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Monday, April 26, 2010

Tanner's Eye Surgery

Our "bubby" (baby + puppy) Tanner had eye surgery on Friday. We've known for about 2 months that he would need surgery to remove a growth on his eyelid that was starting to affect his vision but it took us a while to get used the idea and get it scheduled. We knew he would be fine but we also knew that there is always risk when anestheia is involved. Prior to his surgery we spoiled him rotten with lots of exercise, treats, and loads of love. On Friday morning David had a talk with Tanner and he said his response back was "don't worry I've got too much to live for and I promise not to flat-line". Thanks honey - I'm glad you got that cleared up with Tanner before heading into surgery.

I took Tanner to the vet and we got there a little early, I guess I was anxious to get this over with. I did really well until I said my goodbye's and walked out the door. I was strong for "bubby" because he feeds off of my emotions but I got to the car and then cried. I cried because now his life was in someone else's hands not my own and leaving so much faith in others hands was hard.

I then anxiously waited at home until  I got the phone call 4 hours later that the surgery went well and he was rearing to get home soon. They said you could hardly tell he was under anestheia and was recovering well. Music to our ears! David was so anxious to see him that he left work early to pick him up. So Mommy is the one that drops him off but Daddy get to rescue him - hmmm.....!

When he got home I expected him to be back to normal but little did I know that it took up to 24 hours for all of the medication to wear off. He was one doped up doggy that night! I think part of it was the adjustment to the lovely e-collar he has to wear for 10 days but the running into the walls and not being able to get around was unexpected. He was so tired and needed to sleep but he kept fighting it. Finally when he fell asleep he made the weirdest sounds ever. He normally doesn't make a peep when he sleeps but all night long I heard barking, howling, snoring, and snorting. He slept better than we did that night because I thought at one time that he couldn't breathe. I guess those drugs had him taking the deepest sleep ever!

We woke up the next day and ended up spoon feeding him to get him to eat and drink. He just couldn't figure out how to do it with that darn e-collar on. It reminded us of the first few days we had him as a puppy. We eventually got him to drink and eat on his own which was a big relief because we had until noon to get him to do it otherwise it was back to the vet to get hydrated. Once we got past that hurdle, the rest of the day he started to come around and now it's like he has forgotten all about the surgery and the e-collar.

We head back to the vet in 10 days to get the stitches removed but it looks like his eye is going to heal nicely and it's likely he won't be slant-eyed ever after. He does have the cutest eyes ever!

Friday night after surgery - one doped up doggy!
On the road to recovery.

Giveaway at Frilly Details

Emily at Frilly Details is giving away a $40 gift card for CSN Stores. Stop by her blog and leave a comment to enter. While you are there you will also want to look at her beautiful photography and visit her Etsy store. Also don't forget to send her dog Stanley best wishes for a fast recovery from his recent surgery. Click here to enter the giveaway.

Good Luck!!!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Celebrating 40 years of Earth Day!

I absolutely love Earth Day and every year I say to myself, I want to take the day off of work and volunteer for the day but unfortunately that doesn't happen. But even though I was stuck behind a desk all day, I still always look at how we choose to live and make some earth friendly resolutions. As a family I think we are pretty green but there is still many things we can continue to do to reduce our carbon footprint.

Our green resolutions for the upcoming year include the following:
  • Start a composting bin
  • Install a new thermostat that I can actually program
  • Continue to replace lightbulbs with greener options
  • Participate in the electronic recycling program
  • Purchase a water heater wrap
  • Convince my husband to turn off lights when he leaves a room. Can you believe I sometimes come home to 2 tv's being on? It drives me bonkers!
What are your green resolutions? Do share.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Spring Blooms

l was welcomed home on Friday by my little tree in the front yard plump full of beautiful pink blooms. I was so excited to see something alive and not dead in the yard for once that I went running outside to take some pictures of the blooms. I honestly don't remember this tree blooming like this - in fact I don't recall it at all blooming last year. After snapping some pictures I shared them with my hubby only to see a puzzled look on his face - he then said "what's the big deal it blooms like that every year." Seriously - where have I been, I honestly don't recall them. I guess I've really missed home and my eyes are wide open.

We are also excited to have a landscaper come and work with us on our landscaping plans for the front yard. We started the process last year but quickly learned how costly landscaping can be - who knew. We then attempted the DIY route and let's just say our plants died - again. I think we need to turn it over to the professionals now and cross our fingers that we can make the plans affordable this time. We are meeting with a new landscaper based on a referral, I know that my book club buddy won't steer me in the wrong direction so needless to say we are uber-excited to get going on our plans.

Aren't these blooms just beautiful? I love that I can look out of the living room window and see these if only for a bit longer. Why is it that they can't stay a little longer...

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Happy 6th Birthday Tanner!

April 17th was Tanner's 6th birthday - can you believe it? I know we can't but we had a great time together at the dog park enjoying the nice weather to try to forget that our baby is growing up. I know some of you think it's silly how much we love our pup but how can you not adore a face like that?!?!?! 

Tanner & Mama
Tanner & Dada
Us Again - Taking a little break.
Tanner gets tired trying to run away from all of the dogs that want to play - he prefers running and getting attention from people not the dogs.
Tanner running like the wind........or for his life, not sure what he was running from or to.
After a workout at the dog park, it was time to hit the Starbucks for Tanner's first "pup cup". He dove right in and loved the whipped cream treat.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANNER!
WE LOVE YOU TO PIECES!!!!!!!!

Monday, April 12, 2010

WARNING: Anti-Bacterial Products


One of my best friend's sister, Dr. Sarah Janssen, was on CNN this morning to talk about why the FDA is taking a closer look at a chemical found in many anti-bacterial products. One concern is that the chemical Triclosan has been linked to altering hormone regulation in animals. The FDA also says some anti-bacterial products are no more effective than plain old soap and water. There have been over 30 years of research that has shown that this chemical causes major health issues including infertility. It appears that we have once again fell victim to the marketing schemes that companie's put in place for us to buy more of their products despite a lack of value to the consumer and an increased risk of major side affects as a result.

I hope you take a moment to watch this short clip and learn more about the side affects of the chemical Triclosan that is commonly found in products called "anti-bacterial". Click here to view the clip so that you keep yourself and your family safe from the harm of these chemicals.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Carrie Underwood and Craig Morgan Concert

We saw Carrie Underwood and Craig Morgan in concert last night with my parents. I never thought I would see the day where we liked the same type of music much less go to the same concert but it turned out to be a great night. What can I say - they have great taste in music!

Me & Mom
Can you see the family resemblance?

Me & the Huz
Craig Morgan
Carrie Underwood - sailing midair in the coolest blue truck around!
Carrie and Craig doing a little country dancing

I took about 75 pictures but I decided to spare you from looking at all of them. The ticket prices were the lowest I've paid for a concert in the last 5 years or so but it was one of the best I've been to. They didn't cut any corners and Carrie sang for almost 2 hours!!! It was worth every penny we paid and it was great to hang out with my parents and hubby for the night.

Friday, April 9, 2010

On the Shores of Southern California

I spent the week in Southern California for work and had a little spare time on Wednesday to hit the shore before the sun set. Being only 5 minutes away it was an easy drive to a local State Park for some breathtaking views of the beautiful coastline.

First I hit a local outdoor mall called "Fashion Island" and that it was. There were just as many little dogs as their were people at this mall and they were all allowed to go in and out stores like it was no big deal. Many of the stores even had dog bowls of cold water for the dogs to get a refreshing drink. I was in heaven when I saw that but I really missed Tanner when I ventured into a pet store to see all of the little puppies. I started snapping pictures and sending them to Dave because I seriously pondered bringing one of them back home with me. We've been thinking about getting another puppy but I don't think getting one from a pet store (aka puppy mill) is the right thing to do.

The photo above was taken from Fashion Island - steps away from the water
Crystal Cove State Park
Seriously - cactus next to the beach?










I absolutely LOVE Southern California and would move there in a second - I only need to convince David that living in a 1 bedroom apartment isn't that bad is it? After being in SoCal once again and loving every minute, I think it inspired our next vacation. I think I convinced the hubby that we should fly to the West Coast and rent a car and drive down the coast and end up in San Diego - I LOVE that place too! What do you think, does that sound like fun or what? If I can't get him to move there, I'll settle for a vacation there.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Weekend in the City and of course Stone Crab!

We headed into the City for the day for a little fun and dinner at Joe's for some stone crab of course - thanks to my Jillian Michael's 30 day shred bet that I made with David. I probably gained back all of the weight that I lost during those 30 days but it was worth it! We were originally planning on going to the Shedd Aquarium but the mile and a half long line didn't allow us to do that so we headed to the Field Museum instead. Our friends Sue and Kris joined us and we had lots of fun. Here's a couple of pictures for your viewing pleasure.

(Warning: I didn't take my Canon with me because I didn't want to lug it around all night but you'll still get the idea.)

The Field Museum
Sue is the Best of the Best - my friend Sue loved this sign of course.
David and I
Shedd - we'll have to come and visit you another day.
Sue and Kris - CHEERS!
David & I
Stone Crab!!!!
I did share them by the way.....
Joe's
Let's just say this was later in the evening after a few martini's....
The Big Bar at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. We ended up spending the night after getting a room there for only $50 thansk to Priceline - awesome value!!!!

What a great weekend we had - so glad I made that bet with David. Did I mention he's the best husband ever?!?!?! Well he is, I love when he spoils me. I hope to head down again when the weather warms up even more for a nice bike ride along the lake.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Hoppy Easter!



While we didn't have the typical Easter dinner celebration with family this year, I did still get a couple of Easter cards made for my nieces and a few others. These cards were a little different because there was no stamping involved, just creative use of my punches. Isn't my Easter bunny adorable - I think so and I hope my nieces enjoy it. Hoppy Easter everyone!

I got the inspiration from this blog, click here for step by step instructions.