Saturday, April 29, 2017

2017. Every day. (04.23.17)

 I love taking pictures, the every day, the mundane, the big, the fun, the celebrating, even the hard. Images I want to remember.  So, this year, I'm documenting my everyday. A photo a day for my FB/IG and then writing the stories of each on my blog weekly. 

So, welcome to (April) 2017!

This week is all about Auggie!
Tuesday, May 2nd is 10th months since his "Gotcha Day".
You can read the best story of getting Auggie by {clicking here}.

04.23.17
Barney was never a consistent eater. He'd often leave his food for a while, some days only eat half, some days all of it, and he was treated to a treat in his bowl when he finished his supper. He would also paw the bowl to let me know of his accomplishment. Auggie is everything opposite of that.  He starts dancing around, gets antsy and runs right to his bowl when I ask him "are you ready for some supper?"  Even though his bowl says "Savor", he does not savor his supper at all.  It is gone in about 90 seconds, followed by cleaning his face usually on the couch and a delightful burp of approval on most days.  #boys


04.24.17
When I'm working at my computer, which is often lately with this semester of class, he usually lays on the floor beside me, or on the couch where he can see me, or under the table if I've changed locations.  He brings his toys over for fetch and sometimes, has had enough and barges right in for some attention.  He's a cute little study break. I always try to walk him before I have to sit down and work on the computer, which makes him more content.


Most every Monday morning I find him in this position while I'm getting ready for work. I think he knows the weekend is over, and isn't quite ready to be up and about at the early weekday hour!


Auggie LOVES toys. Barney liked toys, and a few in particular, but Auggie has a mental inventory and he goes in search of a specific toy often. This ball is a favorite and he digs it out from the bottom of the toy box on the regular. Also, it regularly looks like a toddler lives here when he's been playing a lot and I haven't picked up the toys.


04.25.17
Every day when I put these shoes on, Auggie knows it is go time. He doesn't have much patience for a picture, but he did oblige this day. He loves his walk. And, we go just about every day, unless it's raining.  Most days are about 2 miles and a couple of days a week we go for 3 miles. He's just about mastered not to bark/whine/screech at other dogs or cut across me to try and get near them.  I think he just gets so excited to see dogs, but that's not good trail etiquette, so we've worked lots on "walk" and "no bark"  trail manners.


04.26.17
Since the first week I brought Auggie home when I get in the shower he comes and looks in. I guess he wonders if there's a secret door behind that curtain in the tile wall.  Sometimes I think "maybe he will stop doing that", but so far, 10 months in and he's still checking.

(In case you're wondering, I don't shower with my phone and took this after the water was off.)

04.27.17
We have had a few unseasonably cool days and Thursday was one of those days this week! It was absolutely beautiful out, what felt like 0% humidity and the brightest blue sky.  We walked for 3 miles after work and I ate dinner on the patio while Auggie sniffed around.  His favorite is outside.


Another favorite?  This bone. It's pretty much like his paci. He was gnawing on it right by me as I was working on my computer for at least 20 minutes. My Mom found that bone for her dogs, but they didn't like it, so we got the hand-me-down.  I'm not sure where I will find another one to replace it when it's all chewed up.


On a very rare occasion Auggie crashes for a nap when he's out of his crate. This was after 3 mile walk, being out on the patio, lots of fetch, and chewing on that bone. He finally gave it up and took a little cat nap with a few toys nearby.


04.28.17
After I get on my tennis shoes Auggie heads for the door and does a few laps awaiting his walk. I tell him every day "you have to get your shirt on", which is this harness, and then we can go walk. He stands up on his back legs like this every time for me to put it on his front legs. #routines #creaturesohabit


04.29.17
This is Auggie's favorite place, watching out the window. He watches birds, bikers, runners, walkers and dogs. He doesn't often bark, but every now and then something sets him off and he has to exercise his authority and bark through the window at something. Other things he barks at: when I turn off the ceiling fan - not sure what he thinks it will do and sometimes a random shopping bag on the counter. Other than that, he doesn't bark too much.


We've got a pretty specific routine and he knows last step to me leaving the house is typically putting on my jewelry.  Often in the mornings before work when I walk out of my room from putting on my jewelry and turn off the light, he heads for his house. He never minds getting in his house, he sleeps in there at night, and it is definitely his safe place. He's still not real comfortable if I walk out the door to get the mail or take out trash while he's out of his crate, but never barks or whines when I leave for work and he's in his house.  Crate trained dogs know that is their little haven, and it is definitely his.


He also gets a little Cheerios treat in the morning when I leave. :)
That little puppy was his first toy, I took it with us when I picked him up and it stays in his house with him during the day and at night. He gets puppy out to play, and squeaks him, but never squeaks him in the night. He's often in a different spot in the morning from when I put Auggie to bed, so I know he moves it, but I guess he knows it's night time because I never hear it squeak at night.


He also has a night time routine when I say "time to go night night" he flips over to his back for a little belly rub before bedtime. He does all of these same things when staying with my Mom and Dad too.


Of all the toys, Meme gave him his absolute favorite for Christmas, Santa-saurus. He knows this toy is called "Santa" and can find him and bring him to you most any time of day if he wants to play! He's got wings, a tail and a Santa hat that are all well loved and chewed. If ever you talk to me on the phone and hear a toy squeaking in the background, it is likely Santa-saurus.


10 months have sure flown by and I'm grateful for this little "dood".
I told my parents recently, I'm not sure how I got so blessed with two dogs that have super great demeanor and a personality that's almost like a human, but I sure am thankful that I did! I can remember my Papa always telling me how much company their dog Sassy gave him after my Grandma died. And, it's the same for me; when you live by yourself a dog sure does give a lot of company. Plus makes you get out on days you'd rather not,  invades your personal space when you'd rather be left alone and keeps you active too!


If you want a little happy in your social media feed, you can follow Auggie on Instagram!
@theauggiedog

Thank you for reading, and would love for you to stay in touch!
Subscribe to the Blog 
(Mobile: scroll to bottom of page, click "web version" and enter email on top right corner. 
Computer: scroll up to top right, below header and enter email address. 
Verify and you'll get new posts straight to your inbox!)

Blessings!

Saturday, April 22, 2017

2017. Every day. (04.16.17)

 I love taking pictures, the every day, the mundane, the big, the fun, the celebrating, even the hard. Images I want to remember.  So, this year, I'm documenting my everyday. A photo a day for my FB/IG and then writing the stories of each on my blog weekly. 

So, welcome to (April) 2017!

04.16.17
I mentioned at the end of last week's post, Sunday's coming.
Easter Sunday.
He is risen. He is risen indeed.
Had a great day with family and most grateful for the resurrection of Christ and eternal hope I have in Him.  I took a break in the midst of paper research to letter this reminder of the day.


04.17.17
Monday I took Auggie for a long walk, and then was lazy. He was persistent wanting me to get up and play fetch. :)


04.28.17
I never posted about my Easter decorations. Really, I guess they are Spring decorations. I found these simple bunnies at TJ Maxx, in 3 various sizes and loved them! They were I believe $3.99, $4.99 and $5.99 for the large one. I changed out their bows and even though Easter has passed, I'm leaving them out for a while longer.


{04.18.17 - Bonus}
Since I didn't do a Spring decorating post, here's the rest of what's out around my house.

This is the medium bunny.


Little patchwork towel in my kitchen.


And, the deer plates have been switched out for spring bird plates on my dining "hutch".


04.20.17
All week at work I was in final prep mode for our When I Grow Up Career Expo, which included a lot of watching the weather.  We started the week with 60% scattered thunderstorms for Saturday, and didn't have a drop of rain during the Expo!!  So grateful. To see fun from the Expo, search the #WhenIGrowUpExpo on Twitter!


{04.19.17 - Bonus}
And, after work looked a lot like this.  All. the. paper. writing. 3 more to go. I stayed up late to finish this paper and be done with it!


And, in case you wonder what under the table looks like...
pretty much like a toddler's play area. :)  #allthefavorites


04.20.17
So, my new favorite thing on my iPhone is portrait mode. Apparently this is only on 7Plus.  But, it is amazing. I took lots of pictures of the littles last weekend and am practicing on various shots. I wish I knew how to use a "real" camera and manual setting, but it's just not in my capacity right now, maybe one day.  For now, iPhone portrait is my go-to.  Also, I've written before about folding clothes, washcloths always get folded in same direction and stacked like this in my cabinet. I love a good stack of freshly folded clothes. This photo will be on a friend's website soon for her new wash and fold service. Stay tuned...


04.21.17
Was a pretty evening outside as we set up for the Expo. Booth space ready for 95ish vendor/exhibitors to showcase career opportunities to HISD students, from elementary through high school. #teamwork


04.22.17
We had no rain on Saturday, but we did get a cold front and it was 60-ish on a patio for dinner Saturday night with one of my besties. (Which I realize isn't cold to large percentage of the country, but here, when it's been 90's, it was pretty chilly!!!) Stacy's mom recently passed away and in the midst of such heartbreak, there's also lots of great things happening for her! We tried out a new restaurant, Presidio, and it was delicious! Dinner on a patio is my favorite! A flannel and sweater in late April? Also a favorite!


{04.22.17 - Bonus}
Our Superintendent of Schools came out to the Expo on Saturday, grateful to have his support for our event!


Thank you for reading, and would love for you to stay in touch!
Subscribe to the Blog 
(Mobile: scroll to bottom of page, click "web version" and enter email on top right corner. 
Computer: scroll up to top right, below header and enter email address. 
Verify and you'll get new posts straight to your inbox!)

Blessings!

Saturday, April 15, 2017

2017. Every day. (04.09.17)

 I love taking pictures, the every day, the mundane, the big, the fun, the celebrating, even the hard. Images I want to remember.  So, this year, I'm documenting my everyday. A photo a day for my FB/IG and then writing the stories of each on my blog weekly. 

So, welcome to (April) 2017!

I've been trying to work on a paper for my class, but am frustrated with our assignments and what our Professor is looking for, so a break to write something I enjoy...

04.09.17
We had our Leadership Training for Polished Houston launch! Hooray!! Our first luncheon is just a few weeks away. I'm so grateful for these girls who have stepped up and said "yes", all of them have tons of other things to do and are sought after, but have a strong desire for this ministry.  Kat who is our Executive Director is such a devoted leader, it has been so fun to work with her and I'm so excited about our launch!


{04.09.17 - Bonus}
If you're a young professional woman in Houston and would like to attend our networking lunch, I would love for you to sign up: www.polishedonline.org/houston-luncheon.  We gather young women to navigate careers and faith.  Join us!


04.10.17
I attended a press conference on Monday morning, for the Mayor of Houston's summer employment initiative; Hire Houston Youth.  Thankfully the rain held off and it was a great event.  McDonald's is a large contributor to this initiative, so they were a great host and also gave out free drinks to us! #iloveMcDsDrPepper


04.11.17
Class day, so reading and a study snack of Peach Cobbler + BlueBell with a little afternoon coffee.
#treatyoself :)


04.12.17
I walked on Monday with my bestie Katherine and thought I should have taken a pic of us that day and her baby bump.  But, didn't....she was due in a few weeks. But, Wednesday afternoon I got a text she was headed into delivery and the babies would be here soon! Though born early, they are healthy and doing well in NICU for a bit. I went to the hospital that evening, got to see my sweet friend and her new little babes. We've walked and talked infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy for a long time, so this day was redeeming in the best of ways for her and her husband!

{04.12.17 - Bonus}
I didn't want to share a picture until they shared photos, so here's the pic from Wednesday night just a couple of hours after babies were born. She's a beautiful mommy and can't wait until we can push those twins in the strollers on walks! Times like these are hard to walk alongside besties, but we know God hears our prayers and he is sovereign. I'm thankful for their faith through this journey to a family of 4!


04.13.17
On my walks with Auggie I've been noticing these sunflowers, a section of them that have recently grown up amongst wildflowers and they have really been showing off lately. I finally took my phone on a walk to snap a picture. As I walked by them this week, the song "Look to the Son" by Hillsong has been coming to mind. We sang it recently in church and I kept thinking of it this week, how so many things are going on around us, but no matter what, keep our eyes on the Son.  These sunflowers, they look to the sun, amidst the busyness of the trail, their backs were turned and facing to the sun.  Such a good reminder, when I can get so distracted by all the goings-on.

Beyond the skies above
Love reaching out for us
The Everlasting One
Jesus our God
Oh we look to the Son
Set our eyes on our Savior
See the image of love
Sing His praises forever! 

{04.13.17 - Bonus}
Of course I had to snap Auggie out on our walk that day too!

04.14.17
I headed home for Easter weekend and my nephew + nieces were there as well. We spent majority of Friday outside, in the new trails on our land, riding horses, sitting on the porch, and enjoying the sunshine! 

04.15.17
Jumping pics are a favorite, so we took a few on Saturday!  My nieces are twins and are always double the fun!

{04.15.17 - Bonus}
The littles rode horses Friday and twice on Saturday. They were so confident and we were so proud of them!  I've written a few times about riding, and with my nephew, so this was certainly a moment to capture.  Click here for the story from few years ago.

Saturday can't pass by without acknowledgment of the significance of this day...the day between Jesus' death on the cross for my sins and yours and the resurrection on Sunday.  Without my faith, I am not sure how I would navigate this life on a daily basis.  My relationship with Jesus is the most important in my life, and if you're searching for hope in this world, I would love to share more with you about Jesus. 

Thank you for reading, and would love for you to stay in touch!
Subscribe to the Blog 
(Mobile: scroll to bottom of page, click "web version" and enter email on top right corner. 
Computer: scroll up to top right, below header and enter email address. 
Verify and you'll get new posts straight to your inbox!)

Blessings!

Saturday, April 8, 2017

2017. Every day. (04.02.17)

 I love taking pictures, the every day, the mundane, the big, the fun, the celebrating, even the hard. Images I want to remember.  So, this year, I'm documenting my everyday. A photo a day for my FB/IG and then writing the stories of each on my blog weekly. 

So, welcome to (April) 2017!

This week could be summarized as "by myself"....

04.02.17
After a weekend out of town I had some MBA catching up to do and a paper due Sunday night. This is the view from sitting at my computer no matter what I'm working on, usually there are a couple of toys right beside me as well for rounds of fetch.


{04.02.17 - Bonus}
Sunday included a lazy morning, before getting ready and attending the memorial service for one of my bestie's mom. I have a hard time with funerals, but, showing up in moments like this is what matters most.  I'm grateful for my besties and fierce about those friendships; oftentimes just showing up is the greatest things a friend can do for me, and I try to do that for my friends. Even on the hard days when you feel like you'd rather not have to show your face.


04.03.17
Social media is a funny thing, it's interesting to me what posts get comments and which ones get nothing.  And, apparently my friends like cereal for dinner or late night snacks too.  For me it was dinner. I had a big work lunch, so wasn't really hungry. This is also #singlegirl perks. :)


{04.03.17 - Bonus}
Monday night I spent time at my desk again, catching up on my blog and after a 3 mile walk, Auggie was crashed out while I was working. 

04.04.17
My current MBA class has a quiz every week, so I'm usually reading after work before class so the material is fresh for me.  If you've read here long, you've maybe read that reading comprehension was never my scholastic achievement and I require notes and studying and re-reading and more. So far so good though, I've made 100's on those quizzes. Auggie's expression pretty much sums up my thoughts on these quizzes.

{04.04.17 - Bonus}
Aside from class on Tuesday I was home every night of the week, and I think Auggie was pretty happy about that, and long walks too! Also, I love the portrait setting on my iPhone!! #framer

04.05.17
The entire week was gorgeous blue skies and as I left a meeting headed back to work I was stopped to turn and looked over to see these flags, so beautiful blowing in the wind. I had to snap a pic. We can often get caught up in the politics and wrongs of the days, but we are so blessed to live under this flag, and that flag still stands for freedom. I'm grateful every day for those who fought and fight for our freedom.

{04.05.17 - Bonus}
Fun floral shoes vs. blah conference room carpet. 
In case you missed it, lots of what I wore is on my blog, click here. 

04.06.17
Thursday evening I was home and had the door open enjoying cool evening and the sunset.  I love  this view and definitely enjoyed the week with lots of home time and down time. 

{04.06.17 - Bonus}
Yep, it's Auggie again. Just me and him this week. He naps so hard.

04.07.17 
I love a nap on Friday after work, but I might love a massage even better.

{04.07.17 - Bonus}
Wild Friday night.  Sometimes Auggie looks big, but he's really pretty small and every now and then climbs up in this spot on the couch and naps.

04.08.17 
Highlight Day. I love the hair salon, no one makes you feel better about yourself than the hair washing ladies. This pic response is funny, "can't believe you put that as a pic"; hey this is my year of a photo a day, and this is one of my favorite treats - usually twice a year.  So, lookout, another one of these might appear in November or so. :) 

{04.08.17 - Bonus}
Saturday I had nothing planned before my hair appointment, so sat on my patio with coffee, breakfast and magazines for a couple of hours and soaked up the perfect spring day. This was also the 2nd Saturday of 2017 I was home with pretty much nothing planned, except my hair appointment.
I went to the pool for a bit in the afternoon and finished this book, which I started last year at the pool. Not sure why I never finished it, but I've read a bunch of books in between. This is one of the top 5 books I've read in life. Definitely recommend it.
So many great points about people needing people.  Not just as couples/romantic relationships, but just needing community and people in general. And, needing God. It's how we were created to live. This was one of my favorite paragraphs and one of several corners I turned down in this book, mostly because I didn't have a highlighter at the pool.

And, Auggie was super cute on the porch, so here's a couple of bonus favs of him from Saturday....


Thank you for reading, and would love for you to stay in touch!
Subscribe to the Blog 
(Mobile: scroll to bottom of page, click "web version" and enter email on top right corner. 
Computer: scroll up to top right, below header and enter email address. 
Verify and you'll get new posts straight to your inbox!)

Blessings!