Esplendor Havanese, the Saxey Family!

What a YEAR it has been 2010

2011-01-15T17:09:00.000-08:00

Mexico

I am notoriously slow at blogging. The world of Facebook has taken over and if I have even time to make a comment there I feel special . BUT things have happened since my last blog and I will try to catch up! Ok, so I put a great paragraph together about Dakota Lilly Keith and Emily and baby number three and I lost it, and the photo went somewhere ..... so I will do a seperate blog on them anyway!

Ok we can clearly see that I do not know how to place pictures, since the next update was going to be about the three middle kids - they got to go to Hawaii this year and learn how to surf and play in the sun and sand, and they actually were there long enough to shed the moss from gray wet Washington :) Oh, and of course Mari found her "Model Wind" : ) ^^

This was our first family vacation in 6 years when we were all together. Then we went to Mexico with Roderick II and Saskia on a cruise, which was great, we learned how to (on a bigger boat and better cruise line) and how not to cruise (not right after HS graduation or out of Long Beach Harbor), and that I need to be heavily medicated to be on the bottom deck with a bunch of cigar smokers (yuck!) Next time if there ever is one, BALCONY!!!!!!

Then we went on to MI to see Emily, Keith, Dakota, and Lilly. Emily took us on a whirlwind of the area, and to the Gardens near her home. They are FABULOUS!! Plenty of apple orchards and heyrides, and hot chocolate for the Fall Afficiando.

Next we headed down to Portland to see Michele and Nicholas. Our travel bill came in and we decided everyone needs to move back home! Roderick and Saskia live on the east coast, Michele and Nicholas on the west coast, and Em and Kieth in the upper Midwest. At least no one is overseas anymore and we can use the Frequent Flier miles I am learning to rack up as my new hobby. The people at the post office think Im nuts but what do they really know?

This Summer and Fall we managed to have three of our offspring dogs finish their Championships - you can see all about that at www.esplendorhavanese.com -- we have two more out and two in the wings!

In January of '11 I started yet another business www.mytouchstonecrystal.com with the Swarovski Company. I am THRILLED! I love the bling and the chance to get out now and then and party with some girl friends! All of this AND we moved. OK I should say EPIC move, we moved three households full of stuff not counting the garage sale and the enormous amount of stuff donated to the goodwill. It took us four full months to get two houses and three garages empty. We are now happily ensconced at the base of Ranier and we of course, are ready for the Lahar. :)

Hopefully the photo will show up here ----> NOPE didnt show up :( Im totally not a good blogger!

Merry Christmas From our Havanese House to yours!!

2009-12-24T23:21:00.001-08:00

Kids and Puppies - that's what we are all about! Merry Christmas to everyone that we dont get to see!

Christmas 09 Havanese Puppies! Esplendor Havanese

2009-11-18T02:00:00.001-08:00

WOW out of 11 Puppies we have just two left for Christmas 09! I like to see them go home either well ahead of Christmas to get used to the new family before the chaos begins or I like to see them go home Christmas Night or the day AFTER Christmas. Puppy proofing the home for Christmas for any pup is a great idea but these Havanese are a curious and outgoing lot and they will want to play with ornaments decorations and toys, so keep the place tidy on the day that Puppy comes home!

I Hope to find a good home for the both of them, but an adult home for the little white guy, he is smaller and will stay that way and will need some TLC -- he is 100% perfectly healthy and happy JUST Small. He has a brother who is pretty big so they make great bookends!

Havanese Christmas Puppies -- A Slice of heaven!

The Neaman Baby Girl arrives

2009-02-07T00:57:00.000-08:00

Baby Lily Sapphira arrived at 7lbs 10oz, and is she ever a doll, no really, she looks just like a porcelain doll. I think Marie Osmond should use her as a model and that momma should get an agency! All of my friends agree, she looks porcelain perfect.

What do you think? I posted her photo to all of my friends and everyone agrees Lily Sapphira is as gorgeous as is her name! Just my humble opinion!
One day when Lily and big bro Daktoa grow older and Momma has a full-time Nanny, she can have one of these --if momma says so.

In fact Grandpa would make sure that her Esplendor Havanese would arrived potty trained, crate trained and well mannered. He said she would NEVER make mommy mad and pee in the sink(like Monkey the kitty does), or get fleas (like monkey does --she really can't help it and momma now buys her big fat expensive pills that make them go away) or make ANYONE sneeze because Grandpas Esplendor Havanese are smart, and hypoallergenic.

Our current batch that is barely 4 weeks old are already paper trained! How many cross breed designer dog puppy mill mutts can do that? Or cats for that matter? I think that the perfect kids should have the perfect childrens companion dog MADE for kids. But we still have LOTS of time for that.

Momma Emily still needs to recover from the drama that is ...... monkey. Poor momma. Monkey had not been a good animal role model. And momma Em needs to have time for spa days, all day school and vacations before even the perfect doggy could come along. Em has a hard time with two wee ones under two to raise with a VERY VERY busy Doctor Daddy. So one day when Daddy is in his own practice or a terrific group, (maybe even close enough for us to board said kids and potential dog) maybe a perfect pup can come join the beautiful family. We hope to see more stunning photos of new baby Lily, she is a superstar!

We wish the new family the best of luck and we will even loan out a leah sitter if we can just find a great place for the Monkey and a SUPER DUPER STANLEY Steamer outfitted with my favorite weapon : Anti-Icky Poo. Look it up. Its for animal lovers and animal tolerators alike :))

Blessing to Em, Keith Dakota and new Lily, the flower from Heaven.

Havanese Puppies are so CUTE! Purebred. Why would anyone risk the heatlh of a "designer dog" aka mutt from a puppy mill?

2009-02-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

Esplendor's Stardust - likely Laura will name her but I like "Tink"
Esplendor's Dancing with the Stars - He hasnt got his call name yet, they are still picking it out, of course, my vote is Donny :))
This Red Irish Pied Boy is the pick of the litter in my opinion, just because he is DAZZLING. His Name is Esplendor's Artful Dodger
Esplendor's Night Under the Stars "Sassie" (I like Hussey more but you know, PC and all that)
Sassie has a twin Brother whose name is "Hutch" - we havent figured out his reg name yet. I am thinking Hunky Hollywood Star.

Esplendor's "Star Crossed Lover" - Romeo - by far and away my favorite from Mindy in temperament, he is sweet and laid back and look -- he is gorgeous!

Next, The Twins Tiff and Tiara (Jewel in the Crown and Diamonds R A Girls Best Friend) Tiff is still available.

This is Titan below, Esplendors Emerald City Archer.The furkids are getting really cute.

Just two photos to go, Diamonds are Forever (or Her majestys Secret Service) "Bond"
And Duke. I'll get them next time.

To learn more about Havanese puppies see the link called HAV FAQ's or History on my site
www.esplendorhavanese.com.
All but one of the pups are sold. When the breeders do evals I may let one more go to a pet home. All depends on how busy I want to be showing them!

Havanese Puppies! MMM Puppy Breath!

2009-01-16T23:08:00.000-08:00

Mindy and Fergies Litters are here, and wow are they different colors!
All but two are sold, which is amazing to me since they were born 5 days ago!
Am I tired!

Family And Havanese Puppy News

2009-01-04T23:15:00.000-08:00

Well here I am for our semi - annual bolg. It isn't much but for now I am publishing on my website, and doing work for the IHC, among other things like teaching school and whelping puppies.

The kids are doing great, Duncan is a history buff and loves Tennis shoes among the nephites so much that he has hardly slept in two months. I am playing dumb on purpose, he is reading like wildfire.

Leah is deciding whether she will continue with seminary or not. She loves it but eh time of day is obsecene and is throwing off her body clock like nothing I have ever seen. Its a tough call. She has picked up Math, English, History, literature and some other programs designed for further education -such as shakespeare and classics.

Caelie is still going to college and will help me out this semester with Leahs schedule. She is getting good grades and is liking PCC and teh closeness to home. We decided that she needs a real trip somewhere since everytime we travel she is in school. I think she is going to kill me off and pick Japan, but atleast we wont gain weight on vacation and it will make her happy. Everyone needs incentive and broader horizons. She has been a really good "kid".

Roderick and Saskia are making their L/D marriage work well, and we wish we were closer to them. Saskia is a dear and very sweet and fun.

Em and Keith and Dakota are expecting once again -- a baby girl, no name yet, due Jan mid. I am guessing her name is "Nelly" though no doubt it will be different.

Michelle and Nicholas are doing fine as I hear. We had expected them to emigrate long before now, and now they are talking about buying a house, which I hope they do not do for some time until things stabilize. If Scotland is the goal, a house here is counter-productive.

Mindy and Fergie are both having puppies, in the next day or so (Jan 09) and there are supposed to be 5 each. Fergie is peeved b/c she has to sleep in the kitchen in her box now, and not on mom and dads bed. This time all but 2 are already spoken for -- surprising for this time of year, but the pairings are excellent and the moms are terrific moms. I am really pleased with our buyers so far.

Summer is just arriving!

2008-09-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Apparently we have had one of the coolest summers on record, so just as the rest of the world is buzzng around and taking kids to school and back, we are enjoying the "summer" weather this Fall!

Both kids were busy this summer -- Leah went to EFY, Girls Camp (for 24 hours until she came home with food poisoning) and she Kayaked the Sound with the YMCA. She is now buff and tough ! She also "ate" a BYU math class by doing a semester or work in 5 weeks. Ask her someday about her awesome tutor.

Duncan went to Scout camp, and then Teen adventure with YMCA, they got flooded on the second week and had to be rescued off of a mountain after a severe thunderstorm. He spent two weeks in a YURT, and still wants to go back next year. What a boy!

Of course the big news of the summer is that both kids danced in the LDS Dance Festival with over 1500 kids ! Leah danced the Charlston and the group dances, and Duncan danced with all of the Deacons in a basketball dance, and then all the group dances. They performed at the Tacoma Dome for three performances. Their photo is up top of their Ward/stake shirts.

All in all I am glad summer activities are over, I also moved Caelie out, the missionaries out, Caelie in, my parents out and my parents stuff into our barn. As soon as the dust settled Seminary started. YEAH. We start driving the hood at 6am, and then again at 7. Joy.

Anyone who had seen our garage over the summer, and all of the camping equipment that had barfed its way all over the floor would be amazed at what we did this weekend. Our garage will now take a CAR! The last bastion to be tackled is the T O O L B E N C H from hell. That will be fun!

TTFN all those of you who do not ever read this, this has been fun!

And in other news........

2008-04-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Saskia and Roderick II are tying the knot!!! Yay!!

We will be there or be square May 28, 2008 in the Netherlands!

Finally updating

2008-04-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hey Ya'll,

We are in the midst of showing our offspring from the Rex and Dreamy litter! YAY! They are doing well, learning how to put ALL four paws on the floor at once. Pippin (aka Magic) took Best Bred By Exhibitor last weekend, good for him. He is showy and handsome and a total spastic, all puppy.

News: Kirby Heyborne is going ot be here at the Auburn PAC August 9th, let me know if you need tickets, and if you want to be part of the the street team and earn a backstage pass and a free seat!

This is Leah and Dolly...and me and Pippin at Moses Lake. Lots of Dirt and tons of fun!

Have to Have a Havanese for Christmas? YES!

2007-11-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

So the puppies are going on to 7 weeks old today, and three of them have homes! Two are still looking for forever homes, Klaus and Rider.

I am going to miss them. Klaus looks like a bandit, and Rider lookes like a bandit with his mask partially on. Both are intensely cute!

Havanese Puppies are soo CUTE!

2007-10-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

The Christmas Dreams Litter Has Arrived, this is the smallest, weighing in at 10 oz at two weeks. She was just 5 oz at birth, her name is Esplendor's Sugar Plum Dreams. She has one sister and three brothers, all doing very well.
click on over to our website www.esplendorhavanese.com and see all of the pups on our Nursery page. These puppies will be able to go home just in time for a sweet Christmas Surprise!

Rex and Dreamy sittin in a tree....

2007-08-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya'll

Just a quick update - Rex and Dreamy are officially hitched and in less than 60 days, we oughta have our first Esplendor Havanese litter. Both of them are novices, so we will see if they actually can prove themselves. I anticipate Dreamys first litter to be small, but I could be surprised, you never know.

So if you are thinking that the happiest dog on earth, hypoallergenic and non-shedding, easy to train and cute as can be is for you, speak now! If for some reason we determine that Dreamy didnt take, in 60 days I will also have a friends litter I can refer you to. contact me via www.esplendorhavanese.com there is a contact page and email address, esplendorhavanese@yahoo.com.

Yes we are still alive

2007-05-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

We have just been settling in, going to dog shows and settling in some more. The world changes so fast here that I have to stop to just see how much the kids grow every day. Duncan is an inch behind, Leah is 1 inch past me, and they are both doing their level best to be real teenagers.

The big new is that this summer we are bringing Kirby Heyborne to our local Performing Arts Center in Sumner at Sumner High. Its going to be a blast so get hold of me if you want a ticket before they sell out!

Get your ticket from me or at www.kirbyheyborne.com

Kirby is known best for his performance in Saints and Soldiers, Best Two Years and the RM, to name a few of the movies, he also aopeared in Free Ride, a sitcome this past fall.

TTFN

We have all gone to the dogs....

2007-01-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

Seriously, if life gets any busier I am going to become a dog and let everyone else clean up after me.

It's a good thing they are cute because Argus the perfectly loveable lab is driving me up a tree. He is sooooooooooooooooo needy with the puppy here. He walks IN FRONT OF ME everywhere he thinks I am going....in this little postage stamp I am nearly crazy.

I am so glad no one reads this because I now know it is the perfect place to vent..well almost perfect. I guess it would have to be private for that huh? The above snap is of Rex climbing mount Argus in search of his favorite ear to rip in half (if he could he would). Argus gets brownie points and treats for putting up with the teething dog.
OK the kids have short timers disease and they dont want to do anything unless they get yelled at. SIGH.

Christmas 2006 pt 3

2006-12-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

Then it was on to SLC, Temple Square and the Mormon Tab Choir Christmas Concert at the Conference Center. We entered the Center in winter, and came out in a snow storm :)

Christmas 2006 pt 2

2006-12-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

Then on to a nice Christmas Concert where Duncan got to go onstage to decorate christmas trees during the performance... then backstage to meet to meet the band and get his WSU cougars hat signed by Donny :)

Christmas 2006

2006-12-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

Pre-Christmas trip to Vegas... this one is in the Bellagio- there is a cranberry bog in the background, a polar bear made of crysanthymums and a chocolate founatain that carries two tons of chocolate through the shop/casino.

Rex is settling in

2006-12-29T10:17:00.000-08:00

well, "LIttle" Rex has been here since the 12th and I would say that he is finally on the mend, in fact he is not coughing anymore, his eyes look great, his runs are gone and overall he is perky, puppy like and a holy terror! He has the terrible twos in addition to the usual puppy chewing. We decided that we really should have called him Huodini, as he can escape from anywhere, take of a persons glasses in one quick move, jump over, on and under the Labrador with the speed of lightning, unzip the cover from his sleeping pad and pull the pad out, and get what ever he wants whenever he wants it.

He is a really good puppy, has a terrific shape, line and gait, and he is already smart as a whip and just over 6 pounds.

Duncan is learning fast how to clean up quickly, feed on time, make sure the water is full, play, play, play, time the potty stops, and soon we will start to stack. We held off since he has been sick but now we will work with this wiggly puppy here and there to get him ready for Kathy.

To those who have inquired, he would indeed be an expensive "meal". Add the purchase price to the vets bill and he comes out to a third of the price of my middle child. :)

Double Double Troil and Trouble......

2006-11-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

This is the most recent of Duncan and his sister Hermoine Grainger......aka Leah! (she really does have a neck).

Royal Expectations "Rex"

2006-11-17T19:42:00.000-08:00

This is "Rex", Amblers Royal Expectations. He will be Duncan's dog in about a week! Lovely shape and great attitude.

Win 2 Salem OR, a big surprise on this one :)

2006-11-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you Judge Ms Marcie Dobkin, and Handler Gary Stiles. This was a big surprise, as Dreamy was VERY Puppy the day before and actually had that day's judge in great big belly laughter! COOl.. Her hair has grown and so has she :)

win 1 just for becky

2006-11-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

Dreamy's first major win, with
judge Mounce, and Handler Gary Stiles.

And the search continues

2006-11-02T00:49:00.000-08:00

We are searching for our male puppy, and boy has that been a process. I would love to buy from our previous breeder, but its best not to if our puppies have babies. So that has led me all over the web, the state, and 2 other states to see dogs. Ugh.
I think we may have found one though, his current name is Diamond, but Duncan thinks that is a girly name. His 5 week old picture is right here. He is not heavily colored on the face as I imagine we would buy (he is almost all white from Judges side view, then nearly all black from the opposite side -- kinda different) but structurally he appears to be very sound ( he is "flashing the pad" already"). I like the head shape, the set of his eyes and his legs. Next week I will actually touch him, see what hsi temperament, coat and legs look like up close, thencheck the rest of his mates, and see what happens. Then I will see another batch in Oregon, and then make the hard decision. All puppies are cute, but this one is headed to the show ring, and because he is Duncan's dog, he is a lifetime keeper. No returns or replacements no matter what.
If I am really lucky, when Lauras girls have a litter Nove 7th ish I may pick up another girl. My parents are looking for a puppy and I would rather they have one of Lauras girls. I know her, she stands behind her dogs, and they turn out well in the ring. I also know she does all her health testing. I think I put less research into my Lincoln Aviator than my dogs. Thats saying something.
TTFN

New Pictures

2006-10-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

I find this a great way to share pictures with friends without burying their mailboxes. I am sure there is a better way, but for now it works! This is Duncan at the Michael Buble Concert I took him to about two months ago - yes he's had his hair done since then. He likes to say I did it for him, but he decided on the color change.

oh the agony

2006-10-14T23:26:00.000-07:00

This is my second favorite picture from the Enumclaw weekend (see first fave below) --this is going home, I snuck this picuture from the drivers seat....

It's ok, she chilled and then did her homework so she could come along next time. Sigh.

Lest we forget Duncan, we are on the hunt for his special boy dog. It's harder than one would think to find just the right pup. So far though I have spoken to some very knowledgable breeders, and am favoring one in Beaverton, Oregon and one other in Bremerton. Gotta wait and see once they get a little older. He has been very patient so I hope for his sake, we choose wisely.

TTFN

Joi de Vive

2006-10-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

Leah and I went to see Dreamy at the Enumclaw Dog Show. It had been 4 weeks since Leah saw her and boy was she excited to see her! Ithink this is now one of my favorite pictures...

Winner Puppy Class!

2006-10-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, So our little Dreamy is having fun learning all about Dog Shows. My "Learning Curve" is more steep as I try to figure out which wins earn points and how many, and use the proper terminology for each event, etc.

This weekend Dreamy was in the Richland AKC show in Kennewick at Columbia Park right on the Columbia River. The weather was perfect though it was on grass, Dreamy's first time in an uneven ring. The Jr Handler that works with Dreamy said that the grass "tickled her toes" and makes it harder to gain an even gait . Even so, she did a great job, both days she won her puppy class and the second day won Reserve, or Winners Bitch.

Next week Leah and I go to Enumclaw - King County Fairgrounds. Leah hasn't seen Dreamy in about a month and she is going nutty on me. She is not too happy about leaving her with Gary until the end of November, and I can't blame her. She will see her after the show this weekend and no doubt the pair will be ecstatic. Dreamy came unglued when we saw her Saturday and it was hard to leave her there. If by some means Dreamy were to gain her points sooner, she could come home sooner, but we all agree that she will stay until she earns her Ch. Designation rather than bounce her back and forth during the process. She can come home in Nov and return in January should she need more points.
Whew.
Still looking for Duncan's boy dog. Hope we find the right one soon.

Congratulations Dreamy and Gary Stiles Dreamy's first Major win!

2006-09-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

Dreamy's baby picture above, at about 6 weeks.

Dreamy and Duncan this summer after swimming and grooming below.

Congratulations Dreamy, you did it!

Wow - we are one surprised family! Dreamy went off to her first dog show for all breeds, and in her class of 17 Havanese, she won:
First in Class
Best of Winners
Winners Bitch
AND
Best of Opposite Sex (which means the best of breed dog was a male)

This is considered a MAJOR, and it gave her 4 points! Not bad for her first outing ever, after one week with Gary Stiles. Congratulations to Gary for great showing and for Laura Vivolo for the awesome breeding and recommendation on Dreamy when she was just a newborn.

Dreamy has a few more shows in the next few weeks, we will see how she does, but we are hopeful that she can continue her success and become a Champion like her mom Bri , and her dad Chaos (both from Grandview Havanese, Laura's Kennel).

This is Leah's dog, and she is OVER THE MOON with giddy excitement. Duncan has been bugging for his male since he fell in love with Dreamy's black and white brother), so we are officially on the hunt for his dog. I would hate for him to be disappointed, so I have asked Laura for her expert opinion on finding the right dog for Duncan. That of course, means a puppy again. :) They sure are fun but of course, for mom, they take a lot of attention. We can't wait, we'll see what Dreamy thinks about a puppy -- she is of course top dog even though Argus, our Lab and Jack Caelie's Yorkie would think otherwise.

Watch for Dreamy's winners pictures, we will post them when we get them in from Gary.
GO GARY!!! Thanks!!

Off to show we go

2006-09-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

We are taking Dreamy to Gary Stiles, the handler who shows dogs this weekend and then coming home.She will show in a week in Gig Harbor and then Richland and then Enumclaw. I hope I can calm my nerves long enough to sleep so I can get us there and come home. The picuture is of a black and white Havanese that we saw over the summer. Looks over groomed but what do I know. It won best of breed. Of course the other dogs were pretty mutty lookin, it was afterall the Lewiston show. Good luck Dreamy, we hope our attempts to groom you and give you good manners will help you do well!

L

Yo, its Roderick and Saskia -- say "hi"!

2006-09-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hey all, this is Saskia, Roderick and a guy named Tom. Roderick says Saskia is a doll and we beleive him.
Glad to see that University has been good to you, Roderick -- have fun this fall and for heaven's sake, send us some lovely pictures of England as well as beautiful Dutch maidens.

I raise my Dew to you, dude. Cheers!

Lisa

Grandview's Bri's Champagne Dreams - "Dreamy"

2006-09-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's off to show we go. Sept 18th, our nearly 6 month old Havanese "Dreamy" will be dropped of with Gary Stiles, a successful handler of little dogs.We hope that he thinks Dreamy is good show quality and ready to go into Puppy class. Her parents are both Champions - so her breeder has high hopes for her.
Gary will have her long enough to see if he will choose her over another dog he could show, and then if he does, she will get groomed a TON as in every day, and walked and worked with. We have done enough of that to make her familiar with the process, so cross your fingers!

Surf's up dude.....

2006-08-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

Every now and then a guy has to do what a guy has to do... and this time it's a new "do".
Yes, the boy wanted blonde hair, so he got it. Then he wanted it spiked, so I did that too. Sigh, at least he didn't want smurf blue :) The new color is growing on us, so now we have a strawberry blonde with a summer golden tan. Who is this child? Duncan (Holding Leahs's dog Dreamy)! This year he will try out a new school, won't they be surprised when his hair grows out ! YIKES.

13! Watch out World!

2006-08-28T02:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has finally happened. There is a teenager in the house again! So we all celebrated at Silverwood/Boulder Beach, ate, saw and conquered. Next, it's on to school, and one more year and then OH NO, dances! :)
Happy Birthday Leah!

2006-08-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

Duncans performance group - he's way in the back.
The Performance Dance Team - nice job !

2006-08-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

This is Mari just as she finished the modeling portion of the dance performance, she did a terrific job! Opted to keep the outfit for dance this year out of her own allowance. Smart girl. :)

MMmmmm Lentils

2006-08-21T00:28:00.000-07:00

So the big Lentil Festival occured this weekend. For the first time ever, we went downtown with the mobs and has some of the 250 gallons of homemade lentil chili. I'm not sure what I what I was expecting but the chili was HOT! As in "who peeled too many chili's?" hot. Ok, I am no babe when it comes to spicy jabaneros, etc, but I'm telling you my eyes were watering. Enough of that. Leah and Duncan marched in the Festival parade on Sat morning, we skipped lentil pancakes, and then it was off to the Festival where they both performed in 90 degree weather. Sound like fun? It was, even in the heat. The hightlight for Leah was modeling for one of the dance apparel stores. She walked in to buy some jazz pants and got hired on the spot. The other girls that modeled had apparently all gotten toghether and worked out this cute little fashion "routine", but she didnt know about it. YIKES. She stepped in and never missed a beat. Ok, so I'm ready to bust my buttons. Look who's little girl is all grown up! Maybe a little too grown up, she turns 13 this weekend....

All the way from Jolly Old England...

2006-08-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

Roderick says hello to the clan, and "if you'd like to, go ahead and post my mug". Consider it done, with a smile. Sorry we can't be there to see your mug in person, but alas, another vacation plan down the loo. Maybe in '07 before you return..
Oh yes, on the lower photo Roderick is on the way to a brithday party -- ("say hi to Bertie for us"!) with a friend "Phillipa". I think I got that right.

On the top, Entitled "Jolly May Day" in the attachment, looks more like "WET as usual May Day" and "Im none too happy to be in it"! Ahh but England and rain are such good companions especially shared with your mates.

Send us more pictures of beautiful England, Roderick!

Small Town Fun Tonight

2006-08-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

Leah and mom went to go see the State Finals for Junior Miss at the Beasley tonight, and what do you know, the hometown girl in our ward won the whole thing! I think all of us nearly passed out - this is a big deal for little ol P-Town, and it couldnt have happened to a nicer girl. Inspiring for Leah, even if it was long and tiring. She loved the gowns, the dance routines and critiquing the "not so talented". It's nice to have goals. Junior Miss is all about Grades, speaking to adults in an interview about yourself, talents, abilities, goals, etc, showing a talent of any kind and then answering a (usually inane) question. They also grade on your physical fitness judged by some Olympic Medalist (the girls have to survive a coreographed aerobic fitness routine on stage) and then poise. It is nice becuase the bulk of the judging is done on academics and maturity, and they purposely look for the non-pagenty types of girls. The particiapants have to sign an agreement that states they have not and will not participate in "beauty pagents" in order to be eligble. The winners get academic scholarships and award $$ for college only (and of course a nice little crown). We will take our camera and try to get a picture tomorrow, or get one from Lexi's proud parents. Thats all for now.

Always something new and exciting with our clan

2006-08-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

While doing a good deed, Duncan tripped and gashed open his chin after "tripping on Leah" -- which is the family "theme" for August. If you too would like to "trip on Leah" and gash your chin, get whiplash or injure a knee, just come on over, it's a real blast!
About ten stitches later, he is in great shape. Now we just have to alert the dance studio that a chunk of his chin is probably on a stereo speaker..... ew.

screaming right along

2006-08-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Now if the "add image" function would just work, we's be cookin with gas!

Feel free to tell me how since it does not seem to work :) so lets see this works .
.. and this works...
and this works,
so why doesnt add image work?

well what do you know, it was Internet Explorer's problem. Hello Netscape!

BTW, this is the outskirts of town

the daily clan-et is now open

2006-08-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

I am trying to figure this out, old dogs are slow to learn new tricks so dont hold your breath! All I need to learn now is how to add a picture which if course is irritating me!