A dog trainer? Maybe?

After coming home to Bella's attempt to destroy the sprinkler in the backyard, I just knew it was time for some outside help.  Nate and I were considering it before the sprinkler incident, but it was evident that we needed help!!

Recently, we had seen a yellow vehicle at our neighbors house plastered with the logo "Bark Busters." I thought, NICE!!  Could it be easier?  Nate brought it up to our neighbor, asked how it was going, and if he recommended the trainer.  And we were off!

I called Rebecca from Bark Busters and set-up our first meeting.  We spent three or so hours with Rebecca teaching us the techniques on becoming "pack leaders" in our family.  We were taught how to communicate with Bella in way that she would understand and immediately started seeing results.  It was great!!  Though, I have to admit that the new communication is a little embarrassing for me.  We have to growl.  Yup, growl.  It is this deep "bahhh" sound that is a warning to Bella and not so becoming to a human.

Our homework has been to work with Bella for 15 minutes or more a day and practice the new techniques learned.  Hopefully we can do this....being consistent isn't as easy as you might think.  ;-)

Bella Bombs: Bored? Try this!

Hi there friends!

My name is Bella Spencer.  I am a 10 month old Golden Retriever princess.  Come on - you guys know me!  My Mom talks about me all the time.  Smile.  I have a pretty cool life here with my human Mom and Dad.  It started out in this cramped apartment with 3 flights of stairs to cover when I needed to potty (boy, that was tough some days), but now I have a house with a backyard.  I spend most of my days hanging out in the backyard, talking to Dragger and his human pets (he is my German Shepherd friend next door), playing with my Mom and Dad, and sleeping.

You should know that recently my parents have been working ALOT.  Sigh.  This has really left me with lots of time to find new adventures.  I mean I have toys and this really cool crazy looking squeak animal, but I just get tired of that, ya know?  Soooo, one day I found this weird plastic bag that was pretty cool to shred.  I had fun with that, but it didn't last very long.  BTW, Do you know where I can find more of those?  The flower bed is always a good place to find twigs and soft dirt that really feels good on my paws.  I like to throw it out on the rough grass for a soft place to lay down.

Just a little of my work today. 

The BEST thing EVER was when I found these things buried in the yard.  I tried my hardest to dig it out because I just knew Mom and Dad didn't want it there.  I even tried to chew it out, but it didn't work.  Look at this thing, it is hard to see but it is black and in the corner...

My attempt to dig it out. 

Finally, Mom came home and I stood proudly next to my masterpiece.  For some reason, she didn't seem too happy.  I guess she really wants that thing out of our yard - must try harder next time.

Look! Look! I did it for you. 

So, next time you get bored, look for these bad things buried in your backyard!!

Woof!
Bella

My Organic Thoughts

This weekend Nate and I made our first organic purchase at Urban Acres!!  As he mentioned in his post, we have a few goals for the year.  One of these being to have a healthier lifestyle (i.e. food, medicines, cleaning products, etc).  I know it doesn't look like much, but we have to start somewhere!

Eggs, ground beef, honey

Here are my thoughts: 

1) Confession - I thought people that lived "organically, naturally" took things a little too far.  No offense, I was judging before I understood the reasons behind the lifestyle.  Not the most polite, or Godly, thing to do.  I'm sorry for that. 

2) I think that organic foods are super expensive and not very budget friendly. Well, really I haven't calculated it to be 100% sure that we would be spending more than our budget.  Mr. Excel Wizard that is my husband, could you calculate that for us? :)  

3) Eating organic and natural is definitely not convenient.  

4) I have no idea what half of the stuff is.  I mean what is kefir?  Even after looking it up - I still have no idea. 

5) It is a total lifestyle change and you really have to be committed.  

The inspiration for our hopeful, but slow change: 

It all started when my friend, Mica, was going through her pregnancy with Harlen Violet.  For the health of Harlen, she really tried to change her diet to organic and the products she used to natural.  Nate and I thought this was such a testament to love and parenting.  We talked about trying to do the same thing when we decide to have children.  Then Nate asked, "Why don't we try it before?"  Little did we know that this one question planted a seed in my heart for change.  

I have to give a lot of credit to my brother, Ronnie, and his wife, Mandy, and her friend, Christina for the ultimate decision to begin the change of our unhealthy habits.  Christina is a Dietician in the business of changing the way we eat. You can visit her awesome blog to find out more - Eating the Good Life.

My brother and fam started drinking raw milk, eating farm-raised eggs, and trying to add a few healthier choices into their food consumption.  This really got my attention!  During one of their trips to visit us in Dallas, Mandy and I chatted about it all.  I was in awe.  I mean really, I couldn't get my chin off the floor.  I was definitely intrigued.  I was finding out from all around me that healthy vs. un-healthy food choices make such a huge impact on our health and well-being!!  

With stomach issues, severe sinus infections (thank you to my Kinder students for that one), a husband that gets excited about eating healthier and just a desire to make my body a temple for Christ, I decided it was time for a change.  Nate and I sat down to make our goals for the year and discussed this one. Although it didn't make our list in the form of "eat organic foods,"  we decided to slowly start making changes.  A brave step for the Mr. as he is a little nervous about raw milk and vegetables that we have to look up on the internet.  

What does it look like for us right now? 

Well, as you see above, we bought a few things this past weekend.  We are considering a produce co-op through Urban Acres and I plan to buy raw milk at Lucky Layla Farms next time we run out.  Baby steps. 

Snowpocalypse (Day 4 & 5)

As my sweet friend Caroline put it -

 "We had a love-bug day!"  

About 5 inches of powdery white snow in Dallas, Tx. Loved it!!
If you look closely, you will see how much Bella loved the snow too!

Thought this was pretty....

How we spent most of our "love-bug" day.
Yes the couch is still there....hmmm. 

Sweet Bella didn't even notice the snow on her nose.

Taking some time to play outside.  

The neighborhood and street

Bella playing catch with the Mr. 

Look closely - that is the ball headed right into her mouth.
We were super proud parents!!
Nate did a great job catching her in action.

All-in-all we have to say that we definitely enjoyed having almost 5 full unexpected days with each other and of course with Bella.  We were able to unwind and catch-up...much needed.

Hi...

So, I have been meaning to start contributing to this blog, but along the way I actually started a tumblr blog... not what I would call a very husbandly thing to do.  After some thought, I am going to keep the tumblr blog (this is news to Stef so if you do not see any further additions from me then you know she has changed the login information and you might need to make sure I am OK) and also begin to contribute here.  The tumblr blog will be more of a photo blog with some updates to my new found adventures (don't laugh).

Stef has done an amazing job here, but get ready guys we are about to take this thing to a new level... I'm not saying its going to be a move in the right direction, but I am sure to change the dynamic.  My first offering: how about an update on our goals we set at the beginning of the year (I refuse to call these new year's resolutions)?  Stuck to our refrigerator, you will find a list of our short term goals. And on that list you will already see one item marked off.  That is the word "January" marked out and "February" added.  Yes, we have already missed a deadline.  I'm sure we will do better in the future.

One more thing: There is only one good TV show on Wednesday nights. Stef is doing Pure Barre while I have been doing the Spartacus workout at home... sounds fierce huh? This coming Monday is Valentine's Day and I have the perfect gift for Stef. This Saturday I get to attend a Pure Barre workout and I am scared. Quick clue on Stef's gift: it is 6 ft tall and some would say very handsome. Was that too much information?... I am new to this. I just got in trouble because I used all the hot water. I figure I will be sore all next week from Pure Barre. Oh, and I have the most amazing wife.

Later!

Nate

(This is Stef - can you tell that my husband has ADHD? My favorite part is "One more thing" and he lists how many? Hehe!) :)

3 Snow days...really?!?

I have been in my house for three full days.  72 hours.  (Okay, probably not technically 72, but who's really counting?)  I have also been wide awake at 5:30am ALL three days.  Yes, you read that correctly, 5:30am.  Usually, I am not fully awake at 6:30am on my drive to work!  Luckily, I have been able to fall back asleep after about an hour or so of laying there staring at the ceiling.  This isn't about my sleep habits.  Moving on.

Nate and Bella working hard!

 To be honest, I have really enjoyed these days off.  I promised myself early Tuesday morning (5:00am)  as I was watching for my school district to role on the screen that I would be productive if we had a snow day.  Ummm, God was listening and said, "Here are three.  Please be fruitful."