It's official! We keeping Mario (the big dog). I have not been a very proud mommy of a new puppy because I have been really stressed out about him. He is just - BIG! I know he's not the largest dog in the world but to me he seems really, really big. Things are starting to settle down a little. He is sort of getting into a routine - if you can call it that. We start dog training tonight and I am hoping it makes all the difference. Boomer is also getting a piece of the training. According to the dog trainer Boomer is the "alpha" dog. He may be small but he rules the roost. He really needs to learn his place in the pack and learn some doggy manners. If you have ever watched the Dog Whisperer, you know what I talking about.

Anyway, here are some pics of our newest (and last) addition to the family

Going home from the SPCA

He really looks big in the truck

Cute Face - Isn't it?

He loves this chair but he's not allowed.

I have officially started my Couch to 5K and can I just say?? I FEEL GREAT! I'm not even sure how far we ran tonight but I already love it. That is what I like about doing it in a group - the leader just leads the way and I can just be mindless. The first step to any fitness program and is always the toughest for me. I'm glad I've gotten that out of the way.

I am a huge water drinker these days. I think I was the only one of about 50 runners carrying a water bottle. I just can't help it - I get thirsty.

By the way, I think they put some sort of addictive substance in Dasani water. The more I drink the more I want. I am a total Dasani snob and nothing else will do. I can really and truly taste the difference. It's sort of like the Diet Coke thing - there is no other substitute. They are both distributed by Coke - there may be something to my theory?? I'm just saying!

I'm sorta sure that if you read my blog you are thanking me right now. I decided to say bye-bye to the music. It totally got on my nerves every time I viewed my blog and I can just imagine how other people feel. I have muted every computer in our house so I don't have to listen to it when I plugging around my blog. Nothing against the music - I love those songs - I just don't need the distraction.

Bobby & I got a laptop for Christmas and Santa brought the kids one of their very own. We are in computer heaven around here. Now we are not all fighting over the same desktop tucked away in our office. I have discovered my newest favorite thing about a laptop. I copy and paste recipes that I find online - when I'm ready to use them - I just pull them up from my documents. My laptop sits right there with me in the kitchen and it is easy as pie (not literally - I don't really bake).

Which brings me to-

I have committed myself to cooking at home for several reasons:
1. It saves lots of $$$
2. It is definitely easier to count calories
3. I sorta like it these day
4. It makes our evenings easier - not having to get ourselves together and out the door
5. We can eat healthier - nothing fried

I think it is all about planning ahead. I can't tell you how often through the Holidays that it is suddenly 6:30 and I haven't a clue about "Whats for dinner?" I am finding this to be the most dreaded time of day. So, my commitment (or resolution??) is to play out a week's menu and cook at home.

I am just sitting here on a cold afternoon sipping hot chocolate. I make this delicious treat in my new Keurig coffee maker. I am slowly starting to LOVE it. It only makes one cup at a time but it is unbelievable easy. That is the part I love most. I do not have to add water and ground coffee each time. I just simply insert a single K-cup and press a button and I'm good to go. I can easily make a cup anytime that I need a little pick-me-up.

The other good thing about the single cup thing - I don't over do the caffeine in the mornings. When I used to make a full pot of coffee, I would have the jitters by 10:00 a.m. The Keurig way gives me just the perfect amount of caffeine to start my morning.

And the Power Shifts

I was sitting here watching some Inauguration coverage and had chills run thru my body as I watched the motorcade taking President Bush and President Elect Obama (in the same car) to the Capital Building. This has been an uncomfortable ride for some throughout the years when the outgoing President was defeated out of office. Even thought the candidate of my choice didn't win the election, I think this is a monumental day in history. I do pray that our new President will seek God's guidance when making decisions for our country. I also pray for his and his family's peace of mind and for their personal safety. After today their lives will never by the same.

Did you know?

The President never drives. President W. Bush could drive his ATV's on his ranch in Texas but most presidents do not drive themselves anywhere for their entire term.

The outgoing President leaves a letter in the Oval Office for the new President. This is his last word to him (or advice). This started with Reagan. He was known for his note writing.


As I'm seeing it - silly things interesting to me:

Hilary arrived in a pant suit!

It is 14 degrees in the Capital today.

The Obama children are so well behaved. Their grandmother will live with them in the White House and they will be making their own beds. Young children have not been in the White House since Kennedy.

I love Laura Bush - she is always so graceful

The tradition is that the President's wife holds the Bible used for the swearing in. Lincoln's Bible will be used today.

I love to watch service men in uniform. What a day of honor for them to participate in this event.

Rich Warren (wrote The Purpose Driven Life) did the opening prayer. This has created some controversy because of his views on abortion and same sex marriage. I so glad Obama did not back down on this decision. He did a fabulous job.

I just can't imagine what is going thru Obama's mind right now. He looks so calm.

Thank God for our free country.

Our vacation is almost over. This time last week we were sitting in a hotel south of Atlanta and I was just thrilled to be away from home with a week of excitement ahead. Tonight, I am sitting in a hotel room south of Savannah and I can't wait to get home. I think 5 days out of town is about my limit. We had a wonderful time and experienced some new adventures with the kids.

Can I just say that I have a new favorite hotel??

La Quinta Inns & Suites

We stayed here on the way up to Tennessee last Saturday and again tonight. They were both in the $70 price range with free wi-fi, free breakfast and they are pet friendly. Both rooms were very clean and the beds comfy.

I am crazy tired and just had a giggling attack - laughter tears and all! I haven't been more than 10 feet away from my kids in an entire week and I think I've gone crazy!! As I sit here typing, Mason is turning the lamp beside me off and on and off and on. Somehow I have had an incredible amount of patience this week. I have had to take some deep breaths a few times but managed to stay calm and sweet (all while un-medicated).

We're Here!

We finally make it to Tennessee. I already feel more relaxed.



This is my current view -

We are staying at a cabin named Starry Hope and I think I'm in Heaven. After staying in a hotel on the road last night - this definitely feels like a little slice. We have 3 (yes - 3) floors all for our little family of four. We have flat screen TVs on every floor, along with video games, pool table, board games and much, much more. No, I don't plan to spend the entire time indoors but when the weather is chilly it sure feel nice to sip hot chocolate by the fire (even if it is only gas logs).

Couch to 5K

Tonight was my first Couch to 5K meeting. I have been waiting for weeks to finally get started. I have always wanted to try running but just couldn't get the technique down. The Fit Niche (a local athletic store) will give us a weekly schedule and pointers to help master running. After 8 weeks of training we will run a 5K as a group. This all sounds great and fun in theory but it probably won't be so much once the hard work begins. Especially next week when I am running the hills of Tennessee in 35 degree weather. I hope our little cabin community has a gym.

I bought these great running shoes last month - I hope they help!