PS: Denise, I just realized I didn't get a photo of you and Stella and I apologize greatly! Next time - I promise!
4/11/2008
Meeting and Greeting Stella
Tonight we got to meet precious Stella! She is such a cute, sweet baby and she, Sam and Annie are all doing great. We roadtripped to Lincoln with the Shearers and the Hites and spent about an hour at St. Elizabeth's (where Mike was also born) doting over the Neals. Of course Stella was passed around the room and we all took turns holding the little thing. And of course we had to end the visit with dinner and a celebratory drink at Lazlo's (where we of course cheersed the Neals). I don't think I can say it enough - we're so thrilled for them!
PS: Denise, I just realized I didn't get a photo of you and Stella and I apologize greatly! Next time - I promise!
PS: Denise, I just realized I didn't get a photo of you and Stella and I apologize greatly! Next time - I promise!
O!nline
This is not news to the Omahans that read this blog, but to the out-of-staters (and there are so many of you - not), Omaha has this great "O" sculpture thing going on. A few years ago artists designed their own "O"s and they, all very different, are located throughout Omaha.
4/10/2008
Welcome Stella!
At 6:56 p.m. yesterday, Sam and Annie welcomed Stella Alexandra Neal into the world! Haven't seen photos yet but with blue eyes and brown hair she sounds absolutely darling! Most importantly mom and baby are both doing well! We're planning to head to Lincoln tomorrow night to congratulate the Neals in person and to meet little Stella. We are absolutely thrilled for Sam and Annie and can't wait to meet this little girl. Many blessings to the Neals!
4/06/2008
Puppy Mills
Friday’s Oprah was all about puppy mills. This story came to fruition after Oprah, — and thousands of drivers — saw a billboard in Chicago that read, "Oprah: Do a show on puppy mills. The dogs need you." The story was absolutely heart-wrenching and not just because I love dogs. Anyone who has a heart or simply believes in humane treatment should be shocked by the horrors of puppy mills.
The man behind the billboard was Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue. Every year, Bill and several volunteers rescue hundreds of abused, unwanted or abandoned animals, rehabilitate them and adopt them out to families. Many of the animals Bill rescues come from puppy mills, which he describes as places where bad breeders care more about the profit they make from puppies than the health or welfare of the animals. On this episode of Oprah, Lisa Ling and Bill went on an undercover mission to puppy mills in Pennsylvania. Here are some of the shocking things they shared on Oprah:
- The mom dog in one cage was stepping over and on her puppies because the crate they were all crammed into was just so small.
- There were two dead animals lying on the property of one puppy mill they entered. The owner wouldn’t let Lisa and Bill into his building, so who knows of the horrifying conditions of that puppy mill.
- Many of the dogs had never stepped on grass. Ever.
- One dog had a huge wound on its neck with a chain collar on – rubbing through the raw wound. Some dogs had chains on, estimated to be on them for their entire lives. Many had the chains embedded into their skin because they had been worn for so long.
- Lisa and Bill picked up seven labs that at one puppy mill that were going to be shot because they can “no longer produce.”
- These dogs live in crates outside year round – even in the cold and snow.
- Most of the puppy mill dogs live 8-10 years in rabbit cages. Some of the dogs don’t even know how to walk.
- One adult lab was terrified to walk on ground. He had never stepped foot on solid ground – only the bottom of a wire crate.
- One female dog reproduced so many times it was estimated she gave birth to more than 140 puppies.
There was something else that really got me. Meet “Shrimp.” (Bill names the dogs as he says most of the dogs in puppy mills never get names and most will never know human affection EVER in their life.)
The photo on the left is what Shrimp looked like when Bill rescued him from a breeder. You wouldn't know it by looking at that photo, but Shrimp is a malti-poo, and should look a lot like Macy. Bill adopted Shrimp himself, and a little over a year after his rescue, you can see what Shrimp looks like today (photo on the right):
Puppy mills are filthy, cruel businesses that see dogs as nothing but money-makers. Believe it or not there are dog auctions where puppy mill owners go to buy female dogs to reproduce. One puppy auctioneer actually sold a dog by saying “what other dog is going to get you $2,000 in puppies in one litter?”
Here are some tips for getting a dog and for putting a STOP to puppy mills:
1. Consider adoption.If you're looking to make a dog part of your family, check your local shelters first. Not only will you be saving a life, but you will ensure that your money is not going to support a puppy mill. There are many dogs waiting for homes in shelters all across the country—and an estimated one in four is a purebred! Your second option is breed rescue. If your heart is set on a specific breed you haven't been able to find in a shelter, you can do an Internet search for a breed-specific rescue organization in your area.
The man behind the billboard was Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue. Every year, Bill and several volunteers rescue hundreds of abused, unwanted or abandoned animals, rehabilitate them and adopt them out to families. Many of the animals Bill rescues come from puppy mills, which he describes as places where bad breeders care more about the profit they make from puppies than the health or welfare of the animals. On this episode of Oprah, Lisa Ling and Bill went on an undercover mission to puppy mills in Pennsylvania. Here are some of the shocking things they shared on Oprah:
- The mom dog in one cage was stepping over and on her puppies because the crate they were all crammed into was just so small.
- There were two dead animals lying on the property of one puppy mill they entered. The owner wouldn’t let Lisa and Bill into his building, so who knows of the horrifying conditions of that puppy mill.
- Many of the dogs had never stepped on grass. Ever.
- One dog had a huge wound on its neck with a chain collar on – rubbing through the raw wound. Some dogs had chains on, estimated to be on them for their entire lives. Many had the chains embedded into their skin because they had been worn for so long.
- Lisa and Bill picked up seven labs that at one puppy mill that were going to be shot because they can “no longer produce.”
- These dogs live in crates outside year round – even in the cold and snow.
- Most of the puppy mill dogs live 8-10 years in rabbit cages. Some of the dogs don’t even know how to walk.
- One adult lab was terrified to walk on ground. He had never stepped foot on solid ground – only the bottom of a wire crate.
- One female dog reproduced so many times it was estimated she gave birth to more than 140 puppies.
There was something else that really got me. Meet “Shrimp.” (Bill names the dogs as he says most of the dogs in puppy mills never get names and most will never know human affection EVER in their life.)
The photo on the left is what Shrimp looked like when Bill rescued him from a breeder. You wouldn't know it by looking at that photo, but Shrimp is a malti-poo, and should look a lot like Macy. Bill adopted Shrimp himself, and a little over a year after his rescue, you can see what Shrimp looks like today (photo on the right):
Puppy mills are filthy, cruel businesses that see dogs as nothing but money-makers. Believe it or not there are dog auctions where puppy mill owners go to buy female dogs to reproduce. One puppy auctioneer actually sold a dog by saying “what other dog is going to get you $2,000 in puppies in one litter?”
Here are some tips for getting a dog and for putting a STOP to puppy mills:
1. Consider adoption.If you're looking to make a dog part of your family, check your local shelters first. Not only will you be saving a life, but you will ensure that your money is not going to support a puppy mill. There are many dogs waiting for homes in shelters all across the country—and an estimated one in four is a purebred! Your second option is breed rescue. If your heart is set on a specific breed you haven't been able to find in a shelter, you can do an Internet search for a breed-specific rescue organization in your area.
2. Do your homework before buying from a pet store.The puppy that charmed you through the pet shop window may have come from a large-scale, substandard commercial breeding facility, commonly known as a puppy mill. In these facilities, parent dogs are caged and bred as often as possible and give birth to puppies who could have costly medical problems you might not become aware of until after you bring your new pet home.
3. Internet buyers, beware.Buying a puppy from the Internet could be risky. If you buy a puppy based on a picture and a phone call, you have no way of seeing the puppy's breeding premises or meeting his parents. And those who sell animals on the Internet are not held to the Animal Welfare Act regulations—and so are not inspected by the USDA. If you fall in love with a puppy over the internet, make a visit to the breeder in person and follow the guidelines for how to recognize a responsible breeder.
4. Know how to recognize a responsible breeder.If you've exhausted your options for adopting and are choosing to buy from a breeder, remember that responsible breeders have their dogs' interests in mind. They are not simply interested in making a sale, but in placing their pups in good homes. A responsible breeder should screen you as thoroughly as you screen them.
5. See where your puppy was born and bred.One sign that you are speaking to an unscrupulous breeder is that they will not let you see the facility in which your puppy was born. Always ask to see the breeding premises and to meet both parents—or at least the mother—of the puppy you want to take home. Ask to see the area where the mother dog actually lives and breeds. You should also ask for an adoption contract that explains, in terms you understand, the breeder's responsibilities, health guarantee and return policy.
6. Get an animal locally.Local shelters, rescue groups and breeders should be your first resource when looking for a new pet. There's bound to be a loving animal in your area that needs a home.
7. Share your puppy mill story with the ASPCA.If you have—or think you have—purchased a puppy mill puppy, tell your story. Every bit of evidence gives advocates more power to get legislation passed that will ban puppy mills.
8. Speak out to your legislator.Inform your state and federal legislators that you are disturbed by the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills and would like to see legislation passed that ensures that all animals bred to be pets are raised in healthy conditions. You can keep up-to-date about current legislation to ban puppy mills by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. Visit http://www.aspca.org/ for more information.
I admit we did not rescue Macy from a shelter; we purchased her from a breeder that we knew and was highly recommended. We were very wary of puppy mills and made sure we were not supporting such an awful business. I encourage everyone else to do the same.
4/04/2008
Designed by Sabrina Blog
As many of you know, my friend Sabrina designs logos, invitations, announcements, cards, etc. In addition to her Web site, she just launched a blog showcasing some of her work. Check it out.
I can barely take it anymore!
Baby Girl Neal is due SUNDAY! And, while I want her born on Sunday (that's what I guessed in the poll :-)), I want her here now so we can meet her! For some reason I thought it was happening yesterday and every time my phone rang and it was a friend I thought maybe it was baby news :-).
Anyway, congratulations again, Sam and Annie! We're all so anxious to meet your new daughter!
Anyway, congratulations again, Sam and Annie! We're all so anxious to meet your new daughter!
4/03/2008
I was kind of hoping for a reunion tour; I didn't get to see them back in the day.
They may be pushing 40, but the New Kids are returning to the block.
New Kids on the Block sold millions of records in the late '80s and early '90s.
The boy band New Kids on the Block, which sold 70 million albums in the 1980s and early '90s, has reunited and plans to release a new album and go on tour. The reunion comes 20 years after the release of the group's multiplatinum album, "Hangin' Tough."
New Kids on the Block sold millions of records in the late '80s and early '90s.
The boy band New Kids on the Block, which sold 70 million albums in the 1980s and early '90s, has reunited and plans to release a new album and go on tour. The reunion comes 20 years after the release of the group's multiplatinum album, "Hangin' Tough."
"The fan response to this has been incredible," band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald.
Wahlberg said he was persuaded to get back together with his former bandmates -- Joey McIntyre, brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood -- when they decided to record new music. Wahlberg said he wrote 80 percent of the new material with McIntyre and Jordan Knight.
"I had no interest going out on a nostalgia tour and singing the same material," said Wahlberg, 38.
But he added: "We absolutely will do the old songs for sure."
Producer Maurice Starr formed the group in Boston in the 1980s, hoping to recreate the success he had with another teen group from Boston, New Edition.
At the height of their popularity, New Kids sold out world tours, marketed millions of dollars in merchandise and spawned a Saturday morning cartoon.
The group disbanded in 1994. Wahlberg has acted on television and in movies, while Jordan Knight, McIntyre and Wood released solo albums. Jonathan Knight became a real estate developer.
3/31/2008
Pawty Pics
Here are photos from Macy's birthday pawty. Thanks again to everyone who came. And a huge thanks to Trevor who was totally annoyed with the entire thing but was a good sport nonetheless. A few things I love in the below photos:
1. The balloons in the back of the Jeep in the garbage bag, where they remained for the entire pawty. Just take a guess who nixed the displaying of the balloons.
2. Berkley, in the group photo below, trying to jump up and get the Pupcake out of Michelle's hand. She was obsessed with them!
1. The balloons in the back of the Jeep in the garbage bag, where they remained for the entire pawty. Just take a guess who nixed the displaying of the balloons.
2. Berkley, in the group photo below, trying to jump up and get the Pupcake out of Michelle's hand. She was obsessed with them!
3/30/2008
The Birthday Pawty
was a total success (except that it was absolutely freezing out!). At least it didn't rain!
Macy sends her greatest thanks to her two and four-legged friends who hung out with her. She says it was the best first birthday pawty she's ever had.
Photos will be posted when they are uploaded, but in the meantime enjoy this video of Berkley (Michelle & Brian's Beagle) loving the heck out of the pupcakes.
Macy sends her greatest thanks to her two and four-legged friends who hung out with her. She says it was the best first birthday pawty she's ever had.
Photos will be posted when they are uploaded, but in the meantime enjoy this video of Berkley (Michelle & Brian's Beagle) loving the heck out of the pupcakes.
3/27/2008
On another Macy's birthday-related note
We just went to check the mail and she received two birthday cards: one from PetSmart and one from VPI Pet Insurance (which we have). I love it.
Rain Rain Go Away
I just checked the forecast and they are now predicting rain for Sunday. As many of you likely know, Sunday is Macy's birthday paw-ty. She turns one Tuesday. We're "tail"gating at the dog park and would really like nice weather. If you could all say a little paw-rayer for no rain, that would be swell.
3/26/2008
Cubbies
Trevor and I are going to Chicago in May to stay with his sister Alissa who lives there. We're hoping to go to the Cubs game Friday, May 16th at 1:20 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh. I've found tickets on www.gotickets.com, but was wondering if anyone knew of another (maybe cheaper!) way to get Cubs tickets. I've heard about the ole' "wait until the game starts and buy tickets out front"trick, but we really want to go so I'd prefer not to rely on that. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks!
3/24/2008
Bring your dog to work (every)day
Barkley is now dog friendly! Barkley partners can bring in their pups any and every day. Barkley's also offering pet insurance to pet owners. Just a few of the many perks Barkley offers.
Anyhoo, when I was in KC last week several people asked why I didn't bring Macy. I reminded them she didn't even come to work with me when I worked from home. She's a little too playful...
However, I decided I'd give it a try today. She came to work with me this morning and I thought if at any point she got too barky or playful we'd just take her back up to the kitchen. She has been just a delight (until I was eating lunch and she REALLY wanted on my desk). But this photo was just taken a few hours ago -
- she's been very good! We might have to try this again. It's kind of nice to have an officemate here at Barkley North! 3/23/2008
Hoppy Easter
We hope you had a great Easter! We sure did!
After a lovely Church service, we spent some great QT with the Fitches at a brunch and then went bowling to celebrate the holiday with my side of the family. It was a little sparse this year: Kalin living out of town, several relatives in Austin celebrating with Todd, Olivia and Micah (also celebrating Micah's first birthday with a surprise party!) and my other cousins were busy/traveling/etc. My mom, dad, Trevor and I decided to do something different and fun so bowling was a natural choice. (Their friends Mike and Susan also tagged along.) The new Thunder Alley in Elkhorn is awesome. In addition to bowling it has an arcade, laser tag, go-karts and a very large restaurant. The best part is the entire thing is smoke free! I just wished I would have bowled a little better. My mom on the other hand did great. She got four strikes in a row! She beat my dad who was NOT all that impressed (nor thrilled).
And now for a shout out to Kalin - hope your first (and last!) Easter in D.C. was fantabulous.
After a lovely Church service, we spent some great QT with the Fitches at a brunch and then went bowling to celebrate the holiday with my side of the family. It was a little sparse this year: Kalin living out of town, several relatives in Austin celebrating with Todd, Olivia and Micah (also celebrating Micah's first birthday with a surprise party!) and my other cousins were busy/traveling/etc. My mom, dad, Trevor and I decided to do something different and fun so bowling was a natural choice. (Their friends Mike and Susan also tagged along.) The new Thunder Alley in Elkhorn is awesome. In addition to bowling it has an arcade, laser tag, go-karts and a very large restaurant. The best part is the entire thing is smoke free! I just wished I would have bowled a little better. My mom on the other hand did great. She got four strikes in a row! She beat my dad who was NOT all that impressed (nor thrilled).
And now for a shout out to Kalin - hope your first (and last!) Easter in D.C. was fantabulous.
3/21/2008
Burger and Fries, Paw-lease
I love the store Land of Paws in Kansas City. Since Macy has a birthday coming up and the Easter bunny was coming to visit, I decided I needed to make a stop there while in KC last week. Macy got several items but the one thing she got when I returned to Omaha was an edible burger and fries. It was one of the funniest things I had ever seen. Totally worth the (Trevor stop reading) $7.50.
3/15/2008
The Cellar
Sun Dee and Matt Larson were way too generous and gave us a gift certificate to The Cellar for the baby shower we threw in November with the McKenneys. We just visited The Cellar and it was so fun and tasty! If you live in Omaha you should try it. It's in Cherry Hills (Irvington Exit and I-680). Here's a photo of us at The Cellar. (Honorary spot between Shannon and Denise reserved for Mike Shearer who was at a bachelor party that night).
Later that night we went to the Fitch residence and played "SingStar" on PS2. Have you played? It's so fun! I highly recommend it!
Later that night we went to the Fitch residence and played "SingStar" on PS2. Have you played? It's so fun! I highly recommend it!
3/14/2008
Happy Birthday Emilie
We went bowling in honor of Emilie's birthday (and Ashley, Regan and Sarah's). It was a super fun time. What might have been even more fun was the photo booth we all became obsessed with. Here's the photos I took with the hubby and the birthday girl. 
Kalin's big move
Kalin and Ronnie made the 16 hour trek to Virginia and have arrived safe and sound. Kalin will be living in Sterling. This place has got great oulets (I'm talking Williams-Sonoma outlet, J. Crew outlet, Burberry outlet, Crate & Barrel outlet). It is my idea of a great mall! It's also...WINE COUNTRY.
Free place to stay + outlet mall + vineyards + MLB (for Trevor plus I like watching baseball and drinking beer) = trip out east. Blow up the air matress, K, 'cause we're coming to visit.
Free place to stay + outlet mall + vineyards + MLB (for Trevor plus I like watching baseball and drinking beer) = trip out east. Blow up the air matress, K, 'cause we're coming to visit.
3/13/2008
3/11/2008
Just a spoonful of cinnamon
Josh told us how it's nearly impossible to swallow a tablespoon of cinnamon. Trevor, Shannon and I tried it over the weekend and I encourage you to, too! In fact, I double dog dare you!
3/05/2008
Happy Birthday Pops!
The newly-50 Ron Hicks through the years...
And we've decided dad and Macy look a lot alike in this last photo...
3/04/2008
Blogging from Behind
A little (lot!) behind! Here goes!
Lotsa travel:
Feb. 22
United Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time
Feb. 24
United Airlines
Depart Denver On-Time
Feb. 27
American Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time
Feb. 27
American Airlines
Depart DFW On-Time
Feb. 28
American Airlines
Depart Atlanta On-Time (HOLY security line though!)
Feb. 28
American Airlines
Depart DFW One Hour Late
March 4
United Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time
March 4
United Airlines
Depart Chicago O'Hare 30 minutes late
So, uh, yeah! That sums up a lot of what I've been doing. The trip to Denver was a vacation trip (well kind of - we had Trevor's annual meeting Friday night). We hung out with Kristi and Andy Saturday (I got to hang with Kris Friday-day and see some wedding stuff like her dress and where the ceremony will be!). Saturday we went to Boulder, hung out, wine-tasted (Cherry wine = GOOD!), ate "Modern Mexican" twice and I sure did karaoke "Baby Got Back" in a crowded bar. The cop at the bar looked like Dwight Schrute (minus the glasses) and can you even believe this guy had never seen "The Office?" I also was reminded that Andy's sister was a Kappa (and Prez at that!) hence the photo of me and the KKG koozie. I can't wait to give her the secret handshake at their wedding in August!
Lotsa travel:
Feb. 22
United Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time
Feb. 24
United Airlines
Depart Denver On-Time
Feb. 27
American Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time
Feb. 27
American Airlines
Depart DFW On-Time
Feb. 28
American Airlines
Depart Atlanta On-Time (HOLY security line though!)
Feb. 28
American Airlines
Depart DFW One Hour Late
March 4
United Airlines
Depart Omaha On-Time
March 4
United Airlines
Depart Chicago O'Hare 30 minutes late
So, uh, yeah! That sums up a lot of what I've been doing. The trip to Denver was a vacation trip (well kind of - we had Trevor's annual meeting Friday night). We hung out with Kristi and Andy Saturday (I got to hang with Kris Friday-day and see some wedding stuff like her dress and where the ceremony will be!). Saturday we went to Boulder, hung out, wine-tasted (Cherry wine = GOOD!), ate "Modern Mexican" twice and I sure did karaoke "Baby Got Back" in a crowded bar. The cop at the bar looked like Dwight Schrute (minus the glasses) and can you even believe this guy had never seen "The Office?" I also was reminded that Andy's sister was a Kappa (and Prez at that!) hence the photo of me and the KKG koozie. I can't wait to give her the secret handshake at their wedding in August!
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