The Bully Beat

Happy New Year Everybully!

2012-01-07T00:06:00.000-06:00

So the holidays are over & just when you think you'll be bored with nothing to do this weekend here I come with some FANTASTIC news!!

We know what you can do this weekend! Come to the biggest dog show in Minnesota & see Vivi! Lots of bullies! Lots of vendors! Lots of other doggies to see too! Oh & there is mini-donuts...not sure how you can pass that up?!

So if you're near St Paul & get up early come see us!!

Land O Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show

St Paul River Centre

Saturday, January 7th & Sunday, January 8th

Ring 14

830am (both days)

Vivi & I would love to see you!

Ribbons & Cake

2011-12-13T22:25:00.003-06:00

This past weekend, Vivi & I headed to St. Cloud, Minnesota for a show. This show is about 1 hour from us, but there was road construction & detours & it was at 2pm on Saturday (we usually show right away in the morning)...all those things lead me to be all out of sorts & literally walk into the show site at 2:05pm! Talk about a fast show...I walked in, waited about 10 mins for us to go in the ring & then was on my way home! LOL

On Sunday, we showed a bit earlier & Steve was able to come with so we got there in plenty of time to sit ringside & relax a bit. That felt much better. I did have a little conversation with Vivi before the show & while in the ring...see, Sunday was my birthday & I told her that ALL she had to get me for my birthday was a win...and she did! What a great birthday present!

"A Girl & Her Bully In the Skyway"

"Mommas got cake, I got dees rwibbons.."

"I fink I'd wike to have da cake next time."

How Did This Happen?

2011-12-12T22:24:00.000-06:00

WOW!! How is it possible that December is almost at the mid-way mark?? This year seems to have gone very fast & I'm not sure why. I mean, I know I was busy most of the summer with shows & my new found love of sewing, but still. Jeez!!! 2012 will be here before any of us know it!

I always seems to be apologizing for my lack of posts this year. I am compiling a list of things I'd like to accomplish in 2012 & along with keeping my kitchen table junk mail-free (that's honestly all that is on that thing right now), I'm going to add blogging more...back to how it was. I love blogging, but I guess I let life get in the way...man, looking at the total of posts during 2010 & 2011...dang...makes me sad.

I will say that I'm grateful that it's all good things keeping me from blogging in 2011, so in that respect I shouldn't be sad. So for those of you still reading this blog, thank you! I promise, right here, right now, I will try VERY hard to blog much more in 2012 than I did in 2011!!

In typical procrastination fashion, I have yet to even take the bullies' photo for our Christmas card...man I need to get on that. Have all of you done your Christmas photos yet? Any bully seen Santapaws? If so, please send them to me & I will post them in the upcoming weeks for a very festive look for The Bully Beat!! Plus, I think they will give me the motivation to get our photos done!!!

"Yeah frwends! Send our momma yourz photos! We want to sees them too!"

Wuv-Howie, Vivi & Doc

What are you doing this weekend??

2011-11-14T23:09:00.000-06:00

If you're in the Twin Cities & you love dogs & think craft fairs are a great place to get great gifts then boy do I have something you MUST put on your calendar!!

This Sunday, November 20th from noon-4pm the St Paul Minneapolis Bulldog Club will be holding it's first ever "Barktique" in White Bear Lake! What's a Barktique you ask...well, think Boutique with goodies & gifts for dog owners & dogs!!! Get it?? BARK-TIQUE??

So many of our own club members in addition to other talented dog lovers will have their own handmade items for sale & I must say we do have a talented group of people!! Yours truly will even have a few different items at the Barktique...want a sneak peak of some of the items??

There will be beauitfully hand drawn breed note cards

Really cute jewelry items

Wonderfully warm afghans in both baby & adult sizes

I plan on having some wristlets, tote bags & coin purses too! So far many are a work in progress (mostly because my sewing machine --aka Kenny--decided to pull an attitude this weekend), but you'll get the idea & see the cutest fabrics I've been working with!!

So come one, come all! Come to the Barktique!!!

Thanks Veterans

2011-11-11T23:11:00.002-06:00

We would like to thank all our service men & women & their families for their sacrifices for our freedom! Thank you!!

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Bulloween Everybully!!!

2011-10-31T23:16:00.000-05:00

Yay!! What's more fun than having 3 super cute bullies?? Dressing up said cute bullies for Bulloween!!!

In past years we've had:

a Cop

a Bullerina

a King

a Bumbledoc

a Bunch of Bananas

A Bat, Butterfly & another Bat

This year we went a somewhat traditional route in the costume department. Meet my Pumpkin Patch!!

We really hope you all had a safe & fun Bulloween!! What did you/your bullies dress up as?? We'd love to see photos!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T00:11:00.000-05:00

Bulldog Camo

I found Minnie's Canine Cousin....

2011-10-24T23:52:00.000-05:00

Vivi Mouse!!

:0)

Our bulldog club had its Halloween Party Sunday & I wasn't sure what Vivian wanted to be so I put this together for her...

Awww...a bully after my own Disney heart!!

Happy early Halloween everyone!

Sadly...none of the items that may scream "Halloween Costume" were purchased for such...I honestly just had the ears, the dress (a recent $3 find at Petco) & my headband on hand...not sure why I'm telling you that, makes me look weird doesn't it? :0)

Have no fear, the boys will be dressed up for the actual holiday! Hmmm...what WILL they be??????

Weekend Recap

2011-10-16T23:24:00.001-05:00

Ahhh...one guess at what I did this weekend??

If you guessed dog show, you're correct. Love my after-show naps, especially when I have my nap buddies keeping me company. Vivi & I had some early mornings to drive to Iowa this weekend & the drive was nice & uneventful. We don't have anything more to report on the show though...so the highlight was this nap & some good breakfasts w/great bulldoggers!

This week it got colder again in MN. Boo! Yesterday morning it was 40 degrees as I was driving to Iowa...no good. The week before it was in the mid-to-upper 80s...it was heavenly. I took these photos last week...glad I did, the majority of the leaves are now at the compost site (thanks Steve!). The tree was really pretty this year!

This weekend also brought out some tears. Two good friends lost their doggies to the rainbow bridge. My heart aches for them both & their losses remind me of how thankful I am for any time with my bullies & kitties and I will enjoy every second I have with them.

Hope you all had a great weekend & hug your bullies/doggies/kitties!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-11T23:27:00.000-05:00

...well almost...maybe someday I'll do a true Wordless Wednesday.

"Momma-seriously??"

Ok, a real update...

2011-10-02T22:47:00.001-05:00

Ahhh my blog! My friends!! How ARE you?? Omg! It's October!! How did that happen!!?? I'm sorry I've been so sporadic in my posts! This summer was crazy busy with showing Vivi--which I have posted are highlights--and the remodel of the bathroom...which again, I've posted. Of course we did more than just that...we had to...let's see....what else did we do...take a look:

Vivi eyes my breakfast in a hotel near Milwaukee, WI.

Vivi takes time to work on her camouflaging. She's getting good at it.

Vivi got taken on walks by baby Winnie...Vivi let her.

We drove through small towns & saw things like this.....

and lots of cornfields.

At home, we did fun things like playing with a frisbee disc.

They also played with Daddy through the window! He's silly that Steve.

Doc tested out the bedding around the house...

Steve & I went to Disney World.

When in Disney World, I met up with a friend of mine (Jen) & her bulldog Twister. It was great to get a bulldog fix when in Disney World...one that wasn't made of Legos. :0)

Lastly, I did a lot...and I mean a LOT of sewing this summer!! Which of course I loved!! Here are a few of the goodies I made!!!

So yeah...I've been a bit busy! :0) So I hope this novel of a photo post gives you a good idea of why my posts have been so few & far between. Things are slowing down a bit & we do still have a few shows in the next couple weeks before they really dry up for the season; so I'm guessing I'll have some stories or photos to share!

Until then.....thank you all for reading & I really do hope you're all doing well & had a great summer!!

Have a great week everybully!!

What in the World???

2011-09-30T23:03:00.000-05:00

So Momma decides to post a video that looks like me, but not one of ME?! Hmpf....no fairs.

Well, here...I'll post one of me...

It's my version of the happy dance!!

At the end momma says, "Vivi really likes the new mirror." No momma....I just like to dance & show everybully my scary bark!! I don't care about your mirror for the bafroom. Iz a bulldog!!

You See This Yet?

2011-09-25T19:07:00.000-05:00

Love this!

Please note, while this bulldog does have a striking resemblance to Vivi (what a handsome/beautiful bulldog he/she is...), she has yet to give kisses like this to our kitties!

An Update in Photos

2011-09-04T23:12:00.000-05:00

I'm not quite sure where the last few weeks went but I can sum up some of the goings on this week in some photos...hold please...

Oh dear...it just makes me want to cry everytime I see it!! THIS, my friends, is our remodeled bathroom...ignore the paint...that hasn't been done yet...but my gosh!! The floor, the tub, the tile walls, the vanity (not shown)...even the toilet...love them all!!

The bullies seem to like it too!!

"Oh Mommas...I fink it's purty!"

"Oh Mommas I supervised & it wooks very good!"

Howie had an impromptu trip to see Dr Jim this weekend. Alls good now, but didn't want to take any chances...it was his eye. He did a great job at the vet's office that they gave him this stylin' bandanna!

"Oh Mommas...I finks I looks so cool! Let's go to the store & show my coolness off!!"

I've been busy working on these beauties!! Not quite done, but will be soon! :0)

Lastly, I saw these at the mall this weekend & pretty sure I hit a time warp!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T23:18:00.000-05:00

Ok, well today won't truly be wordless, but this is something some other blogs I read do. It's called Wordless Wednesday & it's when you just post a photo on the blog post. Not sure how well I'll do with the wordless part every week, but the photo part I should not have an issue with!

We'll start today. Look what came in the mail today?? Vivi's BOB win photo!! Just had to share!

Introducing BOB

2011-08-18T23:20:00.001-05:00

This past weekend Vivi & I were in Albert Lea, MN for a dog show. Ring time was 8am & it's almost 2 hours from my house so it was another EARLY weekend. (I have reminded myself again that NO ONE but ME is making me get up at 4am for this!) :0)

Vivi was in rare form Saturday morning as I was grooming her...she was umm...let's say affectionate/dominate to my arm. Made grooming a little difficult & for some reason was her "dance" of choice the rest of the day?? Not sure why, it's not like she's in heat or anything...remember THAT story??

Anyway, back to BOB. Vivi & I carpooled with Nancy, her brother Matthew & Bo (Viv's nephew). It was a nice ride down & we got there in plenty of time to relax ringside....they even brought me a Diet Coke, so you KNOW I was all happy!!

After the boys it's the girls turn to show & we go in & well...here I'll just show you. Vivi was entered in the Open class for girls. Not all the girls were ready when we were, so the judge watched Vivi alone & then allowed the other two to come on in.

Yay! Vivi won the Open class!!

Now what you say? Well all the girl class winners go in for what's called Winner's Bitch. This is where you get the points towards the championship. Albert Lea was a smaller show, so there were only two girl classes, so there were only 2 girls up for Winner's Bitch. 50/50 shot right?

So in the ring we go....

Yay! Vivi won Winner's Bitch! She got 1 more point towards her championship!! But wait...there's more to a dog show than Winner's Bitch!

After Winner's Bitch has been awarded, then Winner's Bitch & Winner's Dog, along with any other "specials" (sounds like a lunch platter, but actually means a dog that already has his/her championship) go in for Best of Breed. Since there weren't any specials entered at this show, it was just WD vs WB for Best of Breed. Wanna watch?

OMG!! You saw that right! Vivi got Best of Breed! So ladies & gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to BOB (Best of Breed)--

hehehehe I bet you all thought there would be a photo of a puppy named Bob in here somewhere didn't you?? And yeah...she's doing exactly what dance you think she's doing in this photo!! What a nut!

Well I hope you enjoyed seeing our win first...ok secondhand...It was a lot of fun & quite the day!! Oh that's right...it's not over, but this post is.

Next up...what's after BOB you ask?? Group...ah yes, group.

I Scream....

2011-08-07T23:47:00.000-05:00

You scream! We all scream for ice cream!

Hasn't this summer been wonderfully summerlike?? Ahhh I know many don't care for it, but it's a great excuse for ice cream isn't it??!! I don't eat a lot of dairy products, but I "suffer" for ice cream...almost any flavor, but my favorite is Peppermint Bon Bon...which I found out is a local name...most commonly known as Mint Chocolate Chip. Yumm..

Guess who else likes ice cream??? Pup cups from DQ in particular??

"Yummm!!!"

"Howie I wants some too!!"

"Yay! Wez share!!"

They're a little messy...drool not included....

"Oh it's so good momma!!

"Yeah momma! Sooooo good!"

"Fanks Momma!!"

Hmmm...did you guess right?

Happy Summer

Everybully!!!!

Birthday Boy!!!!

2011-08-01T23:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Birfday to you! Happy Birfday to you! Happy Birfday dear Docccccceeeeee!!! Happy Birfday to youuuuuuu!!!

Last Thursday was Doc's 5th birthday!! Of course we had a big ol' bully party complete with party favors for the guests (aka bones for Howie & Vivi), prezzies for the birthday boy & of course the birthday bandanna for the guest of honor!! At our house, no bully party is complete without....

(look--Vivi's so excited she forgot to wipe the drool off her lip)

McDonald's burgers & fries!!! (With some regular dog food mixed in--no, no green beans this year). All the bullies enjoyed their meal, but Doc does seem the happiest (look at that smile)!

After dinner it was party time!! Doc got to open his present...he only got one...but it was a big one for his big birthday!! He made sure to check out everything as thoroughly as only Doc could.

Vivi thought she should help him check things out. I think she just wanted to practice for her own birthday in September.

After Doc picked out his bone, he decided to get a closer look at his big prezzie!! A new couch bed!!!

Howie was very excited for him...oh no, wait...he was excited for his party favor I think....

And Vivi...well, I think she was just super happy for Doc...oh no, err...she TOO is staring at the party favors.

Then after some obligatory party photos....

"Cheeeeessseeeeeeee Momma!!"

And the bullies sang happy birfday to Doc....

(Ok, maybe not everyone enjoyed Howie's version....I thought he did a good job though!)

Then it was time to have the party favors....and ~~all~~ Howie was happy!

Happy 5th Birthday Doc!!!

Love you Doodle!!!

Bulldogs 101

2011-07-28T00:45:00.001-05:00

Hi Everybully!!

Momma said since today is my birfday I can do a blog post! I decided, since I'm a year older & so much wiser, I will do a BPSA. (Bulldog Public Service Announcement!!)

Ahem.....here is my BPSA! I do hope it helps!

In case anyone asks....

Yep! Bulldogs shed!
Love-
Doc

PS-Momma said she Iz getting a party tonight!! Iz sooooo excited! She said, "you only turn 5 once." So I thinks Iz getting a good prezzie!! Paws crossed!!0

Eeek!!! Howie Got a Mouse!!!!

2011-07-20T23:03:00.001-05:00

Ugh!! I hate, hate, hate mice...even though when I was little & there was one in my bedroom I wanted to keep it!! (Silly little Jenny) It never fails that I'm the only one home when there is a mouse...and I have been known to jump up ON furniture to escape the little vermin. Ish! I just HATE them!!!

Normally the kitties take charge of mousing when needed (thankfully it's not very often). But this time the kitties were too slow on getting this one!! It may surprise you that I decided to grab the camera when Howie got a mouse this weekend! That thing was HUGE!!! He's my hero!

"I wub mousin'! Iz takes him down wif my powerful bulldog ways!"

"Iz finks my super awesome pirate bandana gives me super mousin' powers!"

"Goodness! This mouse is HUGE! Iz so glad to save Momma from it!!"

"Cheeeeeeese Momma! Hahahaha Get it??!! CHEEESE...it's a mouse! Hahaha Iz a funny bulldog!"

Ummm...This Post Can't Wait!!!!

2011-07-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

Vivi & I have been to lots of shows over the last month, nearly every weekend since Memorial Day. Now it's almost Independence Day (how crazy is that!!) & I finally have some GREAT news to share!!

Mary, Bailey (Viv's half-sissy), Winnie (Mary's new Toller puppy--holy cute), Vivi & I headed to West Bend, Wisconsin this morning for a 3-day show including a specialty show today.

I'm happy to report Vivi WON!!!!!!!!! She got her first major (you need 2 to get your Championship)!!! Majors are kinda hard to come by, but specialty shows (shows that are just one breed) usually are majors. I still can't believe it...even as I type this...while it's becoming more real, I still am in shock!

Wow...a major!!
Vivi won Winner's Bitch & Best of Winners at the Milwaukee Bulldog Club's Specialty Show under Breeder Judge Jan Lewis!! Woo hooo!!!!!!!

I don't know about you...

2011-06-25T21:44:00.000-05:00

but I'm tired of waiting for momma to update this blog! I mean we had LOTS going here lately!

No really, we have!!! Momma promises she will update soon!

My Favorite Holiday!!!

2011-06-14T00:01:00.022-05:00

Happy Flag Day Everybully!!! Today is my favorite holiday! No lie! So many people don't even know what Flag Day is, or ask me why it's my favorite? What is Flag Day can be found here, there won't be a test later, but hopefully next year you will remember & maybe celebrate it too! Why is it my favorite--because one day I saw it on the calendar & thought, "Flag Day"...cool. Bet no one really celebrates it though." So I decided right then & there that I would celebrate it!!

And I have!! Flags are out in the yard & even at my cube. If dress code permits I will wear red, white & blue at work...complete with my super cute flag bracelet. I have brought Flag Day to many co-workers' & friends' attention over the years...so much so, my boss has it on her calendar as a reminder to wish me a Happy Flag Day!! True Fact!

I love our flag, love my country, so I celebrate!! Do you? The bullies do!!

No t-shirts this year, just my sweet babies au natural!

If you celebrate, send me your photos! Would love to post them!!

Golden Birthday!!!

2011-06-06T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today would have been Ollie's 6th birthday!

To celebrate, the bullies had a very special golden birthday dinner!

That's right...a hamburger & sweet potato fries from Culvers! They were LOVING it!!

"Hey bullies come up for air already!!! Was it good guys???"

"Yummmmmmmm soooooooooo good momma!! Fanks! Happy Birfday Big Brofer Ollie!!"

What a Weekend!!

2011-06-05T23:55:00.000-05:00

Hi Everybully, it's me! Vivi!

Momma & I have been very busy the last couple weekends...why you ask? Well, it's show season again! We went to Fargo, North Dakota this weekend, we were in St Peter, Minnesota last weekend & we were in Eau Claire, Wisconsin two weeks before that! Phew!! Oh hold on....Momma is telling me what to write....oh ok. Momma said this coming weekend we have another show in Jordan, Minnesota...jeez!! Busy, busy, busy!!

It's ok though cuz we don't have a lot of shows around these parts during the winter--and well that can last 6 months, that's what momma says anyway....But really, I'm a pro at this show stuff...after all I am almost 3 & I got into the show business (oh I made a funny) at the ripe old age of 6 months. Momma & I work very well in the ring together.

I'm so OK with showing that I can fall asleep waiting for the judge...

hehehe...ok, that's not true, but it looks like I am asleep doesn't it??

Momma says I kinda stick out cuz of my coloring...this photo kinda shows that doesn't it?? I think it's a good thing...I'm cool with that...maybe that will make me memorable?? Momma likes to sing, "one of these things is not like the other..." she's so silly my momma...look at all those girls...they all look different, wonder if their momma's sing them the same song??

Momma & I had lots of fun this weekend in Fargo & met all sorts of nice bulldogs & their owners. We hung out in the hotel room a lot. She sewed some cool collars & I supervised.

Here is Crash (isn't he a cutie??) with one of Momma's cool collars...his momma Deb said they are MAGIC COLLARS cuz as soon as Crash put on his cool collar he stopped panting!! True fact! I saw it happen!

Oh & so many people came to say hi to me & gived me hugs & pets! This little girl stayed with me for a long time. She was nice.

At our hotel there was a wedding going on in the courtyard...but I wasn't invited....sad.

Ok, I guess that's a lot for you to take in. Sorry it was so long, but it was a big weekend & thank goodness I had photos to prove it all to you!! Thanks for reading!
Love-
Vivi (& my momma)

And I Thought Marrow Bones Were Gross...

2011-05-30T23:43:00.000-05:00

When I first started showing, I was told that shopping was half the fun of the dog shows. I found this to be a true fact. There are usually some vendors at each show & more likely than not, there will always be a vendor that has nearly any kind of supply you need for the show (grooming aids, bait bags, treats, toys, bowls, etc).

This vendor also has treats! Some normal ones like Bill Jacks, liver, cheese...and some that I had never heard of before I went to dog shows. Here are some photos of a few...these are real.

Windee Rings...you know Beef Trachea Tubes....EXACTLY who thought of this?

Just in case the small trachea tube is not enough...a 6" trachea tube...perfect!

Well thank goodness it was smoked!!! I'm sure that makes a difference when gnawing on a beef lung!!!

These are just a sampling...let's not forget pigs ears (poor piggies), hoofs (so gross), bully sticks (you KNOW what those are right??) and the once disgusting marrow bones...which have now become one of the only "toys" we have in the house!

It's true, I have embraced the marrow bones...but any of the others...just can't do it.

Do any of you give any of these...ummm...delicacies to your bullies?? If so, how do they like them?

The Learning Never Stops With a Bulldog

2011-05-22T23:54:00.000-05:00

I've said it before & I'm saying it again...bulldogs are the educators of dogs. I've learned so much from them in the past & now I have another learning opportunity to report & I think I also solved a mystery!

Anyone know what this is a photo of? a) Grain of rice? b) Fake eyelash? c) Feather? d) Clump of fur that was stuck in Vivi's front teeth? If you guessed d-you are correct. Eeeew right? But I'm not lying, it was there...stuck in the gums of her upper teeth...sticking out like they belonged there...lord only knows for how long.

I only caught it by chance when I had Vivi on her back clipping her nails & her jowls flipped back & I happened to look in her mouth at that exact time. I was like...what the heck?! So being a self-described picker I tried to take a look, but she wouldn't let me...I mean I did have to focus at the task at hand (her nails).

So the next time she sat on my lap, I took the opportunity to take a good look in her mouth & sure enough...clump of hair...in her teeth! I remembered a friend of mine had to bring her bulldog in to get his teeth cleaned because of the hair that would get stuck after he groomed himself, but never gave it much thought...until I saw Vivi's that night.

I looked up "hair in dog's teeth" & it is more common than I thought. Short hair or long hair...it doesn't matter, it can happen to any breed; but I would think if it's shorter hair it stands a better chance of just sticking out from the gum line vs being wrapped around the teeth. Hair stuck in the gum can cause a plaque build up, bad breath & even gum disease.

To get the hair out, I just kept grabbing at it with my fingers. I did not use a tweezers because she's such a wiggle worm that I knew she'd get hurt. It took awhile, but I eventually got that sucker out of her teeth! Ha! Mystery of the bad breath bully--CASE SOLVED!!! Or at least I hope. I've been trying to be better with the bullies' teeth cleaning to keep this at bay....some days I'm better at that than others. Thankfully they all like getting their teeth cleaned because they love the taste of the toothpaste I use...silly bullies.

Any of you deal with this? Any tips or tricks to keeping the hair out? The boys' don't seem to have this same problem as Viv...weird.

Need I say more???

2011-05-19T23:04:00.000-05:00

Thought you may enjoy this photo...I know I did!

Have a great weekend everybully!

Overdue Recap

2011-05-09T23:22:00.000-05:00

Hello All!! I know it seems I have been MIA lately but I do have a couple good excuses...read on my friends, read on!

About 6 months ago Steve & I decided it was time to re-do the dogs' room floor. It was a white carpet--PERFECT for a dogs' room, right? Hey, we didn't pick it out. So we had the famous "buy 1 room & get 2 rooms free" company come out & we fell in LOVE with this beautiful laminate. It was so pretty...but very outside our budget. So we decided to put the project on hold..until 3 weeks ago.

Steve & I went to Menards, walked in & actually came out with all the supplies to do the floor! Woo hoo!! Best part, Steve was super excited to get started on his first real project. That's right, his first real home project. On his own. This was major! He's the first to admit I own more tools than he does (up until now that is). He did all sorts of research (his favorite TV shows are ANYTHING on HGTV--Holmes on Homes is probably his fave) & even watched lots of You Tube videos over the last 6 months to get an idea of what to do! He was ready!

So last weekend, we started by clearing out the dogs' room...please note how secure I am with our friendship...I mean, who else shares w/you the nastiness of a white carpeted room???

You notice the stains around the kennels & where the water & food dishes were...so gross. (again, secure in our friendship here--no judging right??) So you can see it was time to replace the flooring.

So once everything was out of the room...and put all over the house...including my super cute sewing room...(aaghhh...look at all that....Horders anyone??)

Steve went & cut up all the carpet & Howie & Vivi just didn't know what to think about being locked out of their room!

Once all the staples were picked out of the subfloor, the bullies got to go camping for the weekend. They loved it!

(I spy Vivi!)

Doc didn't want to go camping, so he got to sleep in our bed all weekend. Once he's asleep for the night, he's out & doesn't move. He's too funny! He kept my feet warm...but was known to steal some covers every now & again...

"Whatever momma...YOU stole my covers."

The next day Steve got started on the flooring & it started to look like a whole new room right away!

I got to help & his dad was here to help w/the cutting of the boards, but I have to say, we did a great job & learned a lot...especially when you read the directions...oops. :0) The bullies all helped during the project too!

Howie made sure everything was measured correctly.

Doc was the project foreman...you could let him in the room & he'd just be right there watching.

Vivi...well, she decided my piles of towels & blankets were stacked too nicely & they needed some reorganizing...she's such a thoughtful girl.

But once the floor was all set, they all took credit in helping daddy!!

It truly looks great & I'm sooooo happy with how it turned out & I'm sooooo proud of Steve! He did a great job! He did such a great job that before the kennels were moved back into the room we said he should do the sewing room next!! Yay!!

Here are the after photos!! Looks awesome doesn't it?? Complete with new baseboards/trim!

Again, great job Steve!! You should be proud! Love you!!

Shelf is new to the room...takes the place of a dresser we had.

Was even able to hang up some of my favorite bulldog items too! (Drool rag/dog leash/whatever holder & a "vintage" original bulldog painting.)

The laminate is a lot lighter than we originally thought we liked, but I really LOVE how it turned out!

So that's what we were up to....oh that & the Royal Wedding...no lie!

Hope you're all having a great week!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T00:03:00.000-05:00

**Yes, this is a repost from last year, but so many of you enjoyed it, I thought I'd blogcheat & post it again! Happy Mother's Day!**

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I made and ate hot meals without being watched every second.

I had unstained, unfurred clothes.
I had quiet conversations on the phone,
even if the doorbell rang.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late I got to bed
or if I could get into my bed.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I never stepped on or tripped over body parts.
I didn’t know what a bully stick was and never touched an esophagus.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had never been peed on
Pooped on
Drooled on
Chewed on
Or pinched by puppy teeth.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I slept all night without sharing
the covers or pillow.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I never looked into big, soulful eyes and cried.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn’t stop a hurt.
I never knew something so furry and four-legged
could affect my heart so deeply.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had never held a sleeping puppy
just because I couldn’t put it down.

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was well.
I didn’t know how warm it feels inside
to feed a hungry puppy.
I didn’t know that something so small
could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being
A Dog Mom

-Author Unknown

Special Day

2011-04-27T00:01:00.003-05:00

Today is somebully special's birthday!

It's not momma's birthday.

It's not Howie's birthday.

It's not Vivi's birthday.

It's not my birthday.

Well that just leaves one birthday left.....

Happy Birthday Big Daddy Steve!!!

We hope you have a great day!!!

It's Almost Here....

2011-04-25T23:21:00.000-05:00

I've missed it. Vivi's missed it! I bet you've missed it too right? What is it you ask? Ummm...Show Season people!!! That's right...Dog Show Season!!! Yipppeeee!!! Well, it doesn't start for another 2 weeks, but after that it's quite a few right in a row...which is great because it'll be close to 7 months since our last show!

Since it's been so long, I've been bringing Vivi out to club meetings--to get acclimated to car rides & staying in a soft-sided kennel for a bit of time.

(taken with super awesome front facing camera on Betty & while car was not moving)

I've brought her to conformation classes--to get used to other dogs, the walk around the ring & having a judge go over her. Here she is with the Casper Crew...aren't they scary??

Of course we've been practicing her stacking for a few weeks now & she seems to remember what to do! :0)

She's been thrilled with our progress

I'll for sure keep you all posted on how she does this year!! Fun, fun, fun...

Happy Easter Everybully!!

2011-04-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hope the Easter Bully left you yummy treats!!

Happy Birthday!!

2011-04-18T09:17:00.000-05:00

We just wanted to wish our favorite Brother/Uncle/Friend Otto & Sister/Auntie/Friend Gracie a very happy 5th birthday today!!!

We really hope you get some really nice prezzies & maybe a McDonald's hamburger!!

Meet Our New Friend

2011-04-15T00:08:00.001-05:00

Like most of us who love our bullies, we love it when bulldogs are in movies! Well lucky us! Today the movie Rio opens & guess what?! There is a bulldog in it named Luiz!! Even luckier us??!! McDonald's is doing Happy Meal toys based on the Rio characters...and guess who got Luiz??

That's right...me!! My friend got it for me this week! Isn't he cute? His fruit (hat?--I have no idea why, guess we gotta see the movie) smells--think Strawberry Shortcake dolls--and his butt wiggles when you "walk" him!

Luiz met all the bullies here & all got along very well. Smiles all around!

Anybully craving McDonald's yet?

ETA: **I should add, my neighbor had to ASK for the bulldog toy vs the one that was included in the Happy Meal this week...however, for a few extra dollars she as able to get the employee(?)/manager(?) to go in the back & get him for her!**

A Take Over!!!!

2011-04-14T00:04:00.000-05:00

"Psst...Vivi! Momma is really dropping the blog ball here....let's take over k?"

"Howie, sounds wike a goods idea! What should we blog about?"

"How about we blogs about me eating the grass?"

"Or maybe about you eating the grass? Youz such a good teacher."

"Or maybe Vivi, we could make the reader friends try to figure out which is you & which is the pile of snow?"

"Howie! What if we show dem the rest of the yard with no more snow!!!! That's soooo something momma would do!"

"Vivi! I love that idea! Maybe we could also show everybully what Doc was doing when we were outside protecting the perimeter!"

"Yes! Good idea Howie! Here is Doc reader friends! He's testing out our bedding! He never stops working! He takes his job very seriously!"

"Guys...I know what we should blogs about today!"

"What's that Doc?"

Today we remember to give Momma & Daddy a few more hugs & smiles cuz they will be sad.

Ollie-we thank you for showing Momma & Daddy the love of a bulldog.

Miss you everyday Lil' Dude!

Oliver

6/6/05-4/14/07

Tell me about it...

2011-03-28T23:13:00.000-05:00

Where is momma you ask? I know right?

Hmph...

Well, in her defense she was sick after the Pet Expo...stayed home from work for 3 days straight. We bullies loved it. She told me that she's in a writing funk...not sure what that means, but until her funk is over I'm boycotting giving her anything to write about.

See?

I think she's really hoping for that white stuff outside to be gone for good. Then there will be pretty green things & pink things & yellow things to take photos of...right now, it's pretty boring...

Here's hoping for warmer weather & more blog posts from momma!

Love-
Vivi

Strike a Pose...Bully Style

2011-03-14T22:27:00.000-05:00

My first Christmas with Howie, "he" got me a Sandicast bulldog statue. At the time, he & "Huey" were nearly the same size. Aww...how cute is baby Howie??? (He's the one on the right. 12 weeks old at the time.)

Last weekend it looked as though Howie was trying to be a statue himself.

"Iz think someone is looking at me..."

"Seriously...Iz can FEEL them looking at me...."

"Momma...make him stop staring. Iz don't like it. Fanks"

I'm positive a Howie statue would sell well...hmmm...maybe I need to contact Sandicast to see if they need a new model???

Hugs for Everybully!!!

2011-03-12T18:32:00.001-06:00

Hi Everybully! It's me, Doc!!! Today I was very busy!! I mean so busy I did NOT get to take one nap. Not. A. One. It's ok though because I had a lot of fun! I was in the St Paul/Minneapolis Bulldog Club's hugging booth at the Pet Expo!! Oh I had F-U-N!!

When we first got to the Pet Expo, Momma Jinny, Momma Jinny brought me around to see the different booths & feel comfortable with so many people around me. No problems there at all. I'm good with people!

My favorite booth was a treat booth (of course). I wanted one of these treats, but Momma said, no...but she did get us bullies some that have peanut butter in them...YUMMMMMM!!!!

Here is my new friend Uma (she just turned 1 year old...remember when Momma Jinny, Mommy Jinny went to her birth??) & me in the super cool dog house that my Grampa Greg made! He's so talented!

Uma was dressed for St Patty's Day! She was so cute & happy. Everybully thought we were both really cute & wanted to pet us & give us hugs & kisses!!

Other puppies heard of our really cool dog house & came to see us!

Giving hugs & kisses is hard work, even for cute bullies like Uma & me. I got really tired after awhile & decided to take a break. But Uma kept going & going & going....good thing Ann Marie was there to keep Uma occupied!

Guess that's cuz she's still a puppy...she'll learn. In time she will just want to lay down like me...

After a few hours, I just needed some "me" time & I took a time out in the house. I knew Uma had it covered just fine so I appreciated my few moments alone.

Then it was time to go home & when I did....well, I don't think I really need to let you know what I did first do I?

I had a lot of fun & would do it again next year if Momma Jinny Momma Jinny wanted me to. She said I did a good job & I was a pleasure to bring out! So I think that means I can go! Yay!

Hope you all had a great day too!
Love-
Doc

Twin Cities Pet Expo THIS Weekend!

2011-03-10T23:52:00.001-06:00

You may have noticed the note on the right here ------------------------->

Doc is very excited to announce that he will be giving out hugs at this year's St. Paul/Minneapolis Bulldog Club's booth at the Twin Cities Pet Expo!! The club will be there both Saturday & Sunday, but Doc will only be there on Saturday from 1pm-3pm!

So come one, come all! Come get a hug from Doc! We promise it will be as good of time as last year & the club has a new addition to the hugging booth this year! I think you all will love it!

Doc has never been to the Pet Expo, so come on everybully! Come get a hug from Doc!!

Ok, February is over...

2011-03-04T23:55:00.001-06:00

Let the thawing begin!! Please??!! Oh, we're expecting another FOOT of snow next week?? Grrreeeeaattt....Comeon Summer...yep I want to skip spring all together & go straight to summer! I can't be alone in this wish.

Blue skies, green grass & a bulldog w/her favorite toy!

Beautiful pool, life jacket & happy bully boy!

Warm sun, sunny sun & a sun worshiping bully!

What a nice wish!....until then....

Howie agrees!

A Winter Self-Portrait

2011-02-22T22:48:00.000-06:00

"A Girl and Her Dog in the Winter"

by Vivi & her Momma

Ugh...More Snow...

2011-02-19T22:35:00.000-06:00

At least that's what they keep telling us today. 10-15"!! Are you kidding me??!! Ugh...I don't want any more snow. This past week was so nice...it got up to 52 degrees one day & so much snow melted...

Backyard went from this on December 12th..the day after the birthday blizzard:

Here is Doc giving you an idea of how much snow there was.

To this today:

Yeah, I liked today's photos better too!! Can you say meltage? Yeah, I know I probably just made that word up, but it works here!

Well paws & fingers are crossed...hoping it misses us...Vivi is on lookout & she'll keep us posted:

Happy Bewated Valemtime's Day Everybully

2011-02-14T23:31:00.000-06:00

Hi Everybully!! It's me! Vivi! I hope you all had a great Valemtime's day! Momma said it's the day that you tell the bullies you love how much you love them...well that's just silly cuz Momma tells us every day that she loves us!!

I wanted to let all of YOU know how much we loves you! So here is my attempt at sending you all a kiss!

Oh & if you've been wondering what we've been doing around here & why momma hasn't updated the blog much lately...she's been very busy:

....busy testing out daddy's new chair that is...Doc likes to help! And Howie...well, he's just been taking care of things...

....like keeping the couch company while momma & Doc are on the chair!

Hehehehehe! Iz so funny!! Ok, well I hopes you all are having a great day!

Love-
Vivi

New Dos!

2011-02-13T13:23:00.000-06:00

So the bulldogs are all suffering from cabin fever so they decided it was time to get new hair dos. What do you think? Clearly they are suffering from Bieber Fever!

Docy Bieber

Howie Bieber

Vivi Bieber

Bawahahahaaha! Ok, so it seems as though Steve has cabin fever since he created these photos with his Jimmy Fallon app on the iPhone! They made me giggle...hope they did you too.

A Doodle Spin On A Classic

2011-01-25T23:31:00.000-06:00

Hi Everybully! It's me, Doc!! Momma is busy sewing & buying fabrics (she's the only person I know who claps after she leaves a fabric outlet store--true story), so she said I could do a blog post today!! Well!! You all are in for quite the post!!

See, I'm what you call an "old soul"...or at least that's what Momma tells me....and I like to think I'm an elder of sorts to Howie & Vivi. Therefore I'm the resident bully storyteller & today my friends, you are my audience!!

Once upon a time, in a bully kingdom where the winter weather kept both humans & bullies inside, lived a bulldog named Goldilo....err...I mean GoldiDocs. GoldiDocs was a gentle bully, who enjoyed sitting back & taking in his surroundings. Some would mistake this for laziness or sleeping, but I assure you, GoldiDocs was always aware of what was going on.

One winter weekend, GoldiDocs found himself bored with his usual place to sit on the couch & was in search of something new.

"Yep, I'm bored. I'm going to find a new place"

So off went our hero, GoldiDocs, in search of a new place to sit. GoldiDocs didn't get far before he tested out his first new spot.

"Hmmm...no, this spot is too hard...oops, sorry that's Daddy...(sigh) I...will go find another spot."

GoldiDocs decided to stroll his way down the hall to the a bright & cheerful room. He was very excited to see it had a chair with a cushion!

"Hmmm...yes, this is much softer than the last spot, but it's much too bright!"

Always the perfectionist, GoldiDocs continued on his way to find the perfect spot. He happened upon the biggest & cushiest chair in the whole kingdom! The only problem is that he would have to share the spot.

"That's ok, I don't mind sharing."

Just as GoldiDocs was settling in to the big cushy chair, he saw IT! THE perfect spot!! So he immediately headed over there to test it out!

"Ahhh...this is it! This is the spot!! Oh...I'm back on the couch...well...I can't help that I don't like change."

So our beloved GoldiDocs finally found his favorite spot with nothing but determination & a hankering for comfort. And he snoozed happily ever after!

Thanks for reading everybully!! Hope you enjoyed mine....errrr...I mean GoldiDocs story!!
Love-
Doc

My "Little" Project

2011-01-15T17:56:00.000-06:00

***WARNING...photos may be upsetting to some readers AND this is a LONG post***

For nearly the last week I've been working on a little project...that I knew would be anything but little. I'm happy to say at 1am this morning it was finally done!! Yiiiippppeeeee!!! What is it? What is this project that causes such joy you ask??

I took this room, in all its messy, unorganized glory....

And turned it into this....

Omg I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! Steve thought of making our spare bedroom into my sewing room & he gave me the sewing table for Christmas. We had the spare bed in there for nearly 10 years & I think we've had only a handful of people even stay over...so yeah, why not??!!

As you can see, it was really just a big walk-in closet/catch all room. The bed held my bags, Steve's protective vest & was the kitties favorite napping place. The closet...well, it was just easier to keep the door open...Overall, it was a mess, there were photos upon photos, new & full photo albums, and hidden treasures like lots of wedding stuff (including print outs of our registries--doesn't everyone have a copy of theirs?)...all under the bed.

Ugh...yeah, I'm a packrat...I know I am...

But I trekked on & wasn't scared or disappointed in the days worth of decluttering, tossing, organizing, dusting, vacuuming & making furniture. Yep, I put together the 2 bookcases AND the 96-lb (& about 300 piece) sewing table. I turned this:

Into this:

Only took me 4 hours & 15 min too! hahahahaha I'm so dang proud...it has about 4 million screws & hinges, but the thing I'm most proud of...it has a sliding drawer...all put together by me...

Didn't think I could do it...even asked my dad to come help...but he couldn't make it until the next day & I just couldn't wait. You can see the pride in my own eyes...and the mess still in the closet!!

I was finally able to put up some of my favorite things in this room! Here are some great bulldog prints I have had for YEARS just waiting to go somewhere!!

Here is "Woof". He was one of my first stuffed animals, in fact, he may have been bigger than me when I got him as a gift...oh & he WAS bright orange! He has been loved.

"My" chair that I received from my grandparents for my 8th birthday. This was a chair they had at their house that apparently I said was "mine" as a very little girl. They painted it for me back then & while it probably should be repainted again, I think it just fits perfectly in the room as is! Doc has given his approval too.

Howie was happy to see the mirror back on the dresser where it belongs rather than in a corner collecting dust...not that he uses it of course...

Oh & because I don't have a large inventory of thread, I got creative with displaying some fun bulldog items!

Sorry to go on & on, but this has been my life the last week & I'm just so excited to start sewing here..

Hope your week was just as productive everybully!!

Look at that!!! 1/11/11!!!!

2011-01-11T23:11:00.000-06:00

Of course I was going to blog about this sillies!! Not going to be my greatest post by any stretch of the imagination, but when you're a numbers geek, you do what you have to do right?? I have a reputation to live up to after all.

1/11/11...say it again...1/11/11!! How fun is that?? You can't really screw up typing or writing out today's date...but I bet some had to really think when they did it...I know I did! This year is really going to be great for me because 11 is my favorite number! I can NOT wait until 11/11/11...I will most likely take the day off to celebrate this number geek occasion!! Hmmm....wonder what I'll do? Any suggestions??

Oh & today I made an appointment for 2/22/11...I smiled & in my head I'm did the math equation 2*11=22 Aggghh!...yep...dork. Hey, at least I can admit it.

So congrats to all those that had babies or got married today...what a fun date to remember...can't really forget it...so long as you can remember one number you're set!!

Howie & Doc celebrated 1/11/11 like it was no big deal...silly bullies!!

New Year, New Attitude??

2011-01-10T23:02:00.000-06:00

On New Year's Eve, I gave Doc & Howie each a new stuffy toy they got from Grandma Judy for Christmas. I'm used to Howie killing stuffy toys within 5 minutes or less...but to ring in the new year Doc decided to kill the stuffy in record time.

...and Howie...his lasted more than a day!!!

Then it died....glad somethings just never change....

Since it's MY blog...

2011-01-02T22:52:00.001-06:00

I can blog about what I want to right?!! Right!

As many of you know, Steve & I are HUGE Disney World fans! We have been very lucky to travel there almost yearly since 2004!

On some of our trips we have witnessed very special guests having a magical trip just like us. However, unlike us, they may not have the chance to get another trip. Not to be a downer, because these trips mean the exact opposite to these special guests! They are children with life-threatening illnesses who dream of visiting Disney World like most kids do, however with their medical situations it's not as easy as just booking a trip.

Thankfully there are some organizations who help these children & their families! One of these organizations is called Give Kids the World. They have been creating magical memories for over 20 years. GKTW does not just make sure the kids & their families have a great trip, but instead gives them the opportunity to have the most memorable cost-free trip of a lifetime!

GKTW provides accommodations at their resort, donated park tickets, & meals for the children & their families for a week-long trip!! They have Christmas EVERY week & even allow kids to have ice-cream for breakfast if they want! After all, it's vacation! It's all meant to allow these children who have spent too much time in hospitals & doing not-so-fun things to have fun!

This year there is an initiative in the Disney Fan Community to raise $1 million for GKTW. They are calling it the Power of 10. If 10,000 Disney fans can get 10 people to donate $10 to GKTW it will reach the goal of $1 million!! I thought I could use my blog here to reach out & hope at least 10 of you decide to donate $10 to make a magical difference!

All the money raised is going to GKTW & there are a few different ways to donate:

-Text Message - Text the word DISGKTW to 50555. $10 is donated directly to GKTW. The $10 is charged to your mobile phone bill.

-FirstGiving.com - http://www.firstgiving.com/disgktw - All donations made through this page are sent directly to GKTW, less a 5% processing fee charged by FirstGiving.

-Send a check directly to Give Kids the World. The mailing address is:

Give Kids the World
Power of 10 $1 Million Challenge
210 S Bass Rd
Kissimmee, Florida 34746

Of course no pressure! Just thought I'd share my love of Disney World to my readers & if I can help in some small way for some child to get to go to Disney World & be able to experience the magic like I have, I will.

Happy New Year Everybully!!

Happy Holidays with Bully Friends Day 9

2010-12-31T01:10:00.001-06:00

We say goodbye to 2010 on a sweet note! Today's Festive Friends are the sweet sisters we met a few weeks ago, Bella & Greta! This was one of the first photos I received, but when I saw it I knew it had to be for today.

If this doesn't say Peace on Earth, I don't know what does!

Thanks again to bullymomma Ann for sharing her girls with us!

Thanks to all those who sent in photos for the Festive Friends 2010!! I really appreciate all of you reading my little blog & am lucky to be able to share my bully stories & photos with you!

Enjoy the rest of 2010 everybully & I'll see you next year!! (hahahaha, yep, funny in 2nd grade & still funny today!)

Happy Holidays with Bully Friends Day 8 & Santapaws (continued)

2010-12-26T23:27:00.000-06:00

Well, we weren't sure this Santapaws character was coming cuz we waited & waited & nothing...so then we finally gave up & went to bed. The next morning Doc decided to check to see if Santapaws was outside.

Then like magic! Poof!! TREATS UNDER THE TREE! We weren't sure if they were real or not!

Doc was the brave one & checked them out & indeed they were treats!

Yay for Santapaws!!!

Oh & we're pretty sure this handsome bulldog named Oliver probably helped Santapaws bring our treats! I mean how else would he have gotten in our house??

Only a bullyreindeer could have guided him of course! So thank you Oliver! Without you, not sure we would have had our Christmas treats!! Now, if Santapaws was a Holiday Penguin, we're pretty sure Oliver would not have gone with him. (Hehehehehehe--that one made me giggle!)

Thanks to Ollie's bullymomma, Annahita, for sending in Ollie's awesome photo! She often includes his funny antics as part of her blog! Check it out!

Merry Christmas Everybully!!

2010-12-25T11:05:00.001-06:00

Everybully! It's us! Doc, Howard & Vivi! Do you know what day it is?? It's Christmas!! Yay!! So yesterday momma told us if we were very, very good this guy called Santapaws would come to our house at night & give us treats! We totally believed her...

So when the night came, we put on our PJs. Howie decided just to sit & wait for Santapaws.

Doc decided he had enough waiting & would just like us to wake him up when Santapaws came.

Vivi kept "watch" & walked the perimeter of the tree cuz that's where Santapaws was supposed bring the treats.

So when Vivi determined the best strategy was for all the bullies to stand guard together, we all got by the tree.

"Guys! Get over here! Vivi, your head is big."

Ok, now we're ready! He won't get past us!

We could lick him until he gives us the treats!!

Ok, Santapaws...we're ready...

...to be continued...

Oh look...we're not the only bully waiting for Santapaws either!
Here is Otto waiting too!

Happy Holidays with Bully Friends Day 7

2010-12-24T00:46:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve Everybully!! Today, as we finish wrapping presents (or our shopping), head to mass, or perhaps go to work...let's remember it's the season of giving...so I give you, my readers, the following photos to make your Christmas Eve even bullier!! Hahahaha...I'm so generous this holiday season aren't I??

Meet Stella & Otis! If these two don't get you in the holiday spirit, nothing will!

Here is the cutest present under the tree! Baby Stella!!

And here is Otis...I just don't know if words can do this photo justice! :0)

What's Christmas Eve without Santa??

Thanks to BullyMomma Kim for sending in these photos & getting all of us in the holiday spirit!!!

Happy Holidays with Bully Friends Day 6

2010-12-22T23:32:00.000-06:00

As the Christmas Holiday is quickly approaching, I really thought we needed somebully to show us how to get into the most festive gear possible! I think you all will agree, not many can pull this off like today's festive friend!

Meet Scooter. She's for sure the cutest elf (bully or otherwise) I've ever seen! It takes a very secure bully to be able to wear not only a holly collar, but also an elf hat without flinching...ok, ok, she may flinch when the hat goes on, but the collar...I've been told she's been sporting that bad boy since Dec 1st! Talk about dedication!

"Scoots" is a girl after my own heart! Other than being a beautiful bulldog, she hates the snow & loves to help people unwrap presents! Someday, when I visit our nations capital, I will meet this cutie in person...oh yes, I will!

Thanks to one of my #bulldognation tweeps Kate for sending in these great photos of her sweet girl!

Happy Holidays with Bully Friends Day 5

2010-12-20T23:40:00.000-06:00

Today I'm going to "keep it in the family" yet again & celebrate the holidays with bully friends Otto & Uma. Technically, Otto is Gracie's brother, Howie's half-brother, Vivi's uncle & Greta's half-uncle...but really, we'll just call him Brother/Uncle Otto!! Otto is Uma's daddy & you may remember that I was present at Uma's birth back in March & that squiggly little bully has grown up quite fast! Oh & I (ahem) named her. :0)

Otto is a laundry basket lovin' fool, with a big ol' head & a heart of gold. He is such a sweetheart & I swear he can talk. Steve & I have both heard him say "Otto Out" when he had a slumber party with baby Howie!! Uma is still all puppy who currently has found certain things, that shouldn't be, REALLY tasty!! Silly Uma!

Thanks to their bullymomma Mary for sending in their photo & promising a photo of Momma Maisy, Daddy Otto & baby Uma...someday. Mary has a great blog of all her Four Paws shenanigans. Check it out!!

****************************************************************************
If any of our other bully friends would like to send in some festive photos please do!!! I have a few more photos to share, but would love more!!
****************************************************************************

Happy Holidays with Bully Friends Day 4

2010-12-19T23:39:00.000-06:00

Today our Festive Bully Friend is coming from "Up North" Minnesota!! Everybully meet Gracie! She is a sweet & beautiful bully girl who is not shy to wear the latest holiday accessories (are those jingle bells I see on her back?)!

Gracie is also one of the smartest bullies I know!! Every year she writes her very own Christmas letter!! I bet it's because sometimes she goes to work with her BullyMomma Betsy who is a teacher!!

Gracie (who is on left btw...on the right is a lifelike bully statue, also dressed up for the holidays...I bet Gracie dressed her...she's such a fashionista!), is Howie's big sister & Vivi's auntie!! She has a heart of gold & often sends them cards & even homemade treats!! She's the bestest!!

Thanks to Betsy, creative sewer extraordinaire, for sending in Gracie's photo!! She's so pretty!! Look at them eyes!!! Awww.... :0)

Happy Holidays with Bully Friends Day 3

2010-12-15T22:43:00.001-06:00

I promise today's Festive Friends will produce a bunch of "Awwwws" & "How Cutes"! If it doesn't you are a bullyscrooge!

Here we have Bella & her new sissy Greta! Greta is now 5 months old & Bella, well I don't want to get it wrong, so I'll ask her bullymomma Ann to comment, but I think she's 9!! Which just makes me smile!! Much like this photo!

I think they are dreaming of sugar plums & more pretty pink sweaters & vests!! Looking good ladies, lookin' good!!!

Fun fact: Greta is Howie's niece! :0)

Special thanks to one of my most loyal readers Ann for sending in the photos!! Yep...that's plural...no worries friends, you'll see the other one later in the month!! Promise it will make you "Awww" again!

Happy Holidays with Bully Friends Day 2

2010-12-13T22:48:00.000-06:00

Today's Festive Friend celebrates her 6 month birthday on Christmas! I bet she'll get lots of prezzies! Meet Zoe! She's a cute baby bully who just visited Santa for the very first time just last week! Zoe has her very own blog too & is very busy with going to school, Cyclocross races & destroying floor rugs!

Ahhh all in the life of a bully puppy!!

Thanks Pat for submitting Zoe's photo!!!

Happy Holidays Everybully!!

Happy Holidays with Bully Friends

2010-12-12T21:25:00.000-06:00

We start this season's Bully Holiday Fest with Tyke & Pebbles! How sweet are they?? Pebbles is all smiles, while Tyke is very serious. Love it!!

No doubt they have been good bullies this year because not every bully gets to see the guy in red!!!

Special thanks to their bullymomma Olivia for sending in their photo to share!!

The Holiday Season Has Started

2010-12-11T23:11:00.002-06:00

And it starts with today! My birthday!! Woo hoo! Thanks to all that sent in photos of bullies...and for those that haven't yet, there is still time! Tomorrow I will start sharing the photos of our bulldog friends!!!

Apparently Mother Nature has had enough of me bashing winter & REALLY let us have it today. I bet we got close to 20 INCHES of new snow today!! OMG it's awful. Thankfully I didn't have anywhere to go (but wanted to get a mani/pedi for my bday) so I was able to stay inside most of the day.

Steve had it the worst with clearing the snow from the driveway....

and the steps....

and the deck...

and the roof...(no photos available...but it looked like a whiteout).

The bullies had to plow too! They plowed their way through the back yard....

Can you see Doc near the picnic table??

At one point, I did LOSE Vivi in the snow! Hahahahaha!

This bulldog didn't have to worry about the snow though! Check out how cute he is!!

He's a gift from my mother-in-law. He's a bully bank from Pottery Barn! Sooooo cute!! I had a great birthday! Steve upgraded my beloved Betty (iPhone) & now have the iPhone 4...it's so awesome! BTW...almost all the photos on this blog are taken w/Betty! AMAZING!! Tomorrow MY momma is making us spaghetti dinner (YUMMM)!! Over all a great bday weekend I must say!!

My friend Mary gave me a great gift too...she blogged about my birthday & my love of dates!! Did anyone else notice today was 12/11/10???? Thanks Mary!!

Happy Birfday Momma!!

O' (no) Christmas Tree, O' (no) Christmas Tree

2010-12-08T23:34:00.001-06:00

This week we have a new addition to the Blue Line house....a Christmas tree. For five years I didn't put one up for one reason or another.

2005--Ollie's first Christmas....hmmm...let's not test it.
2006--Ollie's second Christmas...it was so easy last year.
2007--Howie's first Christmas...he's just a puppy...plus we have that new sectional...where would we put the tree??
2008--Going to Disney World for 10 days...let's not put it up.
2009--3 bullies & a tree..it's just so much easier NOT to put it up.

It's not that I don't love Christmas or the decorations or even putting up the tree. It's the taking it down that is such a pain & quite honestly, it's so refreshing NOT to have to worry about making time to take it down. And our tree is HUGE, it's a beautiful, huge artificial tree that I love, and really with the way the living room is set up, I have no where to put it. I know, I know, bah humbug right?

Well this year I apparently wanted the gasps of "you didn't put up a treee?!" comments to stop. So I went to my beloved Target & got a "skinny" tree! He'll fit in the living room! He came in 3 pieces & best of all, he's up!

What's funny/sad...is that I moved the living room furniture all around to get this "skinny" tree in & I could have put the HUGE tree up in that same space....had I just thought about moving the furniture...duh Jenny. Oh well, I figured it out now & Skinny Tree is up & decorated! Didn't happen without some help though!

Doc & Howie checking out the Skinny Tree

Vivi just sitting back, taking in the huge mess of a living room I made...

Howie checking out the ornaments

Doc too...

"Momma...you REALLY are making a mess...."

But look! Skinny Tree is done & beautiful...and the kitties are the ones who won't leave it alone! LOL

It's the Season of Giving!!

2010-12-05T22:51:00.000-06:00

Giving me your favorite holiday photos of your bullies that is!! Last year I asked for photos of my bully friends being festive! This year is no different! So come one, come all! Send me your holiday/winter photos of your bullies & I will be using them in the upcoming days to celebrate the holidays!

Send as many as you'd like! I love getting bully photos!! Remember to include your bully's name!

Here is one of Howie to get you all in the giving spirit!!

Oh the wheels....they are a turnin'!!

2010-11-28T23:43:00.000-06:00

So the pumpkin pie is almost gone, Black Friday sales are over (how did you all make out??) & another snow storm is coming---great...but really what does all this mean??!!

Christmas cards people! Christmas cards!!! I have an idea...and I even have an accomplice in this task this year (you know who you are), I just hope I can pull it off! Last year's was pretty dang cute...ifIdosaysomyself...so I have some high expectations of myself (not sure anyone else even cares).

So hopefully I will have it all taken care of early enough that I don't have to pay to RUSH the cards to me this time....only time will tell. I'm at least keeping up on my photo taking....look at these crazy action shots taken tonight!

Phew!! Glad I had the camera set to "sports"!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everybully!!

2010-11-25T11:24:00.000-06:00

From our turkey legs, to yours....

We wish you all a very happy & safe Thanksgiving!

Doc is thankful for licks

Howie is thankful for naps

Vivi is thankful for toys

I'm thankful for all the giggles these bullies have given me. Of course, I'm most thankful to the one that started it all! I wouldn't be doing any of this if it were not for Ollie!

Gift Idea

2010-11-22T17:28:00.000-06:00

Ok, this is too funny not to post! There are many of us who know some dog people that may get a kick out of this so I thought I'd pass it along!!

Hahaha! It's Strawberry Scented Poo-Poo Soap! Hahahahaha!! Omg I totally laughed out loud when I saw this!! You gotta love the internet! I mean, where else can buy gag gifts like this??

I bet you're all wondering if I bought it or not right?? Well, I guess time will tell....the holiday season is right around the corner!!!

Hey Monday...

2010-11-21T21:02:00.000-06:00

This is what Vivi thinks of you!!

Hope everybully has a great week!!

Just had to share

2010-11-15T22:59:00.000-06:00

Last week there was the most beautiful sunrise in these parts! I'm so surprised these photos turned out! It's amazing how fast the colors changed...I wasn't outside for more than 5 min!

What I Woke Up To

2010-11-13T12:43:00.000-06:00

It's not a surprise, I knew it was coming & at least it happened on a weekend so I don't have to deal with traffic...and I it's kinda pretty from the inside of the house at least. It's still coming down, good day to just stay in!

Howie & Vivi loved it though!

Vivi ran around with her tongue out (of course) catching flakes as she zoomed by!

Howie did some running...

And some hand stands...

And some eating...

And some more running...

LOOK OUT!!!!

We came inside & Vivi still couldn't stop watching the snow!

Happy Weekend Everybully!

Awesome People for an PAWSOME Cause

2010-11-12T00:43:00.001-06:00

I'm THRILLED to share the following with you! It just proves once again how great people are!!

Steve recently forwarded on an email to me that he received at work. They (the police department) was made aware that the bomb, drug & police canines serving our country over in Iraq needed toys & treats & they were going to have a Toy & Treat Drive for the Military K9s!! He said, "we really should donate to this!"

Well of course we should!! And I bet others would too!! Soooo....the power of an email to a few people & POOF!!! Donations! Donations!! Donations for these VERY deserving K9s that sniff out bombs & cadavers for their human solider counterparts. I mean, can you imagine your bully with not one toy or treat?? Of course not! They have PLENTY and well, no offense, but our bullies have nothing on these K9s!

I'm happy to say that after I sent the email (with permission from the PD) to a few club member friends, it was approved to mention to members on the SPMBC Facebook page to bring donations to the meeting. I think I left with 6 bags full of toys that day!! At the meeting, the club made a VERY generous cash donation to buy toys & treats! A friend mentioned it to local obedience school that was having a 3-Day Rally/Obedience trial & they put out a box for donations! Amazing, amazing response!!

Thanks to all who donated!! We ended up with 4 garbage bags & 1 medium-size box FULL of toys & treats!! WOW!! I can't wait for these doggies to get these care packages! I certainly hope it brings a smile to all their faces!!

Just some of the donations we received to bring in!!

And in case you were wondering... all the toys & treats were given the bully seal of approval!

"Oh my goodness..we have a big job to do!"

"Momma, Iz gotta check these out..."

"Ok, this is some nice stuff...it's ok to go!"

"Momma-these are ready to go too!"

Thanks again everyone!! I just KNEW this was going to be something many of my dog friends would want to help with!! I'm so excited that the PD had such a great response to this!!!

Thank You Veterans!!!

2010-11-11T08:07:00.000-06:00

Today is Veterans Day! Blue Line Bulldogs would like to thank every one who has served or is serving our country so we can enjoy our freedoms here in the USA!! We are so grateful for your service & appreciate everything you've done for all of us!

She Makes Me Giggle...

2010-11-10T10:07:00.000-06:00

Overall, Vivi is a pretty laid back bully. She loves to snuggle w/her momma, doesn't like to start trouble with the boys (unless Howie walks by her when she's sleeping--it's the weirdest thing) & is content to sitting in a pile of clothes.

That's why I find it so funny when she gets possessive of things. It's usually only things she can carry in her mouth...you've seen the photos, the stick, the ribbons, the ball...well the other day I gave her an empty paper towel roll. You guessed, she puts it in her mouth, her tail goes straight back,

she marches quickly into the other room, finds shelter under a table & just sits there.

She doesn't gnaw on it or eat it or play with it...She just sits there, with the roll in ther mouth and a look on her face that says, "MINE & I LOOVE IT!"

"I'm not sharing Momma!!"

Until I do take it away from her & then she's sad....

and sulky....

Awww...Poor Vivi...but I bet she made YOU giggle too didn't she??

Wow, a BIG week!

2010-11-06T00:46:00.001-05:00

It sure went fast too!! Came back from the show to trick-or-treaters! Aren't my helpers the scariest??

It was month end at work this week so I knew I'd be busy & I wanted to get to work early on Wednesday morning. I was to the park & ride by 7am & was all proud of myself (I like my sleep...and snooze buttons)! I got out of the front seat & went to the back seat to get my bag. I normally don't put my bag in the back, but it was very heavy because I had my work laptop in it. Anyway, so I started getting my bag ready, put the keys away, got my bus card out, etc.

Then I decided I was going to wait in the car for the bus & shut the door & went to the front door...LOCKED! Back door....LOCKED! Patted my pocket....oh crud...keys are IN THE BAG!! Bag is in the BACK SEAT...in the LOCKED car!!! So is my phone. And my work computer. And my...well everything! Ugh!

So funny how much we rely on our cell phones these days. I just stood there, frozen...do I break my window? No, no...but what do I do? I'm right next to a mall, but it's not open...heck, I don't even have enough money in my pocket to make a phone call...do they even have public phones anymore? What DID I have in my pocket?? Some tissues (clean), a quarter & a bobby pin. Hmmm...do I pull a MacGuyver & open the door somehow?

Ah no...instead I head to the bus where people are entering & I stop some nice lady (who must have seen the fear & panic in my eyes) & ask her if she hadaphoneIcouldborrowbecauseIlockedeverythinginmycar...she handed me her phone with NO hesitation at all.

But then I got the phone & I blanked...who was I going to call? I don't remember anyone's number anymore! That's what my phone is for! LOL Thankfully I remembered my in-laws number & they were up & came to my rescue!! My father-in-law came to bring me home to get the 2nd set of keys...only to have him get there & I remembered BOTH sets of keys were in the car! Agggh!!!

All I could do was laugh. My mother-in-law called for help & within 15 min a lockout service came & 1 hour after I arrived at the park & ride & $80 later, I was on my way to work...on the late bus! Well, I tried to be early...guess this was just God's way of telling me I should have slept in!

Thankfully the rest of the week went much better and now I'm excited for a no plan weekend!! Yay!

Special thanks to my heroes Steve & Judy for helping me Wednesday morning!!

Hope you all had a great week & have an even better weekend!

Happy Halloween Everybully

2010-10-31T21:03:00.000-05:00

We hope you all had a great Halloween!!

Howie the Bat

Vivian the Butterfly

Doc the Bat

Dog Shows & Hotels

2010-10-29T21:55:00.000-05:00

After a 4-hour, thankfully uneventful, but pretty boring drive to Sioux Falls, SD we arrived at our hotel. When traveling for dog shows, you tend to keep hotel costs as low as you can stomach without jeopardizing safety, cleanliness & distance from the show site.

That being said, chances are regardless of where you stay, you'll most likely have others from the show also staying there. Today was no different.

When I went in to check-in, I was in line after my friend Kim (who has Vivi's Bestie Fiona & Bean). We didn't drive together or anything, but we just happened to arrive at the same time. As I went to start lugging all my stuff in (Vivi & her kennel first), a nice guest opened the door for Vivi & said, "come on in bulldog!" Like it was a normal everyday occurrence...and during a dog show weekend...it is.

As I was walking the hall to our room I heard a lot...I mean A LOT of yapping...yapping...yapping... Can't say that's part of the norm, in fact it's preferred that it doesn't happen...but they're dogs, they yap. Again, just a normal occurrence during a dog show weekend.

Lastly, I went down to the vending machine to get my beloved Diet Coke & there was a group of people sitting in the lobby talking...what about? Come on...of course you can guess! Dogs!! Not only dogs, but SHOWING dogs!

These are my kind of people. I am one of these people. I am in my element here. Who would have ever thunk it? Not me. When I went to my first ever dog show in 2007, I never thought I'd be sucked into this world like I have. It's fun. But you know who I feel sorry for?? Those staying at this hotel who are NOT here for the dog show! hahahha

Bulldog Nationals

2010-10-27T00:12:00.000-05:00

Oooh I almost forgot...the Bulldog Nationals are going on this week! There is a live webcam, but I found by refreshing this history page I can view the "cam" better as they are still photos. So fun!! Today I got to see Vivi's half-sissy Bean!!

Here is another link that is listing out the results for each class by day.

Kinda fun...if you're a show nerd like me.

:0)

So...what's been going on???

2010-10-27T00:03:00.000-05:00

Sadly, not a whole lot but apparently enough for me to slack on my site updates. What a bad bullymomma I've been for not updating!! This past Sunday Howie & I went to the St Paul/Minneapolis Bulldog Club's Halloween Party!! Oh we had F-U-N!!

Howie got to meet his niece Greta & two nephews Boris & Franky. Oh they were so smushy cute!! There were a lot of bullies at the meeting & other than peeing on the kennel I brought for him, Howie did great.

Sadly this is the only photo I got of BatHowie at the party! Bringing a "happy" dog is challenging when wanting to take photos. Thankfully our friend Mary took lots of great photos! Check out her blog for photos from the party!

He had fun though & once again, he was out cold before I left the parking lot!! What a handsome boy!

This week I'm keeping busy with my part-time Disney travel job (which I love)--anyone wanting to book a Disney trip, let me know (shameless plug huh?), taking my momma out to dinner for her birthday and on Friday Vivi & I will be headed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for a show. AND on Saturday, I have a lunch date with one of my favorite people...my godchild! She's going to college at Augstana & may even stop by the show to see us in action...however, we show early (8am), so I can't blame her if she doesn't want to get up that early on a Saturday!

So cross your fingers, your toes, & maybe send some pixie dust our way that Vivi does well at the show!!

Hope you're all doing well!

Been Awhile...

2010-10-18T19:01:00.002-05:00

So I thought I'd post some show photos! It's been a few weeks since our last show & last weekend we to Hutchinson, MN for the Sunday show (we couldn't attend Saturday). Vivi didn't place, but she stacked well & I thought she looked great.

Here are some photos that my friend Christy took for me while we were in the ring. Thanks Christy!

Here is Vivi's half-sissy Bailey & Randy...don't they look great??!!

Next show is at the end of the month. Wish us luck!!

A Local Public Service Announcement

2010-10-17T21:49:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that next Sunday, October 24th there will be a Bully Halloween Party! The St. Paul/Minneapolis Bulldog Club is the host & it's being held at All Breed Obedience Center in Woodbury, Minnesota at 2pm!

Hope you can make it!! Photos from past parties!! How fun!

What a Difference a Year Makes...

2010-10-08T22:31:00.000-05:00

A year ago this weekend, I wrote this blog entry there was SNOW on October 10th! Fast forward 52 weeks & we had a record setting day of 87 degrees! LOVE that! I'll take 87 over snow any day!
Now, of course you all know how I'm dreading winter coming, but I do have to say this week has been simply beautiful! Fall colors are in full effect, thought you may enjoy....fall is taking over...

The trees are pretty...the leaves on the ground are not...

I think the next two are my favorites. Kinda artsy, huh?

Oh wait...these next 3 are my absolute faves...

Our view out our front window....

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

Iz had a goodz birfday!

2010-09-29T23:33:00.000-05:00

Fanks everybully for the birfday wishes! I had such a good birfday party!

Of course we all got our 1/2 of a McDonald's hamburger, some fries along with some of our food to even out the nutrition!

It was YUMMMY!!!

Vivi had just as much fun as I did!

Here are my prezzies & bones for all bullies! Isn't the stuffy funny? It's a bulldog!

Hehehe! Vivi thought it was funny!

Momma said we could have our bones...I was sad cuz it wasn't very good.

But then she gave me my NEW bone & it was sooooooo yummy!

Momma wanted to hold me like she did when I was a baby...Iz way heavier now!

Awww...here's me & my momma giving me kisses. I just loves her!

Over all my 3rd birfday was a huge success! What a fun year it will be!!

Party Time! Party Time! Party Time!!!

2010-09-28T23:21:00.000-05:00

What?! A party?!

Today is Howie's 3rd Birthday!!! He's very excited for his birthday party tonight!

What a sweet baby boy!

Happy Birthday Howie! Get your party pants on!!!

I think my neighbor said it best...

2010-09-26T23:19:00.000-05:00

It's like Summer (green leaves) is saying, "No! There are more of us! We win! It's NOT time for Fall (red leaves)!"

Sure, sure...it's pretty, but it's just not time...it's not....

It's about that that time of year!!

2010-09-25T21:17:00.001-05:00

You know, the time of year where I totally embarrass my bullies!!

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!!!

Sadly for the bullies, this year is no different! But first, let's take a look back at past year's embarrassment...err...I mean bulldog smiles of Halloween fun!!

2005-Ollie was a cop...just like his daddy Steve!

In 2006, we were a bit late in the costume buying game & this was what was left in Ollie's size...he wore it well...not so much with a smile, but wore it well!

In 2008, I thought it would be cute if Howie & Doc were ladybugs...I mean, how cute is that?! But as you can see, Doc wanted nothing to do with it....and well it didn't fit...so I did some more shopping...

And Howie got to be King Howard & he LOVED every minute of it!

Doc was BumbleDoc & he liked it...I know deep down he did!

In 2009, I had to dress 3 bullies & what's better than a bunch of bananabullies??

That brings us to 2010...and what do we have in store for this year's costume?? Well there isn't much of a theme other than there are wings & they all have headgear to wear!

Nananananananananananaaaaaa BatDoc & BatHowie!

And Vivi is a delicate Butterfly!

What are YOUR bullies & dogs going to be for Halloween???

Just wanted to say hi

2010-09-21T23:59:00.000-05:00

Hi!

"Wike my newf stipck Everybully?"

2010-09-18T22:20:00.000-05:00

Hi Everybully-
It's me! Vivi!

Momma & I went to a show on Saturday & because I was so good waiting for the show to start

She got me a prezzie! It's a stick & it's purple!! I loves it! I carried it all the way to the car! Much to the enjoyment of those walking into the show! They all laughed at me! Not sure why....

Hope you all had just as great as a Saturday as I did!

Love-
Vivi

You Want a Mug?

2010-09-17T11:40:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I posted about my Blue Line Bulldogs mug & surprisingly (or maybe jokingly) some of you said "where can I get one?"

Well, here you go! There are even 2 discount codes to use specifically for mugs!!

One is for 50% off for today until 3pm CDT! Here is that code: FFHS50OFFRRM

The other is $3.00 off & it's good through Monday! The code is: PROSTMUGSALE

Blue Line Logo-2010 Mugs from Zazzle.com

Check It Out

2010-09-16T09:33:00.000-05:00

My new pen holder! Pretty stylin' right?

I don't drink coffee & my beloved Diet Coke just tastes wrong in a coffee cup...so in the pens go!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Vivi's Bday Weekend Recap

2010-09-12T22:06:00.000-05:00

The birthday party was a huge success! Vivi was very excited for her bday dinner....McDonalds hamburger & fries of course (green beans were only in Doc's diet).

Howie was super excited for dinner too!

After dinner, Vivi got to see her prezzies...she got a stuffy, a wubba kong & some bones to share!

She was very happy!

On Friday morning, Vivi & I headed to Des Moines, IA for a 3-day show! She didn't win any points, but each day it was a really big class & she placed 2 of the 3 shows! Yay Vivi!!

We got to have lots of fun with our bully friends Fiona & Silvie

and Phin...he's so handsome!

Vivi also made new friends in the ring

Of course, she enjoyed her time at the hotel too...just chillin'

Phew! So much happened since Thursday! Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Two Special Days Rolled into One...

2010-09-08T23:17:00.001-05:00

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again. I'm a date freak. I love dates that add up (02/03/05), I love dates that are in order (08/09/10), I love dates that may mean good luck (07/07/07) & next year I may just have to have a party on 11/11/11---I mean 11 is my favorite number, but wow...I can't even think about how fun that day will be...but anyway, you get it, right? I love dates. I remember birthdays of people I went to grade school with...yes, I know I have issues, but again, I love dates.

So it was really no surprise that when Steve & I got engaged (12/11/98--it's my bday of course I'm going to remember it) & started thinking of wedding dates, it meant a bit more to me than other brides....cuz I love dates. I once thought we could do 08/08/98 but that came & went; and 09/09/99 was a Thursday....plus, we knew we needed a bit more time than 9 months to plan the wedding & get a house. So it was soooo meant to be that 09/09/00 was OUR day! It was a Saturday...perfect...the date is easy to remember...perfect...and of course I love it 09/09/00...nice!!

Happy 10th Anniversary Babe! Love you!!

So fun that we went from this:

(1992)

To this:

(now)

Now, you have to fast forward to 2008 & September 9th is once again a great day at our house!!

It's somebully's birthday!!! Here's a hint...she's smushy like a marshmellow

is a cuddler

loves her momma

& is as cute as a button!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Vivi!! We love you lots! Can't wait for your birthday party!!!

My Helper

2010-09-07T23:31:00.000-05:00

Here is Sassy, she's my sewing helper lately! She's quite proud of her projects! Thanks for the help Sass! And sorry the flash is so bright baby girl! hehehehehe

Bully Life Lesson #17

2010-09-06T22:24:00.001-05:00

Bully Life Lesson

~by bullies, for bullies~

by Howard

Life Lesson #17

Be the welcoming committee to your new friends!

If you do, they will feel more comfortable & be themselves!

(Thanks to our guest bully, Bailey, for being part of our Bully Life Lesson)

Great Minnesota Get Together

2010-09-05T22:54:00.000-05:00

So Labor Day ends the 12-day stint of the Great Minnesota Get Together. What's the Great Minnesota Get Together you ask? Why our state fair of course. I've always been a huge fan of the state fair & think we have the BEST one in the country...sure, sure, I've only ever gone to one other (Texas)...but hands down ours won!

This year I only made it to the fair 1 (GASP!) day; but it was fun & today I'm going to show you some photos of the fair & how bulldogs are incorporated to even my fair going!!

Ahhh such a fun sight!

You have to visit the farm animals when you're at the fair!

Baby farm animals are born everyday at the fair! This baby was only a couple hours old!

You also have to eat foods you'd only eat (& pay those crazy prices for) once a year!

In addition to the foods & animals there are always some politicians at the fair. This year one politician had a HUGE inflatable Vivi on top of her stand! Of course I had to take a photo...or two.

You also have to go with friends who enjoy going & having fun like you do! Mary (not Bulldog Mary, but St Bernards--both dog & school--Mary) & I go every year on the first day of the fair...it's the cleanest!

This year, it was super duper nice out on the first day & it seemed no one in Minnesota was working...they were all at the state fair! Just a regular random Thursday afternoon! Fun, fun, fun!

Another part of the fair you have to look at are the giant pumpkins! This one was over 1,000 lbs! CRAZY!

To prove bulldogs are the universal symbol of all things good:

Lastly, my treasure purchase from the fair this year...

He's a cast iron bulldog figurine that I got for under $10 at the Bazaar (shopping section of the fair). He's awesome! Had I been thinking, I would have gotten 2...one for me, one for next year's specialty show auction! Oh well...

I hope all of you enjoyed the Minnesota State Fair 2010 highlights...until next year...

(Butterhead of Princess Kay of the Milky Way....no lie)

Ok, you KNEW I would blog about this right?

2010-09-01T22:56:00.001-05:00

How could I not? I mean, my two passions colliding together once again! Disney & Bulldogs!! Yay!!!

While Walt Disney World has always had kennels throughout Disney property for guests to bring their pets, they now have a Luxury Pet Resort that looks so fun, the humans will be jealous! Ok, maybe not jealous, but it does look pretty awesome...and of course magical!

So of course I HAD to share these magical videos with you...not only to show you how great this looks...but I mean...I can't help if they used a super cute white bully in their promotions can I? Gotta show the love to the bullies!!

Ok, so I know this will make me sound crazy, but I do wish I could bring my bullies with me to the Magic Kingdom...we say Howie would LOVE Big Thunder Mountain,

Doc would LOVE to just bake in the sun at the entrance & welcome everyone as they arrive &

Vivi would LOVE the Tea Cups like her Momma!

(yep that's me...all alone in the tea cups!)

But really, I would love to be able to bring them into the Magic Kingdom if for nothing else, but to get a photo of Steve, me & the bullies walking towards the castle....can you picture it? I can...ahhhh...Magical!

Anyway...I digress...check out the cute pet resort!!

Another Week Goes By...

2010-08-29T23:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how fast August went! Good news is, I've been keeping busy...bad news is, I've been slacking on my blogging & site updates! Better news is that I have a few blog ideas to post this week...oooh I bet you're all waiting w/bated breath right?

Well here's some of what you can expect in the next couple days...

Oooh intriguing right? Hahaha!

Hope everybully had a great week!

Momma's Girl Much?

2010-08-23T23:48:00.000-05:00

As if we didn't already know that answer, but this photo proves what a Momma's Girl Vivi is. I had been laying on the couch w/my knees up...as a "bully blockade"...but it didn't work. Vivi jumped OVER my knees & onto my chest?!

She's silly! And I love her for it!

Proud Bully Momma

2010-08-18T23:56:00.000-05:00

Yep! I am! This past weekend Vivi & I had a show in Albert Lea, MN with her half-sissy Bailey & Auntie Mary. We faced another 4am wake up & fog so thick you couldn't see more than a car's length in front of you!!!

But it was totally worth it because Vivi picked up another point towards her AKC championship!!! I was really surprised, but of course thrilled!!

But the real highlight of the weekend was having half-sissy Bailey sleep over!! Howie was the most concerned of Bailey fitting in & was her tour guide. It was so cute!

It only took about an hour for the four bullies to get along & then it was like "let's all snuggle!"

It was such a fun weekend & I'm just so proud Vivi for her win & of Howie, Doc & Vivi for being such nice bullies to Bailey!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bully Prayers

2010-08-17T23:30:00.000-05:00

Every once in awhile the bullies, dogs & humans in our lives need some prayers. So for all those that need some right now...these are for you!

Amen.