It has been a long time since i updated this blog. I am recommitting to do better. We have had some wonderful yet emotional times the last couple of weeks. Some of you may know that Erics lab, Rascal, died suddenly 2 weeks ago. What a shock. 
He was only 9 years old and from the morning i found him in the back yard it has been an emotional rollercoaster. It is like losing part of your family. That probably sounds odd to some of you but for those that have had animals for a long time know the heartbreak it is to lose them, especially when it is so unexpected. We have all had a very hard time but especially Eric and Yvonne. Yvonne kept saying "this is ridiculous that i am still so sad and crying over a stupid dog" But we have done many many fun things with Rascal and he will be missed. I think the other hard thing for Yvonne is (and this is probably a women thing) that with the death of Erics dog and him leaving on his mission, she is losing more than just Eric. She could look at the dog and a part of Eric would still be at home but now that won't happen. Also it is very evident that Eric is now an adult making adult decisions (to go on a mission) and dealing with adult emotions (losing a dog/friend). He is no longer a kid!
Well during this time we wondered if we should get another dog to help us get over Rascal and were trying to decide whether we wanted our backyard back or a dog, which we all love to have.
Well not only did we get 1 dog but ended
up with two 7 week old yellow labs. Actually 1 of them is Stephanies. She wanted a dog to take with her when (if) she ever gets married or leaves home. But for now we have two cute little puppies that are a lot of fun, just wish they could stay little. If we could figure out a way to breed them to stay small we could make a fortune.
Well the other fun part of the last week was Erics farewell last Sunday. He did a great job and seems to be very very ready to go. Yvonne's brother Steve mentioned that Erics talk was one that you would hear from a General Authority. I don't know that I would go that far BUT it was an excellent talk and meeting. Afterwards he had about 75 friends come over to the house. Even with the number of kids i felt like we were still able to keep some as semblance of the Sabbath. WOW can they go through the food. That evening we had quite a few neighbors and friends come over to visit with Eric as well. It was a wonderful day.
The night before we had Yvonne's family over for visiting and had an enjoyable time with them. She had most of her family there.
This Sunday Oct 26th my family is invited to the house for visiting and refreshments as well, anytime after 6pm. With the number of family members on both sides and friends of Erics this has worked out very good and given Eric time to talk and visit with everyone more one on one.
I know this post has been mostly about Eric but the past few months have been mostly about him til he leaves. We STILL love the rest of our children and yes mom we spend just as much money on them and give them the same amount of time we give Eric.
Just a quick note everyone else:
Yvonne is doing great from her surgery. Still sore but went back to work today.
Jeff is still working and schooling (graduates April) and since there is no softball he decided to team up with eric and put on a flag football tournament
Stephanie as i mentioned has a new dog and an old boyfriend (old as in dating for a while)
Katie is on break from school for another week and still working
Alyssa is doing well in school and excited for softball this spring
Hope all is well with all of you
He was only 9 years old and from the morning i found him in the back yard it has been an emotional rollercoaster. It is like losing part of your family. That probably sounds odd to some of you but for those that have had animals for a long time know the heartbreak it is to lose them, especially when it is so unexpected. We have all had a very hard time but especially Eric and Yvonne. Yvonne kept saying "this is ridiculous that i am still so sad and crying over a stupid dog" But we have done many many fun things with Rascal and he will be missed. I think the other hard thing for Yvonne is (and this is probably a women thing) that with the death of Erics dog and him leaving on his mission, she is losing more than just Eric. She could look at the dog and a part of Eric would still be at home but now that won't happen. Also it is very evident that Eric is now an adult making adult decisions (to go on a mission) and dealing with adult emotions (losing a dog/friend). He is no longer a kid!Well during this time we wondered if we should get another dog to help us get over Rascal and were trying to decide whether we wanted our backyard back or a dog, which we all love to have.
Well not only did we get 1 dog but ended
up with two 7 week old yellow labs. Actually 1 of them is Stephanies. She wanted a dog to take with her when (if) she ever gets married or leaves home. But for now we have two cute little puppies that are a lot of fun, just wish they could stay little. If we could figure out a way to breed them to stay small we could make a fortune.Well the other fun part of the last week was Erics farewell last Sunday. He did a great job and seems to be very very ready to go. Yvonne's brother Steve mentioned that Erics talk was one that you would hear from a General Authority. I don't know that I would go that far BUT it was an excellent talk and meeting. Afterwards he had about 75 friends come over to the house. Even with the number of kids i felt like we were still able to keep some as semblance of the Sabbath. WOW can they go through the food. That evening we had quite a few neighbors and friends come over to visit with Eric as well. It was a wonderful day.
The night before we had Yvonne's family over for visiting and had an enjoyable time with them. She had most of her family there.
This Sunday Oct 26th my family is invited to the house for visiting and refreshments as well, anytime after 6pm. With the number of family members on both sides and friends of Erics this has worked out very good and given Eric time to talk and visit with everyone more one on one.
I know this post has been mostly about Eric but the past few months have been mostly about him til he leaves. We STILL love the rest of our children and yes mom we spend just as much money on them and give them the same amount of time we give Eric.
Just a quick note everyone else:
Yvonne is doing great from her surgery. Still sore but went back to work today.
Jeff is still working and schooling (graduates April) and since there is no softball he decided to team up with eric and put on a flag football tournament
Stephanie as i mentioned has a new dog and an old boyfriend (old as in dating for a while)
Katie is on break from school for another week and still working
Alyssa is doing well in school and excited for softball this spring
Hope all is well with all of you
