Furry friend

9 1/2 years after we rescued Apollo, aka our Great Protector, he passed away from old age and joined Cassidy in Puppy Heaven. He was skin and bones for over a year and I kept saying to Brian every time we went out of town, this is probably it for the old boy. But he was one tough doggy! This picture was our last "family" photo taken - he still followed us everywhere even if he was skin and bones!  The house is definitely so empty without him. I'm getting used to peeing and showering alone again - that dog was my constant companion. The kids took it pretty rough that first 24 hours - lots of tears. But we are slowly working through our grief. Ben took it the hardest - and is working through his grief with ART. It's the cutest thing I have ever seen...

The BUNCH

Hey Mom, this stands for Dodo Is In Heaven. (Ben)

Our sensitive sweet little man!

Blow out

So Ben and I were driving east in Daddy's car on the expressway a few weeks ago doing about 70. We were in the middle lane and were looking to move into the right lane as our exit was up next. There was a Walmart semi coming up fast on my right when out of no where the car started to pull hard to the side. At first I thought, "Geez, this car could sure use an alignment..." Then BAM! the front tire on the passenger side exploded! That dang semi was still coming up fast so I had to gun it to get enough in front of it so I could get safely off to the side of the expressway. It all happened so fast - good thing I have been driving (no joke) since I was 12 years old and have had a bit of "extreme" driving experience. The smell of rubber was horrific. I immediately called AAA for emergency road service, then called my office to let Brian know. Within 10 minutes I was canceling AAA because we have two retired cops who work with us and they came to my rescue! (I love our office family!!!)

Ben was so funny and patient the entire time we were waiting and getting the tired swapped out.
We had to go get Emma from a sleepover then go get a new tire. Normally we are home by 1:00 but didn't pull into the driveway until 2:30... It was a chilly rainy day but we survived - thanks to Ben's great sense of humor and for keeping me calm during the drama! :)

Our knights in shining armor!

Blew the tire right off...

The things you do...

...when you are a mama. I spent a solid hour trying to bring "footprint blankie" back from the dead. It was a serious CSI crime scene. The "cleaner" would have been proud of me. No evidence of blood when I was done!!