Happy Birthday Sweet Finn

Last Thursday we celebrated beautiful Finn's 9th birthday.

We had a wonderful celebration filled with cake, presents, laughter, bubbles and so much love.

Our Finn is a different kind a girl, she's nothing like Harley was and with that some people think we don't treat Finn as fair. When you are a owner of a large breed dog, especially an excessive shedding large dog...you tend learn pretty quickly when and where your dog fits in the family. You see with Harley I had 2 small children who I was very busy with, and I will never forget our breeder saying to us.."Always remember he is a dog, keep him independent when away from the family". Basically her advice was to crate train him, and be sure to have moments throughout the day when he is alone and can have quiet time away from the craziness of busy family life.

She said its important for them to have time to themselves and it teaches them independence, it also gives the owners some time to unwind, regroup and recharge your energy so you don't become overwhelmed and frustrated possibly taking it out on your dog.

So, with that we did take her advice and Harley was introduced to a crate and absolutely loved it. He at times would go in there by himself, he eventually started to remove himself from the family. Even though he'd leave the room and maybe sleep in a different one, he'd always come in the living room and check on us. He'd pop in, look around take count of everyone and then go back to his crate. Now that wasn't ALL the time, he did love to lie on the floor and let the kids tackle him, or use him as a pillow while they watched TV.

Absolutely best dog ever, in his own Harley way. When we got Finn, our kids were a bit older and so was Harley. With the kids being older there wasn't as much need to have Finn take some quiet time away from the family. She did follow Harley's lead initially, but as she got older her own identity formed.

We learned our mistake over the course of a few years and by then it was too late to incorporate new rules for Finn, not to mention we had Oliver..and that changed the game plan for all dogs that will/did follow him.

So, we did start to notice over some time that Finn became a very "needy, attached" kind of dog. We never taught her to take time to herself, we always allowed her free roam of the house no rules kinda girl. Mostly because out of all the dogs we've owned she is by far the smartest and most emotional one we've had.

She is incredibly sensitive, and seems to have terrible fear of separation. This has caused the biggest problem...especially after Harley passed away.

Basically when owning a large dog, in a busy house there should be a time and place for your dog to be present and Finn doesn't have that ability. It's not her fault, its ours....she is spoiled. Never learning to be alone, or away from the family. We are forever telling her to go in your bed Finn, go to the front of the house (especially when we have company). Its not that we don't want her around all the time, its just there is a time and place for her. Don't get me wrong, Finn and Harley are very important members of our family and we treat them all the same. But big dogs don't need to be stuck to you every hour of the day and it is very important that they learn that.

Harley would be put in his cage when the kids were little and we'd have play dates, eventually we'd let him out and he could visit with family and friends. We didn't do that with Finn and we are paying the price today. She is a whiner, crier,suck and complainer..lol...but we love her to death, and we know she is her own something sort of special.

So on her birthday we celebrated her and all her quirkiness, she's a lover, protector and oh so smart. She is also the most emotional, bitchy at times, opinionated dog we've ever owned. I am serious when I say that, she fights you to the death with the strongest sense of entitlement we've ever witnessed. It scares me sometimes~

Even though it may not seem like Finn gets the same treatment as the little ones, I am here to inform you Finn is just as much a 6 pound Yorkie as Ella or Ollie. I am not exaggerating when I tell you this. When Miss Finn is pushing her way through demanding our attention,  its not that we don't want her there.  It truly is because she hasn't left our side all day...and we need our space, even just for a little while.  There is no shame in that,  its actually healthy for her, us and whoever is visiting.

                      (Puppies opening up the Barkbox)

 

To be honest its not just her we wish we'd have taught to be independent its the little ones too. I really wish I could do a few things over with, and I would have taught the little ones how to be independent and not so reliant on us. We have ALOT of love going on over here in the Martz house, I'm just here to tell you Finn certainly isn't missing out on it either.

        (Finn gets first pick from the Barkbox)

Ella opening up her little gift~

Finn catching bubbles~

 

Ella bean being cute, playing with Kailey and the bubbles~

I always go all out for Finn's birthday cake, its the one thing I have always done for her and just for her~

Here's the birthday girl in all her glory, she is just the prettiest girl in the world~

Finn and Ella checking out the cake and candles, the cake is suppose to be a wood barrel filled with water and bubbles with little ducks (candles) swimming in the water.

Finn got some pretty awesome gifts, lots of pool toys that float. I can't even begin to explain how obsessed she is over the pool and swimming. Its her thing....she lives, breaths and loves to swim...hence the name "Finn"~

Enjoying her cake~

The other two savages snuggling in with Finn's new teddy bear, just happens to look just like her~

 

Well my lovelies, I could go on and on about Finn and how wonderful she is. She is so loved, so spoiled and so funny. We love her to bits, she has brought a lot of love into this house. Finn is famous for loving each of us equally, but each of us have a role in her life. She is by far the smartest dog we've had. She is getting old..in her tenth year. We are seeing her age and it can be sad. She is aging much faster than Harley and we do believe its because she had a fuller life, she came to us at a time when we had more time for her. We walked her more, she swam a lot and we did beach days more with her than any other pup we've had. Although she can be some annoying, she understands our demands and eventually backs off to give us our space. We love her, Happy birthday sweet Finn~

Martz Stag n Doe congrats Jay n Laura

 

Last weekend we celebrated With Jay and his fiancé Laura's up coming wedding. The wedding party hosted a wonderful Buck n Doe. It was a well run event that looked to be a pretty big success. 

About a month ago we also celebrated our nephew Josh and his fiancé Ana's Buck n Doe as well, they had a wonderful turn out and the events of their night was exciting.

So much has changed over the years with throwing these types of parties or events. I had no idea todays generation focuses more on games, and fun then drinking and dancing. Don't get me wrong, there was lots of dancing and fantastic music but the amount of games and raffles really kept you busy. I like it, I really enjoy the social aspect of these new generational Buck N Does. So many games and interaction amongst the guests. Not to mention the bride and groom to be make a lot of money to help with future costs.

Below is a picture of Gramps playing one of the hockey games. The concept of this game was too shoot the ball into point appointed cups. 5 points for the middle and 2 points for each side cup, the person with the most points wins the game. The cost for this game was 5.00 dollars for 8 shots (Paul thinks that's what it was?)

  The game below was one that I definitely want for the cottage. It looked soooo fun, I believe Jay made the back board. Anyways you take a nerf gun and stand a certain length away. The object is too get the nerf dart into the circle. Each hole has a number value, and you can shoot 6 darts for each 5.00 dollars spent. The first prize winner with the most points won a 32" TV...how amazing is that??

Here is Paul at one of the tables where you can drop a loonie into a shot glass, but the bucket is filled with water so it makes it almost impossible. If you got the loonie into the shot glass you'd get a free drink, Paul won this one of course.

And here are the kids ripping up the dance floor, not the best picture but you get the point. They had such a good time, its nice too see everyone letting loose and just enjoying the night.

Below is a picture of our oldest nephew Steve, he is Jay (Groom)'s older brother who lives in Scotland with his family. He is the proud father of 2 gorgeous kids and a husband to Eva. The whole family is here for 2 weeks, and then come October for Jay and Laura's wedding only Steve will be returning. Its sad they all can't be here, but the kids had 5 weeks alone with their grandparents and then 2 weeks as a family. I know they had lots of time with their Uncle Jay and Aunt Laura. Their presence will be missed at the wedding, but i'm happy they had a great time here for the summer.

The hall was stunning, the guests were happy and the atmosphere was perfect.

I had to ask my niece Amy to send me a few pics she took from the night, although Paul does a great job getting me some pics he never really gets any up close and personal ones. So here is a selfie with Paul, Kathy, Amy and Thom. Bunch of cuties...

Not the most flattering picture of myself, but here I am with Amy and my sister in law Sue, love these girls!

Over all it was a great night, I am so happy for Jay & Laura. We've had lots of Martz time this summer. I have to say I quite like it!!

Well my lovelies, I am off for the night. Until tomorrow good night and god bless~

Watermelon cupcakes in a Jar

Well this one my friends was a pinterest kinda fail.....lol its suppose to be a watermelon looking cupcake in a jar. I will share with you the link I got this idea from. You can sort of see the 2 shades of green cake in the bottom of the jar. The icing is my own recipe that I got from a friend, its a buttercream icing. I colored the icing to make it pink, and added the mini chocolate chips to look like seeds.

I think what I should have done was made homemade cake not the box one. When I tried to punch out circles to in the cake for the jars the cake pretty much crumbled. It was too moist, too fluffy...so if you do this, use a homemade cake recipe. Sometimes they come out more dense, easier to work with.

 

 

So here is the link so you can try your own watermelon cupcake in a jar ;)

http://pizzazzerie.com/featured-2/watermelon-cake-in-mason-jars-perfect-summer-dessert/

 

 

Ok my lovelies, there it is...help yourself. I am off for the evening. I hope you are all well and enjoying this summer. I have received a couple very nice emails and want to thank each of you who read, share and inspire this blog.

Until tomorrow friends goodnight and god bless~

100 things I want to teach my daughter #91~ Take Responsibility for your actions and apologize when you're wrong.

Take responsibility for your actions and apologize when you're wrong #91

This is something that is very important. It is also something that many have a hard time doing, including adults.
One of the hardest things you'll ever do is swallow your pride and admit you are wrong. Apologizing to someone who you really don't want too speak too is another life lesson that we end up with a lump in our throats.

If you ever have to apologize to someone because of your actions, but this certain person has in previous situation been somewhat of a..lets say...prick(?), trust me when I say go ahead and apologize anyway.

Its not for them, its for you.
Honestly Kailey, at first it might kill you...but in the end it will make you lift your head high and you will walk away with a clear conscious.
Admitting I am wrong to someone who I don't think highly of is a challenge, but when you're wrong, you're wrong...nothing more nothing less.
( I am not saying you are ever too apologize for your feelings or for who you are. NEVER EVER apologize for that. Be proud, stand tall and always believe in yourself.)

When you love someone or just care about them sometimes admitting you're wrong is just for the other person. Sometimes you have to put yourself in their shoes and consider maybe how they are feeling about the situation. It is more important at times in life to make those you love feel better when there is doubt. You may need to put your own feelings slightly behind you, stuffed in your back pocket just to let your love one know even though you don't agree you can respect them enough to admit you may be in the wrong. With that said, be careful not too alter or change your beliefs and morals when apologizing or admitting you may be wrong.

And in times when you are dealing with the ignorant my darling some people are just not worth your breath. My sweet girl, when this happen only take responsibility for your actions. Admit when you are wrong and still apologize because I promise it may not feel right initially but when the dust settles you will feel better for yourself.
The ignorant will think they "won", but trust me....deep down you know better, and its more important that at the end of the day you did the right thing for yourself and you can proceed in your own life with a clear mind and a loving heart. When people hold on too negative feelings it changes who you are and you don't want to have your mind, body and soul affected because of someone who doesn't really matter to you.

However baby, always remember mommy will always be right ;) don't forget that, ever.
No point in arguing with me, lol and I always promise to forgive you when you apologize to me :)
I love you bug~

My lovelies, my computer was broken for a week so I didn't take the time to blog. I am back and I am doing my best to keep this blogging going through the summer months. It's so hard though with all the things going on in my life right now. I have some things to get you caught up on and I am looking forward to sharing those with you.
So, until tomorrow my friends good night and god bless~

Got the babies groomed today, look how cute they are ;)

I absolutely love grooming days. The pups don't necessarily like groom day, but I do~

The go in that van so scruffy, but come out sparkling. I asked Marta to do a Mohawk on Ollie today, I see little dogs with Mohawks all the time. She was happy to do that, and I had some blue dye for dogs so I had her add some. So adorable~

Look at him, he's just so handsome!

Naturally I had to have some fun with this look. I don't really buy as many outfits for my pups anymore. They really don't enjoy them as much as I do. Of course I still buy sweaters and jackets, the little dogs with hair do need to be warm. They get cold very easy so you do need to keep them warm. So instead of the shirts and dresses, I have moved to tie, bows and collars..and the babies seem much happier with that.

I have searched high and low for the best collars and ties I could find for a good price. I actually found a wonderful lady who makes them right around the corner from me. Her company is called LickeyPaws, and her name is Sharon. If you are in our area,or from Cambridge please feel free to search her out. She does have a facebook page and btw for any American readers, she does take orders and ships to the States. Take a look at what she has available, its quite the selection. She has actually tweeked a certain collar style for me so that Ella's hair doesn't get caught in it. She's fantastic, you will be pleasantly surprised with her workmanship. I am having so much fun with the things I have ordered.

There is my gorgeous son, and my pretty baby Ella. Like I had mentioned earlier I love grooming day. Just look at how fresh she is...so sweet. Marta does a wonderful job, thank you~

Well my friends, I am off too bed. My summer is fantastic, I couldn't be happier but I am crazy busy with life right now. Hoping it slows down soon...I am missing my blogging. So until tomorrow my lovelies, good night and god bless~

Martz Grandkid Day~

Every summer my father in law throws a one BIG birthday party for all his grandkids, and now many of his great grandkids. The Martz's are a big group and I think its hard for Grandpa to get to each kids home when there is a birthday. So he just hits everyone up in one day each summer. It works really well and the kids seem to appreciate it. He always has it at Paul's brother Thom's place. Thom and Kathy have a nice big yard complete with a pool. He has the perfect outdoor set up for such a large group. The past couple years grandpa has just ordered pizza for this group, its easy and leaves Thom available to entertain and enjoy the day with the rest of the family. Gramps always gets a birthday cake big enough for everyone, and hands out birthday cards which are always filled with a very generous gift for each grandkid. These kids are very lucky, fortunate to have a grandpa who loves them and show's it each year.

Above is my niece Emily and her Pug Daffodil, along with my nephew Jordan~

Just some adults around the table, relaxing and enjoying eachothers company.

Paul and his dad checking out the Jays stats

 

This is my niece Michelle's husband and their baby, he is just the cutest. Its nice having a baby around in the family again.

Kids birthday cake from Gramps and Suzanne~

Kathy lighting the candles on the cake, kids starting to gather around for the festivities

The two beautiful kids standing infront of the cake is my great niece and nephew Leah and Jona from Scotland. The come every summer to spend time with their grandparents, Uncle Jay and Aunt Laura. Something tells me they have the time of their lives here, Dave and Char (grandparents) live on a farm AND have a cottage...so these kids are busy busy the whole time they are here.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful nieces and nephews~ Here is the family singing along to everyone.

Below is a panoramic shot of the group, there I am far right. Paul took this pic for me :)

Well my lovelies, last Saturday was a wonderful family day. Always filled with lots of catching up, laughs, great food, drinks and love.

We are a blessed group and I think everyone knows that~

Until tomorrow my friends, good night and god bless..

Oils and cupcakes~

Oh my goodness friends I am so behind on blogging and I am so sorry~~

Please don't loose faith in me, keep checking in once in awhile to see if I have uploaded.

Last Friday..Yes last Friday Paul and I went to a our friends place for an Oil party. Sounds weird I know, but its basically natural oils for everyday living. I had no idea how much oils can change your health, home and happiness.

It amazes me how much you an incorporate these oils into your life. I was worried Paul wouldn't understand the significance of these oils, but as the party went on he actually started to understand and even picked an oil sample that could help with stress and energy at work.

Naturally Sue and Jeff put on quite the meal, Shishkabob's galore, and boy were they delicious.

VeggieKabob's below...soooo good~

DoTerra information pamphlets

Paul trying to help out the host with her computer slides. Sadly he couldn't get it working, didn't matter however it was still a great show.

I can't brag enough about these cupcakes. Sue is a wonderful baker, she is a professional cake maker~

But these cupcakes were so amazing...she incorporated Lavender and Orange oils. She is so clever, I didn't know you could cook with the oils as well.

Some of the DoTerra oils

Saturday morning relaxing~

It was lovely to get out, and even better to be at a party where the husbands are invited. I am going to try to get caught up from this past week. Be patient with me :)
Unitl tomorrow friends, good night and god bless~

Rock Crock cooking~

I bought the Rock Crok Pampered Chef Dutch Oven recently at a friends party and I must say I absolutely love it!!! By far one of the best purchases I've ever made.

 

So far I have used it twice and both times my meals have been delicious. Below I made my own chili, its my recipe but everyone has one so I won't share that.

I also made a beef roast, complete with gravy. I am so serious when I say it was the most tender roast I've made thus far. And I have cooked many a roasts over the past 20 years. Even Paul and the kids will say it was very tender.

 

Well my friends, I don't have much to share today. I have a busy weekend, looking forward to getting a few things done. I'm working on a couple projects around the house..i'll be sure to share those. I had a busy week, Braden had been sick and for whatever reason isn't bouncing back as quickly as he use too. We think we know why, but I will speak to the doctors and to Braden before I divulge into that. We have a ton of meetings next week which is exciting, we are bringing in more staff here at home. So hopefully within the next 2 years we will have more hands on board. So friends that's where I'm at...I'll be sure to document this weekend, I hope you all have a relaxing, fun, family filled weekend as well.

Until (hopefully) tomorrow my lovelies..good day and god bless~

A letter to a sibling of a special needs child.

My dear friend, if you are reading this and you happen to be a sibling to a special needs sibling then this post is just for you~
Whether your own parents have expressed this or not I have something to say to you and I think its important for you too hear this.
I can't voice enough how wonderful and amazing you are, you probably don't even know it.
I know how difficult and challenging your life has been through the years, I know you have witnessed some of your friends living lives that maybe you have envied. Trips, snowmobiling, hiking, childhood camps, family snorkling trips, rock climbing, white water rafting and many other adventurous activities that you may have missed out on as a family. People may not have known how difficult it would be for you and your family to attend a catamaran snorkeling trip In the Bahama's.
Even though you may have missed out on so many things, please know that all the while you were being raised to become one of the most remarkable person anyone could know. You may have missed out on some parts of your childhood, however you will have had more life experience than many of your peers.

Let me share with you how I know this;
I know you deal with more than your share. There are many times when your parents have to spend a lot of time away from you.
You know and understand that they need to take your sibling to a doctor appt. Maybe your sibling has been admitted to the hospital and your parents have to be there for them. That leaves you in the hand of others, probably frightened, confused and nervous.
I also know that parents spend countless hours on the phone, figuring out issues about your sibling. Or maybe your parents are busy throughout the day caring for your sibling physically, and I know my friend you see this more often than not.

Your role maybe at times is to stand back, sadly that happens far too often as well. But what I do know is that while you are watching during the chaos you are seeing the love your parents have for your sibling. Unconditional love is being embedded in your heart.

You see the patience your parents have for the situations that are thrown at them daily and that my friend is being planted in your soul.

 

You witness first hand the fighting your parents take on to get everything your special siblings needs, you notice the tears, anger and frustration and there again my love its being ingrained into your mind.

You may not know this but all these little traits are molding you into a pretty amazing person.
I am sure you are aware of how hard your parents are working themselves to be sure you and your sibling are well taken care of. Even though the demand of your sibling takes away much of their time and attention, they are never forgetting you. In all honesty it is you who keeps them going. Its you they see when they get off the phone from a frustrating phone call and when they see you, a wave of love and relief washes over them. Once again they are reminded, to take a deep breath and smile. 

 

Your presence is never not noticed, and even when you are not around at the hospital or in the home your parents are yearning for you. It hurts them to have you gone, its painful when the home is upside down and they are missing you.
I am certain that being a sibling to a differently able brother or sister is a struggle. I am sure there are times your heart stings of jealousy. When you are worried sick over your sibling. I know you have those times when you are angry because you are missing a friends party or we have had to cancel a holiday or trip. All those feelings are completely validated and you have that right to upset every now and then.
What I will say is this, you will never find a closer family then the one you share with your special sibling. The closeness you have with your family is admirable and in all honesty in less you live it, you won't understand. There are no secrets, everyone works as a unit and the support shared between one another is solid. We spend copious amounts of time together not because we have too but because we want too. Your family knows what's important in life and they take nothing for granted. Family time is what is most important, nothing comes before that....each one of you knows how quickly something can change.
The bond you share with your sibling is like no other, you will always have eachother. Your sibling relies on you, cherishes you and admires you, where ever you go in life you'll always have a cheerleader. 

Think of how it feels when you get to watch your sibling reach a milestone or over come a very difficult and challenging goal. Not everyone takes the time out of their lives to be available to their sibling, you on the other had would never miss it.
Your friendship with your sibling is indescribable, you are their protector, encourager and family.
At times when the house is quiet with worry, we see you walk by your sibling and touch a shoulder or smile while sharing a look between the two of you that only you will understand. Trust me when I say you are envied. 

 

People are so jealous of the relationship you share.
It does not go unnoticed, your parents are watching your interactions daily and it makes their heart burst with pride. They see everything you do for your brother or sister and they especially love seeing when you stick up for your sibling, and when you go out of your way to make sure he/she is included in everything. 

Parents are very aware of your efforts in helping with your siblings medical treatments, physical and occupational therapies. How you quietly hold hands with your sibling during any procedures or quickly place an oxygen mask back in the right place.
It has always been a comfort having you available to place yourself in a room and watch intently waiting for direction on how to assist with care. You do such a wonderfully grown up job of lending a hand or heart where needed.
I am sure your parents have expressed in their way how thankful they are for you, and if by chance its not a routine thing for them please know they think of you all day every day. You have not gone forgotten.
Most importantly my lovely, the reason you are going to rock this thing we call life is because you
know unconditional love, you know true heart ache and you know what's truly important.
You have lived a life that takes a strong heart and a stronger mind, and because of that you will mature much faster than your school mates, you will exhibit more compassion than many acquire in a life time. You will know more about health care than 95% of the adults you pass on the street and you will have a sense of humor that can destroy any rock thrown in your path of life.
When you first experienced the reality that your sibling had special needs, it was then your destiny was imprinted in the stars. From then you were chosen to stand tall, stand proud and stand together.
You are going to be an awesome human being,  you are going to change lives...all because you were the sibling of a special needs brother~


*Although I have shared with you my own family photo's, I want to make it clear that this letter is for Kailey (sister too a special needs brother) but not necessarily TO Kailey. I am writing this letter for anyone who has grown up with a special sibling. If/when I do write a personal letter to Kail, it will be for her where all things referenced will be about her and the love she has for her brother (written with a grin*). But in all seriousness...I know she can relate deeply to this letter, and for that my darling we are so proud~