Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Saucie is scheduled for a C-Section!


I took my very pregnant little Saucie to the vet today to discuss options with her new vet and get an x-ray to find out how many puppies she would be having. I have been feeling what I thought to be two puppies for the last week or so and was anxious to find out exactly how many puppies there were. Well, the vet came back after taking the x-ray and said that I needed to come back and see the picture myself. It was unbelievable, it was one, yes ONE BIG puppy that completely filled her from end to end!! You could see its head and you could see Saucie's pelvic bones and you knew that a scheduled C-Section would be the method of delivery for Saucie!!
I'm disappointed that I won't have a "litter" of puppies but excited that soon there will be a puppy in the house. Of course a c-Section will mean some bottle feeding and taking care of mom for a day or so but I'm excited and can't wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl and what color it is. LOL, it is kind of like having a baby .... anticipation.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Kelsey Jean


I just came back from saying goodbye to a little girl that was gifted to our family for the last 22 years. Kelsey Jean, my little niece that came into this world to teach our family about LOVE was peacefully allowed to go home with Jesus this evening after a very quick progression of an illness. We were all blessed with her presence and are celebrating that she is now dancing in heaven , happy and perfect, our little Kelsey.

I can't say goodbye to Kelsey without also paying tribute to my sister and her husband who took care of and loved this little girl for 22 years. It wasn't easy but their devotion and love for her was endless. They made decisions for Kelsey that they knew were right and stuck to them . We all learned a lot from Kelsey, and even though she was never able to talk Kelsey could light up a whole room with her little smile.

I love you Kelsey, I know you are so happy to be with Jesus

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Minimally Invasive???? 7 inch SCAR!

Well, I survived the total knee replacement and if I'm able, I will place the picture of my knee at the bottom of the page so it won't just be staring at you when you open my blog but I'm not always able to position my pictures where I want. In any case it has been one week and one day since my surgery and I am doing great!! I am so amazed at the lack of pain, I keep telling people it is more like "discomfort" due to the swelling but it isn't like surgical pain. I have a home Physical Therapist and am already getting around without a walker or a cane, can stand on the new knee one legged and am bending more each day. My therapist says she's never had a patient with this much movement and this much tolerance for pain before but she also agree it has something to do with having a very good surgeon. It is such a relief that the surgery is over and I am well on the road to recovery. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.


This picture of my knee at a funny angle but the incision is seven inches long, there is some purple ink visible from measurements also. Hmmmm.... when they said minimally invasive I was hoping for a 3-4 inch scar.



Sunday, November 30, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving





Thanksgiving was spent at Kurt and Alisha's where they hosted the dinner in their new home. We enjoyed the Organic turkey and the Honey Baked Ham and shared the dinner with Alisha's parents and Justin and Barbie and Aubrey. We were thankful for their new home and their expected baby and for the fact that Daisy survived her life threatening catastrophe and trip to the vet.
It has been really nice having 5 days off but I think I've spent a lot of it fretting over the "SURGERY" that I am scheduled to undergo on December 2. Yes, that's right the day is almost here to have a "new knee". I keep having to tell myself that I'll be so much happier with my new knee but somehow the reality of the surgery keeps overshadowing my thoughts right now.
I don't look forward to those first couple of days with the pain and then everyone keeps telling me how the physical therapy is "bad" too but that the end results are worth it. Hmmmm.... I keep telling myself that. Funny thing is, at this point and time I probably have the least discomfort I've had for months or even years. Why does it happen that way? I mean, 8 weeks ago I couldn't even straighten my leg, had my brace on all the time and got very little sleep at night due to the pain . However, right now my knee is a nagging pain but I think I've limited my activity so much that I am not as aware of my knee as I usually am. Of course, there is no stability to my knee at all and grabbing on to things for balance has become a "norm" for me.
Oh well, pray for my surgeon and for God's wisdom as the doctor makes decisions about my surgery, pray for me to trust and for a speedy recovery.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Puppies?



For the past year as I have been showing Saucie I've wondered in the back of my mind if I would ever get the courage up to breed her. Now, I know that doesn't sound like a difficult decision but "Toy" dogs can have a lot of difficulties and frequently require C-Sections.  The pregnancy could also put Saucie at risk.
Well, after a lot of thought, a lot of looking into who would be a good stud for Saucie I decided to go through with it.  Saucie came into season about 6-8 weeks sooner than I expected so all the decisions had to be made very quickly.  I took her to the vet on Thursday and had a Progesterone Level drawn that indicated the time to breed was NOW!!!
I traveled to Reseda on Friday and Sunday where she was bred with a beautiful little cream sable boy that was imported from Italy and owned by Leesa.  I'm excited and hopeful that my next little show dog will be in this litter but a healthy, free whelped litter of puppies with great temperments is my biggest desire.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Trick Or Treat



Halloween has had an added interest for 23 years now, my youngest son, Kurt was born October 31, 1985.  We celebrated his birthday tonight by going to Famous Dave's for a delicious dinner with Kurt , Alisha, her parents, Justin, Barbie , Aubrey and Brad and I.
Aubrey came as Cindy Lou Who from Dr. Seuss, Justin was The Grinch, Kurt was Dr. Seuss and then Barbie and Alisha were Thing 1 and Thing 2. As you can see, they had a great time and definitely got into the spirit of Halloween costumes.
Happy Birthday my son, just think, next year you and Alisha will have your own little one to dress in a costume.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

65th Anniversary for my Mom and Dad


65th Anniversary

WOW!! Last night the family got together to celebrate our parents 65th Anniversary. What an amazing accomplishment and what a legacy this marriage has produced.  My parents were married at 17 and 19 years of age during WWII, they were two kids in love and they had both come from homes that had been broken by divorce.  Somehow, well, no with their faith in God  they have been a committed couple that served the Lord and brought their family up to know that God has a wonderful plan for our lives.
My parents have 5 children, 4 daughters and a son, they have 17 grandchildren , 19 great-grandchildren, 2 more great grandchildren on the way (that we know of at this point).
We celebrated with a dinner at Lorene's and an Anniversary cake. A photo book was made with pictures of each child, grandchild and great-grandchild so they could have a memory book with everyone's photo in one place.  It was an enjoyable evening of talking of the past and looking to the future. 
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Riding the Spine Continues

My Mom and Dad with my 3 sons
The family picture at Jacob's farewell



My son Jacob spent the last 2 months at home with his dad and I while working furiously on creating websites for people to earn more money to continue his journey into S. America. They left 2 weeks ago and according to my last conversation with Jacob they leave from Panama today paddling kayaks loaded with their bikes and gear to Cartagena which is 500 miles away.  Yes, I wasn't to thrilled with the idea but he assured me they will be fine and he will be careful. He then tells me it is far safer than walking their bikes through Columbia where a whole squad of police were kidnapped 2 days earlier.  Isn't that reassuring? 
In any case, I thought it would be fun to share a few pictures of the commotion in our house while Jacob, Goat and JJ were packing their gear.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Kern County Fair "Best In The West"





Last night Brad and I joined Justin, Barbie and Aubrey and we went to the Kern Co. Fair. We all had a great time eating corn on the cob, lemonade, carmel corn and riding a couple of rides. Aubrey loved the animals and actually got to ride an elephant and the pony. Barbie got lots of pictures but my battery died shortly after getting to the fair so I have only a few. However, as you can see, Brad and I took pictures in the photo booth. It was so funny because Brad said he'd never been in a photo booth and didn't realize that it would take 4 pictures. I kept trying to get him to make a face, kiss or smile but he'd make a face and wouldn't wait for the flash so I look stupid and he looks surprised!! It was a fun night and being a grandparent is wonderful, Aubrey was quite the trooper and although she had her moments we all had a great time at the fair.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Little Nemo



Aubrey's newest interest at grandma and grandpa's house is our DVD of Little Nemo. Everyone in the family has watched it 3-4 times last week and now within five minutes of getting to our house she starts asking to see Little Nemo!!! I have all the Disney movies in VHS but very few in DVD so I think a trip to the store is in order. I am hoping Little Mermaid or something else will be of interest to her too.


Look at the intensity of her face ....

Friday, September 5, 2008

Official Picture

Championship Picture
CH Rise N Shine's She's So Hot
Saucie

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Channing's New Ball

This video is of  Rise N Shine's Hot Property "Channing".  Julie entrusted him to me to show in California for the next couple of months so I can get more experience grooming and handling a Pomeranian in conformation.   He took Winner's Dog in his first show in Santa Barbara. Channing LOVES his toys and this is a video of his newest toy he enjoys playing with Jacob. 

Friday, August 29, 2008

Aubrey Paige is almost 2!


This is my granddaughter, Aubrey Paige.
She is full of smiles, loves to tickle, loves to talk, loves to come to grandma's house,
loves her mommy and daddy and family and friends and she is a lover of animals.
She's inquisitive and bright with sparkling blue eyes. She is the love of my life and I feel so blessed to be able to hold her and hug her and get sloppy wet kisses from her.
I love her happiness at being the center of attention of our family ,
I love bath time when she does her streak through the house
while laughing and squealing with joy.
I love my girl..... Happy 2nd Birthday on September 8.

Love, Grandma

Sunday, August 24, 2008

CHAMPION Rise N Shine's She's So Hot "SAUCIE"


CH Rise N Shine's She's So Hot "Saucie"


In the ring earning her Championship
at Santa Barbara Kennel Club Show

If you read the title of this post you must realize that I am thrilled beyond words. I entered Saucie and Channing in the Santa Barbara Kennel Club Show this weekend. After doing so I realized that if they both won I'd need someone to take Channing into the ring as I couldn't show two dogs at once. I kind of "tricked" Brad into coming with me by telling him we'd have a nice weekend away and only later added that if the impossible happened he might have to show a dog.Well, IT HAPPENED!! Channing won Winner's Dog, Saucie won Winner's Bitch so out into the ring Brad went with Channing and he was a great sport!! Saucie won Winner's Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex on Saturday!!!! Sunday Channing won his class and Reserve Dog while Saucie again won Winner's Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex!! What a sweep and best of all, she earned all the points to finish her Championship Title!! What a RUSH!!!
Brad greeted me coming out of the ring with a gold pendant ribbon that says CH (champion) on it. I was so happy to share this win with Brad, I usually go to the shows by myself so this made it extra special.


Don't ever let him tell you he doesn't like these dogs!! He's in bed feeding them pie!!!

I'll post the official photographs from the dog show when they come in








Sunday, August 3, 2008

Home from Washington


Rise N Shine's Hot Property "Channing" Channing jumping for his ball
Channing returning with his ball

I got home last Friday afternoon after a very long and tiring drive from Washington. The journey wasn't without incidence and 3 hours from Bfld. on the I5 I lost my car-top carrier, bicycle, luggage and misc. going about 75 miles an hour. No injuries and I recovered the luggage contents but everything else was destroyed at a cost of about $5600!!
My trip was fantastic , I stayed with my friend Julie and worked in her boarding kennel cleaning kennels, exercising dogs, feeding dogs, bathed dogs, groomed dogs and played with Julie's dogs . Saucie did well at the huge Stumptown Show in Portland taking a Reserve in a 5 pt. major but that means we are still needing 2 points for her Championship.
I have much to write about and many pictures to share about the journey but I'm going to post most the pictures on my website.
Now, this was no surprise to my family but I really didn't think I was going to come home with another dog but guess what? Julie offered to let me bring Channing home and show him in Southern CA for a few months and get some more experience. I am so honored to be entrusted with this beautiful boy and excited to be able to go into the ring with an Open Dog. Channing gets along great with my dogs and as you can see by the pictures, he is quite a jumper!
Well, vacation is over . I had a fantastic time but it was good to be back home with my husband and all three of my sons and 2 daughter-in-laws. Of course, I missed Aubrey and it feels so good to hear her calling me " Kimmie" and giving me kisses!!!! An after bath kiss

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The Journey Knee and Me?


knee-journey-diagram.php.jpgHmmm... this looks fairly robotic doesn't it? I had an appointment today with Dr. ferro who is an Arthritis, Orthopaedic & Sports Specialist who is a total joint replacement specialist. His conclusion.... the Journey Knee is what I need. That really wasn't the news I was wanting to hear, I was hoping I would be a candidate for a partial but he says more than likely the Journey Knee will be the best choice for my knee . The good news was that I could return to work (depending on how I was doing) limited basis at 2-3 weeks and by 12 weeks you are pretty much recovered.


Check out his website:  http://www.bonejointcenter.com

This doctor who does about 6-10 joint replacements a week and has been in on the development of joint replacement surgery.  He is based out of Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo but comes to Bfld. once a week.  





Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th of July/Happy Birthday

Happy 4th of July from my little firecrackers!
Aubrey is ready for the fireworks
Saucie isn't sure what all the fuss is about
4th of July Birthday Pizza for Justin's 28th Birthday
Aubrey riding her tricycle with Uncle Kurt

Hmmm... I have the hardest time placing pictures where I want them and then I can't write around them. In any case I got this desire to have a 36" Cataldo's Pizza today so I called Kurt, Alisha, Justin, Barbie and Aubrey over for a 4th of July/Justin's Birthday Celebration.  I am out of town for his birthday tomorrow so we kind of slid the birthday celebration in there too!
The 4th of July collar for Saucie was quite the hit with Aubrey and not quite the hit with Saucie.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Aubrey and Jacob

Thought I would share a couple of pictures of Jacob playing with his little niece Aubrey when he was visiting last week. Jacob was on his bicycle ride when she was born so he got to see her for the first time in April. 
Morning Glories in the morning
Aubrey eating her popsicle, the dogs were sure she would share it but as you can see from her expression, popsicles are serious business

Sunday, June 22, 2008

We're Famous!

Well, maybe not world famous but the newest issue of Bakersfield, a local magazine there is an article with a picture of Mick, Gage and Saucie. The magazine did their first "Pet Issue" and they found out through AKC the 10 most popular breeds in Bfld. and then interviewed owners that had these breeds. The reporter that came to my house was a beautiful young lady that was absolutely terrified of dogs!!! Yes, you read that right, terrified of all dogs. In any case, she and the other photographer took lots and lots of pictures, some with the dogs jumping their obedience jumps, some in "Doodle Bug Park" and some with Brad and I but this is the only picture they published.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Boys N Their Toys






All three of my sons are in Bakersfield right now and yesterday they all went out to CSUB and shot off model rockets together. LOL!  Brings back lots of memories because they loved rockets as little boys too! Doesn't it look like they had a good time?