Pigs!!

I saw the most disturbing thing on my way home from work today. I was tooling along on I-94 almost to the Hartford exit. I was minding my own business just jamming away with the radio and singing "All My Ex's Live in Texas". All the sudden out of nowhere I noticed this big dually truck started to pass me. It was pulling a huge animal trailer. But this was different than any other animal trailer I had ever seen. It was open to the elements with only a few metal bars on the sides. It was also a double decker. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was full of baby pigs!!

There were so many baby pigs that they were scrambling all over the tops of each other. It was raining and freezing cold. The poor pigs couldn't keep their footing due to all the crap and the pigs legs were all sticking out the side bars. Most looked like their legs were about to be broken. I wished I had my camera with me.

The truck was going so fast that it was soon quite a ways ahead of me. Then I noticed that it was exiting on my exit. Now I had the opportunity to catch up and get an even better look. Next thing I knew we were both stopped at the stop sign off the exit ramp. My heart was breaking for those pigs. There I sat with my mouth open!!!

I wanted to rescue all those pigs and bring them home and foster them. Then I came to my senses and I remembered what we had just gone through fostering Ricky.

Where were those pigs going? What was their demise? Next time I am eating a pork chop I'll think of those baby pigs!!!

What have the Mullauer's been up to???

What have the Mullauer's been up to? I haven't posted in a long time. October is a very busy month for us; more so than our usual busyness.

Jordan front and center

Jordan is keeping us busy with marching season, but we love it. She competes every Saturday and not close to home. This afternoon we are headed to Grand Rapids for her competition. And next Saturday is the big state competition in Detroit at the Ford Field. So far Hartford is ranked 8th in the state and the top 10 bands in each division compete at state. As long as today's competition goes well then we will be headed for Detroit next weekend.

Without football this year Caleb has been freed up to do other things that he doesn't usually get to do. He's joined jazz band and jazz choir at school which he thoroughly enjoys. He loves strumming on that guitar and we all know what a beautiful voice he has!!! He's working on a Xmas play in drama class. Also Caleb and Craig have been doing a major transmission project on his car. They have already taken the transmission out 3 times and now a 4th time is in order. It's a good thing they love working on motors and it gives them "guy" time in the garage.

The leaves are falling and the temperature is turning colder. We saw our first snow last week, even if it was just a dusting. So of course the snowmobiles are already out of storage. Caleb and Craig are getting them all tuned and waxed up in extreme anticipation!!! Craig is busy with the snowmobile club getting the trails ready. He's out right now with the club brushing the Van Buren trail. Yesterday morning I didn't have to be to work until 10:00 so Craig and took the Jeep early in the morning and went riding around on the trail to scope out any fallen trees or other work that needed to be taken care of. It was so beautiful and peaceful!! The fall colors were awesome driving around with the sun coming up. It was very enjoyable.

GoodBye Ricky

We are happy to report that we no longer have our foster dog Ricky. Many of you already know the story but as time went on Ricky began to show fear and aggressive traits; to the point of biting Jordan in the face (puncture wounds and bruising). It was obvious that the poor dog had been abused. He was very high strung and ripped a hole in my brand new rocker recliner. But at the same time he could be very affectionate and adorable. Several families had applied to adopt him but it was decided by the organization that Ricky needed a lot of time and work to help him with his issues. We didn't have the time or commitment to do this so Ricky went to another foster home in Detroit. We hope the best for him. Everyone wants to know when we are getting another foster dog. After the traumatic events we went through with Ricky I'm not in any hurry to try it again.

Tuesday is Caleb's 17th birthday and Jordan's 15th birthday. In honor of their birthday we went to Red Lobster last night. Jordan's boyfriend Shane went with is. We ate and ate until we couldn't eat anymore. Tomorrow we are having a birthday party for them with a bunch of their friends and family. Afterwards we are heading down to the Niles Haunted House for an evening of fun. We took the kids and their friends last year and it was a lot of fun.

And what have I been up to? Chasing the kids around, chasing 3 dogs around, working (I'm averaging 25 to 30 hours a week which suits me fine), attending my wonderful church, and thanking God for all the blessing in my life. Life is good!!

Homecoming pictures

Ready for the dance

We want a silly picture

Jordan and Aly

Jordan and Lindsey

Jordan and Shane

Lindsey, Maleni, Aly and Jordan

The Gang

Homecoming National Anthem

Jordan and Josh before the parade

The "I Love Lucy" Float

Jordan and Shane working on the float

Homecoming

It's been an awful week. I've been sick all week but still dragged my butt to work everyday. Yesterday was the worst. I had a sinus headache that wouldn't quit. At least my headache is gone this morning and that is a huge improvement. I have too much to do today to be sick.

Today is homecoming. Craig is getting off work early to pull the freshmen float in the parade. The kids made a nice float.......with help from us parents of course. Their theme was "I Love Lucy". They decided to make a float after the episode where Lucy and Ethel are working in the chocolate factory. We are playing Watervliet tonight so they made a conveyor belt with little panthers and Lucy and Ethel are eating the panthers. Here's a picture of the kids and their float in progress. I'll get some completed pictures later today.

Jordan got a new special dress for the homecoming dance. She has about driven me nuts over this dress issue. You would think she was buying a wedding dress. But finally last night she got all the accessories, shoes, etc. straightened out. She's absolutely beautiful!!!!

Tomorrow is Jordan's first marching band competition in Otsego. It's suppose to rain and be nasty all day so I don't know how that will end up.

We got our desk top back from repair. It's working great and running so much faster BUT....... Craig was in charge of backing up all my files that I wanted to save. He did a great job but FORGOT to back up my email addresses. They are all gone!!! I have some on my laptop but a lot I don't. It will be fun trying to round them all back up.

We still have our foster dog "Ricky". He's like having a puppy around. He's got more energy than our two dogs put together. Seadra is too old and set in her ways to fly around the house and Zoe is too fat. Ricky flies around here like he has wings. I'm very grateful that he came housebroken....that has been no problem at all. Right now he's curled up next to Seadra sleeping. Not a usual occurrence, Seadra usually doesn't tolerate him that well. No bites on his adoption yet. The rescue has about 30 dogs up for adoption right now.

Time for me to go and get a few things done this morning. It's going to be a busy day.......but a fun one. I love homecoming!!

Our Fury Babies......

I don't have much time this morning but I wanted to post this picture. Ricky is the one closest to Jordan. Here's a link to his "available for adoption web page". http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7023830

Ricky is such a good boy. He deserves a loving forever home..........

Sunday Morning

Morning glory in my garden

It's my favorite day of the week, but I'm not feeling my usual self. I've got a nasty cold or flu or something. I did sleep good last night, that was a blessing. I went to bed at 9:30 and didn't get up until 8:00. That's a long time for me.

I got up and took all the dogs outside for our morning ritual. The mosquito's about carried me away so I didn't stay out for very long. Then I talked myself out of Sunday School which I hated to do because we are starting a new series today that I didn't want to miss. I'm still going to church but I thought the extra time I would have this morning would be good for me.

Poor Zoe is walking around this morning with one of her eyes all weepy and half closed. I cleaned it and couldn't see anything but she keeps pawing it too so it must be bothering her. I'll have to take her to the vet tomorrow if no improvement.

Ricky (our foster dog) has made himself right at home and is one of the family. He sure has a lot of energy. He flies around here bouncing from one piece of furniture to the next. His favorite spot is on the back of the couch so he can watch out the window. The amazing thing is that he is totally housebroken. We've had him over a week and he has not had one accident in the house. Makes me think that he must have been someone's pet........but why didn't anyone come to claim him at the shelter? He's a mystery.

Most of my family and friends think that I will fall so in love with him that we will end up keeping him. They will be surprised because we are not keeping him. As crazy as I may be about him the rewarding part of this is knowing what you do for these animals and giving them the chance for a wonderful life. Ricky will make someone a wonderful companion when he finds his forever home.

Craig's been gone most of the weekend at a car show in Kalamazoo with his job, Jordan is running around with a friend, and Caleb has to work after church this morning so I will be home nursing myself after church. I haven't touch this house or laundry all weekend so I need to get that done too before Monday rolls around. This weekend has gone too fast.

Have a great week............Love, Jessica

Ricky Bobby

Here he is!! I picked him up yesterday in Kalamazoo. He's a real sweetie. He doesn't seem to have a lot of issues that I was nervous about. He's very friendly, loves to sit in you lap, loves attention. He can't get enough of it. He's very skinny, we have to fatten him up. He's taller than Seadra but weighs 10 pounds less than she does.

He's a little anxious of loud noises but other than that is very content to be with us. Seadra and Zoe like him too. Seadra only doesn't like him when he sniffs what she is eating.

I think this is going to be a wonderful experience. So far so good.

The kids have named him "Ricky Bobby". I guess I can handle that name for a few weeks.

He's on his way!!!

Did you hear? We are getting a new baby.....The canine kind. I got a call from the Boston Terrier Rescue people yesterday asking if we were ready for our first foster dog. Seems they have 6 dogs all the sudden that need fostering. I know very little about the dog we are getting but here is what I do know........

He is a 2 year old male dog that was at a shelter in Traverse City. I don't know if he was a stray or a surrender. Someone from Detroit went and rescued him from the shelter. They are taking him to a volunteer in Sturgis tonight and we are getting him in the morning. The volunteer on the phone last night told me that all she was told about him was that he is very good with people and dogs. Hopefully I will learn more details tomorrow.

I am very excited and a little nervous too. I want this to be a wonderful experience and I am nervous about the temperament of the dog. I expressed this to the volunteer and she assured me that everyone has the same thoughts. She assured me that the organization will work closely with us to make sure that everything is going well.

I took the paperwork up to my vets office and talked to them about our adventure. I have to have him to the vet within 48 hours.

I was like a new mother shopping in preparation for his arrival this morning. I went to 5 stores before I found the right crate. It took me 20 minutes to pick out just the right collar and leash. And now I am trying to think of a name. The volunteer told me that since he came from a shelter that he probably doesn't have a name and we can name him. Craig suggested "Spud". I think I'll wait and see what his personality is like before I decide on a name.

I'm sitting in an empty living room waiting for our new furniture to arrive. We had the carpets cleaned a few days ago in preparation. We got a leather couch with a matching chair and ottoman and a rocker recliner. We also got a new computer desk. This is the first time in our married life that we have gotten a whole room full of new furniture. Twenty years of married life; I think I was overdue.

More to follow..............

A New Day

Today Jordan started High School!!! Her first day of her freshmen year. I got the camera out and snapped a picture. It was like her first day of kindergarten; for me anyway. She came downstairs looking radiant. She was absolutely glowing. Craig and I stood in the window and watched the kids drive off for school. Once they were out of sight I turned to Craig and said "There goes our wonderful kids", although I wouldn't have had to say a word. We were both feeling it. Those moments are priceless.

Boston Terrier Rescue

I'm doing one of my favorite things right now. I'm sitting out on the front porch while it is pouring rain outside. Seadra, Zoe and I are all sharing the swing. Bliss...........(the dictionary says that bliss is utter happiness).

Jordan, Shane and Lindsey are all piled up in the livingroom with all the pillows that they could find. They are having a movie night and pizza is on the way.

The whole family has decided to go into a new venture. Actually I decided to do it but the family is excited about it too, especially Jordan. We have signed up to be a foster home for the Midwest Boston Terrier Network. You can check out there website if you want...... www.midwestbtrescue.org They rescue unwanted Boston Terriers for any number of reasons and find new homes for them. We will be a foster home for the rescues until homes are found for them. It's a wonderful organization!!! Last week we had our home visit and were approved. These people are very passionate about what they do. I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as we have our first rescue. They say the average that you have a dog is about 4 weeks. Everyday Jordan asks "Did they call with a dog for us yet!!??". Not yet..........

End of Summer is Near...........

For the last few weeks we have had some major computer problems with the desk top. I won't go into details as it is a frustration just to talk about it. But on the brighter side we have someone from church that is doing a complete overhaul on it. We are having it completely erased and reloaded with only what we need and use so hopefully it will run much smoother. While our desk top is getting repaired that leaves us with only the laptop which is no big deal except I cannot post photos from the laptop. New photos to follow shortly after the desk top is repaired.

In preparation for erasing the desk top I have put all my digital photos onto CD's the last few days. My photos are much too precious for me to loose. I had the day off yesterday and was on the computer from 8:30 to 3:00 getting that all done. I learned that I do not have a comfortable desk or chair to work at that long. My back was hurting when I went to bed last night.

One of Jordan's rabbits had babies last week. We didn't have a clue it was pregnant!!! A few days before they were born Jordan came into the house and said "Boy, you should see how much hair my rabbit has pulled out!!". This is a classic sign of making a birthing nest but it never dawned on us that she was about it give birth because she has absolutely no contact with any male rabbits. So...........a few days later Jordan went out to tend to the rabbits and the babies had been born and were laying on the floor of the pen all dead. Jordan didn't even have a box in the pen. Poor things. Jordan felt terrible. I just happened to call home from work and through tears Jordan told me what she had found. Jordan felt awful.

Then the big question was: "How did the rabbit get pregnant???". The only thing we can come up with is that my niece Mandy was visiting us about the right time frame and she was outside by herself playing the rabbits. She was getting them out and putting them into a pen in the lawn and maybe she accidentally put her with a male rabbit. I called Mandy and asked her but she swears she didn't do anything like that. I think maybe she did and didn't even realize it. Oh well, that's the only thing we can come up with.

Well, we are down to the last 2 weeks of summer. It's been a good one!!! I think the kids have especially enjoyed it. Caleb has loved working at the golf course all summer. He's been really good to save almost all of his money. He did splurge and purchase a new stereo for his car this week. Jordan has been highly entertained from one activity to the next with all her friends. Hardly a day goes by that she isn't conjuring up something to do. Jordan is especially excited for school to start. She loves it for many reason. Marching season has started for her already. I'm excited about marching season and am looking forward to all the competitions. We will be traveling a lot on the weekends through October for the competitions. I'll be sure and post pictures when things get going on all that.

Hartford's first football game of the season is this Friday. There are 2 games before school even starts. We'll be there cheering them on. It will be strange without Caleb playing this year but we know he made the right decision but most important he knows he made the right decision.

Jordan and I got all her school clothes shopping done last weekend. That's a big deal to Jordan. She was thrilled with all that got and I was happy because we got some great sales. I still have to pick up a few things for Caleb. He hates to shop so he will be happy with whatever I bring home for him.

You know, I can still remember the very first year I went school clothes shopping for Caleb when he started kindergarten. I was so excited. I shopped for weeks so he would be the best dressed kid in kindergarten. He was the cutest little thing. I remembering buying him these black tennis shoes that had velcro straps so he wouldn't have to worry about tying his shoes and they wouldn't look dirty because they were black. He had this little red/white/blue lunch box.....gosh what memories. Makes me want to cry. At that time I only worked for Mom so I could be home when Caleb got out of school. Everyday Jordan and I would walk to the school and meet him when he got out of school and we would walk home together. We would talk all the way home about what he did at school that day. There wasn't a mother in all the world that was more proud than I was........and it is still that way today........

Ok, enough of the sentimental stuff.........

Hi from the Mullauer's

I have a much welcomed slow week due to two of my doctors being out of town this week. Today I am meeting a dear friend of mine (Vivian), a former co-worker of mine that moved to Montana about a year ago. I am meeting her in St. Joe for dinner along with a few other co-workers. Vivian was my right hand at work, a wonderful person and there are days that I really miss her. It will be great seeing her.

We have finally broke out of this heat wave that nearly killed us the last few weeks. Gosh!!! I hate hot weather. I would much rather it be below freezing and 6 feet of snow than 98 and humid. I actually have the windows open and a wonderful cool breeze is blowing through the house. Heaven!!

Jordan had band camp last week (in the torrential heat wave!!) at the school from 9 to 9 each day. It was a long, hard, hot, week for her but she loved it. Band is such a wonderful thing for her. They have yet another new band director this year. So far he looks very promising.

The church youth group along with a number of parents came out to the cottage to hang out Sunday afternoon. It was a good time. I am so thankful for the friendships that we have with our church family!!!!

Craig is leaving tomorrow for Orlando; a quick trip this time. He'll be home late Friday. He's on some advisory board for the conference center down there. They are putting him up at one of the Disney Resorts. Seadra and Zoe are looking forward to sleeping with me while he's gone.

Caleb has been enjoying his summer. I reminded him yesterday that only 4 weeks until school starts. He said "Don't remind me!!". He's loved working and hanging with his buddies this summer. This is the first summer he has had a drivers license which has given him a whole new
freedom.

Yesterday I was in the back yard with the dogs and I was laying in the grass down to Zoe's level and I got some great close up pictures. She's so beautiful, don't you agree??? Seadra wouldn't sit still for me to get any close up pictures.

Blessings............

Life Around the House......

We had a beautiful Sunday afternoon; spent it in the most enjoyable ways. After church Craig and Caleb messed around in the garage working on their new dune buggy project. It will be a long project but something enjoyable for the two of them.

When will this thing be ready for the dunes?

I messed around in the yard decorating. How does one decorate a yard? I went to Jo-Anne's on Friday and all their yard decor was 80% off. I got some adorable plant sticks, bird houses and feeders, cement frogs and turtles, sheppard hooks, etc. It was so fun. I am always envious of my Mother's garden statues when I am in her gardens so now I have started a collection for my own gardens. Craig liked all the things I got but he's afraid I won't know when to stop and the yard will end of looking like some old lady from Florida that has the pink flamingo collection. Don't worry honey, I'm sure you'll stop me before I get to that point.

Where are the birds?

I also made a new new "bird sanctuary" in the side yard this last weekend. I love feeding the birds but in the summer I put away the seed feeders and put out the nectar feeders for hummingbirds. I do this because the seed feeders make a mess in the lawn and in the summer I want the yard and gardens to look nice and tidy so I sacrifice my feathered friends in the summer (except for the hummingbirds). I decided to make my new bird sanctuary on the north side of the driveway. I don't do much gardening over there because it's hard for me get anything to grow over there. Plus we can see that area from the livingroom windows. It's only been there a few days and I have yet to see a bird on any of the feeders. I put up 3 feeders each with a different type of food and a bird bath. I have seen birds in the bath. They are loving that. I hope they discover the feeders soon.

I have the day off today. It's raining right now.....a much welcome rain as we have resorted to watering the lawn. Craig and Caleb are both at work and Jordan is in the shower getting ready to go to a friends house for the night. Soon it will be just me and the dogs home for the day.

Caleb has been working a lot this summer. Craig and I are so proud of him. He usually works the morning shift and had to be to work by 6:30 or 7:00. I was concerned that Caleb would have a hard time getting himself up and out the door on time. Much to my surprise that has been no problem. That kid gets himself up and out the door most mornings before I am even out of bed. That's my boy!! He's enjoying his job and especially enjoys spending the days with Grandpa. It's so nice for the two of them. Yesterday Caleb got home later than usual because he said that Grandpa took him out on the course to give him some pointers on his golfing. I am so grateful for the wonderful grandparents in my children's lives.

Speaking of Caleb, he made a major decision this last week. He has decided not to play football this year. He has played football for the last 8 years and this was not an easy decision for him to make. Many factors went into his decision and it was something that he put a lot of thought into. Ultimately the pros for not playing outweighed the pros of playing. He wants to continue working as much as he can this summer, spend time with his family and friends and just be free of the pressures of 2 a day practices in 90 degree heat.......... In the end Craig and I were very proud of the maturity he put into this decision, including the fact that he went and talked to his coaches face to face about this. We will continue to go to all the games just as we always have cheering on "The Hartford Indians!!!".

The Burtchett Grandkids

Last week my brother and his family came up from Florida. They were here over the 4th. I was actually able to get all the Grandkids together for a photo. Mom and Dad were the ever gracious hosts and treated us to good times and great food. Mandy, Bryce and Tyler are staying for about 3 weeks and then Mom is flying back with them at the end of the month.

My Gardening Shed/Old Tools

Mom and I came across the most fun thing last week. An elderly gentlemen from our church was having a barn sale and I came across it quite by accident. I couldn't believe all the cool stuff so I ran and picked up Mom and we spent over an hour digging through old tools, pots, old chairs.....I ended up getting a bunch of old gardening tools and hanging them on the side of my gardening shed in the back yard. I was thrilled with the outcome. But my most favorite find was a huge old metal cauldron. It looks like a big old witches cauldron. Dad is going to made me a tripod for it and then I'm going to plant flowers in it.

My newest and favorite thing in my garden this year are my orange and yellow coneflowers!!

Seadra and Zoe hoping someone will take them "Bye-Bye"

Have a wonderful week..........Blessings, The Mullauer's

Family Happenings....

Silver Lake Sand Dunes



I've let a whole month go by without posting. We are well into summer and I am enjoying it immensely. I don't know what is making this summer different than years past other than I am taking the time to appreciate it more. It's been a great summer so far. Most nights I stay outdoors tending to my gardens and watering until it's too dark to see what I'm doing. Then I sit on the front porch and praise God for all the blessings in my life. Today at church Pastor Ron did his sermon on Psalm 40: 1-11. Pastor Ron explained that the 40th psalm has 3 main points. First to wait patiently for God; second that God saves and third that because God saves we can have positive attitudes and sing songs of praise to God. How beautiful is that? "Praise God; From whom all blessings flow!!"

Not only have I been enjoying summer but the whole family has been enjoying it. I could write a week by week synopsis but I will let you see for yourself what we have been up to. I hardly go anywhere without my camera (the kids are starting to groan when they see me with the camera).

Drop me a line and let me know how everyone is doing........... jmullauer@verizon.net

Caleb and Brittany ready for the prom

Another prom picture

Jordan's gang at the 8th grade formal dance

Jordan and Shane after the formal

Beautiful Jordan

Jordan and Lindsey at their dance recital

Jordan and the ICHTHUS gang in Kentucky

(ICHTHUS is a Christian Music festival)

Amy, Dana, Brain and Craig at Grandma Henderson's memorial celebration

Siblings: Judy, Kay, Linda and Ted

Cousins: Jordan, Lauren and Bailey

Happy Family:Dana, Bailey, Lauren and Jon

Jordan, Allen and Caleb (look close and you'll see the fish)

Four Wheeling and camping at Silver Lake

Josh, Bryce, Shane, Jordan and Caleb

Caleb and his buddy Josh at Silver Lake Dunes

Jordan and Cousin Bryce

Bryce is visiting from Florida and got to go camping with us

Jordan and Shane four wheeling at Silver Lake