Not a Sparrow Falls...

When we first began this blog we included some information about our three pets; the two cats, Tex and Cassie, and our dog, Bella. Those of you who correspond with Olivia on Facebook already know that Bella has been struggling with some health issues lately. This has been strange and alarming for us as it came out of nowhere and as she is a very young (not quite 3), healthy and energetic dog. In all honesty, she seems like she's invincible most days as she runs "buck-wild" through our lives spinning and jumping and banging into everything she can in the process. So, we were really concerned when she began to act fearful depressed and began flinching away from our touch, especially to her head and neck and even yelping in pain! We checked her temperature and found that she, in fact, had a little fever and made plans to see our veterinarian. If you have never met Bella, she is our adopted former shelter dog and came from the Williamson County Humane Society. We lost our dog Jewels to hemangiosarcoma several months earlier and decided that we needed an addition to the family and that we would try to rescue a dog. When we went to the shelter, Bella (then named Rose) immediately coaxed Madison over to her cage and convinced her that she was "the one".

Bella on the day we adopted her, on the ride to her forever home. It's LOVE! Madi & Bella, Summer 2009

It is almost unbelievable how she has snuck into every aspect of our lives since that time and I guess, I didn't realize how big a part of everything she is until she started to act differently. Part of this is because we promised ourselves that in Jewels' memory, our next dog would be as big a part of the family as we could possibly make it. If you have been around us for very long since we adopted Bella, you are nodding your head now and saying, "well, she's definitely that, all right." The other main reason that she is such a big part of everything is all her. She has so much personality! If you were to see her you are immediately struck by her energy and goofy expressions. This is of course, after you shrink back in fear after realizing that she is at least part American Pit-bull terrier (I'm not judging, I was there too!). Bella is incredibly sweet and like many dogs she loves to kiss all over her family and wants to play anytime she isn't sleeping. This attitude is especially inspiring to me because she has clearly not lived a life of ease. What we know about her previous life is that she was at the shelter as a puppy before being adopted, was adopted and returned and received some tremendous injury to her back at some point. This scar is the second thing about her you will notice. It is about 3 1/2" wide and about 5" long in a jagged roughly T-shape. It may have happened trying to crawl under a fence, it may have been caused by a bad burn of some kind but, one thing is sure...IT HURT! Bella has taken this hand that she was dealt early on and chosen to be loving, curious, outgoing and playful. Despite her past and the fearsome reputation that her breed might carry she responds to most negative attention whether because she is in trouble or is being poked at by the vet by rolling onto her back defenseless and asking whomever is attacking to "have mercy". In fact, in our house it is a well-known fact that no-one can sit, kneel or lie on the floor at any point if Bella is conscious without receiving a good licking. This is an indication for her that you are needing some attention and she can always be bothered to provide it. Another well-known fact is that anytime someone takes more than two steps in rapid succession, this results in Bella, sprinting in that direction, huffing and wagging her tail, ready for action! I have been guilty of proving this about eleventh-billion times (much to Olivia's chagrin at bedtime). I guess that's enough of a run-down for now but, I'm trying to convey the sheer joy and exuberance and yipping, spinning, jumping, floppiness that she brings to each moment of her life and all of ours. So, last Thursday we noticed that she wasn't quite herself and she seemed to flinch away from being petted on her head and neck especially. We discovered her temperature was a little high and Olivia took her to our vet the next morning. Well, they weren't able to find anything after a pretty good once-over and took a fecal test that came back negative. They gave her some pain/anti-inflammatory medication, as well. At that point, I think Olivia was feeling pretty good about her situation and I guess I am more of a worrier but, I wasn't convinced. I had hoped that they'd draw blood and take x-rays, at least. Friday evening after work, I took Bella back to the vet and again, they gave her a pretty good look but, nothing definitive. Her fever was up slightly and she wasn't too interested in eating (something she normally handles with the same energy and joy that she does everything else). We were given all the appropriate words of comfort and promised to watch her closely and bring her back in or call if anything happened. That night was a rough night for the Beanster. She was clearly in pain, wouldn't eat and at one point she began pawing at Olivia as if to tell her something was wrong. She climbed in Olivia's lap and when she tried to pet her, Bella yelped and ran across the room yelping.

Friday night at her worst.

You got it, back to the vet Saturday morning. Our vet even brought in her partner to get another set of eyes to have a look. Bella's temp was up to 104.1 by this point and the docs decided to anesthetize her and look in her mouth, throat, ears etc. really well to see if there were any signs of an abscess. We went home, pretty worried by this point but, hopeful that they'd find something definitive and easily treated. When we got the call, we were told that unfortunately, they didn't find anything for sure although, there was a little debris in one ear that they were excited about at first. They drew blood and didn't see anything wrong with that, either. Weird!!! The vet's best guess was maybe an inflamed nerve in her neck but, they really didn't know. Not what we were hoping for. She was woozy from the anesthesia but, seemed to be better. She even ate a little that night before bed.

Saturday evening after a long day at the Vet.

From that point on, Bella has seemed to be a little better each day, I guess. Her fever began to go back down and has gotten back to her normal 101 range. She still isn't herself though. She will play with her toys a little but, tires of it after a bit and isn't quite a rowdy, when she does. She's not as affectionate with us and seems much more aloof. She has had no desire to eat her normal kibble although she gladly eats hard treats, hot-dogs, cheese, canned dog-food and boiled chicken. Maybe she's training me? She has been on prednisone for the inflammation and doxycycline for any possible infection, as well as, tramadol for pain. The prednisone has made her extremely thirsty (pee a lot) and she pants a lot. On the pain issue, like most people who've ever watched a pet go through any health issue, we really wish they could tell us what is wrong and whether or not they are hurting. As one of the vets (we've seen three, now) told me, Bella is an extremely tough dog and not very good at showing signs of discomfort or pain. Now that I think of it, has anyone ever known a dog that at some point, didn't amaze you with their toughness, man! Anyway, Bella has been whining very softly at night when she tries to sleep and when we pet her or hold her muzzle up to our ears. She shivers sometimes and clenches her jaws. She whined when she tried to put her front paws up on me yesterday and you can tell she's hurting but, not necessarily where or why. Olivia and I have spent literally, hours and hours, combing the net looking for the possible condition. Distemper and parvo she's been vaccinated for. Lyme's Disease - no lameness and not really exposed to many ticks (I know, anything can happen). Leptospirosis, Erlichiosis, Toxoplasmosis, Histoplasmosis???? She has a slim chance of contracting each but, who knows? She doesn't necessarily have all the symptoms of any of them but, has many of each. I keep coming back to Meningitis which apparently has a lot of different causes some of which, are not known. The vet told me that this is now known as Inflammation of the CNS (Central Nervous System). It can be brought on by viral, bacterial or fungal infection among others. It causes pain, fever, depression, loss of appetite and can have other neurological symptoms like twitching and ataxia (loss of coordination). Bella has most of these. It could also be masticulatory mysitosis which affects the nerves in the temple and jaw muscles. It normally causes dogs to be unable to open their mouths or eat. Bella can open her mouth but, maybe it is painful for her? Most of these possibilities are treated by prescribing the medications she is already on and we are praying that they will help her get over whatever it is that is wrong. I was able to get her to eat a couple of big meals last night and this morning by mixing her kibble with lots of other good stuff and she seems a little peppier. The next step would be a referral to the Vet. Hospital at Texas A&M for either CSF (cerebro-spinal fluid) to be drawn or an MRI. This would be either really expensive for us, really painful for Bella or, BOTH!!! I am also giving her some supplements to help her deal with whatever is wrong (The Dog Whisperer's Restor by Cesar Millan). It looks and smells kinda like soy sauce but, it has all kinds of magic potions in it. Hey, if pre-historic trace minerals, sea kelp and other mysterious nutracueticals help her feel better, I might start taking the stuff myself. Anyway, we just really, really want our Beans back! Please, keep her in your prayers. At this point, I am rolling over onto my back, defenseless and asking for mercy. "The providence of God rules over the smallest concerns of men. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without Him." - Esther 6:1

Never Let it Fade Away!

Madison is in the 6Th grade Belton Middle School girls choir. On Tuesday, Madison preformed with the choir for the first time during their annual Fall Concert. We are so proud of Madison! She looked snazzy in her "choir uniform" and was all smiles on the way to the concert.

The middle schools cafeteria was packed with proud parents just like Jack and I who wanted to see their daughters shine!

This is Madison's 6th Grade Choir Girls group (well most of them anyway)....

There were three different choir groups so, each group only got to sing two songs. But, they all did such a great job and I was surprised at how well organized it was. Mrs. Martinez did a great job with the girls!

One of the songs preformed was "Catch a Falling Star" by Perry Como. What a fun and catchy song! For hours after the concert, Jack, Madi and I were all singing..."Catch a falling star and but it in your pocket, never let fade away...Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, save it for a rainy day".

Good job Madison! We love you and are SO proud of you! YOU are a shining star! Never let it fade away!!!

it's all Madison's fault....

A few weeks ago Madison came home with "The Cookie Bible" which she checked out from her school library. You know, there is only one reason a child would check a book such as this out - to get YOU to make things out of it. She tried to play innocent and said that she got it for me to look at because she knows how much I love cookbooks. Nice try Madi!

Well, I got suckered in! This book is filled with tons of cookie and brownie recipes. Once I looked through it, I couldn't resist making a few. I am currently in the process of typing all the ones that look worth trying that I haven't already so that Madison can take the book back to the library.

I recently made the "Layers of Love Chocolate Brownies" and they were delicious! Jack actually picked these out and I'd say he made a great choice!

I'm going share the recipe here because I think it's worth sharing and because I'm sure there are a few chocolate lover's reading this! Just know that this time I tried it before I shared it - unlike the Espresso Martini! ;)

Layers of Love Chocolate Brownie ingredients

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup baking Cocoa

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut in pieces

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3 large eggs, divided

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

3/4 white chocolate morsels(chips)

1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping

3/4 semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Preheat oven to 35o F. Grease 8-inch-square baking pan.

Combine flour, cocoa and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Reserve 3/4 cup batter. Spread remaining batter into prepared baking pan Sprinkle pecans and White morsels over batter. Drizzle caramel topping over top. Beat remaining egg and reserved batter in same large bowl until light in color. Stir in semi-sweet morsels. Spread evenly over caramel topping. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely (this is the hard part because everyone wants to eat them right away!) in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares and ENJOY!

I didn't get many pictures of the Brownies ~ just this one which was taken more then halfway through the preparing process.....

and this one, which is of a half eaten brownie......

Don't judge them by their Poopie, Smelly, Poisonous Covers

Recently, while out in the back yard, Olivia & I noticed a couple of strange looking creatures on our Mexican Lime Tree. At first, we honestly thought it was some sort of discharge...maybe from a bird?! But, as we looked closer, we could see the "discharge" moving! There were four of these freakish little monsters crawling around on our tree! They looked like a cross between a large gelatinous clump of bird poop and a miniature alien creature. Olivia right away got her camera and started snapping away, all the while wondering what they were. I however, didn't care! I had just discovered why the leaves on our tree looked like they had been chewed on and I wanted payment for it! Olivia went back inside, I assumed because they were really disgusting, and I went to work. These little suckers aren't taking out my tree! So, I grabbed the water-hose and pressure blasted those bloated-sacks of protoplasm straight to heck! (the children, remember the children when you write, Jack).

I had almost completely eradicated these disgusting little foes, when Olivia returned to the yard. I was pretty proud of myself at that point. The Tree Saver, a hero, even. I was confused when Olivia's response was less than filled with pride and awe. She said, "What did you do?" I said, "I got rid of those things." Now agree, she proceeds to tell me that they might be the larvae of some really beautiful moth or butterfly and that she was trying to look it up to make sure. I tried to defend my heroic actions by explaining how these worms were eating our little lime tree! Worse, they were threatening the serenity and security of our property, our land, our FREEDOM! Olivia, muttered something (I can't repeat it here) and went back inside, shaking her head.

I spent the next twenty minutes fishing two (I couldn't find the others)soggy and fairly agitated little monsters out of the grass near our patio. I carefully replaced them onto the leaves of our precious little lime tree and stepped back, now shaking my head because I was being forced to join her in the destruction of all that was good and pure about our patio! Ahhh, all for the sake of a few pictures!

You can see for yourself why I would be reluctant to want these little turds covered in burnt hair anywhere near our yard.....

Turns out, these are in fact the larval form of the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly, one of the largest and most beautiful of all North American butterflies. I remembered seeing one fluttering around this same tree a few weeks earlier and wondering what it was doing since there were not any blooms on it at the time. Boy, nature never ceases to amaze me. These larvae are also known as "Orange Dogs" for their preferred host site being citrus trees of many kinds (Mexican Lime?). The adults are often seen flying through orange orchards. Just goes to show kids, you really can't always judge a book by it repulsive cover. As you can see, the larva have recovered from my assault and had gotten huge! If you got close, you could actually hear them crunching on the leaves.

you can see the head is out - and of course, it's eating my tree!

Just when I thought, man these things can't get any bigger...they're gone! I asked Olivia if she'd seem them recently and she said that she had just the evening before. We searched everywhere on the tree and they were gone. I guessed that either one of our idiot cats, the equally idiotic dog or a bird of some kind must've gotten them both. This would have been especially remarkable given the orange dog's varied defenses. First of all, they are really ugly but, we've established that. They are supposed to and do resemble bird droppings. Not the first item on the menu for most predators but, again our pets are another story entirely. The larvae also have an appendage called an osmetrium that they are able to unleash and wave about. This osmetrium secretes an extremely foul-smelling and mildly toxic odor that repels predators, as well. I haven't had the pleasure of actually sniffing these secretions (maybe next time) but, they are supposed to smell like rancid butter and be capable of clearing a room. If looking like bird crap and smelling like rotten butter don't make you want to take a bite, they are also suspected of being mildly poisonous, as well. That's right ladies, he's single! Anyway, all of this made it unlikely that anything other than one of our pets who seem to revel in eating one anothers excrement, vomiting and having explosive bowel movements as often as possible, would dine on these putrid little pals of ours. So, what gives? Olivia was heartbroken. Dreams of beautiful close-up pictures of these guys in their cocoons (actually butterflies have a chyrsalis) and them emerging as amazing butterflies, all dashed! Tragic and mysterious indeed.

Then, that very night, Olivia noticed some strange objects clinging to the back wall of our house. They looked like the empty shells of some bugs or, perhaps something that had been eaten by one of the spiders that hang out in that area. What were they...carapaces, carcasses? No! Chrysalises!!! The larvae were transforming. Somehow, they had crawled out of the tree, out of the pot, across the patio and up the wall to fix themselves in these positions. We wondered how long they would remain in this state. When would we need to be on hand to witness their emergence? Looks like spring as they normally overwinter in their chrysalis....

In their chrysalis'

So, now you know what the "pretty awesome thing happening in our back yard" is that Olivia referred to in her earlier post. Again, just amazing!

three days in the middle of October....

Since yesterday (Monday, October 11) was Columbus Day, Jack had the day off and Madi and I were out of school for the day! Nice. Thank goodness for three day weekends! We were able to get some much needed rest and we were able to get a major project that we had been putting off for months (cleaning/rearranging our kitchen cabinets) done. That was, of course, no fun but, the rest of our weekend was great. It was one of those weekends, the best kind of weekend, where we were able to spend time with both sides of the family.

Friday night Jack, Madi and I spent the evening with Momma Johnston since Johnny was out of town on business travel. We sent hours relaxing and watching one of Madi's favorite shows, America's Funniest Home Videos. And funny it was! We had a great night full of laughter. Thanks mom!

On Saturday, we welcomed a new addition to the Johnston family.....

His name is Sampson, Sammy for short, and he is Mom and Dad Johnston's new 7 week old toy poodle. Cute, huh? He has a great temperament and seems to already enjoy his new home. Madison just couldn't put him down and already loves him so!

Sunday evening, thanks to our Nephew, Jason, was the most fun we (mostly, I) have had in a long time! Jack, Madison, Jason, my sister Gennie, and I went to the "Lost Get Found" concert by my favorite Christian Music Artist, Britt Nichole. It was such an uplifting concert and Britt Nichole was so powerful, in voice and in presence! We had a fantastic time and we are so thankful to Jason for being such a thoughtful young man! He found out about the concert through his Orthodontist's office, who was selling tickets. He knew she was my favorite so, he got us all tickets to go! What a sweetheart!

Here's a few pictures...none of the pictures of the stage action came out good but, you get the idea....

~yeah, like I said, these are not so good!

~Jason and Madi after the concert The opening act for Britt Nichole was a Christian Band called, Mikeschair and let me just say - Wow! They were THE perfect band to get the night started! Monday, our extra day, was spent at my moms house. Jack showed Jason a few football moves.....

~I don't know what this is but, I'm sure it's important for Jason to know.

~I'm guessing....blocking moves??

~Jason getting aggressive! See that Bella is very interested in what's going on....

~she decides to get in on the fun...

~ Bella's gonna take the tackle bag OUT!

~ Bella thinkin' - ha, showed them boy's how its done!

~Madi's using the tackle bag thingy as a dancing partner. Jack was in THE ZONE so he wasn't laughing...Jason was though! :D Mom fixed a truly delicious Southern~Home~Cooked~Meal!! Thanks mom! After dinner, Jack, Madi, Jason and I played a game of football. The boys were on one team (Madi and I had code names for them - Jack was "rose" and Jason was "flower" -- this was Madi's idea of course) and Madi and I were on the other team. I'll be honest though, it hurts. The boys won 6-0! No pictures were taken of this event, mostly because I, (the picture taker) was actually playing IN the game, not watching the game. It was so much fun! Can't wait till the rematch!

While at moms and while Jack and Jason "practiced" their football moves, I walked the land some and took pictures. Here's a few I would like to share...

~Hope you have a great week!

EspressO Martini...I need a do-over!

Last night I tried out the Espresso Martini that I posted a recipe for here a few days ago.

In that post, I mentioned how much I love coffee but, I failed to mention that I don't really drink alcohol and up until last night, I had never even had a Martini!

I started having a class of wine here and there about a year/year and a half ago and I can only really drink the sweeter white wines. I haven't graduated to being a red wine drinker yet, even tho' I know it's better for me then white.

So, with that said, the best way I can describe this Espresso Martini, for me, is STRONG!

When I saw this martini recipe originally, I think all I thought about was - here's a nice "sophisticated" drink that I can put in a pretty martini glass and take amazing pictures of! AND it has my favorite thing in it, Espresso!! Nice!

Though it did taste like coffee, the vodka was overpowering. I think I'll try it again and tweak it somewhat in order to make it taste more like coffee and less like rubbing alcohol.

We had a good time making them tho' and everyone tried a glass....well, Madison got a "Virgin Martini" of course. Jack and Camille really enjoyed theirs. Maybe they were just being nice tho'...hmmm.

I "attempted" to take a picture of the Martini - and I say "attempted" because out of the seventeen pictures I took, none of them turned out. So, another reason to try this drink again is to get a better picture!

I cheated and doctored the picture below in a photo program of mine. It's still not a good picture but, I had to have a picture to go a long with this story. I promise the next one will be better!

This is mine

And this one was taken by a professional! Boy do I have a lot to learn!

Anyhow, I think for those of you who can drink more then the sweet white wines and who also enjoy coffee, this is a great drink for you. As for me, I'll try it again if for nothing else but a better picture! I need a do-over on this one all together.

a weak moment...an awwww moment.

Every night when Madison crawls into bed, Jack and I gather around her, we all join hands and say our prayers.

We say our group prayer, "No I Lay me Down to Sleep" first, and then Jack leads us in a more personal prayer.

During our prayers, Bella faithfully sets in the middle of our circle as if she is joining in. Really, she's just staring up at Madi's bed, silently begging (using just a pitiful, pouting look and pleading eyes) to join her best buddy.

A few nights ago we had a weak moment and allowed Bella to sleep with Madi - ON her bed. Madi was SO excited and Bella was in doggie heaven for sure.

We were a little apprehensive, thinking that Bella would keep Madi up all hours of the night or that Madi would be pushed off her own bed onto the floor. Bella is a bed hog, she moves around a lot and pushes you with all four of her legs to get more room...she's entitled ya know.

The next morning, I walked into Madi's room to wake her up for school and this is what I found....

What an awwww moment!

Bella has been Madi's live stuffed animal for three nights now and I think we've spoiled them both at this point and that there is NO going back! We might regret this later (Bella may get even more entitled) but, for now, we enjoy the happiness these two get from their snuggle time. We also enjoy the awwww moments!