Weekend of Boomer

Well our weekend was all about Boomer, plus basketball!
Friday night - Kayson went to a birthday party, while the rest of us stayed home and played with Boomer.  Got him situated... and somewhat comfortable.  It was a very emotional evening - not like sad, but just a lot going on and trying to make sure Boomer was happy, etc.  

Unfortunately, Boomer HATES the kennel.  Like bad.  It was his first night here, so we get it, but praying it gets better...  so he slept from about 11pm til about 4am...  then was up, and anytime he went back into the kennel, he screamed like crazy!  Screamed - howled - barked - whined!  And he's loud, so he would have woke the whole house... so there I went to the basement with him and he and I slept on the couch!  Oh boy.  

Saturday - 
I was tired.  Like that over stimulated tired (like a baby!)  ha.  
We went out to PetSmart (all of us) got a few toys for him and a few other things, so that was fun.  Most of the day was spent fussing over Boomer.  

Saturday night we had basketball... this was a pick up tournament, and we played at night.  So weird being there at night.  Boomer hated being in his kennel, and I'm 100% certain, he cried the entire time.  Felt so bad.  

Anyway, basketball was ok...  won 1, lost 1... the team struggled a bit.  K had some serious turnovers, which is frustrating...  but oh well.  We got home about 8:10.  Tired family.

Sunday - 
Boomer did better Saturday night...  still cried a lot at first, but ended up not waking til about 6am. But regardless, it's exhausting!  What have we done?!?!  ha. 

We were up early to start our Sunday game(s), and unfortunately, our game ended in a loss, so we were then done.  Disappointing.  So we ran home, and were able to get out to church for service.  So that was nice. 

The rest of the day was, again, Boomer...  and he really gave us a run for our money!!  While we were at church, he chewed/tore through his kennel - and escaped.  WTH!!!  We got home, and he greeted us in the kitchen!  We were shocked!!!  So a metal kennel was purchased pretty much instantly.  And he still hates that one!  We tried having him 'rest' in there, and he literally cried for over an hour!  WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO!!??

Anyway,  it was a busy weekend...  but also really enjoyable.  Boomer has definitely brought a different kind of joy to us, and I love him already... even if I am mad at him!!

his first walk

Meet Boomer!!

Our new puppy!!!

Several weeks ago (probably months ago when we first lost Murphy), the conversation of a dog came up more and more - probably more from me, but still!  I've just honestly, been dying to have another dog in our lives... yes, I know a dog is a lot of work, and will keep us home more...  but I strongly believe, every household needs a pet (specifically a dog!!) 

Anyway, we've been scouting a website of pups - from Ohio.  They deal with you a little, and then end up flying the pup to you!!  Crazy to think that - and did a number on my nerves a little!  

On Friday, January 10, Ryan and I made the purchase!!!  We purchased Cider (previous name).  He is a cockapoo (cocker spaniel/poodle mix) - born November 21, 2019.  At 5.6 weeks, he was 3lbs 4 oz.  At time of arrival (8 weeks), he weighed 4lbs. 15 oz.

This was the face we saw on the website!  PERFECTION.

He arrived to us Friday, January 24 (may have been the best birthday present ever!!).  He left Ohio in the morning, then had a long layover in Chicago (due to fog and other weather). He was away for a long time, and I felt terrible!!  But he finally arrived to us around 4:10 pm at the DSM airport!  
Since we were getting him later than expected, we hurried back to West DSM and went to school to get the kids.  They were so excited, and shocked too!!!

We got home and settled... all the craziness started, like right away!  

Eventually we named him Boomer.  Kayson had mentioned that name awhile ago, and we all agreed we liked it.  

Our first night at home was interesting... in a nutshell - Boomer hates his kennel, right now.  He cries, whines, barks... all the naughty things!  And he's LOUD!!  We ended up putting the kennel in the basement, because he was so loud!

He slept from about 11pm til about 4am... then he went potty, but wouldn't go back in his kennel.  So I got the luxury of sleeping on the couch with him.  ah. It was ok, but a little uncomfortable...  but we survived. 

He's done pretty good...  not eating a ton, so we are watchful for all of that... and he's exhausted, but won't really calm down enough to rest.   

It's been fun, crazy and a little stressful already... but I know he is loved already and will be a great addition to our family. 

Some pics from the last day!

Flower Girl opportunity #2!!

Cousin Shanna is getting married this coming June!!  A while ago, Shanna reached out to me showing interest that she (and Spencer) wanted Cora to be their flower girl.  I instantly thought that was the sweetest thing... but worried how Cora would react due to her initial reaction when Hope and Logan asked!!  I did also worry that Cora doesn't really know Shanna...  but very nice to be thought of too.

So... time went by and Shanna and I finally talked more about it.  She was going to send Cora a little gift and ask the question...  

Cora received a little gift on Sunday afternoon - an adorable dress for her doll and the dress had a 'sash' that said "Flower Girl", so cute.  We talked... and Cora was 'ok' with this.  We then called Shanna (of course Cora was super shy), but they talked a little, and it was all good. 

Later sis and I talked about it more... and she seems excited, but she did say to me - "Is this last time I have to do this??"  I found that funny.  I said yes - unless Ashley gets married!  She smiled!  

It will all be good, and fun...  and she'll do awesome.  I know it.

So cute!!!  But certain she won't wear camo pants and a stocking cap!!

Weekend - 4 days!

Well, the kids and I ended up having a 4-day weekend. 
Friday we got a pretty big snow storm, and originally the kids didn't have school that day (for a teacher work day), but then with the storm, BTB was closed too.  So... I worked from home, and the kids were home.  I worked nearly 6 hours... then those last couple hours, I had to keep them busy and off their electronics.  Cora actually did awesome all day.  But regardless, I 'quit' work about 1:30 and the kids and I went outside for a bit (it was freezing), but I snow blowed the drive way, they played in the snow... it was a good couple hours.  
We put together a puzzle... and just hung out.  It was a really nice afternoon with them. 

Friday night we made supper, then had a movie night.  All of us snuggled up in the basement and watched 'Overcomer'.  Wow - what a great movie.  K and I both cried!! 

Saturday:
We slept in quite a bit...  super cold out and icy!!  But we still had basketball!  
We headed out...  had a pretty good afternoon of ball, then home for the afternoon and evening.  We made homemade pizzas, and just hung out.  

Sunday:
We had basketball again... just one game, as we lost.  So it was a short day on the courts. 
Mike and JeanAnn made the trek in the cold weather...  we grabbed lunch out, and then we were home again.  Just too cold to do anything!  I know the kids are irritated with the weather!

Monday - MLK Jr Day.
I had the day off, and kids were off from school, but they had BTB, and I sent them!  They needed a day away from home!  I did a bunch of errands, and had a super great lunch with Lacey.  I so needed that.  

This girl is a pro at LEGOS!

She loves her Ashton Drake doll, Katie

Proof I snow blowed the driveway!

Kayson thought it was amazing how far the snow went!

Weekend of Relaxation!!

A weekend with no set plans, and it was awesome.  Probably one of the best weekends we've had in a long time actually.
Friday - 
Early out for the kids due to the snow!!  We finally got snow... about 3ish inches.  The kids and I got home about 2:15... and we relaxed!  Actually, I didn't... I started laundry and this and that... but honestly, I don't mind that... it was just nice.  We ordered pizza in, and watched a movie... it was just a great little night. 

Saturday - 
Ryan went out to church.  The kids and I were lazy!  and it was great.  We layed around... giggled... and I had to do something productive, so I rearranged Cora's room!  We eventually got ready for the day... then headed to Indianola to watch Jenna play ball.  It was a great game, and Jenna got some good time in.  It was nice to sit and visit with Joni, and her family.  My heart hurt tho - just mad that Bill isn't there with us stomping his foot on the floor and just hearing his voice.  Man.  :(

We got back to DSM - did a few errands, and then home and chilled... again... and it was great 

Sunday - 
Church. 
Home.  The kids played in the snow for a solid hour, which was nice.  I did more laundry, went to the store... and that was about it too!  Heaven to just take it easy today. I really enjoyed it, and needed the 'nothing'. 

Our KU Jayhawks pounded on ISU - so we sported KU on Friday!

Random - This & That

• I struggle lately when Ryan is gone for work - I used to be 'used' to it, and would be ok.  I would go through different emotions as the days went by...  but now it seems that when he's gone - I just simply hate it.  I'm trying to adjust my thoughts and not worry.  #strugglebus
• Cora has (for the most part) been an angel for bedtime.  She's easy - she is ready at 8pm, she sometimes wants to read a quick book, other times, she's just ready to lay down.  I love that.  We talk for about 1 minute, give hugs, kisses and I'm out.  Sweet.  Mornings however, are a struggle!!  This girl is just like me in the morning!  ha.  She hates getting woken up... she moans and groans!  Of course it's super annoying, but sometimes (later) is funny to think how she can be so sweet, and so bad!  ha. 
• Kayson - bedtime - annoying!  He's a typical 11 year old now... but this has been going on for about a year.  He procrastinates at bedtime...  thinking 9pm is not late enough, and says he's not tired.  He drags his feet like crazy!  It's the most annoying thing right now!!   Then mornings he's pretty good (complete opposite of sis).  He gets up pretty good... doesn't say much, but never really argues.  
• We are received K's baseball schedule already...  seems crazy to think that, but time just goes so fast.  I hate that. I've vowed to try really hard to soak everything in this year... and really enjoy it.  I am looking forward to being back with the baseball family though!
• I'm missing Murphy... a lot.  We've been talking more and more about bringing a dog back into the family.  We'll see how far that goes... but I do think it would be good for us again, and I think every kiddo should have a pup in their lives!
• We still haven't nailed down a birthday party for Kayson.  More struggles of having a Christmas baby!  Kid gets jipped.  So we are working on that... more to come.

No pictures... just random thoughts. 

Weekend/Basketball tournament

We wrapped up the 2 weeks with a weekend... 

Friday night we decided to go to a Iowa Wild hockey game.  Always interesting to hear the season ticket holder holler their 'nice' words...  and also think the hockey players are going to come through the glass at us!  Funny.  It was a good outing... and that was our night. 

Saturday - 1-day basketball tournament.  Kind of nice to just have on Saturday.  
Ryan and K were off fairly early, Cora and I went out to Lacey's salon to get her hair cut.  It needed a good chunk off - and about 2 inches came off.  Wow - it looks so much better...  and it's short!  ha.  Not really, but it's laying right on her shoulders and she's constantly pushing it back.  Kind of funny.  (I didn't even take a pic!)

Then we headed to basketball to watch K.  A loss, a win, another loss...  was a short day for the team.  Trish and Greg came to watch a couple games which was super nice... and then didn't even get a picture.  GRRR.  I think overall, K was disappointed...  not fun to loose.  Anyway, we headed back home and had an afternoon and evening, which was nice.  I did a few errands, and really that's about it. 

Sunday - church and that was about it too.  Kind of nice.  

Kayson did start baseball practice Sunday night... crazy to think that, but kind of looking forward to it/the warmer weather.  (or at least I can hope!)

We honestly didn't do much...   and not many pictures to prove it.

Winter Break - LAST DAY!

I've said it before - 2 weeks is a long time for the kids to be off school.  And with that - they need to GO BACK to school!  ha.  A little owly they are!

Anyway, the last day of winter break, I decided to take the day off and spend it with them.  That's always a challenge... I never know what they will be like - crabby or ready to roll!  They were ready to roll, for the most part.  I had a back appointment first thing, then we picked up Olivia, and went to Glazed Expressions to paint.  They did great... was a fun little hour or so, success. 

We grabbed lunch at home...  hung out a little, let their tummies settled, then we headed to SkyZone.  This is something Cora has wanted to do for months - figured it was a good day to do it.  Plus Olivia was with us, and that always helps!  

The kids had fun... and had fired engine red cheeks and were tired when we were done!

It was a good day... and I'm pooped!  We are going to chill and enjoy the weekend coming up.