Our Service Dog Buddy

We just got a service dog for Blake yesterday. His name is Buddy. He is a 1 1/2 year old black lab. He is relatively calm with a good disposition, house (potty) trained, does really well with children, never has chewed up anything, and listens to simple commands like sit, lay down and fetch. Buddy will be trained to keep Blake safe - basically to keep Blake from continually running away. My greatest fear is that one day Blake will escape and either we won't ever find him or he will be found dead. (Blake has no fear - he darts in fronts of cars, jumps off of the roof of a tall jungle gym, etc.)

I have to be honest - I am not an animal person. I do not love animals or even really like them. I don't mind an occasional trip to the zoo but to have our own pet is liking having another child to me. (4 children is enough. Blake is like 3 children all by himself.) I definitely do not like the idea of an indoor dog but Buddy must be with Blake at all times for his protection.

It is almost comical because since we got Buddy, he keeps coming up to me and licking me. I guess he is trying to get me to like him. I seem to have this animal to human attraction. I will do visits and it is like the dogs and cats have a sixth sense. They will come up to me, want me to pet them, cats love to walk their bodies across my legs, etc.

Buddy goes to the Trainer today. Training takes about 9 months to be a service dog. Buddy will come and visit every now and then until he is fully trained. My kids are so happy to have a dog. They love Buddy. Blake is even starting to like him. He is petting Buddy and trying to ride him like a horse. Buddy hasn't barked or tried to bite Blake once. He just takes the punishment.

Am I happy we have a dog? Not really. Will I do anything to protect my child? Yes, even if it means making a dog part of our family.

Harry Potter Party

I decided to do a Harry Potter party for the kids. I saw on Good Things Utah on how to make edible magic wands and chocolate covered frogs. I love doing fun food projects with my kids, so this was just up my alley. I invited over two of my sisters (Traci and Trica) and they brought their kids. (Shellie and her family were away on vacation.)

The wands are made out of pretzel sticks, the ends were dipped in carmel and then chocolate and rolled in  sprinkles. The frogs were gummy frogs I found at Harmons dipped in dark chocolate. (Actually, the frogs were pretty tasty.) The kids and adults seemed to have a good time. Grandma and Grandpa Evans even stopped by. It was nice for a last minute get together.

I didn't leave out the adults. I made Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno appetizers. They were really yummy! One bite about killed Traci off. Her eyes were watering. Thank goodness for vinegar. She gargled vinegar and it took the burning sensation away. My only regret is that I didn't take any pictures of our Harry Potter projects. I had the camera on the counter, all ready to go and I forgot to take pictures. I quess I am getting old because my memory is not what it used to be.   

A Family Blog

Well, I finally I have created a family blog. If for nothing else, so I can use this as my journal. Life goes by so quickly, things happen and you think you will never forget, yet I forget. I want to enjoy and savor the sweet memories. My family is the most important thing in my life. My family is everything. I have an awesome husband and fabulous kids. There are trials and challenges but they are what make the good times, so good!