the best bday an eleven year old could ask for

As you know, my parents got the cutest little puppy about a month ago. After I met it for my first time, I told Derek that his family needed one. ASAP! I think they have only had one dog and that was years and years ago.

Anyways, so after talking with Derek, his parents, and Megan Calaway, we decided we were going to get a puppy for their family. Derek's sister, Shamra, has been wanting a dog foooorrreeevvvverrrr. Supposedly every xmas she'd ask for one, and would always end up with a fake electronic dog. Her bday was coming up soon, so we figured we'd give the puppy for her bday!! Awesome huh???!!!

This is on our way to Mattawa to pick the puppy up. Snow? Really?

When we got to Derek's parents house, we went to get Shamra. She and her friends had just gotten into the hot tub, so we convinced her that our present couldn't wait any longer and that it's in the garage. So 7 little girls, oh and Keston too, all slippery and wet, got out and started running into the garage. Derek was in there and pointed where they needed to go. And this is what they saw . . .

Ah!! Don't you want it?? I was tempted to keep it. I tied a cute big bow around her neck.

And this was their immediate reaction . . .

Shamra automatically asked if it was my puppy. I was like "no no no, this is your bday present!"
Anyways so long story short, it was a major success. If you are needing to surprise anyone, give them a puppy!

Here is Shamra with her new puppy. In her swimsuit ;) Sort of awkward shot for the dog, sorry.


She ended up naming her Macey. It might have changed already, so I need to check back on that one.

Funny incident that happened TWO days before her bday:
We were at the dinner table and Shamra was talking about how the only thing that she wanted was a puppy. She was even willing to spend all the money she earned from selling corn this last summer. And her parents kept saying that would be a waste of money. She whispered in my ear and told me that she'd give me the money if I would get one from the pet store. Her parents went on and on about how messy, high maintenance, stressful, and annoying they were. (Of course they were fibbing). Anyways, so she started crying because she wanted one that bad. CRYING! That's a big deal.
So later that night after we gave her the dog, she was like "so you guys were lying to me the whole time at dinner, and you even made me cry, RUDE!" :)

Skookies!!!

On Sunday my fam came by, Jared hadn't seen our apt. yet, so he wanted to see what he has missing out on all this time. It was such a fun time. I wouldn't mind if they came every week . . . or even day ;)

While they were here we made Skookies. So I gotta give credit to Sadie, my sister in-law, she is the one that got Derek & I hooked on them. If you have never heard of them, Google it, now. You won't regret it. It is a bunch of delicousness. Derek and I seem to make one at least once a week, yes I know, pathetic!

Since Xmas is coming soon, this might be a good gift, or maybe even a wedding gift...you know, just throwing out an idea for ya. HMMMMMMMMM!!!!!! Derek and I tried making mini Skookies, just a normal cookie and plopping ice cream on top. And I can testify that the Skookie pan is much needed in the process. Our experiment failed.

The men chowing down.

We then played Sequence, thanks to Jeni & Kevin for supplying it :) We played it like 12 times. Derek and I won the tournament. I actually really enjoy playing that game.

While they were over, my Mom was so willing to help me with my taxes. It was such a great help. All the tax stuff is like a different language for me. I've learned too much about it lately. Yay for the IRS!!

So your homework is to check out a Skookie, buy it, make it, enjoy it, and learn about your taxes. Oh and don't forget to play Sequence.

Candy, Blessings, & Masks ... oh my!

This last weekend was full of fun! It was Halloween, the fam got together, Hailey's blessing, lots of yummy food, and great company to communicate with.

This is baby Hailey, she's such a doll!!
Mommy & Daddy w/ Hailey

My mom made her blessing dress. SO cute!

Derek's main goal has been to get Paige to like him. I think he is succeeding!

Until. . .

This hideous mask!!! He of course had to scare all of the poor little kids. Paige was absolutely terrified. It was funny because she'd tell him to put it on, & he would, & then she'd start crying and telling him to take it off!!!

He had to lift up the mask to make sure the kids knew it was him. Preston did not like it at all!!

Good thing Halloween is only once a year.