Thanksgiving 2011

husband, me, Baby B and in-laws

I know, I know.  I have been a BAD blogger lately.

I have made promises I can't keep...like all the posts I was going to have for you this week. 

 ..the fitness series that was supposed to start, guest posts that have gone unwritten.  

And so on and so on.  

I have an excuse though.  

Well, excuses.

First of all, Bella has been recovering from her surgery.   For everyone that has been asking about her, she is doing really well. Too well almost because she has been JUMPING, flipping and attempting to run when she is supposed to be barely walking at all.  We go to her 2 week post-op appointment today and I am almost certain he is going to tell me that she has overused her leg.  I am hoping for the best though.  Fingers crossed.

 Secondly, my in-laws came for a whole week!  My mother-in-law and I bought up the Myrtle Beach outlets (not really, but I do almost have all of my Christmas shopping done!).

 And lastly, I am in love. 

With a girl.  

Don't worry, my husband knows about it.  

Her name is Siri. 

Isn't she gorgeous?

So seriously, those of you with iphones let me know what apps I just HAVE TO have.

I already have etsy, pinterest, instagram, words with friends and oregon trail (duh!)

But any others, let me know.

And then text me yo digits so I can text until I get carpal tunnel.

(e-mail it though so a serial killer doesn't get it!  ashley@adventuresofnewlyweds.com)

Now that we have that out of the way,

let me show you some Thanksgiving pictures...

after the race I came home to find Bella had shredded her potty pads, and she bolted from the bathroom and
jumped on the couch with husband and tried to look all innocent.  Look at her...  sneaky little thing! 

brining the turkey(top right), buttering under and on top of the skin (thanks for that tip megan), and sitting
in front of my first ever turkey! 

and before all of that, we ran the Surfside Beach 

TURKEY TROT 5k!

And before you say "oh, wow, they are all wearing their shirts the day of the race,

rookie  mistake!"  I want to set you straight. I loved the shirt (it has a turkey running from

a wave) and I thought we would all be cute matching in our shirts!  So we wore them!

So there!  

mother & father in law on the pier before the race began! 

And Because I KEEP IT REAL on this blog....

here is what I looked like after the race.

Feel free to make cow noises while looking at my face.

I wanted to PR my time (okay runners, do NOT make fun of me for wanting to PR a 5k, okay!?) 

I really wanted to place in the top 3 for my age division, but I didn't stretch pre-race....so about half a mile in my torso cramped up something serious. I am looking for a New Year's race somewhere 

close so perhaps I can try again in a few weeks... 

Thanks for hanging in there with me while I get my blogging act together.

Hopefully I will be consistent from here on out, but I have so many things going on in the upcoming weeks...so we will see.  I get to meet the lovely CHELSEA and ASHLEY this Friday night in the ATL. I AM SO PUMPED. Then I get to visit my sweet grandma and when I get back to Myrtle Beach I get to meet up with BETH!  Three blogger meet-ups in a one week period?  

EXCITEMENT OVERLOAD! 

Over & Out,

A

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Post Thanksgiving Catch Up!

Bella sleeping in the clothes while I am in the shower.... she is a clingy weirdo.  

Hey guys--- what a whirlwind week and weekend!  I don't know about you but it has just flown by.  I am super behind on fetch & co. orders (so if you are waiting for yours, I am shipping things out tomorrow!).  We had a great Thanksgiving (post to come tomorrow) and a fabulous time in Charleston (post to come Wednesday)!  I also have most of my Christmas shopping done.  I didn't even have to go out at midnight, fight in lines with people or anything crazy!  I guess that is one of the perks of Myrtle Beach... I have TWO Tanger outlets less than 5 miles from me.  It is pretty awesome.    The day after Thanksgiving we went to the Carolina Opry Christmas Show.  Three hours of all kinds of christmas songs, comedy and dancing.  It was a great kick-off to the holiday season!  We really loved it and recommend it to anyone in the area!  After the show we  ate a quick bite and drove a little ways up the coast to catch a Christmas Parade.... but this Christmas parade was a little different because it was for decorated boats!  It was a pretty cool sight to see huge yachts and boats decked out in christmas decorations, music blaring and everyone on board in costume.  Very cool that we got to see it!  Here are a few pictures, regular posts will resume tomorrow--I just wanted to say a quick hello to everyone! 

husband and I after the Carolina Opry Christmas show!

 CHRISTMAS REGATTA/Intercoastal Boat Parade

camera phone pictures... pretty crappy but you get the idea!

Can't wait to catch up with all of you and all of your blogs!

Over & Out,

A  

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Recommended: Weekend Tunes

Headed to see the Carolina Opry Christmas show... the "best Christmas show in the south!"
What are ya'll up to this weekend?

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Friday's Letters {Black Friday Edition}

Dear Thanksgiving,  I would have to say you were a success.  We cooked the day before (crusts, pies, turkey brining) and the cooked most of the day on an off until our 5pm feast.  We had (left to right), rolls, green bean casserole, stuffing, corn, mashed taters, turkey, deviled eggs, pumpkin pie, chocolate cream pie).  I would consider my first thanksgiving meal a success!  Wasn't my turkey pretty?  Dear M-I-L, thanks for baking and cooking with me!  We wouldn't have had such a beautiful spread without your help!  Dear husband, your contribution? shaving the chocolate pieces for sprinkling on the chocolate cream pie, watching football, and setting up the tree.  Dear Bella Louise, You are in so much trouble if you do not stop running and jumping on your leg.  If you mess it up and I find out we have to re-do your surgery guess what?  You should just prepare to be a cripple! Dear Charleston, Can't wait to bask in all of your southern glory on Sunday!  Dear Turkey Trot, thanks to you we all got to eat everything you see in that picture up there.  Nothing like burning some calories before gorging oneself!  Dear Husband (who always gets two letters), So sorry you are stuck at work today.  But good thing I will get to pick out all of your Christmas presents today without trying to sneak the bags past you. 

turkey trot, post-race! 

HEY!  IT'S A FRIDAYS LETTERS LINK PARTY!

I am so excited, this is the scond Friday that you can link up and share your letters too!

First, grab the button and add it to the post with your letters!

<a href="http://comeoneileen86.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/ashleyjps2326/fridayslettersbFinal.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>

Next, add your url below so everyone can check out your letters!

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I am Here, but over there....

Hey friends, For some reason my blogger dashboard is on the oldest version ever and I can't do anything really....upload photos, center text... nothing. Boo to that. My lovely in-laws arrived yesterday and we wasted no time in finding the very best seafood buffet in town, and promptly eating ourselves sick. I am talking oysters, crab legs, fish, shrimp, prime rib, chicken, ribs, casseroles, stuffings, salads, soups, breads, desserts. It was amazing.

Today is a rainy, wet day in Myrtle Beach. I am prepping the turkey and we'll be making the pies..and then heading to the beach to pick up our race packets for the turkey trot in the morning! I won't be here tomorrow, so I want to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving day! I hope you get to hug on lots of family, stuff yourself with gigantic amounts of food and watch lots of cheesy christmas movies. We will be decorating our tree... I can't wait to show you!

Today I am over at Michaela's sweet blog today anyway, so find me there and say hello!
Over & Out, A

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My Holiday Wish List!

It's that time of year.  With Black Friday shopping less than 4 1/2 days away it is negligent, irresponsible and SELFISH not to have your Christmas list done by now.

Maybe your grandma wants to get up at 3am to freeze her bum off outside 

the local Best Buy in hopes of getting you your coveted Nook or iphone.

So if you haven't made your list and distributed copies to family members and friends 

(cough cough blog friends...)  then you best get on that. 

Here is a little inspiration...some of the things I am a-wishin' for this Holiday!

1. These mustache TOMS.

2. This iphone Case

3. This wallet.  And This one.  And THIS one!

4. This satchel bag.

5. This watch. And this one. Oh, and this one!

6. The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook

7. Cute socks like these

8. This dreamy stuff from Origins

9. This cute necklace from etsy, in an "a".

10. These jammers.
11. I ask for these limited release dvd's every single year.
12.  These shoes.  I die, they are so amazing. SO amazing.
13. This nail polish, in Scarlet O'Hara
14. This running top.
15. These bottoms from the Nike Pro Combat line.


What's on your wish list this year?  Anything you think I need to know about?

p.s. Bella is still doing pretty good, 

she pulled out all her stitches!

but the wound is closed, thank goodness.

Fetch & Co. will have some new products soon I pomise! 

OVER & OUT,

A

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A Fabulous Anthropologie Christmas DIY

via;  these are the home made ones!  

I have a fabulous DIY for you today courtesy of the lovely Arielle over at A Beautiful Journey. I saw the cutest mason jar Christmas decorations this week online at Anthropologie.  I love everything about these except for the price (hello almost $40 dollars for the large one?! what the WHAT?)  I was so excited when I saw Arielle's DIY.  I have all of the items needed to make my own, except the mini Christmas trees which anyone can pick up at Michael's Craft Store (only seven dollhairs for a large bag).

the super expensive christmas decorations from anthropologie 

So you need:

Mason Jar

Mini Trees

Glitter

Super glue

Simple glue your trees to the inside tops of your jars... you can add mini pinecones, small christmas bulbs... whatever you want (just make sure you glue it all down!  sprinkle glitter in the jar and then screw your lid back in.  Now flip your jar over and watch the glitter settle beautifully at the bottom.

Less than $15 dollar Christmas magic? 

B A M.

You're welcome. 

I am working really hard on my health series posts today.

(I am really excited about it.)

And  I have family coming into town tomorrow!

Also, if you have any exercise/sports related injury questions please keep sending them into me!

I need them! No question is too silly. A real live DPT (oh yeah, that is my husband) will be answering them!

That is free professional advice ya'll.

OVER & OUT,

A

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Sunday Series: Your Spiritual Health Part 3

We are continuing on with the Sunday Series, again these books are called The Homebuilder Couples Series (click to order).  They are meant to be led devotional style together or in a group of couples.  My husband and I choose to do them together once a week.  It helps us understand each other and improve our communication.  Marriage is something that should always be changing and growing stronger.  This takes actual work.  It doesn't just magically happen.  Couples have to decide that complacency isn't okay and strive to become everything God intended for them.  This is just one way to start and continue that process in your own relationship or marriage.    


Today we are going to discuss:  
Unconditional Acceptance
so grab some coffee, grab your bible, and grab your honey to participate with you!


warm-up: Best Friends
discuss these questions between yourselves or your group.  Yes, this is an icebreaker!  Go with it!

• who was your best friend when you were growing up?  what made you close?
• think about someone who helped you make the transition to a new school, job, neighborhood or church. What did that person do that helped you most?
• what's the closest group or team that you've been a part of?

Blueprints: A Controlling Influence
1. One of the greatest  human needs is to be unconditionally loved and accepted. Unfortunately, fear of rejection is a controlling influence in many marriages and lives.  Read Genesis 3:1-20.  In this passage Adam and Eve hid from God.  What did they fear?  How common do you think this fear is today?

2.Why do people fear rejection?

3. What are some ways that fear and rejection can affect a marriage relationship?

4. Read Ephesians 2:4-7.  What do you find in these verses about your ultimate acceptance by God?


5. Read Genesis 2:21-24.  What components of acceptance do you see in these verses?  How do these verses demonstrate Adam's commitment to acceptance?


6.  While it may be true that opposites attract, it is also true that the differences that first attracted you to your spouse can later become sources of aggravation.

• what are some ways, other than physically that you and your spouse are different?
• how have you seen God use your differences in your marriage?

7. What is one way you can demonstrate your commitment to accepting your spouse?

Demonstration of Love

As you have probably already discovered, words or acts that communicate love and acceptance to you don't always communicate the same message to your spouse.  You may have to change the way you convey your message so that he or she can feel loved and accepted. 

8. Review the following elements of love taken from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and answer the questions that follow. (Answer individually first, then share your answers together).

Love...

is patient              keeps no record of wrongs

is kind                         does not delight in evil

does not envy              rejoices with the truth

does not boast                          always protects

is not proud                                  always trusts 

is not rude                                     always hopes

is not self seeking               always perseveres

is not easily angered                         never fails

• Which elements of love in this list is your spouse particularly good at demonstrating? Specifically, what does he or she say that makes you feel this way?
• What element of love do you desire to do a better job of expressing toward your spouse?  What is one way you could begin to do that?

9. Read 1 John  4:18.  How does this verse describe the effect of love?

Answer these questions on  your own.

1. What is the most meaningful of expression of love that your spouse has shown you?

2. What is one way that your souse expresses love and acceptance that you appreciate?

3. In what areas of your life are you feeling confident and accepted right now?

4. In what areas are you fearful or afraid of rejection?  What effect is it having on you?

5. In what way, if any, are you making it difficult for your spouse to be more transparent with you?

6. How can you better express to your spouse the kind of love that "casts out fear"? (1 John 4:18)

7. How would you like your spouse to pray for you?  List at least three things. 

okay, now you two can come back together to answer the final questions together!

1. Share your results with each other.

2. Share one insight you have gained about your spouse from this session.

3. Together read Romans 15:7. How are doing at accepting each other?

4. Finish by praying for each other in the areas that you noted above.  Thank God for your spouse. 

As an extra, you may want to consider doing this additional exercise to reinforce your commitment to one another.  On a separate piece of paper, write out a one or two paragraph statement expressing love, commitment and acceptance of your spouse.  Be sure to include a statement about casting out fear of rejection.  Sign, date and deliver your note.

Part 3 Next Sunday!

Stay Tuned!

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An Little Video Hello From Bella...

This weekend we are having a blast 

with my biffle, Brendon.
(photo proof below).

 And cheering for the Tide!

Over & Out,

A

totally normal friday afternoon.... 

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Friday's Letters {Link Party Edition!}

Circa 2005: Brendon & I...he makes me write dirty things with ketchup on napkins.
and yep, I used to have a big 'ol birthmark on my face.  THERE!  my secret is out!

Dear Husband, After watching Bella all day (literally not leaving her side) I asked you for a break.  You sat with her while I cooked dinner and then got back up.  FYI: cooking, while fun, isn't exactly a break from anything!  Dear Mustache Toms, We were meant for each other! Dear Brendon, You are here!  I am so excited to have my first visitor in Myrtle Beach!  You have no idea how much fun we are going to have, and how much food I am going to cram in your face.  You are going to have to roll back to Georgia.  Dear Bella, You are such a sweet baby and you are doing so well being calm and still since you can't walk for two weeks.  I am sorry you can't run and play just yet, but by the end of the year you are going to feel so much better!  Dear New Followers,  Holy Cow!  In the past week there have been almost 100 of you come hang out over here and say hello.  I have had so much fun answering your e-mails and getting to know you.  And how encouraging have you all been about Bella's surgery?!  You guys are the greatest! I love it!  And Dear Sunshine (husband gets two letters), This week we played some Mario Party.  Even though you took all the mushrooms and let me float around in a bubble instead of popping me so I could play, I had fun watching you get so into it.  Love you more than those little chicken nugget guys and saving princess peach.

Happy flippin' weekend!
Over & Out,

A
P.s. I am over HERE today too!

HEY!  IT'S A FRIDAYS LETTERS LINK PARTY!

I am so excited, this is the first Friday that you can link up and share your letters too!

First, grab the button and add it to the post with your letters!

<a href="http://comeoneileen86.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/ashleyjps2326/fridayslettersbFinal.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>

Next, add your url below so everyone can check out your letters! 

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Pork Sweet Potato Quesadillas

via

I haven't posted a recipe on here lately because honestly, I have had all of my go-to recipes on rotate and I haven't really been inspired (or had time) to try anything brand spankin' new.  That changed this week. Tuesday after I dropped Bella off for her surgery I found myself with a few hours in the afternoon with nothing to do.  I decided to flip through my current Food Network magazine since previously I had gone straight to the Thanksgiving articles and skipped the rest.  Their weeknight cooking sections is one of my favorites.  I love the visual of the dish, so when I am cooking I can make sure the my finished product looks similar or close to the picture.  That is sort of how I tell if I have done it correctly or not.  

I found the recipe below and was all "Shoot!  That is what we are having for dinner, I am gonna make us some dang quesa- DILLAS!" As usual, I tweaked this recipe to include things I had in my own home at the time, but you can check out their version on their website. Pork & sweet potato sound like a weird combo but let me tell you, they were amazing.  Amazing.

Would I share a recipe with you if it was anything less? Certainly not. Instead of serving these with just sour cream, I mixed up a bleu cheese dip which I have the recipe for below as well. I really love the kettle cooked sweet potato chips with bleu cheese dip so I figured it would be a good combo. And, I was right.  I also discovered a new way to make quesadillas sans "quesadilla maker"....  I just took my teapot and SMASHED the tortilla wrap down.  It was perfection.  You should try it. (Who ever said I wasn't creative in the kitchen?)  I will have another recipe for you next week, because I also tried out a low-cal shrimp stir fry that was to die for.  

PF Changs ain't got nothin' on me. 

slice sweet potato and microwave for quick softening & easy scoop out!

Pork Sweet Potato Quesadillas

1/2-1lb ground pork 

1 medium sweet potato

1 bunch scallions diagonally sliced

3 tbsp butter

1 1/2 tbsp chile powder (I used my tastefully simple chili powder)

3 large garlic cloves, minced (I always use extra garlic.  I don't want a vampire to catch me off guard.)

1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro

1 package shredded mexican cheese

oversized tortilla wraps (I used whole wheat or multi-grain)

salt & pepper to taste

In a skillet, add half of your butter and melt.  Throw in pork and add the chili powder of your choice as well as some salt and pepper to taste.  Brown, about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, pop your sweet potato in the microwave to soften.  (If it is whole, pierce it with a fork and put it in for about 7 minutes, if you slice it microwave for 5 minutes).  Once it comes out, scoop out the insides and mash with a fork.  Set aside. 

Your pork should be almost cooked through at this point so add your minced garlic, scallions and the sweet potato.  Give it a good stir.  Cook for 2 more minutes or so.  Finally, add the cilantro and more salt if you need it. Cook until warmed through, additional minute or so.  Scoop entire mixture out into a bowl.  

Scrape any crud out into the trash and add the rest of the butter to the pan. Pop a tortilla down and quickly add a handful of cheese to half.  Spread a few spoonfuls of pork mixture over the cheese and finally sprinkle a little more cheese on top.  Fold tortilla over.  If you have a teapot, now is the time. SMASH THAT SUCKER.  Press pretty firmly for 30 seconds or so.  If you don't have a teapot another pan will do.  I don't know, look around and see what you have.  Just don't sit on it, you might burn your butt. Flip quesadilla over and smashed for 15 seconds or so on the other side.

Repeat this process until you have used up all of you pork/potato mixture.  Serve with pickled jalepeno and sauce of your choice.

Bleu Cheese Sour Cream

1/2 cup bleu cheese crumbles

1/2 cup mayo

3/4 cup sour cream

salt & pepper to taste

1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes

These directions are easy. Take all that stuff and mix it together in a bowl.  Serve immediately. 

Also, I like a strong bleu cheese taste so I use more of that than the mayo/sour cream.  You can add more of any ingredient to tweak this to your taste.  There are NO rules in the kitchen.  Especially not mine.  (Except sitting on the stove to smash your quesadilla.  Let's try to prevent trips to the ER, k?)

Over &  Out,

A

p.s. Bella is doing really great! 

She is resting and is in little pain !  

Thanks for all the happy

 thoughts and prayers!

P.S.  Meet my real life TWIN. 

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Snapshots.

Last night we went to "visit" Bella... when we got there and saw my poor little peanut I didn't want to leave here there overnight, especially since no one was going to be there from 7pm to 7am anyway.  Despite being drugged as soon as she saw us her little tail started to wag and as the vet was wrapping her up to hand to me she reached out her little paw and curled her paw around my finger like "AH! Mom!  Get me out of here!"

Ultimately, it was husband who decided we should bring her home (don't ever let him tell you he isn't as in love with this dog as I am.)  The staff was concerned Bella would move around once we got her home and that by leaving her at their facility it would allow her to rest more than at home.  

Well as you can see, she rested at home JUST fine.  We got back around 7:30pm and she had just had the max dose of morphine.  She slept pretty soundly until midnight when she started to whine a little.  I gave her more pain medicine and she fell right back to sleep.  She slept pretty good until this morning, although we were up earlier than normal.  After taking the longest potty I have ever seen her take (can a dog her size HOLD that much liquid?) she ate almost an entire can of soft blue buffalo.  They told me that she would not be eating for a few days.  Mama's girl for sure-- I can eat no matter how sick I feel!

Isn't this just so sweet?

Bella's wound looks amazingly well too.  I was surprised out how neat they sutured it up and also how it is not really all that swollen yet. When I went to drop her off they explained in detail what the surgery consisted of.  First, the open the leg and cut through the muscle and ligament surrounding the knee cap on both the top and bottom.  Next they completely remove the kneecap.  Then that saw out a piece of bone in the groove that is behind the knee cap. Once the bone fragment is removed that shape the groove down so that the kneecap can move in and out properly (Bella's groove was basically non-existant causing her kneecap to "stick" out of place).  After that they replace the piece of bone and position the kneecap back in place and finally pin all the muscle and ligaments back into place.
Pretty crazy, right?

And of course, Bella needed to be as comfortable as possible so husband headed into the guest bedroom for the night so we could have lots of room and she would be disturbed as little as possible.

poor little baby.

Thanks to everyone who sent me texts, e-mails, comments, messages, happy thoughts and prayers yesterday!  I think it is because of you that things are going so smoothly so far!  I really appreciate all the kind words and the continued orders from Fetch & Co.   Her surgery came in right at $1450.00 so we have made over half the cost of her surgery at this point.  So awesome.  Check out a couple new things I added to the shop yesterday.  And also, if you want a F R E E bracelet, you can still enter the giveaway over at Gentri's blog.  There is one week left to enter and a possible THIRTEEN ways to enter.  So basically, if you want to have that bracelet you can probably make sure its yours.

Hope everyone has a lovely day!

I will be snuggling Bella, 

& watching movies all day.

Over & Out,

A

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We're Being Sued.

A sneak peak of our Christmas pictures!  Bella Louise was a reindeer!  I just had to share it! 

Yesterday, I got this letter in the mail....  I can't even believe it.  I knew Bella didn't want surgery, and she was pretty upset about it, but I had NO idea she would go to these lengths.  Kids... you do EVERYTHING for them, and this is how they repay you....

********

Dear Mr. Jonathan & Ashley Slater ,

This law firm represents BELLA LOUISE SLATER . If you are represented by legal counsel, please direct this letter to your attorney immediately and have your attorney notify us of such representation. 

We are writing to notify you that your unlawful consent and scheduling of surgery for a luxating patella infringes upon our client’s exclusive rights. Accordingly, you are hereby directed to CEASE AND DESIST ALL SURGERY PLANS and APPOINTMENTS.

We demand that you immediately (A) cease and desist your plans for surgery on November 15th, 2011 and (B) provide us with prompt written assurance within 5 (five) hours that you will cease and desist from further surgical plans involving BELLA LOUISE SLATER in the future.

If you do not comply with this cease and desist demand within this time period, BELLA LOUISE SLATER is entitled to use your failure to comply as evidence of “willful infringement” and seek monetary damages and equitable relief for your infringement. In the event you fail to meet this demand, please be advised that BELLA LOUISE SLATER has asked us to communicate to you that it will contemplate pursuing all available legal remedies, including seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief, and an order that you pay court costs and attorney’s fees. 

Your liability and exposure under such legal action could be considerable. Before taking these steps, however, my client wished to give you one opportunity to discontinue your illegal conduct by complying with this demand within five (5) hours. 

Accordingly, please sign and return the attached Agreement within five (5) hours to: THE LAW OFFICES OF HEUSER AND HEUSER.  If you or your attorney have any questions, please contact me directly. 

Sincerely, 

Attorney B. L. Swater (a totally REAL attorney, at a totally real and not made up law firm)

P.S.  I, I mean my client, also demands no less than SEVEN bags of assorted treats and balls to be delivered with your signed cease and desist letter.  Leave all above mentioned packages in the guest bathroom next to the dog food.  If you bring anyone with you, the deal is off.  

******

Unbelievable, right? (I have gotten about 10 emails asking if this letter is real. NO, I wrote it!  it is just a joke! I am still cracking up at how concerned some of you got about this!  ah, made my day!)

I am still not so sure this is real... I mean, that p.s. looks awfully suspicious don't you think?  And anyways, I am dropping her off for surgery at 8am.  I am SO so nervous about it.  Thankfully, I picked up several blank coffee mugs yesterday so I am going to work on finally filling some long overdue orders for custom mugs. Keep myself preoccupied. I also got a bag of new jewelry supplies so I am going to be making more things for the shop as well.  Thanks to you guys, I will be going into her surgery able to pay for nearly half of it!  That is amazing.

Please keep Miss Bella in your thoughts and prayers today, and through the night (because they are keeping my little peanut ALL NIGHT LONG!).  Oh yeah, and me too...because I probably won't be able to sleep.  I haven't really slept without her since I got her back in March.  I am going to be so sad. 

I know, I know...she is just a "pet"  but I love my little furbaby and it is hard for me to be without her when I KNOW she is in pain and confused and scared.  :(  

I will update everyone tomorrow after I pick her up!  I am sure you will get a post-surgery photo as well!  Update #1: (2:25pm)BELLA is up next for surgery!  They said she should be done around 3:30pm or so, and depending on how she is we might be able to go visit her but they don't think she will get to come home tonight.  Stay tuned...

UPDATE #2:  Bella is out of surgery!  They said she did wonderfully and everything went well.  her epidural and morphine patch went fine and she is awake now.  They said she seems comfortable and is not in a lot of pain (hard to believe since the cut her muscle and tendon on half, removed her knee cap, drilled out the bone behind it then replaced and pinned everything back!)    We get to go visit her in a few hours, but she has to stay overnight.  Which I am so upset about. She has slept with me almost EVERY night since we got her!  I won't sleep well, that's for sure!

AND, I just added a Friday's Letters link up button to my sidebar, if you scroll down you will see it. After several requests, I finally got around to figuring out how to host a link party!  This Friday will be the FIRST EVER link up party!  Get your Friday's Letters ready, grab the button and join the par-tay!  I am really excited for this because I LOVE reading your version of the letters!   If you want to grab the button now and schedule your post, here it is!!

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Sunset Shots, Bella's Surgery and Drama!

bracelets by Fetch & Co.

I don't know about you but this weekend was one of the most relaxing I have had in quite a while.  I decided to put everything aside (laundry, cleaning, cooking, bracelet making) and lounge around after my husband got home from work Saturday afternoon.  Yep-- husband had to work a half day on a Saturday.  He is putting in all the hours he can in hopes they will  give us some time off around Christmas.  Fingers crossed.  I made sure to take Bella to the Bark Park (our local dog park) for an extra long time since her surgery is now 24 hours away.  TWENTY FOUR HOURS.  I am freaking out just a little bit.  I am scared for her to be put under because she is such a little peanut, and then worried about her recovery.  I have heard mixed opinions about recovery time but I am hoping that she bounces back quickly and is up and running in the shortest time possible.  I feel so good going into this surgery because thanks to your generous support of Fetch & Co. I have raised over $600 dollars.  That is nearly half of the cost.  That is just amazing.  I will continue to make and sell things to reach the total and then I am going to begin accepting applications from you guys for someone who has a pet with a vet bill that is putting a strain on their finances.  I can't wait to gift someone else the way you all have blessed me!

Sweater: Banana Republic, Flannel: Target, Jeans: White House Black Market, Boots: Aldo 

Before heading out to watch the Alabama/Mississippi State game, I talked husband into snapping a few shots of my on the golf course outside our condo.  I wanted to practice sunset shots.  It was a learning lesson, half of the came out so hazy that they were unusable.  Possibly the ISO was too high, or maybe it is that even when backlighting you have to be in the shadows, or not have the sun directly behind.  I am so fascinated with photography--- and even just having fun husband still got some great shots.  He is a pretty awesome photographer in his own right.  Just sayin'...

So like I said the weekend was pretty great, but it did start with some drama.  And I suppose I should address it.  If anyone follows me on twitter you saw it all unfold.  Basically, someone posted on their blog about Fetch & Co. and Bella's situation.  Another certain blogger (who will remain unnamed) decided that she thought I was "pathetic" and would be "embarrassed" to be me and left a comment on the blog about it, and also tweeted about it. This girl thought that I was stupid for opening a shop and selling things to raise money for baby Bella. She couldn't FATHOM why I would include a donate button on my blog (it was requested by several of my lovely friends, by the way). It was extremely rude and uncalled for and just made me sad that someone was as bitter as that.  In fact, my initial reaction wasn't so pretty.  I was hurt and angry and didn't understand why someone who didn't even know me (or regularly read my blog) would feel like they had the right to cut me--or anyone else for that matter--down.  A few days ago Erica wrote a post about the negativity infiltrating the blog world, and it is so true.  As much as anyone thinks that their blog is a place to say whatever it is that think or feel, I don't really think that anyone in the WORLD needs any more negativity than already surrounds us.  I realize that I am opening myself up to all kinds of comments, feedback and criticism writing publicly but like I have said before, this blog-my little corner of the internet, has no place for hateful, hurtful, negative comments.  Just pack that crap up and get to steppin'.  I would rather focus on the positive things, like how many amazing friends I have made through this blog, and how you ALL inspire me every.single.day.  I think you all are pretty spectacular women, and to those of you who e-mailed me, tweeted and texted me, I think you are pretty fabulous. I was humbled by the outpouring of personal and public support.  I can't really explain how much it meant to me.

Group hug anyone?  

Bring it in ya'll........ 

*HUGGGGGGG*

Yeah, that just happened.

Over & Out,

A

p.s. new things are in the shop!  

check it out HERE! 

p.p.s: I can fly. duh.

CAW!  I'm a bird, obvs.

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