Hands down the recipe I make the most in the fall and the winter is this recipe from Shay . It’s so easy and delicious and we usually get two dinners out of it (or a dinner + a couple of lunches for me!)
The recipe is in her Simmers cookbook. If you don’t have this cookbook, you are missing out. I purchased it on Amazon a couple of years ago, and I use it at least once a week to cook dinner in the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can ranch-style beans (This, to me, is the key ingredient!)
1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
Monterey Jack cheese for garnish, shredded
Green onions for garnish, chopped
Instructions:
In the slow cooker, layer the chicken, tomatoes, beans, taco seasoning, and cream of chicken soup.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, remove the lid, shred chicken (I use two forks to do so) and stir in the corn.
Replace the lid and heat until the corn is hot.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with cheese and green onions.
Recipe from Simmers cookbook (p. 42)
I mentioned above, but to me, the ranch-style beans are key. I was always able to find them at Kroger until last fall/winter….so I barely made this recipe last year. Then, the beans were back at Kroger this year (maybe Kroger reads my comments/complaints in my weekly Kroger survey ;)) and now I buy them a few cans at a time because I’m afraid they won’t have them anymore!
Anyway, this is a recipe my entire family loves. It takes 3 minutes to put everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and then dinner is ready when you get home.
I hope you enjoy.
Don’t forget to check out my first post for today. Monday Memes.
Happy Monday! This Monday Memes post is one of two posts today. I was going to post this a couple of Mondays ago when I was sick, but kind of got off track with my blogging schedule.
I’m over here begging for a snow day or two!! Seeing the extended forecast with highs in the 40s makes Monday feel like the meme below!
Even at 10 years old, Hadley White is the queen of “I’m thirsty” at bedtime. She always fills up a water bottle or tall glass and it’s still full in the morning! Drives me bonkers!
Lists and calendars help me know what’s going on and who needs to be where at what time, but I still feel like I have no clue what’s going on half the time!
I uploaded this meme around the holidays. It just made me laugh 🙂 and…ironically, Travis and I drove separately to Louisville for Christmas Eve Eve. 😂Good news, I did not feel the need to leave early.
This one literally made me laugh out loud. Ducks. haha
Queen Bea! I make this face often myself! 😉
Can there ever be too many Golden Girls references?! Umm…the answer is no! My mom sent this to me. The Dolly Parton challenge is all the rage right now. I love Dolly, but I do love these ladies more!
I hope you have a great Monday. Don’t forget to check out post #2 for today…It’s a Monday Meals recipe—and probably the recipe I make the most in the fall and the winter.
I saw this meme awhile ago, and it caught my attention…because, well, I’m an introvert. I think I’ve always been pretty reserved, and I’ve always liked to ease myself into a new situation or even when meeting new people. I’d also say that I’m pretty guarded with my feelings and my emotions. But, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I would actually describe myself as an introvert. What I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older (maybe once I became a parent to two very different kids with very different personality types who even go about the same daily activities in very different ways) that it’s important to know and respect the attributes of those around you and those you love. For example, there are times I come home from school and the last thing I want to do is talk on the phone. I used to feel bad if all I could manage to squeak out was a text message, but now that I have allowed myself to acknowledge that boundaries are ok, I realize that the text message has to be enough—for myself and for the recipient. Just a small example from the mind of an introvert.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I have a former principal who once said about himself, “I’m an introvert who thrives on a routine and dislikes conflict.” That. Is. Me….Also, I could not have chosen a profession that pushes these limits….daily (hourly!) if I tried. So, no wonder I’m exhausted at the end of every day.
Rainy Days
Truth. I love watching the news in the morning…and when they show the extended weather forecast, I always look to see if we have any upcoming rainy days. I love a cloudy day with a book, a blanket, and not much to do. I joke that rainy days are “permission to be lazy” because what can you actually accomplish on a rainy day? haha
Cancelled Plans
For being an introvert, I do get FOMO rather easily. I do like to hang out and go out with my friends, but I’m also not mad about some cancelled plans. Cancelled plans mean I get to hang out at home which is my favorite place to be!
Solo Activities
I do need some time to unwind. Thankfully, I’m usually home around 4:00, so I get some time to decompress, read, check my phone, etc before starting dinner and evening activities. I also do enjoy having some time to myself to go to the grocery store, run to Target, or get a coffee at Starbucks. I don’t mind doing some activities alone, but I also know that’s only because I know that once I go home there’s the hustle and bustle of it all. Some day my house will be too quiet and I won’t need the time for solo activities which will make me sad, I’m sure!
Daydreaming
So… I’m not much for a daydreamer…but I am a planner. I feel so much better if my week is laid out in front of me, activities are written on the calendar, and dinners are planned. I feel less stressed when everything is in order.
Deep Conversations
Ok, I will say…I’m not one that craves deep conversations. So, this part of the graphic doesn’t necessarily apply to me. I think that because I’m “on” all day at school and get very little peace and quiet, the last thing I want to do is have a lengthy conversation. That being said, of course, I love catching up with an old friend, chatting with my mom friends about what’s going on, or getting the details of my kids’ day at school. I like to chat…but just maybe not super deep conversations. I think I often feel like my brain and voice need a break 😂
Text Messages
Thank goodness for text messages. As I stated above, they are a great way to keep up with friends and family near and far. Plus, texts have come a long way! Now you can insert emojis and GIFs. haha. That being said, of course, it’s nice to hear a loved one’s voice or receive a nice voicemail.
Recharging
Yes. Yes. Yes. What pretty much gets me through my early alarm clock is knowing what time I will be home and back in my pjs in the evening. Honestly, like I said, I like to plan out the week, so we know what all is going on, but I also like planning out the week to look forward to the evenings where we don’t have much on our plate, dinner isn’t rushed, and maybe we can play a game or watch a show as a family. I do feel like recharging is so important for all people, so we don’t get run down, tired, and/or sick.
Home
I love my home. I think I’ve always been this way, but I guess just in adulthood, I’ve realized how much I truly do love being at home. If I’m home, I want it to be a place I enjoy and feel comfortable and cozy in. So, of course that means my favorite places to shop are Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, and Target. 😂 I will say if I bring home another pillow, Travis may throw a fit! I am the definition of a home body!
Introspection
I wouldn’t necessarily have described myself as introspective but once I saw it listed on the graphic, I do feel like it applies to me as an introvert. Like I said, I can be quiet. It takes time for me to process information. I’m the type that occasionally keeps a journal, has notes on my phone of meaningful quotes, turns the radio down on my solo car ride home from school to think about my day, and needs some “me” time to decompress from the day. I’m reflective enough to know that I have good and bad days, great qualities but that I’m also a work in progress, and that no relationship is perfect…and they take work.
Like I said, this graphic definitely resonated with me when I saw it on social media. I think sometimes introverts may get a bad rap of being snooty or closed off. Just because someone is quiet or guarded doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to offer or don’t want to get to know you….it may just take them awhile to warm up or feel comfortable in a situation or setting.
Hayden tends to be more like me. When Travis asks where we want to go for dinner on a Friday night, 9 times out of 10, Hayden says he wants carry out! haha. I will at least leave the house for a good dinner 😉 We aren’t sure where Hadley got her more extroverted personality from. While Travis is more extroverted in comparison to me, I’d see he’d probably label himself as closer to an introvert than an extrovert. I’m constantly in awe of Hadley’s self-confidence, assertiveness, and her ability to make friends effortlessly. I feel like it’s easier to be an extrovert than an introvert, so I’m so thankful she has the qualities and is dragging her brother with her along the way!
Just my two cents on what it means to be an introvert. I know extroverts probably feel misunderstood too sometimes! 😉 Thank goodness we all aren’t the same!
While I tend to write about what’s going on in our family in some of my regular posts, I thought I’d write a Three Things post to dive a bit deeper into what’s been going on in our family.
Red plate tradition – great report card & completion of Science Fair project
Hayden’s sport right now is basketball. I guess we are halfway through the season. While this appears to be a “growing year” for his team, I enjoy watching him play 🙂 Believe it or not, baseball season is right around the corner.
Hayden’s still basking in the glow of Honorable Mention on his Science Fair Project. I think he’s secretly patting himself on the back—he did enough to get the special certificate and medal, but he doesn’t have to go through the interview process again at the district level…He’ll let Hadley do that. haha
Hayden loves to read. He just finished the book Hatchet, and he loved it. He finished it Monday night…and was probably up a little too late for a school night, but the kid loves to read and couldn’t wait to tell us all about the book.
Red plate tradition- for great report card, dance tryout, & completion of Science Fair project
As mentioned in previous post, Hadley’s science project earned her a spot in the district’s Science Fair next month. She also just started Academic Team at her school. Hadley loves the social aspect of any team, activity, or hobby. Girlfriend loves to talk and make new friends.
Hadley tried out for dance in the Gifted and Talented program at her school, and she made the cut. I’m still not sure what all it entails, but she was excited to try out, I was nervous for her (I’d never tell her that!), but, of course, we’re proud of her for pushing herself to try out!
Hadley’s become quite the baker. On Monday, we were making a brownie/cookie mix from a box. She got all the ingredients out, and then said, “Mom, we are working on fractions in math. Let me see if I can do this on my own!” I gave her minimal guidance, and we all enjoyed a delicious dessert!
The horse business continues to keep Travis busy. Also, he’s one of the asst. coaches on Hayden’s basketball team. I do think Hadley misses him coaching her team…maybe next year?
Just when I was back in the swing of things at school, I got sick. I’m getting back in the groove again this week. Also, I’ve made it a priority to get back on track with my intermittent fasting and meal tracking… I’m taking it slow getting back to working out, but will do so next week.
Homer—is a full. time. job! haha. I always say, “Thank goodness he’s cute!” He finds any muddy spot we have in the yard, continues to chew the tv remote, destroys homework, and even pulled the toilet paper roll down the hall recently!!
That’s a little recap on what we’ve been up to lately. The month of January has definitely felt slower compared to November and December. We’ve watched movies as a family, been able to sleep in a bit, and I’ve kept up with my reading. I’ll take it while it lasts!
Happy Monday! Long time, no talk! Because…the flu tried to kill me! I was so sick last week…I even missed the entire week of school. Hadley was sick as well for a couple of days. I think she shared her germs with me 😉 I’m feeling much more like myself, but very thankful for this 3 day weekend to get back on track with life while continuing to get my energy back as well.
Before I got sick, sweet Travis threw me a surprise 40th birthday party on Saturday, January 11. I was shocked; I had no clue. At all. I was genuinely touched at the friends and family who were at the Bear and the Butcher (one of our favorite places) to help celebrate.
When we got home that evening, Travis said he’d been planning it for weeks, and of course wanted to include as many friends who have been in our lives through the years. I so appreciate his thoughtfulness!
Me with Travis, long time friends and our sweet sitter, some of my “mom” friends who are the best, and my neighbor friends. I’m so blessed.Travis and I with some of the best long time friends!My brother, sister-in-law, myself and Travis
I’ve felt pretty indifferent about turning 40, but I did have a few goals for myself before turning the big 4-0. This past year, I focused on finding a church home for our family, and I feel like we’ve found a place that’s a great fit for us. Also, starting this blog was another one of my major goals. My only regret is not starting it sooner!
I’m also working to find the time to make working out and clean eating a priority again. I’ve done so for the past few years, but November/December (and now the beginning of January) proved to be quite hectic and I’ve put those good habits on the back burner a bit. I do love to work out. I feel so much better while eating clean and getting exercise in 4-5 days a week. I’m going to continue getting back on track with healthy eating and get those workouts in after I get my energy back from the flu!
All last week, Travis was Super Dad taking the kids to activities and practices while also helping with homework and finishing up the kids’ school Science Fair Projects. Thursday night, I couldn’t attend Science Fair Night, but Travis sent me the pics of the kids with the good news! Hayden received Honorable Mention on his project and Hadley is moving on to the district competition. They really put in so much time and effort, but I’m the most proud of their presentations. I know both kids were pretty nervous talking to the judges on Thursday, so I’m proud of them for pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone (especially Hayden who is pretty quiet and shy) After school on Thursday, when I asked Hayden how the judging went, he said, “Good, but my face was as red as an apple!” haha
Honorable mentionHadley – on to districts!
Sunday was a big day in our house. Since I’m from Kansas City, I’ve been a Chiefs fan for my entire life! Of course, that means both kids are too (especially Hayden—Patrick Mahomes is his fave!) We cheered the Chiefs on during the AFC Championship game, and now they are on to the Super B O W L! Hayden said, “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this!” (Me too, kid. Me too.)
Happy Friday! We made it through a full week of school. We started off the week waking up with smiles on our faces and arriving to school early. We’ve ended the week sitting silently with our eyes closed while eating breakfast and then pulling up in the school car line on two wheels! The first week back to reality is always rough.
This is the first Friday Favorites of 2020 with Erika, Andrea, and Narci. Make sure to check out their posts too!
FAVORITE PIC
It’s that time of the year! Hadley and her Girl Scout troop are selling cookies. Last year, she had a *random* goal of selling 296 boxes, and she sold close to 350 boxes. This year, she has a goal of 330 boxes. She made a video for me to post on Facebook with her info about the cookies, her goals, etc. It took us over an hour to make it. At one point, she said, “I don’t know how actresses do it!” haha. She also took advantage of the great weather we were having last weekend to sell around our neighborhood. She’s off to a great start! Hayden is always her first customer with his $4 for a box of Lemonades 🙂
FAVORITE KID QUOTE
At school drop off on Monday Hayden said, “Bye mom, have a good day,” and got out of car. Then, he turned around and said, “Wait did I give you a kiss?” So sweet of ❤️ Hayden. Thankfully, they both aren’t embarrassed by me…yet.
FAVORITE CLOTHING ITEM
I asked for both of these clothing items from Nordstrom from my mom for Christmas. She sent my birthday gift home with my Christmas gifts, and I went ahead and opened these since they were wrapped together in one box. I wore both of these (especially the fleece pullover) non-stop over break. I loved the pink sweater so much that I ordered it in gray as well since it’s on sale.
We’ve tried to get back on track this week with grocery shopping and meal planning. BUT the kids (especially Hayden) can’t quit my new mom hack (courtesy of Living with Landyn). I usually have cinnamon rolls on hand for Saturday or Sunday breakfast since they take awhile to bake. But, now I use my new mini waffle maker to squish individual cinnamon rolls one at a time (2 minutes and one roll is smooshed waffle style). Hayden has eaten these all week long for breakfast.
FAVORITE MOMENT
The kids’ favorite moments this week have probably been every day after school as they’ve had friends over who don’t have an after school sitter this week. While our sitters have watched them, they’ve done a good job about all of them getting their homework completed, but then they have a friend to play with on Xbox or outside.
I loved going to my school’s basketball game on Tuesday. It was a crazy evening with Travis working late and both kids having their own practices, but we met up at school to cheer on my school’s team to victory against a cross town rival.
BUT…I can tell you, hands down, my favorite moment will be this weekend when we have finished not one, but two, 4th grade science projects! I’m ready to wrap this up!
FAVORITE MOM MEME
Why do I have to raise my voice for anyone to take me seriously?! #forrealtho
Extra fave: FAVORITE AMAZON GIFTS
I’d seen a few blog posts about this Amazon cardigan, and I decided to buy one for my grandma as a Christmas present. When it arrived, I loved it so much, I told Travis it’s what I wanted for Christmas too! I love to wear my robe, but figured this may be more presentable at 5pm. It’s soft and warm which is always a great combo.
Last year, I got my kids these Paint by Number sticker books from Amazon. They received a few more from my grandma for Christmas. I probably love these more than the kids do. Each page has a numbered picture with correlating stickers. They are perfect for a long car ride or just a fun way to be creative without a mess!
I always love the Let’s Look link up with Shay and Erika because it’s always fun to get a sneak peek into other people’s lives. For the first Let’s Look of 2020, it’s a peek at your bedside table.
I try to keep my bedside table tidy, but our master bedroom is pretty small, and there’s only a bedside table on my side. So, that means my things (books, phone, framed photos) as well as other items like coasters and tv remote occasionally pile up.
The Last House Guest and Meg & Jo are what I hope to read next.
It’s no secret that I love to read, so I usually have a couple of magazines and books as well as my Kindle on my bedside table. Every morning, I put my Kindle back in my purse for the day in case I have a free moment to read.
I’m currently reading The Hate U Give in hardback and A Woman is No Man on my Kindle.
I also have two picture frames on my bedside table that have been there for years and years. I have one of our wedding photos that’s almost 15 years old! I remember when the photographer told us to pose like we are, she said, “This pose will feel awkward and cheesy, but it’s always a great photo.” And…she was right! It’s always been one of my faves.
The other picture frame is a Twice as Nice frame that someone gave us at one of our baby showers over 10 years ago. Each year, I put the kids’ school pictures in it. I just updated the pics recently, and it’s always a fun walk down memory lane seeing pictures from when they were babies until now.
Books/Kindle, 4th grade school pics, and a framed wedding photo
I try to keep the bedside table tidy by putting the remote, coaster, and my ChapStick in the top drawer until needed. That being said, the two big drawers are a hot mess of pictures, kids’ artwork, cards, etc… Like many things in life…looks can be deceiving. Nice and tidy on the outside. Disaster on the inside. haha
Next month’s Let’s Look is about your winter wardrobe. I’m actually going to post a few faves in Friday’s upcoming post.
Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts and have a great Wednesday.
Happy Monday! I thought I’d start the week off sharing one of my family’s favorite meals. I got this recipe off a Kroger coupon pack years ago. It’s super simple and delicious.
Plus shredded chicken
Ingredients:
1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/2 cup jarred Alfredo sauce
2 Tblsp Buffalo-style sauce (I actually use a little less because I’m not a huge fan of super spicy)
*For a few years, I’ve used Shay’s tip for perfect chicken (Poach chicken in slow cooker by covering chicken with water (usually 6 c) and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours) Then, I just pull the chicken out of slow cooker and it easily shreds.
Instructions:
In a medium stockpot, cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water.
Return pasta to pot. Add Alfredo and Buffalo sauces, chicken, 1/4 c Parmesan and white parts of scallion. Toss; add reserved pasta water and toss again, cooking until heated through.
Divide between four bowls; garnish with scallion greens and remaining 1/4 c Parmesan. Serve immediately, refrigerating any leftovers.
How does school (and real life) start back tomorrow? (insert crying emoji!). We’ve had a great break. Holidays, traditions, games, family outings, house cleaning, oh my! I thought I’d share some of what we did with some of our time off!
Family Time
Besides family time, I can honestly say the #1 highlight was having Travis home for over a week and a half. The down time was nice and so was just having the balance of kids and parents for fun times as well as getting s#!@ done times too! No alarms were set, no real agendas, and the understanding that we needed to use our off time wisely as far as productivity and relaxation were concerned. Travis is the hardest working person that I know. On top of that, he loves his job more than anyone I know. Also, the blessing and curse of a cellphone is he’s always available and can still work from home. Like me, it takes awhile for him to relax and have downtime. So, for him, having that time off was better than he probably realizes for all of us. The night before he went back to work he said, “I don’t think I’ve ever had this much time off work!” Not sure if he meant that in a good or bad way. 😂
Christmas
We had a great Christmas at home and spent a couple days after Christmas purging the house and getting organized. Travis and I even rearranged our bedroom, and I love the new set up.
Reading
I wrapped up reading holiday books and started a couple new ones over break.
I started The Hate You Give and A Woman is No Man. I felt like I might get my English teacher card revoked if I didn’t read The Hate You Give. I know it’s a pretty popular book for high schoolers, so I checked it out from my school library. I started A Woman is No Man based off a book review from Shay. Both are pretty heavy reads considering the amount of light reading I did in December.
Out to Dinner
We went out to dinner a few times over break. It was nice not planning dinners as much and just kind of going with the flow. We started break taking the kids to pick out gifts for each other followed by brunch at one of our favorite places: Winchells.
One night we went to dinner as a family at Drakes. I joked that Hadley lives a blessed life because she ordered the salmon (with a side of tots!). She could eat her weight in salmon.
The kids had lots of time with the cousins and we went out to dinner a couple times with them for Mexican food at El Tapatio and then burgers (and grilled cheese) at Oscar Diggs last week.
Activities
My most favorite activity was not setting an alarm 🙂 followed by purging the house and getting it somewhat organized.
We also played some games as a family including a new one: Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza.
We also went to the movies. Travis and Hayden saw the Star Wars movie while Hadley and I went to see Frozen 2. Good reviews from all of us in regards to our movies.
Last week, we went bowling with the cousins and ate pizza. We had a great time.
On January 1st, we gathered as many friends as we could find to complete Hayden and Hadley’s 4th grade Science Fair projects. My kids both chose activity based experiments. Next year, we are growing a plant or two! haha
Movies thanks to Disney +
I may be enjoying Disney + more than anyone else in the house. haha. I loved my afternoon naps while watching a movie or two. On Disney +, I watched my all time favorites: The (original) Parent Trap and Swiss Family Robinson. I also watched Turner and Hooch and While You Were Sleeping. Before Christmas, Hayden and I watched A Christmas Story. At some point over break, I also watched Home Alone.
As a family, we watched The Mighty Ducks (DVD) and Cool Runnings (Amazon) because they aren’t on Disney + yet.
Blog Posts
Most bloggers whose blogs I read took these last couple of weeks off. I was kind of random with my posting, but since I had extra time here and there, I continued to post sporadically.
Once the holidays were over, I didn’t take too many pics, but here are a few.
Bottom middle: Hadley with her salmon and tots! #blessedlifeScience project helpers, ringing in 2020 at home, my charcuterie plates were basically a daily meal, and fun with cousins at Oscar Diggs
Final weekend of break
With such a late date to return to school, all of the activities started back up this weekend. Both kids had basketball games yesterday, and Travis and I did squeak in a date night last night. Today involves more Science Fair work, volleyball, indoor soccer games, grocery shopping, lunch packing, etc. #Imcryinginacornernow
basketball and date night beverages
All good things must come to and end. We had a pretty great couple of weeks at home together….yes, there was occasional fighting, but overall, I’d see we enjoyed each other’s company. It was certainly nice to have some downtime before life gets hectic again! (well, it already has!)
It’s been a good experience adopting Homer, but my type A personality has always wondered what breed(s) he is. My brother mentioned that there are DNA tests for dogs (I had no idea this was a thing). The past few months, I’ve had a few friends say they’ve done DNA tests of the dogs they’ve adopted and how interesting the results were. Most of them had mentioned Wisdom Panel as the brand they used. One of my Christmas presents was money from my dad to buy the DNA kit, so I did. The kit I bought was $50 on sale on Amazon (price is usually $80). I probably wouldn’t have rushed to purchase one, but using Christmas money made the expense a bit more justifiable. 🙂
Getting Homer’s DNA was easy, and the kit provided very detailed instructions. There were two swabs, and I used each one for 30 seconds rubbing between his gum and cheek. Then, the swabs had to air out for five minutes before putting them back in their packets. I had to get online and activate the kit. Wisdom Panel did ask how old Homer is and his weight. I sent the kit off on a Monday, received an email they had received it on Friday and about eight days later received his results via email.
We were all so excited to see the results. Based on an idea a friend had given me, I had everyone write down their top three breeds they thought Homer would be. When we adopted him, the people at Tails of Hope said he (and his brothers) was a lab mix of some sort. Our vet, from the beginning, thought he may have some Husky in him.
The picture from Tails of Hope when Homer was up for adoption. I used the Pet Finder app to search for lab mix puppies within a 100 mile radius of Lexington.
Our Guesses:
Hayden: Lab, Husky, and Wolf!
Hadley: Golden Retriever, Yellow Lab, and Husky
Travis: Lab, Husky, Heeler
Me: Lab, Golden Retriever, Shepherd
The Results:
25% American Staffordshire Terrier (I hadn’t even heard of this type of dog!…and I always thought all terriers were small in size!)
25% Great Pyrenees (Once I clicked on the pic of this dog type, I could totally see it in Homer…and it must be where he gets his long legs…as this breed was the tallest of Homer’s mix)
25% Labrador Retriever (Thank goodness he has a bit of what we were looking for in a dog! :))
12.5% Chow Chow (This one still surprises me!)
12.5% Siberian Husky (I guess our vet was right!)
Online, you can click on the link for each dog and it provides pics, traits, physical features, and even history about the breed.
American Staffordshire Terrier – Hard-working, loyal, stoic, intelligent, usually good with children, enjoy sports. Bred to guard people and property.
Great Pyrenees – Intelligent, watchful, generally calm (maybe Homer is easing in to this trait? haha), can be standoffish.
Labrador Retriever – Gentle, trusting, happy-go-lucky, good family dogs, enjoy retrieving (we know Homer knows how to do this!) and swimming.
Chow Chow – Loyal family dog, reserved, wary with strangers, independent spirit, bred to guard people and property.
Husky – Intelligent, hard-working, active, social, friendly, do well with children, energetic, stubborn, long history of helping humans, engage in digging and chasing wildlife (after reading about digging and chasing wildlife, I think Homer should have a higher percentage of Husky in him! haha) Also, cute story–Hadley was reading about each dog and the history/traits…for Husky, it said they are used to herd reindeer. Hadley said, “How hard can it be to herd reindeer?” I looked at her like, “Huh,” and she said, “There are only eight reindeer. I guess nine if you count Rudolph!” So sweet.
Family Tree
The family tree showed both parents, grandparents 1-4, and great grandparents 1-8.
Parent 1: Terrier, Lab; Grandparent 1: Terrier; Grandparent 2: Lab; Great Grandparents 1 and 2: Terriers; Great Grandparents 3 and 4: LabsParent 2: Pyrenees, Chow Chow, Husky; Grandparent 3: Pyrenees; Grandparent 4: Chow Chow and Husky; Great Grandparents 5 & 6: Pyrenees; Great Grandparent 7: Chow Chow; Great Grandparent 8: Husky
I’d say Homer is a sweet mix of all of these breeds. He’s loyal, intelligent, energetic, happy, independent, stubborn, watchful, active, and social. He’s a handful, but we love him. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a puppy, so I think I’ve forgotten what that takes, but he’s worth it (most days!) Sometimes, I feel like we are still getting to know each other. I’d say I feel that I was always the most attached to Shiloh and Scout. Now, I joke that there are four of us and I’m probably fourth in line to love Homer. (haha)…probably because, at times, he’s like having ten toddlers, and he’s one more thing for me (us!) to take care of.
That being said, it was my idea to get him….it’s just in me to know the love, loyalty and joy a dog brings to a family…and I know the time and will come when he quits destroying things (that time is going to come, right?), stops putting his paws on the counter, and will eventually leave dead birds outside (right?!).
He’s a good one though…and it’s been great for my kids to have a dog at their age to help and play with while also learning about the responsibilities it takes to own a dog.
Special shout out to Travis who walks him daily (the kids help sometimes too as an after school chore) and takes care of him when he’s driving me crazy.
I think the DNA kit does help give us a better understanding of our sweet, handful of a pup as we continue to get to know each other.
And, while he does drive me bonkers sometimes, I think it’s sweet that he wants to be where we are and as close as possible to us at all times. Also, he loves a routine…like every night, he hops in Hadley’s bed for a few minutes…before she kicks him out after he smothers her with his love. If she shuts the door on him before he can at least hang with her a few minutes, he whimpers and slides his paw under her door. It’s one more thing to add to our bedtime routine, but it’s Homer, so we let him have his moment.
Our sweet, playful, handful of a boy is 10(ish) months old.
Last thing, if you are a dog lover, you’d love this Dogs magazine from Life. Travis knows me so well, and it was in my stocking. It has the sweetest pictures and stories and had me tearing up from time to time.
“Dogs have given us there absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.”
–Roger Caras, A Celebration of Dogs
This is most certainly the truth. We heart Homer. (AKA: Biscuit, Pooks, Homster, Homer, stop! Homer, drop it! Homer, kennel! Homer, be a good boy!) #wehearthomer #homerisahandful
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