our latest addition ( and Happy Bday to Hubby)

meet Ben ---

He visited with us this weekend as a try-out to see if we were a fit. And well, he's staying.

He was a foster dog with Stray Rescue and now he has a forever home. He never was truly a stray.... His mom was and he was adopted as a puppy thru Stray Rescue. His first family wasn't able to keep him for personal reasons and put him back into the organization to find a home.

I'm sure you see the resemblance to our beloved Sagey. That's the Rhodesian Ridgeback Hound part of him. You can read more about Ridgebacks here.

Matt was very stubborn in his choice for our next dog and wanted another Ridgeback -- mainly for their devotion and watchfulness over the family. I wanted a loving, sweet, playful dog. We have found all of that in Ben. The fact that he looks so much like Sage has been and continues to be hard for me. Me more than anyone else it seems. But he is his own dog, though and has a different personality than she did. The more I get to know him, the more they don't look so much alike anymore....

About his name: He's given name is Ben Stein. I really don't like that at all. So we've been calling him Ben. But Hannah and I are trying to come up with a middle name that would work for a nickname, too. We are open for ideas!! Leave us yours in the comment section!

So far it's been Benny Boy, Buddy, ya know, that kind of thing...not real original.

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I have another birthday shout-out to my dear husband. Saturday was the big 3. 7. for him. It's kinda freaky that he was 17 when we first started dating. That's 20 years in case you need me to do the figurin' for ya. 20 years that I've known him and loved him. 20 years. How in that world can that be --- I'm only 25?????!!!! he he

But seriously folks, the man is a treasure. He is the most wonderful dad, most loving and kind husband. Makes me coffee in the mornings. Just bought me a pretty mum from Trader Joes the other day. Just such a wonderful man. I often take him for granted which I'm not proud of. But 20 years of having him around gets a girl spoiled. :)

He and our 2 oldest rode in the school's bike-a-thon for the biggest part of the day. 26 miles on the Katy Trail. So far I've had Katie duty for the bike-a-thon every year. When she's old enough to ride I guess I'll have to come up with another excuse, because the *thought* of 26 miles exhausts me.

Anyhoo, back to the birthday boy -- after the bike ride, we had Matt's mom and step-dad and sister, bro-in-law, and 3 sweet girls up for the afternoon and dinner celebration. It was really really nice to spend that time together. Baby Sarah is over 4 months old (almost 5!!) and giggles like a baby doll. The cousins all had a great time playing together. It's so rare that they all come to our house, so that made it even more special for Matt and for all of us.

I didn't take any pictures since I was busy being the hostess-w/the mostest. So I pretty much stink, 'cause a bday post without a picture of the birthday party is a dud. Lucky for me, we are having another party this weekend with the rest of our family and I'll do my best to make up for this one.