We all know who comes first. Little miss Riley Louise. She's five months old and her activities include eating, sleeping, playing, and all of her exciting bodily functions that keep us very busy these days. Each day and each moment is new for her. No regrets, no worries. And, she takes takes big, huge belly breaths. We could all use a lesson from our little ones.
Next, following the order of dominance, comes Ella (aka Ella Mae when she's bad, which is most often). She's our watch pug. Do not get in her way. Best qualities = makes an incredible lap warmer when it's cold, runs to her crate when called, best of all our dogs at out barking our annoying neighbor-dog, Hunter.
Then we have old-man Parker. He and Doc are the same age, but Parker seems older. Until it comes time to eat. Then they both jump around like they were eight months old instead of eight years. Parker is the dog I wanted for 20 years, and I couldn't ask for more love than I get from Parker. Better breath would be nice, though.
What to say about Doc. Doc is Ben's, well, other half? I have never seen a dog so in love (or a human for that matter). They are best friends, despite my best efforts to break them up. He has significantly better breath than Parker.
Ben is the leader of this crazy pack. He is the best husband and father we could ever ask for (most of the time). He has his moments (lately...the constant vuvuzelas of the world cup, LeBron-decision-induced depression, incredible summer work schedule) but we gladly put up with them because he is very patient with our moments. He teaches history at Hinds and is a published author. I tried to get him to author this blog, but his style of writing is the kind that involves ten years of research. That might be a bit much for the blog.
Finally, we come to me. (I'm beginning to notice that moms usually come last. What's that all about?) I'm blessed to have a wonderful family and a small group of lovely friends. I'm a law clerk by day and yoga teacher by night. Part of the beauty of writing the blog is that I don't have to list my "moments."
