Wow...We're 2!

I can hardly believe it! Elizabeth is 2! Where did the time go? She is getting so big...running, talking in complete sentences, doing things for herself, sleeping in a toddler bed, eating milk and cereal w/ a spoon...I could go on and on.

She is such a sweet little girl, so kind, loving and helpful. She loves her playmates and mommy and daddy.

Rough Day....

*UPDATE: My dad is out of surgery as of noon CST. Doing fine and the Drs. are very optimistic for his recovery. Thanks for all the prayers!*

Today is a pretty tough one. Its raining, which I hate, one of those cold, damp, drizzly rains. Then, my dad is in surgery for his back. I'm sure he's fine, but I hate the waiting and not knowing anything. I just wish my mom would call and tell me something! And, last, but certainly not least, I'm taking our beagle, Casper, to the vet today to have him put down. After a rough couple of weeks with him getting progressively more aggressive towards people and biting someone over the weekend, we've decided, that, for everyone's safety and peace of mind, its time for him to go. I HATE doing this, but I know its the right decision. I just can't risk Elizabeth's safety or the safety of my nieces/nephews.

So, I'm sad. Casper was my first baby, the first dog that was truly mine. We went and picked him up from a breeder on a cold and wet March day. He was only 3 1/2 months old- I remember Damon climbing over a fence, in the mud to pick him up. We drove home w/ him on my lap. I remember how little he was and how much he struggled to get up and down the stairs in our townhouse. How he loved to ride in the car and how great he did every time we moved. How he was my teddy bear when Damon was away from me for school or when he left for the Army. How he cuddled with me during thundertorms and always let me hold him when I needed to cry. How he protected me from all kinds of things, how he always begged for the scraps leftover from cutting carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce. How we taught him to catch popcorn and how to speak softly. What a show-off he was at puppy kindergarten and how beautiful he was when he ran.

I'll miss a lot of things about my "fuzzy", but mostly his wagging tail, his sloppy dog kisses and how excited he would get when I'd get home. I'll also be missing how patient and gentle he's been (for the most part) with Elizabeth and how cute she is when she pets and hugs him or when she wants to take him for a walk.

I'll post some pictures later on..right now I'm holding them close to my heart. I'll never forget or replace you, Casper....thank you for being my dog.

Operation Toddler Bed...

was successful! She couldn't climb into the bed fast enough on Saturday night, she was trying to climb on the mattress before we even had it all the way on the bed. She laid right down on her pillow, with her"babies" and did pretty good going right to sleep.

Last night, daddy took the crib apart. She again climbed right into her new bed, but she got back up about 4 times before she finally stayed. I checked on her once last night, and she was sleeping on the floor, but at least she was still in her room!

Daddy will be working on get her bedroom door up this week (I hope), but so far so good. Now, if we could just master PTing! SIGH....

Craziness!

I have to tell you, I CANNOT believe that our fall semester of school starts next Tuesday!! Where did the summer go? I certainly wasn't ready for all of this and it has landed like a lead balloon!

Work has been crazy busy- the phones ringing off the hook, students coming in by the dozens to register (even at this late date), talk about payment, pick up their textbooks...you name it, they're hear asking about it or trying to do it! The hardest part is that some of our most popular programs are already full for the fall, so it seems like we're turning some students away when they aren't interested in any other options. I hate that, but what do you do? We've been enrolling since mid-April...

On a happy note, I'm going to see Joe Nichols tonight at the Power & Light District for FREE! I'm sure that tomorrow morning I will be completely dead tired, but I love Joe's music and can't pass on the chance to see a free show. I know it won't be the same as a full blown concert, but that's ok. Its a great chance to get out of the house and enjoy some "me" time, as Damon will be staying home w/ Elizabeth. I'll try to post about it tomorrow and let you know what I think.

No pictures today, but will have some in a week or so-we're having our annual family & friends party next Saturday, so hope to have some fun pics of all the cousins and such...while I'm not looking forward to the prep work, I am soo looking forward to seeing our friends and family. More to come on this later....

I was also not ready to come to terms with how grown up Elizabeth has become in the last month or so. She is now asking to brush her teeth, wash her hands, only wants to take showers, not baths, wants to dress herself...you get the picture. If all goes as planned, I am meeting some folks tomorrow to purchase a toddler bed for her from Craig's List. Hope it works out...told Damon today that we REALLY need to get a door put on her room if we're serious about letting her sleep in a toddler bed.... so we'll see what happens. Maybe, just maybe, we'll actually get her closet and room door up this weekend...but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Catch you all later...have a great weekend!

Pictures from our mini-vacation....

Finally, here they are! Sorry for the delay. With school getting ready to start soon, the office has been VERY busy, leaving little time for playing on-line! Just wanted to share these pics...promise I'll try to get a better update posted soon!

Friends & Vacations!

It's just about the most awesome thing to spend quality time with good friends. Elizabeth and I recently came back from spending three wonderful days with my friend Cindy, her husband and their daughter. Cindy and I are friends from the days after we lost our first babies....so we have lots in common. We are very fortunate that our little girls were born about 4 weeks apart, so they are doing lots of the same things.

We had SO much fun w/ Cindy! We went to book talk at the local library, got to see their church, went to the mall and played outside lots! We also were blessed to meet Cindy's sister, her son, and Cindy's parents while we were there! Cindy and her husband prepared wonderful meals for us and we had a great time! It was sad to have to leave and come home! Cindy should be sending me pictures of the girls soon, so I hope to have some to post here shortly.

Thanks Cindy, Nate, Hannah, Amy and Andrew for a wonderful 3 days! We hope to get together again soon!

Another goodbye.....

Well, its seems that all I've been doing the last year is saying goodbye to coworkers. I'm starting to wonder if its me or just bad timing.

Anyway, my supervisor for the last year had decided to retire. Its a great thing for him, as he'll get to travel w/ his son and go on some amazing hiking/climbing trips. It will be hard for us left behind as we will be without an official direct supervisor for the time being. The other Dean will be stepping in until we complete the hiring process for my supervisor's replacement.

While I'm sad that John is leaving us, I'm happy for him. I know that he will enjoy his travels/adventures. We'll miss is Cheshire cat grin, dry jokes, McDonald's coffee cups and the ever present gum/mints he always seems to have in his pockets. Mostly, I'll miss his supporting and caring nature and the way he encourages me when things get rough.

So, here's to "see you later, John"! I won't say goodbye, as I hope we'll see you again in the future.