Christmas is coming!

I know it's a little early, but I love the first signs of Christmas! The stores begin to bring out their decorations and every once in a while, you hear a holiday song on the radio. Since we are going out of town for Thanksgiving and we are hosting our first Christmas dinner the first week after that, I realized that I had to go ahead and put up our decorations or it wouldn't get done. So, after some help from Mom putting up the trees and wrapping the banisters, a Tree Trimming party with the girls while the guys played cards, and a couple of nights working on things by myself, it's FINISHED! Well, almost...it's too early to decorate the yard, so that's not done yet. But, what a relief to see it up and know that I get to enjoy it for the next 6 weeks! Now...the shopping part, that's a different story.

Bring on the Pasta!

Ben has been on a diet for almost 8 weeks now. His dedication to this effort has him getting up at 5:30 in the morning to go to the gym followed by eating only foods that are considered low carb. We have always considered ourselves to be healthly eaters at home because I refuse to fry anything or cook meals that are high in fat. Having said that, we LOVE pasta and that's no man's land in a low carb diet. So, being the supportive (sometimes) wife that I am, I am eating the same things that he eats. Ben is doing a terrific job of sticking with it and has been very successful in shedding unwanted pounds and building muscle. Me...not so much. I haven't gained anything, but I haven't lost anything. If I'm giving up my favorite meals, shouldn't I be getting something out of it? Isn't it funny how men and women are built differently. If that's the case, bring on the pasta!

The Little Rebel

Our little Lucy is experiencing a rebellious streak. The Vizsla breed first appealed to us because they are known for their trainability. We quickly figured out that is the case and were excited at how easily she learned the commands that Ben introduced her to. What we have since figured out is that she is so smart that she can decide for herself when she wants to follow the command issued. Even as we use her command collar to correct her for her stubbornness, she happily wags her tail. This too shall pass!

Viva, Las Vegas

Ben is in Vegas this week for an IT class. You would think that would be awesome because we both went last year at this time and had a blast! Caesar's Palace is such a luxurious place to stay! But this year I wasn't able to go so now we're both bored, me here and him there. I'm home alone and he is all by himself in Sin City. Poor pitiful us...although Lucy, our little bundle of energy, is keeping me occupied AND I'm sure that Ben is finding something to do in Las Vegas! Last year, we stuck to the strip and took a tour of all of the hotels. This year, Ben has been venturing out to the old part of town. Check out the picture of the three pools at Caesar's. This was the view from our hotel room last year. They're all ornately designed!

In the Cockpit

I was scrolling through pictures the other day and found this one that was taken earlier in the summer. Ben has always wanted to get his pilot's license and our friend, Rodney, gave him the controls when we flew to dinner a few months ago. Ben loves seeing the view from the air and every time they go up it's just as exciting for him.

The Energizer Puppy

Our little Lucy is sleeping through the night! It is glorious to no longer have to set the alarm to get up every few hours! But when she's not sleeping, she's sliding through the house as she chases her toys this way or that. Or she could be turning in circles chasing her tail or gnawing on her leg. Our sweet girl is the energizer puppy! When she is all pooped out though, she's ready to lay in your lap for a while and let you listen to her snore. It's so cute! Ben is doing a fabulous job training her and I am doing my best to follow through with what she has been taught. Although I must admit that Ben is much better at it than I am. She has most definitely hit her stubborn streak, so it gets a little interesting sometimes to see who has the most willpower. We're winning so far! Stubbornness aside, I do believe she is the puppy Einstein. She has learned so much in such a short time!

The End of Summer

Well, it's officially time for school to start! I am super-excited for this year to begin because I am starting my dream job as a Reading Specialist where I will be able to assist other teachers in their classrooms and teach reading to small groups of struggling students. This week has been really long as Ben and I try to adjust to puppyhood and also get up early for work, too. We have committed to walk or run with Lucy every morning before we get ready to go to work as well as every evening when we come home. What a balancing act to try to work full time, keep the house clean, fix dinner at night, keep our clothes ironed, and get my "homework" done that I bring home! And that's with a new puppy! I can't imagine what I'll be saying after we have kids!

Ben will begin a little bit of traveling with work, too. His new position has him making presentations about a new project at work to the "powers that be" above him. So, in a few weeks, he will be traveling to Minneapolis. This will be his first trip to Minnesota and I'm a little disappointed to not be able to go see Mall of America for myself. But, maybe next time!

Ben's Buddy

Ben and Alex are an unmatchable pair! Whether it's reading a story or playtime, they are always having a good time. I don't know what we would do without our little "nephew" who forever has a smile waiting for us! We have loved this little darling since the day he was born and we are so lucky that he is only as far away as a walk across the street.

Meet Lucy!

Lucy is the newest addition to our little family. She is an 11-week old Hungarian Vizsla. Lucy is precious in every imaginable way, full of puppy energy and a loveable lap dog, too! She loves sleeping on her new bed and playing in the backyard. We are in love! Who wouldn't be?