Lions and Tigers and..

.. Bears in the yard, OH MY!

Yes, it's true. We got dem bars from them tharn hills passing through again.

We live at the foothills of the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains. With this beauty comes loads of wild life. At various times of the year, we have herds of elk that meander across our property, deer, coyotes, red foxes, raccoons, Pepe Le Pews .. and bear.

DH was out on the patio a year ago, enjoying a beautiful fall night. He had gotten home late from a dinner meeting and it was around 11pm. I was upstairs in bed asleep and was awoken by him in a state of what seemed panic (or child like glee), "Honey.. A b..a bbe.. a bbb" My eloquent husband had been possessed by John Candy. He finally spit it out.. he saw a bear. It had silently walked up and stood about 10 feet from him. DH made a quick, startled move and it took off lightening fast across the yard and was gone. He was so excited after he woke me up he called Missy and My Kiwi to spin the tale of his incredible sighting.

Did I mention it was 11:00 at night?

The very next day, the whole family had heard of his close encounter and the emails started blazing...

Did he look like this?



NO, DH replied back.. He looked more like THIS:


To which Brenda responded, "Sure it wasn't more like this??"


and on and on... Like Rodney Dangerfield, DH just got no respect (although to this day he swears it was a Kodiak.. ya, that's it, a Kodiak).

I bring this up because our neighbor shooed one away on Saturday night and it's bear season once again in our 'hood. Hopefully he stays away from the patio this year and we can get some sleep!

Tuesday Toot

I'm racking my brain trying to come up with something to toot my horn about this week. Honestly, I've been really bummed about the major stallage (hey, I made up a word!) in our adoption process but I haven't let it get the best of me. I'm not taking my frustrations out on DH or anyone else and trying to keep a smile-on.

Sometimes keeping your nose just above water level is all you can toot about.

Perfect Moment Monday

My perfect moment was just outside my own front door. I was in the baby's (empty, undecorated) room earlier and was so needing a pick me up. Outside there is beauty everywhere you look and that sure eased my sad little heart.

I CapturePerfect Moments.

Our Micro Road Trip

We're all "dog people". Everyone in our family has at least one and nearly all are rescues. Missy and My Kiwi lost their darling, 12 year old Cairn Terrier (Linus) recently and were completely heartbroken. Missy had gotten him as an eensie puppy and he was a Mama's Boy.

Their remaining Cairn (Rufus) is Mr. Personality and LOVES everyone he meets. He is a playful little guy with bright eyes and a constant tail wag. Poor little fella was just lost without his best buddy and he needed a canine companion pronto.

After loads of searching we found Gavin at Cairn Rescue USA. His pictures were adorable, his personality sounded perfectly matched with Rufus and he was being fostered in Wyoming. Just a hop, skip and a jump away!

Mind you, our family can't just get into a car and go pick up a dog. Oh no no. We turn moments like this into an event. We loaded up the motor home and made a big day trip out of it. Bright and early Saturday morning, we were headed north to Cowboy Country...

We planned to meet Gavin and his foster family in Casper (they live about 2 1/2 hours north and were kind enough to drive down part way.. bless their hearts!). DH does business in Casper quite regularly and had golfed there in the past. Knowing there was loads of parking and nice green grass for dog play, we set up camp right next to one of the courses...



.. and Rufus awaited Gavin's arrival..



Missy meeting Gavin for the first time..



Mommy and Gavie..



The Men Folk played a round of 18 holes while us chickies held down the fort. We were a sight to behold! Two gals in camp chairs and dogs (we brought one of our min pins also) in Xpens about 30 yards from the first tee box. We would run into the rig for potty breaks, to get water (or Hard Mikes) and munchies.

It was hot as H.E Double Hockey Sticks and I was sweltering in the jeans and top I threw on in the wee hours of the morning. Of course, I didn't have shorts in the motor home.. everything but. I did, however, score a pair of DH's swim trunks and an old tank top of mine. Niiiicee. I have no doubt that my keg cup pulled my redneck look together completely. So nice to accessorize properly. Mama would be proud. I may just post that picture at a later date..

Please bear in mind, this was no crummy city course, it's pretty dang froufrou. I'm sure we were the talk of the Club House (which was just off to our right)..



Knowing full well this was probably our last opportunity to soak up the sun and just relax for the season, Missy and I made the most of the beautiful day. We chatted, read and played with the dogs.



Me and my Baby relaxed in the shade..


Mr. Gavin is a delightful little guy and got along wonderfully with Rufus and our min pin, Maria. He is 5 years old and spent his life in a cage as a puppy mill breeder dog. This past June the rescue was able to finagle him (and several other dogs) from the mill as they were to be put down because they were "done with them".


For not having contact with people or much socialization his whole life, he really is a sweet and trusting boy. His foster parents did an amazing job with him these past 3 months and we so look forward to watching him blossom as he is showered with more love and attention. For now, he is very shy but loves to be on laps and snuggle.

When the husbands finished their game in the early evening, we had a feast prepared (okay, Missy did) of lasagna, manicotti, garlic bread and a bottle of cab sav waiting for them. We toasted to family and to the newest little member of our pack. We rolled back into the driveway at about 10pm.. it was a fantastic day.

All this hoopla over a little dog. Yes, that's how we roll. I can't even begin to imagine what our future over the top shanigans are going to be when we finally have a child placed with us. Should be a hoot!

Bridges

Our friends over at Bridges were kind enough to make me a guest blogger today. When you have a moment, please surf on over and check them out!

Little Miss Smarty Pants

We've got to have at least 3 credit hours each month to maintain our certification. It's basically reading fost/adopt related books, watching some tv shows (Super Nanny is on the approved list) or specific movies, filling out a form (what we learned, etc) and turn them in on time. We can also get hours by attending discussions and there are web sites you can choose subjects and take quick courses (for a small fee). My favorite is FC&AC ("Foster Care & Adoptive Community"). You have to be careful, the downloads are only good for a week (I learned that one the hard way). If you purchase one, print it, read it and take the test. Don't lollygag.

I'm starting to love the convenience of Netflix and had "Juno" delivered in 1 day. It's a recommended movie and heck, I've been wanting to see it anyway. Friday=movie night. That'll be good for 1.5 hours and we've both got books we're about to finish so September is covered. Yay.

Hey, I bet if I don't get our paperwork faxed in on time THE PHONE WOULD RING THEN, right? Then I could be all snarky and act like I thought they lost my number so we didn't bother..

Ya, that would show 'em..

A Blogging Perk

Thanks to our friends at Mile High Mamas, we were given VIP passes to check out a new traveling exhibition, Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries before it opens to the public. It is down at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and we had a blast. It is a fantastic exhibit and I highly recommend it for kids of all ages! It officially opens on Sept 26 and runs through January 4th, 2009. We were also treated to a beautiful spread of hors d'oeurves and drinks (my favorite was the Lava Punch!).

I nabbed a load of $2 off discount coupons. If anyone would like me to mail them some, please email me at myfullcircle@gmail.com!

Pictured are the two very cool marionettes that roamed the exhibit. They rocked!



Thank you Mile High Mamas AND Denver Museum of Nature and Science for a wonderful evening.. I have no doubt the exhibit will be a huge success!

Schoolhouse Rock!

Last night I was groaning over feeling old after watching the new 90210. Brenda is now a drama teacher and Kelly a guidance counselor at BHHS??! Say it ain't SO!

Leave it to Lori at Weebles to remind me to celebrate my age.. This is Round 8 of "Lori's Childhood Trivia" and it's all about Schoolhouse Rock and what lines you remember (NO GOOGLING):



The funny part is, we were just talking about SHR the other night and I was singing my entry at Lori's site (and several others) to DH. We learned so much from those great little ditties. They really need to start running them again!

This trivia game recounted Saturday mornings filled with favorite cartoons (Scooby Dooo!), Mama making Mickey Mouse pancakes then me throwing on my (clay wheeled) roller skates and heading off for my next big adventure. Lori, thank you for all the wonderful songs now stuck in my head and for reminding me that, although I'm going to be a weee bit of an older parent, I wouldn't trade when I grew up for anything!

When Did We Get So Old?

Yes, it's true.. we're old enough to have kids in high school. We should be dealing with drivers ed, acne and teen drama.. but no. We're late bloomers and sitting here awaiting the phone call for an itty bitty. Maybe eesnie enough to still be in diapers.

Trust me, I've rationalized our age. Loads of our friends are just settling down and starting families. 39 is the new 29. I actually started to feel better as the realizations poured in: we have cars, toys, a wonderful home, great jobs, a fantastic group of friends and family close by. Of course, the ever important--we WANT to be parents. We're still cool and hip. No worries.. our time is now.

It was all good until tonight.

The bubble burst. I watched an episode of the new 90210. There are no if's and's or but's about it.. we're OLD.

Dagnabbit!

Mark Your Calendars!

Ready to make a difference in the life of a child? Do you know someone that is? Click ---> Here <--- for more information on the Heart Gallery Opening here in Colorado. FYI.. there are gallery exibits across the nation. Please click on the "National Galleries" tab to see if there's one near you!

And The Awards Go To....

Two of our girls WON Dotties!!! A Big High 5 goes to Kadi for winning Capt of the Cheer Squad and to Kim for bringin' home Miss Congeniality!! To check out all the winners, surf on over to MomDot. Congratulations to all!

I do want to send out a big ole hearty THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me and my little blog! I know it sounds lame but I really, honestly, truly do feel honored even to have been nominated.

:o)

Perfect Moment Monday

Golfing again..

Another gorgeous day out on the fairways with DH, My Kiwi and Missy. It's such good therapy to soak up the sun, take in all the beauty that surrounds us (and not get too verklept as I slice, dice and hack my way along). That and the icy cold beer (or two) at the end of the round sure help a tough week melt away like buttah.

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

(PS.. There's a glimpse of those mountains you were looking for, Stella!)

Dottie Awards Update!!!

Even with our valiant efforts, I've fallen to 4th place for "Most Likely To Succeed". For all of you that voted, THANK YOU!!! .. and for those who haven't yet, PLEASE GO HERE now, scroll down and vote. You know 'cause 3rd place would be way better than 4th. Hey what can I say, I'm pretty low maintenance..

On a brighter Dottie Award note, Kadi has a chance to pull off a WIN for "Captain Of The Cheer Squad"!!! She has several fantastic pleas for last minute votes on her blog.. it's a must see. Not only does she include a reenactment of the true life bif she made during cheer leading tryouts back in the day (in her uniform) but it also stars a hottie varsity dude .. What's not to love??

Dang, the girl is GOOD!

Do the right thing, my fellow blogaholics ... VOTE!

Lost In Spaaaccee...

Sorry to have been a no show the past couple of days. On top of my usual spinning caused by life, I've been working on a eensie project. Because, ya know, I've got nothing else going on so, why not? Right? LOL..

I'm pretty excited about it and it's been eating up most of my spare time (which sadly isn't much to begin with). Once it's all said and done I'll post the info here and see what ya'll think!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.. we couldn't ask for more beautiful weather here in CO!! I LOVE this time of year!! :o)

And The Award Goes To....

My girl Rubi over at Off My Rocker bestowed this lovely ditty upon me:

I now take great pleasure in passing the love on to my following favs:

Kadi at Womb At The Inn(Sane)
Bridget at Don't Blink
Alison at RDH Mom
Lori at Weebles Wobblog
Cherish at The Wickers
Miss Marlie at Growing Up Marlie
Stella at Mountain Momma
Christy at Butterflies In The Carline
Kim at What's That Smell?

I know some of you ladies have already received this but ..oh well! It just means you and your blogs are doubly (or triply) loved!! Can't beat that with a stick!

:o)

Thank You, Miss Rubi!!!

Some Perspective..

On top of the herd o' canines we are currently owned by, we also foster for a breed rescue group. Yes, we live outside city limits, they're all legally licenced, spayed/neutered, micro chipped and always up to date on vaccinations.. thankyouverymuch. Our current foster is a darling 12 year old female we've had for 7 months.

We originally volunteered for the rescue group about six years ago and tried our hand at fostering. Cake, right? Um, no. Long story short, within 2 days DH was asking me if we could keep him. Ya, we suck.. and immediately quit for fear we would end up the "crazy old people with all the dogs". It could so happen... ask anyone that knows us.

A couple years ago, we decided to put on our big girl/boy panties and give it another whirl. Could we have gotten a foster that we didn't adore? Of course not. He was an 8year old little dynamo that bonded immediately with DH. Once again I started getting those big, sad eyes from him,

"Can we..."

"NO!"

If we kept one more we could no longer volunteer (we would run out of room!) and there was such a huge need for foster homes we had to stay strong. Who da thunk I would become such a tough nut?

I can't even begin to count how many little broken souls have come into our home since. I can say there is nothing more gratifying than watching them evolve from scared, untrusting little ones to bright eyed, healthy and loving. Yes, I fall in different degrees of love with each (some bond to me, some to DH) and after I do a home check and I place them myself, I cry the whole, lonely car ride home. The only things that get me past the heart wrenching sadness of saying goodbye is.. one, I know first hand what a fantastic home they've been placed in and two, because my phone is soon ringing and another is being surrendered or about to be put to sleep at a shelter and I must pull him or her immediately.

Tonight we had a possible placement for our sweet little senior girl. There were issues with the home that didn't sit well with me and I voiced my opinions. Loudly. Clearly. They held water and they were valid. When it was all said and done, the family was told it wasn't a good placement and why (they agreed) and would continue their search within our rescue. We have, like, 1200 dogs listed at all times nationally (and in Canada).. I'm sure they'll find a perfect match. However, my little girl stays put.

To say I was on fire tonight over the placement situation would be putting it lightly. I was heard and things went my way. I am so emotional over our dogs and their well being, how am I going to cope with the possibility of losing a child? We are well immersed in a system that we have no voice in already that I almost fear what lies ahead. We're at someone else's mercy constantly and let's face it, I don't seem to be making any friends. Will I be able to dig deep enough and find the strength it takes to see our way to journey's end?

In spite of my doubts and fears, Mama didn't raise no quitter. It might not be all that pretty, but Lord help me, I'm going to give it my all just the same. Keep us in your prayers, please

Nothing like a good reality check to knock you upside the head. Blah.

Pssssttttt!

Hey you.. yes, you with the coffee in hand. To the right in my sidebar you'll see that I was nominated for a DOTTIE AWARD (the button just below my big hair picture) for Most Likely To Succeed!!! Believe you me it's the first time that's ever happened.

The one thing I've learned in the blogosphere is that you have to BEG and PLEAD for votes. Please take a minute, click on it and vote for little ole me! While there, check out MomDot.. it's a rocking site.

THANK YOU!!!!

Perfect Moment Monday

Out on a beautiful golf course relaxing and enjoying my wonderful husband, Missy and My Kiwi. It was one of those amazing Colorado afternoons. When I snapped this picture of M.K. it was so surreal I felt I was part of a Windows Desktop background picture.

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

The Passage

Your mother loved you dearly
But that love was not enough,
With tears in her eyes and guilt in her heart
She had to give you up.

You started life, far from certain
Moving from home to home,
A search began to fill your void
A family to call your own

Days dragged on, and into weeks
And months turned into years,
Old enough to look for mommy and dad
But the horizons never near

Your life on hold, bonds incomplete,
Growing older with every day,
Hoping and dreaming every night
For a permanent home to stay

A call is made, “a child we have”
Of course we want this child!
More than ready to fill a heart felt void
Knowing your trust will be meek and mild

You quietly question another move
Is my search over or still continuing?
You keep to yourself, hiding here and there
As the question begins diminishing

You give us your trust, you warmed to our love
We’re finally now mommy and dad,
Our heart now filled, the bonds now complete
Your tears for a family, now glad

Your mother sent you on a journey
God’s destination she did not know,
So little, you made your passage
From her heart into our own.

Ron Schutt ©2000