Madness

In the last two weeks we've bought a dog, I traveled to Arizona with Isaac, and we celebrated Channing's 5th birthday.  And those are just the big events!  If I had to describe my life lately in one word it would be "madness."  I looked up the word "madness"just now and the first meaning is, "a state of being mentally ill, especially severely."  Some might think I'm mentally ill for wanting to buy a dog while having three kids ages 4 and under.  The next meaning is, "a state of frenzied or chaotic activity."  Spot on!  That's a great description of my days lately.  But I keep trying to remind myself that one day I will dearly miss these little voices chattering away all day.  And the routine we have going on right now.

Why did we get a dog?  I guess 3 kids weren't keeping me busy enough.  Not!  In the last two months I kept thinking about getting a dog.  So what do I do?  I research and research.  I was looking up what kind of breeds are good for families with small children, what breeds have a low amount of shedding, what do you typically spend on a dog in the first year, and so on.  But it was all fun research.  Like I didn't think anything would come of it.  One night I told Justin, "tell me why we shouldn't get a dog."  And we talked about all the reasons why getting a dog, especially a puppy, is so much work.  And then the next night I still had the desire to get a dog!  It was so annoying!  I wanted to stop thinking about it!

First time meeting Jett.

Anyways...one evening while looking on craigslist I saw an ad for a Springer Doodle puppy.  I decided to just text and ask what the price was.  Next thing I know I was texting her asking if we could come see the puppy the next evening.  Tuesday evening the family headed to Caldwell to go play with a puppy.  (At least that's how I phrased it to the kids.  I didn't want to get their hopes up.)  We walked into the room and a little black puppy came running up and sat down right in front of us.  We played with him for a bit and then he fell asleep in Channing's lap.  I kept asking Justin, "so what do you think?"  Because I was quite smitten with this adorable puppy and I needed Justin to give some perspective.  After chatting with the breeder for about an hour we put down a deposit and it was done!  Justin picked up Jett the next day after work.  And all things are going good so far.

Channing likes to carry him around.  

Pretty cute puppy.

Two days after getting Jett I went on a trip to Arizona.  Isaac and I met up with Cici and Papa and stayed at Grandma and Grandpa Clemmer's house in Gilbert, AZ.  I was really great to spend time with everyone.  I loved catching up with the Miller's and sharing old stories.  It was a quick trip but I enjoyed spending time with my grandparents.  And Isaac got to meet his great-grandparents!  I have the best memories of growing up in Hawaii and having my grandparents only a few minutes away.  I always thought of my grandma as my second mom because I've always been really close with her.  Some good memories from this trip to AZ:  Picking lemons.  Hearing grandma say every morning, "It's another sunny day!"  Looking at old pictures.  Isaac sitting on grandpa's lap and laughing.  Playing games in the evening with my mom.  Eating dinners with the Miller's and family.  My dad taking Isaac every morning so I could sleep a little longer.

Grandma feeding Isaac.

Isaac with his great-grandpa Clemmer.

I love my grandma.

4 generations!

Playing with Isaac.

I made dad give me a piggy back ride.  :)

I went through lots of old photo books while in Arizona.  Reminds me of all the good times we've had.

Well it's official.  I have a 5 year old!  Channing is the cutest 5 year old ever!  His current passions are: Dinosaurs.  Robot game on the Iphone.  Playing with Jett.  Eating leftover birthday cake.  Shooting nerf guns.  Something new I've done with him is read a chapter or two every night of the book series called My Father's Dragon.  My Aunt Sylveen gave me those books when I was a kid and now I'm reading them to Channing.  It's been great one-on-one time with him before bed. 

He asked for his picture with a lemon.

Birthday pancakes.

Egg racing.

Love this family of mine!