Lily: Post Surgery

Lily has always been the dog that goes to the vet the most.  If it isn't her kidneys, it is something else.  Well, Hubby found a tumor on her back right paw a few weeks ago and we took her to the vet to have it checked out.  During the examination the doc determined that it needed to go 1) because it was between her toes and would be a nuisance to her and 2) it was pretty large and ugly.  So yesterday she went in for surgery to have two tumors removed, the aforementioned one on her foot, and another on her back.  The biopsy results (cancer or not) will be back in about 10 days.  She also had two incisors pulled as they were virtually falling out anyway.  She is doing well, heavily medicated and sleepy, but pulling through this ordeal just fine!

 Notice the bandage on her back paw, she hasn't bothered it yet despite the stitches and the fact they cut the webbing between her toes.

Trudy wouldn't sleep last night until we moved her bed next to Lily's.  She is such a good big sister (and a worrier, just like her Mom)!

Phillips Wedding

On 11/11/11, the marriage of Robert Phillips and Kristianna Dorst took place among the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona.

 The ceremony took place atop a hill with an amazing view as the backdrop.

 The Bride and her step-father

 The wedding was officiated by the Bride's other step-father

 The Family (from left to right): Robert, Sharon, Jackie, Matthew and Grandma Eileen

 Grandma was so happy!  What a beautiful picture!

 The Groom and Best Man

 I absolutely love this outtake! Smiles!!

 Silly Boys!

 Just Married!

Always the Protectors

 Beautiful Bride

 Husband and Wife

The Bride arrived in a horse drawn carriage and the couple left the ceremony the same way.  That pony was a very good sport!

Tutoring: Test Grades

Each of the "kids" I tutor texted me when they got their tests back.  One received an 81%, the other an 85%.  Much better from the failing grades they each received on their first test, but some room for improvement.  I am so proud of them both and they each seem quite happy with the results!  

On a side note: one of my students said the nicest thing to me right before this test.  He stated that he has never been worried about a test before because he never felt smart enough to pass it.  For the first time he was nervous because he felt smart enough to do well.  I am gratified that I could make a difference.

My Old Kitten

I realized the other day that I have very few pictures of Piper on my blog, so here are a few I snapped over the past week or so.  Piper is my old girl, 10 years old now, and is still so very tiny.  Only 8 lbs and still has silky fur like a kitten.

Homemade French Bread

My first attempt at making homemade french bread...not bad!

Halloween 2011

 Trudy as a cow

 Lily as a bumblebee

 Trudy as a lobster

Lily as a pig

Oh Civilization V....

...how you make me waste hours and hours of precious time but you are so much fun!

Tutoring

My students have their second test today (the first since I started tutoring them). I am so nervous, more so than when I took this class. I really want them to do well and not feel our sessions are a waste. Sending positive thoughts to them both!

Silly Schnauzers

It seems about time for another silly schnauzers post.

Trudy in Piper's scratching post, not of her own free will...

Best Friends

Homemade Bread = Success

When my sister moved out about two months ago, one of the items she wasn't able to take to California was her breadmaker.  I decided to take a stab at it last weekend, but failed miserably (see yesterdays post).  Today I decided to give it another try and...success!  Warm, homemade garlic bread!

The Ghost of Lily

I have no idea how this happened on a digital camera...

An Hour in the Park

I attempted to make homemade bread last weekend...which ended miserably.  So instead of throwing it away, we went to the park this morning to feed the ducks and birds.  Unfortunately it is still almost 100 degrees in the middle of October, so we only stayed for an hour.

 

Weight Loss

I have to credit this post to my friend Alana over at Fractured Fairy Tales who has been so completely open and honest regarding her struggles with weight gain and loss.  It is such a difficult subject and she has tackled it head on!

One benefit of being unemployed is that you have more time on your hands.  More time means little excuse for not working out.  Since graduating in May I have gone to the gym at least 3 times a week for a minimum of one hour.  In addition, I have rid myself of any unnecessary medications and of course am doing the vegetarian diet. So far I have lost 7 pounds!  This is a great start but I still have a way to go. What a difference it makes when you see results!

My favorite gym music: Ke$ha