Another Christmas, another batch of Christmas sugar cookies. The bigger boys are outgrowing this tradition a bit, but humored me and participated. We had Christmas music blasting and cookies cooking. I really loved that evening!
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Sully
Our trip to Utah was dual purpose. On our way home from the Christmas concert, we made a quick detour in Utah, and picked up another goldendoodle puppy! When it became evident that Tanner wasn't going to make it, Scott and I started discussing the idea of getting another dog. We knew we wanted another one, but were still determining if we wanted one right away or wait until summer. After a couple of days of contemplating, Scott suggested we do it over Christmas break. It would ease the pain of losing Tanner and give the kids three solid weeks of bonding with the new puppy. I had already found the perfect dog and been in contact with the breeder so he didn't take much to convince me. In fact, it didn't take any convincing at all. I was all in.
We grabbed the puppy in Utah and brought him home to surprise the kiddos. We told them we brought home a souvenir from the concert and handed out empty boxes. While they were distracted trying to open the well-taped boxes, Scott let the puppy in the house. As he walked in the door, complete disbelief overtook the boys. They were completely shocked and so incredibly happy. It was the best moment.
I wanted to name our sweet new puppy Benny, meaning healer of hearts. However, I got outvoted. As soon as we started talking about names, Beckett asked what the word for the sun was in Spanish. Scott told them it was "sol" and Tayden suggested "Sully" and all the boys immediately started shouting, "Yes!! Sully!" and it was over. I anticipated a little bit of arguing when it came to names, but they all instantly agreed. So now, we have a Spanish sun and moon.
We have loved having Sully. Honestly, he has been a dream. He learned how to use the doggie door in the first two days and slept through the night from the very first day. He is extremely cuddly and loves to be with his people. He sticks close when we are outside and doesn't run away unless he sees another person. Perhaps the best part has been watching him with Luna. They took to each other much faster than we expected and it's been so fun. They are just the best of friends. They get along so well and spend the day playing. When we get Sully out of his kennel in the morning, Luna is right there to greet him and he follows her around the house. Honestly, I don't think Luna has ever been happier.
Things might get a little crazy having two big dogs, but man are we excited for the adventure. This was the right move, no doubt.
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Tabernacle At Temple Square
Scott and I were lucky enough to get tickets to the Christmas Concert at Temple Square. The church does such a great job at putting together a solid production. It was beautiful and so fun to be in the conference center with thousands of other people to celebrate the birth of the Savior, which is the true meaning of the season. I loved this night so much.
See ya Later, Tanner
Last week was a hard one. Unbelievably, gut-wrenching hard. We decided to put Tanner down. He was 16 years old and going downhill fast. He was having accidents in the house, throwing up almost daily, having a hard time standing on the tile floor, and couldn't go down the stairs outside. He could barely hear, couldn't see well, and got confused at times. Scott and I made the tough decision to put him down.
I cried the whole day we made the decision. Every time I looked at him, thought about him, or life without him, I fell apart. It was hard, but not nearly as hard as telling the boys. They lost it. They sobbed and sobbed. We let them process it for the evening and sleep in the next morning. The late start morning was very helpful. The kids had come to terms with the death of Tanner and were able to say their goodbyes before school.
Beckett was upset with me that I didn't let him go with us to the euthanization. I knew he was mad, but I am so glad he wasn't there. It was really rough. The vet agreed with us that it was time. Tanner's heart was weak, he was dehydrated, and he didn't have much fight left in him. After trying to find a vein in the front two legs, they finally got one in his back leg.
The actual euthanization was okay. He was calm and peaceful as he passed away, with Scott and I petting him and talking to him. The vet left us in the room for a couple of quiet minutes and we cried together. Tanner was the first thing we ever loved together, and letting him go was not easy. Even though we know we made the right decision, that didn't make letting him go any easier.
I'm grateful for the 16 years he gave us. He taught us love and patience. He was a good dog that was almost always up for a cuddle. He had silly little quicks that made us laugh and some that drove us crazy, like eating toilet paper. We'll never forget this sweet boy and we'll love him forever.
Mannheim Steam Rollers
Scott and I went to the Mannheim Steam Rollers concert last week. It was not what we expected, to say the least. My friends described it spot on as "psychedelic". The music was good, but the video graphics were weird, like far out, strange. It was fun to do something different, but I think I'll pass on the next opportunity.
New Traditions
This year, Scotts sister, Ashley, gifted us with the most beautiful Christmas wreath. Every night, we put in a candle and talk about the name of Christ in the corresponding hole. It has been such a wonderful way to remember Christ this season and countdown to Christmas. The kids look forward to it nightly and I love learning and teaching about Christ and his names and their meanings. This is the beginning of a new tradition and we love it so much!
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