puppy saga

where to begin? life has continue to move along at a blinding pace this fall--my lists of "things to do" never appears to get shorter...and now I have a list going for Jason too... I guess that would be the left braininess in me. ;)

But, what I truly sat down to update everyone on was the health status of our dog (or puppy as we so affectionately call our 140 pound "child"). I've shared on and off in the past year his various ailments--UTIs, ear infections, skin infections. Well, a few weeks ago we were able to take him the the MSU vet hospital and get a full diagnostic workup as to what may be going on within him. During this process, a spunky, young veterinarian student discovered a heart murmur. What does that have to do with his frequent infections, you ask? Absolutely nothing. But, what it did mean is that they couldn't do some of the tests that they had originally wanted due to now being unable to sedate him. All we were left with was a simple blood test option.

Longer story made short...Harley is officially allergic to every grass found in Michigan, some tree pollen and weeds, and beginning to show signs of allergy to dust mites. Nice. A dog who is allergic to grass... :) So, short of cementing in our entire yard and never letting him play at the park again, we will begin allergy shots in our 8 year old (ie almost 70 year old) dog.

A note to those of you who are reading this and scoffing: I probably would scoff too if it not that I've truly become a dog person and I really think you can't empathize with our situation unless you too are a dog person. :) So, just love us for who we are and know that we are taking care of one of God's special creatures!

wedding!

last update was a baby...this update is a wedding! Yesterday, my cousin, my sister, was married. And what a fun day it was--not to mention how beautiful the bride was. :) Here are a few pictures from the special day...the rest of my life has consisted of nothing outside of work, school, and church. There are moments I feel completely overwhelmed by it all, but then my wonderful husband goes and gets the groceries, walks the dog, and cleans the entire house...and then I know I couldn't make it all happen without this special man by my side!

baby girl

oh how sweet to hold a newborn baby...especially a baby girl! My best friend gave birth on September 30 to a tiny little 6 pound 14 ounce peanut named Anna Olivia. I seriously don't think I've ever seen or held such a perfect little baby--she is absolutely beautiful! I cannot wait to see what awesome things are in store for this precious babe.

do I sound like a proud aunt or what? :)

september

I told myself once school started, I'd have more time to blog a little...now I realize I'm almost halfway through September!

Work has definitely kicked into gear--the kids made us hit the ground running! I suppose it's a good thing to know that they know where to come seek help for all that ails them, but it sure has made for an exhausting couple of weeks. It'll be a good year though--we can all sense it.

Then my graduate classes have started up as well--and both of those are going to be a LOT of work. Luckily most of it are just small assignments and readings, but every week there is something new to work on. And one class is on Professional Leadership--so already I've learned awesome things about setting goals for myself in my career and life. Lately I have felt a little out of touch with my passions in life, so I'm excited for how this class can put me back in touch with that.

The other stuff we're dealing with right now is more health issues with our puppy...we're working on skin infection number 4. It's to a point where one vet has suggested seeing a dermatology specialist for dogs! So, our first step is just to get a second opinion as to what may actually be going on with him. He really does have a high pain tolerance, but it's pretty obvious he's not all that comfortable in his itchy skin. :(

so, that's the latest on Prospect!

one year of marriage!

yeah for us!! What a great year too...I'll do some reflection on it in another posting. But for now: we celebrated in style! We were married on Labor day--so we celebrated as such. Spending a gorgeous weekend up in Mackinac, including a night on Mackinac Island (more pictures posted on my facebook page).

today, the actual day of our anniversary, began with a 5am waffle breakfast together. :) It was about the only time we will see each other today as Jason has class and I have choir rehearsal this evening. ahh...marital bliss...loving every second of it!

circus

so I've decided that I'll put a positive spin onto the drama of my job: no longer will I approach it as exhausting politics and manipulations, but rather, it's a circus! Everyone has their own little area of showmanship and displays and my job will simply be the ringmaster--just making sure everyone has their job done correctly (ie, serving the students & their families) and yet in the end is having fun and smiling or laughing about something.

Ever heard the phrase, If we didn't laugh about it, we'd cry? That, my friends, will be my mantra this year.

Angry parents, frustrated students, exhausted staff, tough administration...this is my life as a school nurse in a high school health center. So, finding the little things to laugh or smile about are that much more important in keeping the circus in proper function. :)

summer 2008

so it seems as though I took a blogging hiatus...I didn't really mean too...but my life has just been full. And every time I took a peek at my blog (or, I should say, my friends' blogs) I just didn't have the energy or organized thoughts on which to write.

So, to update from my last post:
1. my grad class is done, in which I received a grade of "A" (nothing short of a miracle I think)
2. We purchased a used 2001 Dodge Intrepid to get Jason to & from work and school.
3. We got new carpet in the family room that looks exactly like the carpet we had back there...apparently I don't have a knack for decorating. :)
4. We have not yet gone on a camping trip--but I'm still hopeful!

One wouldn't think that the 3 (or 4) things listed above would create a full life...but everyday, something new pops up to keep us busy. Friends visiting from out of town, a shopping trip with my mom, beaches to visit, rooms to clean, errands to run, groceries to buy...and then the Olympics started and it amazes me how that can occupy your time as well! ;)

So, yes, summer 2008 has been a good one. I feel relaxed and at peace. Ready to go back to work next week? I'll be honest: nope, not in the least. But, I will...because I do love the kids, and that is who I'm working for. :)

One more moment in my life: I spent a couple hours today at the Lake Michigan shoreline. It was beautiful: peaceful, perfect temperature, a good book, a little snooze--one of my best summer moments. On the way home, I popped in a CD and sang (loudly) along with Philips, Craig, & Dean:

Lord, I wish I could praise You with adequate words
But You leave me speechless
And I so long to sing You the song You deserve
But it would be endless
I long to move Your heart
To bring You something new
To tell how great You are
Till my praise to You
Is like an ocean breeze blowing on your face
Like a summer sun with its warm embrace
Like a gentle rain plays a symphony
That's what I want my praise to be
Like a fragrant rose in the early spring
Like an eagle soars when it spreads its wings
Whatever, Lord, You may need from me
That's what I want my praise to be
To You
Everything I could give, You already possess
Lord, I'm so unworthy, yeah
I'm just one of the millions to stand and confess
And yet still You hear me
Your heart is open wide
You long for what I bring
I pray somehow You'll find this simple offering...