Our new dog- Jesse

Over a week ago, we found an elderly puppy dog running around terrified at the parking lot of the post office. I was going to take her to the pound, but she was so sweet and just immediately laid in my lap in the car, so we took her home. We put up signs all over the post office, and so far no one has responded. From the neck back, she looks like a younger dog... no heart murmur, seems pretty energetic, no obvious joint problems, etc, but in her face.... she looks alot older. Her teeth are the most horrendous that I have ever seen. There is so much tartar that you cannot even see her teeth, and her breath is so bad the it's hard to even be in the same room with her sometimes. I'm guessing it's going to be around 700-1000.00 to do a very basic dental on her.... since I no longer do that type of work. Have to get my own teeth taken care of first. So, we will wait another week or so to really claim her as our own, but she seems to be adjusting really well. Never thought I would have a Chihuahua!!

getting ready to take Jesse for a walk this morning
Relaxing with Jesse on the living room floor

VNSA book sale....

Today, Jazzy and I went to the VNSA (Volunteers Non-Profit Service Association) bookstore which is held one weekend every year. We can buy an entire years worth of books for around $40.00. They have not only books, but used CD's, DVD's, maps and encyclopedias. Everything has to be younger than 15 years old, except for the "old" books which have to be written prior to 1950. Profits of over 6 million have gone to Az Friends of Foster Children Foundation, Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, and Toby House--- which I think is a homeless shelter for women and children. On the average of 20,000,000 people go to the two day sale. It's kind of like swimming in a sea of endless people and people are rather pushy... but it's worth it to just grin and bear it for the results. Afterwards, we went to our favorite place for Sunday brunch... Sweet Tomatoes!

Eating breakfast on this Valentine's morning.... prior to spilling the entire bowl of cereal down the front of the dress.
People at the book sale.
Just some of Jazzy's books
Waiting for the volunteer to pack up Jazzy's book in our little cart.

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

Today after swimming, we went to the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Unfortunately, we got there after all the kids activities such as Meet and Greet with the horses....were over, but we had a great time. We shopped till we dropped and watched lots of beautiful horses. They had 4 simultaneous show arenas going at one time, so it was hard to decide which ones to see. We ended up watching the kids arena.

Jazzy eating ice cream
Kids class for ages 2-7 with parents.

Valentine's Gifts....

Today, Jasmine received her Valentine gift box from Grandma and Grandpa Baker. It contained lots of stickers, candy, a Dora bouncy ball, socks and a shirt. She also received a new outfit from Grandma and Grandpa Blakeman.

Opening her presents.
New outfit and bouncy ball.

Asian New Year's Party

Today, after going to Kid's Club (the gym) and swimming lessons, we went to the FCC/FCV (Families with Children from China/Vietnam/Cambodia/Malaysia) New Year party at Tempe Kiwanis Park. The weather was a perfect 70 degrees, sometimes even too hot in the direct sun.

We started in the kid's section in Jazzy's favorite place.... the bouncy house. She was in there forever before I could get her out. We then went over to the tee shirt making booth where we stenciled red Asian designs on her shirt... a lantern, dragon, bonsai tree and other designs. There were many other booths.... face painting, necklace making, sticker designs.... and of course the cake walk where I was assigned to work. Jazzy did the cake walk many many times and never won. I don't think she understood the process because she kept looking at the table with all of the cakes on it and asking for a cake..... even though she didn't win one:(. Since I had to stay there and work for awhile, she put on her sunglasses, laid on the grass and took a short nap.

We had a nice Asian lunch, and the entertainment was continuous. Chinese dragons, storytellers, drummers and musicians.
There was even a "parade" of kids according to the Province from which they came from in China/Vietnam/Cambodia or Malaysia. It was a really fun day, but Jasmine fell asleep in the car within 3 seconds of us getting in.... and I am not exaggerating!

Modeling the tee shirt Jasmine made
Jasmine eating lunch
On stage next to the Vietnam sign
Dragons
Very worried when the dragons came into the audience

swimming lessons....

Every Saturday morning, we drive to Chandler for swimming lessons. Jazzy got a new bathing suit, which she is modeling in the photo. After swimming, we went to Whole Foods market for shopping and lunch, then to Target to shop for a couple of birthday parties we will be attending. The first party is for cousin Damion who is turning 5. The second one is for Gadiel, Jasmine's boyfriend of one year now. Her relationship has lasted longer than most of mine do!


Modeling her new swim suit
Waiting for swim lessons to start

Casa Grande Street Fair....

Today we went to the Casa Grande street fair where there were lots of arts and crafts displays and sales. We got a bit of birthday shopping done for the myriad of birthday parties we will be attending in the next few months. We also saw so many people we know from the gym, dancing and gymnastics ... as well as my patients that I haven't seen in 15 years! Jazzy always wants popcorn, lemonade, and other "fair food" too.