Peanut

As I've said before,I started this blog simply as a fun way to keep a journal for my little boy.  So far, it's pretty much been just that.  But today I need to divert from my usual topic, and spend some time on my little girl.  My dog Peanut, died this past weekend on Saturday morning. For those of you who have never had a pet, I'm sorry for this post, because it may seem a bit silly. But the truth is, I'm heartbroken. Peanut has been my little girl since I was a little girl myself. 7 years old to be exact.  She came to our family when we lived in Moreno Valley, California, on Christmas Day.  She was a stray who needed a home, just until the pound opened back up after the holiday weekend.  But we quickly fell in love with her sweet little spirit.  I named her Peanut, because thats exactly what she looked like--small, brown, and a little lumpy. (I was seven, what else would you expect?).  She was my dear friend, and a beloved member of the Schindler family for 15 years.  She lived a long happy life, and for that reason, I'm able to feel some peace and acceptance over her passing.  When I visited Virginia in August, I could see how miserable and old she was getting, and began to wrap my head around the reality that she was probably leaving us very soon.  I'm happy that she isn't suffering anymore, I just miss her, you know?  When I go back home to visit, it just won't be the same without her cute little toenails tapping on the linoleum.  Who will chase the fedex trucks down the street, and secretly eat food under the coffee table?  She was such an odd little dog.  I love her so much!  well anyway, thanks for reading, i just felt like Peanut deserved a little bit of blogspace. 

Carpe Diem! (I've always wanted to say that.)

Another 2 weeks have flown by, and I continue to be amazed at how quickly everything changes.  My short sleeve weather has blown away, and do you know, they say it's supposed to snow tomorrow!? Don't get me wrong--I love this time of year.  I love the beautiful colors and the excitement of all the upcoming holidays.  But this year I am full of mixed emotions.  Because, as quickly as the wind turned chilly, I am once again being slapped in the face with the reality that my baby boy is growing up! You'll have to pardon my somewhat melancholy mood--I'm not even sure how to explain it.  As excited as I am about all the new experiences to come, and as much as I am eagerly anticipating each of Jake's milestones, I'm also wanting things to just slow the heck down!!! Ok, to be fair, it's not really the weather that made me feel ALL those things.  The real cause made itself known about a week ago--Sunday night to be exact.  After 2 months of drooling, and 3 days and nights of extreme suffering, Jake's bottom 2 teeth popped through!!! Although this has brought Jake much relief, I found myself unexpectedly distraught.  The 2 weeks post pregnancy were very hormonal ones, but since then, I would like to think I have kept my emotions in check--until now.  I will probably call myself an idiot for this a few months from now, but I've been feeling so weird about these 2 stupid teeth!!! I just feel like once his smile changes, Jake won't be my little baby anymore.  He will look so different, and I don't know if I'm ready for him to change just yet! I guess what I'm trying to say is, I know that this is the whole point of raising babies--you have to actually raise them.  but I never realized how much each milestone would tug at my heartstrings.  Those of you who are Latter Day Saints know that last weekend was General Conference.  During one of his talks, President Monson spoke about how we need to embrace each day, not just living for tomorrow...That we should enjoy life and spend time with our families, and essentially make each day memorable.  This is not at all verbatim, but I loved the point he was making.  It made me realize all over again how precious every single day is.  Yes, I am very excited about all the things to come for my family, but I want to live each day on purpose, and savor all the happy memories.  I know I probably sound so cliche, but that's just how I feel.  I have been procrastinating doing family pictures for a long time, and this past week inspired me to seize the day.  Thanks to the incredible talent of my kid sister, and the cooperation of my boys, we pulled it off.  Here are just a few.  I'm saving the best one for my Christmas card, but I also loved these and thought they were worth sharing.