She's getting bigger!

This is how Abby likes to sleep...just like her sister, Ginger!

We had been waiting for her ears to stand up to look like a traditional German Shepherd. Before...

After! Hooray!

It's tough to be so cute...

I'm Queen of the mountain!

Oh, was I not supposed to eat that dirt?

I don't feel so good...

Pretty pose for the camera! Isn't she beautiful?!

Abby is now almost 14 weeks old, weighed 19.3 lb. a week ago, has received all her puppy vaccines and rabies shot, and has giant paws! She only has to go out once during the night now, which is a blessing from the previous 2-3 times. (I think I have gotten some practice at being a mommy of a newborn baby!) The next big thing for Abby will be spaying her, which I plan to do the week before Thanksgiving. She has grown and changed so much that when I look at pictures of her when we first got her, I can't believe the difference. Her personality is really shaping up now too, and she has got a sweet one! She barks at noises and dark figures now, and is able to hold her own against Ginger when they horseplay and play tug-o-war. Abby has already learned to "get in your house" (her kennel), sit, shake, and lay down on command. I think we'll teach her to roll over next. Abby has quite the shoes to fill with Ginger knowing so many tricks and commands! We even had to write down everything Ginger knows so we can remember what we've taught her.

Michael and I are trucking through school, while still trying to maintain a joyful family life. We're learning that it is important to say "no" sometimes, especially to events or commitments that we want to do, but would take up to much additional time. But one existing commitment that Michael has is playing intramural flag-football on Thursday nights. I normally do not enjoy watching a single second of football, but it's very different when your hubby is playing! I have enjoyed watching him play and trying to understand the rules and game play.

We have booked a hotel in Colorado Springs in December for a week. We are excited about traveling there and seeing the city and attractions. Ginger and Abby look forward to some hiking trails, weather permitting. Our main goal is to scout out neighborhoods we may want to consider buying a home in, as well as meeting with a real estate agent who can be our eyes and ears for the next year as we search for a home. This trip will require A LOT of planning, so we would appreciate your prayers as we go through the stresses of preparing for this.

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28