Forgive me...

Ugh! I forgot my phone at home…I feel lost. It crazy how much of a routine I’m in and don’t even realize it on a day to day basis. It’s crazy that at the times I know I talk to people…I feel odd as the time passes by. Yes it is only 9:34 A.M but by now I’ve already talked to Ralph, My mom and Sandra. Possibly texted Crystal and called Sonia back. I would have also listened to my voice mail and shot off another text to Ralph…just so he really knows how much I miss him…I might even toss in a I’m an idiot SORRY! I was so mean to him last night.

Let me give you the scenario. It is really quit comical now that it’s over with. Ralph took Josh out to potty before we went to bed…then he took Sam (our Puggle) when he came inside he said Sam was “mean.” As he began to tell me how Sam had picked up a toad and tossed him. Then he said it must have tasted bad because Sam was spitting/sticking his tongue out. I felt so bad for the frog that I had Ralph get a flashlight and we went outside to check on him. The frog/toad was fine and hopping around, no puncture wounds and seemed rather happy! So I went back inside, Ralph went upstairs to bed and I finished watching the last ten minutes of my show. For some reason I typed in “My dog picked up a toad with his mouth” in the Google bar of my ipad. BAD IDEA!!! There was page after page about how toads are poisonous to dogs if they pick them up. That the dog will DIE do to the poison in their mouth from the toad and start foaming and having convulsions…Not lying here is the Link! 

So I walked RAN upstairs barged through the bedroom door yelling something along the lines of “Sam is going to Die” and if he does “I will Never forgive you” “Why weren’t you watching him!?!” “We need to go to Tufts!!” I think I threw in a swear here and there. Yes-it was bad! So I followed the steps from the internet and washed out his mouth for ten minutes. After my frantic episode of trying to save my ailing dog (whom might I add was eating his food, playing with Josh and waiting for cookies). I began to slowly realize that he may not be dying. As I read further and saw that these types of Toads are not found around here….I felt stupid! It was too late the damage had been done; I might have also…just maybe told Ralph I hated him. Oops. Forgive Me?? He did. 

I don’t think I handle scary situations well. I always use to be able to…that is until I almost lost me little dog Joshua twice! He survived but this Mama is scared all the time. I hate it; I hate feeling like something bad is going to happen to them all the time. I miss the care free days when you thought there was no Sadness in the world, when pets didn’t die…they just went to live on a farm! 

  

These kinda carefree days....

But the harsh reality is one day I will….I can’t finish that sentence. I don’t want to ever lose my dogs…like I said in my {time capsule} I wish both my dogs were bit by Vampires and Live FOREVER!!

Work Day

I want to stay home tomorrow. I want Ralph to stay home tomorrow. I wish tomorrow was a work from home day.....

                                                     Not looking forward to a day without you...
Tonight's Song; 

                                     

Beautiful Dreams

I came home early today…I had the worst Headache ever! I never get headaches and I know this was due to me not drinking water today, yes really. So I came home punched in sleep station on Pandora and passed out with the dogs until Ralph got home. I woke up refreshed and giddy…did I just really have a dream of my WEDDING! I’ve never had a “wedding” dream before; heck I’m not even engaged. BUT it does consume my thoughts…sometimes I find myself making seating charts while I’m obviously supposed to be doing something else. 

I have so many ideas for my wedding day… although this dream was nothing like them! It was simple, elegant and magical. 

                       Every image was so vivid, looking at Ralph standing under a Homemade Southern alter. It was perfect. It is making me rethink everything I’ve had planned or imagined… 

                         Thinking about stepping outside of the box;  typical "suits" for Ring bearers isn't my style. I guess Time will tell....I do Change my mind Often!! But majorly hung up on the Country wedding after today!

 I’m captivated by these images…The ideas are swirling. 

Originally hailing from Massachusetts and having really never left I’m captivated by the south. Simple living, sort of obsessed with all southern things (e.g. wrap around farmers porches with rocking chairs, layered pearls, mason jars, country music,  monograms, oh how I love monograms. I’m a self-proclaimed organizer, bookworm, and over planner. I love any excuse to plan a party and bake…I secretly wish I had a show on the Food Network.  So planning and organizing every detail of my wedding is a definite. I’m lucky I have a few great girlfriends that know how frantic I am about wanting every detail to be perfect…and they will be there pressing and wrapping flowers and dripping wax sealed envelopes for sure. I want it small (100 people) Simple; Country and Beautiful. 

 

Long Night; Tired Day

Why are Football games on so late... No one in their right mind can sleep through whistle's and screaming. I attempted to quiet myself within a book...but hearing "****** Ref's" seemed to overpower any sense of relaxation.

Patriot's Lost....it was almost midnight.

                 Ralph was WAY to ramped up to put on are Nature sounds of Brookstone soooo we talked.... giggled....and somehow managed to fall asleep before 1 A.M. I love my Ralph. I love his antics. I love his heart but most of all....his laugh.
     

It's Monday morning....it was a Super Busy weekend and my house is a wreck. I just called my mom.... She tells me she is at my house and has been there for hours cleaning. I'm Blessed and might... just maybe HAVE THE BEST MOM IN THE WHOLE WORLD! Happy Monday Y'all
                                                                                                             ~Sarah With an H
     

Pizza Love

After a rough week it’s time to wind down….Or wind Up? As Ralph and I have a pretty crazy jam packed weekend. Which I think is a good thing….Keeping the mind occupied. Tonight we actually have nothing going on so I’m going to embrace Love after this Crappie bad news filled week. I made Dough today…and tonight a “Love” pizza and movies!!

Then Saturday & Sunday: Craft Fairs, Movies, Dinner Date, Surprise Birthday’s and Football!!! Oh and toss in a little doggie play date, cleaning and errand running.

                                   Enjoy Your Weekend Everyone!!!

                                                                                                         ~Sarah With an H

Shitty Day…..Shitty Week

Where to start…. Lane Goodwin is Home on Hospice.

Those of you who know Ralph and I personally know that we are big supporters/activist for childhood Cancer. We have watched countless kids lose their fight to this Asshole Monster! A few in particular…Ronan, Ethan and now Lane. Ralph and I have been following Lane’s story for almost 2 years. A child fighting to be a KID for the past two+ years to a stage IV monster called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. As of Dec. 15, 2010 Lane has completed 28 treatments of Radiation & 41 weeks of Chemo. As of December 30, 2010 Lane's scans were clear….came back again, cleared now back…..So aggressive that it is now in his brain.  Unless God is going to perform an earthly miracle for Lane he is going to die. There are a million and one things wrong with this.

I’m trying to find an outlet so I won’t be consumed by this anger…Anger that seems to creep up in every corner. When I sign on Facebook and read countless posts about Kids driving their parent’s nuts and how they need a glass of wine. Really. This momma would spend the rest of her life enjoying her child driving her nuts…instead she is going to watch him die. Or the fact that there is Pink everywhere…Its SEPTEMBER its CHILDHOOD Cancer Awareness Month…We haven’t moved on to {Pink} Breast Cancer awareness. Where is the Gold! Who is going to be the voice for these children?

I could list about a hundred reason off the top of my head but I know that will leave me enraged…but 2.4 billion dollars to explore Mars…..are you fucking kidding me. 2.4 BILLION dollars! Do you know how many kids that would save or how much research could be done to find a cure with 2.4 Billion Dollars!!!

very 3 months for the next 5 years.
On July 22, 2011 we were given the worse news possible. Lane has relapsed & has a tumor in his neck & left leg. On August 11, 2011 his PET scan showed that he now has 13 tumors in his bones. He has chosen to fight & we will do whatever we have to in order to save our sons life!!
Lane again relapsed on May 8, 2012. Please pray as he battles this "monster" for the 3rd Time!

Miracles happen and he has to be one of them!!!

There is a P.O. Box that has been set up if you would like to send cards or other items to Lane.
Lane Goodwin, P.O Box 105, Beechgrove, Ky 42322

Donations for Lane can be made at any Independence Bank, Acct# 2093170 George & Angela Goodwin For Lane Goodwin.
If you are not in the area and still wish to donate you can call Independence Bank at 270-273-5664 or a paypal acct has been set up Acct# algoodie01@msn.com or you can click on the donate button on the left side of the home page.

You can also purchase shirts, car magnets or arm bands by using the paypal acct or sending an order to Lane's P.O. Box.

This acct will cover what ever Lane needs on this journey!

 Who can ignore the facts that come along with childhood cancer and decide that it is o.k. to look the other way?

§  Cancer is the number one cause of non-accidental death in children

§  At present childhood cancer cannot be prevented and occurs regularly and randomly, sparing no ethnic group, socioeconomic or geographic class

§  Approximately 46 U.S. children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every single day

§  For every six research dollars per patient with AIDS and every one research dollar per patient with breast cancer, a child with cancer receives only 30 cents.

Lane has a little brother…His little brother is slowly watching his big brother die! How can anyone look the other way and not want to do something…anything.

Tips for the Fucking Idiots on Facebook:

When a child is Dying…Do NOT comment, send an e-mail or contact his/her parents saying “he is better off with God” There is no other place he/she should be other than Home, with his/her family. You are not making anyone feel better by saying such things “Don’t keep him alive for yourself.” Are you serious?? Who in their right mind would let their child suffer for their own benefit?? They are doing what’s right for their child…unless you are going to offer pure Love go get lost or perhaps go fund the 2.4 billion dollar project to mars, you asshole!

There is good...once you weed out the few idiots.

 Through it all...Lane's Journey has opened up the true meaning of Kindness. Strangers from all over the globe have done some remarkable things....People have opened up vacation homes so the Goodwin family could take Lane on all the trips he desired. People gave up flyer miles, hotel rooms, money, gifts.... all to put a smile on this boys face. Heartwarming.

Through everything; Lane has had a Smile on his Face, his parents with such Grace have openly shared their son with all of us. With an unwavering faith, Lane has been saying he is ready. God is walking him through this and he will go when He is ready.

Please go to “Prayers for Lane Goodwin” and give LOVE or a Thumbs Up.  Lift this family up as they are living a real life nightmare! Thank you :o)

    TEAM LANE

I love you....

I Love you….

Our calendar is BLANK this weekend. This excites me! It’s been a few months since we had no plans what so ever! I’m getting a head start…Tonight I’m going to do all the laundry, go to the grocery store and clean the house. Figure out dinner for Saturday and Sunday night! Stop at the Gap and get us new Jammie’s, pick up some redbox movie’s, figure out a delish dessert I can make for Saturday Night….I guess there is a lot of planning going into a non-planned weekend. I guess I’m just eager to spend time with Ralph…doing nothing! 

Things I’m also excited about this weekend;

Decorating the Outside of the House for Fall! 

Figuring out a use for my MANY Mason Jars that I have acquired, I love Mason Jars!

Hoping my package comes from Palmer Cash this weekend…Oh how I Heart Palmer Cash!!! Excited for some new Fall Vintage T’s…so soft! 

Downloading Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap  & The Girl by City and Colour on itunes! 

Reading {Living} Magazine that was delivered to the house yesterday…It took a lot not to open it…but leisurely reading it on the sun porch with the cool breeze coming through is so desired this weekend! 

Taking the dogs for a walk…watching them enjoy their weekend as well…They miss their mama and Pop when we are at work…it’s a long week! I’m lucky to have such an awesome momma that visits them every day and takes them out! The perks of her retirement! LOVE! 

Gathering ideas for a spookkyyyy event coming up in the coming month. 

Making my pup’s some Pumpkin Cookies…

Loving! Loving every second, every minute, every hour, and every day I get to spend with my beautiful boys! That includes you too Ralphie…Not just the pups ;)

**Side note: I went into Starbucks yesterday and I was floored to see The Lumineers being sold next to the registers. I guess everyone is "Ho Heying" in their Cars & Home! This made me Happy!!  

 

I hope you all are Enjoying your Week and excited for this Beautiful weekend that is Rapidly approaching!! 

 *I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE loving You!

Pumpkin Dog Cookies

Sammie (my Puggle) who is a Monster Eater tends to get an upset belly! Last week he found a brownie in my someone’s purse and ate it…plastic and all. In a panic I shot off an e-mail to a girl that works at a vet hospital. (Thanks’ Jamie) and my anxiety lessoned. He was fine! Now that fall is rapidly approaching I wanted to find him a “treat” that would be safe and beneficial! He loves to go on Fall adventures to the farm, fairs and beautiful fall scenic drives. I heard lots of great things about Pumpkin and what better timing than Fall to try it out!

                      PUMPKIN     DOG     COOKIES

2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons dry milk
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 1/2 cups brown rice flour *
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth. Stir in dry milk, sea salt, and dried parsley (if using, optional). Add brown rice flour gradually, combining with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface (can use the brown rice flour) and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.

Roll dough between 1/4 – 1/2″ – depending on your dog’s chew preferences, ask first – and use biscuit or other shape cutter to punch shapes, gathering and re-rolling scraps as you go. Place shapes on cookie sheet, no greasing or paper necessary. If desired, press fork pattern on biscuits before baking, a quick up-and-down movement with fork, lightly pressing down halfway through dough. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn biscuits over, then bake additional 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely on rack before feeding to dog.

Makes up to 75 small (1″) biscuits or 50 medium biscuits!

Benefits of Pumpkin…

1) Constipation: Pumpkin can be a very effective treatment for the occasional abnormal stool. (If your pet has regular GI issues, consult your veterinarian.) Pumpkins have a high water and fiber content and can act to hydrate the intestines and their contents when dogs are suffering from constipation. Start with 1 tsp for smaller dogs and 2 tsp for larger dogs at the first sign of constipation. The water and fibers will be absorbed by the dry stools in your dog’s intestines, and your pup should experience relief in a few hours.

2) Diarrhea: Pumpkin can also be used to treat diarrhea. The soluble fiber in pumpkins actually helps absorb excess water in the bowels that the body didn’t absorb properly, thereby helping to calm diarrhea. Start slowly, and adjust accordingly.

3) Urinary Health: Pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants (good for overall healthy skin and fur), and the oils in pumpkins’ flesh and seeds are believed to support urinary health. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and iron, and may even reduce the likelihood your pet will develop cancer.

4) Weight Loss: Pumpkin is also recently gaining popularity as a supplement to a dog’s food to aid in weight loss. While it is true that it is a low-cal/low-fat/ filler that is high in fiber and will help keep your pet feeling full longer, you want to make sure that your pet is still getting the required nutrients that he or she needs. As with all diet changes, start slowly and gradually increase. If your pet is obese, contacting your vet to get a personalized diet plan so your pet is not losing too much weight too rapidly, or too little weight too slowly.

 

 

Raw, Cooked, or Canned?

Both raw and cooked pumpkin is safe for dogs. (If your dog has diabetes or chronic kidney disease, always ask your vet first.) As far as our healthy pooches go, seeds and flesh of fresh raw pumpkins are safe provided, of course, it’s not a rotten pumpkin that’s been sitting on the porch for four weeks. Pumpkin parts do go rancid very quickly! An easy way to have some handy dog treats around that will last 3-4 weeks is roasting plain seeds in the oven.

 

 

                                         Getting really eager for the leaves to change colors.....