Dear, Maddux

What do you say when you are told that your companion of nine years has lymphoma, and there is nothing that can be done? That is what the vet told Chad on Saturday about Maddux. They advised us that choosing a euthanization date within the next couple of weeks would be of best interest.

Let me fill you in on all of the details leading up to this sad, sad day. About six months ago, we noticed a tumor on Maddux's back. We didn't think anything of it until it kept growing and growing. We took her into the vet, and at the time it was removed, they notified us that it was cancerous. They reassured us that they got as much as they could, and only time would tell if they got it all. About two weeks ago, we were starting to notice several tumors growing all over her body, and they were spreading and growing rapidly. We decided to take her into the vet on Saturday, and that is when the told us the devastating news.

After talking to the vet and spending hours researching canine lymphoma, we decided that it was in Maddux's best interest to have the euthanization done as soon as possible to avoid any pain that would soon consume her.

Today was the day. Today was the day we let our "first baby" go. The past four days have been filled with sadness, confusion, feelings of guilt, sympathy, and remorse. The tears that we have shed and the hours and days that we have spent mourning over our beloved companion goes to show that she was the most selfless, forgiving, loving, compassionate, and understanding friend. Here's to you, Maddux, our "good girl," Maggots, Madface, Matface -- forever in our hearts and always in our memories. We love you and will miss you immensely.

Welcome to the Jungle

Brock was having fun with the camera while I clipped nails.

4th of July

Sophie didn't care too much for the loud ones.

No, this is not a jungle; it is our garden. I told you it was big!

Our squash is out of control!
As you can see, it won't be long before it consumes our deck.

If you are wondering what this ginormous thing is, you are in the same boat as us. At first, I thought it was some kind of squash, but it just kept growing and growing and growing. Right now, it is over 8 feet tall. I just want to see how big it gets. =)

It is official! Brock has thrown away his training wheels.

We've been practicing, and now he's got it!
He is able to start and stop by himself, too! Yay, Brock!

This is what happens when Chad leaves me on the
deck with only a camera. I was to the point where I was making myself laugh.
That's okay; it happens more often than you would think. =)

Bubbles, Swimming, and Sofa Loaf

Here are some updates on the kids:

Brock completed swim lessons for the summer and can now go under water without plugging his nose, swim under water in the shallow end, and jump off of the diving board and go under with his life jacket on. There are six levels to complete, and he just completed the first level. He will do three more next summer.

He has learned to blow bubbles with his gum, so now he thinks that he has to have gum all of the time, which, in turn, means I have to give Ella and Sophie some, too. I am finding gum EVERYWHERE! Gum on the carpet, in the suburban, everywhere outside, and upstairs in the bedrooms. Maybe we'll take a little break from the gum for a while.

Brock also loves to take showers now. No more baths for him! And since he started doing it, Ella has decided that she only likes showers now, too. I tried a shower for Sophie, but she was not impressed with the convenience.

Ella is ready for preschool. She is not shy at all and will make friends with everyone. She recently had her first kiss when we had her friend, Mason, over. They were playing Spiderman and Mary Jane all day, and I guess they felt the urge to kiss. This probably happened with a little conning from some older siblings. Anywho, from now on, it's kisses on the hand.

Sophie is hilarious! Whenever I have the camera out, she runs after me saying "cheese." She constantly says "cheese" until someone takes her picture. She is now saying "thank you" whenever you give her something, but we usually have to remind her to say "please." Did I mention that she is learning lovely knew things to say from her brother and sister?

Cheese!

When it comes to Brock and Ella, where do I start? Our days are filled with me refereeing their arguing matches. Yes, Brock is the typical brother that does anything and everything to make his little sister mad. And Ella does anything in her power to annoy him. There might be a small window of opportunity where they get along and play, but for the most part, I would like to put them in a cage to have-at-it. Sibling rivalry is such a sweet thing.

Here are some pics that wrap-up the week:

Brock and I were having a bubble gum blowing contest the entire day.

(notice the concentration)

Ella riding the motor boat with Grammie

Brock trying to do a belly flop

Blake and Brock

Sofa Loaf

Cheese!

Cheese!

Cheese!

Spiderman and Mary Jane

Lightning Bugs