Saturday, October 31, 2009

Indie (aka Indiana Jones)

Introducing Indie!
As you know we recently lost our Little Pea suddenly a week ago Friday. Last Monday I was headed to get my blood drawn a few minutes from our home when I stumbled upon a little budge dodging traffic on a VERY busy street. I found this little cocker spaniel with a million fleas, dread locked fur and a small cut on her head. I stopped and she immediately rolled on her back and was affectionate. I've never "rescued" an animal from the side of the road, but "something" that day made me stop (part God and my love for animals). I called my mom and our vet to know what I should do. I knew the humane society may not find her a home and most likely euthanize her in 10 days or so, which meant this was not an option.

Mom and I decided to the vet we would go. We had her groomed, medicated for fleas, vaccinated and medically checked by Dr. Franklin (my hero as she saved Chloe when she was very little). The Sanlando Animal Hospital fell in love with her too. This is the kind of dog that everyone who has come in contact with her has immediately fallen in love. At the time we hadn't thought of a name and "Stray" was not suitable. We decided to call her "Indie" which is short for Indiana Jones since we found her exploring and on an adventure in Apopka, FL.

So now, we needed to find her a loving home. This little girl is such a snuggler and full of desire to love and be loved. This week Dad taught her how to play with toys and how to play fetch. They became very attached to Indie. We prayed for a good home and knew God would lead to either allow her to stay with my parents or find her a good home. Either way, we wanted God to lead and accept whatever He decided we should do.

I sent a photo of her out to my girlfriends here in Florida to put feelers out. My dear friend Ashley Birmele said she fell instantly in love with Indie by photos but that she couldn't take her. However, Ash went on to say that Bryan's mom was VERY interested. Becky, Bryan's mom, and her husband Jimmy are two very amazing and loving people. Last night we took Indie to Becky and Jimmy's. Their current dog, Max, and Indie instantly connected and started playing. We knew this was the right place for Indie as hard as it was to see her go. Indie is really going to be loved in her new home. The blessing is that we can still see Indie from time to time.

God did a wonderful thing for us. We lost Little Pea and were/are heartbroken. I found a pup which may not be alive today had I not pulled over. I am thankful for the gift of Indie. I believe God placed her in my path for a reason. We couldn't save Pea but we could save Indie. It reminded me of why I love being an ER nurse. Saving a life is one of the most rewarding actions. It's one of those things where you want nothing in return, but want everything for the person or pet. Just simply want them to find happiness and love.

If I could open a charity and do this full time I would. I have found so much joy in Indie. God sent me a small package full of blessings.

Ashley, I love you and thank you for helping me find a wonderful home for beautiful Indie!

Mom, you're an amazing woman with such a huge heart! Thank you for joining in the rescue! Thank you for teaching me how to love selflessly and help others along life's journey.

A pets sole purpose in life is to love and be loved! Their life far outweighs the loss and pain we feel when they depart our world. I will forever remember the family pets we have lost, but will forever swim in the happiness they brought and continue to bring to my life.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Our Little Pea

We love you SweetPea and miss you dearly!
Our home is missing a member today....
12-7-2002 to 10-23-2009


Friday, September 25, 2009

"Besties" --cute Kera--

This Thursday I received news that someone we grew up with and is my cousin's, Jason Wightman, "bestie" suddenly died.

What would I do if I lost a bestie? I really don't know.
My besties know the fun me. the sad me. the loving me. the wacko me. the studious me. the upset me. the Drama Queen me (p.s. I still have that funny hang up sign and card from you girls FROM JENKINS!!!). And what part of me do they love most? They love all parts unconditionally. They allow me to be me and still find each part "succulent" (thanks Tress). I sincerely feel like losing one of them would be like losing a part of me. They know how i think. they know if i am being happy just to be happy so no would know i was sad. They would know if i was full of it. they'd know. they know just how to point me in the right direction if i find myself losing my way.

my besties make me a better version of myself. I LOVE YOU WITHOUT END! Just felt like i needed to write something. You never know if the end is tomorrow.


Thursday, August 27, 2009

Our Happily Ever After.......After One Year Part 6

So yes, we had a fabulous time with nothing on our agenda but enjoying the sun, sand and each other's company. It was truly perfect! These feet have walked many miles and with Tim each step gets sweeter and sweeter! I look forward to our life's journey together laughing, holding hands, remembering to cherish the moments and savor our relationship! I love you babe! 
The end...bye bye vacation....till next year!

Our Happily Ever After.......After One Year Part 5

WOWZERS!!! This place had AWESOME burritos and homemade guacamole!!! 
Nothing like cruising the beach after ice cream with my handsome prince!!! He's dreamy isn't he??? I saw you checking him out....!!! hahah!!
We road up and down Ft Myers Beach watching the sun go to sleep. So much fun! We even got a little race bug in us and raced up the beach on our bikes!!
This game was soooo simple and sooo fun! Basically you stand back and try to get the ring on the hook! Not as easy at it looks. Funny how in most simple things of life...they really are the best parts of life.

Our Happily Ever After.......After One Year Part 4

See what I mean???? Shells everywhere!! I was just beside myself!
This is Captiva Island...very beautiful! The pictures just don't give the place justice!!!
While on Captiva Island Tim spotted this street sign! Look Aunt Trish and Uncle Al...apparently you have relatives on Captiva Island...maybe we can get some free lodging!!??? Haha! We thought of you on our trip and took this pic for you!
We noticed a very busy little guy (actually kinda big) on the beach. He'd peak his head out of his hole to make sure the coast was clear. Then he would have a little claw full of sand and throw it to the side. He'd look around then scamper back in this hole. Tim and I must have looked so silly because we hovered over this sand hole with the camera in ready position staying as still as possible! Lots of Europeans on the island and must have thought us Americans were VERY STRANGE to stare at sand for so long!!!

Our Happily Ever After.......After One Year Part 3

While staying in Ft. Myers Beach we decided to cruise over to Sanibel...for guess what??? SHELLING!!!! We were told by Dan and Tree our Mango Street Innkeepers that Bowman's Beach was where to go and they were soooo right!!!
Tim is the most AMAZING shell hunter! He went a little deeper and scoured the ocean floor for great shells! You frequently find alive shells as the one below is. Of course we had to take a photo before setting Mr. Shell back into the ocean. We were soooo amazed at this little guy...well he was kinda big as you can see in Tim's hands.

I loved this flower on the trellis at the Mango Street Inn....SO UNIQUE! I'm hoping my grandma can identify it so we see about getting this plant in our yard. How cool is that flower???
The precious Mango Street Inn...we loved it here! If you ever go to Ft. Myers Beach...stay here! Wonderful hospitality, warm and friendly, Dan's a chef so we had gourmet breakfasts and I learned about jicama slices like french fries drizzled in lime juice with chili powder!!! DELISH!!! 

The Mango Street Inn is also awarded for being eco friendly. They use rain barrels to water their lawns and flowers, have water sparing toilets/showers/faucets, recycle and conserve energy at all cost. So cool!!! Tim and I have been researching rain barrels for our home given all the Florida rain so seeing their system really inspired us.