Fur Babies...What was I thinking?!

So I got a second cat. It was not on my agenda (nor is it in our rental agreement so don't tell the landlord)!  I was at my whits end with my original cat's behavior and I've looked into all kinds of solutions. We were down to two choices:

1. Get rid of Zoe
2. Get her a playmate

Shane and I agree if you make the commitment of getting a pet you should do everything in your power to keep them a part of your family. If it doesn't work, well than I certainly won't judge a person for finding a new home for their critter. That being said, we got a second cat. Things are looking good currently. There has been a mostly positive change.

Positive:

1. Zoe focuses her energy on Olivia (the new kitty)
2. Zoe no longer bites me or Emma (she rarely bit Shane)
3. Zoe has taken a liking to Olivia (they snuggle and bath each other)
4. Olivia can hold her own when Zoe pounces
5. Both cats eat well and use their littler box
6. Olivia snuggles while I work
7. Zoe has followed Olivia's example of snuggling
8. Zoe even purrs again
9. Zoe doesn't bite my toes at 5am anymore
10. I feel better about trusting Zoe with a new baby coming soon
11. Zoe lets me pet her without biting
12. Emma loves Olivia, splitting her attention between the two cats allows each to have a break from her obsessive loving.

Negative:

1. Shane is allergic to cats, now we have two fuzzy babies
2. I experimented with some cheap kitty litter and that was a mistake (chalky, stinky, and not worth the     four dollars I saved)
3. I have two cats...pretty much I'm becoming a cat lady-gross
4. Now I have two cats that like to run loudly and play tag at 5am   **please note #9**

For the Grandparents

I videoed a few things from Emma's last Tumbling class: 

(she's in overalls and calls her teacher "TEACHER" just FYI)

Autumn

Here in Utah there's a fun display of witches at Gardener Village (not to mention a smoke'n Saturday's market) and I met up with my friend Carlie to enjoy one of the last warm days of Fall.

This is my favorite time of year!

Today, just one of those days

Today was one of those days when every little thing that is not a big deal stays with you ALL day. It makes it feel like a down the toilet less than perfect use of time.

You know the kind of day where you wait over an hour for the doctor, you eat cookies for lunch, you give in in spite of your good judgment and let your daughter eat a granola bar (again), where every dish is dirty and has been for days...basically it's a pregnant day :)

The kind of day where you tell yourself over and over again: "This is not the end of the world, it will be ok." And hope that you'll soon believe it. Someone once told me to 'Fake it till you Make it.' That's the kind of day it is. I'm faking it, got my Mona Lisa smile on hoping that the burden behind it will disappear tomorrow.

Truth is I know it will be fine, just have to post it like it is some days...no perfect Leave it to Beaver scene here today folks.

oh and just because:

Hey I forgot to Post:

My birthday was weeks ago, and I had a grand time feeling just a little more special than any other day.


I have to share these photos of the birthday cake:

Look at all those candles!

And all the smoke.

Can you see that the frosting was melting from 28 candles?!

The Birthday girl

The frosting recipe I highly suggest trying: HERE

Thanks to those who helped make it feel like a special day :)

zzzz

What do you get when you combine allergies, Benadryl, and General Conference?

Just Because She's My Cuteness

At a friend's wedding: 

Big life events always make you think about what's really important. For me, in that moment, I couldn't help but feel grateful to a husband who loves me, his growing family, and his responsibilities to provide, preside, and protect. I also couldn't help but fall in love all over again with my spit-fire 3 year old. She just won't stay little, no matter how hard I try...