The one with the dog

Everyone, meet Clancy.

We really didn't have much of a plan to get a dog, at least not yet. We'd rather be in a bigger house, or wait a few years for the boys to be older, and every other excuse that one can come up with. But then Mike's dog Bailey (who lived with his parents) had to be put down after a long, happy life, and suddenly we just decided it wouldn't hurt to check out the local shelter. So Aiden & I stopped at one before heading to the grocery store one Saturday afternoon, and as luck would have it, we met Sparky, a five-month-old mutt who seems to be a mix of miniature pinscher and some kind of terrier.

I kinda fell in love when he walked in the little get-to-know you room. Now if you know me, I'm not exactly known as a dog person, especially since our last get-a-dog attempt failed so miserably due to a pregnancy and financial considerations. But Sparky was sweet enough that we signed the papers on the spot and brought him home the next day, changing his name to the more appropriate Clancy.

 Getting acquainted.

 Boys' Club

 Feeling right at home.

Things have been pretty good since bringing him home; he's great with the boys, and they adore him right back. And he's crate-trained and MOSTLY house trained (we've had a few accidents, but we're working on that). But he's definitely going to need some obedience lessons, and we've got to get better about leaving the boys' toys lying around, lest they get destroyed by puppy teeth.

One thing is for sure--he's a cuddler. He hangs with me on the couch in the evenings once the munchkins have gone to bed. It's pretty nice. :)

Friday's Letters

Dear Ohio State Defense: Let’s try a bit harder vs. Clemson in the Orange Bowl than we did during the B1G Championship, shall we? I know your hands are tied even further without Spence and Roby…well, maybe not so much Roby. He’s been phoning it in all season, so why should we feign surprise that he’s “injured” for his last collegiate game??? Regardless, put up a decent effort tonight so we can win our last BCS game. ‘K, thanks.

Dear 2014: I’ve got big plans for you. And the key is that they’re POSITIVE plans. Don’t try to feed me (and my friends!) any of the negative crap that 2013 did. I’ve had enough of that BS to last for a while.

Dear Last Six-Pack of the Season of Great Lakes Christmas Ale: Having to give you up until November might actually hurt more than taking down the Christmas tree & getting the house back in order. I’m going to savor your liquid happiness this weekend before bidding you a teary see ya later.

Dear Nolan: I may be putting too much pressure on the special needs preschool we’re trying to enroll you in to help you grow. I know they’ll do wonders for your speech delay, but I can’t help but be hopeful they’re more successful in getting you to respect or at least acknowledge authority. No matter what happens, though, we all love you the way you are. :)

Dear January Weather: I get that it’s winter and all, so freezing temps and snow really should be expected, but is it really necessary on the day of Aiden’s first swim lesson next week for the forecasted high to be NEGATIVE ONE DEGREE?! Couldn’t you pick another day to freeze our butts off??? Just sayin’.

Time to get your 2014 on...

As I sit here, with some bowl game on in the background and lamenting the fact that I have to go back to work tomorrow for the first time since last year in nearly two weeks, my thoughts have turned to resolutions. You know, I really hesitated as to whether I should post any here. I haven't been great at keeping them...but then again, really, who is?! I jokingly posted on Facebook yesterday that my only real resolution was to NOT have a baby in an even year for the first time since 2006. I'm 100% positive I can keep that one (which is a whole post on it's own--later). But I have a few more that things that I'd definitely like to work on, so I guess I'll share them so you all can keep me honest.

1. Get Healthier is replacing my typical lose weight goal. Yes, I would LOVE to lose about 20 lbs, and that will come with just generally improving my overall health. I'm hoping it will also help out with the anxiety I was diagnosed with last year (which again is a whole other post). This is the one requires the most positive reinforcement, so get your pom-poms out and cheer me on!

2. Unplug Regularly. UGH, this one's gonna be hard. I'm a bit of a social media addict. And I've been feeling very guilty about that lately. My family & friends deserve my full attention, not my distracted nods when I really have no idea what they just said because I'm too busy Instagramming some mundane situation (and oh yeah making sure it hits Facebook as well). This one's important.

3. Get Organized, in more ways that one. This house is too small for the number of people living in it, not to mention all our stuff. A garage sale has already been planned for spring, so come help me get rid of ALL! THE! THINGS! We also need to organize our finances better due to changes in jobs & insurance coverage, so that stuff is all underway. Sometimes I so dislike being an adult.

I think that's it. I'm gonna keep this list small, mostly because these are each pretty lofty. Wish me luck!