So much anticipation...BSM!

Only ten more days!

The lists have been made, the tree has been cut and everyone looks forward to Christmas Day with excitement.

Even the dogs are anxious!



I happened to capture this shot while trying to get shots of the animals with their Christmas gear on. I just love how how it captured Beuford's tongue!

BSM: A Beautiful Bunch!

As promised, here are photos of Miss Jersey's puppies.

She was acting like she was in labor for the week preceding the births. I would stay up most nights until well into the early morning as she snuggled up with me. Between her restlessness, panting and leaking, I thought for sure tonight was the night, each and every single night for a week!

Friday night, I stayed up with her until about 1:30 AM. I put her back outdoors in her dog house (just outside the slider doors) and went to bed. Imagine my surprise when I woke up at 5:00 AM to see not one but two little puppies nursing. Before I left at 7:00 AM, she had four pups. When I called home a few hours later, she was at six. By the time I came home, she had delivered nine! She was inside, resting in her whelping box when I came home from class. We spent Saturday night watching her care for her new babies.

This morning, I was sitting next to her box watching as the puppies nursed and wiggled all over. All of a sudden, she shifted her leg, lifted her tail and delivered her tenth puppy nearly 21 hours after she had delivered her ninth. This precious baby was born still and appeared to be the runt of the litter. We allowed her to clean and care for the pup before removing it from the whelping box. My heart broke! I happened to have a little white box that had a pretty bow attached to it. We let the kids sign the box and this evening, the sweet baby was buried. Some of the kids took it harder than others. My heart broke for them as well. It's such a difficult thing for them to go through and accept. Even though it's part of life, it doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

The nine remaining pups are just adorable. They have the most unique markings that I've ever seen on a dog. Jersey is Great Dane and Black Lab. She mated with a Golden Retriever! The puppies are nearly 1/2 the size (at birth) as what our six week old beagles are. They are going to be very-big-dogs! If they have their Momma's disposition, they will be wonderful pets! I hate to admit it but I'm already attached to them. *sigh*

What do you think? Have you ever seen such interesting puppies before?
See our Flickr account for some close-up photos of the pups. I'll try to take more photos tomorrow too!

Have a great day!

BSM: Taking the Plunge!

Do you see the smile on Jonathon's face? He couldn't just watch this...he had to try it too!



Austin gives Jonathon a little more speed before approaching the jump.


Concentrate....Concentrate.... Do you see the grip he has on that seat and handlebars? This is pretty serious stuff! He receives some last minute instructions from Austin before taking the plunge.





His first jump is successful.

At least in Mom's book it is. He escaped without a trip to the ER, any broken bones, and he still had a great time! :)

BSM: Like Father, Like Son!

While little brother was sleeping, the big brothers and Dad were out playing Football. I can't even tell you how my heart swells to see them all playing together and ending their game in one big hug!

This was actually taken last night but I still love the photo!

For more great photos, click here and here!

Best Shot Monday

For more BSM photos, go here.

It's Pouring: (BSM) Best Shot Monday

This was a photo I was able to capture of Jacob at the game on Sunday. You can see that I didn't focus on his face but rather the rain drops that are on the umbrella. I guess it goes hand in hand. Rain seemed to be everywhere we went this weekend. It's pretty hard to focus on anything else. Well, except that handsome face my son likes to hide so often.




And since I couldn't decide whether I liked the colored photo or not, I decided to include both for your viewing pleasure. We did feel a bit washed out this weekend, which is exactly what comes to mind when I see this photo without color. Enjoy :)

BSM Welcome Home!

On Sunday July 6th, we managed to bring our last cat home (to the new house). He's one that likes to go out to cat parties (at least that's what the girls tell me) and then stay away for two or three days at a time. You know, much like some teenagers & college students who return home to do laundry, eat, and grab a few hours of sleep every few days. Anyways, Burlios wanted outside pretty bad when he came here. On Tuesday, July 8th, I let him out and told him "Please make sure you come home." That was the last we saw of him.
Until tonight, that is. We were at practice when Katelyn had to use the bathroom. I went to the old house and just as I was putting my key in the lock, I heard these familiar whimpers (meows). I stopped, walked over to the weeds, bent down and started saying, "Burlios, it's momma. Come on, come to momma." I took my hand, brushed the weeds back and peered in to see a black cat. Not being sure it was Burlios, I started talking to him again which coaxed him enough to raise his head up. As soon as I spotted the white neck, I knew it was him. I nearly dove into the weeds to pick him up. I was so thrilled. I picked him up, cuddled him close to my chest and kissed his fuzzy kitty head. He appeared a little jittery after I got him to the car.

Once he was home, all he wanted to do was clean himself up, eat, and sleep.


When we asked him why he fled from home, he promptly told us

which we assume means "No Comment" and "No pictures please."

He has been absolutely loving the attention (and food) he is getting tonight. I sure hope he decides to stick around this time. I had heard that cats will go "home" and will travel quite far. He certainly did! Amazing, simply amazing. Especially when we no longer live on the same side of the highway even.

Hope your having a fantastic Monday evening!