Bubbles....

"Dog's lives are too short. Their only fault, really." Agnes Sligh Turnbull

Before there was Gizmo, there was Bubbles. 

When I was 17, I wanted a poodle more than I wanted anything. Well, my parents surprised me that Christmas and got me a puppy. He was a champagne colored toy poodle, and I named him Bubbles. 

My sweet Bubs was there for my first prom with my first love...

He would get so excited when I would come home that he'd pee and chew on my hair the minute I picked him up. Nobody's ever been that excited to see me. 

He'd put on his best tie and go to work on Thursdays with my dad...

He's been there through the good hair days...and the bad. 

Most importantly, he loved us. Each of us differently, unconditionally. 

He was the best dog...it's the loss of a friend, a family member, and a part of my life that bridged childhood and adulthood. The best things that have happened in my life happened while we had him. He'll always be my sweet Bubs. 

Rest in peace, sweet boy. You gave us nearly 15 years of the very best a dog could give. We'll always love you...

Stay-cation

The past two weeks we've had company...Stephanie and Adam and then our friend Josh from the military. Josh was Terry's friend all the way back to basic training (boot camp) so we've pretty much grown up together. We haven't seen him in a few years so it was nice to catch up! 

Sorry not sorry for the picture overload...we had the best time while they were here. I keep calling it staycation when our friends come...really it's just an excuse to have a good time! :) 

One day while they were here we rented a pontoon boat. It was the best day...

These two are best buds...

All Madeline wanted to do was fish...she's become quite the fisherman. She fishes in room, in the pool, in the living room, at Papaw's house...she's gotten pretty attached to her fishing pole! 

 Be still my heart...my baby is turning into such a beautiful little girl! Her happy place is for sure on the water! 

We stopped a couple of times so the kids could swim - the sound isn't nearly as pretty as the gulf but the water was still pretty clear. They found LOTS of hermit crabs! 

Steph and I practiced our selfies. Let's pause for a moment to appreciate the frizz on top of my head! haha 

We stopped a little so Terry could fish...he caught this spade fish and I got so excited! I thought it was an angel fish but he corrected me. Still looks aquarium worth to me! 

Then this happened on the way in...she was falling asleep and grabbed his hand. Nobody loves her like Steph's kids. They are so good to her and she adores them. My heart melted! 

That night we went to Crabs to eat...seriously my favorite restaurant and Madeline's too. The night we were there they had hermit crab races and a balloon artist! So fun!!! 

Aden got a scorpion, Brynn got a dolphin, and Madeline got a mermaid! 

Stephanie and I got a little jealous so we had them make us Best Friends crowns...You can't see it in the selfie but I was Best and she was friends! She is my person...I'm telling you, God knew my heart and how much I needed a good friend in San Angelo. 

Seriously the best day ever!!! 

We also went to the Gulfarium while they were here. It's pretty cute and they have some interactive stuff. 

I had to stress to Madeline to keep the starfish IN the water! 

Sharks and dolphins...they just had a baby dolphin born on 4/29 and she is adorable...Sadly, I failed to get a good picture of her! 

This turtle looked like he was doing a little yoga...pretty sure it was just too hot to put his feet down but it was funny! 

We also hung out at the house some too! 

Swimming in the rain! 

We  ate too much good food, played lots of Mario Party and Mario Kart, and just had the best time while they were here! So thankful for good friends and a break from reality. Can't wait to do it again next week - Brianne hope you're packed! :)

Father's Day

I've had a lot on my mind this Father's Day...

This is my dad and me a little less than a year ago before his surgery. I was terrified, and can't begin to imagine how he felt this morning. We celebrated his 56th birthday the night before at a swanky Orlando restaurant as a family. It was one of the best nights I can remember. But on this morning, I knew he was headed into a life changing operation. 

He came through the surgery just fine...the doctor even said he had a beautiful heart. No surprise there. This man who taught me to ride my bike, made me blue mickey mouse pancakes, and taught me how to plunder through drawers at the doctor's office loves Jesus and people more than anyone else I know. And I tend to think I know a lot of wonderful Jesus-loving people. He lived it every day - not just on Sundays. When he was wrong, he would get down on one knee, look me in the eye, apologize and tell me how much he loved me. He still listens to me ramble about random things that God lays heavy on my heart, and gives me advice that is better than anything I could get from a book. 

The trouble with loving someone so much is the fear that is attached to losing them. A gut wrenching, at times crippling fear. The day came when we almost did lose him. I guess I never blogged about it because I don't like remembering that day. The call came early in the morning a couple of days after his surgery. His lung had collapsed the day of surgery and now he had bilateral pulmonary emboli - blood clots to both lungs. Many times it's instantly fatal...I felt my whole world close in as I was at his bedside when the call came from the radiologist. I tried not to lose it but I did, not entirely because of his diagnosis but because he was holding my hand, breathing, and talking to me. I was in shock.

This became my spot that week - the good ol' green chairs in the ICU waiting room. My sister stayed in the chair next to me until she had to go home. When we would leave to go eat  I would claim my spot like this...

I strategically left my Bible open to "thou shalt not steal" :) 

My Bible became my best friend that week. 

His ICU room had an incredible view...and I said many prayers looking out this window. 

God saw fit to leave him here a little longer. Had God taken him that day, I couldn't have been mad about it. I've had more of a father in my 31 years than most people get in a lifetime. He has stored up his treasure in heaven, and sown relationships with my family that will continue to grow long after he's in heaven. Because those relationships are founded on Christ and unconditional love...unless it's football season! ;) 

Almost exactly one month later Madeline and I went with him and mom to his check-up. 

If there's anything sweeter than a dad and his daughter, it's a Papaw and his granddaughter. 

So on this Father's Day, I feel incredibly thankful to still have my sweet Daddy here. I have a better idea of fleeting life can be, and how sweet each day is. 

Dad - I know you'll read this. I hope you know how much you're loved. I hope you know that the legacy you live and will one day leave is Christ. I wish I could have been with you today, but you know my heart is with you! I love you...

Happy Father's Day! 

Pick Me Up

Wednesday we had a bunch of errands to run. Let me just say, errands are NOT fun when the humidity is 100% and the temperature is over 90 degrees! 

Madeline had a doctor's appointment and we had a couple of stops after that. We went to Target to pick up a few things and to get balloons for Terry's dad. I let Madeline pick out one thing for being so good at the doctor and she picked $1 stick on earrings. #winning 

She was so proud! 

Target didn't have balloons so we stopped at Publix and then headed to Papaw's house! 

Terry's dad has started maintenance chemo which means he only has to go every three weeks now, but the dose is much stronger. He has been pretty tired so Madeline decided he definitely needed balloons! 

I mean, when did she grow up? 

We also brought cookies! How sweet are these two? 

And just for kicks...someone posted this on Facebook last week...

So I started Christmas shopping today. For real...it's the first year I've actually started early. Now if I can just wait until Christmas to give the presents I've bought...and remember where I hide them! hah

Anyway, I picked up these awesome sunglasses for $2 at the Disney outlet and Madeline hasn't taken them off since I gave them to her. Do you know how hard it is to have a serious conversation with a 4 year old in these glasses? Impossible. 

Happy Friday! 

The Best Day

Madeline and I had our typical Tuesday yesterday. We slept in (a little for me, a lot for her) and cleaned the house. Then we headed to the beach...it was a red flag though and it was super hot so we didn't stay long. 

\We had fun while it lasted...it's just too hot when you can't swim! 

We stopped on the way out to take a look at these birds who are nesting at the beach. They came at the end of March and large sections along the beach are roped off to protect them. They're called skimmers and they come here from South America to lay their eggs (thank you google)...they've started hatching now and they are everywhere. 

Terry thinks I am crazy but don't they look a little like Puffins? 

My pictures are pretty terrible even though I was pretty close to them. (I didn't cross the rope though!) They got SO mad when I got out of the car - this bird charged me and was screeching and then he pooped all over my car! #guessheshowedme #nopicturesplease

Guess that saying should be about a Mama Bird not Mama Bear! haha I was kinda terrified and when I got in the car Madeline said, "Why'd that bird try to kill you, Momma?" hahahahaha 

Here's the bird charging me! haha 

We came home and had a little quiet time before heading out to run a few errands. We went to the pool store, the grocery store, and to get our toes done. Madeline is really into picking two colors for her toes... 

 I happen to really like this color combo and those sweet toes! :) 

After dinner we snuggled up to watch a movie.

She picked Annie which is cute and she was interested for the first hour, then this happened...to both of us! I got up and put her in her bed and put myself to bed too! :) 

I LOVE Tuesdays! :) 

Fun With Science

Haley and I go way back...I guess we've been friends for 25ish years. We have a mutual love of college football and Sonny's BBQ! :) Too bad she was led astray years ago to become a Razorback fan...

Anyway,  Haley came to visit last Sunday and stayed through the week. She hung out with Madeline a couple of days while Terry and I worked. They did all sorts of things from shopping, the library, swimming, and even the local science museum! To say Madeline had fun would be an understatement! 

*disclaimer* Madeline dressed herself...I'm sure the science museum people were impressed with her fancy get up! :) * 

I totally stole these from Haley's Facebook :) 

I mean, what is more fun than a wind tunnel? Look at all those accessories, purple nails, and how light her hair is getting!!! 

Haley and I got in some good girl time too. We went to see Pitch Perfect 2 - judge me all you want, I loved it! If nursing doesn't work out, I plan to start working on my acapella. We also had to hit up Sonny's and Hobby Lobby and before we knew it, it was time for her to go home. We were so glad she came to see us! 

Roll Tide, Haley! Love.