The Page Family is Growing!

I know what you are thinking and I am not preggers! Last week Leland and I adopted the cutest little puppy ever! He is a weimeraner mix. We think he is mixed with pit bull. He is eight months old (almost 9) and a total sweetheart. We found him at the Animal Defense League. I actually had my mind set on a little Boston terrier/beagle mix, but that dog wasn't there when we showed up. We started looking around and went to the small/medium dog habitats. The first little face I saw was Varick (that was his name until we changed it). The other dogs were running around barking and howling and being unruly. Varick was sitting at the fence calmly and sweetly looking up at those who walked by. There was another group that was looking in the same area and they saws Varick as well. My heart completely melted when I saw this guy. I had no intention of getting a dog under 1 1/2 years old. I didn't want to go through all the puppy stages with a dog. But this little guy was all I could think about even after taking another stroll around the complex. Leland knew I was not going to back down, so he gave in and we started the adoption process. We weren't able to take him home right away because it was nearing the end of the evening and the apartment complex had already closed it's doors for the day so the ADL could not get in touch with them. That's okay, because it gave us some time to think of a name for him. Varick was just weird, to say the least. It took us all night then Leland said, "Tyson". I agreed and now we have Tyson Page.

The past week has been full of little surprises on the floor and learning how smart this little guy really is. Leland has been teaching him to climb up on the couch and the bed. Thankfully, he hasn't learned to get on the bed yet. Due to his climbing training he learned to climb over his kennel and take over the whole apartment. We had bought a kennel for Tyson for night time and help him potty train. Since he is so young and we don't know who long he can hold his bodily functions we decided to block him into the laundry room with his kennel door open to his food and water and a wood floor in case there were any accidents. I came home on Wednesday evening and was going to change before letting him out of his enclosure. I walk in and a bunch of Leland's shoes and a a belt in the living room. I knew he was out reffing a game and he would not leave his belt, runners or one dress shoe in the living room. Just as I was looking over to the kennel, Tyson comes running from the bedroom. He has learned to climb his kennel and get out of the enclosure. Right about that time I also saw a nice little present in the middle of the hall too. He is one smart cookie. Now, we keep him in the bathroom where he has room to stretch out and potty on the potty pad if need be.

Tyson is a lot of fun and has a great personality. We love the little dude! He has brought more happiness and smiles to the home and for right now, the family feels complete. I tell people that if we can do a good job with a dog, then we can do an okay job with a kid :) It's great having a fur kid around the apartment. He really does make my day better. Tyson, welcome to the Page family!

PS: I don't know how to upload a photo from my phone, but as soon as I figure it out, I will get a picture up here of him.

General Conference

This past weekend was General Conference. Like always, I have no idea who spoke about what, but for me, there was a lot of cousel and guidance for families. I wish every parent I work with on a daily basis would have been able to hear those talks. It would be evenmore wonderful if every person who heard those talks would heed the cuosel that was given. I don't remember specifics, but I do remember feeling the Spirit testify to me that all the words which were spoken are true. I can't remember the last time I had such a strong impression. I think maybe it is because I am seeing the deterioration of the family all around me. With the families I work with at school and the families I work with at church. It's not very often that I meet two parents that have the same last name as their kids. It's disheartening because I see the troubles of the kids then I look at the family and realize that is where the troubles are starting. I know there are a few quotes that I will be taking from some of the talks and making little posters to hang in my office so every parent who enters my office will be able to read and hopefully learn a thing or two.

Maybe it hit me so hard because I want a family of my own. Someone else to take care of besides my hubs. Don't get me wrong, I love taking care of the hubs, but I feel like I need someone or something else to take care of. Do I want kids? Yes. Do i need kids? Right now, until I get a handle on the ones I take care of on a daily basis, I don't need any of my own. I like the ones that I get for eight to ten hours a day and then give back. What I really want though is a dog. I am starting to wear Leland down on the idea of getting a dog. I know he doesn't want a dog right now because he thinks we are not home enough for a little one, but I disagree. I am gone all day, but he is home more than he thinks he is. I have it all worked out too. When I get up I can feed the little one and take him/her outside for a morning potty break. Leland doesn't get up until later. When he gets up he can give the little one a treat of banana or carrot and let him/her outside for a little bit. Before he leaves he can put the dog in the kitchen with a treat ball, toys, bed and water. When I get home I can feed the pupster dinner and take it for a walk or jog. then, it's all good and the pupster is ready for bed. All planned out. I got this! Now, just to find the perfect dog. I am about ready to go get one from the Humane Society this weekend. If I can just hold out a little longer then it will be all good. But if we get abother text from my sister-in-law with a picture of Patches then I will just break down and get one.