Mellow Yellow

We have been super busy these past few weeks. The boys are doing amazing and I am remembering what it means to be a working Mommy! Clothes have piled up, my energy is gone, and I am in survival mode most of the time, but I am enjoying the adventure:)
Dominick got his yellow belt a couple of weeks ago and was so proud. He now attends the advanced belt classes. What a big boy:) BJJ has calmed him down soooo much. Dominick is way too smart for me and continues to take my breath away with all his complex vocabulary. Honestly, I was afraid he might be ADHD, but after talking with our special ed. teacher at my school and a retired GT coordinator from Keller that lives next door, I am thinking he might be gifted in several areas. Just in the past two days he has used the words, concentration, focus, gondola, confrontation, absolutely, etc. Not only that, he worries about problems that are way bigger than himself.....like recycling, poverty, and future accidents. Uhmmmm....I was worried about what barbie I wanted to play with next. Every day he does something else that blows me away!!!!
Dylan is all about his terrible two's. Though I must say his fits are not nearly as bad as his big brothers were at this age. Nevertheless, I don't miss them! I do really love the independence that becomes more than apparent at this age. They are so assertive and sure of themselves. Dylan has learned to do flips on the trampoline like his brother. It still makes my heart jump as he turns in the air. He loves to be outside and now that the weather is cooler we have been taking full advantage of it! Dylan loves to color and extends this art beyond paper......thank goodness for erasers!!!
Shawn and I have been having a few adventures of our own. We went to the UFC fights last Saturday and the Cowboy game on Sunday. As a nice get away, and wining and dining some out of town guest, we stayed in Southlake and enjoyed a little shopping Saturday afternoon. This weekend we decided to love on the boys a little bit and went to Incredible Pizza. We all had a blast. We don't do Chuckie Cheese...so IP is a great alternative.
Everything is great, just busy. I am anxious for the cool air to stay and the leaves to turn. This is my favorite time of year:)

Ode to Armani....

We lost our beloved Armani on Thursday night. You never really know how much love you can have for a dog until eleven years have past, and you can't imagine a time in your life when they were not there. They become your best friend, your greatest listener, and the sweet companion when you feel all alone. They are your greatest allie and the best darn welcoming home host. I am positive God has a special place in Heaven for these special creatures. My heart breaks and rejoices for all the memories we have had. I know that when it is my time to enter the gates, Armani will be waiting at the gate wagging his tail anxious to show me his 500 plastic eggs. Thanks Armani for being the greatest friend...

I lost a special friend today

the kind you can't replace,

and looking at his empty bed

I still can see his face.

I see the endless energy

the sparkling puppy eyes,

Not the tired, fragile friend

I had to bid goodbye.

I know he's in a special place

our Lord has for such friends,

Where meadows, fields & flowers

help make them strong and whole again.

I remember how he'd run to me

to play his favorite puppy game,

And how his ears would perk right up

When he heard me call his name.

But as those precious years went by

And we both aged and grew,

I'd find him often slowing down

But-we had still so much to do.

Easter stands out in my mind

As he would always find his eggs,

The kids would have their baskets full

And he'd be there to beg.

Then there was Valentines Day

with lots of chocolate hearts,

As he devoured all he could

Surely, hoping it'd still looked like the start!

He did his guard dog duty well

Each time the doorbell rang,

Strangers surely couldn't see

My gentle friend--behind those fangs.

I've noticed in the recent times His ears were not as sharp,

Where is that running ball of fur

The years have shown their mark.

He started sleeping next to me Was this his special clue,

Because he felt the end was near

I only wish I knew.

My Armani was a special dog

I know he gave his best,

But as I looked deep into his eyes

I knew it was time, for him to rest.

It will truly be a struggle

I don't know how I'll face each day,

I have to let him go--I know

But in my heart he'll always stay.

This special place our Lord has made

Health and strength, wait for him there,

So with my very special friend

I'm sending all my prayers.

I know he's watching over me
He'll be with me when I cry,

So with one more kiss on his beloved head I told my Armani goodbye.