Bittersweet

So about 4 and half almost 5 months ago we bought a puppy.
Remember? Click here if you don't....
Well we have going back and forth for about a month trying to decide whether or not we can actually keep this puppy and give him the kind of home he needs. Unfortunately, with me being pregnant the poor dog spent a lot of time in his kennel. :(
Remember how I also said we were keeping him a secret since we rent our house?? Ya, keeping him a secret is A LOT harder than I ever thought it would be.
Well, the first couple months that we had him we didn't buy a kennel. We just put him in the spare bathroom. BIG mistake. He scratched all the baseboards and chewed the door  frame and scratched a small portion of the cupboards too. This was when we decided that we HAD to buy a kennel and get him out of the bathroom. Done.
We put the kennel in the front room and things were pretty good.
Then, a couple weeks ago we get a call from the landlord saying that he wants to re-finance the house and that he will be scheduling appraisers to come. Oh crap! We have to fix the bathroom like ASAP! We weren't able to fix the bathroom but instead we covered what we could with a fresh coat of paint/stain and it looked decent.
The appraisers came and went. They obviously didn't tell me anything since I don't own the house but I think it went well. I cleaned all the carpets and we deep cleaned EVERYTHING in the house. It looked good. (other than the bathroom)

Fast forward 3 days..............................
On a normal day Berto gets up around 6ish and lets Charlie out of the kennel to eat and go potty. Yesterday was apparently not a normal day. Berto didn't let Charlie out. So 2 hours later when I got up I texted Berto and asked him if he had let him out because he was whining which is not normal.
No.
Great.
Okay, so I go down the hall to let him out and I walked into a DISASTER!!
Charlie had torn up his bed completely. Like demolished it and it was everywhere.
Then I saw it.......
He dug/clawed out a hole in the carpet about 4in by 4in. Down to the concrete.
GONE.
I busted out into tears. I have always prided myself in leaving whatever house/apartment we've rented in better condition than I moved in. Something my mommy taught me.
But, how was I going to fix this? The carpet is GONE. Padding GONE. I can see concrete!!!!
I called Berto and he was upset but I don't think he realized it was that bad. So I sent a picture.....
It was the final straw. We had to get rid of the dog.

I cried harder because I am such an animal protector type person. I adopted this dog he's my responsibility and now I'm quitting. Then Berto said he would just take him to the Humane Society. This made me cry harder because now we're just dumping him. I told him to wait and let me think about it. I hated the idea of dumping the dog and not knowing what they would do with him.

At about this point my mom showed up. She was picking me up so we could go visit my sister Kinsey in Tucson. Of course she freaks because I am in tears. She asks me, "What's wrong?"
All I could do was point to the front room and cry more.
She goes in and she knew Charlie did it, but here I'm waiting for an, "I told you so" or "well, he's always in that cage" comment but no she just says, "that's not that hard to fix Julie."
WHAT?
There is a huge hole in the carpet of our rental house! How is that not hard to fix?
Luckily my mom works at home depot so she sees stuff like this go through there all the time and there is a flooring lady that she told me she would ask how to fix it.
THANK YOU mom for making that situation SO much better for me and helping with that.
So I started to worry less about the carpet and more about what we were going to do about the dog.
Berto kept texting me trying to help me feel better about getting rid of the dog. And everything he told me was right but I just felt so bad.
Remember the possibility of us moving to California?
Again if you don't click here.

We have already decided if that happens we will move to an apartment.
Where in the world would we put such a big dog?
AND on top of that we decided that if we don't move to California then we would still move to an apartment here in Arizona to save money.


So my mom and I are on our way to Tucson and I'm finally feeling ok about taking Charlie to the humane society until Berto calls me.
He calls to tell me that he called the humane society. Not only does he have to take him to their Phoenix location the guy told Berto that they have to put Charlie through a behavior exam and if he fails or they determine he's too hyper they will euthanize him.
WHAT?
Of course I busted out into tears again. Uncontrollably. I thought the humane society didn't euthanize. Isn't that what they advertise??? Charlie is barely 6 months old. Of course he's hyper, he's a puppy! So I was back at square one. How could I dump Charlie at the humane society and hope they don't kill him?? It wasn't going to happen.
Then I remembered Berto telling me like 3 of his co-workers had mentioned wanting Charlie. So I called Berto and asked what happened to those people. He said he would ask around.
A couple hours later he calls to tell me he found a co-worker that would take Charlie the only thing was that Charlie would be an outdoor dog.
Great!
I told Berto I don't like that he's stuck outside since its so hot but as long as he gets love and attention and food and water than isn't that better than our situation?
Definitely.
So Berto took Charlie and all his accessories and he has a new home with Berto's friend.
He has other dogs to play with and a big yard and the guy told us we can go visit Charlie anytime we want.
In the end I am sad to have to get rid of Charlie, but I am happy with our decision to not have a dog at this point in our lives.
It's bittersweet.

I have to admit it has been a nice day not having to deal with Charlie or smell him today.
Now we just have to fix the bathroom and the carpet and be on our way.
Thanks to my mommy for going out of her way to help us and ask her co-workers how to fix this stuff.
And thanks to my hubby for doing everything possible to find a home for Charlie so we didn't have to go to the Humane Society. I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful husband.

I will officially go on record and say I AM NOT A DOG PERSON.
We have decided if we ever choose to have another dog it will be a small one and we will pay for training. I think 2 cats and my soon to be 2 children are enough.

Here's a picture of the disaster carpet and door frame. I'll post when we fix it too.



On a happier note: We find out in 4 days what we're having and I'm super excited!!
Til next time.

Matty was dancing to the music the car played :)

OH and on the way home from Tucson I saw this bumper sticker. It just made my whole day!
Ugh, blogger won't let me post the picture but it said,
"I'm speeding because I really have to poop!"
Hahahahaha :)

18 weeks, Kinsey, and Matty update

I feel like poo.

Every day.

All day long.

Just thought you would like to know.
I'm 18 weeks. Almost half way done but I keep asking myself when it's going to get better. EVERYONE says the 2nd trimester is the best but I'm still waiting. I told my mom that I can't decide if this pregnancy is better or worse than my first. It's different but I just don't know if it's better or not.

We find out September 1st if it's a boy or a girl. Can't wait. I hate not knowing.
I haven't really for sure felt this baby move yet. I feel "flutters" and pressure in areas like my side and my rib cage which I am sure is the baby but no official kicks or bumps yet.
One thing about this pregnancy that is different that I hate. I have to pee all the time. Sometimes I have to go 5 minutes after leaving the bathroom. It's ridiculous!!!
Ask my sister. I went shopping with her last week and we went to Ross. I peed at Ross. 30 minutes later we went to Target and I needed another bathroom like ASAP. She looked at me like I was crazy.....
Oh Kinsey, just wait til you have a baby. I am SOOOOOOO going to make fun of you :)

Speaking of Kinsey.
She has left me to pursue her college dream. We dropped her at U of A last Thursday. I wasn't emotional like I thought I was going to be but dang I miss her. More than she'll ever know.
Deep down I don't think she was ready to leave me anyway because about 6 hours after we left we were on our way back. Turns out U of A has nightmarish parking and she couldn't find a place to park her car!! They want $600 for the year to get a parking pass (let alone she was put on a waiting list) and everywhere you turn is NO PARKING or parking fees. OMG!
After talking to her I offered to come get her car. ( Not going to lie it's going to help us out but I felt so bad for her.) BUT, it seems this is the best option for the time being. I told her if she figures out a different situation that'll work for her to call me and we'll bring it back. So we turned around and drove back.
So my baby sister is all growed up and gone to college :)

Matty is starting to talk more and more.
He started saying:
sticker (the dang walmart people live to give this little boy stickers)
Bobbi ( the cat. haha SO cute when he says it)
French Fry (don't judge me)
He'll repeat almost anything you ask him to say.
He is still obsessed with Cars. I love how he does the KA-CHOW. So cute
He is obsessed with Daddy. Everyday when he wakes up,
Matty: "Daddy?"
Me: "Daddy's at work. He'll be home later."
He then proceeds to walk around the entire house looking for Berto and saying, "Daddy?"
So funny and a little sad.
He gets so excited when Berto walks in the door.

Berto has been telling Matty to give kisses to the baby in mommy's tummy. It is the cutest thing when he does it. If you ask him where mommy's baby is he'll point to my tummy and sometimes he'll even try to pull my shirt up to show you. haha.

Well it's late and I'm pooped. Not that I have done anything but sit on my butt all day.
Til next time.

 I bought his body pillow to help with my back and everyday Matty goes into my room and pulls the pillow off my bed. He drags it all the way to the living room and says, "night night"

He just lays on it all day.

They're so cute :)

Pregnant woman on the Rampage!!

OH MY GOODNESS!!!
What has happened to the parents of the world???? What happened to teaching our children manners, and "be nice/play nice," respect your elders/other adults?????? I am absolutely beside myself with some peoples parenting skills or lack thereof.


Where did all this come from?
TODAY, the kids play area at the mall.
I went with my sister, Kinsey, to look for school clothes since she leaves for college this Thursday (sob sob). Since we had already been walking around and been to a few other stores I told Kinsey we had to let Matty play for a little while at the play area and run out some of his energy.
We weren't there 5 minutes before we were I was storming out of there.

***

Kinsey and I sat down with the stroller and told Matty to go play. I am a very watchful parent. Always making sure Matty is playing nicely and sharing. I don't want people to ask what kind of parent I am, I'd rather they just know that I am a good parent who cares about my child's well being as well as others.

There is a car at the play area. It's cushy and small. Holds 2 kids comfortably (small kids). Well it was empty. Not a soul over there, so Matty runs over there and climbs in  and starts playing like he's driving the car. As soon as he gets in there and starts having fun some kid runs over and climbs in, shoves Matthew over (and I mean shoved). He was probably about 3ish maybe a little older. Old enough to know better. My 2 year old knows he's not allowed to push or shove or hit. I TAUGHT him not to.

Well Matty puts his arms up in defense, normal behavior, like "don't push me." Well the kid hauls off and just punches Matty in the face!!!!!!

What the heck????

I shot to the other side of the play area like it was nobody's business. I looked straight at the little brat and basically yelled at him, "you don't hit him!!" I looked around waiting for a parent to correct their child, or at least apologize to me for what their child just did to mine. NOTHING!

Not one person got up to claim this kid!!!! AND on top of that when I told him not to hit he shooshed me! He told me to be quiet!!! Really? What kind of 3 year old tells an adult to shoosh?? Oh man it took everything I had not to slap this kid, but let's face it I don't need a lawsuit.

I picked Matty up and basically made a scene. Saying that we were leaving since someone can't control their uncivilized child. I was not shy about what other people thought. I don't think anyone wanted to get in my way... Ask Kinsey.... she witnessed all this.... I was a crazy, pregnant woman on a flipping rampage. It still makes me mad just typing this... UGH!

Well I felt really bad because Matty didn't understand why he couldn't play there. So I took him over to the little carousel thing they have where you pay $1.00 and it just goes around. While we were standing there this lady comes up to me and guess who's with her??? That little brat that punched Matty!!!!

She was sitting in the play area the whole time apparently reading. But when I made the scene about people not controlling their children she didn't get up and claim the kid! She was probably too embarrassed by the kid. Turns out the kid isn't hers, it's her nephew. She apologized for him hitting Matthew but it just didn't mean anything to me since she didn't do it when it happened. She waited and the kid got NO punishment. What was the point? I just said thank you and went back to enjoying my sweet little boy. 

Sorry for the rant, but seriously, what the heck is going on with kids these days? And its not really the kids if they are never taught any better. Honestly, if your kid is a brat and you can't control them, then don't bring them to those play areas where nice kids, like Matty want to play.

Glad my parents taught me my manners and to respect people and I can only do my best to teach Matty the same. 


Watch out! I'm on a rampage! ;)

BIG news and BIG Opportunity

This week Berto called me to tell me that his job, Verizon, is offering to transfer employees to California and Texas.....
We have been waiting awhile for this to happen because we want to leave AZ and Verizon pays their employees to move. We both want a change of scenery and to get out of the heat for awhile. (Obviously Texas is a NO go.)
So as of now we are on "the list" of employees that would be willing to transfer.
The call center is in Irvine, CA.

We have been looking up everything we possibly can to research where we would be moving if this happens and so far we like everything. It's all gonna come down to how much of a raise they will give Berto to even out the cost of living increase.
Here's some of the things we are really liking about moving:

• WEATHER!! I downloaded Irvine to my phone's weather app so I can see what the weather is like as of right now, compared to AZ. Right now, this very second at 11:19AM... Queen Creek, AZ is at 102 degrees, Irvine, CA is at 72 degrees!!
  Seriously, a 30 degree difference????  Me likey :)
• I will be within an hour from my most favorite place on the planet..... DISNEYLAND!!
  Look at the map above. Directly North of Irvine is Anaheim...... SO close!!
  

• THE BEACH!!
  We will actually be within driving distance of beaches!
  

• It will be basically a 70 mile drive to my Grandma's house rather than 434 miles. :)
  I LOVE visiting Grandma and she would get to see her Great-Grandchildren more often whether she likes it or not :)
  

Things we would be leaving:

• My family
• Our friends
  
  That's pretty much it. I love my family but I don't see many of them as it is because we live so far in Queen Creek (no one wants to drive).
  It's the same with our friends. I only have 1 friend who lives here that is willing to drive out to see me and I know if they can they will visit us in California. Besides, other than my mom, who doesn't want to vacation in Cali???
  
  
  Unfortunately, we don't know anything else as of right now. Verizon is looking at employee files and checking for blemishes and how much it would cost them to move the employees and how many employees they need and so on.....
  BUT, once we find out, and if we say yes to the terms, we would move within 30 to 60 days. Very Very quick. And depending on when we find all this out, if I am near the end of my pregnancy I will stay behind and finish my care and deliver my baby here in AZ. (I like Mercy Gilbert Hospital and I don't want to find a new doctor/hospital)

Nothing new here at our house. Matty is being his usual 2 year old self. I will be 16 weeks on Friday. I have an OB appt tomorrow. I am HOPING that I will have an ultrasound and they'll tell us the sex of the baby but my hopes aren't too high for that. We'll see.

Til next time :)