The NorMel House

The sun is shining, and despite the heat waves and warnings we've had lately it seems the Fall breeze is here. I love the Fall in Ontario. The leaves on the trees change into a myriad of oranges, yellows and reds. The air becomes crisp and fresh and the humidity that characterizes our summers is finally gone. I have to laugh because despite the heat we've had, our sister province to the west had snow...in September. I wouldn't want to skip the Fall we have; there's something so beautiful about it that it just makes me sigh. This week will mark my 34th birthday. Some days my achy body makes me feel so old I can't believe it's only 34. Other days I look at my life and can't understand how that much time has passed; life seems frozen in place. My sweet Cara-Mia being gone, and my cute Xena growing up seem to be the only markers to show life has continued. Though on occasion I'm shocked when I realize how much older my nephews and nieces are. It doesn't...

The wind is currently whipping hard drops of rain around my house (I'm feeling rather thankful for the solid brick walls and firm foundation this home has!). The ground outside is covered in layers of snow and ice, and now rain too. Welcome to April in Ontario Canada. Nope, I'm not complaining, it could be worse! And while a lot of people are asking where spring is I feel I must point out that they've obviously forgotten where they live! (I say this with a smile on my face as this weather really isn't abnormal for Southern Ontario in April).  Nevertheless, I do understand the desire for spring. This brisk, wet and cold weather makes us appreciate the sunny days even more. The cold and flu season drags on and those of us blessed with the ability to stay home on a day like today are grateful for the warmth indoors. I'm curling up in bed with my coffee, my 3 sleeping and content four-legged babies (one of which is snoring loudly - ahem, Roxie!), and a stack...

  Between #puppies  #Norwex #LegArt #leggings and babysitting a little 1 year old a few days a week it's been a busy household here at #TheNorMelHouse Little Polar Piglet no longer is a chubby little piggy, and has become a spunky, playful, energetic and fun little pup. Her brother Knightly Jr (soon to be called Vader) is a super sweet, gentle, calm and endearing little guy. He seems to have his father's gentle and soft side. If I didn't know better I think I'd have wanted to keep him. However they go to their new homes soon, and that's how it should be. I can't keep them all (my husband says so lol). I've gained some new aspects to my life as you may have noticed but I'll save that for another day. Hope your February has been going well! If you're here in Ontario, enjoy the beautiful weather while we have it! From #TheNorMelHouse to yours, hope you have a fantastic Family Day holiday today!

My Polar Piglet. Although, that may not stay an accurate description as the older she gets the less she looks like a polar bear...She's pretty adorable though, if I do say so myself. She's got spunk too and I think she hunts in her sleep. She twitches, growls, makes tiny barking noises and sometimes seems like she's trying to run lol. I will miss these moments. Have you ever raised anything from birth? (Besides a person obviously) seeing them grow and develop from the moment their born. The amazing changes that happen so fast. It's no wonder people say life is fleeting. This little cutie is 33 days old and in those 33 days she's has grown a LOT. She has gone from wiggling to crawling to walking to play fighting. She's gone from eyes being sealed shut to open and seeing and to very obviously watching me. She's gone from momma having to come feed her milk to tromping in the water bowl and eating kibble. You would think that with the amount of puppies I'v...

At this very moment there is a tiny paw pushing against my cheek, a wet little tongue slicking my chin and a little black nose that keeps poking my face. I've dubbed this little one Polar Piglet. She eats like a little piggy and looks like a mini polar bear. Her brother looks just like their daddy. My fat little puppies have outgrown the neck warmer title and no longer fit in my hoodie. Yes, I'd wear a hoodie backwards and hold them in the hood to snuggle. Don't judge, if you thought of it I just know you wouldn't be able to resist doing it too. Don't deny it! This little moment was a small mercy for today. A rough day made just a bit better by the comfort of a small chubby puppy showing me affection. Small mercies. #TheNorMelHouse where puppy snuggles are cherished and each one treasured

Okay, so I may be completely and utterly in love. I love my Miss Roxie and I love her adorable, chubby babies. I am currently curled up on the couch and my hoodie appears to be squirming and grunting. Feeling jealous? Who wouldn't be jealous of adorable squirming, grunting and soft little round bellied puppies. I don't think words can describe how therapeutic and wonderful it is.  I can't help but be amazed at the intricacy of God's creation. Each life is unique, each body depending on so many things taking place just to make even the smallest movements. And so many unaware. We take breathing for granted until it's taken away. We take so many things for granted that we feel are just normal every day functions but it's amazing what a change of perspective can do. Watching one puppy take its last breath made me want to hold these two even closer. Each moment with them is precious.  From #theNorMelHouse where each day over the next several weeks will be fill...

So, here I am... 5 days post vet visits. Two little piglets left. My sweet little Brownie got worse and died Tuesday morning. I may have cried...a lot. It's really hard not to cry when you've put your heart into something, it hurts to lose it. On the positive side Miss Roxie, Knightly Junior and our little Polar Piglet are doing well. Poor Roxie went sniffing around a few times - I think she thought we were hiding the puppies somewhere. A rough couple of days. There are many who will understand my grief over the loss of a few puppies, and there are others that will laugh or think I'm nuts. If you've ever had a beloved pet I'm sure you understand. You love them, care for them, feed them, hold them close to your heart. They become a part of your life, your family, your home; it's like losing a member of your family. I know, I know, they aren't literally your babies, but they are family. As you may imagine the week has been a sleepless one. I was up bottle f...

Rough start. Little Miss Roxie started New Year's Day off with a x-ray at the vets. I felt she was way past due and took her in. I thought she was displaying signs of pre-labor but not progressing enough for my liking. Looking at the x-ray the pups weren't anywhere near lined up or positioned properly so he sent me home. Around 4pm she was having some minor contractions but not pushing and lost what appeared to be placenta fluid... Sadly she ended up having a stillborn boy 2 hours later. She was not trying at all. Poor girl just wasn't having enough contractions and wasn't trying to push. I decided she needed to go to the vet, thinking he could give her oxytocin to bring on labor and hopefully she would then have the rest. The oxytocin didn't work on her and poor little Miss Roxie had to have a cesarean. It's a lot harder on the puppies that way, and the one that had been trying to come didn't make it. Roxie came through like a champ and is doing...

  Yup, back on the puppy train... They're getting older, more spunky and playful and just too cute to resist. I had to have a picture of my handsome Mr Knightly, the daddy of these cuties! They don't get their adorable looks and characters from a stranger! The pic on the right is one of the little gaffers after a bath and blow dry :) I seriously can't wait til my Roxie has hers!!!! There may end up being an overload of puppy pictures then... #thenormelhouse Where things are anything but normal and I'm eagerly awaiting puppies!

What a crazy busy and fun day! My vendor event was tonight and I had so much fun!!!! It was busy, and I sold some products, talked to a LOT of people and really had a good time. Plus I used my new Square, so it's already come in handy! Today kinda made me feel like a chicken with its head cut off. (I really hope you know that expression- if you've never experienced the source of it, I can honestly tell you it's an accurate description). I got up early (the dogs are used to getting up with Norm so him being away for work means I get woken up earlier than usual, as Mr Knightly and Mrs Roxie require a bathroom break and breakfast). Let them out, gave them breakfast and went back to bed; apparently my lack of sleep decided to catch up with me. Got up, had coffee, designed a Norwex sale picture for the Facebook group, packed everything up and realized I needed to get going or I'd be late. Trying something new: my first Osteopath appointment. She was super nice, came acros...

Puppies grow so fast - It's amazing how quickly they grow. There is something so therapeutic about snuggling a puppy... I love crawling in the pen and taking all of them in my lap. They'll suck on your chin, your nose, your fingers, any warm skin lol! They're hungry little monsters and I can't imagine what their momma must feel! They tug and pull and shove their paws at her, making greedy sucking noises lol Its 8 weeks of cuteness and amazement Yup. I'm repeating myself. But really, who can blame me? I received my Square in the mail today and spent the evening entering products, codes and prices. I'm kind of excited to try it out at my vendor show this weekend. Fingers crossed I have some success in growing my business! I still haven't really come up with a cool name, but part of me wonders if I should just leave it under the NorMel House "umbrella". Not that the Nor ever calls us that, but the Mel is sticking with it. Between puppies, croc...

Cuteness overload. Yup, I have a puppy addiction. But who doesn't???? Seriously, there can't be too many things that are more heartwarming, cheering, and comforting than a puppy snuggle/pile. There's something so therapeutic about snuggling tiny, soft, squirmy, nuzzling, adorable and still blind puppies. Their eyes aren't open yet, and they act like hungry little hippos grabbing onto any skin they can(like my chin, or my nose, or fingers).  A few days old they've already grown quite a bit, and their fat little tummies are hilariously adorable as they shuffle around looking for momma. I tell you, my Mr Knightly sure makes some adorable puppies. Don't believe me? Try telling me this isn't one of the cutest things you've seen... From the NorMel House where things are anything but normal, hug a puppy today, you won't regret it

Once upon a time, there were two happy puppies. Their hair got long and hung in their faces so mommy decided they needed haircuts. The puppies did not want haircuts so they tried to run, however they weren't fast enough. After a whole lot of splashing and shaking in the bathtub there were two soaking wet Schnauzers, a wet red head and a soaking wet blond. Blowdryers turned on and their hair got soft and silky and they were finally ready for their haircuts! With some snipping and buzzing they soon looked as handsome and pretty as ever. And so the couch snuggling and blanket hogging was necessary once again. The end. From the NorMel House where things are anything but normal, don't forget to groom your puppies. Matted knots can hurt them!

Saturday...Don't you love Saturdays? I do. Saturday's are great. I get to spend time with the hubby, and we either get lots done oooooor nothing at all. Despite the dismal grey looming out the front window; today has actually been a fruitful and rewarding day so far! The Nor of the family has put carpet down in the basement and is currently working on our front door. I have to laugh. We've been here for over 6 years and we're finally working on the front door. We never really use it so we never really think about it; unfortunately there comes those moments when someone comes that isn't a usual guest and you embarrassingly realize you still haven't fixed it. I'm happy to say the side door was made a beautiful slate blue a few weeks ago already, and the last few layers of paint on the front door will hopefully be gone soon! You have to love the hideous teals and yellows they used back in the 50s... The Mel in the family, aka me, has attempted to get things d...