Adopting a Girl!

That's right Fred's getting a big sister. It's official, I talked to Becki tonight from autumnblazebassets.webs.com. She is retiring Gloria after this litter, so we decided to give her a home here with Freddie Spaghetti! Maybe she can actually teach Fred some manners! We will probably get her around the end of March to the beginning of April. It will depend on Fred's appointment to be shhhh!(neutered)ha!ha! Can't wait for that! He's pretty ballsy and we hope that will help curb his attitude a bit. Sure we haven't told him he's getting the snip yet so he still struts around here like he's the king. Oh, heck who am I kidding, he is the king! Well, then I guess he'll just have to share his space with the queen when Gloria comes to live with us. Two Bassets? There goes the neighborhood. Can't wait!

And what did ole Freddie have to say on the subject of Gloria when we told him?

That b*tch better not touch my chair......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz





Or my bed...urrr I mean Mom and Dads bed.



And then I believe he actually stuck his tongue out at me!



We'll let that one slide since we already embarrassed him Christmas Eve with the antlers!



Don't worry Gloria, antler boy along with all our family will welcome you with open arms!!

Holiday Time is Family Time!

We have had a fantastic Christmas Season! So far......after all, there is still New Year's Eve! (I would have said "Fabulous" but we all know that is Fred's word). Christmas Eve we had family and friends over and it was awesome. It adds so much more to Christmas when you have little ones around, too. It is priceless to see the sheer amazement and happiness on their faces! It reminds you of all those years ago when your kids were babies. Now it's the grandbabies turn. With big cousin, Mitch, showing little cousin, Cameron, "the ropes" at the Christmas dinner gathering. And yes this year they even had their own table to sit at. It's official, there is now a "kids table"! Emma toddling about in her red velvet dress and patent leather shoes just went with it and yes, she stole the show and everyones hearts with it!



The grandbabies got spoiled by friends and family alike. My mother-in-law had a great time seeing the great grandkids and helping them open the gifts that she brought.


And I know that my parents and father-in-law were here with us in spirit.

I think we were being really brave holding the "Gilbert" Christmas gathering at our house this year. With Fred being only eight months old and still in his "scare the little children and terrify everyone else mode", or what some people cutely refer to as the "puppy stage". Whatever! We kept him leashed so we had control, and it all worked out well. We only had to pull him off of my mother-in-law once. Thank god we had lots of strong men around to take turns holding him. Steve and our son Jake were pretty much Fred control. I guess he just thought everyone was there to see him. So later when Fred was completely crashed I just quietly told him that yes the party was for him. Hell, if it will keep him quiet I'll tell him Christmas just started because HE was born! By the end of it Fred was so exhausted that this is how he reacted Christmas morning when I told him Santa had been and gave him his gift.


I of course, got spoiled by Santa again this year with my Chanel No.5 perfume, earrings and a Royal Doulton figurine to add to my collection. But I was the most excited over the pasta drying rack Stevie got me. I love it! I've wanted one for while but apparently nobody carries them around our neck of the woods anymore!
Heck, we even had Clark Griswolds "Moose Mugs" from Christmas Vacation for our punch this year. I got them from theuniquegiftidea.com
They are awesome! The real deal from Mark Klaus who designed them for Warner Bros.

Just ignore that Seattle Seahawks t-shirt. Goooooooo Lions! Yes, it's true. They have won there last three games!

It's such a great feeling after Christmas when everything is over and you pat yourselves on the back realizing you got through another one and you can now let loose and relax again, isn't it!

On another note, it looks like things have been extra busy for Becki over at autumnblazebassets.webs.com as Turbo and Glorias' litter was born.


How cute is that! Brings back memories of when dear Freddie was born. Yeah, those days are over LOL! So, you had better hurry up and get in on the puppy picks 'cause these cuties are going to go fast! Congrats Becki!

Santa Came to Town!

Yep. It's official. Santa came to our town last night to get some last minute gift ideas for Cameron and Emma. He was just awesome. You know Santa is good when he even makes the kids mother giddy! Cameron actually sat on Santas' knee and told him what he wanted. Sure little Emma screamed her head off if Brandi tried to take her near him, but she's only one. It's just not her year yet. Steve played an outstanding part as Santa! We even painted his eyebrows white! Then when Santa asked the kids Mom and Dad what they wanted, Brandi was taken by suprise and couldn't think of anything, but Phill jumped right in and said he wanted a garage. To which Santa replied, "How about some tinker toys?"



The whole event just added to the Christmas magic this year! And Steve.......well he was just happy to fulfill his dream of finally playing Santa for the grandbabies!



Honestly, I think Phill was "secretly" the most excited to see Santa!

Fred..... well as you can see is still anxiously waiting to see Santa himself.



And me, well I finally got my limoncello made!



Yep! It's gonna be a good Christmas!!! The whole family will be here for Christmas dinner and the Lions beat Tampa Bay in over time breaking their 26 game losing streak at away games. It's the miracle of Christmas I tell ya!!!!!

Christmas Magic

Christmas time really is magical! Yesterday we finally got to visit with our son, his son,(who we haven't seen in awhile) and his new girlfriend. (well, new to us) It was awesome to see them and we are so happy our family will be together over the holidays. Everybody seems so happy!


Life can really be great. Can't it! Steve is going to dress up as Santa this year so Cameron can warm up to the idea. (Will post a picture after Monday night.) And Fred......just look at how excited he is about Christmas!!



Well, better get going 'cause there is presents to wrap and cookies to bake, oh yeah, and limoncello to bottle! Cheers!

Family Dinner with Fred

Friday night we finally got Brandi and the kids over for family dinner (Phill was working late). We haven't had many since we got Fred as he loooooves the kids and just wants to play, but they're just not feelin' it! It's hard to explain to a one and three year old that he is just a baby too and he really isn't trying to hurt you when he comes running at you full tilt ready to pounce. He isn't attacking, he just wants to play. So until they are a little older and Fred is a little calmer, this will be the scene when the kids are over.



Here, let me get a little closer for you.



The grandbabies were free to roam without being mauled by the fiend. (Sorry Fred I really do love ya!)




Fred on the subject.......
I'm not an animal ya know!!



Yes....yes Fred you are. And doing things like this is what scares the children.



Notice Freddie's Detroit Lions collar? That's my boy! And my boys in blue and silver won against Green Bay yesterday!!! That's right! In your face cheeseheads!!Gooooooooo Lions!!

Christmas Tree Ornaments

I know. Your thinking, "Hey, that's just a picture of Fred". It's a picture of Fred before

and......

a picture.......

after............



...he ate his first Christmas tree ornament! I have no more to say on the matter.

Snow and Fred

So, it's Freds first experience with snow. Yep, first he just tried attacking all the snowflakes and since that didn't work he has decided he will just have to eat it all! This includes any snow that comes in the house on our boots, too. So as you can imagine it is a 24 hour job for him right now as we have gotten a fare bit of snow. It's not an easy job, but he figures nobody else is taking care of this white stuff so it's up to him. Now, I just think he has a tummy ache. What a trooper! I need to just tie him to the driveway and see if he could work his magic there. Then we wouldn't have to shovel. Hey, there could be money in this! Right now he's laying in the big chair looking forlornly out the front window thinking, "Dear God, will it ever end?" Once he is outside the problem is I can't get him in unless I take him out on a leash. 'Cause we all know that a basset hound just runs right to ya when you call them. In your dreams!

Fist he does this.......

....tries to hide.

Then he does this......

Gets ready to run.




Away from me. Oh, bring it on Ceasar! I'm sure there is some underlying problem here. Ya......it's called STUBBORNNESS!!


This is Fred rapping off something about the snow job is too big for him. He can't do it all by himself.....blah, blah, blah. Hey buddy, there's no union here. Just get out there and "FOCUS"!




Well, at least he's wore out when he comes in and yes he likes the colour purple. Movie in the making? Oh, that's right Oprah already did that! I do have to say that all this snow eating has helped curb his nipping. It couldn't have come at a better time considering Steve had a dream the other night that our pet was a snapping turtle with Freds head. Hmmmm.........need I say more. I think that ones for Dr. Phill. Actually, by now I think ole Freddie should have his own reality tv show! Don't you?

American Thanksgiving Day

It was a packed house at Ford Field yesterday.




We had an awesome day at Ford Field yesterday! It was the American Thanksgiving Holiday and the Patriots came to Ford Field to play the Lions. And let me tell ya it sure didn't hurt that Kid Rock was the halftime show!

Yep, that's the "Kid"



How great is that shot!


Sure the Lions lost 45-24, but they played great, it just seems that they always tend to fizzle out during the second half of the game. They come out like roaring lions and then turn into pussycats. Oh, the trials and tribulations of being a fan. I still think it was a great game. Heck even Shaun Hill started to make his own tackles. Of course though all the NFL and news does is talk about Tom Brady. They are forgetting that it takes two teams to make a football game and the Lions definitely made it a game! They don't mention that Ndamukong Suh sacked Tom Brady giving him 8, which breaks the team rookie record set by Tracy Scoggins in 1992. Maurice Morris had an awesome game carrying the ball 9 times, getting 55 yards and 2 touchdowns. Calvin Johnson and yes even Shaun Hill got touchdowns. Anybody can be a Patriots fan, but it takes a lot more heart and compassion to be a devoted Lions fan. My confidence will not sway in these guys 'cause the potential is there!



That's right the Lions did have the lead a couple of times!



And had tied it up a couple of times. Notice the quarter. They're contenders, I tell ya!!



Another great shot.

Now I just feel like having turkey. I think I will start celebrating the Canadian and the American Thanksgiving Days!

My Review of Seattle Seahawks Mens Custom Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Originally submitted at NFL

Be the toast of the tailgate in your very own NFL® style! The men's custom long-sleeve tee boasts a classic cut that can be designed with a variety of direct-to-garment printed graphics on the chest, back and sleeves.

Seattle Seahawks Mens Custom Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Awesome Top!

By Lioness from Woodstock, On. on 11/26/2010

 

5out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size

Pros: Quality Construction, Stylish, Shows Off Team Pride, Authentic Look

Best Uses: Anytime, At The Game, Watching The Game on TV, Around Town

Describe Yourself: Die Hard Sports Fan, Stylish

I got this for my husband and he loves it. It washes up great and it looks awesome on him!

"The Picture of Pride!"

(legalese)

My Review of Detroit Lions Womens Custom Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Originally submitted at NFL

Nothing beats the soft comfort of this women's NFL® customizable long-sleeve t-shirt. It's fitted to accentuate your curves and features your choice of personalized direct-to-garment printed graphics on the chest, back, and sleeves; everyone will know you're a devoted fan!

Detroit Lions Womens Custom Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Great Quality!

By Lioness from Woodstock, Ont. on 11/26/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Stylish Design, Quality Construction, Shows Off Team Pride, Authentic Look

Best Uses: At The Game, Around Town, Great lounging top, Watching The Game on TV, Anytime

Describe Yourself: Stylish, Die Hard Sports Fan

We absolutely love these tops. They are soooo comfy and stylish! They also wash up great with no shrinking. Just buy one size up as the womens does fit small. I did and mine fit perfect!

(legalese)

Web Sites and Blogs

I want to mention a couple of my FAVOURITE sites. I have been following the blog The Pioneer Woman by Ree Drummond in Oregon. I absolutely love it! Maybe it's because she sounds a little like me or maybe it is because she has a bassett hound named "Charlie". (Whom I sure Freddie Spaghetti would love to meet!) Seriously, he really does need a friend! She really makes me laugh and has beautiful pictures on her site not to mention a ton of information, links and recipes. She was recently on a Throwdown episode with Bobby Flay which we apparently can't get in Canada!(That sucks!) If you get a chance check out her blog. It's like reading a good book you can't put down.
My other favourite site is The NFL Shop especially with Christmas around the corner. Being Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks fans in Ontario, Canada, it isn't easy to get team gear and collectibles for our family. With the exception of a few items that they don't ship to Canada, the NFL shop is great! They have high quality products with a quick delivery time and not bad pricing. I have gotten quite a few things including custom t-shirts that we absolutely love, accessories for our NFL rec room, plates and napkins, a cooler and even Fred has some gear! It really is a one stop shopping experience for all NFL products.

Peanut Allergies

I never realized just how hard it would be to find peanut-free items for kids. Since Emma was diagnosed with a life threatening peanut allergy at the age of one, our quest now is to find peanut-free kid friendly products. It's not easy! I have to give credit to Loblaws for acknowledging this growing problem and starting to show the peanut-free logo on a lot of there PC products. Check them out at pc.ca You don't know how much this helps family members. You can spend hours reading labels and even then you are sometimes not sure. I am now in the midst of scouring everywhere for unique peanut-free stocking stuffers. With such a growing number of children and adults with peanut allergies more company's need to adopt the peanut-free logo. It would make life so much easier for parents and other family members of peanut allergy sufferers, not to mention safer, too!


Come on! Look at that face! She should be the poster child for the "peanut free label". So get with the program, all you company giants!!

Here are just a few sites that I found surfing the web. alleriffic.com
bestallergysites.com
peanutfreeplanet.com

In Canada a great food allergy informational site is anaphylaxis.org

'Tis The Season

Yes, it's that time of year again. Let me tell you, our family LOVES Christmas. Steve is a big kid and was busy putting the finishing touches on our lights this past weekend. We spent all of Saturday morning going from store to store looking for that perfect addition. Steve finally went to Costco in the afternoon and came home with a 4 foot snowman. It's gorgeous!


Yep, there it is in the picture! I'll show a better one later.

We got one last year but it was too small for Stevies liking. He is a perfectionist when it comes to decorating our house outside. Thank god we made the big switch over to LCD lights this year as last year our breakers kept popping. It cost a small fortune, but it will pay off in the end. Our house looks awesome and now I can't wait for snow! This coming weekend will be interesting as we get our indoor decorations out and put up our tree. Why will it be so interesting? Let us not forget Fabulous Fred! Last night alone he chewed all the tassles off of one of my cushions for the couch. So picture a tree, ornaments and presents all just sitting there taunting him, goading him on, testing his puppiness. What's a few Christmas presents with tatters, holes and drool. After all, it's the thought that counts isn't it? And.........eeeeeverybody loves FRED!!!


Especially me!


(Don't fuel the drool, don't fuel the drool!)
Fred hates it when I talk about him!


On a lighter note it was the Woodstock Santa Claus Parade Saturday night. We did not attend (remember Steve went to Costco in search of the perfect tree). But Phill and Brandi took the kids and they were so excited. Cameron was awe struck when one of the firefighters came over to shake his hand. Being three and having just seen the firefighters and their firetruck when they visited his daycare, Brandi said it was like he saw God or something!

On a sadder note, yes, I watched the Detroit verses Dallas game. And no, I'm not talking about it other than "hair pull not horse collar!" That's all I have to say on the matter!

My Baby Girl

Our baby girl is 27 today. She's a grown woman now with a family of her own, but she will always be our baby.
She's always been a Daddy's girl. I won't bore you with the details of my labor or carrying her for nine months, after all this is HER day. Yes, even though I am the one who always makes her cake! (sniff!sniff!) She wasn't your typical child who liked chocolate cake.....noooo.....she always had to have carrot cake and I obliged; but enough about me. Just like her favourite food has always been my homemade baked beans. Notice I said mine not her Dad's.(again I won't bore you with my little issues)
Odd, I know. But these are just some of the things that make her special, it helps that she has given us two beautiful grandbabies, also.
Seriously though, she has grown into a beautiful woman inside and out who is a great daughter, mother and wife. (Oh, my gosh! She must take after me!!ha!ha!)So.... happy birthday to our baby girl and sorry about your cake, your Dad ate a piece at lunch!! So did Fred!
Yes, that is Fred eating your cake. Sorry!