hi there, I'm birdie...

Better known as the grey tornado…  I prefer to spin in circles, whether it be my body or even my tail, well I'm really just winding up!  I also enjoy the occasional somersault.  It really is a well practiced technique.  It helps when I am trying to be elusive, you see.  I am a total people pleaser and overall curious girl.  I learn commands super fast, and wouldn't you know, I don't even mind going to the doggie doctor!  Especially if there is a cookie involved (and hey, I can't help it if the drool gets the best of me… those treats need to get in my belly faster, okay?).  I've come a long way in kennel training… as a matter of fact I'm pretty sure the kennel is actually called "cheerios."  What a funny name for a wire box full of blankets and beds and cuddly, snuggle babies!  Did I mention I LOVE FOOD!?  It's a really good thing they make these interesting looking puzzle bowls to help me slow down at meal times, that way I can actually taste what I'm eating.  Even my weim foster sister wanted one, because they are just so fun to eat out of, it's like a game!  Penny's also been busy showing me the ropes, and we are currently working on sharing toys and taking turns :)  Now sometimes my excitement gets the best of me… one day I accidentally knocked over Grandma.  Whoopsie.  It's a good thing she was wearing her parka and it has all that extra padding!  I mean, I was just so surprised and happy to see her standing there when I turned around- honest!  I promise I snuggled up to her later and told her I was sorry…  As a matter of fact, I'm really happiest once I calm down and can cuddle someone, using my body as a blanket.  I make an excellent space heater, and would prefer if some part of me could be in close proximity to you (and by that, I mean in your lap, that's not off limits, right?).  Otherwise, I can dig myself a tiny little spot and curl up under the blankets in my bed (but I may sneak in your bed after you fall asleep, because I know you get chilly at night sometimes).  Now- going for daily walks is super important so the boredom doesn't set back in.  On leash or off, I just love to explore, and it's even more exciting when I have a sibling to share the scents with!  And okay, I don't love the treadmill just yet, but it does help exercise my body and my mind on those super cold & icy days when it's too dangerous to wander the neighborhood or the dog park.  Also.  I'll admit, I didn't really enjoy swimming at first, but now you just try keeping me out of that water!!  Alright alright, I know, I may just be rambling at this point, but…

Hey Bird…  Yes, mama?  I'm really glad you're happy here, how would you like to be a part of our family?  Well I am, right?…  Welcome home, Birdie… welcome home.

(-Okay okay, so I may be a leeeeeeeetle behind the game on sharing this post, seeing as how we made Birdie's adoption official in December-  Wait. Is it June??…  But I still wanted to share her crazy fun, BIG personality with you all!-)

And oh how quickly the time goes by…  I still can't believe this grey girl has been a part of our family for over a year now!!  I have to admit that when we first brought her into our home as our second foster baby, I kinda wanted to bang my head against the wall.  Like a lot.  I've never met a living being that is so damn stubborn!!!  (Let's just agree she gives me a run for my money & I'm probably getting what I deserve.)  But man is she full of life and energy- and can she be oh so sweet when she's not greeting you with a face plant to your nose.  I worked so SO hard to mold her into what I thought she should be & how she should act…  But for the life of me, I just couldn't wrap my mind around how difficult my life had become when all I wanted was a playmate for Penny and to help re-home this new sweet (but crazy) girl into our lives.  And then just when I thought I'd reached my absolute boiling point, I happened along a television program one day and heard this:

My usual techniques with the dogs I looked after worked so perfectly, except with [Birdie.]

Because you make [Birdie] personal.

Well it IS personal.

Mmmmmm it is and it's not.  If you make it personal, then you make it about you.  That's when it's not good.  And that says that we need to work on something personal.

So [Birdie's] an example of me having the dog I need and not the dog I want… 

… God is good.

A few days passed and it was like a lightbulb had suddenly clicked on…  Then this happened.  If that wasn't enough of an ah hah moment for me, well here's another one.  I'm a sucker for whatever random chick flick happens to be on the screen at the moment, and it just so happens Hope Floats was the lucky winner this day.  Now let me start by saying that Birdie's previous owner made mention she was named after this movie…  So during this particular scene, the tears started flowing again- because of course I heard the words as if my Birdie was saying them directly to me:

...and l used to see myself in [your] eyes.

And it was like [you] saw me.

And l was audacious, Mama.  I was.

And then, l don't know, things just started to change.

The harder l tried to be what [you] wanted me to be...

...the less I saw myself in [your] eyes.

Just one day, I looked and I was gone.

It was heartbreaking.  That's when it really hit home.  Stop trying to change what's around you and instead focus on how you can make yourself a better person.  And it may take time, but the rest will fall into place, my friends.  And don't forget to listen, you just never know when a little birdie may be whispering in your ear… 

ghost runners 5k dog run - web design

Volunteering for Heartland Weimaraner Rescue this past year has made me a busy little bee!!  Not to mention it has been incredibly rewarding…  (Hello!  It's brought two special someones into my life… chicken little & big bird -insert big grin here.)  I mean, what a great group of people- that are all about saving grey & blue furbabies.  Donating my time has allowed me to put my love for graphics & design to good work… planning events, designing tees, constructing flyers, & even building a shiny, brand new website!  Now our biggest fundraiser of the year is coming up soon, so you better mark your calendars…  This event is unique, because it allows you to run with your dog.  That's right I said it!  Run with your dog.  You know, the one you already train with everyday, because not only are you working on your own fitness, but you are trying to exercise that baby properly!?  It's going to be a great time for the entire family, so I hope you'll join us this October 25th!  -And here's a peek at the website I designed for the race!  Below are a few screenshots, so be sure to visit the site for all the details and to sign up!!  See you there friends!

adopting chicken little

dear grace,

Did you know, you're going to be a big sister?  She was pretty shy and nervous when we welcomed her into our home… but I just know you've been showing her the ropes.  I'm sure you're aware that she is super respectful of your bed… try not to growl at her too much, okay?  She just really wants to be a good little sister.  She didn't stand a chance of having just one name, of course.  "Chicken Little" is the obvious fallback, but she's really coming out of her shell.  Beeper came next, (it's the sound we never stop hearing…) as she runs throughout the house sharing all your squeaky little toys.  (I mean… they. are. everywhere.)  And of course there's Motorbutt… for obvious reasons.  But mostly we call her Penny.  Penny Jane (and Penny Jones, because we can't have a Gracie Jones and not a Penny Jones… hahah).  Which leads to PJ for short.  Yes.  Lots of cute little nicknames, as you are more than familiar with…  And I'm sure you've witnessed her shiny penny syndrome, yes?  Oh hi, please rub my belly… squirrel!!!!!  But we also know you have been looking out for us, so when I found this poem, it really just confirmed that we'd been right in calling her Penny all along… 

"I found a penny today just laying on the ground.  But it's not just a penny, this little coin I've found.  'Found' pennies come from Heaven, that's what my Grandpa told me.  He said angels toss them down.  Oh, how I loved that story.  He said when an angel misses you, they toss a penny down.  Sometimes just to cheer you up, make a smile out of your frown.  So don't pass by that penny when you're feeling blue.  It may be a penny from Heaven that an angel tossed to you."  -C. Mashburn

Watching us cry must have broke your heart…  And then you saw this sweet Penny and somehow made sure she would find her way to us.  She looks a lot like you, which was really hard at first, but it only makes sense… you are sisters after all.  She never has all her feet on the ground at the same time… and I know that's just because sometimes she wants to visit with her big sister in the sky…  Not a day goes by that we don't think about you…  We just miss you to pieces, sweet girl.  We didn't think it would be possible to smile again, but it's evident you are still doing your best to make that happen.  Of course, we should have known.  -Well we finally made it official & our adoption is complete.  But can you do us a favor?  Keep an eye out for your little sister.  She's a good girl, but sometimes the naughty sneaks out…  Of course I'm guessing you have no idea what that's like, do you?  Wink wink.

-loving you always…

mommie, daddy, & penny

o'city st. patrick's day parade

Oh boy… I hope you're wearing your green today!!  (I have my pinchers ready, so watch out!)  Of course one special day of wearing green, pretty much isn't any different from any other day of mine…  But I did get to spend my Saturday loving up on a few extra cute weimies…  (You guessed it.  Day made.)  My family joined the Heartland Weimaraner Rescue group, and we got all decked out (humans and pups alike) & we marched (got pulled, trotted…) along the streets of downtown Oklahoma City for this year's annual St. Patty's Day Parade.

We even took 2nd in best dressed, yeah buddy!  Okay now, this may be just one of the reasons why…    

And if that doesn't put a huge smile on your face, well here's a few other favorites from the day!

Okay, not a weimaraner… but my sexy hubby in his green afro, well I'm really digging the vibe here…  

Of course you know I couldn't forget "chicken little"… I put on my mom hat & made her cute little outfit :)

You better believe there's a whole lot more cuteness & tutus & bowties & sequins to be witnessed from this day's festivities… so grab yourself a green beer & be sure to check out the rest!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

chicken little

I've recently been offering help to a local Weimaraner Rescue.  When I filled out the volunteer form, I mentioned that we wouldn't be able to foster just yet, thinking it was a bit too soon, but I really wanted to help out in other ways… fundraising, transporting, etc.  They immediately responded, asking if I could design a tee for their upcoming St. Patty's Day Parade.  The next thing I know, emails are coming back to back to back- needing transports and fosters for several different dogs… (because now I'm on the volunteer list, you see).  The email requesting help with transporting a pup had already been filled by the time it reached my eyes, however there were still a few dogs needing foster homes…  I left one of the emails in my inbox, but didn't respond to it right away, thinking someone else will scoop her right up.  But as the day went on, for some reason, my thoughts often wandered back to her.  I eventually asked where she was located and if anyone had stepped up to help her yet, to which came the reply, she's in OKC and no.  

This, of course, stirred my becomingly familiar, all too often, anxiety to the surface again… causing my heart to hammer in my chest once more.  I realized sadness was slowly becoming my new way of life.  And knowing I've always had a passion for animals, could I make the decision to pick up the shattered pieces of my heart and offer my help?

We decided to reply yes.  To try.  Fostering would consist of four weeks.  Get to know her.  Welcome her into our home.  Yes, another weim.  My emotions were all over the place.  We hadn't even seen another weim in person…  Her picture was mostly of her face, so I knew she was the same color as Grace, but not too many other details.  On the drive over to meet her, the first song we heard after Gracie's passing began to hum over the radio.  (We hear it pretty much every single car ride we take, no matter the hour or day.)  Well that started the tears again…  After meeting her & bringing her home, well… there were just so many bittersweet moments.

The first few days proved a little bit scary and overwhelming for her, and we started to lovingly call her "chicken little."  She's just such a shy, sweet, timid little thing.  But of course she really thinks her name is "good girl."  With each day that passes, she comes out of her shell a little more.  I have no doubt Grace is whispering in her sweet gigantic ear… okay now, so listen up real good, here's how you get them wrapped around your big furry paw.

Our crazy Oklahoma- windy, freezing, sleeting, snowy, icy, winter- weather doesn't seem to bother her in the least bit.  She actually loves to take curious little bites out of the snow.  She literally prances around the yard, checking everything out…  And the next thing you know she is frozen to her spot- pointing, always pointing…  It's really funny to see- she doesn't seem to know whether to point with the front leg or the back one… but she always has to have one off the ground (with her face full of snow, of course).  Oh and you can bet she is pretty darn cute (I mean, let's be serious- it may be safe to say, she knows this).

We are discovering more and more about her sweet, playful personality each passing day she spends with us.  But more importantly, what I'm discovering about myself- is that a life without paw prints in it, is a life lived less full.

dear grace,

Oh our sweet sweet girl.  Well okay, maybe one of those sweets should read stubborn… after all, we remember the day we picked you out of a bunch of furry little weimballs.  You were the one that ran away… went to hide under a car…  And we said yep, that's the one!  We held you in our arms for the first time & your pretty blue eyes gave us a hesitant glance.  And we gave you a good squeeze and named you Gracie.  On the long drive home, you snuggled in, deciding to trust just a little bit more…  Those puppy days were such fun, watching you play in a bowl of water… You would just bounce around the house looking like Dumbo with your huge paws and your flying ears.  You gave us your whole heart and we gave you ours.  The nights proved a little harder when your cries to be with us broke through the darkness, and we'd turn to each other saying… it's your turn.  But eventually you tugged just hard enough at our heartstrings, and our attempt at not in the bed with us, pretty much went out the window.  And weren't you excited!?  In the bed with mom & dad, yippee!!  Of course you took it a step further and went for sleeping on our pillows (and occasionally on our heads).  Oh but we were smitten!  Over the years, the queen size bed got upgraded to a king.  And even though you were strong and still jumping everywhere, eventually we eliminated those boxsprings, and brought that mattress closer to the floor… all so you could- Be. with. us. -make things a little easier… because we sure did enjoy a little cuddle time (and maybe the occasional kick in the ribs).  You may not even know it, but you gave your daddy a jump start on learning how to lay tile, you little linoleum eater!!  We shared birthdays & holidays & everydays… We lit off fireworks every year, and you were never scared… it was always enough for you, just to have us by your side.  We got dressed up for halloween and went trick-or-treating with your cousins, wasn't that such fun (especially when you got to eat the cookies later, right!? wink wink).  We took in the colorful turning leaves each autumn, listening to the crunch they made beneath our feet… during long walks through neighborhoods or forests or just anywhere we could wander together…  We even visited Santa Claus & experienced the merriment of thousands of little twinkle lights…  We loved watching you grow and having you near us.  Your separation anxiety turned into our separation anxiety.  Because you see… you didn't just need us, we needed you.  You were always there… through every deployment and TDY, missing daddy, but loving on mommie.  And then we got to see your big goofy grin every time daddy returned home.  You would run and jump and make all these cute funny noises… I don't think I've ever seen you smile so big.  So when his job moved us to Germany, we packed it all up.  And we got through all the time away from family and even more time away from daddy.  You became mommie's constant companion and best friend.  Someone to explore new places with everyday…  A space heater during the cold and lonely days & nights…  Your ears were always open when a happy chat was needed, and you could always be counted on to press your big nose to our faces or put a paw in our lap anytime we needed comfort.  You. just. knew.  You may have been 8, but middle age be damned… because you got to enjoy schnitzel & bratwurst and a French baguette or two.  Got to go on your first ride in a little red convertible…  I mean, we traveled… and you got to see the world!  From wandering those quaint little German villages, to stepping your paws in the sand for the first time in the Netherlands… you absolutely loved it and we loved watching you!  Riding through the snowy Swiss Alps, your nose taking in the scent of the crisp wintery air, your ears flapping freely in the wind.  Gosh you looooooved your car rides…  Exploring Italy only to return to our villa and soak up the rays by our private pool in the Tuscan countryside…  You did it all.  You were there.  Sharing in the joy and the wonder of it all…  Our little bean.  You have about a thousand little nicknames… even the silly ones, you acknowledged them all, you always came running with your sweet little face.  You have shared our life completely, from our wedding, to moving across the ocean and back.  And even as we went through the heartbreak of realizing we would have no children of our own… you just laid your little head in our lap, and somehow we knew it would all work out and everything would be alright.  Because you were ours… You filled our life and the lives of so many others with such joy.  You gave our lives meaning, taught us how to love each other and ourselves, and you filled us with up with- So. Much. Goodness…  So you see now, don't you?  Our sweet Gracie girl… there has never been anyone loved as much as we love you.  So sleep easy now baby.  You did good.

And until we meet again, we'll be seeing you in our dreams.

-with all our heart… mommie & daddy

day in the life...

I really love documenting moments.  The little ones.  The so seemingly ordinary- that we just skip through life not realizing how much they hold a place in our heart- moments.  As I look through these, I find that I was drawn to the quieter times… They tell our story.  I picked an ordinary August day & followed these two around.  And although I didn't quite get an entire day (more like an afternoon & evening- oh and lots of napping)- I now have the stills of some of my favorite happenings between the two loves in my world…

and that means everything.

terms of endearment

oh you know… just a few nicknames along the way = adorable artwork.
so why do I feel like I left a few out?  haha.  happy friday friends!

on a crisp sunny morning...

I had the pleasure of meeting up with this lovely family
to shoot their photos, just in time for christmas.

here's a few of the memories made on that beautiful day…

bittersweet...

The sun is shining and the birdies are chirping, what a wonderful start to the weekend.  The time when people get to take a break from their hectic lives and relax and enjoy their families.  They play outside, snuggle up with a good book, or even take the dog for a walk and meander a little longer than usual.  For me only one thing's missing… another weekend without my hubby.  So I just try to make the most of it.  Whether the distance is far or near, and the time is short or long… I like to remember our walks together.  It's these moments that carry me through and keep me smiling until I can see him again.

ten random things about me:

it seems i have a love-hate relationship with my computer.  there are days it's all i see, and then there are days i refuse to allow myself to even sit down in front of it.  blogging seems so foreign to me, somehow impersonal.  but in this day and age, where it's all the rage, i find myself discovering new things.  finding inspiration.  and in not so sunny germany... well let's just say it's a breath of fresh air to find like-minded people, whether it be in life or in cyberspace.  so how to get this ball rolling??  i suppose i shall start off light with a few minor tidbits about me...  super exciting stuff, i know.  so please try to contain yourself.

one.  my dog is my favorite person
two.  green is my signature color
three.  socks need not match and should always be patterned
four.  i heart photography, graphics, architecture, & design
five.  chairs are a HUGE weakness
six.  i'm often seen with a cup of coffee in hand
seven.  i'm obsessed with flea markets
eight.  i am in love with europe
nine.  random should probably be my middle name, along with procrastination
ten.  i'm def a dot dot dot kind of girl