Saturday, July 18, 2009

The local watering hole



When Darren put bleach in our backyard fountain (i.e. the local watering hole for all things furry & winged) to clean it out, This squirrel got resourceful!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Family Update

As much as I've been putting it off, I felt I should write to update everyone on what's going on with Darren and I. First off, If you have not heard, Darren's mother Donna passed away unexpectedly April 7th. She drown in Hawaii while on vacation. It was a terrible shock and still unbelievable at times. She was an amazing woman, the most generous and selfless woman I've ever met. She was loved by many, a fact that was evidenced by the sheer number of people present at the memorial service/wake. Four days after Donna's death, my mom suffered a heart attack. Again, shocking and made even scarier by the fact that we had just lost a mother. Thankfully, there was no permanent damage done to her heart so as long as she improves her lifestyle she could easily go on to live a long and healthy life.

Unfortunately since then we have also lost two of our four legged companions. Peppy, Darren's childhood dog we put down a couple weeks after mom's death. He was old and suffering and mom was going to do it when she got back from Hawaii. And on Friday we had to put down our kitty Hiro. He has had feline lukemia since birth and we found he had a large tumorous mass in his chest cavity which was pushing on his lungs preventing him from breathing. Darren and I were both very upset as Hiro was not yet 2 years old. But his quality of life was deteriorating and he had stopped eating/drinking during his last few days.

On the upside, we all feel very blessed and fortunate to have such a wonderful and supportive network around us. Our family and friends have been very thoughful and helpful during these difficult times. We appreciate all of your cards, calls and kind gestures. Times like these help to reinforce the bonds we have with those around us.

Darren is still in school, in the midst of his toughest semester yet! He is working nights (5-10ish) at the golf course down the road cooking for their patrons. I am still looking for a job. I have expanded my job search as my unemployment expired a couple weeks ago. I am now considering non-teaching jobs in our area. We are considering the idea of buying mom's house if we can find good employment in the area. Either way we have to go through the house, clean it up and get it in order in case the kids do decide to sell it. We have moved into Donna's house for the time being and I am busy cleaning, sorting and organizing.

I hope you are all well, happy and healthy. Give your loved ones a hug & tell them the things you never get around to saying. You never know what will happen tomorrow. We love you all and take care.

Ashley & Darren

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Valentine's Getaway







We went up to Traverse City over Valentines weekend to get away & hang with our friends Kate & Gregg. We had a blast sledding, shooting guns & playing games! We've now been up there once last summer & once this winter and have decided it's one of our favorite places to go! Oh and uncle Jeff, the truck pic is for you, we saw it on 75 on the way up!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Come out and Play





I drug Darren outside to build a snowman sometime in early February but the snow was too cold & wouldn't pack. Instead we used chunks of snow left from Alex plowing & a gutter-cicle to make a snow sculpture. And we wrestled with Marley in the snow.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Places Hiro likes to be




























I see you!








Hiro hates pink








but he loves boxes!






























and bags!













































And apparently dad's jammies















Sometimes he thinks he's a gift















or laundry















he likes mommy & daddy's bed















and sinks?

















Darren and I have caught Hiro in many a humorous place. So I thought I'd chronicle them here!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Bruce's 50th Bday









We went to Darren's uncle's 50th birthday party last weekend and had a blast with Darren's family. I filled up on Randy's (with goofy glasses) sushi & other appetizers before we even made it to dinner.


So, I'm behind again. Happy (late) New Year 09' everyone!