New Addition

Two years ago, Dusty and I started talking about getting a puppy, but it was all talk.  Last year for Valentine's Day, he gave me the authority to get a puppy.  Last November, we went to a shelter and looked at dogs, and didn't find one.  We looked at some kitten's, and almost walked out with two.  We were planning on going back the following day to pick them up; however, we chickened out.  

A couple weeks ago, I was working from home for a day, and browsing a local website that frequently has pet classifieds.  I saw the picture, and immediately fell in love.  I emailed the owners, and we began talking.  We set up a time to meet, and we came home with a new addition to our family.  

Meet Bella.  

She is 1/2 Maltese, and 1/2 Yorkie.  This is her at 8 weeks, 2.2 lbs.  She is now 10 weeks, and nearing the 3lb mark.  She will probably be just over 6 lbs when full grown.

She is the most adorable little puppy I have ever seen.  She is playful, loving, and a quick learner.  She absolutely loves Dusty.  (Sometimes I get a little jealous).  When we first got her, we were a little worried because she was terrified of stairs or anything higher than the ground she was walking on.  

We knew that would be a problem with 2 sets of stairs in our house.  We would put her on a step and she would just whine.  It took about a week, and lots of treats before she got comfortable them.  

In the 2.5 weeks we have had her, she has experienced walking around the neighborhood (she wasn't so sure about it at first), shots, stairs, a bath

A visit with Willie (Mom & Dad's Yorkie).  Willie was not too interested in Bella.  In fact, he was flat out terrified.  We all thought that was very unusual as Willie is typically the type who would try to play with a great dane!  

Perhaps it was that she was playing with his toys...

Or maybe, stealing his Dad

and a visit with Bailey (Grandma & Grandpa's Yorkie).  Bailey was a little less frightened, but still quite jealous.  Hopefully, they will all warm up to her and they can be great friends.

We have also been dealing a bit with this.  We are trying to be patient, and she is learning and getting better every day, but it sure seems like a very long road.  Thank heavens for Spot Gone!

Overall, we love her, and can't be happier that she is a part of our family.  I am sure you will be seeing more pictures of cute little Bella in the future.

Gymnastics Season

High School gymnastics has been a part of my life since I was probably about 5.  My Mom coached for Fort Vancouver High School for many years, then moved to Columbia River High School for many years, and currently coaches for Olympia High School.  When I graduated high school, I thought that perhaps it was just part of my history.  That was until I came back and helped score meets for Mom.  Again, I thought that was where it ended.

Low and behold, I marry a coach of high school gymnastics.  He coached for Issaquah high school when I met him, and actually, it was this wonderful community of high school gymnastics that introduced us.  Dusty continued to coach for Issaquah, and Thomas Jefferson after we were married.

This year, the world I grew up in and the world I married collided as Dusty assisted as a volunteer coach for Olympia High School with my Mom.  Dusty had such a great time and absolutely loved teaching these girls.  He felt more appreciated and a part of this team than any other team he has coached for, and had a fabulous season.  The Olympia team, qualified quite a few gymnasts (6, I think) to districts, and 1 to state.  

I also, got my scoring fix, and Dad and I were able to help Mom score the meet she was running.