Where the Hell is Matt? (Harding, not Lauer)

Talk about going global! If you haven't seen this on YouTube it's a really cool video. You can see more of his dancing and videos on YouTube and follow his world travels on www.wherethehellismatt.com

Make Yourself At Home, Peanut

I could get used to this

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR


NOW IS THE TIME! If you are thinking of bringing a dog into your life.

Because of the rise in housing foreclosures, there have been a huge number of dogs dropped off at shelters after closing and abandoned at the side of the road. Many are healthy dogs, beautiful dogs, dogs with owners that just didn't know what do to with them in these desperate times.

Rescue organizations are in dire need of foster families and families to adopt. Many family pets are being kept in the shelter because there's just not enough foster homes in which to place them. We are on our third rescue and all have been great.

Please consider adopting before buying from a store or a breeder. There are so many amazing dogs that need homes. Not only will you save a life, you'll save yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars!

Thanks.

Lucky Dog

Greta and her new baby sister

Welcome to the family, Peanut

This photo is so damn cute, it deserved a post all to itself.
Besides, I want to include it in Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta.

You can check out her other guests this week and her cool blog here.

Greta and Peanut: The Honeymoon

These are your new digs, Peanut.
Not quite the dusty backyard and chain link fence you're used to but I think you'll like it.

Let me give you a tour.


Wait up!



This is where I chase that nasty squirrel I was telling you about.

Okay, Peanut, you look north, I'll look south.

Don't worry, Greta, together we'll catch that squeaky little chew toy.


Dinner!



Remember, I go first!

I wonder what's on the menu'?
Do I get seconds?

Hmmn, she didn't leave anything for me...we're gonna have to have a little talk.


You didn't mention anything about dessert?
Yesiree, I'm gonna like it here.

Greta and Peanut: The Introduction

Who's that babe?










Heyyy, what's going on here?








I'm not so sure about this...I thought we were going to the park?



Yeah, well I'm not so keen on you either.


What about this guy over here? He looks nice...



Nice, sure. But his gas'll make your eyes tear.


Give me another try, I'm nice, I promise. Look! She wants me. Come on, hmmn? hmmn?


Hey! Cut it out. That tickles. Ok. Ok! I'll give you a try. Just stop it already, will ya?


Dude, let's show 'em what a good team we are... I need my own place. Truth, how's the food?


Paw-lickin' good, my friend, but I call first dibs: food, couch, doggie lovin', everything... you can go first at shower time... and ear cleaning. Man, she likes to clean those ears! Deal?


You drive a hard bargain, my raven-haired, canine. Deal.
I think this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.


* Stay tuned for Part Two of the Greta and Peanut Story: The Honeymoon

We're Expecting - Again!

Enjoy the couch while you can, sweet Greta, because in a few hours your world is about to be turned upside down...


...make room, your baby sister, Peanut, is coming.



post courtesy of (semi) wordless wednesday

dogs courtesy of fetchingcompanions
(the best lab rescue EVER)

Batter Up!

His face was tight. His teeth clenched. Sitting in the dugout with fifty other boys, he looked angry, unapproachable.

Only I knew the fierce wall was his attempt at holding back a rush of tears. He lowered the bill of his baseball cap veiling his eyes. I remembered the wide smile he gave when we purchased the hat the day before.

His anxiety came on a few minutes before arriving at the field. "Mom, do you think everyone is better than me?" he asked.

"Some people will be better, some worse," I answered. "But you'll all have fun improving. The first day is always the hardest, sweetie. It'll get easier. I promise."

"Mom, I want to leeeeave," he mouthed from deep inside the sea of strangers.

I chirped an encouraging song and turned my back; giving him less opportunity for escape and me a moment to gather courage.

His group was called and they left the dugout for the field in single file. He broke formation and came toward me, head lowered. Heads turned to look as he wordlessly begged me for release.

"You'll be fine," I said as I turned him around and escorted him back to his line.

I lugged around his anguish all morning as I recalled my own feelings of isolation and inadequacy. My childhood anxieties crippled me way into adulthood.

Hours later, I returned to the scene of the crime. I sneaked up on the group hoping to get a true glimpse of my son's mood before my presence changed his colors. He was holding court with five boys, making them laugh, being silly...being him.

I was unaware of how tense I was until I felt my shoulders drop. Minutes later while exiting the park, I asked him how long he stayed upset.

"Just a few minutes after you left."

His batting average is already better than mine.