Happy Birthday Lola

 
 
 
I was looking at Three Pecks on the Nose and saw a birthday blog for Fergus the pug. Realizing that Lola's birthday is the same day as Fergus' made me feel lousy. I totally forgot that it was Lo's birthday.

Lola is a spectacular dog and she is truly loved. She loves tummy rubs like no other dog I've ever seen. She is a die hard tennis ball chaser, even demonstrating roll-overs when she reaches the ball as a way of slowing her pace. It's beautiful to see her enjoying life so fully.
If only she could eat human food around the clock, I think that she would be totally satisfied.

Lola Bean, we are all so happy that you are a part of our family. You are our baby girl and we simply wouldn't be complete without you. Happy belated birthday (Sept. 17th). You are now three years old and you are gorgeous. I love your pink nose, now come here and give me a kiss.

I will take you for a run in the park as soon as the rumored "dog flu" passes. 

Brrrrr

 
 
 
It was a cold day at the cabin. 

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

 
 
 
A sneak-preview of Munchkin's Halloween costume. 

UDHA

 
 
 
One ticket to the UDHA convention: $120.00

Lunch and a tasty beverage (or two...or three) from Squatters: $30.00

A chance to bond with the group which you will be spending the next two years of your life with: $Priceless! 

As a child growing up with a younger sister, I neglected the position I held as a big-sister/mentor/super-star idol. My younger sister looked up to me in every way. She wanted to have my friends, do whatever I did, look like me, act like me and go wherever I went. She had a heart of gold and she was more than willing to do anything to please me.

I took her amazing personality for granted and overlooked the love that she was offering to me. I have always loved her as a sister, but she was offering the award of "best friend" and I turned it down. I was simply too cool. I had other friends to keep up with, none of whom are around today. She sat on the side-lines and watched me rush by her, only from time to time stopping to say hello. I was ignorant and rude towards her and I encouraged my friends to act the same. All the while she continued offering love and friendship as I was her older sister and she looked up to me. I had no idea what I was missing out on.

As years have past I have matured and realized what a crumby sister I have been. I now see what an impact I had on her as a child. When all she wanted was a friend I acted as though she wasn't good enough. When all she wanted was a sister I acted as though I was too busy. I showed her that she wasn't worth my time or attention. In hind sight, she was the only person who was deserving of my time and attention. She was someone who would return the effort put towards a friendship instead of the shallow friendships I based the earths revolutions upon as a kid. Ah... hind sight.

Now, my younger sister and I are adults trying our best to raise children and stay afloat in the world. We each have husbands and full-time commitments. She is doing a wonderful job as a loving mother and a successful C.N.A. She still exudes the love that she always has and she still looks up to me as her "big-sis". A responsibility that I take more seriously now.

I can't help but wonder if my impact on her as a child has impaired her ability to stand up against negativity and abuse in the outside world. Does she know that she is worth all the love known to man? Would she put her foot down against harsh and unnecessary comments from a loved one? Does she even know how to stand up for herself?

The weight of these possibilities weighs heavy on me. I realize that one's childhood is when many personality defining characters manifest. I wonder if I had given her more love as a sister and a friend if she would be living the life she is today.

Winter Already?

 
 
 
The weather brought low temperatures and precipitation in the form of snow to our mountains today. The mountain pictures are views from my front and back yards this afternoon.

Although September always threatens winter, I know that next week will be hot and summer-like again. There are still many memories to be made at the cabin this year. I can't wait to see the beautiful, fall colors that exist in Lamb's canyons' aspen groves. 

Just Like Grandpa

 
 
 
"I love to wear Grandpa's work hat and play with my "John Deere Mini"
because I want to be just like Grandpa".
-Munchkin 

We've Moved

 
 
We finally moved into our Holladay home. I am excited to be living in Holladay again because it is so beautiful. We are close to the base of Mount Olympus and the colors on the mountain are beginning to change. We have a large yard for Munchkin and the dog's to play in. The luxury of being next door to our baby-sitter is priceless. Gone are the days of early morning wakings for Munchkin and endless amounts of driving to and from Grandma and Grandpa's house. Yipee! We are all so happy to be here.

Now we will spend a month or two working on the old home to prepare it for a top dollar sell. Wish us luck.