We Have a House Guest

That's right - hubby and I are hosting a tiny visitor over the next two and a half weeks.  I received a phone call from my mother last Thursday.  I could tell by the comical tone of her voice that I probably would not like what she had to say.

You see, Santa is bringing my little brother, Ethan who is 7, his very own boxer puppy for Christmas.  Santa had worked out an arrangement with the breeders that said puppy could be picked up Christmas Eve night in order to arrive under the tree Christmas morning.  Santa (otherwise known as my mother) has been very excited about this Christmas surprise for weeks now.

Unfortunately, the breeders called Santa last Wednesday and said that the puppies had to go.  They've gotten too big and are fully weaned - it's time for them to go to their new homes.  You can see Santa's dilemma.  Christmas morning doesn't come for another three weeks - where will said puppy go until then? 

Apparently, there is a clause in the big sister contract that says when Santa is unable to fulfill her duties in order to pull of a Christmas surprise, Big Sister and Big Sister's Hubby get to step in and help.

So allow me to introduce said puppy, our house guest for the next two and a half weeks....

Don't get me wrong, I love puppies - especially boxer puppies.  And she's obviously super adorable.  But she's not potty trained.  She doesn't sleep through the night. I will have to spend my lunch break for the next two and a half weeks driving home to let her go potty midday - I'm thrilled about that one.  Oh and she is fearless and likes the chew on everything in my house.  Steven and I have been jokingly calling her "Marley" because she is just like the dog from "Marley and Me". 

Our dogs adore her.  Steven is already attached - this was proven when he came home with a stuffed animal for her last night.  Which makes me worry that the day after Christmas might be kind of sad around our house.  How will I explain to my little puppies that their tiny friend is no longer with us?

Midget and Dixie loving on Steven

Midget taking a nap on Steven's legs - excuse the poor picture quality.

Midget taking a nap with Dixie

She's only been with us two days and already we're getting pretty used to her.  Other than the barking and howling all night.  And the potty accidents all over the house.  Oh and the fact that she loves to drag her water bowl into the dining room and tip it over with her nose - that's her favorite after dinner activity.  Last night she drug our snowman doormat into the middle of the hallway, stood in the center of it, looked right at me and peed on it.  I'm telling you - she's fearless and stubborn.

So there you have it.  Someone put me up for the "Daughter of the Year" award.  Even though it will mean no lunch breaks, no sleep and quite possibly no sex life for the newlyweds over the next two and a half weeks, Steven and I will be playing foster parents to this little cutie.  Because no matter how inconvenient it may be, you always help your family - especially this time of the year.



I also wanted to tell you all about the Holly Jolly Blog Hop that I will be co hosting with Kristin from Windy Poplars and Natalie from Extraordinary Love.  Stop by this Thursday and Friday to link up.  Thursday we will be sharing our favorite holiday recipes and Friday you will have a chance to invite us into your home and share your holiday decorations.  Kristin, Natalie and myself will each be offering door prizes which will be given to three participants.  So be sure to stop back by Thursday!