New Chapter

Hello -

I has been a while and I really realized how much I miss writing this blog - even if it is just me who gets enjoyment out of it:)

It has been a while because as a lot of you know, I lost my Mom, Carol last week to renal failure.  She had just turned 72 on July 4th. 

My Mom was a tiny little women with a lot of spunk!!  She weighed all of 80 pounds when she died but was always tiny.  It is a shame I did not take after her in that respect:( 

My Mom is responsible for the person I am today.  She gave me the confidence to know that I can do anything I put my mind to.  She was my support system.  Even when I had doubts she was there to keep my fears at bay. 

When I was in 7th grade I so wanted to be a cheerleader.  Let me tell you, I was not looking too much like a cheerleader.  I was awkward and insecure.  My Mom coached me for months.  She even helped me learn how to do a back handspring in the backyard.  Keep in mind she was a tiny lady!

It was because of her that I made cheerleading and was even captain one year!!  It was at the point where I knew if I made up my mind to do something I could! 

I have always loved dogs since I was a little girl and for my 16th birthday I so wanted a "real" dog.  We always had miniature poodles and while I LOVE them now, when I was a kid I was always teased about having the kind of dog.  However, there was a reason I had poodles.  It was because I was allergic to dogs and my Mom knew how much I love dogs so she got me three I could live with.

So, for my 16th birthday I wanted a big dog - that dog was Duke, the largest of the terriers, an Airedale!
Now for those of you who know what an airedale is like know what a change this was from our little poodles:)

However, my Mom put up with the antics, the digging, the jumping ,etc because I loved him and wanted him.

Christmas Eve in my house was sacred and talk about food WOW, steak, lobster tails, rice balls, sauerkraut balls.  That was the most favorite night of the year and it as not because of the presents. 

There are so many memories of my Mom I could go on and on. 

Mom, thank you for being my Mom and for helping me have a wonderful life.  I love you and I know that you are watching down on me and Rachael:)