I LOVE to write... really... I do. It's just that 3 young children, teaching and being active in church don't allow for much of it. It may be great therapy, but a priority it is not.

So much has gone on since my last post, so I'll start with one of our more recent events; the passing of our 13 year old Beagle.

We are fairly confident he got into antifreeze a few houses down and his last day and a half was very difficult. We eventually took him to the vet and had him put to sleep because he was definitely suffering!

I was so worried about how the kids would handle this. We've buried a fish and a cat, but they remembered getting each of those pets and bringing them home. On the other hand, they've not known life without Bailey.

The kids handled things well. Mom on the other hand... not so much.

There were a number of things that really frustrated me about Bailey. The fact that he wanted to dart out the front door and run off if even the slightest opportunity presented itself.

Or the fact that he would steal food from the kids ~ especially pizza! That dog was willing to deal with the consequences to get himself a good slice of pizza!

But 13 years and 3 kids later, that ole hound really became a part of us and our day to day life!

2 weeks later I still catch myself beginning to sound the alarm to the kids "don't walk away from the table with food on your plate.... you know Bailey will get your food!" "Make sure you clear your spot so Bailey doesn't get your plate."

I still find myself adjusting the blinds before we leave for school in the morning so he can see what's going on outside.....

But what I absolutely miss the most about Bailey.... bedtime. I could tell him "it's time to get the kids in bed" or "go get in bed with the boys" and off he'd go. He was the best sleep aid for the boys!

As usual, we had a "funeral." Bailey left the vet’s office in a box that kind’ a looked like a coffin so the boys wanted to be his pallbearers. They carried him from the truck to his final resting place and helped dig the hole where he would be burried.

Emily and a friend from church picked flowers from the backyard and we had a special time laying him to rest.

Some may feel this was a bit strange or unnecessary.... but I would have to disagree. All too soon we'll have to bury a family member or close personal friend. I would rather they learn about death from our "pet funerals" and be somewhat prepared or at least familiar with the "process."

Until next time...

Rebecca