Missing Family Functions

Today was a really busy day.  It started before 7am when I was busy making my son scrambled eggs and toast. He had a cross country meet this morning and had to be at the school to catch the bus by 7:30am.  Then started the long breakfast routine for all the puppies followed by baths (yes again) for several of the pups.  I guess they didn't get the memo that clearly stated they should have their hair combed, be dressed nicely and most importantly - be CLEAN for their big adventures home today.  I am not naming names (Ms. Orange Collar) but that was quite a spectacular display of how yogurt can get everywhere. Once everyone was all cleaned and beautiful, the puppies started going to their new homes. It was really great meeting all the nice families.  We spent most of the day outside and as soon as one family left, another arrived.  Everyone was super nice and we are definitely lucky to have such loving puppy families.  In between the puppy visits, we had non-stop work to do.  I haven't sat down all day. Today was also a big party day at my sister-in-law's house.  She has been planning this party for months and I have had it on the calendar forever.  Her daughter is home for college and it was a welcome home themed party and all of Mr. Yesteryear Acres family will be there. My sister-in-law lives a little over 2 hours away.  That seems like such a short distance to most people, but sadly for us - it is an impossible distance given the fact we raise puppies.  We never leave the puppies for longer than 2 hours.  They need water, they need loving, they need to go outside to go to the bathroom.  They are little defenseless helpless creatures that we brought into the world - so we are responsible for their health and well being.  To go to a party 2 hours away - means that it takes 2 hours to get there, 1-2 hours to visit, 2 hours to get home which equals at least 5 or 6 hours away from the doggies and puppies.  It just can't happen.  Mr. Yesteryear Acres and I are used to splitting up and taking turns for family functions. He had really hoped to take the kids and go visit his sister today.  Well, sadly he didn't make it.  We were just that swamped here and the farm chores didn't get done in time and as always - doggies come first.  I know everyone will be really disappointed.  It is hard for people who don't have lives that revolve around caring for live creatures to understand the level of commitment it requires to properly take care of four legged furry children. It often means missing out on some fun things.  It often means missing out on things that we REALLY wanted to do - but just can't.  It even means that even though in August, we thought we could do something on October 9th - when October 9th came around and we were blessed with 14 puppies to care for and 8 puppies going home - well caring for the puppies became the only thing we could do on October 9th.  Mr. Yesteryear Acres is sad to have missed the big event.  He is sorry he missed seeing his family......but most of all....he is really really really really sad he didn't get to have his sister's applesauce cake! That just might be the saddest thing of all.  Poor Mr. Yesteryear Acres.  You will just have to ask your sister to make a special cake just for you because you know deep down in your heart......that I won't. I mean it has RAISINS in it! YUCK!  And then even if I were to make one, you would just say how your sister makes it better - so please Mr. Yesteryear Acres - just beg your sister.