They love you unconditionally.
They keep your secrets.
They clean the food off your floors.
They smile with their hearts.
They forgive you your faults.
They are loyal.
They are faithful.
They warn you of danger.
They protect you at no cost.
They ask for little in return.... food, water & love. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
Seven months after we got married, we started our family & opened our hearts to a dog. She's logged hundreds of thousands of miles in our backseat. Lived with us in five different states. Chased more animals than we could ever count. And we've chased after her more times than we care to count. She was the only one to greet us when we brought both of our babies home from the hospital. The only dog we've shared as a family.
They teach you about love.
They teach you about letting go.
Today we had to put our beloved dog, our loyal friend to sleep. It was the hardest decision we've ever had to make. After all she's done for us, this we did for her. Huddled together on the floor, we held her as she finally found peace and took in her last breath. We shed many tears, more than we can count.
What they say must be true, all dogs really do go to Heaven. I know this because she's already sent us signs. We see them Lizzie. And we see life in a unique way because of you. If you know Lizzie, you know the tales.
So enjoy chasing squirrels, rabbits & cats. Enjoy your naps in the sun. And know that we'll go on enjoying our lives, too. Until we meet up with you in Heaven, it's like we tell the girls.... you're always in our hearts.
RIP Lizzie Girl.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. I can't help it. Whenever I see U.S. Representative Allen West I can't see him as a congressman or a leutenant colonal, I see a character on the Peanuts. Speaking of which, it's that time of year again.... The Charlie Brown Specials!
2. Family Handyman Dot Com.... You had me at the adorable Dollar-Savvy Shed.
3. Obama's America 2016.... How do all American's not know about this film? Without a doubt the most important movie you'll ever see at the theater. An eye-opener to say the least.
4. Could life be any better? Okay, yes. But at the end of the day, I've got it all. I'll keep my apple cart just the way it is.
5. Tonight on the menu: french toast with Panera bread, bacon & orange juice. According to Lauren, "It was the best breakfast supper EVER!"
6. In clumps. That's how Abby's hair has been coming out of her head. She will have no hair left in her head by Christmas if she keeps this up. Sigh. Her eczema has stepped it up all of the sudden. I'm nervous. I think it's time to seek a second opinion.
7. One of the best wines I've tasted came from Wide River Winery.... Can't wait to get back to Iowa for Girls' Weekend with the family and get my hands on a few more bottles of that tasty drink.
8. The very best chocolate cake I've ever laid my lips on. Yeah, I made it last week. The Most Amazing Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Ever. There it is. Be warned. Once you've make it for people, it won't be the last.
9. To my sister-in-law.... Tonight I sat down at the computer with a glass of wine. Now I'm on my second. That much wine tastes much better on the deck in Wenatchee. Ahhhh, the days.
10. I like it much better when people walk into my life than out of it. Lots of footsteps walked back in my door today. {smile}
2. Family Handyman Dot Com.... You had me at the adorable Dollar-Savvy Shed.
3. Obama's America 2016.... How do all American's not know about this film? Without a doubt the most important movie you'll ever see at the theater. An eye-opener to say the least.
4. Could life be any better? Okay, yes. But at the end of the day, I've got it all. I'll keep my apple cart just the way it is.
5. Tonight on the menu: french toast with Panera bread, bacon & orange juice. According to Lauren, "It was the best breakfast supper EVER!"
6. In clumps. That's how Abby's hair has been coming out of her head. She will have no hair left in her head by Christmas if she keeps this up. Sigh. Her eczema has stepped it up all of the sudden. I'm nervous. I think it's time to seek a second opinion.
7. One of the best wines I've tasted came from Wide River Winery.... Can't wait to get back to Iowa for Girls' Weekend with the family and get my hands on a few more bottles of that tasty drink.
8. The very best chocolate cake I've ever laid my lips on. Yeah, I made it last week. The Most Amazing Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Ever. There it is. Be warned. Once you've make it for people, it won't be the last.
9. To my sister-in-law.... Tonight I sat down at the computer with a glass of wine. Now I'm on my second. That much wine tastes much better on the deck in Wenatchee. Ahhhh, the days.
10. I like it much better when people walk into my life than out of it. Lots of footsteps walked back in my door today. {smile}
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Ten on Tuesday
1. It absolutely drives me crazy when toothpaste gets on the cap. I hate to be so fanatical about something so absolutely insignificant, but I truly despise it.
2. I'm fond of the girls learning from others. Sometimes I believe the impact others make with a single action is ten times as powerful as any single action I can make. On the other hand, it's hard to see them learning the What-Not-to-Dos from people they look up to. They're too little to see the faults in their role models.
3. Good morning hugs & kisses from my girls NEVER get old.
4. Reevaluating.... it's not as fun as it sounds.
5. After a weekend with good friends in Michigan Geoff has fallen in love with releasing lanterns. I've become fond of Moonshine. I think we're evolving backwards.
6. My new favorite author just might be John Green. I was a big fan of The Fault in Our Stars. The story, the writing, the way it touches the reader. Fantastic!
7. If I wanted to wake up to 180% humidity (okay, I'm exaggerating a little) in September I would still be living in Florida. This weather is zapping every ounce of energy I have. Yuck!
8. Thank you to the girls' teachers. I was beginning to lose faith in teachers' diligence on correcting children's homework. Thank you for proving me right that doing your school work right does matter.
9. Tired. Hot. And sooooo tired. Please cool off soon. I'm too young to feel this damn old.
10. One of my favorite things: Lauren creeping into the kitchen in the morning while I'm making lunches and just wanting to hang out. Love that kid!
2. I'm fond of the girls learning from others. Sometimes I believe the impact others make with a single action is ten times as powerful as any single action I can make. On the other hand, it's hard to see them learning the What-Not-to-Dos from people they look up to. They're too little to see the faults in their role models.
3. Good morning hugs & kisses from my girls NEVER get old.
4. Reevaluating.... it's not as fun as it sounds.
5. After a weekend with good friends in Michigan Geoff has fallen in love with releasing lanterns. I've become fond of Moonshine. I think we're evolving backwards.
6. My new favorite author just might be John Green. I was a big fan of The Fault in Our Stars. The story, the writing, the way it touches the reader. Fantastic!
7. If I wanted to wake up to 180% humidity (okay, I'm exaggerating a little) in September I would still be living in Florida. This weather is zapping every ounce of energy I have. Yuck!
8. Thank you to the girls' teachers. I was beginning to lose faith in teachers' diligence on correcting children's homework. Thank you for proving me right that doing your school work right does matter.
9. Tired. Hot. And sooooo tired. Please cool off soon. I'm too young to feel this damn old.
10. One of my favorite things: Lauren creeping into the kitchen in the morning while I'm making lunches and just wanting to hang out. Love that kid!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Growing Up Abby
On Monday night, the girls and I ventured to school for Open House, where the girls were on a mission to finally meet their new teachers. Abby was basking in the glory of being the big sister, when finally, for their first time in their educational career, they would be at the same school.
It was great to have Abby has our personal guide. In and out of halls, she led us to our destinations effortlessly. It was a stress-free meeting of both the girls' teachers, and both Abby & Lauren left their new meetings even more excited to begin the new school year.
But there was one more stop to make before we left for the evening.... greeting Abby's first grade teacher for the first time as a second grader. Mrs. Barr was just as happy to see Abby as Abby was to see her. She treated Lauren to a welcoming smile, then we exchanged that look that parents & teachers give one another when they are saddened not to have your child their room, and likewise. Last but not least, Mrs. Barr noticed how much Abby had grown up. The earrings, bracelets, necklace & headband. She was accessorizing to the max. Second grade style.
Mrs. Barr was right. Abby is increasingly self-aware of how she looks. What she will wear for her second grade pictures is always on her mind, not to mention her adamantity (is that even a word?!) for having a gray, not blue background for her school pic. Then there is the conversation of having her own bedroom. And the one about not using her pink booster seat in the car. Sometimes I can't keep up.
Today, on her first day of second grade, she went to school with a smile and an argument with her sister already under her belt. And that is just how she came home.... with a smile, and another argument that sent her to her room. And like magic, the storm of anger & tears was amplified to what I can only describe as a second grade scene. It isn't easy, but I know this is normal, even healthy. But it's hard. For all of us.
And then there was tonight. Traditional story time means each of us choosing two stories, and once we're all in our jammies and ready for bed, we gather on my bed with our collection of literature as I take turns reading our selections. But in the presence of a second grader our night time routine is changing. Abby now intentionally chooses books she can read. And not just read, but read with ease and inflection. My heart swells with pride.
I know it isn't easy growing up for our Abby. It isn't easy being around growing up Abby. But it is a beautiful view watching Abby grow up. I love that I can still see the face of that newborn in in her. I love just as much that she loves the little lady she is growing into.
I still love her more.
It was great to have Abby has our personal guide. In and out of halls, she led us to our destinations effortlessly. It was a stress-free meeting of both the girls' teachers, and both Abby & Lauren left their new meetings even more excited to begin the new school year.
But there was one more stop to make before we left for the evening.... greeting Abby's first grade teacher for the first time as a second grader. Mrs. Barr was just as happy to see Abby as Abby was to see her. She treated Lauren to a welcoming smile, then we exchanged that look that parents & teachers give one another when they are saddened not to have your child their room, and likewise. Last but not least, Mrs. Barr noticed how much Abby had grown up. The earrings, bracelets, necklace & headband. She was accessorizing to the max. Second grade style.
Mrs. Barr was right. Abby is increasingly self-aware of how she looks. What she will wear for her second grade pictures is always on her mind, not to mention her adamantity (is that even a word?!) for having a gray, not blue background for her school pic. Then there is the conversation of having her own bedroom. And the one about not using her pink booster seat in the car. Sometimes I can't keep up.
Today, on her first day of second grade, she went to school with a smile and an argument with her sister already under her belt. And that is just how she came home.... with a smile, and another argument that sent her to her room. And like magic, the storm of anger & tears was amplified to what I can only describe as a second grade scene. It isn't easy, but I know this is normal, even healthy. But it's hard. For all of us.
And then there was tonight. Traditional story time means each of us choosing two stories, and once we're all in our jammies and ready for bed, we gather on my bed with our collection of literature as I take turns reading our selections. But in the presence of a second grader our night time routine is changing. Abby now intentionally chooses books she can read. And not just read, but read with ease and inflection. My heart swells with pride.
I know it isn't easy growing up for our Abby. It isn't easy being around growing up Abby. But it is a beautiful view watching Abby grow up. I love that I can still see the face of that newborn in in her. I love just as much that she loves the little lady she is growing into.
I still love her more.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Ten on Tuesdayish
1. First day back to work is in the books. Sort of. Yesterday was our meeting of the minds to gear up for the upcoming school year, then our open house last night. It was refreshing to meet new faces and a delight to see students & parents from years past. I'm reminded again how grateful I am to work with such an incredible staff and looking forward to this upcoming year. What a blessing to love my job sooooo much!
2. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to ground you. In our case, shape up these little rugrats of ours. Too much TV, too much leniency equals too much of two monsters. Today we're turning over a new leaf. I pray they get the message.
3. I miss Bunco. Once a month, great food, great friends, maybe some drinks & interesting conversation always prove to be an event worth looking forward to. Too bad it's so hard to find enough people to get on board & commit. :(
4. I'm so pleased with the amount of back-logged organizing I've been able to get done. I've still got a considerable amount to tackle, but I'm on a roll. Look out house!
5. While it's nice to have the down time around our house to get stuff done, I am beyond happy that we go home for the summer. Not only do the girls have a chance to listen to people speak proper English for two plus months, but it gives us something to do. We'd be bored out of our minds here no doubt.
6. Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike when people put a 'Ms.' in front of my first name? Two months of being called Brooke or Mrs. Zahn.... Ahhhhh. It makes me hate it more everytime I come back to it. Grrrrrrrr.
7. I'm not entirely hating on Ohio, but for sure there are things that get under my skin and the fouled up linguistics is top on the list. I am, however, looking forward to my very favorite thing about Ohio: Autumn. Bright, bold colors canvassing the landscape; crisp morning air. Heaven. Well, next to being Up North it's heaven.
8. While everyone at home is posting about all of their great eats at Minnesota's largest county fair, I'm stuck with savoring them by memory. I've been reminding myself that my daily workouts will benefit more from mental endulgance. So eat up friends. And thanks for thinking of me as you eat your way through the event of the summer. Okay, let's be honest, I'd still rather be there eating with them!
9. Oh my brother-in-law.... Bacon jam. What they don't think of. And if I knew how to can, I'd probably have to try it by virtue of curiosity. How I wish I lived closer to my brother-from-another-mother. Truly one of my favorite people. I miss ya, Kevin.
10. A week from today the girls head back to school. Eeeeeek! One week and we're back into the bump and grind. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. I've rather enjoyed sleeping in in the mornings. Sigh.
2. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to ground you. In our case, shape up these little rugrats of ours. Too much TV, too much leniency equals too much of two monsters. Today we're turning over a new leaf. I pray they get the message.
3. I miss Bunco. Once a month, great food, great friends, maybe some drinks & interesting conversation always prove to be an event worth looking forward to. Too bad it's so hard to find enough people to get on board & commit. :(
4. I'm so pleased with the amount of back-logged organizing I've been able to get done. I've still got a considerable amount to tackle, but I'm on a roll. Look out house!
5. While it's nice to have the down time around our house to get stuff done, I am beyond happy that we go home for the summer. Not only do the girls have a chance to listen to people speak proper English for two plus months, but it gives us something to do. We'd be bored out of our minds here no doubt.
6. Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike when people put a 'Ms.' in front of my first name? Two months of being called Brooke or Mrs. Zahn.... Ahhhhh. It makes me hate it more everytime I come back to it. Grrrrrrrr.
7. I'm not entirely hating on Ohio, but for sure there are things that get under my skin and the fouled up linguistics is top on the list. I am, however, looking forward to my very favorite thing about Ohio: Autumn. Bright, bold colors canvassing the landscape; crisp morning air. Heaven. Well, next to being Up North it's heaven.
8. While everyone at home is posting about all of their great eats at Minnesota's largest county fair, I'm stuck with savoring them by memory. I've been reminding myself that my daily workouts will benefit more from mental endulgance. So eat up friends. And thanks for thinking of me as you eat your way through the event of the summer. Okay, let's be honest, I'd still rather be there eating with them!
9. Oh my brother-in-law.... Bacon jam. What they don't think of. And if I knew how to can, I'd probably have to try it by virtue of curiosity. How I wish I lived closer to my brother-from-another-mother. Truly one of my favorite people. I miss ya, Kevin.
10. A week from today the girls head back to school. Eeeeeek! One week and we're back into the bump and grind. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. I've rather enjoyed sleeping in in the mornings. Sigh.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Love Letters
On June 9th, just after the girls & I got to Minnesota to kick off our summer adventures, I found letters the girls penned to their babies scattered upstairs next to their resting beloveds. Their thoughtful and loving words were so enduring that I secretly hijacked the notes. With all the sassy language that boldly comes spewing out of their mouths, it's nice to know their hearts are filled with so much love....
by Abby
from Lizzie
I Love you very
much and I Love
you more than everysing
Love mom
by Lauren
rockit big
I Love you very much
You are the best I Love
You to the moon and
back You are a very
good boy Love to
You and me gave
me a kiss and
a hug Love mom
rockit medam
I Love you Like I
do right now I will
Love you the Rest of
my Life all the time
I Love You to the moon
Love mom
rockit Little
You are the Littleist
boy and are family
all the time and
You are a kind
boy and nice boy
Love mom
by Abby
from Lizzie
I Love you very
much and I Love
you more than everysing
Love mom
by Lauren
rockit big
I Love you very much
You are the best I Love
You to the moon and
back You are a very
good boy Love to
You and me gave
me a kiss and
a hug Love mom
rockit medam
I Love you Like I
do right now I will
Love you the Rest of
my Life all the time
I Love You to the moon
Love mom
rockit Little
You are the Littleist
boy and are family
all the time and
You are a kind
boy and nice boy
Love mom
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Thank You Thursday
1. Thank you, Mother Nature, for the rockin' thunderstorm & cooler temps. May this be the end all to the disturbing heat of summer.
2. Thank goodness for Book Club. I had no desire to leave my house last night. I hadn't even read the book for the month. But getting out and chatting with friends was exactly what I needed.
3. I'm thankful for this time off work. I don't seem to be moving too fast these days, and I haven't been able to pinpoint why. But it's good for me to take it easy and work my way slowly back into the hustle & bustle of our daily grind.
4. I'm thankful for the girls' innocence. They never cease to make me smile with their young worldly perceptions.
5. I'm also thankful for their curiosity. Seeing their tonsils was a must. I'm sure they were disappointed when all they got was a photocopy, but I'm glad they are filled with wonderment. I pray it serves them well someday.
2. Thank goodness for Book Club. I had no desire to leave my house last night. I hadn't even read the book for the month. But getting out and chatting with friends was exactly what I needed.
3. I'm thankful for this time off work. I don't seem to be moving too fast these days, and I haven't been able to pinpoint why. But it's good for me to take it easy and work my way slowly back into the hustle & bustle of our daily grind.
4. I'm thankful for the girls' innocence. They never cease to make me smile with their young worldly perceptions.
5. I'm also thankful for their curiosity. Seeing their tonsils was a must. I'm sure they were disappointed when all they got was a photocopy, but I'm glad they are filled with wonderment. I pray it serves them well someday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
{About Me}
- brookie
- Fairborn, Ohio, United States
- I'm a teacher by trade, writer at heart & mom in every sense of my being. I never considered writing as a profession, but after I got married and began moving around the country, I began sharing my adventures, misadventures & updates through a sort of e-mail newsletter. I found a true passion in unconventional story-telling that has followed me into motherhood.