Joe Doodle

Joe went to see Dr. Durkes yesterday to have an "alternative medicine" procedure done. He has hip dysplasia, arthritis and straight hocks. A typical vet would have suggested surgery for him, but we wanted to exhaust all options before we went that route.

Dr. Durkes implanted gold beads around his hips to force the hip joints to work properly and also to reduce his pain.

Joe has no activity restrictions, but he is relearning how to do certain tasks because now his hips work differently than before.

Aaron said he's already bending his legs properly when he walks, as opposed to dragging the right leg, and he's getting himself around just fine.

Hopefully this procedure will help him stay pain free and reduce the potential for future issues.

Aaron's House Remodel Part III

I'm afraid I won't even recognize my house when I get back there on Thursday.

Before:


After:


His newest effort - he ripped up this stupid piece of wood that sat at the base of the deck. It was wobbly and water just pooled up underneath it whenever it rained. The wood wasn't even attached to anything, just lying there. Underneath it he found a bunch of cement pieces that match the little planter to the side, so he used those and filled it in with pea gravel.

He also fixed that first step on the deck that was uneven too.

I'm not sure what's gotten in to him, but maybe I should start a list.

Boys

You leave them home alone for ONE weekend, and this is what happens:



He cut his hair into a mohawk.

Sigh.

I love my husband!

Serenity Pond

Aaron decided to build a little serenity pond in our backyard today. HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!

He got a little plastic pool, dug the hole (4 feet deep he said!) and built the fountain and backdrop with paver stones. He finished it off with river rock. I can't wait to see it in person!!!

It was supposed to be a surprise for me, but as usual, he couldn't wait. Not only did he take a picture of it with his phone, but he called me to tell me to check my email. That boy is instant gratification personified.

All the grass around it is Aaron's doing too. The back 40 used to be all wood chips. About 2 months ago he raked up all the wood, laid topsoil and seeded. He's been lovingly tending the lawn, and it's almost hearty enough to allow the dogs on it. I'm very impressed. It's like a little oasis in the corner of my yard!

Goodbye Kenny Rosebud

We've been fostering sweet Kenya for about 3 months. She went to her forever home on Mother's Day.


We were a bit melancholy that morning until her new family came to pick her up. She was SO excited. Way more excited than she ever got for us. We know they adore her. After all, they bought her a pretty new collar and some adorable bandanas - and she wasn't even their dog yet.


We are sad to see her go, but she'll be back for a visit a couple times this summer when her family goes out of town.


We love you Kenya.

House to Home

Slowly but surely we're making this place our own. This week's additions:

We finally got our wedding "album" back from Michael's, where Aaron took it to get framed. They did an amazing job.


We'd talked about painting our mantle brick red, and it turned out awesome. We also got some sconces. Next up - getting candles for them.


Aaron found the PERFECT bench for our entry way. We'd looked at a couple options but nothing was quite right. This one is beautiful, sturdy, and best of all - was on clearance. The throw pillows from our couch work perfectly.


I love our home more every day.

Mother's Day

We mailed off our Mother's Day cards/gifts today, so hopefully the postal gods will make sure they arrive in time.

I must say that I'm stunned, impressed and proud that Aaron came up with the gifts idea ALL BY HIMSELF. It's a great idea, I wish I could say I'd thought of it. It makes me happy all over.

I'm not telling you what it is though until AFTER Mother's Day - our moms read this blog!