A Witch, Bat & Walter White

Check out the Stubblefields on Halloween 2013!

I was a witch (with Minnie Mouse ears), Poseidon was a bat and Jonathan was Walter White from Breaking Bad. Obviously Jonathan's costume was the best. He came in second place at his office costume contest and even grew out his mustache. Way to commit babe!

I may have gone overboard with Poseidon's Halloween attire. He was rocking his pumpkin shirt leading up to the holiday (you know,  just to get into the spooky spirit). He also had his costume. They were a pair of bat wings attached to a harness. They moved up and down as he ran around. And of course he had his post Halloween shirt. 

My cousin and her husband had a Halloween dinner for the family. We had terrifying tacos for dinner and for dessert we had peach schnapps jello that came in the form of a brain. 

Since Halloween is my cousin's favorite holiday her and her husband go allll out making a haunted house. We were just on hand to help give out candy and to admire their hard work! They hung body parts on the porch, added some red lights and a fog machine. 

They had a crazy skeleton driving a car. This was actually very popular amongst the Trick-or-Treaters and some people even posed with the skeleton. 

There was also a huge spider web with a gigantic spider but I didn't get a photo. Obviously its my cousin's favorite holiday and I'm really excited to see what she'll do next year since Halloween falls on a Friday! Poseidon just asks that I chose a less embarrassing costume. 

A Halloweenie House

We are Halloween ready!

We actually started decorating out house for Halloween right after Labor Day. I put off posting this because I meant to add more stuff but as our vacation got closer I got too busy. There's always next year.

First Jonathan put up lights upside. We already had the nails that we had used last year for our Christmas lights. Jon just strung up these purple ones in a zigzag fashion.

We added some ghost lights above our kitchen window.

The "haunt" jars are on the ledge below. We want to add a pumpkin next to them but we've been waiting until it gets closer to Halloween. Last year our pumpkin did not survive for very long. Sorry I don't have a photo!

We have the little stop sign I crafted on the sidewalk in front our house.

And a black witch right next to our front door. My favorite part is that she looks like a shadow which makes her so much more frightening. You know, for a fake witch. 

I hung sparkly black wreath on the front door. It has lights and I use to turn them on but somehow the battery pack fell off.

On the inside of the door is a ghost and pumpkin wreath. I think its a bit too small for the space so maybe next year I'll add some deco mesh around it.

Inside we swapped out our table runner for a spiderweb one. I moved the candlesticks from the console table and used a cake stand to display a glittery pumpkin I got at Ross for $3.39! We added fake spiderwebs and spiders since the runner didn't make it spooky enough.

We also hung some fake spiders in the big window by our stairs. My brother helped me string those up with some curling ribbon.

In an ideal world I'd add some deco mesh ribbon and lights around the front door. I'd also decorate the mantle above the fireplace and our staircase. At least Poseidon is decorated!

p.s. Don't worry- he totally has a costume. This is just to get into the Halloween spirit. 

Poseidon's Post: Sick As A Dog

Poseidon is our chipin (Chihuahua/ Minuature Pinscher mix). Since he’s a big part of our household he likes to give an update on his life every now and then. 

I know I just told you guys about my second birthday but something major happened to me last week and I just had to share so other pet parents don't worry like my humans did. 

Thursday started out like any other day. I woke up, got really excited when my parents woke and went outside to take care of my business. My dad fed me breakfast and I watched my mom get ready to go work. I settled in for my nap when all of sudden my tummy did not feel good and I had an accident in the house. I felt really bad about it because I know my mom doesn't like to clean that up but I couldn't help it. I thought the worst of it was over, drank some water and tried to nap far far away from my mess. Except it wasn't over. Not by a long shot. I'll spare you the smelly details but I spent all day being sick from either end of my body! It was so gross and I had to keep moving around the house to find a clean place to lay down. It was the worst day ever. I just kept throwing up over and over again. Throwing up like that is exhausting and pretty dangerous when you only weigh 7 pounds. 

When my mom finally came home from work I was so happy to see her but I just didn't have energy to meet her at the door like I normally do. She came in, called my name and when she saw the mess she said "Oh buddy, what happened? Are you okay?" She picked me up, gave me a kiss and told me to wait on the couch. She started to go upstairs, saw my bloody (told you it was gross) mess and called my dad to tell him that she was taking me to the vet. I had another accident in the car on my mom's lap but she just rubbed my head and said it was okay. 

Once we got the vet he said that they had to run some expensive tests to see what was wrong with me. My mom started to cry (she always cries) and told him to do whatever he thought I needed. She just wanted me to get better. Moms are the best. 

They took me in the back for some x-rays and blood work. I didn't even make a fuss even though I was scared that's how sick I was. After a little while the vet came out and told my humans (they all showed up to be with me, I love them) I had hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. He explained that vets don't know why dogs get it but basically we get really sick all of a sudden. We get bloody diarrhea and vomit out of nowhere. It can be really dangerous because we get dehydrated and if you don't treat it we could die! 

The vet said I had to spend the night in the hospital so I could get antibiotics, anti-nausea medicine and an IV to give me fluids. My humans were sad but really wanted me to get better so they said good night and they admitted me to the animal hospital. The next morning I felt a lot better and thought I could go home. My uncle picked me up but I got sick again at my grandma's house so he brought me back to the vet. That sucked. I wasn't feeling 100% but staying in the hospital is lonely! At least my family came to see me. 

Saturday afternoon I finally got to go home and I was so exited to be with my parents again. I had to smell the whole house! I guess my parents had to deep clean the house while I was gone. I noticed they also threw away the rug in the living room. I felt bad but my mom said she didn't really like it that much anyways. The couch cushions smelled like fresh laundry so I know they cleaned that too.

Since my tummy was still sensitive my parents had to feed me a tiny portion of chicken and rice every few hours to make sure my tummy could handle it. That part was okay with me since I love people food. 

Poseidon's Recovery from Berennisse Behr on Vimeo.

I also have to take a lot of medicine which I hate. I know its to make me feel better but I still don't like it. I spent most of the weekend recuperating and napping. 

 At least I got to sleep with my parents Saturday and Sunday. They were really worried about me and my mom kept waking me up to make sure I was okay. I also got to go to my grandma's house on Monday because my parents didn't want to leave me alone. Grandma let me sleep in her bed and play outside. 

I'm feeling a lot better and things are getting back to normal. My mom said I have to keep taking my medicine until Saturday but I have enough energy to play with my toys!

Poseidon's Playing from Berennisse Behr on Vimeo.

My parents did buy me some doggie insurance in case I ever sick again and really recommend that all pet parents get some for their fur babies. Although the vet bills were really really expensive my humans said that I am worth it. They said that we are a family and that's what family does. And even though I can be a brat when its medicine time I love my people. Not only do they throw me birthday parties, they also saved my life.

Poseidon's Post: #2

Poseidon is our chipin (Chihuahua/ Minuature Pinscher mix). Since he’s a big part of our household he likes to give an update on his life every now and then. 

Dude, I'm talking about my 2nd birthday not the other number 2. Sickos.  And before you continue reading I ask that you don't judge my humans. Yes, they're embarrassing but I love them. 

Sunday, September 1st was my second birthday and all my humans and my cousin Winston (see him under the table?) helped me celebrate! Where do you go for a doggie birthday party? The Lazy Dog Cafe! 

I love when all my humans are in one place but I have to say the BEST part of the night was my dinner. My parents let me have human food! Without begging! I was so excited. I ordered some brown rice and grilled chicken. I didn't even bark at the waitress when she brought it out. My mom tried to get a photo of me eating it but I was too fast for her! See the empty plate behind me?

I also got presents! My cousin Winnie and his humans got me some new toys. I love new toys. Especially ones that squeak! His humans also gave me homemade doggie ice cream. I wish my mom would have let me eat the whole thing but my humans were worried about upsetting my tummy. Crazies! Ice cream is always ok!

But my favorite toy was this HUGE dragon that had a ton squeakers in it! I couldn't wait to play with it even though my dad said it was bigger than me.

This is one my humans. She doesn't live with us but she helped rescue me from a horrible place called the animal shelter. She's the best. She lets me sleep in her bed and gives me lots of treats. I was supposed to be looking at the camera but I think I spotted more food. Oops! Its still a cute photo of us, right?

This is me with my parents. My mom says this is a cute family photo of us. 

I wasn't even tired when we got home. I really really really wanted to play with my new dragon but my dad said I had to wait until we got home. When they brought it out to give to me I went crazy town!

Poseidon's Favorite Birthday Present from Berennisse Behr on Vimeo.

I have to say that birthdays are pretty awesome! One year ago my brother and I were stealing leftovers in a Del Taco parking lot in Orange County. Now I have a nice home and a family that throws me birthday parties. I am one lucky dog. I only wish all homeless dogs could find families. 

Poseidon's Post: Walk Time!

Poseidon is our chipin (Chihuahua/ Minuature Pinscher mix). Since he’s a big part of our household he likes to give an update on his life every now and then.

Hi guys! My days are pretty relaxing. I get up, pee, eat and then sleep until my humans come home.  Usually one of my other humans (my other mom and uncle don’t live with us but still visit me all the time) will come take me out for a quick break in the middle of the day. But then they leave and I go back to napping.

The existing part of my day starts when my humans come home. First I get eat dinner. And treats! I have to do to some tricks for them but whatever. A treat is a treat! Right? I also get a belly rub or my neck scratched while my mom plays Candy Crush.

Then it’s time for my walk! Paws down, it’s the BEST part of my day. My humans make me wear a harness. Lame. But it’s better than my old choke collar. My humans thought it was mean and they felt bad for my neck even when I was “acting a fool” and pulling on my leash. By the way, those are my mom’s words, not mine. Anyway, when they get it out I know it’s time to go out. I usually get really excited and started jumping really high until they tell me to settle down. Then I have to sit patiently while they get it on. At least they let me sit in their laps while they do it. But still, that’s really hard for me because I’m just so excited to go outside!

When they’re finally done with the harness it’s time for my leash. That part not so bad. I still have to sit but they’re pretty quick about it.

Then we go outside! I get to smell everything! I usually like to mark everything too so other dogs know that this is my hood.

We go up the street and walk by the two angry Chihuahuas that always bark at me. I ignore them most days but if they get to close and bark then I tell to back off.  We turn right past the apartment with five cats and walk in this shaded path for a couple of blocks. My mom says hi to all the other humans passing by but I’m way picker on which dogs I greet. Some of them are cool but others? Not so much.

Sometimes we switch it up and go the opposite way but I don’t like that way as much. Too much grass and not enough trees to mark. But no matter which way we go we always take the same way home. Right in the middle of the community there’s a shaded trail that runs in between all the houses. My mom loves to go that way because it’s not as hot and she thinks it’s really pretty. It even has a bridge!

When my walk is over I’m not sad because it means my dad is probably at home now and I get to say hi to him. Usually it’s my mom who takes me for walks but I really like it when my dad comes too. He lets me smell a lot more stuff than my mom, we stay out longer and I get to walk in between them.

Sometimes we get to take walks other places. This weekend my humans took me on a hike! There were tons of new smells and plants to mark!

BEST. WALK. EVER.

We Think We're Funny: July 2013

Shocker. Jon & I still think we're funny. And my mom makes a guest appearance.

After seeing this photo:
Jonathan: I look old and tired. I'm decaying already!

Noticing our fully painted wall & our stripe-y wall:
Mom: You guys painted this wall!
Jonathan: It was like that when you came over last weekend.
Mom: Really? Hey! What happened to this wall (looking at the half done wall).
Berennisse: It was like that last weekend. You didn't notice?

When I asked Jon to finish painting the living room:
Berennnisse: Babe, if you buy the paint today I'll finish painting.
Jonathan: No.
Berennisse: Why? I'm trying to help.
Jonathan: You don't do it right.
Berennisse: So you'll paint today?
Jonathan: Sigh. Maybe.

After Jon enters the living room with a glass of wine:
Berennisse: Babe, I said I didn't want any.
Jonathan: I know. Its for me.
Berennisse: Thought you felt nauseated?
Jonathan: Oh, I know its not good idea!

As Poseidon and I are on his evening walk:
Berennisse: Poseidon, sit! Stay, I want to take a photo. (bike whizzes behind us)
Poseidon: (jumps and hides behind his human)

Poseidon: (stares after the rider and snorts) 

After running an errand at Costco:
Berennisse: We can have dinner here if you want?
Jonathan: YES! I love Costco!
(check out the sheer joy on Jon's face)

Free Is My Favorite

Remember how we started to work on our backyard but never finished? Well thanks to my parents we made progress!

My parents had this patio furniture for years. I think they bought it when we first moved into their current home. It came unfinished and my parents painted it a bright peach (my mom's favorite color). A few years later my mom was over the peach and decided on a dark brown that's similar to the style of furniture she has in her home. A few years after that my dad wanted to get rid of it because it wasn't getting a lot of use. So they very kindly sent it our way.

Its currently set up on one side of our backyard like its own lounge area. The outdoor dining table and grill are on the other side. We moved our plants around so the green is spread out a bit. Down the line I'd like to get more faux grass and plants, an outdoor rug and a little table to rest in between the two chairs.

As for the grass that's actually remnants of artificial grass. One of my mom's neighbors installed in at their home and allowed my mom to take the pieces. Jon and I were thinking about getting fake grass. Since the backyard is all concrete there's not really an easy way to lay sod. Plus we'd have to install a sprinkler system. And shove a lawnmower throughout the garage door anytime we Jon needed to mow the lawn. Waaaay too much work. 

So when my mom saw that she could get some for free she jumped all over it. She sent me a photo of her pile and said that now Poseidon could have somewhere to lay down in the backyard. "He loves grass! He needs some in the backyard." Direct quote. Poseidon is so spoiled. 

All I did was lay out the different pieces of grass around the furniture. The big pieces are long and skinny so an "L" layout seemed to be the way to go. It was sort of like making my own grassy puzzle. 

The three of us have definitely gotten more use out of the space since the update. Jon and I sit out there with coffee on Saturday mornings and wine in the evening after work. Ok, once with coffee. Thrice with drinks. But Poseidon spends a lot of time out there. He loves to lay in the grass and chew on his cow toe (yes, a real cow toe). I think he's saying "you caught me and my cow toe!"

We still have a bit more work to do but now that we have more than two chairs we can have guests back there! Weekend barbecue anyone?