Introducing Izzy!

We could not go very long without our precious Tiggy. We were constantly saddened by the quietness of the house as we got home and loneliness of her not being with us in every step we made. So, in an effort to bring a little life and joy back into our home we bought a new puppy!

This new mini pomeranian is named Izzy a Spanish name meaning God is my oath. She is the sweetest little bundle of joy. She looks a lot like Tiggy did as a pup and has a lot of the same mannerisms. We are enjoying getting to know little Izzy and look forward to the many good times we will all share.

Welcome to the family Izzy!
Love,
Mom, Dad and Buddy

Easter 2009

It was a pretty rough weekend with the loss of Tiggy Friday, but we still managed to dry up the tears for some fun with the family on Easter Sunday.

We colored eggs on Saturday night. Then, woke up and went to church Easter morning, which always has a wonderful way of making you feel better. =) We came home and made eachother Easter cards which was so much fun!

Later we headed over to the Mota's for some delicious food, a game of life size chess, a couple of other fun games, Easter baskets and of course confetti eggs! You would think we were still kids, but we all get so excited to get eachother with those silly eggs. We came home and Stephen and I had Easter egg hunts with eachother which was also so fun!

We missed seeing all of my family, but all in all we had a wonderful Easter!

We Miss You Tiggy!

Our loyal companion and best friend Tiggy passed away last Friday afternoon. Stephen got home and let her outside to go potty and play for a little bit like we usually do. She ran around for a few minutes and then started acting a little strange. She just went and sat under a tree. Stephen noticed that she was acting a little funny and called her. Buddy ran to him, but Stephen looked up from Buddy he noticed lil Tiggy laying on her side under that tree. Her little body was limp. Stephen carried her inside with her little heart barely beating and called me. I got to tell her I loved her and I thought she was the best puppy in the world. Shortly after, little Tiggy's heart just stopped. With that last beat, our hearts shattered!

Tiggy was such a special dog that brought so much love and joy to our life in everything we did. We have had such a void in our hearts without her. We never realized just how much time we spent with her until she was gone. She did everything with us and we miss her more than ever!

Tiggy not only brought love and joy to our life, but also to so many others that knew her. I truly felt like we had lost a family member as we had to call so many people to let them know. She had family from college when she was at OCU with me, family all around Texas, a great brother, a wonderful daddy and many many friends from all over. She will never be forgotten and will truly be missed!

Until we can meet at the Rainbow Bridge (see below), she will live in our hearts forever.

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Super Busy Lately

I have been such a slacker lately at updating the blog! Let's just say things have been super busy with us. Not so much fun and exciting stuff, but work has definitely been taking up some extra time lately. Stephen is still with North Dallas Bank and doing great! I am still with Publicis, but have made some changes internally. My account that I've been working on the last two years decided to take advertising in house (the economy is affecting everyone these days) and I have been moved on to the Glaxo Smith Kline account (GSK-pharmaceuticals). This is a great opportunity that I am excited to explore. Just say a little prayer that the transition is smooth. =) This transition and helping out on 3 new business pitches has kept me very busy, but definitely thankful that I have a job and for the paycheck!

We have managed to get in some good times in the past couple of weeks that I'll update you all on...

We have planned a big family trip to Italy! Stephen and I initially planned it and then thought everyone might want to join us in this once in a lifetime adventure, so we invited both of our families to join us. We are going to have a fabulous trip at the end of May with Steve's parents, my mom and her friend and Steph and Gene. It will be blast and we are really looking forward to a nice break, good eating and good times with the family!

We also celebrated Mom Mota's birthday March 25th. We all got together and celebrated with a delicious Italian dinner and cake and gifts back at Steph's house. Mom Mota got a lot of good stuff to prepare her for the big trip. =)

We also got a chance to meet up with some good friends last Friday night at a benefit for a guy with Ewing Sarcoma. One of my co-workers performed to raise money and we went to watch them. Good times for a good cause and great entertainment. =)

We are looking forward to a fun Easter weekend!

Spring Break= Extra time with Riley and Kaylin!

I love Spring Break! Not for the same reason as most, because Steve and I both still had to work over Spring Break. But, since Shelly and the kids were off we got to see them at dad's wk-end before last and again in Dallas! =) We had to do something special, so we all went to Disney on Ice! It was lot's of fun and I totally enjoyed watching and singing along, but the best part by far was watching Riley and Kaylin's little faces light up! So fun!

Weekend Visit to Dad's

We went and visited my dad last weekend in the big city of Crane Texas (population just over 3,000). It was nice to get out of Big D for a change of scenery. Shelly and the kiddos met us over there for what turned out to be a pretty weekend.

Friday night we went to Shogun's for an always fun dinner prepared on our table. The fire is always the best part. ;) We had a great dinner and good conversation!

Saturday, Shelly and the kids got there. As always uncle Steve and aunt Lana had fun little gifts for the kids. This time we gave Riley his first cap gun (which we had to go buy more caps for b/c he ran out rather quickly). He was very impressed with the loud bang! We got Kaylin a little dress up kit that had jewelry, sunglasses and candy lipstick. She thought she was just about it and loved putting on that lipstick. It was adorable.

We also got them both Fun Dips which they had to eat outside (you're welcome Shelly for loading them up on sugar) hehe. That's what we're there for. Then, the kids showed us how they ride their imaginary horses around the yard which was adorable.

Riley has started his first year in soccer and showed us some of his cool moves. He's a little stud and that talent comes naturally (I'm not partial at all) ;).
After lot's of fun games and conversation it was time to head home. All in all, it was a good weekend!

Fun Weekend with Friends

Stephen and I had a great weekend! The weather was beautiful so we got Spring fever and worked in the yard both Saturday and Sunday. It was soooo nice! Saturday night we went out with Candace, Greg, Amanda and Ryun for a delicious dinner at Victor Tango's. After that we headed to a super fun engagement party for Christie and Matt. It was great catching up with everyone and toasting to the future Mr. and Mrs. Butcher! Congratulations guys! You all make an awesome couple! We had such a great time with all of you and are so glad to call you all friends!

Pete's Dueling Pianos

Stephen and I had a very relaxing weekend. The highlight was a trip to Pete's with Steph and Gene where we listened and sang along to the great dueling pianos! We always have a good time when we go, these people are incredibly talented and highly entertaining!

One of our favorite parts of their show is when they ask all of the service men and women to come on stage. They thank them for serving our country and honor them by singing "God Bless the USA". It's truly an amazing moment. You can feel the pride of every American in the room as they shout, "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me and I gladly STAND UP next to you and defend her still today. Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, GOD BLESS THE USA!" I had a video, but it's not wanting to upload for some reason. Oh well, you get the idea.

Thank you to anyone reading this who has served our country! God bless the USA!