Keira is the BIG OnE

It was really fun taking Keira's pictures while we were there. She is so cute. She was good for the first few and then she was done. She is terrified of the sound of water and there was a huge waterfall behind us.

I think this one is my favorite!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Keira! We love you!

We were so happy we could be there for Keira's birthday. We had a lot of fun.

Keira is a true Grieve. She is allergic to about everything. She can't have any dairy, including soy so she couldn't have a birthday cake so they gave her a cookie.

She was so excited, I think when she threw up her arms it blew out her candle.

An X-ray, Cast and $256 dollars later!

I was bugged they put a green cast on her instead of pink or purple! Heck, she is a girl!

Here she is! Poor thing! I feel so bad that I waited 5 days to take her in. I was hoping it was just bruised and she would get better! They took an x-ray and she has 3 broken bones in her hand. I showed Carson what he did to her, I think he feels bad but doesn't really understand the damage he did to her. He knows that if he even hurts her a tiny bit she is going to live with Jon and Delena till he learns his lesson. She has to have this cast on for 8 weeks. Yuck, she is going to really stink! I was quite surprised that the bill was only $256. I was expecting over $500. I guess we lucked out.

I got the real story from our neighbor about what happened. He said he watch Carson throw Missy out in to the street and she landed on her front paws and face. She layed there for about 10 seconds just kicking, when she got up and ran to the garage, that is probably when I heard her screaming. I never thought it would be like this, Carson and Ellie have always been so loving to animals. It must be because she is so little and they think they are the boss and can do whatever they want to her. I can't wait till she is bigger than them...oh how the tables will turn! :) I really have to watch and make sure Missy doesn't get her revenge!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy AsHlEy!!

Today is my really good friend Ashley's birthday! She is such an amazing friend. She is always so kind, thoughtful, willing to help out anytime. She is so good to my kids too. Ashley is such a great Mom of 3 boys! She is always so paitent with them. I really have so much fun with Ashley. We love spending time with Ashley, Nate and their boys. We are so happy that we have such great friends! We hope you have a fun day!! Happy Birthday Ashley!

PuPpY AbUsE

Her right paw is twice it's size!
Left Paw

Right Paw

Poor Missy!! This has been a very stressful 11 days! Missy has been doing pretty good. She sleeps about 6-7 hours before she cries to get up and go to the bathroom. The poop thing is driving me crazy! I though they should have some kind of schedule but she doesn't. I don't have it down yet. I am trying to get her to go in just one spot in the back yard, I know I have only had her for just a short time but I'm going crazy!!

I have really had to watch Carson and Ellie with her. Ellie just loves on her too hard and all the time. She will pull her or grab her by her skin, cheeks, anything she can get ahold of. She still layes all over her so I am afraid she'll smother her. Carson is good with her unless I am not watching. (so he thinks) He will knee her or kick her, he'll pick her up and throw her. He will stuff her in her kennel and lock her up. It's like he is playing house and he is the boss and makes her do whatever he wants to her, which hurts her in the process.

Yesterday I was out back doing the fun thing of picking up poop and the kids went up front and Missy followed. I was coming around the side of the house and I could hear Missy screaming. I ran into the garage and she looked like she was pinned under the car. She was still screaming when I finally got her out, she was shaking pretty good, it took her a minute to calm down. She can't walk on her paw still this morning and it is twice it's size. Of course I asked Carson what he did to her and he said nothing.....then said he drug her on the road and made her get a drink out of her bowl which means he shoves her nose into her bowl. I have no idea what he did to her but they are both grounded from her. I told them that if they aren't nice that I am going to give Missy away to Noelle, she would be nice to her. If they continue to be mean to her I talked to Delena and she said she could go stay with them for a day and maybe that will show Carson we are serious. I never thought they would be like this to her.

I hope Missy's paw is OK. I don't want to take her in. $$$ If it isn't better tomorrow I'll have to take her in!!

We are ExPeCtInG!!!!!! :)

I bet I had you going for a second huh!! Ha Ha!!! Nope not yet!! :)

This is our sweet 6 week old Boxer puppy!!! The kids named her Missy! She is so stinkin cute!! I had no idea how much work and sleepless nights go into to puppies!! We got her yesterday. Carson and Ellie were so happy. They new we were going to get a puppy but they didn't know when. I met the lady to pick her up and surprised the kids! I don't think they really understood that she was ours for good because on the way home Carson asked if she had to go back later. They are so excited to have her. As you can see by these pictures they won't leave her alone. I have to really watch Ellie because she will lay her whole body right on top of her and I am afraid she is going to smother her! Ellie lays on the dog bed by Missy and pull her cheeks, pokes her nose, pulls her head, I think she has inspected everything on her. Carson loves to just hold her on his lap. He could hold her for hours. For those of you that know me, I like dogs but I am NOT and inside dog person. (even though secretly I would love a little tiny black and brown Yorkie with floppy ears!! Todd said it will never happen and if I want my family to ever visit again I can't!! Even though I doubt my sister will ever come to my house even now that we have Missy~she is allergic and I think she is afraid she will have a reaction even though promised she won't be all over my house!!) She is not allowed anywhere in my house except the kitchen where the tile is! My sister-in law's brother gave me some advice on how to train her and he told me I should let her sleep in my bed for a few weeks because she us still so new! Ha Ha!! Not a chance! I did break down last night and slept on my floor and let her sleep by me, I know yuck but she is still so tiny and new and she is so sweet. She never touched the carpet though and I can wash all the blankets!! My struggle is going to be getting her to only go to the bathroom in a certain spot so my kids aren't stepping in poop! I have a long month or two a head of me! If anyone has any advice let me know!! If you ever want to come see her, come on by! The more people the better!! ~ MISSY ~
They won't leave her alone. I have to lock her in my bathroom with me when I shower because I am afraid Ellie will hurt her because she loves on her too hard!

Carson and Ellie have wanted a dog for so long. Everyday they would beg me to take them to all of our neighbors that have dogs so they could see them. I am so happy I don't have to bug them anymore. They were always so nice and let us come see them anytime!! Thank you!! I think every kid needs to grow up with a dog!!

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!

Happy Birthday Stan!! We are so happy we got to celebrate your birthday with you...a few days early. Stan is such a wonderful, giving person. He goes out of his way to help everyone in need. Carson and Ellie love going to Grandpas house, he is always right down with them playing. They have so much fun. We hope you had a wonderful birthday Grandpa!! Thanks for everything you do for us. We love you!!

Happy Birthday Kyle!! Kyle is such a fun person to be around. You can always count on Kyle to help you out, he is always so caring towards his family and others. He is such a fun Dad and uncle! We sure hope you had a wonderful day!! We love you!!

My BaBy is TWO!!!

Happy Birthday Ellie!!
Breakfast with her Buddy. (she won't call Carson by his name, it is always Bud or Buddy!!)

She loves to swing and could go for ever if I let her!We went to the park with cousin Noelle and Aunt Delena while Carson was at school. She loves slides and swings!! I can't believe she can do it all by herself now!! She has gotten big too fast.

I so love my Ellie

She LOVES frosting. She woke up the other morning and the first thing she said was "eat frosting" what ever it is on, she licks off the frosting and leaves the rest. So funny!

She loved having everyone sing to her but when it came time to blow out her candles she was scared of the flame so Carson blew it out for her.

This was my attempt to make her a flip flop cake. I had the first layer of frosting on and realized I had made two left feet so I had to very careful flip the other one over. I guess it turned out OK, I sure need more practice though.

Carson couldn't wait for her to open her presents. I think he was more excited than she was. She had fun opening presents. Her G.G & Papa Mac, Monty and Kim Hollie, (Adopted grandparents) Grandma & Grandpa Houghton, Jon, Delena, Noelle, Nate & Ashley Lund and there boys came. It was a fun night! Thank you all so much for coming and sharing this special day with Ellie.

Looking back on Ellie growing up.

03/05/07

7 lbs. 11oz.

19 inches

8:42 am

3 weeks

2-3 months

4-6 months

6 months

1 year

18 months

18 months

I am taking her 2 year old very soon!!

Ellie has always been and still is such a sweet little girl. She came out that way and never stopped! She is known for her really low laugh, it is the cutest thing ever! Her little sweet smile can make you melt. She loves playing with kids, and loves her big brother - even though he pesters her. She really LOVES her Papa. I don't think she can get enough of him. She loves dogs and going on walks. We all love her so much and are so thankful to have her in our lives. She is such a sweet amazing little girl who is growing up too fast! I hope the rest of our kids will be as easy, sweet and happy as she is!! Happy Birthday Ellie! We love you!!