Craziness begins...

Well, it's been a couple of weeks which means it's about time to post something again. I have been trying to be better but it seems that my days are getting shorter and shorter, limited time for very much of anything...particularly with the dog. Fletch has turned cute little cuddly puppy to CRAZY DOG. Really he's only gets into his pyscho dog time around 8:00-9:00 p.m. when Todd and I want to just sit on the couch, watch one of our many tv shows we enjoy watching. But, nope, that ain't happening with Fletch. That's his "Let's go run around and get crazy time." It's actually really funny to watch him run around like a mad man but it means that he is "too overly stimulated" which obviously can not be a good thing. The only thing that will keep him occupied without getting too bored or anything are bully sticks. As our obedience trainer puts it, "They are the part of the bull that makes a bull a bull." So, if anyone has dogs, they LOVE these. They can be quite pricey, but they are so worth it. Some other items that he enjoys is a piece of roasted bone that is the back bone of the cow. Weird, I know. We have yet to try the cow's trachea but I will let you know how that goes.

That's our little update of the dog. He's adorable and growing so fast. We have started gradually switchinHe's pretty much potty trained (as long as we watch his signs and on occasion he actually goes and sits by the back door if he wants to let out). He is learning to play more and he loves going on long walks...even though he can be a little stubborn right now with walking on his leash. We started him on obedience training yesterday and we seem to really like the trainer.

Another monumental day for Todd was yesterday, his birthday. He turned 26 and as he puts it, "I'm on the downward slope to 30." We had a wonderful day, massages and all...

This is a picture of various bully sticks

Halloween and other things...

It was our first Halloween in an actual neighborhood so we had a lot of kids at our house for trick or treating. However, I had to send Todd out to get more candy in the middle of the night since we actually ran out. Oh well, we'll be more prepared next year. There were some really good costumes this year. I think one of our favorites was a little boy dressed up as a chicken...a Tyson chicken to be exact. Very cute. Fletch even had a good time. Actually, he was quite freaked out by the doorbell constantly going off but got braver as the night went on. He would poke his head out into the hallway whenever we opened the door. I honestly think the kids were more interested in the puppy than the actual candy.

Fletch is adjusting well to his new home :) We are getting used to him too. His current obsession is leaves. He loves to chase them, run through them, and actually eat them if he gets the chance. It has been absolutely beautiful here this past weekend so we attempted to take him to the dog park but he's too young. 4 months is the magical number. Well, we ended up taking him on a decent walk that wiped him out for the rest of the day. Here are a few pictures from our recent adventures...

Fletch's "Heaven": A pile of leaves

Yeah, I know, pretty ridiculous for him to be wearing a t-shirt but we (or should I say I) couldn't find any costume for him to wear so it's his Halloween t-shirt

Too many trick or treaters for him! He was exhausted by the end of the night

We have a New Member of the Family!!

Well, we actually did it. WE GOT A PUPPY! Yep, that's right. We probably have been talking about getting a dog since the day we got married (well, even when we were dating). We both love dogs and have always talked about getting one when we have a home of our own. Well, that time has come now. So, we debated between multiple breeds. And, after having the "Tucker" experience, we decided that a puppy was the way we wanted to go rather than a more adult dog (call us selfish if you'd like). So, after many weeks of researching various dog breeders from coast to coast and going back and forth between a cavalier king charles spaniel and a golden retriever, we settled on a English Cream golden retriever. Our new little guy (not little for long) is so sweet and adorable. We love him and are excited to be his new "parents." Life with a puppy is a new experience and we are excited to have this experience!! Here are a few pictures of Fletch...

Happy parents

Sleeping the ride home away...

We got this huge bed at Sam's for him to grow into. He seemed to have just toppled over but he seems to really like his new bed

Cake Decorating 101

Well, today was full of new beginnings...cake decorating new beginnings that is. A friend of mine's son turned one this past week and today was his birthday party. So, a couple of weeks ago, I volunteered to make him a cake. I have helped other people make and decorate cakes before but I have never done one completely by myself. I have been wanting to take a cake decorating class for the longest time at the Hobby Lobby here but have yet to get around to it. So, I ventured out into the internet world to try to find some cute decorating ideas. I settled on a monkey cake. Well, many hours in the kitchen prepping, baking, and mixing away, the result was as such: A monkey cake which consisted of a monkey head and a sheet cake in which the monkey was placed on, and a few large cupcakes and numerous smaller cupcakes. So, it was no perfection but needless to say, I got the job done and it was fun doing it too!!

3 Hours with Tucker...

As many of you know, Todd and I love dogs and recently have been thinking about getting one. Well, one thing led to another and we actually got in touch with a breeder in the area. Upon talking with her, she had an adult male bulldog named Tucker, 4 years of age, that she would sell to us. So, upon meeting Tucker, we fell in love with him and decided to make the plunge.

We made it home (even with a pit stop to pick up some supplies in Walmart) and Tucker just explored the outside and inside of our home. he followed Todd and me everywhere through the house to learn his new surroundings. Then, about 30 minutes later, he started breathing really heavy. Todd yells from the other room, "Angela, I don't think he can breathe." I run into the family room where Tucker and Todd were and low and behold, there was the dog, struggling for a breath, Todd gagging from the smell of the dog poo on the carpet, and a puddle of pee on the tile. Poor Tucker, I thought (and Todd, haha; Apparently Todd and the smell of poo are a bad mix. What on earth is he going to do with dirty diapers when we actually have kids???).

So, I skooted the dog to the tile flooring, I cleaned up both the pee and poo and then attempted to figure out what was happening. Asthma I thought perhaps? Todd was anxiously researching on the internet and he decided it could be acid reflux. We gave him some anti-acid pill, no help. Then, Todd called the breeder. The breeder said he was having a panic attack and to give him 2 benadryl. We gave him the 2 pills, with a little struggle but we did it, and no luck after 2 hours. For 2 hours, Tucker stood and struggled for breath. We tried to pet him and comfort him but nothing seemed to work. Finally, at 11:30 p.m., we made the trek back to the breeder to give him some medicine. Within 5 minutes, he was calm and breathing much better. Todd and I both decided that Tucker just couldn't be away from his home. We decided, along with the breeder, that he needs to be in a home with other dogs.

We left the breeder's home, sad that we had to see Tucker go but glad that the night finally came to a close. We chuckled slightly in the car on the way home cause we couldn't believe a dog could have a full on panic attack for 2 straight hours!!! How exhausting! Well, we tried. And, after that whole event, we didn't even take pictures of our dog that we had for 4 hours. We still want a dog at some point so we'll see what happens.

This is kind of what he looked like...but no brown around the eyes and his mouth/nose area was black

The Smell and Feel of Autumn is Upon on Us...

The weather is beginning to really change here...cooler, windier, a little more rainy recently (which I don't mind considering I don't have to water my plants). That means it is almost FALL!!! I love fall time. Everything about it...pumpkin flavors, caramel apples, apple cider, hot chocolate, the color changing leaves, the crisp air. Although, I love summer, I really like fall time too (Even though it means closer to dreary winter). Autumn officially begins on September 22nd so get your pumpkin and apple flavored candles out and let the season begin!

Labor Day Weekend Adventure

Well, it is about time that we post something new!!! We had a wonderful time with Todd's parents this past week for labor day weekend. We showed them the ins and outs of Bentonville and the Walmart Home Office/stores, we cooked some wonderful delicious food, watched some fun shows and movies (If anyone hasn't seen "Julie and Julia" yet, you must! Such a fun and cute movie), and the list could go on and on. All in all, we had a great time. It was fun to spend time with each other and have house guests in our home! Here are a few pictures from our Labor Day Grilling. Since we just recently have purchased a grill, Todd is learning the art of grilling. I think he is pretty darn good at it. But, I have to say, it was quite funny to watch him grill some rib eye steaks for us (Or should I say, it was more funny to watch the actual process/prep). So, with the assistance of a few helping hands (Alan and Sharon), he created a delicious piece of meat. He definitely was the top chef that day! Here are a few pictures from the trip...

Flowers, flowers, everywhere

So, since we now have a home, that means a yard and landscaping to take care of. I have to say that I am beginning to have quite the green thumb. I planted a few planters and they actually are flourishing. In fact, one of them is growing like crazy!! It is so fun to be here in Arkansas and learning all the "home" things. Todd is taking very good care of our lawn: edging, trimming, mowing, fertilizing, etc. My job is weeding our front garden and the planters. Surprisingly, I find weeding to be quite therapeutic... a little at a time. We are so grateful for our wonderful home, jobs, the area in which we live, our family and friends, etc. We are so blessed and continue to be every day! Here are few pictures of some flowers I have planted...they are my practice ones for future years

These are the "troll" flowers

This one is newly planted so I hope it can match it's brother next to it (see below picture)

Our little friend

We have one new friend here in Arkansas and his name is Mr. Toad. He is this little red toad that first showed up by our garage door and then stopped by our front door. He only comes out at night. Weird. We don't know the kind of frog (we believe toad from looking up pictures) but he just sits there very still, making no sound at all. So, he is our first friend here in our new town.

We are in Arkansas!!

So we did make it to Arkansas after 24 hours of driving (not straight). I drove Todd's truck while he drove the big Budget truck towing my car. Wasn't too fun trying to stay awake with the long and mostly flat drive, but, loud music, singing in the car, and talking to each other on the walkie talkies helped a little. We are now officially done with the unpacking part and have both started on our new jobs. I am really feeling sad today though because I miss my old job so very much!!! My old co-workers, the patients, the atmosphere, etc. I mean, really, I don't think there will be another "Mother"Joan or people to share my "issues" with. We were a little family and I feel lost without my family :(

But, I love love love our new house. I officially feel like a little housewife/handy woman. I have granite and tile grout to seal, mopping to do, a lot more cleaning to do, and weeding of the plants. Todd has turned into the handy man himself; changing water pressures in the house, installing the washer and dryer, mowing the lawn, and other odds and ends things. Our neighborhood is so cute and everyone is so nice...waving and saying hello. It is really pretty here and we are just embracing the area, humidity and all.
However, I have a couple enemies...

1. SPIDERS and for that matter any bug. I have sprayed inside and outside the perimeter of our house to keep them at bay. With it being so hot and humid around here they love to set up shop inside with the cooler air. Since our house was vacant for about 2 months before we moved in, there were a number of spiders everywhere...I think I counted at least 10-20. Gross.
2. WEEDS (in the lawn and plants in the front of our house). They are all in our lawn because it's new sod. The neighbors say it will eventually go away. But, they are everywhere and the more time I spend pulling, the more they come back. I have to get some weed killer/fertilizer. Anyone recommend a brand?

Anyways, we are doing great and loving our new adventure here in NW Arkansas. We wanted to post some pictures of our last little vacation before the big move. We spent a few days in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago and loved it, as always...

Dinner at Spago's in Ceaser's Palace

Our favorite milkshakes (Cookie dough on the right and reese's/caramel on the left)

Milkshake #2...good ole chocolate

Oh Costco

So, I usually only do blog posts about events, vacations, etc. but sometimes that just doesn't cut it. So, I have decided to broaden my blogging world, and actually blog about anything and everything. And, on that note, I have to make a small tribute to Costco. We love love love this place. I think now, it's just not even about the deals or new items they have for sale there. It's the actual event of going to Costco. It is extremely therapeutic for me to walk up and down the big, over-sized grocery lanes, just "window" shopping. Now, I have tried to fall in love with Sam's Club also but it is definitely NOT the same. Costco has brick walls, nicer bulbs that are easier on the eyes, and to be honest, friendlier people. Sam's Club, on the other hand, has starch-white walls, bright lighting, and not always the friendliest staff. Although Sam's Club technically speaking has more warehouses, it just doesn't really compete in my book. On top of good prices, the quality is there at Costco. We have bought furniture, clothing, electronics, tools, make-up, and of course food, etc and have never been dissatisfied. And, the cash back from the American Express card you can get from having a membership with them is oh so nice. So for now, we will miss the weekly, bi-weekly, and sometimes tri-weekly trips to Costco (pizza and all) and will devote our time and energy to enjoying the big soft pretzels at Sam's Club.

Family Vacation in Arizona

So, I don't know about any of ya'll but Todd and myself were in desperate need of vacation. And, that is exactly what we did this past weekend. We spend hours in the sun, soaking up the sun in ARIZONA!! Every year, Todd's family goes on a yearly trip and this year we went to hot Arizona. We had a great time and Todd planned the whole trip for us all. What a man he is!! We are sad to be back to reality but we loved seeing our family!! Here are some pictures from our memorable vacation...

The Folkman Clan

Sunbathing with our shades on

Dinner at the Russtler's Roost...Western all the way

The restaurant had it all...even a bull

So, see the big 8 story slides in front of you? Yeah, Todd and I both went down these. Talk about free enema! Yikes (picture courtesy of the Internet)

Happy One Year Anniversary to Us!!

It has been a wonderful past year for Todd and me. We have learned quite a bit about each other. Who would have known men and women are so different with thinking, emotions, decision making, etc?! It's probably a good thing we are opposite in a lot of ways because we truly complement each other so well. We have loved every minute of our marriage and we look forward to many more memories and happiness. Our anniversary was officially yesterday (May 17th) but we half celebrated it on Saturday evening with dinner. We officially are taking a Las Vegas trip in the beginning of June for the true anniversary celebration and to go one more time before the big move. We went to Vegas on our honeymoon and are excited to be going back a year later...pool, good food, spa trips. Who can beat all of that? Anyways, we went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Park City for dinner on Saturday...melt in your mouth steak, so yummy! That was the wonderful dinner surprise from Todd. He is the absolute best. We had such a great anniversary, besides the part that we both had to speak in church, yep that's right. How ironic is that? Well, here are a few pictures from our dinner at Ruth's Chris.

Todd studying the dictionary in the front lobby of the hotel (where the restaurant in located).

Me reading in the big chair

Baseball anyone?

Todd and I decided to finally go to a baseball game yesterday since it was one of the last home games this season. It was fun but chilly when the sun started going down. I grew up going to baseball games (Atlanta Braves) and it was fun to go with Todd. I have to say though that one of my favorite things about a baseball game is people watching (not in the creepy way). It is so funny to see the different kinds of people that end up at the games...all different sizes, shapes, ages, etc. I try to watch the game but I find that I people watch way more. And to top the night off, I got a big soft pretzel from the concession stand. I probably waited about 30 minutes in line for one and I thought about forgetting about it but I love soft pretzels. It wasn't the best, but it satisfied my craving for one. I have tried a lot of soft pretzels in my day and Sam's club big soft pretzels, hands down, are the best. Baseball, warmer weather, flip-flops...Summer time is just around the corner!

Todd doesn't like this picture but it's the only one we have together. So, good or bad, here it is...