Meet Goldie

Brock had been asking for a dog for awhile and we kept putting it off, since we had been trying to have another baby. After the 2 miscarriages in 2011, we did not think we would have another child.  Back in the summer of 2011, the hubby was toying with getting a dog, and we both began researching breeds and looking around.  You have to understand and keep in my mind that my hubby is NOT an animal person. Especially, in the house. I think having our st. bernard in the house really turned him against that part of an animal. That was my fault!  He only tolerates my 13 yr old cat because he loves me.  Anyways, back to my story........we had been looking, but never really found anything or fully decided on a dog. Then, at the end of July, the dog shopping got put on hold. I found out I was pregnant! Big surprise!!  Now, fast forward to July of 2012. Kylie was born in March and going on 4 months old. We went out for our anniversary and we had not even discussed a dog in a year.  The hubby mentions that he has been thinking about a dog for Brock. I nearly fell out of my chair. HA! Totally caught off guard. He had his conditions - promise not to let it in house, no barking, promise I could handle a dog and 3 kids,  no this, no that. Conditions I could not promise.  Well, the search began anyway.  A few weeks later and after pretty much wearing him down about it, he caved!  We went to an animal shelter and found a golden retriever mix, 2 yrs old! She was on hold for someone else and we had to wait till the next day to find out if they got her. Sunday afternoon I call and she is still available. With reservations, he gave in and we loaded up and brought Goldie home. Brock was thrilled!  Goldie is the best dog and I am so glad we skipped the puppy stage. She was already housebroken and yes, she ended up staying inside.  She never barks, unless someone comes up to the fence that she doesn't know. We think she was abused somewhat, just by her reaction to things.  She is not wild in the house and we have had actually had to coax her to come into the living room. Now, she does on her own, but she still prefers to stay in the laundry room or under the table. The cat comes around and the dog does nothing - can you believe that?  I mean nothing!  Brock wants her to sleep in his bed at night so bad, but she refuses to do so.  She does not like to go into any of the bedrooms. Something must have happened for this to occur.  We literally have to take her by the collar and drag her to the bedrooms. Maybe in time she will feel comfortable and sleep with Brock.  Goldie is playful outside and loves to run after her ball or rope thing. Most days we take her on a walk in the neighborhood. She really enjoys this and every evening she waits for this and looks at us just begging to go. She has been such a good dog, that the hubby has no issues with her being inside and he even lets her in when we are not home. That says alot!
She truly is the best dog I have ever been around! So glad we found her!!

August 2012

Brock began his last year of preschool

Look out 2nd grade! 

Last swim lessons of the summer

August marked the end/beginning of new things.  Keira began 2nd grade! She wasn't excited about going to school as the past 2 yrs. I think she just enjoyed staying up late and not having to get up early. She got to be a kid this summer and just play and have fun. The last week of July she attended a musical theater camp at a local church and they performed the story of Jonah, western style.  She loved it! 

2nd grade is a bit different than 1st as she has homework every night. Spelling tests are longer and words are becoming more difficult, but up to this point in mid-september she has aced each test. We really like her teacher and she seemed excited at orientation about the school year. Her class will also have a student teacher with them most of the year, so that is an added bonus. This is the first year that she has to go to the gym in the morning and wait on teacher to come get class. K and 1st grade, they go down to the rooms upon arrival.  We just found she will be doing the covenant kids run, they meet after school for an hr each week, and in April, she will get to participate in Knoxville in the kid run. Happens day before knoxville marathon. She may end up not liking running, but, I hope she takes it up, something she can do through adulthood. 

Keira decided she was over dance classes, so we did not sign-up this fall. So, that means no nutcracker, no spring recital, no weekly classes. Yea for momma! As much I loved seeing her on stage performing, which she loved, she got bored with ballet, which I agree with her, I am glad for the break. 

Brock began his last year of preschool. We love his little school and we have had a kid going there the last 5 yrs. Going to miss the teachers, but, once Kylie is 3, she will start. So, they get a break from Leffew kids for a few yrs. He has finally come around to writing and learning things. I was wondering if he ever would! Glad we decided not to send him to Kindergarten this year. He will be more than ready next year. He does still ask me to homeschool. Flag football was cancelled and Brock was one unhappy little boy. So, we are sport free till basketball begins. No complaints here, especially with a little one now. She does not have to be dragged all over the place. 

Kylie is 5 1/2 months old! Rolling, eating solids, and just growing. She is a joy and for the most part a happy baby. Still fights sleep, especially naps. Sleeps good at night, so no complaining. Recently she has begun crying if most people hold her, other than me or mamaw. Daddy can hold for a few minutes, then she wants me back. This morning at church was a big first for her. She stayed in the nursery without me. Some tears were shed, but, she survived. 

In August, the kids finished swimming lessons with aunt Teresa. Brock can now swim and is all over the place.

August 28th, my niece, Abby turned one. She is a sweetheart!  Somehow, even without sports, we have managed to stay busy.  We have enjoyed play days with friends and family times. Brock is excited about football games and going to them with his daddy. That boy loves his time with daddy.