Casey Turns 4

Casey turned 4 yesterday. I keep telling her that turning 4 means she needs to act like a big girl....but so far she isn't listening. At four years old she still has the energy of a 1 year old. I know you guys probably get tired of seeing so many pictures of the dogs...but here are some pictures from her birthday party last night.

A new toy


Another new toy


Her birthday cheesecake


Eating the birthday cheesecake (they only had a little slice, not the whole thing)




Lola watching The Dog Wisperer Cesar Millan


Casey watches too!


WOW...what a day! I'm pooped!

Garrett's Birthday Weekend

Friday was Garrett's 28th birthday. We started the day by working of course, but I took him out at night. I surprised him with dinner at 13 Coins in South Lake Union. I wanted to take him somewhere we both have never been before so after long research and a couple of recommendations I made my choice. By research I mean I had to check menus to make sure there was food he could eat on his diet (only 3 more weeks of this diet...whoo hooo). Dinner was amazing. Garrett ordered the fillet mignon and king crab legs. The steak was so good, he thinks it is the best one he has ever had. Besides the fact that the food was awesome.....we sat in the captains chairs at the bar. It was a fun experience watching the chefs cook all the food right in front of us. Very cool place.

To Garrett's surprise the night was not over yet. I had purchased tickets for the Blue Comedy Collar Tour featuring: Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engval, and Larry the Cable Guy. When pulling up to the Key Arena he started guessing everything but comedy (i.e. George Strait, Reba McIntyre, Lady Antebellum, etc.) Let's just say....he didn't have a clue, but when he found out it was Blue Collar he was so excited! We had great seats and the show was so funny. I would say it was a pretty good birthday!

Saturday we took the babes on a long walk down to the lake for their first swim of the year. Even though the water was still pretty cold, the sun was out so that made up for it all. They didn't care....they loved it anyway.

Rusty is always such a happy boy (especially when he is with his mama)


I swear Lola had more fun then it looks like here (she hates pictures. What a pout face huh??)


And Casey....another happy puppy (she is turning 4 next Friday...Big Girl)


Happy to be out in the sun!!


On another note.....I start my new job on the 15th (1 week from tomorrow). I am super excited to start a new adventure in my career. I am just so excited to work normal hours without the pressure to always work 55-60 hours per week. I probably won't know what to do with myself!! Ha Ha Ha...I bet I will figure something out!

As I said above...only 3 more weeks until Garrett's bodybuilding show. The 16 weeks of dieting is almost done :-) He already knows exactly where he is eating after the show and even the following day: Quiznos before the morning pre-judging contest and Jack-in-the-Box right after the evening show. Then we drive home and he wants to order pizza when we get back. Sunday morning he wants breakfast at the Sun Break Cafe in Auburn and Olive Garden for dinner. I guess I better not eat for a whole week getting ready to conquer this with him...LOL!

Changes

Last Friday I gave notice that I was going to step down of my management position at the gym. It was a tough decision, but something I have been thinking about doing for quite awhile. Although I love my management job at times, I put in 50-60 hours every week and endure a lot of stress. So I decided it was time for a change and I started looking. I accepted a part-time job that I am really excited about. I am going to be working for a company called Mediability. It is small, only 2 people whom both are the owners of the company (I have known one of them for a few years now). Mediability has been around for 7 years and they have a strong client base. They do market research, media planning, media buying, as well as manage performance, and coordinate creative for their clients. In a nut shell...companies hire Mediability to manage their media output such as television, radio, print, etc. Mediability does the market research to present clients with an advertising plan that will best fit their market, needs, and budget. Then......they do all the negotiating and purchasing of media spots for them.

I have been hired as an Account Coordinator / Media Buying Assistant. Basically...I will be assisting them with tasks while learning the ins-and-outs of the company. The goal with this position is to move into a full-time position where I will be doing the same job as the other 2 gals. The BEST part about this position........drumroll please.........it is based out of my home office! Perfect for having kids and the doggies will love it too!!

I will still be working at the gym part-time as the Assistant Manager for now. I be doing many of the tasks I do right now, however I do not have to worry about the stressful ones (i.e. covering shifts when people are sick, getting called all the time with questions, the pressure of hitting sales goals, etc). Now...I get to focus on the fun parts of my job which are meeting/talking to people, party/event planning/coordinating, and teaching my group fitness classes!

My last day as manager is Friday the 12th and I start my new position with both companies on Monday the 15th. The thing I am looking forward to most is working 40 hours per week (not 50, not 55, not 60)!!! I FINALLY get my life back!!

Update

It's been forever since I updated last...but not much excitement to share! January flew by real quick. I have been working a lot of hours since everyone has made their "New Years Resolutions" to hit the gym. We have been really busy and signing up a ton of new members which is good for business! Garrett is still working hard and also dieting for his bodybuilding competition at the end of March. He's already down 30+ pounds on his way to being show ready, eating a lot of protein, nuts, and veggies. It's been a weird adjustment not making dinners every night, but also a nice break!

The kids are still doing good. We had our annual check-ups for Rusty and Lola in January. Rusty's doing good except for a urinary track infection that we are currently treating. Lola on the other hand has been going through some tests to try and determine the cause of some problems she has been having. We have ruled out anything life threatening so we are happy. Casey is still a monkey who refuses to act her age (4 next month). She has however discovered a new hobby....she is OBSESSED with our backyard fence. It backs up to the green belt behind our house where several critters live. She loves to sit at the back door and watch the squires, birds, etc. It's cute....and it keeps her occupied while we are gone so there has been less destruction in our house.

We went outside today to take some photos. Here are some cute ones. Notice there are not many of Lola....she does not like to cooperate for pictures.

Rusty








Casey







Lola-Notice the buds on the tree! Spring is already here!


Gangstas!

Lola's 5th Birthday

I feel like the worst mommy EVER......I forgot Lola's birthday was on November 16th. I have never forgotten one of my babies birthdays, so I don't know what happened. I guess my mind is in a million other places lately. Anyhoo, we celebrated her birthday today instead. She loved all the attention and new toys she got. I don't think she minded too much that it wasn't on her actual birthday!

We have only had Lola for a little over 2 years now. I still remember the day we met her at the humane society. She was so nervous and scared, but she has adapted quite well and is now our little princess. She LOVES to be scratched, in fact she will sit next to you for hours if you are petting her. She also enjoys playing, going on walks, chewing on bones, swimming, helping me cook dinner (stands in the kitchen the whole time to make sure I don't drop anything), and following me everywhere. Over the years she has perfected the "Pogo," which is an up and down hop that she does anytime we come home, before she gets fed, and when we get ready to go on walks. Basically every time she gets excited :) Lola has also taken on the role as what we call "the big bad baby" (aka...the protector of the house). She likes to bark at every loud car or noise that goes by outside. She is so sweet and we love her bunches. Happy 5th Birthday Lola!!

New toy #1 (a present from Grandma and Grandpa)


New toy #2


New toy #3


The Princess in all her glory.


Birthday cheesecake


Waiting for Grandpa to finish his lasagna so they can lick the plate


I was trying to take a picture with the birthday girl, but Rusty didn't want to be left out.