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The Lion King

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:15:36 -0700

A few weeks ago, my mom, Jennifer, Haley and I went to see The Lion King at the Keller in Portland. The three of us had already seen the show a few years ago, but not Haley. In fact, this was the first big play Haley has ever seen. Seriously, Haley was so excited, she was ready to bust!

Bye Bye Bleaux Bird

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 22:24:55 -0700

Monday was an AWFUL day around here. One of those days that are just burned in your memory and make your heart ache in ways that no one’s heart should ache.

Jennifer and I took one of her sweet Yellow Labs, Bleaux, to be put to sleep. As anyone that loves their pets knows, this is just about the hardest thing one can do. She was only nine years old.

In August 2009, Bleaux was diagnosed with a condition called Protein Losing Neuropathy. Basically this is where her kidneys were not absorbing the protein her body needs, which would eventually lead to kidney failure followed by all of her other organs shutting down. The vets thought Bleaux would only have a few months to live. But, as anyone that has dogs knows, they are so resilient! Sweet Bleaux-bird lasted almost a year after that.

Over the last several months though, Bleaux had gotten so thin because her kidneys weren’t functioning properly, so her body wasn’t absorbing the nutrients it needed. Bleaux went from weighing about 100 pounds down to around 40 pounds. Jennifer’s other Lab, Chloe (Bleaux’s sister) was always the thin one. Not anymore though, it was Bleaux that was the thin one. In this picture of Bleaux standing next to Chloe, you can see how thin and frail Bleaux had become. This photo was taken on Monday before we took her in to be put to sleep. Bleaux is in the background with the blue collar.

Miss Sebaceous Cyst 2010

Thu, 3 Jun 2010 18:53:22 -0700

If you are faint of heart (or stomach), may I suggest you skip this post right now and move on to lighter fare on here like my little niece Emily’s teeth. For those that aren’t squeamish, feel free to continue reading.

Consider yourself warned!

A couple of years ago, I felt a little lump on Maggie’s back. I took her to the doctor to have it looked at and the vet told me that it was nothing to worry about. It was only a sebaceous cyst. Apparently, these cysts are pretty common in dogs. The vet said that it may or may not break open and, if it does, then it may or may not heal correctly. They can go either way. If they don’t heal correctly, then surgery is required to remove them. These cysts are almost like the world’s most giant, disgusting zit. Fun for all!

To read more about what these cysts are, click here.
 Since that time, this cyst on her back has broken open to drain it’s contents a few times. It never really healed right and she developed this weird kind of growth on her back. I always have to trim the hair away from it and keep it really clean.

Emily’s First Birthday Party

Sat, 29 May 2010 18:13:04 -0700

I have been meaning to post this all week and am finally getting around to doing it. Sorry about the delay!

Last week, we had a little first birthday party for Emily. That Emily was in a serious party mood too!

Twelve Months of Emily

Sat, 22 May 2010 21:26:01 -0700

Today is my little niece Emily’s first birthday. I can hardly believe it has been a year already since we were waiting in the hospital for little Em to be born. The year has gone by so fast!

In honor of Emily’s first birthday, I thought I would share photos of how she much she has grown and changed in the last twelve months.

First up, May 22, 2009 - just after being born.

Dreamgirls

Fri, 21 May 2010 09:28:20 -0700

One of the things I love about living here in the Portland area is that each year we get some great Broadway shows that make the rounds. Going to the theater is something I really enjoy, so when it comes time to renew our membership with the Portland Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA), it’s totally worth it. Jennifer, my mom and I all split the membership costs and it is great because we get to purchase advance tickets to all the shows and pick whatever seats we want for the shows.

This season has had some really great shows so far (like Cats) and, most recently, Dreamgirls.

To tell the truth, I was a little “meh” about going to see Dreamgirls. I have no idea why I felt this way since I had heard such good things about the show. My mom and I were going to go together to see it and I even asked my dad if he wanted to go in my place. He said no, and boy am I glad he did! Because I absolutely LOVED the show!

When my mom and I took our seats, I was surprised at the stage set up before the show. Usually the stages are all decorated with cool props and stuff. The stage set up for Dreamgirls was totally nondescript and rather boring looking. (Sorry my picture is a bit blurry - I had a hard time getting a clear photo of the pre-show stage for some reason.)

The Wayneman, A Birthday Pictorial

Tue, 11 May 2010 21:27:10 -0700

Thirty-nine years ago, this little fella was born. He was pretty cute.

Now We Are Six

Fri, 7 May 2010 23:50:30 -0700

Yes, this is the name of a wonderful book by A.A. Milne, but it fit perfectly with this post about my niece Haley. Recently, Haley celebrated her 6th birthday. It is hard to believe that Haley is already six years old. Six years old and almost finished with Kindergarden. Six years old, going on thirty.

Where does the time go?

It seems like just yesterday Haley was born.

Basset Diva

Sat, 1 May 2010 19:34:48 -0700

Recently, as you may recall, the Wayneman and I went to meet Pioneer Woman when she did her book signing here in the Portland area. Since we know Ms. Ree loves Basset Hounds, we decided to bring our Maggie along with us because we thought it would give her a good laugh. It’s difficult not to crack a smile when you see a Basset Hound in a stroller.

Laugh PW did when she saw Maggie. She thought Mag was pretty hilarious. Maggie doesn’t mind when people laugh at her. She gets her kicks when people laugh at her. Making people laugh is one of her jobs. It gives her purpose and she takes her job seriously!

Teeth

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:40:44 -0700

It’s hard to believe my little niece Emily is almost a year old. She is getting so big these days.