The Salyers

The Salyers
Showing posts with label Holiday Season. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday Season. Show all posts

Friday, April 13, 2012

Sick as a Dog

With Easter coming and going I swear to you I've gained ten pounds in a week.  Why is it that holiday's revolve so much around the consumption of food? Thankfully after our huge Easter meal on Sunday we all got together and played our annual family softball game. 


I haven't ran that much in I can't tell you how long.  Every muscle in my body ached the next day.  Even my ribs and abs.  I never realized how athletic you have to be to play that sport.  I mean, I played soccer in high school and don't ever remember being that sore.  It could have been because I was the goalie and did more standing in the same spot than anything.  Don't be mistaken because being a goalie is a tough position.  You are the last form of defense and when you let a ball hit the net (which I didn't do very often thank. you. very. much) you feel so responsible.  Anywho, I'm getting off track here.  Back to me discussing holiday gluttony. 

Now, it wasn't just myself who gorged ate a few pieces of candy over the weekend.  My sneaky little dogs got pretty sick themselves.  Is it an old wives tale that dogs can die from too much chocolate, because I think mine almost did.  During Easter lunch, egg hunting and the softball game, my dogs were staying at my sisters house.  When we returned there were candy wrappers everywhere, along with multiple piles of doggy vomit.  There is no telling how much candy was consumed.  All I know is that for the next 24 hours they were literally, sick as dogs.  Fortunately the chocolate did not kill my dogs and they are perfectly fine now.  I swear, I'm a good pet owner, we just forgot to set the candy up high enough from their reach.  Whoopsy!

Speaking of being a good pet owner, I recently on Facebook asked for advice about a animal situation going on in my neighborhood.  A few houses down from us we sit and watch this poor dog stay tied to a tree all day long, with no food and water, no dog house, no affection and no room to exercise.  I've been pretty bothered by it so I asked people if they thought I should write an anonymous letter and stick it in their mailbox.  They thought it was a good idea so I jumped into action and wrote what I think is a pretty nice letter but stern enough to get my point across.  Take a peek:



April 12, 2012

To Whom It May Concern:

As a homeowner in this subdivision I am very concerned about the well being of your dog.  Over the last several weeks I have noticed several things about the proper care for your animal.  They are listed below:
1.       He stays wrapped around the tree all day because he is not on a proper lead for him to run and achieve the proper amount of exercise and animal needs to be healthy.
2.       He is without food or water because what small bowls are left out get knocked over.  They are not large enough or heavy enough containers to hold enough food and water for being left out all day.
3.       He is being left all day with no shelter besides the tree he is under.  When inclement weather occurs, such as rain, heat or the cold, he has no dog house or other form of shelter to protect himself.
4.       I have witnessed other neighbors walking over to your property to give him water and untangling him from the tree.  It is not other people’s responsibility in this neighborhood to take care of an animal that is yours.
5.       I am also aware that when someone is at home, your dog is still left outside, unfed and no water is replenished in his bowl.
6.       He is not getting the proper attention from his owners.  In several weeks I have not witnessed any affection given to him.  Animals need love and care, otherwise they are at risk for feeling scared, timid and possibly turning mean.
7.       Because he is outside most the day, he spends most hours barking, which is a noise disturbance to other people.
I have witnessed these things and am truly concerned about his well being.  I think he is a great pet, very friendly and loves people.  All he wants is attention and to be taken care of properly.  Animals are meant to be pets.  I am hoping that by informing you of these things that changes will be made.  If changes aren’t made a copy of this letter will be sent to Animal Control.

Sincerely,
Concerned Neighbor and Fellow Pet Owner


What do you think? I don't think it's harsh but I want them to understand that I will take matters into my own hands if changes aren't made.  I am a pet owner and even though I've never been a huge animal person I do have a heart.  I just can't watch this sweet boxer puppy sitting out there, dying for attention.

I have one itsy bitsy problem though...I am TERRIFIED to go over to their house and stick it in their mailbox.  All day I've been watching to make sure when they are home or aren't home but I'm such a chicken.  My fear is they will come out their front door with a shotgun and shoot me for being on their property.  It's almost like a black ops mission for me.  Maybe I should dress in camouflage, paint my face and wait until dark...No? Ok, ok

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Baby's First Easter

I am tickled pink that this year I get to prepare an Easter basket for my baby girl! I went and bought lots of cute little things that she can use instead of going with the prepackaged baskets.  I hate those things.  It's a lot of money for nothing in them.  Much better to do your own.  This is what the Easter Bunny brought goose.

[caption id="attachment_338" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="This girl racked up!"][/caption]




[caption id="attachment_339" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Monkey Bibs!"][/caption]




[caption id="attachment_340" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Chocolate bunny and Caburry Eggs (for me of course!) and some Paci's"][/caption]




[caption id="attachment_341" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Monkey Security Blanket"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_342" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Rattle and Chew Toy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_343" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Two cute outfits!"][/caption]


Overall, I think her basket turned out great.  That Easter bunny didn't do too shabby.

I love Easter, it is my second favorite holiday, Christmas being first.  I love getting all dolled up on Easter Sunday for church and eating tons of Cadbury Eggs but besides that I LOVE hearing the story of the sacrifice Jesus made for us on that cross.  It gives me chills just thinking about it.  What he went through for you and for me....it's unimaginable.  Tonight I did Resurrection Eggs with Emma (yeah yeah, it's never too early to teach her!) and my niece and nephew.  They loved it and so did I.  Picturing all the steps that took place before Jesus took his last breath brings me to tears.  The amazing, unselfish sacrifice he made means that one day when I leave this world I will spend eternity with my Saviour.  Do YOU know the love of my Saviour? I pray you do because you will never find another love like it.  With out him I am NOTHING.

Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior.
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord.
Up from the grave he arose.
With a mighty triumph o’er his foes.
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And he lives forever with his saints to reign.
He arose, he arose, hallelujah, Christ arose.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Boo to the Sniffles

I unfortunately have a pretty rotten cold right now, which is not making the end of pregnancy any more fun than it already was.  I somehow seem to catch any bug my two-year old nephew gets.  I even avoided kisses and still got it.  I thought pregnant women were supposed to have superhuman immunities to block sickness? Obviously not.  Besides the horrible cold things are progressing nicely with this pregnancy.  I'm 36 weeks 2 days today but feeling more like 40 weeks.  I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and in bullet point fashion this is how things are going:

  • I gained 2 pounds.  Definitely not the 1 I was wanting to see but oh well.  I'm almost to the end and am tired and grumpy and don't care too much :)

  • My blood pressure was 118/72.  Perfect.  Has been the whole time.

  • Belly is measuring about 37 weeks.

  • Baby's heartbeat was 144 bpm.  Nice and strong.

  • Baby girl is LOW LOW LOW.  I'm dilated to 1 and 70% effaced.  He was able to touch her head yesterday which blows my mind.  I knew there was a reason I feel like I have a bowling ball in between my legs! He also in so many words said I have good hips...guess that's a good thing for giving birth!

  • I am hoping she comes on her own but if not we are talking about inducing on 1-11-11 (pretty cool birthday right?).  He seems fine with it which I'm excited about.  Having a set day is great for me since I'm a bit OCD anyway.  However, as low as she is maybe she will come sooner than that!

  • I'm OVER pregnancy.  I'm sure I've mentioned that before but I need to say it again.  Over it.  Sleep was excellent last week and now sleep doesn't exist.  I can't get comfy, my brain will not shut off, I am peeing more this week, I'm crampy and she likes to keep me awake all night and I am having hot flashes at night again.  Crazy how it can change so much just in a week!

  • I'm noticing more contractions.  Nothing back to back but she's definitely working her way out slowly but surely.  Yesterday after being checked for dilation, I'm pretty sore today.  Add that to my cold and you can imagine what kind of mood I'm in today.


It's just hard to believe that this LONG journey is almost over.  I am not even scared of labor at this point.  I'm excited and READY for it.  I know the day of delivery I will be extremely nervous but BRING IT ON.  This girl is ready for motherhood :)

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone has safe travels and has a wonderful spent with loved ones.  Let us not forget what the real reason for Christmas is! So thankful for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  What a wonderful gift to celebrate at Christmas.



Thursday, December 2, 2010

O come, let us sing unto the LORD

I grew up in church my whole life and gospel and christian music have been apart of my family since I was born.  I grew up singing in my children's choir and adult choir in church.  My mom sings and plays the piano and both of my sisters sing.  It's always been a huge part of who we are.  In my teenage years and after, I fell away from Christian music and didn't think much of it.  In the last year I have recently found my way back and I can't believe I ever stopped listening to it.  I had forgotten how wonderfully amazing it is.  It just makes me feel GOOD.  If I'm bummed or upset all I have to do is turn my radio on Way FM or pop in a Selah, Sanctus Real or Third Day cd, just to name a few.  I stopped in our local Family Christian Bookstore today for a Beth Moore Bible Study and came out with two cd's.  Even if you don't have a close relationship with Christ and have been pushing him away or have never heard of the wonderful love of Christ, I highly recommend purchasing the new WOW 2011 cd.  The music on it is incredible.  Also, for the holiday season I recommend O Holy Night by David Phelps.  It will bring tears to your eyes, make you smile and give you chills! It's a great deal too.  Not only do you get a cd but you get a dvd as well!



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. Psalms 33:1-4


O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalms 95:1-2



Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Did somebody say FREE?

In Christmas's past I have usually sent out your typical boxed Christmas cards and I finally decided this year it was time for a change.  I recently learned that Shutterfly is offering 50 (you heard me correctly, 50!) FREE holiday cards for posting a blog on your site about their amazing products.  I am new to the Shutterfly experience and after browsing their website I am completely in love with their products.  I have several friends that send us Christmas cards every year created by Shutterfly and they are always great.  I love that you can personalize your card with your own words and photos.  It makes it special to those family members we don't get to see very often.  I am so excited to share the card that I have picked for our family this year.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do ya think? Pretty amazing quality I must say.  I browsed the website today looking for the perfect card for our family and when I came across this one I knew it was perfect.  I think family and friends will love them! You may see that I added Emma's name to the card and it's because she is already a member of our little family even though she's still growing in my tummy.  Who knows, it's a possibility she could be here at Christmas! To look for your own perfect Christmas Photo Card just click here.  You won't be disappointed! Also, if you love the Christmas Cards you will love the desk calendars.  With baby Emma arriving at the first of the year I'm thinking I may just have to order some 2011 calendars for our home and for the grandparents, aunts and uncles! You can check those out here.  If you want to partake in this wonderful offer just head on over to Shutterfly and get started!