Fastest Dog West of the Mississippi

My dear sweet (and often crazy!) doggie passed away on Saturday. Chocolate Chip, who has been a member of our family for the past 17 years; thought he mostly went by chip he was a dog of many names (not unlike everyone else in our family) - Chip, Chocolate Chip, Chipy-E-O, and "The Fastest Dog West of the Mississippi," just to name a few.

He was such a good dog:

• One who never turned down the opportunity to fetch a stick, ball, rock or anything else you might be willing to throw for him. He was so fast that other dogs didn't even try for the catch or chase; in fact both his "little" brother and sister gave up quickly on the idea of fetching the stick and created a game of fetching Chip instead. The would grab onto the back of one of his legs as he ran and Chip would just run with 3 legs and still win! When Chip was a puppy he's play fetch with himself in the back yard if no one would play with him, getting the ball in his mouth and throwing it up in the air to catch and then start all over.
• One who was the master escape artist. Often when he was a puppy we would get a knock on the door front one of the neighbor kids informing us that Chip had escaped the back yard . . . this often lead to a large group of neighbor kids chasing him up and down the streets trying to catch him which wasn't easy, and a game he delighted in! Once we move to a place where he could roam free (within the limits of the invisible fence) he required the extra large shock collar, which never seemed strong enough to keep him home, but was a perfectly good excuse not to come back!
  
• One who claimed senility much before his time . . . mostly so he could get away with things; hey who can resist a cute brown dog!
• One who loved to chew so much that he eventually chewed his teeth right off, sticks, rocks, bones whatever the flavor of the day . . . more often than not you could find him passed out on Christmas after chewing a bone all morning. He would literally chew until he was dead to the world, fast asleep with exhaustion and joy, and at that point nothing could wake him!
  
• One who was a good sneak; we learned quickly not to leave any food too close to the edge of the counter . . . once my mom made cupcakes for my class and when she came downstairs later there was a whole row missing, wrappers and all . . . not a crumb of evidence left but we knew there was only one likely culprit. Another time it was a row of muffins, and so on.
  
• One who was the alpha dog despite his size, even thought his "little" brother and sister grew to be twice his size in less than a year, Chip was still the leader, and always the first one home after a walk . . . right up until he wasn't going on walking trips anymore.

There are so many stories I could tell about Chip, he loved running in front of the rider mower when I was out front mowing, barking like a mad man. He hated being away from home, it made him a nervous wreck. When my parents moved to Utah it took chip twice the recommended dose of meds to knock him out (it took Luke who's twice his size half a dose.) Chip loved to be sprayed with water, and he was the best bubble catching dog you've ever seen, he'd go crazy for those bubbles. The only thing he was ever afraid of was the vacuum when he was little, and his first favorite thing to chew were white socks . . . much to the dismay of my little brother!

And who ever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks didn't know Chip; once when Bill was teaching Luke to wave he looked over and Chip was doing it! Of course Chip was one of those dogs who was only "capable" of learning or minding when it was what he wanted to do; otherwise he beat to his own drum (also much like most of the other members of the family ;)

I read a book this past week called "The Art of Racing in the Rain" a story of family life told from the dogs point of view (I'd give it two thumbs up!) and the dog said this; "Because terriers are problem solvers. They'll do what you tell them, but only if it happens to be in line with what they want to do anyway." Chip must have had some terrier in him because this was his personality exactly!

I'm sure there is more to say and more to share, and little stories will pop up from time to time. Thanks to Chip I'm going to expect all my dogs to hang around as long as he did! I'll always remember Chip as my first dog, for all the crazy things he did, and for all the laughs (and sometimes annoyances) he brought to our family . . . But most of all I'll remember him as "The Fastest Dog West of the Mississippi" who could do circles in the yard for hours (if he had to) to find that stick (that was probably tossed in a tree so he'd stop pestering us with it)!!!!!!!!!

My Cute Little Puppy

Chewing anything in site . . . the flavor of the day . . . newspaper Couch snuggle time

And a little tug-of-war (flavor of the day rope!)

Snuggled down for a nap

Such a handsome dog

Nap Time!

My 10th Birthday

Hoping for some cake

Christmas/Birthday Bone

Another Christmas/Birthday Bone

Wonder what this Christmas/Birthday present will be

Check out the air on that dog (with Pearl)

Christmas/Birthday Bone Time!

"Family Photo"

Chip and Luke

Umm this is when Macee was like 2 or 3 and we'd just gotten Luke . . .
at Macee's B-Day I think

Such a fine looking dog

Doing some yard work with Bill in WA

Chip and I Christmas 08' Washington

Chip, Luke, Bill and Al in April 09'

April 09'

Love you Chip-E-O

December 1992-December 2009

Thoughts on Lemon Juice

Lemon juice was always one of those items that was kept in the fridge; I had/have no clue what my mom use to use it for. I'd see it come out, or at least be replaced every now and again which ment it was getting used in something . . . I probably didn't/don't want to know what ;) But lemon juice is something I've never kept in my fridge and I've been living on my own for something like 5 years, I never saw the point; that is until now.

There have been a few times here or there that I thought about getting some lemon juice, or maybe needed it for something, but I always justified not getting it for this reason or that. Until I took a class a few months ago and the recipe called for lemon juice, well we all know how I feel about that. I've yet to make the recipe inpart because it would mean that I'd have to break this unspoken "take that lemon juice" attitude I've had about keeping it in the apartment. I've thought about making the product a time or two but when I'd review the recipe I'd end up not because . . . I didn't have the lemon juice on hand.

Well tonight that all changed. I decided since Tuesday was National Vanilla ________ Day that I'd break down and finally buy the lemon juice. I don't think I ever really realized I have the whole "take that lemon juice I don't need you" attitude until I had to buy it today. I felt like I was losing the battle against the lemon juice.

So I said, ok, today on my way home I'll get some lemon juice and make the recipe . . . but I think today the lemon juice said "take that for giving me a take that" all these years. I thought about it like 20 minutes before I left work (where I drive by a store right on the way home), and didn't remember until I was about 30 seconds from my apartment that I forgot the lemon juice. I made a quick right into the mini-mart and the lemon juice gave me the second "take that" of the night (the first was forgetting it already) because the mini-mart (who has never failed me on a product before) only had the giant bottle of lemon juice. I decided to pass, come home put dinner in the oven and head back out to the store for the lemon juice.

At the store there was the little lemon shaped bottle, and the big lemon shaped bottle. Well I'd forgotten how much the recipe called for, and I didn't really want to have excess lemon juice on hand (don't want to become dependent on it!) but was afraid if I got the little one I wouldn't have enough . . . so I went with the big one. I came home and checked the recipe . . . 1/4 tsp of course . . . the lemon juice gave me a real what for today.

But alas I'll now have it on hand for next time I need to make . . . cupcakes . . . yeah of all things I broke down in my battle against lemon juice for cupcakes . . . what can I say, I'm devoted to my art!!!!!

Next thing you know I'll be stocking lime juice. . .

Airi's Arrival and the rest . . .

Airi made her way into the world Monday night (8/24) just after 10pm and came in at 8lbs 15oz and 20.5 inches long. Such a sweet little thing; here is a first photo of the family of four. You can see that big sister Alani is so very proud of her new little sister. She was awesome running back and forth between her parens and mom and I giving us updates . . . . she's here, oh, no she's not here yet . . . she's going to be big like me . . . I tired to look at her with a flashlight . . . she's got hair . . . etc. It was way too cute!

Pondering her sweet "baby sister names Airi" (as Al referred to her for the first few days after she was born!)

Grannie and Alani sharing a celebratory hug

Mike checking out the youngest lady of his life!

And one VERY excited Auntie Haley and Airi

The girls all snug in bed!

Mom and I headed out so they could have some family time for the rest of the evening, I think we left around 1 maybe.

Airi (and everyone else) came home Tuesday morning around 10ish, and mom and I met them at the house. Mom had to head home Tuesday afternoon so she got to do most of the holding between when we got there and when she had to leave.

Here's Airi in the cradle Gramps made when Alani was a baby.

Grannie and her second granddaughter, she's not proud or anything!

Airi all stretched out and trying out a cloth diaper for the first time

Sister Kisses

Thursday Alani and I went to Music Together, momma had to stay home with Airi. We went to class and picked up some bagels (as is tradition) afterwards. Later that day the midwife came by to do the 3 day check up . . . and the rest is history. I'm sure most of you were all well informed via Timbra's blog or facebook or emails about Airi's bilirubin issues so no need to recount them here. Thursday night they left for the hospital and the next few days Alani and I busied ourselves with a little of this and a little of that while Mike and Timbra did the back and forth between Airi at the hospital and Alani with me. We all survived and Airi turned out just fine in the end!!!

Orange Baby on Thursday

Auntie Haley and her little "pumpkin!"

Alani and I borrowed a truck from Timbra's friend Emily so we could go about our business. It's just a single cab so Alani got to ride up front with me and she thought she was hot stuff. By Monday (this is Friday morning now) she knew which peddle you had to push to go and which you had to push to stop, which light colors meant what, what the "clock" (speedometer) said, and what all the radio/temp buttons did. . . a regular expert!!!

Friday we went to the zoo and then met up with Mike and Timbra for a little treat before heading home for a sleepover, Alani's first one without mommy, she was a super star. She woke up once during the night, looked at me and said "oh hi" and then went back to sleep!

On our way to the zoo

Alani having a little moment with this sad little monkey

There was a baby elephant who'd just been born two weeks before but she was having quality time with her mom while we were there so we didn't get to see her. Her name was Zuri

We saw lots of animals, had some lunch, rode the train and the merry-go-round, and got some cotton candy on the way out . . . because Auntie Haley Rocks

Here we are riding the merry-go-round

The baby elephant was not out and the 3 baby tigers were sleeping too far away for us to see, but we did get to see this litte guy!

She's so chill

Having a little treat with mommy and daddy, except she was asleep most of the time they were there; they had to go back to the hospital and here is the tired monkey finishing her yogurt!

Friday night we went to the store and picked up Madagascar 2; Alani had been requesting the "other madagascar" all day, you know the one with the lady and the purse (that's all we had to go on to figure out what movie she was talking about in the first place!) I must have worn her out good because on the way home from Target she said "can we just go home now?" Poor thing!!

Saturday we got to see Mike and Timbra a little more which was good for Alani, we went to the park to play; get nice and dirty!!!!! We met up with Mike and Timbra for dinner and then Timbra was able to come home to put Alani to bed that night, and Mike was there when she woke up Sunday morning.

Sunday I was able to hold Airi, so Alani got to go to the park with her momma for a bit while I was at the hospital with Mike. We switched off after a bit so Mike and I were with Alani at the park while Timbra went to be with Airi. That evening, after going home for a change, we were able to having dinner with Mike and Timbra again, and again Timbra was able to come home and put Alani to bed (she feel asleep on me both night before Timbra made it home, I know how to wear a kid out I guess!)

Playing some music with daddy at the park

Nothing better than a little treat from the ice cream truck!

Alani master of the water!

Some impromptu tribal dancing we stumbled upon at the park

Alani had to wear one of Timbra's shirts like a dress because her clothes were soaked!

Dinner at Chili's

Monday we got the good news that Airi was finally going to be coming home. I'd extended my trip by and extra day so I could help out and had to leave Monday afternoon. Once Mike, Timbra and Airi got home Mike and I ran the truck back and picked up some Sonic treats. Then I spent some time playing with Alani and holding Airi before heading back home.

Alani giving Grannie and update

Sweet baby girl back to her natural coloring!

Me and my girlies!

It was a fun trip, stressful, happy, emotional, busy but wonderful . . . and now I've got two super cute nieces!!! (and this post is only a little over two months late; Airi don't let this reflect on how much I love you ;)

Posts to Come

Perhaps if I write a list of posts on my blog I'll actually have to blog about them!! Seriously there has been lots and lots going on over the last few months that I need to blog about . . . be looking out for them this week.

What to look for.

The actual arrival post of Airi (way back on August 24th) and days following
The second trip back to UT post Airi
What I've been up to with the youth (LDYR, Jr. High Retreat, Scary Monsters, Amazing Pumpkin Race)
The Wiist Girl visit to CA (Grannie and Gramps too)
and Halloween

So come back soon . . .

Pre Airi Arrival

The anticipation of Airi's arrival lasted a LONG time because she was overdue . . . and since I had a free ticket and was going to fly out last minute, I didn't know when I'd go. It was torture on all of us, but mostly on Alani who really just wanted her super cool Auntie Haley to get there to hang out with her! It was decided that I'd fly out early Friday morning and stay through the next week. It was of course a few more days before she came, but we didn't let that stop us from having fun!!

I arrived Friday afternoon and we mostly just hung out for the rest of the day, me and Al got some good play time in!! Don't really remember that we did anything super fancy because I don't have any photographic evidence of it!!

Saturday we also just hung out (we did a lot of hanging out and holding our breath waiting for Airi to come!) We met up at Craker Barel for breakfast which is always a fun time!! That afternoon Mike and Timbra snuck out for a bit while Gramps, Grannie, Al and I played with some bubbles in the backyard . . . Al is the best bubble blower in the whole world; she has a
special oscillating lip technique! After that we watched Pete's Dragon for the 100th time!!

Mom and I "playing" checkers before breakfast

Mike's post-breakfast rock

Gramps and Alani having a rock

Her special blowing technique

Sunday Gramps had to head home (he'd already been there for a week waiting for Airi and in the end had to go home without meeting her . . . important meeting he was hosting and all!) After church the Wiist clan and mom and I headed up to Park City for Park Silly market. We wandered around trying the elevation trick to invite Airi to join us, had some shaved ice and saw what there was to see. Of course Al needed a purple giraffe balloon too from this super friendly clown named Scooter Bug! We went back home and hung out for the evening.

Some sweet loves for Auntie Haley

The Wiist family waiting for Airi

Al and the purple giraffe

Enjoying some Hawaiian shaved ice

Monday Timbra and Mike had an appointment with the Mid-Wife so Grannie, Al and I headed to Nickelmania to have a date. After having all the fun we could and winning some tasty prizes, we headed to the cheese cake factory for lunch. We took a few desserts home to share and then mom and I headed out so I could get a pedi. She and Timbra went earlier in the week, so she said she'd "sponsor" a pedi for me; such a sweet momma! Afterwards we went to a few shops and then called Mike to see if they wanted us to come back over and hang out. Upon calling we heard that Timbra was having some more intense labor so maybe we should entertain ourselves for a while, but to take some dinner over to them. We picked up dinners for everyone, dropped theirs off and took ours back to the cottage. We'd only been back to the cottage for a bit when Mike called and said they were headed over to the meet the mid-wife and we should meet them there. That was just after 7 . . .

Al and I trying our hand at DDR

Al and Grannie Ski Balling

This was Grannie's favorite game

Eating our winnings (75 tix each and hand picked by Al)

Grannie, Alani and I did some coloring, played with some blocks, watched a little over half of Chicken Run; all the while Alani was running back and forth reporting the progress to us, and then before we knew it . . .

Passing the time with coloring

And block building

And puppet playing . . . Where's Grannie!?!

Because it's what we do while we wait!

Blue LIke Jazz

Because I'm such a blog slacker and I have a lot to cover from this past month . . . I'm putting it off. I'll work on it this weeks; all about my trip to UT and Airi and Alani and all that good stuff. But for now just a few quotes, from the second to last book I read, to get you thinking.

Quotes from Blue Like Jazz:

"I believe that the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but rather have us wasting time. This is why the devil tries so hard to get Christians to be religious. If he can sink a man's mind into habit, he will prevent his heart from engaging God."

"If you don't love somebody, it gets annoying when they tell you what to do or what to feel. When you love them you get pleasure from their pleasure, and it makes it easy to serve."

"I mean to be in a relationship with God is to be loved purely and furiously. And a person who thinks himself unlovable cannot be in a relationship with God because he can't accept who God is; a Being that is love."

"If loving other people is a bit of heaven then certainly isolation is a bit of hell, and to that degree, here on earth, we decide in which state we would like to live."

"The most difficult lie I have ever contended with is this: Life is a story about me."

The Infamous Photo

Crime: Haley caught in the act of what appears to be . . . coming out of the Sani-Hut talking on her cell phone

Date: July 29th, 2009; approximately 7:15 pm

Location: Tahoe, CA

As it appears: Haley is walking out of the port-a-potty in Tahoe while talking on her cell phone, and unbeknownst to her, Laura is waiting at the ready with camera in hand to document the crime.

The Truth (according to defendant): "Laura and I have a running joke because a few years back we were taking a picture of ourselves at TFE (Tahoe Family Encampment); and upon review of the picture we discovered that the Sani-Hut was our backdrop. After that things sort of fell into place to make a tradition out of it; so we have several pictures of ourselves in front of said Sani-Hut. Believe it or not now we go out of our way to make sure we get a picture in front of the Sani-Hut every year. Well this year started out like any other, we went over to have our picture taken in front of the Sani-Hut and on the way I said that after our picture I'd actually need to use the Sani-Hut. Laura then told me she was going to take a picture of me coming out of the Sani-Hut. So I went in to use the 'facilities' and apparently forgot to lock the door (and apparently Laura was too busy talking on the phone to pause for 2 seconds to tell me I forgot to lock the door; yeah she noticed . . . she was also apparently too busy to stop what happened next.) while I was pulling my pants up a little girl opened the door on me and then quickly dropped it (by the way second 'walking in' incident I had in Tahoe this year, but the first time I was the 'walker inner'). I was distracted by this and came out, and Laura thought it was funny and said; ' good thing I didn't take a picture of that' but after having said this she realized she forgot to take a picture at all. So back into the Sani-Hut I went (see this time it was staged!) I thought I'd add an extra element to the already comical picture, so I whipped out my cell phone and pretended to be chatting away."

Jury Conclusion: So there you have it folks, the jury concludes that Haley is not at fault of talking on the phone while using the Sani-Hut . . . though upon questioning she did make this statement; "Port-A-Potties are kind of creepy and gross so safety in numbers is always a good idea, and since two people can't actually fit in there, a buddy on the phone is the next best option."

But what do you think: Do you think that Haley is innocent and this was a staged photo, or . . . do you think she really was on the phone and has concocted this elaborate story to"cover up" the truth.

*As of the writing of this post, we have not been able to gather a statement from Laura . . .

Sani-Hut Photo 2008

Sani-Hut Photo 2009