24 Mar

Fetch Pepper, Fetch

Pepper has lots of not so great qualities, but she does play fetch. We all love that. Pepper tends to be a little particular about what she fetches – a Kong frisbee – yes; a nerf ball – yes; a tennis ball – no. Wade came home today with a new fetching toy. I was a little skeptical because we have had similar toys before. However, today, Wade worked with her and got her to fetch the tennis ball the toy throws. Then we turned it over to the kids. The little kids love being able to throw the tennis ball much farther than normal.

14 Mar

Snow Day

School was cancelled last night and the kids trickled downstairs at all hours of the morning. The rain turned to snow around 9 am. It snowed all day long but the accumulation was minimal, only a few inches. We definitely didn’t get the 8-10 that were initially predicted. My kids probably got too much screen time, but Alex got his server working, I got some computer work done, and everybody had some fun. In the late afternoon, Ben did ask to go outside. I warned him it wasn’t going to be fun snow, but he insisted he needed to take Pepper out for a walk. He went out in the slush for a little while and had a great time.

13 Mar

Busted

I was putting away the remains from breakfast and lunch making when I caught Pepper and KitKat having a moment.

17 Jan

Birthday!

Today Wade turns 44. We did most of our celebrating yesterday because today Kaitlyn gymnastics and both big boys (and Wade) and have handbell practice. We did manage to sit down together for dinner – chicken noodle soup and banana pudding – both at Wade’s request.

Then Ben hopped into the box he has been decorating and asked for a push. I was more than a little surprised when Alex immediately started being the motor for the boat. (It turns out Pepper was the shark.) When Alex got tired, Teague jumped in to take over. Ben was in heaven.

08 Oct

Saturday

This was our Saturday. It started with Ben wanting his own chore list. He petered out after about three chores, but he did manage to unload the silverware from the dishwater, empty all the small trashcans, and pick up all the dog toys. Then Ben was “dressed” to go outside with Pepper. It’s his new favorite activity. He takes a dog toy out but then never actually gives it to Pepper. They just run around like crazy outside, but they both seem to enjoy it.

Next up was morning cartoons. We have been delaying them on Saturdays until Kaitlyn gets back from cheer practice. Then everyone finished up chores and disappeared for iPad time or got ready for their playdates. (Kaitlyn is pretty excited that she managed to schedule three playdates in a row this weekend.)

29 Jun

Backyard Fun

My kids could spend hours playing with the leaf blower. Last night, Ben figured out that Pepper’s ball is the perfect size for some additional fun. Pepper was a little confused why her ball was not being thrown for her.

The video cracked the kids up and after we were back inside they wanted to watch it over and over.

05 Jun

A Backyard Evening

We decided to grill hotdogs for dinner and then ended up spending the entire evening outside. The kids ran around, Wade and I sat and talked. It was perfect. Kaitlyn decided to dig out her bow and arrow and do some practicing before dinner. Then Alex picked it up after dinner – that’s what started the battle. Wade and I got such a kick out of watching the battle that followed. Teague brought his nerf bow down and the kids played forever. The little kids were content retrieving arrows and chasing the big kids. (No one ended up in tears – a miracle.) Why can’t every night be like this?

21 Apr

Anxious Puppy

Poor Pepper. She loves having her people around all the time but she can’t stand it when anybody is outside without her. Alex is outside playing basketball in the rain and she is running from window to window in a frenzy.

16 Apr

Mischief Makers

These kiddos are taking their forced “recess” time pretty well. Pictures show they are actually having fun.

27 Jan

Who Is Her Person?

Pepper was supposed to be Alex’s. Pepper voluntarily spends most of the day in Alex’s room while he is at school and after he is home. Alex feeds her. He is really good about taking her out if I ask or cleaning up her messes if I ask. However, as soon as Alex goes to bed, this is what happens.

17 Dec

Snuggle Pups

I walked into the kitchen to find these two snuggled up together.

22 Oct

Entertainment

I love that Ben isn’t quite old enough to be sucked into cartoons yet. The big kids are watching away and Ben is happily playing with toys. I’m sure the countdown is on, but for now it makes me smile.


14 Oct

Outdoor Life

These are the best days. We had a gorgeous day. Wade was home early. The kids all wanted to join us outside. Perfection.

08 Oct

Dog Play

I see these two do this all the time. Madison is just short enough and Pepper is just tall enough that Pepper ends up standing on top of Madison. I find it hilarious and they don’t even seem to notice at all.


20 May

My Crazies

My crazy kids were determined to go swimming today. The temperature did officially reach 80 but the water was no where near that warm. I agreed to be the responsible adult outside but told them I wasn’t going near the water or putting on a swimsuit. They had a blast anyway and I’m glad they are getting so much use out of the pool before we move!

Alex was determined to get Pepper in the pool and it took him quite a while to convince her. The weather didn’t cooperate and we ended up with rain, but he finally got her in the pool – for a second.

17 May

Let The Moving Begin

Granny And Pop are here to help us begin moving. They drove Pop’s truck up and are here for longer than usual to help us out. We are so thankful the new house is bigger and has a large basement and barn. We have the keys to our new house and our goal is to move quite a bit of “stuff” out of our current house to the new house. We are going to list our current house and cross our fingers that it sells within a few weeks. If it doesn’t, then we are going to go ahead and move into the new house and try to sell the house with no furniture. We’ve sold all but one of our previous houses within a few weeks so we are hoping for the best.


11 May

Quick Dip

This is probably the earliest we have ever had our pool opened. But we wanted it to look good for listing pictures and for anyone going through the house. My kids obviously think that means it must be warm enough to swim. (It isn’t.)

04 May

Chip Lover

I have often talked about how Ben and the chip drawer are a constant problem. He thankfully doesn’t know how to open a new bag of chips, but now he just carries the bag around and loves on them – like a pillow. Let’s hope nobody minds mini chips in their nachos.


09 Apr

Dog Pile

The true definition of a dog pile….

06 Apr

Playing Or Working?

These kids are dying for warm weather. The minute they saw the sun and felt like it was somewhat warm they begged to put on swimsuits and wash my car. I figured why not. My car couldn’t look any worse and it really was a nice day outside!

23 Mar

An Old Dog With A New Bone

We have been giving Pepper dog bones to try and keep her entertained (and reduce the chewing of our items). The problem is Madison will occasionally get the bone and guard it. Pepper will not dare take it back from Madison. Madison is too old to chew the bone. She just won’t let Pepper have it. Wade and I find the entire situation pretty funny.

Tonight we thought we had a solution. We gave each dog a bone. It went basically like it does with two toddlers. Pepper couldn’t stand it that Madison had a bone. She abandoned her bone and kept trying to figure out how to get Madison’s bone. She kept edging closer and closer to Madison. Madison never once chewed the bone but kept it in her sight or under her head the entire time. Wade and I were dying laughing.

For those curious – Madison eventually fell asleep. Pepper stole the bone. Madison never even remembered there was a bone.

11 Mar

Waiting

Every afternoon the house is quiet. Ben is napping. Kaitlyn has quiet time (and often naps). Pepper sits in this chair and looks out the window – waiting for Alex. (The noise she makes when she seems him walking down the driveway can be heard up and down the street.)


08 Mar

Poor Pepper

Today Pepper spent the day with our vet. She got dropped off early this morning and I picked her up right after school. She is now spayed and more calm than I think I have ever seen her – thank you drugs. We’ll see how she reacts in the next few days. I’m really hoping she doesn’t have to wear the cone as much as she should. I know she isn’t going to like it.

13 Feb

Pepper

Unlike Madison, Pepper loves her ball. I believe she is even going to play fetch. There might be a redeeming quality to this dog yet!

09 Feb

Makers

Alex informed us he had a project for school. Then he told us he needed to be a lamp. Wade was happy to help.

01 Feb

Peek-a-Boo

Madison has almost zero interest in toys and can’t really chew bones. She does occasionally guard a bone but Pepper thinks Madison will steal her bones. Here Pepper is trying to figure out Madison’s location before she comes out of hiding with her bone.


20 Jan

It Snowed!!

We got the promised snow! Everybody played and played – even Wade!

18 Jan

Pepperdine Reese Burch

Pepper has extremely unusual coloring. It tends to fall into the “love it” or “hate it” category. Obviously we love it, but we understand if people feel otherwise. She is still a lot puppy. She chews things she shouldn’t. She doesn’t like strangers. She still isn’t completely house-trained. She is rambunctious and doesn’t follow commands very well. On an upside – she does play fetch. Her greatest problem might be that she isn’t Madison. Regardless, we’ll keep her!


27 Dec

Post Holiday Craziness

I’d like to say this is just post holiday craziness – but this is kind of a typical day at our house. You’ll notice that Ben isn’t phased at all by Pepper jumping over him multiple times as she makes laps around the couch.

26 Dec

Christmas Clothes

These pictures were actually taken before Christmas but got a little lost in the shuffle. Pepper was a much smaller dog when we first got her. Even at Thanksgiving she was smaller. My Mom bought her a cute Christmas sweater, but by the time we got it on her – she had outgrown it. We did try to take a picture but Pepper was not excited to be wearing her sweater at all!

30 Oct

Tug

Now if only I could get them to play this game outside…

18 Oct

Dog Play

I know my picture is a little crazy, but the important part is there. I have noticed recently that Pepper has gotten really smart when playing with Madison. She is too small to have any physical advantage, but she has realized all she needs to do is grab Madison’s collar. She will bite Madison’s collar and then pull her around the house. It is hilarious to watch. Madison is a good sport about it all and will let Pepper know when she is done with the game.


05 Oct

Pepper The Pup

Pepper is growing and developing. We have hit the teething and mischievous stage…

28 Sep

These Kids

A favorite activity for all ages – jumping in my laundry piles.


06 Sep

More Of The Pup

Just a few more of the cute puppy taking over our house.

04 Sep

Pepper

This is Pepper. She is settling in nicely and we’re all enjoying having a puppy – even Madison. The kids are all still eager to walk her and take her out after school. Wade has been willing to get up with her in the middle of the night. I am in charge during the day.