together in no time!

Afterwards we got dressed and the boys and I headed to the park.  It was nice to have the park to ourselves!  Grandma met us there and had fun too.

It was nap time by then so we came home to let Chase Parker recharge his batteries.  Around 12:30 Grammy came over and we hit the road out to lunch at Firehouse Subs.  Then a little shopping for a project I thought Zach and his buddies from school might like to do for a playdate.

By the time we got home we were ALL ready for naps.  The boys took good ones while I tried to get some stuff done around the house.  In the meantime I developed a nasty headache unfortunately.  Paul and I had planned to take the boys out for pizza with Grandma, Granddaddy and Trevor but when dinner time came I was in no shape to go.  So, I went to bed and Paul took the kids to dinner.  At least they had fun!

Zach went home with Grandma, Granddaddy and Trevor for a fun sleepover.  Chase Parker actually stayed out and awake much past his bedtime!  And, slept late this morning!  Whoohooo for me and Paul!!

Actually since I had gone to bed so early last night I woke up at 1:30AM wide awake and decided to do some Christmas shopping online.   So, I did that til 3:30AM then hit the bed again.  

Today we have a fun birthday party planned and then an evening out with our friends the Harrells.  Hopefully we can go to Killearn Methodist Church this weekend to see the live nativity scene!  Christmas is a fun time of year!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!