I guess I can safely say that this summer has not really been smooth.  The kids have been enjoying being out of school and I have enjoyed being home with them. My little girl is going to be a cheerleader this year!  WooHoo!    Aside from that, there hasn't really been much to be cheerful about.  Especially now. 

As an animal lover and an avid supporter of HSUS, Defenders of Wildlife, and numerous other animal groups, I feel like I have hit rock bottom.  This week, we had to make a very hard decision about giving up our puppy, Snickers, whom we have had since I fostered her in January.  The kids had become very attached to her, and me too for that matter, so I adopted her in April before I left HSNT.  Little did I know in the next few months she would show a very destructive nature that we could not seem to tame, no matter what we tried or did.  We are not sitting on loads of money, so professional behavior training was just not going to happen.  So, the decision to return her to the shelter came up and we carried it out.  Three days ago, I took her back and signed the papers and left, never turning back to glance to see the expression on her face.  I feel so horrible!!!!  I have become that horrible person!  How could I do that to my dog??  But the stress of dealing with her antics was wearing my family down.  She chewed up everything she could sink her teeth into...the couch, the coffee table, my Dyson vacuum cleaner cord, the back door jam, the eyes off stuffed animals that she came in contact with, and the list goes on.  Stress is a killer and I know that me and my family will do better with less in our lives.  But the fact is...it still hurts knowing that I gave her away.  Knowing now my son cries himself to sleep because she was 'his' dog.  I am so sorry Snickers!!!

To make the situation worse, our other dog that I adopted in November of 2009 became very ill.  He had just gotten through his heartworm treatment two months ago.  Hoss is (was) our almost five year old English Mastiff.  He got to where he would not eat or drink water.  He became a shell of what he was and couldn't walk.  I have cried and cried and I wonder how the tears still flow.  We couldn't see him suffer any longer and there was no hope for him.  He was having heart failure and I think he had a stroke.  So last night, my FIL and MIL came over with a gurney and we gently lifted his 140 body onto it and loaded him in the van.  I said good-bye to one of the most loving, loyal dogs that I have ever had the opportunity to own, even if it was for only eight months.  I had called Tootles at HSNT on the K911 phone and asked her if she would help us in our situation.  She said she would, so now in a span of  three days, I have lost my two rescue dogs.  One because she had a wild streak, the other because his heart just couldn't take anymore.  My family is now back to one cat, Rusty, and our German Shepherd, Bo...who is probably wondering where his playmates are.     I know the good Lord put out challenges that we have to constantly face...but gosh there are those that I would just rather not!!!!! 

**Edit Entry**  Pictures are showing as Xs because my photo album is empty at the moment.**

Today was Field Day at the school and I was literally at school all day long.  LOL!  Tanner's started way earlier than I thought, so I had to make a trip back to the house to get water bottles and the camera.    I made it back just in time for them to start out the door.  Tanner is not really all that into sports, but he ran all three races...the 50, 75, and 100 yard dash, did Jump the Brook, Frisbee Toss, and Tug of War.  Tanner made the 7 foot jump, but missed on the 7 and a half.  Whoa!  That is still great!  We took a break and got a snack and some Powerade.  T's ended a little after noon, so he stayed with me through lunch and when I went to meet Skye.  I asked his teacher if he could stay with me to watch his sister since they were watching a movie and she didn't mind.  Her events started at 12:30.  This was her first actual Field Day that she got to participate in events like the big kids.    Skye did the Obstacle Course, Tug of War, and the 1 Lap Run.  She wasn't happy about not getting to participate in Jump the Brook.  That made me a bit testy as I think all the kids should be able to participate, not just the best of the best.  Tanner ended up going back to his class for popcorn.  It was still a very fun day.  After the Kingergarten classes got done, she wanted a Powerade and we went back to class for a snack.  Tanner came down to Skye's class and we got to leave a bit earlier.  The day was long but it was really fun and I know the kids had a great one! 

Jump the Brook

Tug of War

Happy Mother's Day!!!    Gosh, I miss you mom.  It's sad, but I miss you more and more as time passes and oh how I wish you could see your grandkids!!!  Tanner woke me up around 7am this morning to let me know that he was up and that he had already let Snickers out of her kennel and she was outside.    I got up and made coffee and jumped in the shower.  I made the kids some cereal and came upstairs to drink some coffee and play online.

Tanner has been wanting me to open my little gift since Friday.  So, I decided to do just that.  My little ten year old wrote me a book!!!  It's title...My Life.  I read it and I thought I was going to cry.  It is the cutest thing I have gotten in a long long time!!  Something to cherish and hang on to.  I will have to take a pic of it.  I am so proud of my little man!!!! 

I am going to get some laundry done and clean up a bit.  Nothing unusal there.  LOL!  Later this afternoon we are going over to my MIL's to have a cookout and celebrate being moms.