Happy New Year Resolutions

Earlier this week I posted an article on New Year’s Resolutions, what they are, general types, are they successful, unsuccessful, etc.

We are going to dig a little deeper to see how prepared everyone is to follow through on those New Year’s Resolutions.

So you have decided this is the year you are going to __________________.
(fill in the blank)

Have you thought how are you going to accomplish this? Before you definitively decide on a goal, have you thought about why you want to do this?

One of my goals is to get my real estate license. Why? I need it for my job. Why do I want to lose weight – better health but being more attractive man is in there but not the first 3 reasons. If it was the first reason, there may be some concern about losing weight for all the wrong reason.

One life coach that I spoke to suggested taking a plain white sheet of paper and writing down everything that was bad in your life. Then on a pretty sheet of paper, write down how to change the bad into good. Sounds very good but it can be deceptively difficult.

Another way to do this is by an annual theme. The idea behind an annual theme is to provide yourself a unifying idea or motif that you can return to and interpret over the course of time and to help you connect any specific goals you might create with your highest desires for yourself. For more on the annual theme, check out this link: http://makegreatstuff.com/whats-your-theme/

In any event, I wish everyone health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year!

Annie, Cody and Copper
AnnieKDesigns.etsy.com
AnnieKClothing.etsy.com
CodysCloset.etsy.com

Sleep Problems

Not getting enough sleep is rarely a problem for our furry friends. Dogs are asleep or drowsy more than half the day, while cats typically spend more than 18 hours a day nodding off. Sometimes, however dogs and cats don’t get enough Zzzz’s to please, to these tips may help.

-Make a nice bed: Provide your pet with a soft, comfortable bed of her own. Pet stores have beds or you can improvise with a soft blanket or pillow to sleep on.

-Plan for bathroom breaks: Very young pets and older pets are more likely to have trouble getting through the night without needing to go out, so be especially aware of their needs.

-Tucker her out: If you really exercise your kitty or dog during the day, she should settle right down at night.

-Rub away aches: Older pets occasionally have pain from arthritis that keeps them up at night. Massaging the sore area will help your pet relax. In addition, massage increases circulation to the area, which can help speed healing and relieve the pain.

-Give her a room of her own: Some pets are simply night owls and no matter what you do they’ll always stay up burning the midnight oil. To keep your pet occupied, give her plenty of toys and a place to play -- preferably one that is far away from the bedroom.

-Share the care: Some pets get resentful -- and wakeful -- when their owners’ new friends come over and spend the night. It is recommended that you and your friend take turns feeding and playing with your pet. Once everyone is happy and secure again, the sleeping will probably improve.

-Make her night a little brighter: Some pets have trouble sleeping because of nighttime anxiety. She may be losing her sight or may just develop a fear of the dark for some reason. Leaving on a nightlight can be a reassuring touch.

Soothe with soft music: Playing a relaxing radio station or tape with the volume low could be of some comfort.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

How far did you travel this year?

As this year draws to a close, I have been reflecting on the past as I enter into the future. If I don’t do this, I feel as though I am always standing in the same place on the 'road to nowhere', either looking behind me or looking out in the distance but really never going anywhere. I found these questions useful as they helped me to see that I am indeed making progress on this journey we call life. Certainly there was much back tracking, but overall I can say that I have traveled a number of miles in the right direction. I have listed just a few of my answers here and hope you will share a few of yours in the comments.

1. What did I learn? (skills, knowledge, awareness, etc.)

~I learned that I can really make quality friends online, something I never believed possible.

2. What did I accomplish? A list of my wins and achievements.

~I was determined to quit my job and stay home with my children and through much sacrifice, have done so.

3. What would I have done differently? Why?

4. What did I complete or release? What still feels incomplete to me?

5. What were the most significant events of the year past? List the top three.

~Judah got married, Heather had our first grandchild, I quit my job.

6. What did I do right? What do I feel especially good about? What was my greatest contribution?

~After quitting work, I started attending church again (though I have no car now, so it is sporadic)

~I feel especially good about home schooling again this school year.

7. What were the fun things I did? What were the not-so-fun?

~Numerous trips to Chicago to visit my family (yay for Megabus!); creating new items

8. What were my biggest challenges/roadblocks/difficulties?

~Financial struggles have been ongoing, but I can thank God that I still have my basic needs met.

9. How am I different this year than last?

~I am past the “I wonder if I can actually sell anything online?” phase and no longer in the dark through lots of perseverance, reading, listening, and determination!

10. For what am I particularly grateful?

~Little Zeke! My awesome loving, close knit family, and a husband whose love I feel every day!

Dear Lord
Dear Lord, as I close the door on this old year,
I ponder on the things I've done...
on the things I've said and the joys I've had...
then I wonder, have I lost or won?

I've thought of the new friends I have made,
and of the old ones staunch and true...
the path of the old year was made easier Lord,
because I have walked it with You.

I think of all the many times,
when my burdens were so heavy to bear,
and how my faith slipped away from me...
but somehow You were always standing there.

Now as I open the door to this New Year,
and carefully peep inside,
I wonder what it holds for me...
but I'll throw the door open wide

And whatever it brings to me and mine,
I'll meet it with a heart so true...
I know that, Lord whate'er it may be
You'll be there to carry me through.

Mrs. Merrel Thompson

A Happy New Year to all my wonderful new found friends at Petsjubilee!

Patty

Catcalls and Dogbarks

New Year’s Resolutions

Every year I make New Year’s resolutions and of course they rarely come to fruition. This year I will again make some resolutions and this year, I will accomplish them as I am on track to make them work.

What is a New Year's resolution? It is a commitment that one makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day.
There are religious parallels to this secular tradition. People may act similarly during the Christian fasting period of Lent, though the motive behind this holiday is more of sacrifice than of responsibility. During Judaism's New Year, Rosh Hashanah hrough the High Holidays culminating in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), one is to reflect upon one's wrongdoings over the year and both seek and offer forgiveness. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon self improvement annually.

Popular goals include resolutions to:

Improve health: lose weight, exercise more, drink less alcohol, eat better
Improve finances such as get out of debt and save money
Improve career: get a better job
Improve self: become more organized, reduce stress, better time management, more independent
Take a trip
Quit smoking

Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set, such as, a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.

On Friday’s blog, New Year’s Eve, there will be more on New Year’s Resolutions including mine!

Annie, Cody and Copper
AnnieKDesigns.etsy.com
AnnieKClothing.etsy.com
CodysCloset.etsy.com

Christmas Jokes 2010

Earlybird454

The Day After Christmas....

Sasha here. By now, the prezzies have all been opened and the fancy paper has been tossed out with the decapitated bobos. I lay in my cozy blankie with a full tummy and ponder the true meaning of Christmas.

Cause you sees, it really isn't about new squeakies and good treats. It is about sharing love with others and even ones you don't particularly like too much (not naming names here). It is through this giving we will gain far more than good eats. We gain a bit of something special. A force that is greater than all the doxies here on earth. A special kind of magic that comes with kindness, charity, love, and good cheer.

So over the next few days, when the relatives start getting on your nerves (again not naming names), store lines to return the not quite right items you got as prezzies seem too long, and you just can't wait for spring cause it is just too darn cold to pee in the snow one more time, here is something to think about.

That wonderful night so very long ago when a special baby was born. One stranger gave a simple gift of shelter to a couple in need when there was no room in the inn. A simple act of charity and kindness is what started this holiday out before the baby was even born.

So I thinks we all should try to look around us and see what little things we can do daily to make the Christmas magic last throughout the year.

This Way We Can All Have A Happy New Year!!

Happy Birthday, Jesus

Enjoy these days and remember whose birthday we are celebrating :) - when our girls were young, I had the manger scene all set up at their height and I had a big Christmas Banner that read -
"Happy Birthday Jesus"
- that was a favorite spot for them.
I now have given that Manger Scene to Suzy whose children now enjoy it.

Love and hugs to all and Enjoy this marvelous Season !!

Here is an 'oldie' of Suzy when she was little - very special to me !

From Pauline of Pauline's Fashions.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE !!!

From all of us at PetsJubilee.

Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Night!

Noise Anxiety!

With New Years Eve right around the corner, I thought these tips might be of use. A dog’s hearing is extremely sensitive, and noise anxiety can be a resounding problem. Cats may be startled by loud noises, but they don’t usually get panicky like dogs… If the Fourth of July fireworks, a thunderstorm or gun fire sends your dog under the bed, here are some recommended steps to help ease the anxiety.

-Give him his space: It’s normal for a frightened dog to crawl into small spaces -- under a bed or desk. If a dog finds a place that makes him feel calmer, don’t’ automatically try to pull him out.

-Create comfortable quarters: If he likes it under the bed, clear out some room so he can get under it with ease.

Calm him with a crate: Dogs tend to be less scared when they have a place to call their own. Cages and crates can act like dens in nature. Leave the door open, so he won’t feel trapped. Make it as comfortable as possible with a nice blanket and his favorite toy. But don’t force him in if he doesn’t want to go, because that will frighten him even more.

-Try a coverup: Putting a blanket or sheet over a petrified pooch will often have a calming effect. Just make sure the blanket isn’t covering the nose.

-Lay on the love: Whatever the noise, giving him an extra dose of attention will help calm his nerves. Don’t overdo though. This may encourage him to make a big deal out of being scared in the future.

-Dim the din: Sometimes just masking the fear-causing sound with another sound can help your dog relax. Try turning on the vacuum or air conditioner.

-Be calm yourself: It’s difficult to soothe a frightened pet if you are jumping out of your own skin.

-Ask about an Rx: When the fourth of July rolls around, vets commonly prescribe medications to help anxious pets get through the big booms.

-Or go the natural route: Before resorting to prescription drugs, you might want to try an OTC pet relaxant.

-Take a vacation: If your dog is fearful of the Fourth, maybe this is a good time to retreat to a remote, quiet area until the noise blows over. Your dog will surely appreciate it.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Santa Paws is Coming to Town!

You better watch out,

You better not cry,

Better not pout,

I'm telling you why:

Santa Paws is coming to town.

He's making a list,
And checking it twice;

Gonna find out

Who's naughty

and nice.

Santa Paws is coming to town.

Wishing all furry friends everywhere the ability to be nice so you can get lots of goodies this year!

by Patty

from Catcalls and Dogbarks

CHRISTMAS SING ALONG TUESDAY

This sing along was inspired by Athena's version of Night Before Christmas.

Hope you like it.

The Twelve Days Of Christmas
We all know the song, lets sing along:

(Starting with the last verse)
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five ... golden... rings,

Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!


That was very good!!

Now that you have the song in your head,

let's try the new PetsJubilee version:

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me

Twelve cats in dresses,

Eleven cakes so yummy,

Ten pups in their best ties,

Nine ladies in kitty skirts,

Eight Christmas cards to mail,

Seven Christmas potholders ,

Six pairs of earrings,

Five … felted … dogs,

Four kitty collars,

Three painted slates,

Two pups in dog hats,

And Doody pops for all the pups!

That was very good!!!

Click on the pictures above to go to these items and/or these wonderful shops

(I tried to include as many great petsjubilee team members as I could.

If I missed you, I will catch you next time. ;-) )

----------------------------------------------------------------

Here is some info I found about this song -

Religious symbolisms for - The 12 Days of Christmas:

1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Found on this site:
http://www.carols.org.uk/the_twe1ve_days_of_christmas.htm

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Hope it is filled with joy.
Diana

http://www.dianadesignsny.etsy.com/

http://www.stylindogsboutique.etsy.com/

Pets of the Week

All of these wonderful pets are in need of permanent homes. If you know someone looking for a new four-legged friend, be sure to check out these links by clicking on the photos. Also, you can search for specific rescues, shelters, etc. or go to Petfinder.com for assistance in your search.



Tabby

















Keisha and Keimo










Frita













Ziggy













Corky

Sasha's Night Before Christmas: The End

Twas The Night Before Christmas Sasha's Version: The End

(Click on the pictures to see how you can get one of your very own.)

He was chubby and plump, and just right for a doxie.

I could see he had plenty of stealth and moxie.

A wink of his eye, and a wag of his tail,

Soon let met know, I need not wail.

He barked not a word, but went straight to his job,

And filled stockings with Bobos including one for Little Bob.

Putting his paw aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his car, and opened a small drink can,

And away they all flew including the snowman.

But I heard him howl, as he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all creatures, and to all critters good-night!"

Sasha and I wish that you all have a safe and Merry Christmas with your family this year!

Saturday Blog Hop 12/18/10

My grandkitty Frau. I caught this photo just as she was getting ready to sneak up and surprise attack her new toy.

Welcome Pet Blog Hoppers!

Give us a follow and we'll return the favor.

Click here to sign up for our email list and
Click here to see our team Pet Sampler boxes.





A sampling of the artisans who contribute to the pet sampler boxes --------------------------->