Puppy Love?

 

 

This post is dedicated to Craig and Jordan as they undertake the responsibility of a new family member...

The second you see these little buggers, you are completely smitten with their cuteness.  You just can't resist because their little faces look at you with those adorable puppy eyes.

Then you get them home and they demand your constant attention, just like a normal baby.

 

But those little faces and those adorable eyes once again steel your heart, and you know you will just love this menace forever.

 

Even when he is naughty, it is so cute.

 

Then...they grow up and become not so cute menaces!

And when they do naughty things like chew the stairs in the garage, they aren't really that cute anymore.  Even though this big clumsy animal looks older, he isn't even a year yet, and I have to remind myself of that as I want to yell and banish him from the garage. 

And when he chews the bench in the garage I have to again remind myself, he is only a baby.  He will eventually grow out of this chewing stage. But he better hurry up!

 

He looks like he is smiling at me as I am yelling at him.  He brings stick after stick into the garage and shreds it to pieces right after I have cleaned up the mess from an hour ago.

And then the digging starts in your flower beds.  Now that's a treat!  All the hard work you have done to lay that black weed preventer just perfectly, he digs up and shreds.  Now that's just about enough!!!!  Grow up already!

Caught red-handed chewing my watering container.  No remorse whatsoever!

But for some strange reason, we just keep on loving them and hope that eventually they will outgrow all those puppy characteristics that drive us batty.  And hope that eventually he starts barking at cars that come down the driveway to warn us of visitors.  I'll let you know when that starts happening.  Good luck with your new family member.

Our Sunday Outing...

Remember when we used to load up in the big blue van on a Sunday afternoon and head out for a family adventure?  Well, we tried it last Sunday, just for old times sake, what a fun jaunt it was!  We loaded the kids and dog into the mini-van, and off we went to Pymatuning Lake in Pennsylvania to feed the carp a loaf of bread.  These fish were monsters, just mauling each other to get to a piece of bread.  They were so plentiful, ducks were standing on their backs intercepting the bread thrown.

 

Then we had to check out a trail we found near the lake.

 

 

 

I think we are off for our second Sabbath jaunt in a few moments, we'll let you know what adventures we came upon today.  Love you all!

Photography by Taylor

 

She has the knack for thinking "outside the box".  These are some of the amazing pictures she took in the last few months.  They all come from places we have visited or our home and they all have a special meaning to them.  It seems when I'm behind the camera, I can only get the big picture, but she can get down to the fine details.  That is a talent I admire.

Summer Shots...

In the Pocono Mountains at a beautiful resort that reminded me of a plantation in Louisiana.

Two beauties right smack in the middle of The Big Apple.

Youth Conference 2011!

It finally came!  It is official and awaiting a frame and a place on the wall!

Well, summer has come to an end.  I went back to work this morning.  I'm sad, but it has been wonderful!  I made my first trip to New York City with Taylor, I went to North Carolina with my girls for Seth's baptism.  We visitied Chicago and mom and dad on their mission.  I got to see Winter Quarters and enjoyed a thorough tour by the most wonderful missionary couple.  I went to Nauvoo and spent time with my dearest friend, Debbie.  My niece survived a shark attack and became famous!  A miracle took place and she is going to recover in time.  I graduated.  Our garden did great!  I have so many pickles and strawberry jam, and the tomotoes are just about ready.  We hosted the Busch family reunion weekend.  Wow!!!!  Maybe I can jam one more thing in before the kids head back next Tuesday, we will see!

Hugs and Kisses to you all!

Our Brave Girl...

A few years ago, a scorpion, now...something much bigger!  You are definitely Craig's daughter! Seems like you will be keeping your parents (and the rest of us) on the edge of their seats, just as your dad did.  

We are proud of you little princess, keep being brave during this trial, we love you and are behind you 100% of the way!!!! 

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your parents, be strong!  We love you to the moon and back!!!

Hugs and Kisses!!!!

Summer Highlights...

First of all...

 

Little Miracle, Maya Kate is the newest Mangum.  She made her debut on her daddy's birthday.  We can't wait to meet this sweet little girl. 

 

Secondly, we had the privilege of traveling to North Carolina to attend Seth's baptism and visit with loved ones.

These flowers are from Jordan's garden.  The Mangum home is beautiful and so warm and welcoming.  Poor Taylor couldn't get anyone to sit with her at the big table.

 

We need Uncle Brent around to keep his nieces in line.

 

Four out of five of us were together.  The fifth was axiously awaiting the arrival of his daughter.

 

Then we traveled to Chicago.  The boys enjoyed a Cubs/White Sox game while the girls went to the American Girl Doll store and visited some very fun shops.

 

The American Girl Doll store was a dream come true for Carley!

  

Then off to Nebraska to visit Elder and Sister Mangum.  We conveniently planned our visit the same time as Aaron and Jeni, so we could see them too and love on Calyn and Logan.  Winter Quarters was amazing!

 

Nice!!!!

 

Then on to Nauvoo to rendevous with the Robertson's!  This is the most beautiful temple I have ever laid eyes on!  You would think it is a postcard, but Carley is in there.

 

Somehow Gracee got cut-off.  You can see the Mississippi River in the background.  We saw the Nauvoo pageant and the amazing sites.  Taylor did a baptism session, while Tim and I did a session in the temple.  Thanks Blake and Debbie for entertaining Dallin and Carley!  

More to come when we upload pictures from Taylor's camera.