Found in Fishers

Operation Pointersauras: Happy Birthday Mark!

Today is the big day. It's Mark's 18th birthday and we want to make it a memorable one. Thursday night while thinking about what Mark might want for his birthday, Juan came up with a great idea.

He and Mark have watched numerous Food Network shows like Man vs. Food, Top Ten Places to Pig Out and more. John went on the website to see if one of the top 10 pig out places was close enough to travel to in a weekend and on a whim.

Sure enough, Pointers Pizza in a suburb of St. Louis. We're are on it. The Pointersauras is the world's largest deliverable pizza. Ten pounds of fun! 28 inches! Originally we thought it might be fun to actually enter the contest but we couldn't get there in time. The contest is only at 3:00 and you must register 24 hours prior to eating. If two people can eat 10 pounds of pizza in 1 hour they get $500. Only 16 teams have one so far however since Mark has a concert band competition this morning and won't be back until after noon, we cannot make it to see if anyone is competing but we will definitely go and order the big one!

 It was a long day but well worth it. Twelve hoursti  St. Louis and back in the same day to get the pizza, eat it, and make a quick stop at the Gateway Arch. It was all worth it when we got in the car and Mark said, "Well, I can cross that one off my bucket list." A birthday to remember.

Life's Little Midlife Surprise - TWINS!

Some of you may have already found out the big surprise from my Facebook page.  Actually Juan could not keep a secret! We are having twins and are quite excited. This news comes just one day before our baby's 18th birthday. And to think we were close to being empty nesters. One never can plan these little unexpected events.

You can only imagine how surprised I was when I found out. Actually a little shocked to tell you the truth. You know me, I like when things are planned. THIS WAS NOT PLANNED. What a nice way to bring in spring...I guess. Thought I would share this moment with you and my first-photo as a new "mommy". It's far too early to tell if we are having boys or girls, or one of each. I can't wait to start looking for matching outfits. Click on the photo to enlarge it!

What are you thinking!

Tomorrow is the big day! Our baby is turning 18 years old. Juan and I will officially have 2 adults in the house. Well, sort of. Liz isn't home very often and is actively looking for an apartment to be on her own. We are coming up with a wacky plan to make Mark's birthday a memorable one! The planning started last night and is quickly evolving. Very last minute but it might work. It will be quite an adventure. Keep checking in as I don't expect to announce what we want to do until we can finalize the timing of it all.

Piece de Resistance

Happy Sunday! I spent most of the day cleaning house. I had lots of Shepard slobber on my kitchen floor that needed to be cleaned up. I think I might have vacuumed up a 6th dog off my lower level carpets. And the weather stinks. I can't go outside to work in the garden. Rain, rain and more rain. I'm hoping that it will be dry enough for me to get my walk in today. Back to walking with Buddy. My new walking friend Deagan went home today...after I really got him trained to be a great walker. He improved 100% over the past week. So much so he would follow the rhythm of my step. And, he's a friend magnet. So many of the people in my subdivision said hi and asked about the dog. People wanted to pet him, including three little girls who asked permission to pet him. Nobody asks to pet Buddy.

The O'Briens out did themselves this time with my souvenir.  They have set the bar high on gifts for dog-watching! Last night after missing their connection in Atlanta, Pat, Sarah, and Liam arrived in Fishers later than expected for dinner at 9:30. While we were waiting for the rolls to bake, Sarah presented me with a gift. Pat warned me that I would be surprised. I sure was. It was the piece de resistance. A Dooney and Burke purse!

Where's Deagan?

TGIF! Not because of work but because we finally have sunny weather and it is almost time for the dogs to go home. Not that I don't like them, but they are a ton of work. Especially Deagan. You should see my kitchen floor. You know what you get with a big dog? Big water slobbers on the kitchen floor  when he drinks! My floor is a total mess with hair from five dogs and slobber stains from a German Shepard! For those of you who know me, I hate when things are not cleaned up and the dogs are challenging me for sure. Add to it that we had two doggie accidents tonight. Both from little dogs. The first was a good solid accident but while cleaning it, I stepped on one turd that blended on my kitchen floor. I had shoes on, but I did not notice it at first so needless to say, I tracked it around the kitchen. Later tonight, a little dog made a squishy pile and Deagan stepped in it. He tracked it around the piano room. I guess the dogs don't know about the no pooping rule on the first floor. Ask Liam, he knows.

Other than that, we did have a good afternoon and evening. I took Deagan on a long walk around the neighborhood. We were gone for about 45 minutes. He did an excellent job. I stopped at one point and started laughing. It was so funny. The sounds of spring are all new to Deagan. We were walking along the sidewalk, he was on my side following my lead, even leaving other dogs alone when all of a sudden he tried to dart away from me and run around me. He was totally scared. It was the noise from a lawn mower. He was freaked out by it. After walking several blocks I decided to go back near the noise to start getting him use to it. All was fine, just frightened by it for the first time.

I let him sniff around my yard too. He did not really explore because he was on his leash so I think he thought he had to stand by me. I won't let him off a leash, don't want the responsibility. Deagan also got to explore the house. He had the obligatory photo taken on the front porch. A must for all visitors. I took his picture on my bed and on the couch. I think he thinks he's human.

Seeing Stars

Day 4 and the dogs are well. Me, not so much. It all started this morning when I went down to let the dogs out, feed them and let them run around the house for a bit.

We have a routine. All the dogs go outside. While they are outside I fill all of the doggie dishes with food. Then once they come inside, they get a drink then the little dogs go in Deagan's cage to eat with the door shut. Deagan gets the laundry room with the baby gate across the door. Buddy and Sally get their regular place. This arrangement works. All the dogs get their own space to eat their own food. I usually take this time to grab a bowl of cereal or yogurt. While I eat Deagan usually pulls the clean towels and rags from their baskets in the laundry room, scatters them around the room and plays.

Today while I did my daily morning pick up, Deagan got under me while I was bend in half. He was trying to play with the towels and swung his head up very quickly clocking me in the forehead with his head. Wow, did I see stars. And the pain was so intense.

I have been nursing a very sore forehead with a golfball size bruise on the left side of it. I tried to take a picture but it does not come out. I can tell you everyone noticed today at work. The good news is that the swelling is down considerably from this morning and the bump is now much flatter but still purple.

Tonight I felt like I was watching a toddler. Deagan wanted my full attention. At one point I got tired of throwing his ball and just hid it.  Then there was this very funny show down going on. It was between Deagan and Buddy. Deagan has a bone but since he is so easily distracted, he would leave it and Buddy would steal it. Buddy would move by me and put the bone on the floor. He would not chew it, he does not really chew bones. Deagan would sit and stare at it and get distracted and play. He would finally get some guts and steal it from the floor by Buddy and start to chew it again. The minute he let go of it, Buddy would steal it and put in on the floor by him watching every move Deagan made. It was so hilarious. There was no fighting, no growling, just this back and forth game with the bone.

Here are today's stats:
No potty accidents
No damage
No work done tonight, the dogs demanded too much attention
Mamma Dog injured

Today was Deagan's Day

Day three and all is well! Deagan got the treats today. The dogs have had the run of the house since I got home from work. They are all doing well. After the dogs ate, I took Deagan on a nice long walk. He did a decent job. He has trouble staying on my left. Makes me wonder if he is walking on the O'Brien's right. He got the hang of it after about 15 minutes. He was happy on the walk but the other four dogs were ticked off. No one else got a walk because it started to get misty outside and I did not want to get wet. I did get a good 40 minute brisk walk.

Another Deagan treat was some new things from the dollar store. He and the little dogs got new bowls so they no longer have to eat from disposable plastic bowls.  Deagan got some additional bones since they keep him busy at night. I also bought him a new basket for his toys.

To top it all off, Deagan, Sally and Buddy all got to spend time with me in my room while I worked on the computer. Sally rested at my feet, Buddy nearby and Deagan chewing a bone while we all watched the American Idol results show.

 Deagan and Charlie got in a little match today. Deagan eggs on the little dogs. He then started on Buddy who does not have any patience for a puppy and quickly reminded Deagan that Buddy is the alpha dog in this pack. It was pretty funny. Buddy had his paw on Deagan. Deagan even had a little pee-pee leak. I think Buddy scared him. Deagan is twice the size of Buddy but right now Buddy remains the boss. It will be interesting to see if that continues as Deagan gets older.
Here are today's results:
No damage, no potty accidents
Mama Dog is happy today!

Hotel for Dogs Day 2

Well I made through the first night with my doggie nephews. Whew! I did get up at 5:00 AM to get everything done before leaving for work at 7:15. Mostly because it was raining and each time 5 dogs went out, 20 paws had to be wiped dry.

The dogs are doing awesome! When they all get out of their cages it is a crazy free-for-all, but when they settle it is rather peaceful. Deagan is still puppy-playful and we have had to move some things in the house like lamps. He forgets that he is almost 100 pounds. Oh, and not a lap dog either. Today I heard that all 5 dogs took a nap with Uncle Juano for an hour on the floor with no chewing or poo-poo episodes so that is progress. They are taking a break in their cages while I blog because although they have been really really good, I don't trust them alone yet. But for the most part they are out of their cages.

Sarah and Pat forgot the dog dishes in their rush to get in the car and to my house. I will be going to the dollar store tomorrow. Of course, Deagan will only chew the bowl anyway. Look at his toys, aren't they pathetic. I will pick up a few of those too at the dollar store. He needs a new bucket.

The O'Briens will be in San Antonio this week basking in the heat while we suffer from cold and rainy days. And, since Sarah was sick on Easter and the food did not taste as good to her as she hoped with a cold, I said I would cook Easter-redo dinner on Saturday night when they return.

So here's to day 2 with 5 dogs. All is good. Keep checking in on us. Baxter and Charlie love egging on Deagan. But since the black dog, Baxter, is my favorite, I blame Charlie.  I am keeping a daily doggie tally for those interested. Here is today's:
 Deagan -shredded one orange sponge today, he likes exploring in the pantry and dumped his full water dish out 3 times. Charlie (remember Baxter is my favorite)- poopy accident inside. I guess the prince cannot poop in the rain. Actually don't know which one but since it was small, it was a small dog who is responsible.
So far the O'Briens are only out about 19 cents for a sponge. Any day under a $1 is a good day. I am keeping an eye on the walls and woodwork.

It's my birthday, I get to do what I want to do

Just celebrated another birthday. Mom and Dad came from Chicagoland to help me celebrate. Although I have been up north several times this year, it was nice to see them again. It was a while since they were in Fishers. The evening started with my cake. Funny story behind my cake.

On Friday, I was off work so decided it would be a great day to run errands. Part of my errands was a trip to Costco to buy some Italian sausage for dinner. I went to pick up some French bread for our sausage.  While in the bakery section, I started joking with Mark about my cake and that I was going to sneak a peak. I was truly joking when I got to the cooler and sure enough. There is was. Happy Birthday Flora! I could not stop laughing. I called John and asked if I could save him a trip and get my cake. Sure enough I did. I also bought this awesome gardening cart. More about that on another day.

Notice on the cake the lovely tea-light candles. Guess Juano forgot to buy candles. They worked, and did not drip wax on the cake. Not sure what was funnier, these candles or the year he bought the number candles but had me a year younger than I was. Sarah and Liam were suppose to visit too but poor Liam was sick. I did send home cake for them. Cake makes everyone feel better!

When we all finally woke up on Saturday, we decided with such warm weather we would see another Indy site to check off our list. Today's choice, President Benjamin Harrison's Indianapolis mansion. This was our kind of trip. Mine especially since I am the only person in my house that likes to make historical visits. So do my folks. It made for a great day. Liz had to work and Juan and Mark would not be caught dead looking at something of historical interest. My mom, dad and I found it very interesting.  Learned a couple new things as well. I did not know that William Henry Harrison was Benjamin Harrison's grandfather.

Afterward we stopped at a hobby shop for dad and the gardening center for me. I could not leave without any plants so I bought a flat of pansies. Mom sat on the porch and talked to me while I planted my new purple flowers. We enjoyed most of the evening sitting on the porch and then moving to the deck. What a great birthday weekend. Glad we enjoyed some time outside because the weather took a nasty turn and has been rainy all day today. Spring Break weather does not look much better. I need to change my outdoor plans.

No Tampa, going for the Border. No foolin'

You would not believe how many different things I was planning to buy with my $1500 Christmas mall winnings. I swear everyday I am buying something else. Who would have thought that spending this money would be so complicated. First I was thinking about a computer. Then getting my car fixed. I thought a bit about a bunch of new clothes. Then I had a brainstorm. John is turning 50 in May, let's take a mystery trip!

I wasn't going to tell him until it was too late for him to change his mind. The problem was that every trip I could think of was something I really wanted to do, not necessarily something he would like. I finally just decided to tell him and he picked Tampa! I asked for the time off, we bought the plane tickets and are getting ready to leave in May. Well, not really now.

After a couple weeks of going back and forth with the trip. John and I decided that we wanted to get our yard landscaped instead. We decided to finally have the concrete border installed this month. Because of that expense and the current economic condition, we decided that going on a trip was not in our best interest. Add to that the fact that Mark graduates from high school in May and we have a couple parties planned for him. No computer, no car repair, no clothes, no Tampa. On with the border! And, this border does not come with drug wars :) Check it out, doesn't it look cool. It looks like brick but it is actually stamped colored concrete.

Spring break starts on Friday. A perfect time for me to have Mark and his friend pull the sod away from the house in the back as I am starting a new flower bed there and moving some plants in preparation for the new edging. It will be exciting but not the same as traveling. Juan asked yesterday if I wanted to drive to Pennsylvania instead. Hmmm, flying to Tampa is more like my cup of tea. Since I still have plane tickets and the time off work, who knows, maybe we will end up in Tampa after all.