Where's Mckenna?

Jezzabel was so confused after we laid Mckenna down in her crib when we first got back from the hospital. Every time Mckenna would make a sound, Jezzabel would frantically look for her. We caught one of those times on film.

Back in the Swing of Things!!

Today is the start of a new chapter in our lives. No, I'm not talking about being newly married or settling in to a new house, I'm talking about finally settling in to the life we're used to. It's been a whirlwind around here since May 22nd (well actually long before that) but I think we're now ready to settle down after the post-wedding madness. We just got back from our annual family vacation in Rocky Point, Mexico and now it feels like I need a break. You guys know what I'm talking about? I think that I live such a routine based life, that every time I'm out of that routine it actually takes more energy, even if I'm relaxing on the beaches of Mexico. Maybe it's just me, but vacations truly exhaust me. Don't get me wrong, they're certainly a great change of pace and something I very much look forward to, but I'm definitely most comfortable in the comfort of my own home.

On a side note (with the full story to come at a later date)- One thing I need to take care of though is this rib/cartilage/muscle/lung thingy that I have going on. Some of you may have seen the update on my Facebook, but I was in a pretty gnarly boogie board accident that required a trip to a Mexican clinic for x-rays and a doctor consult. He said that he didn't see any broken bones, but with the more days that pass, the less I believe him. I'm actually taking pain medicine. If you know anything about me, you know that I avoid that stuff like the plague. Without it however, I have a hard time taking in a deep breath or coughing, sleeping is quite tough and the most minor of movements will send me shooting through the roof. I hope to get it checked out tomorrow and I'll keep you guys posted.

Anyway, I'm ready to get back on the horse now. I'm ready for homemade breakfast sandwiches in the morning and sitting at a computer all day long. I'm ready for the gym and long walks around the neighborhood. I'm ready for conference calls and game nights with friends. I'm ready to learn my yard and do my best to not have it defeat me. I'm ready to get my dog back and take her to the new dog park down the street.

I'm ready to officially start the "real life" with my bride.

Top Ten Things I Missed About Jezzabel

I got Jezzabel back this weekend after she had been staying with my mom during all of Josh and Chrissy's wedding stuff. I wasn't around much and the last thing I wanted to do was leave her home alone all day. My mom, as she does often when I go into the hospital or out of town, took her off of my hands for a while. It doesn't take long for me to start missing her, but these would be the top ten things I miss most:

10. Not having my morning walk partner

9. She's ALWAYS happy to see me when I come home

8. It's super cute when I don't know where she is and then discover her out cold on her doggy bed

7. The way she stretches and yawns every morning is hilarious

6. When I'm at Mandi's house I'll take her down to the wash and let her run loose and explore

5. The way she shimmies and rolls around on the ground to scratch her back

4. When she puts her head in between her paws and stares at me with her big brown eyes

3. Hearing and seeing her dream after she falls asleep (she's always chasing something and barking at it)

2. The way she stands at the door so patiently when she wants to go outside

1. Snuggling with her (although she doesn't beat Mandi)

Wash Sprints

This past week has been pretty terrible for weather here in "sunny" Arizona. It seems like every time I get ready for a run, the skies open up and it starts to pour. I have to admit, it's really throwing me off of my game. I still start each morning out with a walk however by bundling up, throwing my hoodie on and just "toughing" it out. It's actually pretty peaceful to walk in the rain. I can tell you that I enjoy it far more than Jezzabel does. She still acts like she's going to melt every time she even thinks about rain. Anyway, getting that morning walk in for me is crucial. If I don't get that walk in, the "ick" feeling in my lungs will usually stay with me throughout the day.

Although the afternoon runs haven't been going as planned, Mandi and I have discovered another way to exercise. The wash behind her parent's house. Now, for those of you not from the desert. A wash is basically a river bed that rarely sees a drop of water and most of the time is "over grown" with some vegetation and random cacti. Lucky for us, her parent's house backs directly up to one. This has proven to be a great way to get in a quick workout and something the JBell thoroughly enjoys. See, Jezzy isn't the most disciplined walkee in the world and often tugs on her leash. The beauty of the wash, we're the only ones down there and she is leash free. I can't begin to tell you how much she loves it. It's nice for Mandi and I also as we can focus more on each other than constantly yanking back J Beezy.

We started a new game with Jezzabel that has proven to be quite the workout. While Jezzy is busy sniffing around and not paying attention, Mandi and I sneak off. Then just as we're getting out of eye site from her, we call her name and sprint the other direction. We run until J catches us. I'm not sure how many wind sprints we did today, but I know it was a lot and I was FOR SURE winded! We also managed to play a game of hide and seek which Jezzabel proved to be way too good at.

Point is, something is better than nothing. The weather doesn't always cooperate with what we want to get done and 5 minutes of sprints are better than sitting on the couch watching Judge Judy (although I did that also). Hopefully the weather holds up tomorrow, I push through this head cold I'm experiencing and maybe, just maybe I'll actually be able to run after putting on my shoes!

Pictures of Breaking but NOT Entering

As many of you saw and read, Ronnie and I were in California this weekend. Ronnie surprised me with the trip as a late birthday gift. He just said, "Hey, pack a bag, we're going to CA." It was the BEST gift he could have gotten me. We had an incredible time together and I have never been to CA except flying through the airport to and from Asia.

As I said, WE had an awesome time. Ronnie's dog, Jezzabel, did not! We left her at my house with my brother (my brother and I live together, cute I know). For some odd reason, JBell thought she could claw her way out of the house, and meet us in CA. Check out the damage:

Jezzabel is eating us out of house and home.

She couldn't quite reach the doorknob to let herself out.

A closer look at the criminal damage...we're pressing charges.

She was apparently hungry for dry wall as well.