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| Poor Zen the Puppy went up to puppy heaven on April 2, 2014. This was pretty unexpected. Anyone that knows our pups knows that they've both always been a sickly pair from the beginning - in fact, Zen has had colds and coughs periodically and Karma has been the itchy scratchy allergic bear. So knowing that, I shouldn't be too surprised, but you are never really prepared to lose a pup. Unfortunately my Dad was the one that dealt with the dramatic last moment. Zen had had another cough and like before, we thought she just needed some antibiotics to kick it and she would be fine. My Dad took her to the vet for us, and within 5 minutes of arrival, she died. She apparently had a severe pneumonia and her lungs were full of fluid. It pains me to think that we let her down not knowing how bad it was. We had been desensitized over the years with so many health problems I suppose. Jeff and I have had Karma and Zen ever since we came home from the Peace Corps. They were our first babies and have been great dogs. Zen was "Karma's dog," and a wild one - a bit unpredictable, refusal to be fully house-trained, and always looking for a way to squeeze into a love situation. She pranced around protective and watchful and in constant bliss, hence, "Zen." She has been with us from really the beginning of our marriage and been there through many events - it feels like closing a chapter that we aren't ready to close. Like all wild animals, you love and hate them and though the house feels a bit empty these days, the quiet is oddly welcome. I hated that cold puppy nose in my armpits each day, but I am missing those little kisses now. Rest in Peace, sweet girl. Zen the Puppy...Zen Zen the Pup-py. Z.E.N.T.H.E.P.U.P.P.Y. Zen the Puppy. Zen Zen the Pup-py. |
RIP Zen the Puppy
Inside Outings
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| I think we've made good use of our Discovery Place season pass while waiting for the weather to improve. We've actually been checking out the IMAX movies and so far (surprisingly) the kids have been into it (even Silas sat relatively well through them). We have seen Jerusalem and Hubble so far. Both amazing! Tyndell has been asking lots of great questions about both so the conversations at the Discovery Place have been very fun. She also likes the downstairs kids area a lot which I agree is super fun so thought I would share a few photos from one of our outings there. Love that we live in a City that has so much to offer the kiddos. And Silas' naptime didn't seem to be too affected either ha! Note: Anyone else think Tyndell's concentrated face while holding a shark is as hilarious as I do?! |
Southern Snow and 2013 Recovery
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| Clearly I've been in 2013 recovery so far this year with so much time lapse in posting. Honestly - I haven't been worried about it even though I do like to go back through our family pictures/posts even myself as a reminder. 2014 has been a great year so far but I think it finally dawned on me over the last couple of months how tired I was and how intense last year was. So having said that, we've been spending a lot more time just being, sitting, relaxing, reading, cooking, running. Normal stuff. I haven't been worried or trying to capture all the little moments. Just been living them. And it's been nice. We are really feeling settled in our house, enjoying the onset of springtime and gardening....and especially enjoying one of the main drivers of the home purchase last year: THAT PORCH! Love it. We are enjoying lots of porch time for sure. Anyway before I get too far ahead of the now, I did want to share a few cute pictures from back in February from when we were literally snowed into our house for a good 4 days. Snow in the South is hilarous and dangerous. It's just enough to make everyone freak out and feel trapped. So it's best to let it run its course. We had a couple of days of decent snow but each layer was intermittent with ice pellets so it didn't make for very fun play unfortunately. We did get outside at the end of the storm to enjoy some of it. Tyndell was so pleased with the snow (think Elsa in Heaven) and Silas was confused and not convinced it was a good thing (that's my boy!). |
A Five-Year-Old
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| The holidays took us by storm and while soaking it in, I don't think I really posted direct enough about the fact that Tyndell is now....FIVE! Wow. It has flown by. So here are a few extra Tyndell moments from her birthday in December and the surrounding weeks. She is really becoming such a little lady that we are so proud of and amazed by each day - in fact, I think something has really clicked the last couple of weeks indicating some additional materity. I can't describe it, but it's like she really "gets" things more and we don't have to speak as direct anymore. She understands jokes and comparisons and is helpful and becoming more thoughtful outside her world. So - here's to Tyndell - we love you sweet girl! And just so I have a snapshot of her at this milestone birthday, I thought I would add some quick factoids about her: 1. She is not a morning person and tries to find ways to stay up every.single.night 2. Tyndell has the most incredible imagination, always creating stories, describing scenarios of what will or should happen or reliving movies 3. She tells us she loves peppers and mushrooms but never eats them 4. She is diligent beyond all else, never giving up until she can find a way to get things the way she wants or has imagined - this is horribly annoying now but will serve her well one day 5. Tyndell negotiates....everything. We try not to negotiate with terrorists (I'm kidding of course) but she is very cunning 6. She is a thoughtful big sister, sharing toys and slowly trying to understand that whatever she does, Silas wants to do too 7. I think under all the spunk and personality, there is an introvert because I don't know anyone that loves to stay in pajamas on weekends (preferably, footie ones) and watch movies and snack all day as much as this one 8. She loves cats 9. Tyndell loves the color purple (but won't admit it being her favorite...she how she always keeps you guessing...cunning, I tell ya) 10. She has a sweet soul, praying for friends and family on her own, giving kisses and hugs, and telling you at random times she loves you the most. |
Ashlee and Marion's Charleston Wedding
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| The day after Christmas we packed up and headed out to the coast, first - to drop off Tyndell and Silas with Paul and Anthe near Holden Beach, NC and then down to Charleston come Friday morning to start the Ashlee and Marion Celebration. I have to first and formost thank PT and AT for helping with the kids and keeping them all weekend so that I could be there for Ashlee and attend all the bridesmaids events and relax a little bit - couldn't have done it without them (and I think they had a good time too) and my parents were able to attend as well! Once we arrived in Charleston, Jeff dropped me off downtown for the Bridesmaids' luncheon at Poogan's Porch, where it all began. Luckily, our good friend Cecily and Seth were in town so while the girls celebrated and got mushy, the boys were able to check out the nooks and crannies of the downtown bar scene. All the other in town bridesmaids - Heather, Alicia, Leanne, Elizabeth, Genevieve, and Anne - are a blast so that paired with seeing Ashlee and Marion's best girls in the family made for a wonderful kick-off. After salad, some teary words, and ahem...a few cocktails...it was time to get changed and get ready for the rehearsal. Ashlee and Marion chose Ashlee's church - Mount Pleasant Presby - for the ceremony and it was a gorgeous little church that was a lovely step back in time. After running through the line-up and trying to keep track of all the groomsmen and ushers involved (how many were there, Marion?! I lost count), we headed to Alhambra Hall on the water for cocktails and a lowcountry boil. It was a fun informal affair with some Sumter blues music in the background and the sunset over the water was awesome. Met a ton of nice folks from Ashlee and Marion's families and networks. Jeff and I probably headed in early but we knew the following day of the wedding would be busy. In the morning, it was nice to sleep in a bit, and then I headed to Kings Street to get a pedicure (which also turned into an unintended manicure as well....I was trapped under infrared lights!) and I was late getting to Ashlee's house for a bridesmaids beauty day. It turned out ok since an extra stylist showed up and we all proceed to be sprayed and glued with all kinds of things pretty to make sure our make-up and hair were worthly of Ashlee, who is absolutely flawless of course! Once we finally got ready and arrived at the church, some pictures were taken while the light was available, and before we knew it, it was 6:30pm and time to make things official! The sanctuary was magical during the ceremony with the Christmas decorations and the white and green flowers (sprinkled with cotton from Mama B's farm) everywhere setting the tone of a real worship service. I always like the watch the groom's face when the bride walks out, and Marion's face was no exception and I do believe I saw some tears - so sweet. The service was beautiful, and then we had more pictures with family before heading off to the Carolina Yacht Club for the reception. Unfortunately Jeff didn't feel so well and didn't stay, but it was fun being laid back (as opposed to dancing and tired which is what Jeff and I would normally have done) and catching up talking with folks. After Mr. and Mrs. Moses left in their fancy car after being sparkled by guests, Cecily and Seth gave me a ride back to the hotel where I was shocked that my feet were still alive in the glitter shoes Tyndell picked out for me. Oh I slept good that night! After sleeping in a bit and some breakfast, Jeff and I headed to Myrtle Beach to meet PT and AT with the kids and headed home. It was a good weekend of celebration. Congratulations Ashlee and Marion! Thanks for letting us be part of your beautiful day! We'll be praying for a joyeous marriage for you! xoxo |
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