For 11 days straight I saw friends and family, it was awesome! It started with a weekend in KC for a beautiful wedding and then getting to see my best high school friends.  I miss Kansas City so much!  The day we got back Rob's sister Laura came to visit the Springs.  We hiked, did some sight seeing and ate some delicious food.  The day she left, we made our way to St. Louis for long weekend.  It was a rough trip getting there but the weekend was SO much fun.  We got to see family and friends, visit the wineries and go to a Cardinals game. Summer has officially begun for us! 11 weeks until the big move :)

 Mount Pleasant Winery

 

Dancing with Miss Ava at the wineries

Fishy Face

So thankful to be sitting in the shade

Go Cards!

Me and Miss Payton

Payton and Uncle Rob

Jill, feel like crying today?

During my daily gchat with Amanda Thomas we began discussing dogs and our opinions on training, how to treat them and how annoying it is when people give up on them when life gets too busy.  As a fairly new dog owner I have strong opinions about these things, but don't worry that isn't the point of this post. 

During this conversation Amanda says, "You feel like crying today?" My response, "Probably won't take much." She proceeds to send me the below story and later saying, that might hit home even more than I realized. Well, she was right.  I sobbed like a baby for about 25 minutes straight.  Maybe I needed a good cry or may it struck just about every emotional chord imaginable. Happy, Sad, Proud, Sad, Happy. I had to share. 

Warning: reading this in public may cause severe lump in throat due to trying not to cry while co-workers are just a cubicle away. Girl, just let it all out!

As we prepare for our journey to Europe in 3 short months there is so much to think about.  After reading this, I realize I am SO lucky that my husband has a slim chance of deploying and that we get to be together. After that, the details will work themselves out. I also let him know, that if I hear of a deploying soldier that has no one to give their dog to, Duke will have a new playmate.

Subject: Best Dog Story Ever

They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news.  The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes and a sealed letter from his previous owner.

See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice”

To Whomever Gets My Dog:

     Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. He knew something was different. So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

     First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hoards them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after them, so be careful. Don't do it by any roads.

     Next, commands. Reggie knows the obvious ones ---"sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals, too: He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business.

     Feeding schedule: twice a day, regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

     He's up on his shots. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

     Finally, give him some time. It's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

     And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you...His name's not Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. But if someone is reading this... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. His real  

name is "Tank.” Because, that is what I drive.

     I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. You see, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with ... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter ...in the "event" ... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my CO is a dog-guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family, too, and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. If I have to give up Tank to keep those terrible people from coming to the US I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service  

to my country and comrades.

     All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

     Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight – every night – from me.

Thank you, - - Paul Mallory

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure, I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer. I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

 "Hey, Tank," I said quietly. The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him. "It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball?" His ears perked again. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?"

Tank tore from my hands and disappeared into the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

If you can read this without getting a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye, you just ain't right.

A veteran is someone who, at one point, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."

Trends come and go, and then come back again

I keep hearing that hair bows are in. I was the kid who wore bows, everyday.  Not just school picture day, everyday. When I was in KC a few weeks ago my dad brought up a plastic bin from the basement asking me if I wanted anything in it.  I opened it and bows, headbands and scrunchies exploded after being stuffed in there for approximately 18 years. I found a good article and pictures how adults can pull off wear hair bows.  I am not against the trend as a former bow wearer. But as with most trends, this isn't for everyone, including those approaching 30 like myself.  But ask me in 6 months, you never know.

Quick article about the modern bow

I also couldn't help but share some of my favorite bows from the bin. Self-pics do nothing for me but these were worth sacrificing. I don't think the bows will have problems taking the attention off my face. 

Mary Engelbreit anyone?

I wore this one in many soccer pictures, when my head was 1/2 the size.

NEON

Candy Corn and Balloons. Candy Corn lasts 20 years, something is wrong with that.


 

Calling a place home?

This is what I vision our cute little house in Belgium to look like.  I am sure I will be rudely awakened upon arrival. But I am pretty obsessed with how cute and simple it is. The fact that we will be living in Belgium for 3 years sounds like an eternity to me.  I haven't lived in one apartment/house for more than a year since I left for college.  I lived in a different place every year during college and then moved apartments every year since then.  Why did I do that to myself? I am looking forward to finding a place we can call home for 3 years, feels like such a big commitment!  4 months and counting!

More into about the house: http://www.lincolnbarbour.com/blog/2012/03/12/a-tiny-house-in-martha-stewart-living/

Life Update

Life has been pretty quiet around here.  Its amazing how moving to a new city and getting married within 6 months makes you want to do NOTHING.  The spring is picking up though.  And we fully intend for the summer to be wild.  But here is snapshot of the past month or so:

• I met my niece Sylvia!  The little nugget is so dang cute!  I also got to see Emily, who isn't exactly a nugget but may have the cutest chunky legs ever!  Both got Frye boots from Aunt Jill, pretty ridiculous but I take being an aunt serious, including buying my nieces obnoxious brands so they can be cool before they even realize how cool they are.  The trip to Minneapolis was great and I can't wait to get back there soon.  

Headband making shower for Stephanie and Sylvia.  She is set for awhile!

Sylvia- 10 days old.  Newborn photo shoot

Miss Emily showing off her new boots, big blue eyes and chunky  little legs!

• Duke got a haircut.  Don't be fooled, just because he cleaned up his appearance doesn't mean he isn't the same hot mess.  He will be 10 months old this weekend.  I feel like we hit some adult milestones in the last few weeks.  My favorite being that he and I can run and hike without him being on a leash, its so not cool to have your dog on a leash in Colorado...and now we are in the club. 

Before

After (I swear this is the same dog)

• Move Update:  We have to be in Belgium by August 13th.  Yeah, about 5 months from now.  We started the paperwork last week.  We are learning that SHAPE is a small base with international/NATO soldiers that Rob will work on.  He will also get to work on families too which is different than bases in the states.  Wonder what he will think of my teeth?  Every single person we have talked to said that Europe was the best assignment they had and have been giving great advice on traveling and the way of life over there.  Oh and when I say we have started the paperwork, I mean Duke's paperwork- it is proving to be as extensive as ours, and more expensive.  He is going to have so many stamps on his passport (yes, he will have a passport).  We have also begun to plan our Tour de Missouri in late July/early August. Details to follow.  

Happy St. Patty's Day- for sure a holiday that makes me miss Kansas City!

welcome sylvia!

Happy long weekend to everyone.  Ours started Thursday morning at 2:00 am with a wonderful text letting us know that Sylvia Lynn Spence decided to arrive 5 weeks early!  She is 4.11 lbs, tiny as can be but very healthy.  Mom and dad are doing well although surprised by the early arrival!  Here are some pics!  The shower that Miranda and I are throwing Stephanie next Saturday will now be a sip-and-see too.  I can't wait to get to Minnesota on Friday to see my brothers and nieces! 

Sylvia Lynn Spence

Sylvia and Mom

Sylvia Stout made by dad, good thing this will be ready to drink next week

Emily celebrating the arrival of her cousin

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope everyone is enjoying this over-rated-yet-I-still-love-it-holiday!  Mine started with my husband waking up early (he has to be at work at 7) to make me a delicious breakfast including bacon, hash browns, fruit and cinnamon crescent rolls.  He also took Duke out (usually my job) all before he woke me up at 6 :)  Duke felt left out so he snuck into the kitchen and pulled a ninja move and licked some bacon grease...so I made him some brown rice so he would feel better (I do this about once a week due to all the things he eats when I leave the room).  Loved eating breakfast with my husband, it was a perfect gift!

I started babysitting yesterday for 3 girls after school.  They are so sweet and very interesting actually.  The 10 year old is the size of  the 7 year old and the maturity of a 30 year old.  She reads pregnancy and baby books in prep for babysitting and because she wants to be an OBGYN.  She also taught me some french yesterday, a wonderful surprise since I need to start learning some for our big move (Belgians speak french and Flemish). While we were at her sister's dance lesson yesterday the other kids were asking her to do multiplication problems on the spot, she rocked it. Proud babysitter here.  When I was eating reduced fact cheese-its yesterday she asked if I am trying to stay skinny, and I said "sure".  Her response, "How come? You are married."  Told you, she is wise beyond her years. Her younger sister and step-sister (blended family) are sweet as can be too and I enjoyed dancing to Katy Perry with them and talking about their crushes at school. So they have different interests but so much fun!

I love having a valentine today but I must say that some of my "single" valentines days were the best.  Hard to beat being surrounded by your best girlfriends celebrating singleness.  And by celebrating singleness, I mean watching the Notebook and drinking wine and crying with your best friends on V day.  Great college memory!