Busy Day

Denise has been running since 8 am this morning. She has one house going under contract tonight. It was great to see baby Avery. I got some great pictures and this blog I am going to try and down load so photo's and video's. We even got some snow today. A mini blizzard for about 15 minutes. Well I am going to down load the pictures now. The down loads of the video's are taking forever.
I got both video's to down load, but now it is saying that it could not contact blogger.com and saving might fail. Why can't these things be quicker and easier.




Baby Avery with Megan










Baby Dylan's room pt. 1



Sorry for the weird picture. I had the next video but it wouldn't come up. I am getting frustrated so I will post again tomorrow with the other video. Hope you enjoy.

Busy busy bees

We have been busy busy busy...yesterday we were able to take a break and spend time with family....We finally got to meet baby Avery...she is darling...she was a little fussy yesterday afternoon...but you could see that she is a very content and happy baby...it was really great seeing Megan and Damian as a Mommy and Daddy...they are very attentive to all of her little needs.......and work quite well as a team in taking care of little Avery...infact they worked pretty darn well as a family together...its really amazing to me to see how a couple becomes a family..and how this little baby creates a whole new family dynamic......very cool...we will all get together again in September......but that just seeems to long ...unfortunately this year...we can't do much about it since Dylan is on the way and I don't see us traveling before September...but I can already feel it that we will need to spend more time with Avery, Damian and Megan...once or twice a year just doesn't feel sufficient...Dylan has been quite a active little guy...feeling well for the most part.....my belly gets tired by the end of the day...and the pregnancy and the weight is beginning to weigh on me......physically and emotionally.......I try to keep it all in perspective....it is always very comforting when I feel Dylan move......we are at 29 weeks so at most 11 more weeks to go.......good new...because of the altitude here they don't really let you go beyond your due date :)......I think I am going to try to get my hair done and a pedicure.....perhaps that will give me a little boost.....

Good Friday

Today was a good day....work has been very very busy...which is a good thing...it is a strange comfort zone for me when I am that busy at work...probably because I worked so many long hard hours in Rapid City for so many years...Cheyenne has been a good balance of family and work.......and I really enjoy that...once I got home tonight.....I realized that the high of being that busy again is great....but once I came off the high of work.......I figured out that I am down right tired....so am much as I miss that constant going at work 12-15 hours a day......I realized I really don't miss it that much.....that down time.....family time.....and a responsible balance of both is much better.......Ardie seems to be doing ok....Winston is happy to have me home tonight...he has gotten so spoiled...he is always with Collin or I ...whether its running errands with Collin or sleeping under my desk at work...but today he had to stay in his kennel...since Collin was at work and I was with clients all day......Dylan has been very very active the last couple of days....his kicks are much stronger now and Collin has got to feel him move quite a bit...my tummy is getting really big.....crazy though that my belly button still in not poking out yet.....by the end of the night....my tummy is tired and is ready to rest for the day...we have signed up for our birthing class and have found a pediatrician for Dylan...we are getting very excited about meeting Dylan...tomorrow will be a even better day than today....tomorrow we get to meet baby Avery...we are very excited about meeting our niece and Dylan's cousin.....crazy what a year can bring...a year ago........no babies on this side of the family .........now soon to be 2 babies.......life is pretty awesome.......well until tomorrow.......

Can he read my mind............

Sometimes I wonder if Ardie can read my mind...every time we have made the decision that it is time for him to leave his pain and to move onto heaven...he always does something amazing to prove us wrong...last night when he came in from being outside he was limping both on his front paw and his back...he looked tired and hurt...I made the decision then that in the morning I would take him in...he manages every night to come into our bedroom and sleep...even though he has to go down steps to get to our room and in the morning we have to lift him up the steps to get out......he still thinks it is his job to be with his family regardless of the pain...this morning though when he got up he went up the stairs all by himself with no fear...we didn't have to lift him...then to really make sure that we knew that he wasn't ready to give in the towel yet...he came back in nudged me for a pet and when I got up...he once again trotted thru the bedroom up the steps......I think he wanted to make sure that I saw him do this...so with that I made him 3 peanut butter sandwiches and we will enjoy another day together...until next time

ATM

Well it has been a busy day so far. I painted Denise's office. We hung the pictures Herb sent us and they look great. We also have the concrete guys over at the house. They are going to pour a pad to the garage and pour a walkway from the garage to the side patio. It is going to look really good. We also have the plumber over here. Our water-heater went out. We got a 50 gallon compared to a 40 gal. However there is going to be some creative fitting because the new one is much taller than the older one. The joy's of owning a older home. It feels like we are a ATM sometimes. We should be done with big expenses after the house is painted except for one little guy named Dylan. We are so excited for him to get here. I felt him kick last night again. He is really active at night. Can't wait to meet Avery this Saturday. She appears to be one very happy baby.

Peanut Butter makes everything better

Today was suppose to be our last day with Ardie...but it has been so difficult making the decision...though it is difficult for him to get around...he is still engaged in life itself...neither Collin or I could really make the decision that today should be the day...after much grief I called our local vet who has also cared for Ardie...she thinks as long as Ardie is still eating well...and doing the little things he loves to do....that he is still enjoying life and living it and that we should support him in his daily pursuit at life...once he no longer really wants to eat or do the things he enjoys its time to say good bye...so with that we ordered one more round of pills...and stopped by the store on the way home from work and picked up some peanut butter and bread for Ardie...Ardie really really likes peanut butter...and I really really enjoy watching him and Winston eat it....yes I know that Winston is not dying but its just to great watching both of them trying to get the peanut butter off the roof of their mouth as fast as they can so they can have another bite......one of life's little treasures....as I type this Ardie and I are on the love seat together...I am sure its quite a site.....big ole Ardie and pregnant me...on the love seat...poor love seat....so with that another treasured day shared with my precious Ardie........until tomorrow

Easter Sunday

This has been the quietest Easter I have had since I can remember....no Easter Egg Hunts or Big Meals with lots of guest over....it was a good quiet though....Penny made her way from Eaton...and the 3 of us enjoyed BBQ Chicken and Ribs...I was going to fix a ham...but just couldn't bring myself to it...I like ham but not enough to have left over ham for a week... its really kind of a day for reflection...last year at Easter...we were at my home in Rapid...since then we have gotten my home sold...remodeled and added on to our Cheyenne home...started a new job...got pregnant....we have been busy....next year this time...we will have little Dylan running around and unfortunately we won't have Ardie with us...and who knows what else the year will bring...it has all been wonderful in its own way...its such a good feeling to be settled in our home...to have work going well...and to be expecting our son to join us in June...with that...I hope everyone else enjoyed their Easter as much as we have.........

Going on a Trash Tv Diet

I know I should be embarrassed....ashamed....and perhaps even guilty for the time that is spent on watching Trash Tv....but I love it....the trashier the better...the more drama the more my eyes are glued to the Tv...it has been one of my worst habits that I absolutely love for as long as I can remember...I am thinking though now that I am going to be a mother...I need to set a better example for my son...I would truly be horrified if he rattled off his favorite shows as...cheaters...cops...judge judy....so I am going to have to give them up...though in my own self defense I still see myself as a good productive human being...in spite the fact I fill my mind with such trash...and Winston is my loyal viewing budding and I don't see any adverse effects on his behavior from watching these various shows...though I would guess Collin would disagree...so with that...I am going to begin to put myself on a trash tv diet....I can give up Cheaters....judge shows...I don't watch cops...but The Bachelor.......can't give it up...Dr Phil...can't give it up...and the Apprentice...can't give it up....these will stay on the DVR...otherwise I watch lots of HGTV and the Food Network....I am not sure when I will have time to watch these shows once Dylan is here.....since I really don't want him watching any tv...but that will be left for another blog...so I am hoping that I have the strength to stay away from those tempting trashing tv shows......well I need to go Dr Phil is on and I am going to watch just 1 last Judy Judy after that...........

Thursday afternoon

Hello all,
It has been a while since I sent a blog out. Sitting and watching some of March Madness. Filled out a pool on ESPN, have guessed 3out of 4 so far. It is a windy day. Can't wait for the nice spring days. Our concrete should be poured for our driveway and walkway on Monday. We found out today that we will getting a refund today. More money for the home projects. I am looking forward to my 4 days coming up. Hope to get a few more projects done. Denise has been doing great with her job. Hopefully another house will go under contract today. We need to get the oil changed in her car today as well.

You should try and buy your gas from these companies. They get none of there oil from the middle east.


Sunoco.......................0 barrels Conoco......................0 barrels Sinclair......................0 barrels BP / Phillips.................0 barrels
Hess..........................0 barrels ARC0........................0 barrels
Maverick....................0 barrels
Flying J. ....................0 barrels
Valero........................0 barrels

These companies import middle east oil

Shell...................................205,742,000 barrels annually
Chevron/Texaco..................144,332,000 barrels ''
Exxon /Mobil........................130,082,000 barrels ''
Marathon/Speedway............117,740,000 barrels ''
Amoco..................................62,231,000 barrels ''

Hope all is well with everyone.

Spring is here

What a nice day today is in Cheyenne...the sun is out...and spring is here...we received the most beautiful Orchids from Megan, Damian, and Avery yesterday...they truly are exquisite...I have never had Orchids before...every time I look at them you see something different...they got 2 orchids for us...one to honor Ardie and one for Solomon...they sit proudly in our living room...we are really enjoying them...Ardie is doing ok today...not great...not bad...just ok..we will have to watch him closely over the next couple of days....All went well with my Doctors visit...I am Rh-negative so I have to go in tomorrow for a shot...otherwise all is well....we are now about 95% done with Dylan's room...we got most of the pictures up in his room...really all that is left is a couple of small items to do...it will feel good to mark it off the list of projects...also our bedroom is just about done...I still need to make those darn pillows for the bed...perhaps sometime this week...then with Collins help and if needed extra help from Megan we can get some photos for everyone to see on our blog.....we received Avery's birth announcement...for those of you that don't know this...Avery is Megan and Damian's most darling little baby girl that is approximately 3 months old now...so we are very excited that Dylan will have a cousin close to his same age...since we really had no hope from my side of the family...they are done with the baby thing...its going to be really great for all of us...anyways we loved the birth announcement...Avery is extremely photogenic...and the announcements are darling... we get to meet baby Avery here in the next couple of weeks...we are very excited...otherwise not so much to say today...we have been busy...between work..pets..and projects...there is never a dull moment in the Moody household...until next time.........

It's Ardies way or heaven......

We have made a deal with the angel....not devil.........Ardie has decided to stick around...we are not sure how long this will last... we are hoping for a few more special days with our big guy...but we will just have to see......So Ardie has made it very clear to us that if we follow his rules he will consider gracing us with his presence over the next couple of days...so here are the rules....
1. Dog food---forget it---You want me here...I expect peanut butter toast in the morning and no
skimping on the toast or the peanut butter...snacks lots of snacks...and not those ole dried out
dog biscuits...popcorn is acceptable make sure you don't forget the butter...and protein a big
guy like me needs lots of protein....that means scrambled eggs and meat...I prefer it medium
rare... don't over cook it and make sure there is lots of it....

2. I get to do what I want when I want- that means I want out....no complaints...just do it...
Go for a ride in the truck...no complaining just lift me in....and if I am on the couch...I expect
you to be at my beacon call and to lift my back end off the couch when I want to get up...

3. Finally...evening TV watching is all about me...I expect non-stop back massages....just keep
rubbing...I will let you know when you can stop...

So if you agree to the above rules...I will do my best to make heaven wait......
With that...I am off to the store to pick up eggs and popcorn..........

If only french fries could be the cure....

A quick afternoon update... Ardie seems to be feeling a little better...not sure if it is the chocolate chip pancakes to thank or the large order of fries he had earlier...perhaps it is the medicine helping him after all...We headed out to Lowes this morning our home away from home...Collin purchased some pretty manly power tools and off to Collins dads house to finish getting baseboard trim up before the tenant moves in....He has turned into quite the carpenter and it looks really great....I am doing very well on giving directions if I say so myself...no I actually helped measure and mark for the cuts for the baseboard...but was definitely just a side kick to the real work that was being done...anyways I came home to check on Ardie...when we left this morning we put him outside so he could sleep in the sun...he seemed to be doing the same...then I grabbed the truck keys to head back to Collins Dad and Ardie came hopping fairly quickly he made a decision that he was going...he had enough of this staying home stuff...so at 6 1/2 months pregnant I lifted big ole Ardie into the truck...uggghhhh...rolled down the passenger window...and off we went....cruisin thru the neighborhood...we were happy very happy if only time could standstill ...that moment was the best...it didn't matter that his legs wouldn't work...the wind in his face and going for a ride was all that mattered....now we are back home for the evening...he just finished another steak...and there are brownies in the oven........hoping tomorrow is as good as today.......until then

Comfort Food

Due to our sad news we received yesterday about Ardie...the whole family enjoyed a evening of comfort food....it made us all feel a little better...so we will continue the trend and have a whole weekend of comfort food.......Ardie enjoyed a diet yesterday of 6 pieces of peanut butter bread...this was before the Doctors visit....followed by a nice big bowl of buttered popcorn when we got home...and finished the evening off with a steak grilled a perfect medium rare... the people in the household had macaroni and cheese with chili mixed in and jalapeno poppers...I am sure Dylan was going I don't think this is what the Doctor ordered !!!!!wheres the fruit and veggies!!!! Unfortunately Ardie is not responding to the pain medication...he is on 23 pills a day total..3 times a day...just finished his 3rd round this morning and no indication that they are helping at all...he still will not put any weight on his leg...and besides getting up to go the bathroom or get water he is pretty immobile...but still seems pretty darn content especially with all the extra hugs, back rubs, and treats....I made a appointment for Monday morning so we will have all weekend to be with each other.....losing Solomon was tough....but nothing like my Ardie we have been good friends for almost 9 years now...we have been thru alot together...all really good memories...he has always been my rock...and thru all that he is going thru...he still remains that way...my rock...he is doing his best to hide his pain....and put his best foot forward...anyone that has ever had the chance to meet Ardie...knows just how special he really is....he is a one of kind dog...people have always been drawn to him...especially children....he recently was a guest at St Marys Children School here in Cheyenne...he was a huge hit...he originally was there to visit one classroom but was such a hit he made it thru the entire first floor of classrooms....with at least 15 kids at a time swarmed on top of him...lots and lots of pictures were taken that day....even the cafeteria lady brought him a sandwich....he was happy truly happy...I so wanted Ardie to be able to meet baby Dylan...I know how proud and happy he would be to have his own little baby to watch over..........I guess he will do so from heaven...... but heaven will have to wait we still have chocolate chip pancakes on the menu this morning.........to be followed by greasy cheeseburgers and fries for lunch..........

When it rains it pours....

We took Ardie up to CSU today...his limping just seemed to be getting worse and he was getting no relief from the pain medication he was on...his appointment was scheduled for next week ...we just didn't feel like he could wait that long...unfortunately Ardie has been diagnosed with bone cancer... it is located close to his right heal...and from what the Doctors says in a extremely painful location...they called him a very stoic and strong dog...never once did he let him know how bad it hurt...she said it is a similar pain that we feel when we hit our shin bone...because their is a layer of nerves that is covered just by skin...so very very painful...we could look at amputating his leg and giving him radiation...he would gain possibly a year of life...but because of his age and he has arthritis in his left hip he really isn't the ideal candidate to do so... and might end up in just as much pain from all the weight on his hip...without treatment the cancer will get worse and more painful and the bone becomes very weak and susceptible to breaking...so they sent us home with additional pain medication...not sure that it will be enough to subside the pain...so most likely this will be our last weekend as a family together...promised to be filled with ice cream, french fries, hamburgers and of course a couple of rotisserie chickens all of Ardies favorites.......and probably lost of hugs and tears to boot........keep him in your prayers and we will keep you posted....

Bye Bye Nissan...............

Today we said goodbye to Collin's Nissan Maxima...he sold it for a astonishing $500.00...it never ceases to amaze me what people will buy...perhaps it was the extreme hail damage over the entire car that made her swoon, or perhaps the fact is has no heater and the windows in the back seat don't work...or maybe the fact that the odometer hasn't worked since he bought it...well the truth be told she thinks its great and Collin misses it already and swears we should have started at $1000.00...I personally am glad that it has a new home...and she likes it and paid for it tooo boot....what a lucky day....well Ardie is hopping around on 3 legs today...not good and is on as many painkillers as we can give him...so we are trying to get our appointment moved up for him at CSU...Collin has piped in there goes the $500.00 we just got for the Maxima...probably very true...we also had a Dr. Appointment for Dylan today all is well....at this rate between Solomon and Ardies vet bills...we could have 3 babies for the money we have spent so far on their care....
well I am baking muffins and cookies for a early morning meeting tomorrow...so I need to go before I burn them........take care everyone.........keep Ardie in your thoughts

A Good Day

Today has been a good day...not a great day but a good day...no electrical problems...no pets dying...no projects getting done down to the wire...just a good day...Collin is at work...I am at work...in fact just getting ready to call it a day...it sounds like Winston has already called it a day he is snoring peacefully right next to my desk...tomorrow we have a doctors appointment to see how things are progressing with the pregnancy...I am assuming all is well...since I feel well...and Dylan is fairly active...will give you all a update after the appointment...picked up some baseball pictures for Dylan's room...I think they will look pretty good...also picked up my framed photos that Herb, Collins uncle did for us...he really does amazing work...the matting and frames look great....and really complement the photos...really great art...thanks so much again Herb...well I am headed out for the day........until next time

Tuesday night

As I type this blog I have Ardie lying next to me on the love seat and Winston at my feet. Denise is napping on the couch. She worked from 8am till 6pm tonight. It has been sad with Solomon gone. I watched some video of him today. He was such a happy dog. My favorite time was this time of the night. He would get between my legs and just want me to pet him. He would allow me to pull both of his front paws off the ground. He looked like a giant gorilla or orangutan. It has been a little more peaceful around here, but I would definitely take his barking and bossiness if he were still alive


I think I have a buyer for my old Maxima. It is kind of sad to get rid of it, but feel real fortunate to have a newer car. For those of you who don't know, I got a 2001 Volvo xc-70 cross-country. It is ash gold. I love the color because it hides the dirt really well. We made this purchase because we wanted the safest car for Dylan and the family. We are going to try and make this car just a people car. Don't know how long this will last. Winston just loves to go where we go.


Joy and Dad's house looks great. We removed the carpet on Sunday. The hardwood floors are just amazing. We just a have a few things to finish before their renter move in. Hopefully on Friday or Saturday we will be able to get it finished.


The electrician finally found the short in the ceiling. It was at the light that I noticed wasn't working last week. We got real lucky because it melted the wire nut, but didn't catch fire. So the good thing about this is that we now have mostly newer wire in the house.

Thanks for reading. Collin

Spring forward....into projects

Projects...Projects...Projects...it seems that since we first started dating that our life has been strung together by home improvement projects...last fall was extremely full...with getting me moved here...getting our garage built...patio done...modest kitchen remodel...then our bedroom
added on...I have come to terms that the projects will always be there...and somehow I think if they were to all of a sudden be done...we would somehow create more...so before Dylan gets here we still need to get our new bedroom livable...its close... down to getting the window treatments up and pillows made...Dylan's room done which we made a huge dent in the other day...we got it painted and crib put together...its very nice...I am very excited about it...we still need to get the new garage organized...exterior of the house painted...and some outdoor landscaping done before his arrival...today Collin is over at his Dads new home here in Cheyenne pulling up the old carpet...we are going to get the hardwood floors looking good :)...oh did I mention the patio and the fence needs to be stained.....silly me...I am going to go help here shortly...then off to the office for me to get some work done...business is going well...it has been a very good first couple of months...much better that either of us expected...which is a good thing...babies...sick dogs...and home improvements can get a little expensive...forgot to mention that our electrical system in the house is having a major fire hazard problems so far 3 days of a electrician...7 holes in our basement ceiling and they still can't find the source of the problem.......ugggghhhh...and did I mention that Ardie has now been limping it seems for like a month...took him to the local vet of course as usual they can't find the problem ...he would need to be put under and have extensive x-rays done to find the culprit...so he has been on pain relief medication that helps but not really he is still limping at times thru out the day...so if the pain persist we will be making a trip to our home away from home CSU...I understand they have a very good orthopedic program.....as I read what I have written it makes me tired and crazy...but the truth is...it doesn't really seem that busy...we still have time to get in 8 hours of sleep...watch our favorite shows...play a little cribbage...work...and are happy...accomplishment is a great feeling...well time is starting to run short...so off I go...everyone have a great day...sorry for such a babbling post...

Life goes on

As sad as we are to see Solomon go...Winston and Ardie aren't quite so sad...Winston doesn't get attacked and bullied by Solomon any longer and Ardie gets to eat all he wants...it has always been quite obvious to us that Solomon ran us...ran the dogs...he even in his own way ran the mailman...it was a common site to see Winston, Ardie, and Mr Mooks the cat all huddled together on the love seat and Solomon sitting with Collin on the couch getting treats...they were intimidated by his near presence at times...Solomon was not a mean dog...he was just a strong dog...with strong ideas on how things should be...as long as you went along with them...all of us...then no problems...he trained us all well...when Solomon barked we listened...so Ardie has almost a permanent grin on his face and Winston is once again the one and only spoiled rotten baby...all is well in the animal world...

Now in the Dylan world...I could not feel him move for the longest time...and the things I felt...well who really knows...might be gas, heart burn, upset stomach, or my poor insides just screaming as they have to stretch to fit my ever growing belly...I do though think that for sure now I feel him moving...and boy does he move...I am guessing he is going to have big feet like his mom...they must be a good size because it is quite unpleasant once he gets going... talking about feet...my fear has always been that we will have a very big baby...since I weighed over 10 pounds and Collin was over 9...odds are if Dylan goes to term he is going to be a big baby...so anyways my fear has been that he will be to big to come out...which when you are pregnant you watch all of these baby shows...and on one show they had to break the babies collarbone to get the baby out...so I was worried...the good news was on another baby show they say if you have big feet you can deliver a big baby........whew.........I have huge feet......so we should be good...the only problem they say your feet get bigger after pregnancy......not good I already have big ugly Flintstones feet.....I can't imagine them any bigger...... other than that the pregnancy is going well...I am feeling good most of the time...I am still emotional and sometimes irrational hard to explain but Collin has been a angel thru it all...we I should say Collin is painting Dyan's room tomorrow and we are both excited about getting it all set up...will update with pictures eventually...the headboard got done in our room...but problems with the window treatments and haven't done the pillows yet...the goal is to get it all done by the end of the weekend.........then it will take us days to figure out how to download the pictures and get them on our blog.........be patient.........until next time.........thanks for reading

Solomon- We say good by to our dear friend- -2/28/07---03/03/08

I remember the first time I saw Solomon he was 4 weeks old...just a little guy...he was the only one that survived in his litter...I wanted him to have a strong name with meaning...who would have known that his name would fit him so perfectly...Solomon means peace and has a direct correlation to wisdom...We have both often commented that Solomon enjoyed life and seized every moment more than any dog either of us have had...perhaps in his own way he knew his time on earth was limited...we often think he had the wisdom and was at peace with what his life had to offer...he ate with passion, he barked with meaning, and loved with all his heart...he truly embraced all that life had offer...he is truly missed...will always be missed...and always a place in our heart...we are sad...the mailman is sad...he loved the mailman and looked forward to the mailman coming everyday with a treat especially for Solomon...in his last hours...he would not eat and it took him everything to stand...but I knew that one last treat from the mailman would bring happiness to both Solomon and the mailman...just like clockwork the mailman came and Solomons eyes brightened for a moment...wagged his tail and mustered enough strength to greet the mailman and get his treat........which he ate....it made me laugh and cry at the same time...he wouldn't eat pot roast 5 minutes before but the mailman's dog biscuit there was no way to stop him he loved it...Even though I picked out this beautiful little puppy and brought him home and he stayed with me in South Dakota the first couple of months there was never a question on whose dog he really was...he picked Collin...he loved Collin...they shared a special bond...he always got more treats...more hugs...and more love from Collin...he anxiously waited for Collin to come home after a 24 hour shift...he watched at the gate...you would think he hadn't seen him in a month...every shift...the same routine...his dad was home...extra love...treats...and boys walks to the park...he was happiest when he was perched between Collins legs on the couch getting all the attention and love...during his last hour...Collin was able to make it home...to hold him...comfort him...and let him know how much he was loved...and how blessed we were to have him as a part of our life...he quietly told him he was going to a better place...where he could run without losing his breath...no leashes...and lots of dogs to sniff and play with...and with that we both said goodbye to our dear friend our beloved dog Solomon...it was time to let go...to let our Solomon be in peace...so on March 3rd about 8 pm we said our last goodbyes... Solomon we miss you and thank you for all the smiles and great memories we have of you...your family

Despair

Today has been a tough day...most likely only to get tougher...our beautiful Solomon is not doing well...we knew this day would come...we have even joked about it in a sick way...but to see such a beautiful young happy dog barely walk...not eat...and not drink...there is a fear in his eyes I have never seen before...he was doing great yesterday...he woke us up to go out about 4 am which is a little earlier but not surprising...Collin went out to get him this morning and he was laying in the backyard...he seemed to have aged overnight from a 1 year old barking tail wagging young dog to a old old dog living his last days...he might have had a mild stroke...he is very weak and is having a hard time walking...though his breathing is good...he has comeback before but I don't think this time...this is truly the worst...they always so that you know when its time to let them go...its true...2 weeks ago it wasn't the time but I think now it is...we had hoped to give him lots of treats and take him on a beautiful walk before we said good bye to our dear friend and loving family member but he really can't walk and has no interest in food...I took off the rest of the afternoon to be by his side and Collin is trying to get the afternoon off though it most likely it won't be possible...we have called our wonderful cardiac specialist at CSU...they put him on a new medicine 2 weeks ago with the concern that is would either help him greatly or make him alot worse...we are taking him off this medicine and hoping that maybe he starts to feel better...so waiting on a call back from CSU with the reality is that there probably is not much that can be done for him...will keep you all posted...keep our special boy in your prayers...only feeling despair

Sunday a day for rest

Sunday a day for rest... Today is snowed in Cheyenne...which was a good thing...you don't feel so guilty being lazy and laying around the house all day when the weather is bad outside...Collin had a long night at work last night with lots of calls all night long...so he had good reason to want to try to catch up on his sleep...I usually manage well when I am alone and he is at work...but last night was different...we had our usual 9:00pm good night phone call...when it got interrupted by a fire call...which is fine...he quickly says that's me and he is gone...I usually do fine...go to bed...say a prayer...and off to sleep...but within minutes of him hanging up...I hear the fire truck go roaring by...with not the usual siren...but the kind of siren that tells you that you better get out of the way because this is a real emergency...I know Collin is driving that fire truck and it just kind of made my heart race and makes you realize that his job can get real serious and scary really quick...it is a good reality to have sometimes ...to really appreciate every moment you have with each other...easy to say but tough to do...but when Collin came home Sunday morning he came home to 3 dogs waiting at the door and a anxious wife to see him...hot cinnamon rolls from the oven and I cooked him his favorite meal for dinner...its been a good day...full tummy's lazy naps on the couch and the whole family safe at home....

Life has gone to the dogs....

The real truth is life has always been about the dogs...I am told that this is going to change drastically...that well... the dogs will become dogs...and our life will be centered around Dylan...
Because EVERYONE says this...I must surrender that it is probably true...Ardie has always been a dogs dog...loves the outside...rolls in the dirt...and a occasional pat on the head and a hug and he is a happy dog...Solomon is a little more demanding but for the most part pretty easy...once again loves the outside and is a dogs dog...the other truth about Solomon is most likely he won't live long enough to meet Dylan ...then there is Winston ...my perfect little Winston...my life would be lost without my Winston...the real truth is Winston is far from perfect in fact he probably is the most difficult and demanding dog we have...he is moms dog and has no desire to be a dogs dog...he can do no wrong...he is perfection... Winston will be wonderful with Dylan...he loves children...for the most part I think the transition will be fine...he sleeps at least 20 hours a day...he has no desire to go on walks or play outside...he is truly content laying next to you on the couch...the only dilemma is that Winston pretty much goes everywhere with us...to work...to lowes...to the grocery store...to Denver yesterday...once again this should be fine we have a station wagon and plenty of room for both Dylan and Winston...so my concern...is that we have a beautiful park about 4 blocks away that we walk the dogs to the park and around the lake...Winston manages fine in the Winter...but in the Summer it is to hot for him to walk...so he rides in his stroller or his wagon and all works out great...so the dilemma has been that I will want to of course take Dylan to the park... but how will Winston be able to participate in the fun... it might get a little old pulling Winston in his wagon and Dylan would have to ride on my chest on a body carrier...I thought maybe get a stroller for Dylan and have some type of little box attached to it so that Winston could come along...but the reality is that Winston is 50 pounds and trying to modify a jogging stroller built for one baby would not be feasible...then it came to me last night...I have solved our dilemma...I am going to by a inexpensive jogger for 2 babies :)...I found one that will hold up to a 100 pounds...so Winston on one side...Dylan on the other...I am so relieved as will Winston be...I truly am determined to keep Winston as moms fur baby...Collin was concerned about how the jogger might ride if just Dylan was in it...so that's a nice way of him saying he really isn't crazy about the whole double jogger idea...but because he is such a wonderful man and he knows it will make me happy he will let me buy the stroller...because I am such a kind and caring wife I will by a very nice jogger stroller just for him and Dylan since he will use it to actually train...with that I better get to work and sell another house...come on Winston off to the office we go.....