Catching up....

So much has been going on.  Where should we start off?  Lets start with Vegas.  We had a great time in Vegas!  Chad's team did not make it into the finals, but they posted their best time to date.  There were some really tough teams out there and teams with a lot more experience than Chad's team.  It was fun to watch the finals, and I hope we get the opportunity to go again.  I got to visit with my friend Teresa, it was like we never missed a beat.  I miss her so much, she has been like family to me.  We went to the Criss Angel show while we were there.  We went out for a great night, we rented a stretch hummer limo (way cool), we had a great dinner at the Luxor hotel, then we went to the absolute worst show in Vegas.  None of us could believe how horrible the show was.  As my husband put it, the best trick he did of the night was getting our $90 for the show.

After we got home from Vegas, one of my worst nightmares came to life.  My dog Duke passed away.  I can' t even put into words how devastated I was the week he died.  Everyone called to check on me and told me what a wonderful life he had and how Chad and I saved him.  Truth is that dog gave me so much.  Duke was truly my best friend, he knew everything about me and I told him everything.  Yes, I had full blown conversations with him.  I swear he understood everything I told him and he could talk to me as well.  We got Duke because I wanted a big dog so I would never be scared when Chad was on duty.  For the 6 years we had him, I never felt scared or alone.  Duke was with me through everything, when I would be up pacing at night from kidney stones, he walked every step with me.  I will miss Duke everyday for the rest of my life.

Going on to better news.... My wonderful husband after seeing me so torn up from losing Duke, contacted the Boxer Rescue, and found me "Buddy".  Buddy is an 8 month old puppy full of life.  It has been a while since we've had such an active animal.  He is beautiful and pretty smart.  So far he does not understand that our other dog Shelby does not care for humans or other dogs no matter how cute they may be.  Walking on a leash does not seem to be his thing either, but we will keep working with him.  Buddy has made me feel much better the last week.  I can sit and laugh at him for a while and his facial expressions are priceless.  Hunter is enjoying having a puppy as well.  Buddy is going to be very strong, he doesn't understand his own strength yet. But he has been a wonderful addition to our family.

I started Christmas shopping.  So much to do now that we have a child.  As usual mom, Kim and I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving.  My mom was not feeling so hot, but we still had a great time.  I still have some stuff to get and I am stumped on stocking stuffers for Hunters stocking.  I hate to give him candy because candy+ADHD= very bad days.  We put our tree up this weekend.  I love our tree, I think it is beautiful.  Chad and Hunter decorated outside.  We had to replace some of our outside lights and decor, that sucked!! I am tired of spending money.  

I've gotten really behind with Vegas, and losing Duke.  I need to get myself in gear and get quilting and enjoying the holidays!  We went to our first Christmas party last night.  It was a fun night out.  We are going to another party this weekend.  Chad and I think it is the party of the year.  It is at our friends Wade and Todd's... and they know how to throw a party!   

Have I ever mentioned that I have the sexiest husband alive?  I am very lucky to have Chad in my life.  (Don't get me wrong, it isn't all roses, the man knows how to get under my skin!)  Not only is he the sexiest man alive... he was just awarded "Firefighter of the Year"!  That just makes him down right awesome!

Have a Merry Christmas!