Friday, December 30, 2016

New Year's Eve Around Maryland, Washington, D.C, and Northern Virginia

If you're wondering what to do around the area for New Year's Eve, here are a few ideas I was able to find!

New Year's Annapolis is free this year! They've got family friendly activities from 3-6pm! For all of you early birds, there's a fireworks display at 5:30. From 8pm-midnight there's a party on the dock finishing with fireworks at midnight!


Baltimore's New Year's Eve Spectacular happens from 9pm-12:30am. The activities will happen at the Inner Harbor with the culmination of activities happening at midnight with a fireworks display. They're going to have local bands playing throughout the night.

If you're planning to head to DC, you'll want to check out Big Night DC New Year's Eve Extravaganza. There's a cost associated with this one. It has 10+ themed party areas, karaoke zone, VIP lounges, and more! This will all be happening at National Harbor.


Find a "First Night" family centered event near you. They've got fun activities and music for everyone in your family! Prices range from $10 & up:


Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Wordless Wednesday: Three Christmases

We celebrated 3 Christmases last weekend, and one more coming next weekend:

Christmas 1:

With Fred's family


Christmas 2:

At home on Skype with my daughter & her boyfriend


Christmas 3:

In VA with my family


How was your Christmas?

Saturday, December 24, 2016

10 Tips For Picking Out Your Teen's First Car

About a month ago, my son purchased his first car. We had spent the past few months test driving cars at the auction lot next to his school, I thought we'd never find a car for him. Two and a half years ago he started working as a dish washer at a local cafe. So since he was 15 he's been saving up his money! I think at first he was just working to have spending money, but I'd say when he'd had his learner's permit for about 6 months he started to realize what his money was going to go towards.

I think the auction place has the corner market on kids at the high school who are just learning to drive. Buddy would go there after he got done with school and we'd peruse the lot to see if they had any new cars. We weren't particular, but I knew what I wanted and didn't want. This was my 3rd child getting their first car. This was the first time one of them has had to pay for their first car.


Knowing my son, I knew the type of car I'd allow him to get. There were definitely a lot of factors that went into picking the right car.

What is your budget? I would highly encourage you to expect your child to pitch in some way with their car. My girls had to pay their monthly insurance and gas for their cars. Know what you're willing to pitch in and what your child will have to pitch in. Set your limit and stick to it. Remember that the number you see on the car is never the bottom line.

Don't only look at automatics. Manual cars are awesome to drive. My first car was a stick shift, and I could barely drive it off the lot! I would suggest even if you get an automatic, you teach your child the basics of a manual. Find a friend who will let you or if they're willing, teach your child how to drive it. I think is especially important for girls in case they're ever in a situation that requires them to drive a stick in an emergency. Manuals are typically cheaper to repair as well.


How many miles are on the car? I knew that we'd be looking in the 100K mile range for any car my son would be able to afford. If you want something under 100,000 miles, know you're going to be paying for it. The higher you go with mileage, the more you'll probably be putting into the car with upkeep.

Be sure to get Carfax report on the car. Every car that we saw at the auction lot gave a detailed account of how many owners there had been, any recalls, any accidents, maintenance, and more. You do NOT want to drop $7000 on a car that has a bent frame from an accident that you didn't know about.

What's the insurance going to cost. Any car you're interested in, get the VIN and call them to find out an estimate. Are you going to get full coverage or just liability? If you can swing it, I'd definitely get full coverage. Unfortunately, that's not doable for us right now. Also consider getting AAA for them in case something happens and you're not available to help them with whatever they might need.


What is your weather like? I know, strange question, eh, but here's the thing, if we still lived in Minnesota, there's no way my kid would've gotten the car he has. It would've been entirely impractical. A rear-wheel drive sports car in winter for a new driver, worst idea ever. Being in Maryland where it might snow once or twice a year, no problem. I did consider a AWD because that would be good no matter the weather, and it's size made it one that I would've felt better with him in. If you're in sunny Florida, your teen's options are wide open!

How responsible is your kid? My son is pretty trustworthy! He's not a hot shot. He paid for his own car which helps him be vested in being responsible for how he drives it. Something happens because he's screwing around while he's driving...he has no car and he has no money. I drove every one of the cars we considered for him at the auction lot. There was a 6 speed Subaru that I test drove, and that thing was so fast & tight, as soon as we go back I said, "no way!" That thing would've been ticket city for any responsible adult, let alone a teenager! HA!


Does it have updated safety features? We know how important air bags are in cars today. Thankfully this car has them. Not as many as the newer cars, but a couple are better than none. It has traction control and 4 wheel ABS!

There's a lemon law for a reason! If you purchase a car, take it to a mechanic the next day and have them look over the car! If they find something wrong with it mechanically, take it back immediately! Find out if they're willing to repair it. If not, get your money back and walk away.

Is the car clean? I know, this might sound basic, but some of the cars we drove at the auction lot were not in great condition on the inside. Owners just dropped them of "as is". One car had the rearview mirror siliconed to the windshield. Wow. There was also a car I didn't know much about. Actually hadn't heard of the model before so I asked the auction owner. He told me he didn't know much about it either, but he was pretty sure it was from Europe. Ooo la la really?! Yea, looked it up once we got home, and nope, it was very much an "American" car, and the model was just a newish one that wasn't very popular. Europe my foot! For real, do NOT believe everything a used car salesperson says. Every time we looked at a car I called dad and looked up the make/model online. What did other owners have to say about it? What do "experts" say about it? What are the basics of the car. Goodness, research is extremely valuable!


I know this is a very small list of things to consider when you're helping your child purchase their first car! It's a daunting task, but one that every parent gets to do!

If you have any tips on helping your teen choose their first car, I'd love to hear it!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Precious Moments For Christmas

When my oldest daughter was born, my mom started collecting Precious Moments for her every Christmas. She'd get a mini plate, a bell, and a statue. Every year. Then, somehow my ex-husband's mom started getting me a Precious Moments item every year for Christmas. They started to be so numerous, they started taking over my corner bookshelf.


This past fall I was given the opportunity to become a Precious Moments Ambassador! It's going to give me the chance to add more to my collection than I could've imagined! Not a bad problem to have, eh? For December, I was sent a hand-painted ornament made of bisque porcelain to review. It's the 7th in the annual Snowman Series titled "O Come, All Ye Faithful."


When I was at the store the other day, I found the Snowman's "big brother" as a figurine. I was so excited to see it in the store! It's so large. Of course, that wasn't the only item I found. If you're looking for a last minute gift, a Precious Moments ornament is the perfect idea!


How could you resist getting a friend or a loved one something so absolutely adorable? They have something for every occasion for every person! Whether it's a couple sharing their first married Christmas together, a newborn, a milestone, or just because, they have an ornament or figurine for nearly everyone!


It's also the perfect time to start a tradition or collection. One of the collections I'd like to start is an heirloom nativity set. Our family doesn't have one, and I'd love having one on the small table in our entry way. You could start their Annual Elf series. This is the first year, and you could even get it personalized!


Precious Moments isn't limited to the items you're used to. They also have a couple lines of art pieces that are stunning. I was also sent a Ne'Qua Art Holiday Cardinal. Cardinals are my favorite, so I was thrilled to open this gorgeous velvet box. These are made by painting art in reverse on the inside of blown glass.



What do you collect during the holidays?

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Wordless Wednesday: My Son's First Car


A few weeks ago, my son got his first car! It's a 2004 40th Anniversary Ford Mustang. I'll share more in another post, but here it is as an introduction:



Sunday, December 18, 2016

Adopting A Pet From The Shelter

Two years ago we adopted Peru from the Anne Arundel SPCA. It was the first time Fred & I had adopted a pet together. The first time we went, we looked at a different dog. A beautiful white bulldog mix. We took the dog outside to spend some time with him. Unfortunately, while we were out there, he saw another dog doing some training across the way, and kind of went a bit nutty. Very aggressive. We were so bummed.

We went back inside and as we went around the corner just to take a gander at the rest of the dogs, even though we "knew" we'd seen them all. Then there she was, Peru. A beautiful brindle American Bulldog sitting right against her fence. She looked so pitiful. Just begging us with her face to take her out of there. We of course took her out of the kennel, played with her, and applied for her! We've had her for two years now!



The weekend before Thanksgiving we were hoping to grow our four legged family by 1 more dog. Unfortunately the meet and greet didn't go so well, so I suggested on our way home to swing by the SPCA again to see if there were any new puppies. I hadn't seen any on the website. I'm thinking Peru is going to need to be with a puppy that's a male. American Bulldogs aren't always great when being introduced to other dogs. She was also attacked at a dog park and that has made her extremely aggressive/defensive so having her around larger dogs is impossible.

We got there and as I mentioned in my Wordless Wednesday post, K and Fred went back to look at the dogs while I looked at cats. I found a handsome black cat named Batman. He was a playful cat, and I was ready to take him home with me. Thankfully we were able to bring him home on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.



He's been a fun addition to the family. He's settled in very well. He's met Peru, and isn't impressed. Peru on the other hand wants to get to know him better. Batman turns tail and runs to the highest spot he can find. They're getting closer and closer to getting along though. It'll only be a little time before they're hanging out, playing around.

I had a blogging friend ask me the other day about adopting a pitbull. They were going to go take a look at her, and she wanted to get my thoughts on adopting. Now, clearly I'm NOT an expert. I have an American Bulldog, and I'm still trying to figure her out. lol I asked her what she wanted to know, and she said, "everything". HA!

Well, first, we all know that most dogs with bad reputations have them because of the people who own them. The breed itself is given a sweepingly bad name. Every dog is different. Many people see Peru and assume she's a pitbull. They're actually becoming recognized as two different breeds.

Based on our experience, this is what I told her:



When we met Peru, I pet her and as I pet her head, I "tugged" on her ears. I have kids and I know that they're going to end up doing that. As she was running around us, I grabbed her tail and gave it a tug. Not sure how I explain, but I wasn't doing it hard or rough or mean. It was just enough that she knew I had hold of her tail. Let's just say she didn't care at all.

Find out if the dog has food aggression. This is important no matter what. If you go to feed your new dog and that dog tries to bite you to protect the food, that's NOT a good thing. Be sure to ask the pound to see if they've checked that. If you have any concerns, ask them to do a demonstration for you.

How do they react around other dogs? The first dog we were going to adopt went nuts when she saw other dogs in the training area. Peru completely ignored them. If you have other dogs or cats, you need to know how they'll react. There's no guarantee what will happen once you get the adopted dog home and introduce them to each other. Peru doesn't realize how big and powerful she is. She's stepped on our old man, Simba cat, and really squishes him. She doesn't realize she's doing it, but if you have smaller dogs, just know that these types of dogs don't always know they're not Chihuahuas.

If you have little kids, maybe have them outside the fenced in area and have them run around next to it. See how the dog reacts. Do they charge the fence? If the kids are squealing, does the dog show anxiety? What kind of interest does the dog show? Too much interest isn't always a good thing. When two people in our home wrestle, Peru is RIGHT THERE. She doesn't really like it when we all play. She starts wrestling with us, but you can tell there's either some anxiety about it or protectiveness. Maybe a bit of both.



What happens if you move too quickly near the dog? Is the dog hand shy? If they're dealing with some fear issues, you need to know how to handle that and help the dog work through those fears. Being hand shy doesn't always mean a dog has been abused. There are some dogs who have a variety of fears. It's just something good to know going in.

Have they taken the dog for walks to see how it does on the leash? That's definitely something you can work on at home. It's just a great thing to know about how your pet will do when you go for a walk.

Looking at getting a cat? How do they take to being held? Now if you know cats, they're not always fond of being held. If you want a cat that likes to be cuddled, you need to take your time with each one. One of the things that I want in a cat is one who doesn't mind being cuddly. So far, all of my cats have loved having their bellies rubbed.

I also do the "squishy face" test. lol I hold their head gently in both hands and massage their face. Batman loved it! He just sat there letting me massage him. I didn't do it long because he didn't know me, but you could just tell he was going to be chill.

Find out how they are with other cats. If they're not good with other cats, and you have one or more at home, you should really consider not getting that cat. There's no guarantee they'll change once you get them home. A cat who likes to play is great for a family! Just make sure you bring home a bunch of toys. At our local SPCA, everything they have is $1/ea! Isn't that spectacular! We went home with a ton of stuff for Batman.

Ask to see their medical records since arriving at the pound. After we got Batman home, he started having skin issues around his eyes, his right whisker cluster, and under his chin. He also had something wrong with his ears. Had we asked to see the records, we'd have seen they'd tried treating him for his skin issues. Not that we would've known exactly what was going on, but we would've seen all of the medication they'd given him. When we first laid eyes on him, we had no idea. He looked a lot worse within a week of getting him home.



Take the 30 days of free medical coverage if it's offered. Had we done that, it probably would've helped with Batman's new vet bill. Sadly, I didn't want to add my credit card and declined getting it. UGH! I could've cancelled after the 30 days.

We extended the microchipping on Peru for life. THAT was a great choice for two reasons. The first is that Peru liked to run off before we had a fence. There was always a chance she'd get lost. Goofy dog. Thankfully we've got a fence, but even still, anything could happen with her, and being that she's a bully and doesn't listen very well, especially when she tastes freedom, this is a safety precaution. We paid for a lifetime coverage for the microchip which turned out to be a LOT less expensive than renewing it yearly. Again, completely worth it.

Remember this is a transition for your new pet, any pets you currently have, and your family. After everyone becomes acclimated things will (hopefully) start to settle down. There's no guarantee with anything in life. You're saving an animal's life, and bringing exciting new experiences to your life!

Now go enjoy your new buddy!


Have you ever adopted a pet? Tell me what you love about them!

Thursday, December 15, 2016

It's Your Love Blogging Event



I am excited to announce the next event from Andersons AngelsThis Mamas LifeThe More The Merrier & Woven by Words! We are excited to bring you a Fun February Event called It's your Love Giveaway Hop. It will run from Monday February 6, 2017 at 12:00pm EST through Monday February 20, 2017 at 11:59pm EST. It's super easy to join in on the fun of getting ready for Valentines Day!

If you're a company who would like to partner with us, drop me a line at wovenbywords @ gmail.com

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

I think if my son could, he'd quit his job just so he could see this movie on it's premier night. He never works on Thursday, and I'm pretty sure as soon as he heard he worked Darth Vader yelled, "Noooooo!"

I reassured him that we'd go on Sunday. He works 3 days in a row. hahahaha poor kid! That being said, check out these photos from the World Premiere of Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated, first-ever standalone Star Wars adventure, ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY are now here! Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Director Gareth Edwards, Producer Kathleen Kennedy and many more were all in attendance, shutting down Hollywood Blvd alongside a full scale X-Wing.








Like STAR WARS on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarWarsMovies  

Follow STAR WARS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/starwars

Follow STAR WARS on Instagram: http://instagram.com/StarWarsMovies 

Follow STAR WARS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/starwars

Visit the official ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY website: http://www.starwars.com/films/rogue-one

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY arrives in theaters everywhere this Friday, December 16th in 3D, Real D 3D and IMAX 3D!


From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Christmas Activities In Maryland


There's so much to do around the Annapolis, MD are! I thought I'd put together a fun list of things you could do over the next couple of weeks to help get into the spirit of Christmas!

Midnight in Downtown Annapolis

Every year the shops in Historic Downtown Annapolis stay open until midnight for shoppers! This coming Thursday is the last day to go. Fred & I will be there. He's looking forward to "Coco at the HoHo with the PoPo. No surprise there, eh? I'm looking forward to the complimentary gift wrapping! There's also a variety of carolers throughout the evening. Bonus, there's 3 hrs free parking!


Lights on the Bay

At Sandy Point State Park, you can drive along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay and see more than 60 illuminated displays! When we went to take Peru to meet Gracie, the Corgi we ended up not adopting, we saw them preparing all of the displays. It's quite the project for sure! I guess you can even purchase a pair of 3D glasses to make the magical show come alive. I was checking out their Twitter account and they give fun discounts randomly. Some examples on various days: show your braces, ugly Christmas sweater, and Team Colors. The cost starts at $15 per car!


Six Flags America

We only live about half an hour away from Six Flags America! We've never made it to their Holiday in the Park, but it looks so festive! Not all of the rides are running, but I wouldn't go for the rides. I'd only want to see everything that's all Christmas! The Looney Tunes characters are dressed up in their holiday finest. Since it's an amusement park, you know they're going to have all kinds of activities.

B&O Magical Holiday Express

The weekend of the 17th & 18th will be Frosty Fest Weekend. Santa & Mrs. Clause will be on the rain ride as well! Weekends through the end of the year are to A Carroll's Christmas at Mount Clare Museum House. You're able to see this colonial American home decorated in 18th & 19th century style decorations. I was really surprised at how inexpensive this activity is for families! There are a variety of dates and times that should work out for everyone during the Christmas season! Here's their video from last year:



With Fred traveling we won't have a lot time over the next couple of weeks, but I hope we're able to do as much as we can before Christmas. Thankfully most everything goes until the end of the year!

What are you favorite local activities at Christmas?

Friday, December 9, 2016

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 - Red Carpet Premiere Sweepstakes!

Anyone else here as stoked as my family is about Vol. 2?! May can't come soon enough. While we wait (impatiently) check this out!

This past Saturday, Marvel Studios Hero Acts launched a sweepstakes tied to GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, VOL 2. By submitting a photo through marvelstudiosheroacts.com, one winner will receive a trip to the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, VOL 2 Red Carpet Hollywood Premiere! All photos must be submitted between now and February 28, 2017.

Additionally, Marvel Studios is tripling each donation from $5 to $15 for every photo posted through TOMORROWSaturday, 12/10. They’ll also donate an extra $15 when users share that photo on Facebook or Twitter.

Here is a video with Chris Pratt and Director James Gunn talking about the sweepstakes and Marvel Studios Hero Acts:



Like GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardiansofthegalaxy/

Follow GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Guardians  


GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 is in theaters May 5, 2017

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

The Shattered Vigil By Patrick W. Carr

The Shattered Vigil
by Patrick W. Carr
  • ISBN-13: 978-0764213472
  • Publisher: Bethany House

At the start of the year I was introduced to Patrick W. Carr through a Bethany House review of The Shock of Night (The Darkwater Saga). Now I had the opportunity to read the second book in the series thanks once again to Bethany House! Believe it or not, I've had the prequel sitting on my tablet for a while now, but just haven't had time to read it. I'm reading it now, believe me! lol

About:

A Single Terrible Choice Faces the Vigil. Hide in Safety and Let Darkness Take Over the Land or Face the Growing Danger and Risk All of Their Lives.Their victory over the dark forces during the feast of Bas-solas should have guaranteed safety for the continent. Instead, Willet and the rest of the Vigil discover they've been outsmarted by those seeking to unleash the evil that inhabits the Darkwater. One of the Vigil has gone missing, and new attacks have struck at the six kingdoms' ability to defend themselves.

Worse, a deadly new threat has emerged--assassins hunting the Vigil, men and women who cannot be seen until it's too late. To thwart the perilous new risk, the church makes the drastic decision to safeguard the Vigil by taking the surviving members into protective custody. But there are secrets only the Vigil can unearth, and so Pellin makes the heart-wrenching choice to oppose the church in a race to turn back the evil that threatens an entire continent.

My Review:

The Shattered Vigil started off the same way The Shock of Night did for me. I was SO confused for the first few chapters. Not as much as I was with the first one, but still confused. I think I read at the pace in which my minds-eye saw the events unfolding, which was extremely fast. I know, as a reader I can slow down the story, but from the moment you start reading the first page, you know you're on an intense adventure.

I think I was halfway through this book when I remembered that the author's first novel had an element of PTSD! You could tell once again that the characters were dealing with it, and in a big way. I also got into a rhythm with reading the book, and at one point couldn't put it down. I kept trying to find moments to sneak in a chapter or two. At one moment I'm worried about what's going on with Willet, and the next moment remembering that Toria Deel was in a crisis.

The Shattered Vigil draws the reader in, and hooks them. The characters have become an investment for me, and the urchins have wound their way into my heart. The epilogue though...so annoying! Patrick W. Carr leaves a cliffhanger!! Worst. Thing. Ever! lol I'm pretty sure my words on the last page were, "you've got to be kidding me!" And NOW the wait begins. Thankfully I have the prequel to read at my leisure, and probably get a lot more insight into where this series came from.

I think this series is one my oldest son would dive into. He's not much of a reader, but The Shattered Vigil has all of the elements that he loves in a novel. There have only been a few books he's been willing to read the past year or so, and I'm hoping this series will pull him in! It certainly has done that for me! I'm already looking forward (rather impatiently) to book three. 

Monday, December 5, 2016

Lugz Boots Review & Giveaway

Oh the weather outside is frightful...but NOT when you're wearing Lugz boots. For real, have you SEEN their boots? I've drooled over them the past couple of years, and this winter I'm finally getting to try out a pair to review and giveaway! I was over the moon when they offered to work with me again. I want to become their poster child btw. ;)



When I got the email from my gal at Lugz, she gave me quite a few options for boots. I made her choose. I just couldn't do it. Saying I wanted them all wouldn't go over well. heh heh heh Thankfully she has a sense of humor. She surprised me with a pair. I decided to do an unboxing on Facebook Live, but sadly the sound was pitiful on my phone. Who knew?!

She sent me the Tambora! They. Are. Heavenly!! First, Lugz has a variety of styles of their boots, but not only that, they have lots of colors! They truly have a boot or shoe for almost any occasion. These boots, I'd like to wear pretty much every day. Is it terrible to wish for snow just so I can wear these boots every single day?


Ok, I know, I'm gushing and you're wondering about them. Here are the deets! It has a cushioned insole, plush faux fur lining, padded tongue, and suede shaft. That's just for starters. I love the feel of them. The Tambora is extremely comfortable with the cushioned insole. They're not clunky, but are surprisingly light. This may sound strange, but they're so soft. Your foot literally slips into them with the faux fur.


Since we go for walks with the dog all the time, something I appreciate with these are the reinforced toe and heel for traction and durability. We're supposed to have some flurries and I'm not worried about walking with Peru. I'll be warm and cozy in my new boots!


I'd have to say, their boots definitely make a statement. How could you not turn an eye with these Rose Gold/White Shifter boots? Aren't they dreamy? I know, I want a pair, too!


Now, let's not leave out the rest of the family. Lugz has boots for everyone! The kids boots are absolutely to die for! My next goal is to get Fred into some boots that he just doesn't wear. Can you imagine what this task will be like? He's one of those guys who thinks he only needs one pair of shoes. He's so silly!


Can you believe that Christmas is just a few short weeks away? Now Thanksgiving Feasts and Black Friday Shopping sprees are over, it is time to look forward to the New Year! But we don't want to forget the month we're in. Anderson's Angels, This Mamas Life, The More The Merrier and Woven by Words, are very excited to help create a December to Remember! We've teamed up with over 20 other wonderful bloggers, to bring you another great giveaway event! Each blog has gathered a prize package for December 2 Remember Giveaway Event!


Here's the best part of this post! What you've been waiting for! I'm giving away a pair of Lugz Tambora Women's Boots! YES! IMPORTANT: These will NOT get to you in time for Christmas. The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on December 19th.

Hosts & participating hop bloggers of the December 2 Remember Event are not responsible for sponsors or self-sponsoring bloggers that do not fulfill prize obligations. a Rafflecopter giveaway Be sure to hop through everyone else's giveaways! You'll find exciting stuff from each blogger.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Wordless Wednesday: Introducing Batman

Last weekend we tried introducing Peru to another dog. We had met a lady with a year old Corgi mix puppy. The first time we met her we didn't bring Peru with us. We just wanted to see if we got along with her and if she got along with us. The lady who was fostering her seemed to think Gracie was a mix with a Jack Russle Terrier. After watching her energy and bouncing, I could totally see it.


last weekend we went back, and that didn't go well. I wasn't sure how Peru would handle it and to protect the the other dog, in case she was defensive, we got a soft muzzle. Well as soon as Peru saw Gracie, who was bouncing around excited to be seeing everyone, she puffed up and basically stepped on the puppy. We all knew at that moment Gracie wouldn't be going home with us. Sad face!

We went for a walk on the beach because it was in the 70s! As we were heading home, I asked Fred if we could go to the spca where we got Peru to see if they might have puppies. I really think for Peru she'll have to have a young male to start off with. Maybe have some motherly instincts kick in. Unfortunately, there weren't any puppies.


BUT, there were CATS! We lost Pearl in October, and seeing Simba sit by himself all day long without companionship, because really, Peru isn't the buddy for him. lol I didn't actually realize how inexpensive cats are to adopt! I walked around looking at the cats, and then I found the ONE! I just saw him and knew. Honestly, I could've brought home every single one of those cats!


Anyhow, there was this handsome black cat who had mastered the art of rubbing up against the front of his cage. One of the volunteers opened the door and we played with him for a few minutes. Fred and his daughter came in to look at him. I was surprised because neither of them are very big fans of cats, and K is allergic to them. Well, she even took pictures of him! His name...Batman. Holy Bible, not kidding. I figured we wouldn't keep it, but I've been informed that no one else in my house thinks it should be changed. I'm still not used to calling him that so I'll have to find a fun nickname for him. He also has ONE white semi-crooked whisker on the right side of his face. I hope it always comes back white!


I gave Fred the puppy dog eyes, maybe they were the kitty eyes, and he agreed that we could adopt him. I did text Buddy because he would be the one taking care of him the most, and he was somewhat ok with it. I forgot that we couldn't take him home that day. We had to wait 2-7 days. GAH! That was the Saturday before Thanksgiving!

They were also having a sale on Black Friday. I thought the SPCA took a smart take on the day. All black cats & dogs were half off! Isn't that cute! Too bad we didn't buy him the day after Thanksgiving. lol Well, by Tuesday I couldn't handle it any more. I called them that afternoon to see where they were in the process. I mean, we had Peru from 2 yrs ago. You'd think they'd be asking us to take any animal we applied for that very day! Well, I talked to a gal for about 5 minutes, and then she called me back 5 minutes later saying he was ours.


Fred, the boys, and I went to pick him up the next day. I tried doing Facebook Live, but they didn't have any internet inside the SPCA and I kept losing mine so when we actually got him, we really weren't able to share it.

He's fit in super great! Batman is getting along with Simba. He's slowly not freaking out every time Peru comes near him. The first time they met, he ran around Buddy's bedroom and bounced off of me as he high tailed it to the bathroom counter. Poor Peru had no idea what was going on. She just knew there was something furry moving at a high rate of speed.


Batman has been with us for a week and he's settled in. He acts like he's lived here forever. He likes to walk with us as we walk around. He sounds like an elephant running above our bedroom and has a lot of energy at night. Have I mentioned he's just over a year old? He likes his belly rubbed, and he's a big cuddle bug. We're all completely enjoying him!

Welcome to the family Batman!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Hello Kitty Itty Bitty Giveaway

I'm finally in the spirit of the holidays. We've already bypassed Thanksgiving and now we're full steam heading toward Christmas. It seems like leading up to Thanksgiving takes a couple months, and then we blink and Christmas is over and the new year has begun. One of the things that say Christmas to me is Hallmark!


I was so excited to be sent a Hello Kitty itty bitty from Hallmark as a little "thinking of you" gift! Isn't that sweet? I just love Hallmark! I love them so much, I just found out I'm part of their Platinum rewards. Not too shabby, eh?


My kids dig the itty bitty line. Hello Kitty probably wouldn't fit well in this testosterone filled house. My son has 4 of the Star Wars itty bittys. I figured if they aren't going to appreciate this adorable little itty bitty, I know one of my readers will!


Hello Kitty & Friends itty bittys are dressed for the season and Hallmark will make a donation to Toys for Tots for each one purchased between now and Christmas Eve! Be sure to keep that in mind when you're out shopping this holiday season! Also, if you buy one you can get one 50% off until 12/24/16! Check with your Hallmark store or Hallmark.com for details.


Be sure to to enter to win the Hello Kitty itty bitty! a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
Creative Commons License
Woven by Words by Mimi B is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.