The Life of Riley

We're feeling an emptiness in our house and in our hearts this week.  We had the sad task of saying goodbye to our sweet Riley girl on Thursday.

Riley joined our family nearly 14 years ago as a rambunctious, happy-go-lucky, cuter than anything puppy!  While we were playing and cuddling with our new baby, we heard this song  by the Lightning Seeds  and we knew Riley would be the perfect name for her!

Riley learned much from her big sister Bandit and we are so happy they now get to play and be together again!  Riley was the first to teach us about waking up throughout the night to take care of our babies - first her, then Emma and Parker and much later, Shadow.  She was a great big sister to Emma and Parker, many cats and Shadow; always showing seemingly endless patience, a calm playfulness and unconditional love.  She tried teaching Shadow  (the newest member of the family) manners whenever the opportunity presented. Riley really had a way with the feline members of our family...in particular she and Bobalu had a truly special bond.  She single-handedly convinced Bobalu (who didn’t want anything to do with us initially) that people (us!) were okay! :-)  Riley loved long naps, taking walks, playing ball, rubbing her belly along the grass (or dirt or leaves), eating, steak bones, anything that belonged to Shadow, getting brushed, and getting her ears and chin rubbed.  Riley never knew a stranger; two-legged or four-legged.  She welcomed everyone as a new friend and shared her love without hesitation.    She had a happy life and truly experienced "The Life of Riley".  We loved her so much and and are grateful she was part of our family.  She will always remain in our hearts and our memories.

Riley in her younger years: teaching Waffles to play tug-war; attempting to swim in the tub (she wanted to be in there for real!); sneaking some couch time – “If I look cute maybe they won’t notice I’m up here”; and relaxing and keeping watch with Bandit.

Such a beautiful and sweet girl (Bobalu close by); Playing in the snow with Shadow; teaching Shadow to mind his manners; tolerating a little cuddling with Shadow; and rubbing the belly!

Rest in peace sweet Riley girl!  We love you!

We Flip!

The last two weekends we've spent traveling with Emma and then Parker to their respective gymnastics' meets.  Emma's was in Houston and it was the Mary Lou Retton Invitational!  Of course, this was most exciting to all the parents...not sure the kids really knew who she was until we tried to share the thrill.  This event was celebrating 25 years since she won Olympic Gold.  I can't believe that was 25 years ago.  My how the time just flies!  This was Emma's last meet of the season.  I tried taking some video with my camera, but it is really grainy so I won't torture you with that.  But, here's Mary Lou giving Emma her medal and happy Emma saluting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parker had his very first competition this weekend and he did so well!  He didn't even look nervous!  We traveled to Boerne for this competition.  Boys gymnastics is very different than girls apart from the obvious!  We have lots to learn about the rules and other things like how the scores compare...Girl's scores are out of 10, boys are out of 15 or so...we're still not completely sure.  Plus, they can get bonus points for doing skills that aren't required for their routines.  They have 6 events instead of 4.  This first meet was VERY LONG!!!!  :-) Here is Parker after the competition.

Parker's next competition is in 2 weeks here in Austin.  He's really looking forward to it!  I'm told not all boy's meets are quite as long...I'm looking forward to that!

Celebrating Bandit

  This morning we said good-bye to our dear friend and family member, Bandit.  She has been a treasured part of our family since 1997.  Before that she enjoyed herding doggy friends near the ranch she lived on.  Earl and I bought our house in 1997 and my sweet friend Anne convinced me we needed a dog (this dog!) to make it a home.  She was right of course!  Bandit was about 5 or 6 when she came to live with us.  She loved going for long walks, sitting on our couch, chairs and bed, and most of all, playing ball or catch for hours on end.  She was a kind and loving companion to all of us, a great mentor and big sister to Riley and numerous kitties, and incredibly patient with Emma and Parker as they grew and learned about doggies.  She had an endless supply of love and pretended to be a great watchdog.  She was a big fan of steak bones, belly rubs, cookies, cats and cat food!  When she could she liked to wander around the neighborhood looking for new friends, she was so adventurous!  Even this last year with her tired legs she managed to get herself arrested and was able to wander to the creek about a mile away to meet one last new friend.  We are taking comfort in the thought that Bandit can now play catch endlessly again and herd new friends in heaven.  We'll miss her terribly.  Here are some of our memories of Bandit.

"Will I still have to do this when you have 2 leggeds?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Honest Santa, I've been VERY, VERY good!"

     

 

 

 

An action shot - "I got it!"

 

 

 

 

"I love my new puppy (Riley)! She's a great new chew toy!"

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing the pillow, sharing the love!

 

 

 

 

 

         "Here's how you play catch young grasshopper"

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what you call "alpha dog"

 

 

 

                 "Come on in, it's not that cold!"

 

 

 

 

"Look Bandit, I'm learning!"

 

 

                                                Nearly equals.

 

 

 

 

Teaching Waffles how to "run with the Big Dogs!"

 

 

 

                                  Snoozing with Bobalu!

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It's hard work watching after the house all day!"

Merry Christmas

From our home to yours...Merry Christmas!

 

So Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving because it is the perfect holiday (in my humble opinion)...there is no expectation of gifts, so no stress about finding the right present, just the gift of presence! Don't get me wrong I love presents...in fact, feel free to send me presents any time you want! I just love that we all recognize at least once a year to be grateful for all that we already have, not necessarily what we are about to receive! Like many others, I feel blessed that I have so much to be thankful for: I have two beautiful and vivacious children, a truly caring and loving husband, 2 devoted dogs who love us unconditionally, 2 cuddly cats who allow us to be in their lives, extended family who love and support us no matter what we do, and countless friends to laugh (and sometimes cry) with who have become much like family! I am grateful for all the people who give of themselves so we all can live safely (soldiers, police, firefighters, etc)! In a time of uncertainty in our economic world, I feel fortunate to have a job that I love and that is secure and that stretches me intellectually...I truly learn something new every day. After my recent trip to Ohio I am also reminded of how thankful I am to be living in Texas where snow and sub-freezing weather is so rare!!! And, of course, I'm grateful for stamping and the art of paper crafting in general! I have learned that even I can be creative and I'm quite sure I have been spared countless hours and thousands of dollars in therapy! (However, it really has impacted my ability to maintain a clean and clutter free home!) And then there are all the people I have been so fortunate to meet who share the same passion for creating! I am grateful for all of you! (especially if you are still reading!) Lastly (or at least for now), I am grateful for my health. I'm so happy I have the opportunity to wake up each day, breathe the wonderful (and usually warm and sunny) fresh Texas air, and do whatever is in store for the day! Isn't life great??

For those of you just visiting my blog for the ideas....here's a project we made at stamp club this month that suits the day.

This is a card portfolio made with large envelopes. Unfortunately, when we made this I didn't realize that Stampin' Up! no longer carries this size of envelope, but if you can't find them at your favorite craft or office supply store, SU does carry a large square envelope that works as well. You attach the two envelopes together and insert these note cards and matching envelopes into the two pockets.

I forgot to snap a picture of the inside of the portfolio, so if this doesn't make sense e-mail me and I'll try to give you improved directions! The cards were super simple. This project uses the Season of Friendship and Thank You Kindly stamp sets. The Autumn Vine DSP coordinates perfectly with the stamp set and the colors are pulled directly from there: Sage Shadow, More Mustard, Really Rust and Chocolate Chip. Circle Punches make putting the whole thing together fast and easy!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I'd love it if you would leave a comment and share what you are thankful for!

My new life

Many of you know that my world has been rocked by my children's involvement in gymnastics the last few months. It started innocently enough. I wanted them to participate in something active and start promoting a healthy attitude toward physical activity! So they attended a class at the YMCA once a week. Well now both of them are attend 3 times a week for several hours. They totally love it and we enjoy watching them perform and grow! However, I am mourning the loss of free "Jane" time and the ability to plan my own schedule! Can you say, "completely selfish!!" Hee, hee! Right now all seems to revolve around Emma's competition schedule. Really, it is very fun and I think I may finally be adjusting to all of it. I thought I'd share a picture of Emma from one of her competitions. She is having a blast! Here she is on the beam, her least favorite event!

And one of her favorites, the uneven bars:

Well, I do have to work on my photographing abilities, but isn't she just beautiful?? :-) She's working hard to overcome some fears and it has just been so inspiring to watch her over the last few months! We're so proud of her efforts!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for my babies. I guess at some point I have to stop calling them babies...2nd and 4th grade probably constitutes as somewhat grown, but I just can't help it!

Emma was pretty excited this morning to start 4th grade, Parker was less than thrilled, but I did finally get him to smile for this picture. Fortunately, after the day was over Parker did say that he "likes second grade." Hooray - hope it lasts! Emma thinks this is going to be a "great year!" She so loves school!

Jenice's workshop was yesterday and everyone really liked this card we made. Betty even said it was the most beautiful card she's ever made! Even better - it is so easy! My favorite kind of card, easy and beautiful. Hope you like it too!

This uses Eastern Blooms and Heard from the Heart stamp sets...both conveniently 15% off until the end of September. Check out the flyer on the left for more stamps on sale! It also uses Haiku Designer Series Paper which is quite gorgeous! Other supplies: So Saffron, Tangerine Tango and Whisper White cardstock; So Saffron Classic Ink, Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker; Tangerine Tango striped ribbon and Orange Bead Duos! I was inspired by a project we made at convention using beads with this image. I may need to work on my photo taking abilities, it looks a bit blurry to me!