Queen for a Day

Today is Imogene's birthday! She's two years old and living the good life. You would be too if you were a cat living in the Dunlap house. Words that describe the birthday girl include: persnickety, snobbish, adorable, champion moth killer, and too cute to boot!

Imogene and I snagged a quick nap yesterday after church. Midgey (her nickname, not mine) is not a cuddle bug, so this was a treat. I'm pretty sure that heaven will include plenty of nap time with cats of all sizes. By the by, if you think it's weird that I'm posting a blog about my cat's birthday, maybe you don't know me as well as you thought you did. You see, my cats are sort of a big deal.

Go Beavs

Final Score... Oregon State: 27,  USC: 21   WOW!!!!!!

Brundibar's Saga, Part II

Brundibar continues to amaze us with his stupidity when we leave town. This weekend we headed up to Big Bear to spend time with each other and our dear friends. We enlisted the help of Steve's brother, Mike, to house sit while we were gone. We were confident that Brun would be fine this time around since he was staying at home, not some place unfamiliar. Oh, silly us. We received a phone call from Mike at approx. 2am Friday night/Saturday morning, stating that Brun had somehow escaped from the yard and was on the loose in the neighborhood. Apparently Brundibar does not enjoy the company of others when Mom and Dad aren't around. We told Mike not to chase Brundibar, and we prepared to head down the hill. If you aren't a pet person, you probably think that we're insane to drive down the mountain at 2:30 am. We're not insane; we just love our dumb brute. We arrived in Riverside at 4 am, only to find Brundibar sitting patiently outside the fence, waiting for us. We were relieved and totally annoyed. So we went to bed at 4 am, got up at 7am, and called the first dog kennel we could find. Lucky for us, The Ruff House had an opening, and Brundibar was treated to quite the posh stay. This is not a kennel, but a "pet resort," and it's a pretty fancy joint. You can even watch your dog during play time on a web cam. Yeah, it's a bit over the top, but they were so patient with Brun and helpful that we'll probably go back. Brun had to be in the play group with the little dogs because he was so scared by the big dogs. What a pathetic excuse for such a big fellow! We're pretty sure that Mike is thoroughly traumatized from watching our pets (i.e. the Amelia incident and now this) that he'll never volunteer his services again. I don't blame him in the least bit. Maybe he can babysit our human child and have better success. 

A New Toy

Steve received a new toy in the mail today, his pedal steel guitar (i.e. slide guitar). He doesn't quite know how to play it yet, but he's a talented guy and I'm sure he'll figure it out. We are heading up to Big Bear this weekend to escape the depressing "fall" 100 degree weather, as well as to spend time with some of our very favorite people, both Pool families and the Staffords. The boys are planning on playing music and figuring out the slide guitar together, and I'm sure it will be a joyous occasion.

On another note, I came home the other day and Steve told me that he had purchased a present for him and the baby. I was expecting to find some type of manly diaper bag, but instead I found a brand-new tambourine. Steve is insistent that our child learn rhythm at an early age, but basically he's been looking for a reason to by a tambourine to shake his money maker with.  

Baby Bump

We promised not to overload you with baby info, but I do think that it's time for an update. I'm now happily 12 1/2 weeks along, and my morning sickness has subsided! This blessed miracle occurred about the same time as school began, praise be to JC. I'm still uber tired, but that's to be expected.

I have found out a few interesting tidbits that I'd like to share with you. First, after my 9 week appointment that involved removing 5 vials of blood from my arm, it was noted that my blood is Type O Negative (my favorite band). This means that I have the Rh Negative factor, which translates to additional injections for Karen. I meant business when I said that I wanted to conquer this fear, so we are viewing this most recent development as an "additional opportunity to get over this phobia." Nice.

At our 11 week appointment we were able to see the baby and he/she was hiccuping and swimming around and it was miraculous. The baby just didn't want to hold still and it made me cry and laugh all at the same time. Steve and I both had this ominous thought that perhaps the baby is already a tad ADHD. Is that what you get when two teachers make a baby? Yikes.

And now, some pictures for you.

This is after my 9 week appointment when said blood was removed from my body. I am flashing the I love you sign for my child so that he/she might know that this sacrifice was for you, baby. You might be pleased to know that I did not pass out, which is an accomplishment for me. I did, however, cry rather loudly and the nurse gave me a sucker when it was all over with. Also, Steve took me to Dairy Queen. What a guy.

This picture was taken this afternoon to show off my baby bump. Can you see it? It's getting very noticeable, but I still haven't told my students yet or their parents. So please don't tell them.

Family Dinner, Part II

This past Friday we had yet another "family dinner." As always, we had a great time, and we enjoyed the company of many different friends. I'm horrible at taking pictures during parties, so don't be offended if I didn't catch you...it's probably for the best. Special thanks goes out to my dear friend Laura (Kobbs), who cleaned my kitchen and pampered the heck out of me. Props also go out to Matt (Buck) & Shannon Miller who brought brand-new baby Ben to visit. This was one of their first outings with the little guy, and we were touched that they came so far to show him off. I can't believe that I didn't get a picture! 

So, if you want to join in the family fun, we're planning another BBQ/potluck on Saturday, September 27th. If you read our blog, you are officially invited, unless you're a stalker.

Brundibar is a total party animal. Or not. He decided to rest his haunches on Shauna with Alex and Owen looking on.

Look at these kiddos! Emma Quesada, Esme Pool, Caleb Angulo, and Owen Pool. 

Tim and Shauna (that's Alex in the pic) have a new addition to their family--a pooch named Charlie. Of course, I think he's just perfect, as I am a sucker for furry friends named Charlie.

Here I am pictured talking with my Pool girls, Amber and Andrea. I love them lots. Aren't they pretty? Sorry guys, their married...

Here's a picture of some of the gang. Suffice it to say, I'm horrible at taking pictures during parties. Sorry friends.

Brandon is a guy who's always ready to party. Yep, he owns a pair of sandals with a bottle opener on the bottom.  Brandon's constant vigilance to the needs of his friends are just one of the reasons why we love this guy.