Saturday, July 25, 2009

Dog People

WE ARE DOG PEOPLE
On Friday, our stunningly handsome beagle, Bailey almost died. We were extremely close to losing him. Our vet thinks he was either poisoned by rat poison or antifreeze (some crazy person left it out)...OR he went into anaphylactic shock from a bee sting or a spider bite. His body was shutting down, and he was bleeding out. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. I felt so helpless as I was holding him. I could do nothing to ease his pain. When I finally got him to the vet, she quickly took him from my arms and said, "Cassie...I have to go, I have to go try to save him." And that fast he was gone...Out of my sight. Again I felt so helpless. Patrick had left work, and raced to the vet to be with us, but when he got there Bailey was being worked on and they wouldn't let him back to see him...To say his goodbyes.

The rest of the day I was given these types of updates.
Me: Hi I was calling to check on my Bailey
Nurse: He's still with us
Me: Really? Is that supposed to make me feel better? (I thought this...I didn't say it outloud)
Me: How is my Bailey
Doctor: He is stable
Me: What does that mean?
Doctor:It means he is still breathing

That night at 10, I drove past the vet and the lights were on. I called Patrick to see if he felt it would be "stockerish" of me to stop and bang on the doors. His answer was yes, so I just kept driving, but it made me feel better to know that there was someone there.

The rest of the night was miserable. I was completely guilt ridden. I was nauseated, sweating, shaking. My mind was in a swirl of fear for my little man. I would never have forgiven myself if he died this way. This horrible, painful way. If I were not there to hold him and make him feel loved. I needed him to know how much we love him.
Patrick, of course held me and tried to calm me down, but I was just sure I was going to get the call that we had lost him.

We never got that call.

First thing in the morning, I made Patrick call the Dr., becasue I couldn't muster up the nerve. I heard these words..."Really! That's GREAT!" Then I scream, "Put her on Speaker!"
The Dr. said that she was in and out of the office all night long. Each time she went in she felt that Bailey was getting better, but she was afraid to call and tell us that just in case he took a turn for the worse. She pumped his little bod full of steroids, vitamin K, antibiotics and fluids. He fought all night long, and at 6 am she said he...WAGGED HIS TAIL! We got to pick him up and it was so wonderful. Everyone! Including the doctors and nurses thought we were going to lose him, but he fought, and now he is home with us. Last night I laid with him and watched him breathe. I checked to make sure he was comfortable on our bed all night long.

We are dog people. We have dog hair everywhere, we have paw prints on the wood floors, we open up our couch and our bed for their comfort. Bailey is not our dog...Bailey is our family. And he is home...Still fighting...Still weak, but he is home!
When Jordyn stormed into the hospital to pick up her dog she screamed at the top of her lungs, "BayWee Where are YOU?"
Dr. Wendi, the life saver

Friday, July 24, 2009

My Bailey


Please say a prayer for My Bailey Extwodinaire~ He is fighting for his life at the vet right now. They think he has been poisoned, and he is bleeding out. Please pray that the medications are able to take effect and save him, so that he can come home to us and be a family! We love him so much, and I cannot bare to think of our life without him, and to think someone would do something so despicable. He is in so much pain, and it kills me that I am not there holding him. Please pray we can bring him home healthy.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Natural Born Entertainers

We had a block party, and the kids decided to enjoy themselves on stage!
I don't know where they get it.
If you are wondering what Connor is saying...He's rapping the words Yo...Yo Yo! To his lead singers words. Seriously. Never a dull moment!
These two keep us laughing out loud all the time! And where there is a stage and a microphone, there, you will find my babies!



Monday, July 20, 2009

Sam I Am

I don't like Green Eggs and Ham
I don't like Green Eggs and Ham
I Don't
I don't
I don't like Green Eggs and Ham
I DO like Green Eggs and Ham
AMEN



HOLY Cow am I in love with her!

Monday, July 13, 2009

You will not win an argument with crazy

(I may have lost my way today...But I haven't lost my sense of humor...)

My blog is my own personal diary. It is me, all the way. Completely real for anyone who chooses to read. I have nothing to hide...This is who I am. All of me, without secrets. I refuse to allow myself to play games...To make people think I am something that I am not. I hope it's okay with you.

My Will is being tested right now, and I am Extremely disappointed in myself. I am better than this and my well being is more important than this annoyance.
On Sunday, in church, our pastor spoke of the Devil, metaphorically showing himself in certain situations. It really hit home for me. I truly feel that Satan is testing me right now. It is the first time in a long time that my temper has been tested.
Truly, severely tested.
I have always known that I have a temper, and I have not always had it under control. Not many things can set my temper off. Patrick used to be able to do it just by swishing his milk in his mouth. My Mother could do it by calling me and talking about my childhood. My brother could do it by just being himself...That was a long time ago...Well, not my brother (he always gets under my skin), but whatever.
Anyhow---
For years, I have tried to put myself in others' shoes. I have tried to understand the mental anguish of other people. In the past 6 months I have developed a love of mankind that I
HAVE NEVER HAD
In my entire life.

I always felt that humans would somehow let me down.
They always did.
Ever Since I was a child.

In the past 6 months, I have begun seeing people in a different light. I see them as the 4 year old they used to be. The child looking for reassurance from their parent. The little boy hurting because he felt alone and ached for some attention. Even in their adult state...I see them differently.
MY BAD!
Over the past 3 days I have been in constant contact with my friends. Lashing out in a vulgar decrepit way. My friends have been very supportive of my pathetic state, and have helped me talk myself out of saying things that I would rather not. My friends have allowed me to vent. They have allowed me to laugh at my stupidity, and have shared their own stories with me of personal torment.
(Thanks for that.)
What I have learned in my life is this...

You will not win an argument with crazy
They will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience
-
-
-
-
-
I am better than that.
I refuse to allow myself to be beat down ever again.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you Rissa Pissa!
I wish we could all be with you today to celebrate!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Hole-E-Mole-E

She did WHAT?
I love it!
I love her too!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Deep in the Heart

OF TEXAS

My husband...Sang that song... For 4 days STRAIGHT!
I am no longer a fan...Of the song...Not Patrick!

Recently, Patrick and I were able to slip away unnoticed for a 3 day jaunt to Austin Texas. It was Heaven...If Heaven were set at 110 degrees Fahrenheit! Just being away with him, to snuggle and talk and...SLEEP! We SLEPT so darn much in Texas it was like being in HEAVEN.
Now...for my story.
Patrick and I left at 5:20 AM for the Cleveland airport. Both of us having less than 2 hours of sleep. I cried on the way there, because I already missed my babies.
Once we got there, my Dad drove away and we went into a completely empty airport to check in. Patrick informs the woman at the counter that the kiosk must be broken, because it won't let him check us in. She is more than willing to help, and asks where we are headed. We say Austin, and she says, the 10 am flight...No, the 7 am flight we reply. Well, we don't have a 7 am flight...
WHAT??!??!
At this point I rip the itinerary from Patrick's hands, look at it for -point 2 seconds- and in the most hideous, " I could completely kick my husband's ass right now" voice I say It leaves from AKRON CANTON PATRICK!!!
Next 5 minutes---Verbal Abuse
10 minutes after that---Daggers jetting from my eyeballs wishing he would turn around and they would hit him.
5 minutes after that---I replaced the daggers with the most apologetic, "honey it was a mistake...We all make them," face and I allowed him to make himself feel terrible without my help the rest of the day.
We then spent the morning with our children and Jiddo having breakfast and spent our afternoon and evening in various airports hoping and praying to arrive in Austin at some point!
WE MADE IT!
We finally arrived in Austin and my Uncle Cam picked us up. He was our unofficial tour guide the whole time we were there. He took us to some great bars, awesome restaurants and we got to listen to some great live music! Every minute was so relaxing, but I missed Connor and Jordyn so much my body actually felt sick. They, however had a great time while we were away!
Our trip home was even more dramatic...You don't even want to know!

My, "honey it was a mistake" face while we sat in our third airport of the day

Me and Cam after arriving in Austin. I actually think I was sleeping in that picture
We drank a lot of beer while in Austin
Chef James Holmes, the owner of Olivia in Austin. One of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Not to downplay the rest of the food (check out their menu), but they make the WORLD'S GREATEST FRENCH FRIES!
Cam two-stepping
Cam and his friend Grace
Patrick and I at the "Bat Bridge"

Monday, July 6, 2009

For Purple Mountains

4th of July is VERY special to me. It always has been, ever since I was a young girl. I have always insisted on seeing the fireworks. As close as possible. One time in college, I placed Patrick so close to the line of fire that we had flaming debris landing on us as the fireworks were exploding above. He loves me so much that he indulges my child like requests each and every year...For the last 12 years...
EVERY year, without fail. He really, truly loves me. This year he decided he loved me enough to take the kids to the 4th of July Parade together...

HE FRIGGIN LOVES ME!

Adores me really!

I am not big on parades, but I felt that the kids should experience this tradition, and they really did love it. Jordyn was much more tolerant than Connor was. I think he was feeling under the weather. They clapped, and laughed and danced and cheered and dove for candy...
Thank God we taught Jordyn street fighting at a young age!
We took the kids to see fireworks each night, and they were a riot!
On Friday night, the kids sat out in a field playing tag in the dark, chasing fireflies and soaking in the true essence of summertime until the fireworks started. They were AMAZING!
Jordyn sat in her chair, next to her big brother screaming (in her angelic voice) "come on fireworks...keep em coming" They make my heart so happy. They make this day so much more exciting for me...
For US!

Freedom
What Summertime means to me
Geared up in our jammies ready for the show
Baby didn't want to miss it either
Snow Cones for the weary
Even If she tried...She couldn't have made more of a mess
If you ever wondered what Patrick and I would have looked like with sunglasses on when we were kids...Here it is!
She took herself very seriously...pssst...I nibbled on her right after I took the picture
Seriously...Star Trek?
Seriously...Star Trek?
After the 43rd fire truck went by
The 18 mile long line of fire trucks
He makes me so achy...A good achy of course!
Jordyn practicing for "Miss Firecracker"
Playing patty cake with the boys!
Sheeeee, loves a Parade
7 years ago on this day you asked me to marry you. I love you so much
Uncle Sam #19

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Shark with a Heart

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a fundraiser for Amber. The Shark 23, a golf scramble. This fundraiser meant so much to Amber. She had quite a bit of input as to how things should be run the colors, and also decorations. She also made sure that she had access to a golf cart to stop by all of the holes and chat with the golfers. She was awesome! This year was very emotional. Amber was with us only in spirit...But let me tell you, her spirit was so strong, and it was everywhere! There were lots of laughs and lots of tears. It was a beautiful day and Amber let us know she was there right before the last golfers of the day arrived at our hole. We were sitting there chatting and a huge, beautiful monarch butterfly fluttered right by us. It was truly amazing. Here are a few pictures from the day.
Melissa (Amber's Mom) speaking to the golfers about Amber and her strength and love for this fund raiser. She did a great job. I was so proud of her!
Me and Allison (Amber's Aunt) She was cracking me up, with her abnormal fear of deer ticks
Brittany and Casey doing cartwheels! They were our entertainment in between golfers
More Entertainment...Brittany also entertained me with her love of Twilight! You know I can't get enough!
Casey, Me and Becky(Amber's Aunt) at the 17th whole
Me and Melissa trying to stay warm
The Family
Uncle Brian showing us a thing or two about golf!
Amber's Dad Jim acting all serious!
Aunt Becky and Brittany