A Kinda Snow Day

This was Moose's first "snow." It was more of icy rain than snow, but who cares we are going to count it. Eric and I went out bought the dogs little bears suits to keep them warm. Of course the first time we let them wear the suits outside they got soaking wet from the snow. But I mean thats life, life would not be nearly as sweet if things were perfect all the time. Something I have been thinking about a lot recently is how much I love my life. Even when I’m having my weekly (daily) break down and/or panic attack. I love the person I get to experience life with. I love that I am pretty much constantly running around like a chicken without a head. I love that I get to work with kids everyday. I do what I have always dreamed of doing (helping others) and I’m not even out of school yet. I love that school isn’t my top priority because I am aware there is so much more to life. I love that my days are filled with fur baby love. I love that my house is messing and my sink always has dishes in it. I love that I am broke and have to get creative with money (okay I kind of hate it but I appreciate it for what it is). I love that at the end of the day I know I am loved and I get to love so many awesome people. I am grateful for knowing life is never perfect, but always beautiful. One thing I would like to get into is documenting more of my everyday life. There are just so many wonderful things I don't want to forget about where I am in life right now. When I look back I want to see more than just the big adventures of my life, I want to remember the Harry Potter chess set my siblings gave me for my 21st birthday (featured in the video above), and the way Moose howls (its more like screaming) when I have been gone for more than a hour. Life is just too beautiful to not take notice of these things. As a start to documenting more Eric and I made a little video. I was just messing around with video apps on my phone while we were watching TV, so we decided to go for it. The house is a mess, we were both in our pjs but this is what our lazy nights in look like. Honestly it was so much fun not taking ourselves seriously and were just having fun with the camera. 

I love this picture because even though everything else is blurry Maci's face and tag are in focus

I swear to you guys that Moose sat at the window and watched it snow for over half a hour. It was so freaking cute. He was trying to figure out what was going on and why everything was white.

If you love beagles put your ears in the air

These bear suits are perfection 

Life Right Now

Life right now is...

Nights in the yard after the sun starts to set and the temperature is bearable

Wearing my hair in a bun everyday 

Not putting pressure on myself to be anything other than what I am 

Watching my garden grow

A beer after work 

Reading lots of books

Trying new things like cooking and crafting

"No Moose" being my most used words 

Transition 

Perfecting my ice cream cones at work 

Too many episodes of Friends

Learning to be intentional 

Early mornings with Eric because of our work schedules

Being alone but not lonely 
Wearing no makeup and still feeling at home in my body

Moose is trying to figure out this whole fetch thing by watching his sister

I'm very proud of my little garden

I did not think he could be any cuter, then he started chewing on a stick

yes, I do wear socks with my Adidas

This girl has won my heart forever

Dog Mom Life: Teeth Brushing

One I struggle to remember to do as a dog mom is brush Maci’s teeth. Dogs need to have their teeth taken care of just as we do and in the long run it will safe you a lot of hassle. Brushing your dog’s teeth helps prevent decay with age, which means less pain for your aging dog and you don’t have to fed them wet dog if you do not want too. Good dog oral hygiene helps with bad breathe because you are getting rid of plaque removing and food (or treats, or toys, or sticks) that may be stuck in your dogs teeth. I try to bush Maci’s teeth once a month with her dog tooth brush and paste. She has the kind of tooth brush with the handle as well as the kind you stick on your finger. I use both kinds because I find it helps me get her teeth the cleanest. I brush her teeth the same day I give her heart worm prevention so it is easier for me to remember. I also try to play fetch with her before I brush her teeth so that she is tried and less likely to fight me. If you can’t get your dog to sit still try putting the tooth paste on their favorite toy and let them brush their owe teeth. On top of brushing Maci’s teeth once a month throughout the month I give her dental treats with help remove plaque. Maci also has a plastic bone the is good for her teeth that she chews on everyday. 

I love this picture because she knows what's coming for her! Her ears are down and everything!

I buy Maci's bones at Walmart, but you can find online them here and here.

 

I use the Petkin brand tooth paste and brushes that I bought at TJ-Maxx, but here is a similar kit.

Dog Mom Life: Playing Outside During the Summer with a Kiddie Pool

One thing that really sucks about summer time with dogs is it is almost too hot to play outside with them, especially if your dog has black fur, has think fur, or a flat face. The only times I feel like I can play with Maci (and our other dogs) outside is early in the morning (before it gets hot), at night (after it has cooled down), or when we are in the kiddie pool! For the past two summers I have gotten a kiddie pool for Maci in the summer time! The water helps keep her cool so we can play all day long! Maci really likes to drink the water in the pool, which is totally safe because it's just tap water and it helps keep her hydrated in the summer heat. Sometimes I will get in pool with her other times not. I don't think she really cares either way, but it makes me feel like a good dog mom. I never spend more than ten dollars on one of these pools so it is super affordable and honestly if you have somewhere to store it during the other season it could last for more than one summer. When we are playing I normally either throw the ball or splash water in the air (Maci always tries to catch it!). The only two things are to make sure you are watching your dog while they are playing (safety first!) and to empty the water after you are done. If you don't empty the water when you are done the water gets gross (and therefore not safe for your dog to play in) and mosquitoes will start to breed in it.

The only reason this happening is because there is a tennis ball above my camera!

Sometimes Your Dog is Actually Your Child (For Me That's All the Time)

If you know anything about me it is probably that I am obsessed with my dog, Maci. She is my best friend, sidekick, and support system. A few months ago my mom went and got her pictures professionally taken which is totally crazy, but absolutely perfect for me! I think she is the cutest in the world! If you are in NC and are looking for a dog photographer (or any photographer) Desilu Photography did a wonderful job!