Christmas 2011

We spent Christmas morning at our son and daughter-in-laws home this year. Andrew and Ursula's house was decorated just perfectly amd we really enjoyed their hospitality. Pictured above is their tree.

They fixed us a yummy brunch and the table was just beautiful!

We had lots of fun opening our gifts to each other!

There was much laughter over some of members of the Elmer family's lack of gift wrapping skills! (Sorry Ethan!)

Kellie had so much fun sharing in the gift un-wrapping. She really loves to inspect all the gifts. She needed a little nap after all the festivities.

Woody, our grand-dog, had so much fun, he needed a nap too. His new bed was perfect for that! It was a wonderful, memorable Christmas this year. The only thing that would have made it better, was if little Cooper could have been there. We miss you Mr. Cooper. We hope there is Christmas in doggie heaven!

Dog Sitting

We are dog sitting our "grand-dog" for a few days. Woody has helped our scottie, Kellie to stop being so clingy since our little Cooper passed away. Woody has been a welcome distraction for her. Notice how "neglected" these two look! :)

Life Goes On

Cooper's grave is down near the woods in our backyard. I want to put a little plaque on his grave, but for now a twig cross will do. We put an antique squirrel yard ornament on his grave. He loved to sit outside on "squirrel watch" and chase after and bark at any squirrel that he saw.

Meanwhile, we are all adjusting to being a one dog family. Kellie our 10 year old scottie is having a really hard time adjusting. She is really clingy and won't let me out of her sight. She got a new toy and is having fun playing with it and I snapped this picture of her in her little bed resting after playing with it.
I know life goes on and we will all cope and adjust but I don't know if Christmas will be very merry for all of us in this household.

Passages and Pain

Today I am blogging with a broken and heavy heart. Today is the day my father passed away 3 years ago. I know time heals the pain and the tears lessen but I don't think the sadness ever ends. I have a new pain to add to this sad anniversery. We had to put our sweet little wheaten scottie down yesterday. He was so very sick and in so much pain, that we had to do what was best for him, not for us. I wish my dad was here to give me some words of wisdom like only he knew how to do so well. Daddy I hope Cooper is with you right now getting a belly rub. xxoo Jeanne

All I want for Christmas!

My sweet 7 year old wheaten scottie is seriously sick. We have been so worried about him for days. Our dogs are such an important part of our family, and its heartbreaking when they get sick. Cooper is in some sort of liver/gallbladder failure or crisis. Needless to say, much $$$$ has been spent trying to keep him alive. As of this minute, we have had a slight improvement in his bilirubin levels, but he is not out of the woods yet. Hopefully our little rascal will be able to get better by the holidays. That's all I want for Christmas!

I'm a BAD, BAD Blogger!

Its been a LONG time since I blogged, sorry to say. Not that I've been doing nothing but quite the opposite! BUSY: subbing, traveling,having the flu (thanks to subbing!), creating and basically attending to life! So in my first post in quite a long time I must share a you tube video that my sister shared with me. My family and I have had a blast watching and re-watching this clip! Enjoy!