Playing Outside

Last night mom and I put the new adirondack chairs for the golf course together...and while we did that, Toby and Midge ran around the yard playing. They are getting to the point that they aren't afraid of each other and they will nose each other while running amuck! ha They both were running up and down the deck (in the way) and around my feet while I was sitting back and relaxing in the new chairs! ;)

Here's our babies...

mom's dog, Midge

my woolly child, Toby

The Wedding Singer

On Saturday, my cousin April married Jay (a longtime friend). It was a beautiful wedding...and I wish I had pictures, but Jenna was not in a picture taking mood that day and since I was singing for the wedding, not really able to take pictures for myself. Hopefully our cousin, Julie, will post some pictures on her blog and I might be able to swipe a few! haha ;)

The rain ended before the wedding and the sun came out for a lovely evening! The reception was hopping and we all had a great time catching up with everyone!! :) I have always been very close to my grandma's side of the family (mom's mom) and it's even more fun when you pair us all up with Jay's family (my boss's family). haha Don't ya love small towns?!?

The wedding ceremony was performed by Jay (& his brother, Dale)'s last foster parent, Leon. Let me tell you this...he is a corker! This was his first wedding in quite some time and he had us all going, huh?!? ha As always, the wedding went off without a hitch and those of us close to Jay & Dale now understand a little more why they are the way they are! ;) ha (*additional info-Jay & Dale were both adopted into the same family, the family we've always known them to be a part of and are quite like their adoptive father as well, but if you knew Mark and met Leon...you'd just understand!)

Here's a few pictures we took...

me before the wedding

me singing & mom playing

Jen ruining our attempt at a good pic! :p

the newlyweds finally making it to the reception!

On another note, Happy Birthday to Grandma Menchhofer! Today is her big day! :)

I am worn out...it was a busy, but good weekend. I had an EXTREMELY long day today as one of my employees was sick, so I worked her shift and had someone work my shift so I could run to Sam's Club and get stocked up for the next month! By the time I finished that errand, worked on some paperwork and other stuff here at home for the course...I put in 14.5 hours today. Aren't you jealous?!? NOT! ha

Hope you had a good weekend! On to another week....

Like the New Look?

Well...........what does everyone think? I treated myself to a blog design by Jennisa of Once Upon a Blog for my birthday! :) I personally love it! Jennisa is great to work with and quite creative.

RIP Shelby Josephine

Today is a very sad day in the Menchhofer household. :(

My beautiful Great Pyrenees, Shelby Josephine (aka Shelby Jo), was hit and killed on the road in front of our house this morning. It angers me that someone could hit such a big dog and leave the scene of the accident without informing us. Have they no compassion?!? I cannot begin to describe how strong (in character) my momma is....I am even more sad that she was the one who had to find Shelby that way. Shelby and our other GP, Ice, have been getting out of the barnyard the past few days. They do this about once a year, I think it's always just to test mom. *sad laugh* I heard Shelby barking last night in the yard....so I knew she was out, but it was 11pm and mom had just put her back in an hour before that. This morning mom went outside to go to work and started calling for the dogs (our new morning ritual to make sure they are where they should be). Shelby never came....mom was preparing to get in her truck to go look for her....and as she pulled down the drive, my beautiful baby was laying in the road. Mom pulled her into the yard so that we can bury her later today. :'(

Mom called me after she got to work to tell me the news....of course, I am devastated. She wanted to warn me before I went outside for my morning walk. I knew I should stay away from the front yard, but I couldn't do it....I am not faint of heart, and I found myself throwing up. There are NO black marks on the road (they didn't brake obviously), the blood is still wet on the road (it had to have happened right before mom went outside)... I am saddened that someone could just hit someone else's pet and pretend it never happened. Purely from spite, I hope their vehicle requires thousands of dollars to repair the front end. I know that is mean, but if you saw our polar bear of a dog, you would understand that there is no way you could hit a dog that big as hard as they had to have hit her and not do damage.

Today is continuing to be a rough start....as soon as I think I'm done crying, it starts all over again. Our other dog, Ice, knows...dogs are so smart. I called her into the barnyard because I just needed to see her. (know that feeling?) She came out to the fence and just kept looking out to the front yard where Shelby is laying and then back to me. That broke my heart.

This makes MY second dog passing on around the time of my birthday. Just a few days before my 18th birthday, my German Shepherd mix - Midnight - had to be put down. And now, just a week shy of my 27th birthday, my beloved Shelby is gone.

baby Shelby eating out of the sheep feed pan

Shelby not sure about ALL those sheep, just a few days after we brought her home!

my beautiful polar bear with her sheepies...she was such a good protector

love my Shelby Jo <3

hi! looking up over the gate in the barn, like always...waiting for a milk bone

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

As most of my friends have already posted such things on their blogs and facebook status...it is truly the best time of the year! Why? It's FAIR time!! :)

I have been attending fairs (County and State) since I was 4 days old. Yes, my parents were the crazy ones with a newborn at the Indiana State Fair! haha ;) It's in my blood. I don't think there has been a single year of my life that I have missed fair.

Tonight Mom and I went to the good ol' Ripley County Fair to check things out. The Sheep Show was tonight (which felt weird because it's ALWAYS been on Thursday night). The Baby Show was also tonight. My Aunt Roni and Uncle Kevin are Nikken Wellness Consultants and had a spot set up at the fair, so we stopped by to see them for awhile.

Here's some pics of the fun!

my adorable cousin, Callie Lynn, getting her beauty rest before the Baby Show!

Ethan playing in Roni & Kevin's trailer (his mamaw & papaw)

Ethan getting his face painted...future 4-H'er!

Lovin' the Weather

I know most people are unhappy with the cooler July temps, but I absolutely love it! The only time I want it to be HOT is when I'm on the beach or in the tanning bed. hahaha :p I do have to admit that last night and this morning on my walks, it was a little chilly, but not bad.

Last night I had a nice, relaxing evening. Today is off to a good start...after work, probably gonna hang out at the Grub for awhile with friends.

It's been a somewhat hectic week, but things are calming down a little...only for fair to start! I kinda miss hanging out at the fair all day everyday, but there just isn't time for that anymore. Friday I will be announcing most of the 4-H Livestock Auction. I would do it all, but I have a wedding rehearsal to attend that evening and trust me, the auction will not be over by then, despite our best efforts! If it is, I will be shocked beyond belief! ha So auction, then dashing off to the rehearsal. Saturday is my cousin April's wedding. Her soon-to-be husband, Jay, I have known most of my life as well. Mom is playing for the wedding and I am singing. Then it'll be time for the PARTY! ha ;) It should be a really great reception as the 2 families coming together like to have a good time. I certainly plan on enjoying myself! :)

I'll try to keep you posted throughout the week, but until next weekend, not much going on by way of pictures or events.

Enjoy your weekend!

All is Normal

My bloodwork results are in....and everything is "normal." I'm not sure how I feel about that.....

On one hand, it's good news as I am healthy. On the flip side, it's just another piece of frustrating evidence that I'm overweight for no particular reason and no matter what I do, can't seem to slim down.

Feeling frustrated at the moment. This too shall pass. I hope.