deepest apologies

I've been stuck on this for a few weeks now:

I've been stuck because I haven't had much time to read. I'm only on chapter 10 and most of the previous chapters were read either yesterday or today. I've been a bit busy - or as busy as one can be with summer break and not a lot to do.

I took a couple of days last week and headed north to my parents' house with Charlie. My mission was to clean out the boxes I had stashed in the basement years ago when I was in high school and college. Eight trash bags full of clothes, and 2/3 of dad's truck bed full of "stuff" went to donations. It's amazing how badly you NEED to buy something and ten years later, it's completely lost value and is being dumped at the local goodwill. Makes me think about the things I think I must have.....

Other than that, summer continues to be a great blessing. I've had lots of time to read, cook, nap, spend time with friends, etc. And I like having the capacity to invest in other people when I'm not stressed out about work or students or report cards, grades, tests, etc. It's nice to be home. I think I could get used to this. :) Just in time to head back in 4 weeks. My dear husband probably appreciates a more relaxed me as well....it's just been an all around nice summer. :)

1 year anniversary!

 

Today is Charlie's one year anniversary of living at our home! Or, maybe it's our one year anniversary of having an incredibly adorable pup who has mom's heart wrapped around his little paw! It's been such a fun year with him, so I think I'll do a photo recap. We couldn't be happier about having him live here.

 

Helping Dad decorate the Christmas tree

Opening presents with mom- “Dogzilla” toys, which didn’t last a week. :(

Sleeping in Maddie’s bed at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

Celebrating my 5th birthday with my friend, Ann. Mom and dad threw a huge party for me and everyone brought presents. I was so loved!

Celebrating mom and dad’s anniversary with them. Family photo.
Giving kisses to my buddy, Addison.
Lovin’ on mom…
Rolling all over Grandma’s blow-up bed when they came to visit. Grandpa let me sleep with him in his bed all night!
Helping Grandma find some stuff in her bag.
Sitting with Uncle James in the front seat on the way to Mother’s Day at Grandma’s.

 

More pictures coming this afternoon…..

HUA

Today on Facebook we're spreading the word about HUA and I thought it'd do it here too!!

Hearts United for Animals
www.hua.org
National no kill animal shelter specializing in long distance adoptions and puppy mill rescues. Dogs, dogs for adoption, animal shelter, dog rescue, animal sanctuary, puppy mill, pet stores, animal welfare organization, puppy rescue, cats for adoption.

This is where we found Charlie, and I'm so thankful for what they do. When the time comes in ten years or so, we'll definitly go back to HUA. These dogs need homes and deserve to have a great place to live after what they've gone through.

Our little Charlie was a breeder at a puppy mill in Missouri. I hate to think of where he would be today if HUA had not rescued him. We are so greatful!

CHRISTMAS!!!!!

 

This year I celebrated my very first Christmas with my family. It was so much fun. We had a great giant storm and got snowed in for days and days. I loved it so much because mom and dad stayed home with me all the time and played games like Rummikub and Yahtzee. We also watched movies and mom baked and baked and baked.

We also opened presents. I got a cool "Dogzilla" package full of "indestructible" stuff. Guess what- I destroyed them all! I have the strongest jaws of anyone. That's what Grandpa M says, at least. Mom and Dad kept saying, "Charr-leeeeey!" Whenever I got a good bite. They said I'm not supposed to eat my Christmas toys. And now I don't get to play with them anymore because they took them away. Mom said it was bad for my stomach to eat thick red rubber, but I feel fine!

We finally went to visit all the Grandmas and Grandpas. First we went to the farm and celebrated there. I finally met Uncle Buster. He really liked the t-bone treats I got for him. And guess what?! I got some too!!! And I got some green toys, which I also destroyed.

When we were at Maddie's house, I found her leopard print super-soft bed and snuggled right in. I think it's the best bed I've ever slept in in my entire life. Maybe if I am really good, mom will make one for me just like Grandma made for Maddie. We'll see!