Busy, Busy, Busy!

Well, the Paul household has been busy and bustling!  I think the bit of Spring weather we had last week really motivated us, because we're really tackling some projects.  Some of them require professionals, but others are all us. 

We are sick and tired of the back yard looking the way it does.  The ground is torn up from dogs, there are concrete slabs from the previous owner, the fence is falling down, and grass won't grow because of the beautiful magnolia.  It's kind of a wreck, and it's an embarrassment when we have guests over.  So, we've called in the professionals.  We have a wonderful plan for the back yard, and we're replacing the fence.  Actually, the fence is almost completely replaced already, and the yard already looks much improved.  Hans has been tweaking and improving the deck he built last Summer, and the changes are certainly making a huge difference.  I can't wait to show you how the yard looks when it's completely done, and I suspect it will be magnificent!

With all that going on, I've been super busy with the business.  Actually, Hans has been busy with Impawsible Pups too.  While I've had a busy season of training, he's had a busy season of building dog beds.  We've really only focused on one design so far, but we'll be adding more soon.  So far, though, aren't they amazing?

You can find this bed and other colors at our website: www.impawsiblepups.com

I've also started selling a line of toys and leashes, and I'm quite pleased with how they're doing.  I must take a moment to thank my SIL, Luther Liz, for introducing me to my favorite line of toys.  She just happened to buy a really awesome toy for Cody, hoping he would like it.  Not only did it quickly become one of his favorite toys, it also became every other dog's favorite toy.  Plus, it stood up to just about everything.  When people started asking me where they could find one, and I had no idea (other than somewhere in MN), I decided it was time for me to carry that line.  That has been a good decision for so many reasons.  Plus, it gives me a good excuse to get toys for Cody.  You know, so he can "test" them.  It makes me happy.  :)

Hmm, what else?  All the fosters have been doing well.  With the warmer weather, we've been walking everyone more.  What's my favorite thing about the walk?  I get to spend time with Hans.  The biggest problem with being so busy is that we haven't had as much time for each other.  We're both working 12-13 hour days (luckily some of his work is at home so the dogs can get out and play), and when we're finally together we typically just want to sleep.  Last night, for example, I was so tired I didn't even want dinner.  I read for 45 minutes and then just crashed.  Sleep was good.  The walks in the morning, while only about 30 minutes, allow us to chat and catch up on the day.  I love that.  It's special, and I appreciate every single walk we have together.

Lastly, I'll leave you with a quick story as to why Hans and I are "angry" with his mother.  On Sunday, Hans and I were picking up supplies at Lowe's.  As we were walking from one store to the other, I got side tracked by washers and dryers.  You see, our washer is on its last leg, and we really need a larger washer anyway.  I've always loved the washers without center agitators, so I thought I'd just see what they run.  Well, while I was walking through, Hans' mom called.  By the time I was ready to head on, Hans was still talking to his mom, so I decided to waste more time by looking at more washers and driers.  As I was looking at a washer/dryer combo that was WAY out of our price range, a sales person came by and asked if we were in the market for a washer / dryer.  I told him no, but that we would be soon.  He then informed me that the really expensive washer / dryer (the one I was drooling over) was on sale through the weekend for $600 off!  That made the nice washer / dryer the EXACT same price as the less wonderful model.  So, ten minutes later, after Hans had gotten off the phone with his mom, we were purchasing a washer and a dryer...something that never would have happened had we not been delayed by Hans' mom calling.  In all honesty, I'm thrilled.  This washer is so much larger, so it will be able to truly handle all the animal bedding (not to mention our bedding).  I suspect it will save us a good deal of money simply because we won't have to do as many loads (not to mention the time it will save us too).  So, while Hans may have called his mom on Monday to tell her she was in trouble, I'm currently jumping for joy, waiting for my washer and dryer to arrive.  HURRY UP!

Ok, this blog post has gotten long enough.  I hope you're all doing wonderfully!  Have a Happy Wednesday!