An Old Friend

I am not one to write about sad things, but today, I feel the strong need to, maybe to help me grieve. I have had a heavy heart since 1:30 pm last Thursday when I realized that it was finally time for my little Reebok to move on to a more restful place. His little body was causing him so much pain from the inside out. For 13 years he has been by my side, long before Chris or the kiddos were in the picture, my shadow and my loving companion. Greeting me at the door each time I arrived, chasing squirrels endlessly along the back fence, licking the tears from my face when I was so sad, and jumping all over me when I was happy. I even miss him licking the lotion off my legs each morning, gross I know, but he still did it every day no matter how much I scolded him. He hogged the bed each night, snuggling under the covers with Chris and I, and even in our king sized bed could find a way to take up way more room than any 14 pound dog should.

It is amazing to me how lonely the house feels without him. The jingle of his collar coming to look for me, his little body lying at my feet wherever I sat, his stuffed wooly "baby" lying on the floor of our bedroom waiting for him, his leash hanging on a hook behind our bedroom door. You don't really realize how many reminders there are of your doggie until he is gone from you life.

The last few hours of my time with Reebok was spent with him resting in my lap. His gentle little body lying across my lap, letting me stroke and pet his soft little fur, a ritual that had occurred almost everyday for the last 13 years, it was just that this time he peacefully went sleep for the last time. All the while, I bawled my eyes out then and have cried a lot over the last several days.

I know, he was just a dog. Not a human, not my child or sister or parent or husband or even long lost relative or friend. But he was my dog, my companion and my friend. Some might not understand my saddness, others will. Time will help me feel better, I know the pain won't be so raw forever, but I don't think I will ever stop loving or missing him, even though he was a dog, he was my dog, my puppins', my Reebs', my Reebok. So thankful am I that I got to experience such a devoted companion as Reebok for 13 years....

Happy Birthday Grandpa Ray

Happy Birthday Grandpa! A little song from "3 Short Ones".

This version is like the 9th take....3 small children trying to sit still and sing is quite a challenge.

Almost 4 months....

It has been almost 4 months since I posted last. Eeeekkk....where does the time go. Do you like my new background....a little 80's retroish to catch your attention.

Enjoy the following 2 posts, the kids are growing up too fast.

Mitchy

Just a few little funny pictures of Mitchy. He is getting to be quite the big boy.

Eating a banana, on the counter, with wild hair and a medicine

dropper in the front of his pants (his sword for the day).

Fries and a corn dog......

Hanging out in the swing,

one of his favorite spots in the yard (and house for that matter).

Drew and Amelia

Drew and Amelia were quite the pals today.

They are so much a like, Drew is starting to try to color, he loves to read and even squaks and squeals like Amelia did.

Amelia working on a birthday card for a friend.

Drew trying to help Amelia....he was so curious as to what she was doing.

Drew in his newest position...a little squat.

The Haechrel Catch Up!

Hi Everyone,

I just posted lots of stuff....so make sure to scroll down, I was a little behind!

Thanksgiving

We had a grand time with the Haechrel's and extended family and friends at Thanksgiving. So very thankful we could all be together and especially thankful for the opportunity to spend some time with

Grandma Agnes, who had only met 1 of the 5 Idaho/Washington great-grands!

Grandpa Bob, Mitch, Great-Grandma Agnes (Bob's mother), Chris and Amelia

Great Grandma Agnes, Amelia and Cousin Paige

The "5" Haechrel Grandkiddos

Amelia steeling kisses from Uncle Eric

Aunt Stephanie starting to wonder if she has some competition with Amelia.

Grandma Sandy and her two baking helpers! Making fabulous chocolate mint cookies! Which we quickly gobbled up!

Cousins Reece and Paige wishing Amelia and Mitch goodbye.

Brooke and Drew enjoying a few quiet minutes together.

Thank you everyone for a great holiday! The drive was well worth it.

The food was great, and we so enjoyed our time together! We must do it again soon.