Muffy Vanderdog

Ever have one of those days that turns out completely not how you had it planned it to out to be? Wednesday, September 16th turned out that way for me.

I purposely finished my work up early so that I could pick up Lindsay from Kid Connection and have some extra time with her. As we walked in the door at home, Steve called for me.....his tone gave it away.......something wasn't quite right.

I found Steve hovering over my Muffy. He said she didn't seem right. I had fed her and gave her my daily ritual lovings before I had left for work and she seemed just fine. Fine meaning 16 years, 1 month, 3 days old, blind, deaf
but still functioning and getting around the backyard just fine (often times bumping into our house, walls and bushes).

I spent Wednesday evening by her side. I quickly noticed that she had no movement on her left side, couldn't stand and had no life in her. She must have experienced a stroke sometime between when I left her in the morning and when Steve found her at 3PM. She did pick up her head when I came home but that was it. Steve said she knew I had come home for her.

I spent the whole evening reminding her of what an awesome dog she was and how blessed I was to have had her for 16 plus years. I told her it was time to go meet up with Wicket, Misty, Mitzi and Sam. I prayed that she would go on her own or else I knew I would have to release her wings on Thursday.

I should have known....she was stubborn all 16 years of her life with me and had a mind of her own which meant she really never listened to me (but for some strange reason I loved her so much).

So, at 2:40PM on Thursday, September 17th, Muffy met up with her furry friends. She went peacefully with me by her side, stroking her head and telling her that I loved her, thanking her for all the memories and asking for her and the others to keep an eye over me and family.

I didn't sleep a wink on Thursday night........memories just kept coming to me of Muffy. I will never forget the first day we met and she peed on my foot and captured my heart from that moment on. She had 3 other brothers and sisters but she was the only one that came over to me.

I miss my Muffy so much....we may be separated by quite a few miles right now but she will never be forgotten. Thanks for all of the love and memories Muffy!

Mrs. Pettitt & Mrs. Hughes

Lindsay starting kindergarten was deja vu in a lot of ways. Not only will Lindsay be going to the same Elementary School (Emery) as Ryan did, she also has the same kindergarten teachers as Ryan. They are Mrs. Pettitt and Mrs. Hughes. I feel so blessed as these two gals are beyond the best two kindergarten teachers on the planet! Lindsay is looking forward to a great school year.

Kindergarten & Middle School.......Here We Come!!!

Thursday, September 3rd was quite the day for me. As if it wasn't enough sending Ryan off to Middle School, I had to let go of Lindsay's wings as it was time for her to attend Kindergarten.

I was so proud of Ryan as he was up, showered, ate and got ready for the bus completely on his own. Lindsay and I dropped him off at the bus stop with a big wave. He made it clear that a kiss would not be acceptable as other students were around.

As I drove Lindsay to her first day, memories came back to me of driving Ryan to his first day of kindergarten. It seems like just yesterday! As Lindsay played on the playground, I reflected on milestones in her life and happy times she has brought to our family.

When it was time for all parents to leave, I gave Lins a big kiss and hug and let her know that I was so proud of her. Off she went into her classroom line, smiling away and blowing me a kiss. That kiss kept me going the whole day - thanks Lins! Truly a memory I will never forget!

Six Years Later

Ryan is 6 years old and Lindsay is 5 years old. Boy do I love reenactments!

Build A Bear Adventure

Lindsay received a $40.00 gift certificate from Nonnie for her birthday to Build A Bear. She was so excited to build her very own bear as we had done this with Ryan six years ago. Off we went last Saturday and Lindsay chose Hannah Montana Bear. She was so proud as she designed it on her own.

My Sweetie Turned 5

I still can't believe that Lindsay turned 5 on August 14th. The morning of August 14th, Lindsay woke me up to inform me that "she was now big as she was now 5". Lindsay was so excited when she ventured downstairs to see that our dear neighbor Rosie had put a princess birthday sign in our yard as well as a present of five of Lindsay's favorite chocolate bars by the sign. Lindsay informed me that she had a great birthday and that she couldn't wait for August 14th next year.

Six Years Later

Lindsay's highlight at Irvine Park was definitely the pony rides. Had to reenact and take a picture as Ryan took a pony ride there six years earlier. Aren't my cowboy and cowgirl too cute!!!

Irvine Park Fun

A couple of weeks ago we took a picnic lunch and spent the day at Irvine Park. We visited the nature museum there, zoo, paddle boats and pony rides for Lindsay. We had taken Ryan to Irvine Park six years ago and wanted to make sure that Lindsay had the opportunity to enjoy it as well. A fun time was had by all!