Yard Makeover

Before the summer became crazy, Bryce and I had arranged to have a new fence put in the backyard. Unfortunately, to get to the old fence, we had to hack through old and dying bushes. In some ways it was good that Bryce was out of work, because he basically took truckloads of green waste out to the dump every day. At the end, we were left with some stubborn stumps growing on the fence line. Bryce was patient...to a point. And then I believe his exact words were "I'm tired of screwing around with this stump. Don't worry. I was a Boy Scout."

 

 

Just a note? It didn't work. But, the fence guys were awesome and worked around it. I'd say the new one looks pretty nice!

A Terrifying Glimpse Into My Future

Flooding Basement...Like My Life

It's been a rough summer in a lot of ways. I've been worried about my Dad, dealing with a new puppy, and then Bryce's company shut down and he lost his job. So, yeah, not the best. And then it had to rain like we were in the damn rain forest and our basement flooded. Ugh. Luckily, we were able to dry out the carpet and just replace the pad. But still. Not one of those things you'd expect in a Utah summer!

Pioneer Day

It's that time of year again! Water balloon fights, BBQ, and fireworks. Happy Pioneer Day!

Adjusting

Remember how I said we were stupid for getting a puppy? Yep. We were. The first two weeks Cricket was home were the most challenging ever (including having new babies). People kept saying, "Oh, having a puppy is like having a new baby."  And I kept saying, "Nope. My babies actually slept for 2-3 hours at a time." This little girl DID NOT. The only time she would sleep at night was if I laid right next to her crate. Then, someone at my work said just to put a puppy pad in the crate and let her be upset all night. So, Bryce and I set up an air mattress in the basement (it was the furthest away from our bedroom), and let her go all night. The next morning, I opened our bedroom door and was greeted with the WORST SMELL I'VE EVER SMELLED, Y'ALL. Cricket had basically pooped all over in the crate and then rolled around in it.  That morning, I told Bryce something had to change or we had to take her back. 

 

Enter Innovate K-9. They came and picked her up for five days. She came home for a weekend, and then was back for a week and a half.

 

BEST THING EVER.

 

She came home being okay with her crate (she will never love it, but she tolerates it), and a lot more low-key. It was life-saving. And I was able to see the other side and to actually enjoy having her in our home.

 

Takeaway? Puppies are not for pussies. 

Introducing Cricket

Bryce and I have talked for years about getting a dog. It's just never really been the right time, and we've wanted to be ready for such a big responsibility. We've been researching different breeds and what age of dog we should get. For a variety of reasons (allergies), we selected a mini golden doodle, and decided we would get a puppy (because we're stupid). 

 

In mid June we went to pick out our puppy. Of course, we all wanted different puppies. Jack wanted No Collar, mostly because the puppy didn't have a collar. (No clue.) Cole wanted Orange Collar because that puppy stuck to him like glue. Bryce wanted Purple Collar because she was sassy and playful. I wanted Lime Green Collar because she was the runt and was super mellow.

Left to right: Lime Green, Orange, Purple

However, after thinking it through, we all decided on Purple Collar. And we decided to name her Cricket. 

 

Today we drove up to meet the breeder and pick up little Cricket. And I have to say - I think she might be the cutest thing ever.

Picking her up!

Welcome to the family, Cricket!