Belle

This post is dedicated to my in-law's dog, Belle. Dear, sweet Belle, a small yellow lab, came into our lives as a dog to one of our cousin's. She had been abused by her former owner and needed a good home and our cousins Robin, Bruce, Kimmy and Lindsay were the perfect fit. Belle was getting use to her new life when it was discovered that Lindsay was allergic to dogs. Universes crossed... My in-law's had always a dog gracing their home. The last dog they had was short-lived-it was a puppy that had come into their lives at the wrong time. My mother-in-law was in California dealing with a very sick new grandchild, my father-in-law was gone long hours working in the liquor business and Jay was trying to juggle school, work and me and wasn't home much either. This was not exactly a good time to introduce a puppy into the mix. This little guys was returned to the shelter and was actually adopted out shortly there after. Soon things settled down and the Weiss' were ready for a dog.

After discovering Lindsay's allergies our cousins knew that Belle had to leave their home. As she left this home, she was welcomed into another one, my in-laws. Intially, she came with the thought of her going to live with my sister-in-law and her family once they got a house. But that never happened. She stayed at the Weiss' home and we all grew to love her, even her best friend Maxi.

Today, sweet Belle was put to rest. She had been battling mouth cancer for two years. At one point the vet actually wanted to cut part of her jaw out, but the answer was no. She actually seemed to have gone into remission for a bit. I was the one who noticed a change in her gums about a month ago. Before even seeing the doctor we all knew that the cancer was back and that it would be only a matter of time...

So... Bellesy-sweet dreams and forever afters. Say "hi" to Maxi for us and tell her we haven't forgotten her. You two have fun together and keep each other company...

Going to the dogs...

It has been all about dogs this week.  Mickey and Coco experienced their first away from home petsitting while we were in Virginia.  It seemed to have gone okay-however-we don't think Mickey pooped once in the 3 full days he was there!  Outside of our family dogs, so much has happened in doggyville-

-My girlfriend's chocolate lab is not doing so well.  He was adopted about the same time that we adopted Maxi so he is a definite geriatric.  According to my friend, Rueger's zest for life has diminished and he can't seem to get comfortable.  I have definitely walked this path with my Maxi before-it is a long and sad one!

-On the way to work yesterday, a police officer was guiding traffic around an obstruction, this obstruction was in the middle of the road covered with an orange blanket. Little furry black ears were sticking out.  Tear for this dog who lost his life!

-Belle-who is my in-law's dog took a turn for the worse.  She has mouth cancer and it really hasn't progressed much-but recently I noticed that her tongue appeared to be sticking out of her mouth constantly.  The vet examined her and said the cancer was back and blah blah blah let's do surgery.  My in-law's decided to not take any drastic measures-the dog is over 15.  This week she has developed some bleeding from her mouth-another tear.

So all you dog lovers out there-hug and kiss your sweeties!  That is exactly what I have been doing...

PS-Do you like my picture?  The artist is a good friend of ours and it was created for me as a Mother's day/birthday present.

Everything happens for a reason...

That is what I keep telling myself. Yesterday DPS made the news again and a total of 29 schools are now being closed including my sister's. So many displaced students, teachers and other auxilary staff. Wow!!! This has been on my mind all night and now all day. I worry for my sister who is once again sailing into uncharted waters. I worry for my school-EFO-emergency financial manager says he is not done-as many 40 more schools may close.

It is because of this that my move to PreSchool is likely not to happen. The Preshool teachers are going through some intensive training for the next several weeks. Since I am presently in Kindergarten I will not be able to get this training-it is state mandated, and without it, I can't move down to Preschool.

But... everything happens for a reason. I am okay with it and at peace with it. So, pray for me that the little ones coming up next year are sweet, ready to learn, and are mindful. At least I am still at the Mann-the school that I have grown to love and I have a job!

Tidbits...

Meap results from last fall's test are in.... Ben is thinking very much like a 4th grader-Good job Meadowbrook teachers!  But 4th grade teachers-can you slow down on some of the homework that is being sent out.  We have spent 2-3 hours each night on it-way too much for an elementary students...

With the media's blowup of the swine flu, of course it has trickled down to children.  Ben has become super paranoid about catching it and washes his hands much more often.  One of my Kindergartners referred to it as the "slime flu" .  I certainly got a chuckle...

How about those 80s last weekend?  It is a whisper to all of us that summer is coming-actually 7 weeks to be exact but who is counting anyway....

I am hating the new facebook more and more.  It changed again and I can no longer get updates on all my friends' statuses.  That was one of my favorite things to read-bummer, crummer, nuts...

Coco turned 3 this week.  She got some steak for dinner and will be going to the doggy store this week to pick out a special treat...

A big snapping turtle crawled onto our front lawn.  People were stopping and taking pictures of this curious, big and probably very old guy.  He was cool to observe but made me a bit nervous, what if he snapped off a finger or a toe?...

Ben and a buddy of his were having a discussion about music and they both secretly admitted that, although very uncool, they enjoyed music from artists such as the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana.  I had to suppress a giggle....