It's a dog's life...

I don't normally blog about my dog, but he is like one of our children, so here goes!  We own a long-legged, black & white Jack Russell Terrier.  His name is Chipper and he is 13 years old.  Chipper has tons of personality and was quite crazy in his younger years.  There is never a shadow or reflection he doesn't chase.  He tries to eat the vacuum cleaner every time we pull it out.  He barks when you pull out the pots and pans from the cabinet.  (It is like he is trying to protect me from them, lol!)  Our neighbors have a Rottweiler that must weigh a gazillion pounds.  Chipper barks and tries to go after it, as if he is a big dog himself.

Celeste has been telling us that Chipper is going to die for the past 2 years.  It is kind of a running joke between us.  Chipper has really slowed down over the past 6 months.  We noticed his hearing is going.  We will come home from being out and he won't even hear us.  You can sneak up on him and surprise him now.  (That is sometimes a lot of fun!)  I do know one thing.  We will all miss him when he's gone...  God blessed us with a fun companion for all of these years!

I got Chipper for my 30th birthday from a local woman who shows Jack Russell Terriers.  My daughter, Celeste, and my younger brother, Jamie both own JRT's.  Celeste owns a 2 year old named Jack.  Jamie has an older JRT named Timmy.  Both of these dogs were from rescue programs and they are great pets.  Please consider adopting from a rescue program.  Jacks are great, energetic pets and extremely loyal to their owners.

Jack Russell Rescue
Florida Jack Russell Rescue

Summertime!

In May we completed our 11th year of homeschooling!  Yay!

Celeste left a few days ago.  She was here for a 2 week visit.  I really enjoyed seeing her and spending time with her!  We even got in a very quick trip to Sarasota to see her grandparents.  Eden came along so that we could spend some "girl time" together. Celeste is doing very well in college.  She is taking summer classes and was accepted to Southern Illinois University for the fall semester.  She is very homesick for Florida and her friends.  Having her here and spending fun time together reminded me of how much we enjoy each other's company.  Here are a few pictures from our trip...
                                         
                                                   Celeste & Pipa out on the boat

                                                     
                                                             Celeste at Turtle Beach

                                                        Mommy & Eden @ Turtle

                                                                           Sisters

Currently, we are experiencing the hottest June in years.  Most days the temperature is 94-97 degrees.  Whew!  In just a few minutes we are going to head over to swim at Grandpa's pool.  Dan and Max swim well and taught themselves.  I am hoping Tommy and Eden will be swimming on their own by the end of the summer.

Today we went to our local library and signed up for the summer reading program.  The kids can't wait to earn free Taco Bell, McDonalds, Moe's, and a book from Barnes & Noble.  They all love to read.  Our library website is fantastic and recently I figured out how to download eBooks to my Nook.  That is quite neat!

Jamie arrives in 2 weeks and will be staying with us for a month.  I can't wait to see him!  I wonder if he is taller?  What are your plans this summer?  I would love to hear from you in my comments.