Dawgs, Dogs, Football, Birthday, Tools

This past Labor Day weekend the Dulins headed for some long overdue fun time with the Gardners. This weekend was the kick-off of football season and it was Bear's 9th birthday. How perfect is that?

To say there was an over consumption of calories would be an understatement. Zoe made that famous Pralle chocolate cake but also added her own twist with homemade peanut butter icing for Bear's birthday celebration. Are you kidding? Homemade peanut butter icing? Just attach 10 pounds directly to my butt, thanks. OMG it was divine stuff.

There was also a lot of dog action too. We had a chocolate, black and blonde lab. Hours of entertainment aside from football. And yes, LOTS of football. GA Bulldogs won so the Gardners were quite happy. UNC (University of Non-Compliance) almost won, and we were proud of the tough fight they put up. Ugghhh.... hey, you, football player Tar Heel guy. Don't cheat in college.

Poor Zoe was struggling from a case of bronchitis, but still managed to do what I love to do best -- SHOP! Seriously, I love to shop with that girl. It is pure consumerism joy. And I only spent $16! She found herself a lovely dish for her dining room table at Pier 1 --- its gorgeous! What great taste you have!

The plethra of Gardner kids are always a joy. Except two of them aren't so "kid" like anymore. Josh is about 6 ft tall and a man-boy or boy-man but definitely no kid anymore. Mac is a close second as she is taller than me!

There were also long overdue haircuts for Zoe and Luke. My work is never done. And the weekend ended with Mac finding the infamous "hands" sculpture in her bed. (Which lucky Wine-price girl will get them next?).

The joy of friendship is wonderful. The joy of having your hubbies be close buddies is also amazing. Thank you Gardners for being our friends!

Demolition Dulins

We have literally and virtually been continuing to progress with our home improvement projects. Namely, we are ripping up floors due to wear and tear and damage thanks to the Bitty (yes, she's still alive) and some BamBam causes as well. The carpet is/was all low end contractor grade that I did not get to spec out before I bought the house, so is it beyond the vacuuming and rug cleaner solutions.

We are getting laminate in the basement (and the animals can do whatever they want, it will wipe up and not scratch). Our living room will get hardwoods that match the hall and dining room. The hardwoods will continue up the stairs and in the hallways. Both bedrooms will get new carpet and a color a little more "pet" friendly than the existing cream color that now bears lots of stains.

I am looking forward to reducing my vacuuming by a lot. Okay, so Danny does the vacuuming, but it will be nice to just sweep up animal and Jacqueline hair.

In addition, I will be doing some "virtual" improvement on this blog as well. It is way overdue for a new look and I'm liking the "interim" site, we'll see what I come up with.

Back-Posting 2: Kidd Kids

I regret I didn't have time to blog about this when it happened because it was so much fun but I was just too busy. About 3 weeks ago, Danny and I met Doug and Lynn 1/2 way to pick up all 3 of their girls: Haley (almost 13), Amelia (10) and Reagan (8) for their visit with "Aunt Jacqueline and Uncle Danny." You may recall about two years ago, we did the same with Zoe's 4 kids and we had a blast.

To say we had a good time with these 3 munchkins is an understatement. My poor husband was almost over the edge in wanting to have a baby girl of our own! Not only did we have sooo much fun, we were truly blessed by them. Yes, these children loved each other and loved us well.

This is my public affirmation of Doug and Lynn's parenting because the wonderfulness of these girls should be credited to their parents. Everytime I was in the kitchen, Haley would ask if she could help or if I needed her to do anything. They were always helpful toward us and each other. They were grateful and often wanted to make sure we didn't go out of our way for them. I don't know what kind of animals they are at home, but they were angels with us. They were giggly and affectionate and fun and I fell more in love with each of them I thought possible.

I think Lynn and Doug thought we were doing them a favor, but honestly we had so much fun I think it was the other way around. My heart gets sad thinking it will be a long time before we all spend time together again.

And this is for Haley: "You're all soooo cute and fluffy, I could die!!"

Pictures below show swimming, haircuts, cleaning dishes, Indian dancing, posing, silliness and more silliness. I'm exhausted again just thinking about our time together......