She's Growing

I haven't been taking as many photos of Fiona as I should be. Before we know it she will be as big as the other two.

She's fitting right in and is a member of our family now. We are still working on the house training but we've seen progress and are encouraged. Jordan's been teaching her to sit. She knows which cupboard her treats are kept in and she will sit by that cupboard door and look at you with the most pitiful puppy eyes. She plays hard until she literally can't go any longer. She loves her fluffy bed and if we can't find her that's where she always is.

She starting to enjoy the outdoors now too. We've had somewhat of a warm up the last few weeks so she's been able to spend some time outside. She found a leaf under the snow the other day and tossed that leaf around for 15 minutes. I love watching her discover new things.

And here's a cute photo from last night.....

"Dad, aren't you gonna share that pizza with us?"

Time to relax

Jordan was so beautiful last weekend in the Miss Hartford contest. She made it to the final 5 but that was as far as she went. We couldn't have been prouder. She had the support of so many and it was a great day.

On another note... I've been at my new job for 2 weeks now. The first week I trained with the girl that was formally in that position. This past week I've been on my own. Wow! What a week. I come home absolutely exhausted! It's been stressful because I'm constantly double and triple checking everything I do. There is so much to learn. I can't believe how much information I've taken in in such a short time. Today I was on overload. I did pretty good until I got home and saw Craig, then I had a melt down. Don't get me wrong, I really do like it so far it's just the learning process that is hard to get through. It's not like anything I've ever done before. I'm enjoying working with the patients and getting to know them. I'm anxious to see how next week goes now that I have the first week on my own under my belt. I'm glad it's the weekend and I can relax the next few days and clear my head.

My blogging may be sporadic at best the next few weeks while I get through this transition in my life.

Have a great weekend friends!

The Big Day

Tomorrow is the big day. Jordan is a contestant in our local town Blossomtime Queen pageant. This is a new experience for us and we are excited. She has the perfect dress, the perfect earrings, the perfect necklace, the perfect shoes..... I'll post photos tomorrow. She's going to be so beautiful.

Fiona Update

For my dog loving friends... A Fiona update.

I've had my "What was I thinking?" moments. This brings back so many memories of when we got Zoe. We had already had Seadra for 4 years when Zoe came into our lives as a puppy. Seadra was MY dog, very attached to me, and in my eyes could do no wrong. She was the love of my life (still is). And here comes along Zoe, this puppy who loved to chew, was difficult to house train, ... all the typical puppy stuff. It took a good year with Zoe before she won my heart over and I felt like she really belonged with our family. And today I couldn't imagine my life without her. Zoe is a delight. Now I am experiencing all the same emotions with Fiona.

Of course I adore her and in time she will work her way into my heart just like Zoe did. I love watching her grow and learn new things each day. I was so excited today when she walked up the back steps on her own for the first time. I love how she lets out this little squeal when she yawns. She does the cutest little pug run where she tucks her butt under and runs wild in circles. She loves her toys and wants to play tug all the time.

Zoe is very tolerant of Fiona. She allows her to jump all over her, tug at her ears, stick her nose in her food when she's eating, and they play well together. They will be great buddies. It just melts my heart when I walk in the kitchen and see the two of them cuddled up next to each other asleep.

Seadra has no use for Fiona but I am encouraged that she seems to be accepting her. She is no longer hiding and has gotten her appetite back. I think she has realized that Fiona is here to stay and that she isn't a threat. That's all I can hope for out of Seadra for now. I have seen a few brief glimpses of Seadra playing with Fiona... Who knows, maybe someday Fiona will win Seadra's heart as well.... but I doubt it.

More updates to follow....

It's hard to say Goodbye....

The new year is bringing big changes for me. I've know for sometime and have wanted to blog about it but until yesterday it was not common knowledge and I was keeping it under wraps. I am starting a new job Monday.... still working for the same surgeons but a totally new position. For 6 years I worked as a hospital scrub tech in surgery and for the last 7 years I've been a private scrub for a group of urological surgeons... so for 13 years I've been in the OR. Thirteen amazing years!

Surgery was a passion of mine. I didn't really want to be a nurse. I always wanted to be a surgical scrub tech. At the time I was checking into the position the hospital was hiring nurses to hold the positions of scrub techs so I decided to go to nursing school in hopes that I could get into the hospital OR that route. It worked and in '97 I graduated from nursing school and started my new "career" as a surgical scrub tech for the hospital.

Thirteen years is a long time. This morning I was thinking about that. That's as long as elementary school, middle school and high school put together. Remember being back in school those days and wondering if you would ever get to graduation day? That was a long time in years of your life back then. These 13 years in the OR just flew by.... How did 13 years just go by?

Some weeks back the doctors asked me to consider taking the position of surgery scheduler for the practice. There was no pressure whatsoever and I was told that if I choose to stay in the OR there would be no hard feeling and that was perfectly fine. I could make this a long drawn out explanation for you but to make a long story short... I decided it was time for a change in my life. I am excited and ready for new challenges. I will have one on one time with patients, working with them preparing them their surgical procedures, working with the hospital, etc, etc.

The hard part of all this was saying goodbye to my OR family. Yesterday was my last day in the OR. I tried to go around and personally say goodbye to the people I was close to but time didn't allow me to get to everyone. I'll miss them all. There are days when surgery can be long and stressful days. We have all leaned on each other during those times.

Most of the staff was gone for the day when I left yesterday. It was a good thing I was alone in the locker room because I was boo hooing like a baby cleaning out my locker.

Here's to a new year and new opportunities! I'll keep you posted.

Remembering Grandma

Recently my parents, my brother and I had the opportunity to a take a family photo. The circumstances were sad as it was my Grandma Sumner's funeral. Grandma was a few days from her 90th birthday when she went to heaven. She was an amazing woman and left a wonderful legacy of family and love. Grandma had 5 children, my dad being #4 in the order. Grandma will be missed and fondly remembered.....

2009 in review

I wanted to do a post on 2009 in review. Going through my thousands of photos and picking out a few was nearly impossible, as was trying to decide on what events to write about. It was a great year of family memories and good times.

January/winter is my favorite time to feed the birds. The feeders are always busy and abundant with birds.

Winter continues to be Craig's favorite season. He gets to play in the snow (snowmobile) and most of all drive the groomer and maintain our local snowmobile trails.

Cardinals are around much more in the winter... or so it seems.

Unfortunately, I was only able to go on one snowmobile trip up north with Craig. We had great snow through January but none in February.

At the end of February Jordan, my Mom and myself flew to Florida for a long weekend. We visited my brother and Kay and Roger. This photo was taken at Busch Gardens in the bird exhibit, right up my alley.

Kay and Roger took us to Sea World, which we really enjoyed.

In April Caleb bought his dream car and proceeded to total it two weeks later. We were thankful that all parties were not injured. Weeks later Caleb bought another Mustang.

In May Craig found this nesting hummingbird out at the cottage. I had fun photographing her.

Also in May, one of my dreams came true. For years I've been wanting a camping trailer. We enjoyed many little getaways this year with our new camper. We are looking forward to more this year.

I had to stick this photo in here. This was a rare moment with Seadra and Craig. Rarely does Seadra let anyone hold her but me. I love my Boo-Boo.

Spring is wonderful for photographing birds. I love the nesting season and the baby birds. If I absolutely had to pick a favorite bird photo from 2009 I think this would be it. I just love Momma birds buggy eyes peaking over the nest.

In May both Caleb and Jordan attended Prom. Our kids are beautiful!

One of my happiest and saddest bird stories of 2009 was my bluebirds. For YEARS I had dreamed of attracting bluebirds to a nesting box in my yard and finally this was the year. Momma laid 5 eggs and shortly after they hatched Daddy bird disappeared. Momma bluebird tried hard to raise them on her own but sadly all the babies died.

Summer trips to Silver Lake continued. It's one of our favorite places and although I don't enjoy the dunes as much as Craig and the kids I love to go up and camp, cook the meals, and go antiquing.

In late summer the yellow finches were everywhere. When we stepped outside in the back yard it was like the trees were alive!

This was the big year for the Jeep. From the winter, spring and through the summer Craig worked on restoring his precious Jeep and in September he finally finished it. Totally new engine, new body, new interior, new wheels and tires. He's proud of his Jeep and I LOVE to go for rides out in the country with top off.

This fall we experienced something new with Jordan... cross country. What fun that was! I didn't know how much we would enjoy going to her meets and cheering her on and watching her break goals that she set for herself.

Whenever time allowed I continued to visit nature centers and sanctuaries with my camera. This continues to be a passion of mine and brings me much joy.

In November Jordan did her last duty as Drum Major for her high school career. We are very proud of Jordan for being the youngest ever drum major for Hartford, holding the position for 3 years and doing a wonderful job. We will miss the band next year.

Had to stick a fall bird photo in here. Red Breasted Nuthatches were new to my yard this year. I always get so excited when I can welcome a new feathered friend.

This past November Craig and I flew to Florida for a long anticipated vacation and went on a Cruise with Kay and Roger. We had a few days before the cruise and Roger took us on an airboat ride which is something I've always wanted to do. I can't even tell you how much I enjoyed that!

We also visited a wildlife sanctuary in Lakeland and I now have a new appreciation for wading birds. I wish I could have spent more time there!

And our cruise with Kay and Roger was amazing. We are very thankful to Kay and Roger for inviting us. Too many wonderful experiences to list.

And my year in review wouldn't be complete without including our new baby. She finally has a name... Fiona. Now I just need to survive this puppy stage!

But above nothing else family continues to mean the most to all of us. We are blessed beyond belief. I love you Craig, Caleb and Jordan and thank God everyday for each of you.