Hospital

There is one positive thing about going to the hospital...

As Neal said, at least no one has drawn a moustache on them!

Tippy

Today we had to put Tippy down. It is a horrible thing to have to do. He had cancer and it just seemed to take over his body in the last month. Tippy was with us for a full 9 years. Anyone that has been at our house or even talked to me on the phone has had an encounter with Tippy. When we first saw him at the pound he was quiet and very calm. That was the last day he was like that because as soon as we brought him home he went non-stop 24/7 and had to be in everyone's business all of the time. Tippy's favorite things to do were bark, hump Luke, make crotchless panties, claw humans so he could get pet, eat poop, go for a walk or car ride, eat the babies scraps, climb on the table, catch animals in our back yard and more recently eat his paws or honey baked ham. We will always have our memories with Tippy including the time he ate 2 of my good suits, the time he ate a half a bottle of Tums, and the time he ate a half a bag of mini snickers including wrappers and survived. At our old house our neighbor told us he had found a way out of our fenced in yard and would frequently venture out, but would always come home. We are going to miss him in our home.

Thanksgiving

I came downstairs the other day thinking how lucky I am to have our home. I complain rather frequently about the things I wish I had done during the remodel, but I try to remind myself how lucky I am. Our home is big enough for all of us and has everything we need. I do not take enough time to appreciate everything I have. The older I get time seems to go by faster. I swear the twins turned one just yesterday and now here it is Thanksgiving. So I figured I should jot some of these things down to remind myself how truly lucky I am.



1) Our jobs. Not only do they provide us with sufficient income for our lives and enough excess to save, but they give us health insurance which many people do not have. I would be lost without it.



2) My dad. He taught me how to manage my money and make smart decisions. He pushed me in school so that I could do whatever I wanted. He gave me my confidence. He is a wonderful Grandfather to Grady and Gwen.



3) My mother. She is the most caring woman I know. She is there for me no matter what. I will never forget her laying in bed with me at 22 the night before my wedding. My mom has always been there for me. She is the most amazing Grandma and I am so happy she is sharing such a big part of all of our lives.



4) My sister. She is always there for me no matter what. She knows when I just need someone to listen or someone to get me a six pack. Grady and Gwen love Aunt Stacy.



5) My family and friend. We truly have great people surrounding us. Yes we have our quirks, but who doesn't!



6) Ryan and Leslie. We would not be the family we are without them. Kidney or no kidney I am so lucky to have them as my friends. It is not easy to find another couple that you have so much in common with.



7) My health. I do take it for granted sometimes, but I am very lucky to be able to do all of the things we do. I am exhausted by the end of the day, but it was a great day.



8) Our fireman and neighbors. Need I say more.



9) Tippy and Luke. Yes they drive most people nuts, but I love them.



10) Grady's energy. That kid just keeps going and going. He is so content looking at books or doing a puzzle. He can entertain himself for hours. Grady loves to laugh and smile. I can already tell he will be a big flirt! Grady is always thinking whether it is a puzzle or how to steal his sisters cracker that she has not yet touched.

11) Gwen's personality. Boy does she have a big personality. She loves attention, loves to dance and will most likely be a girly girl. She is a sponge with her speech and repeats so many things that I say. Gwen will always be my little girl grabbing my leg or pulling on my shirt.

This is the short list. I could go on and on.....