Rest In Peace My Sweet Sammy

Rest In Peace Sammy
July 30, 2006 to January 1, 2010
You'll be forever in our hearts!

2010 didn't start off as I had planned nor do I think 2009 ended how I expected. After a date with Todd, we arrived home as usual. Unloaded Emmry out of the car, unlocked the door, sat Emmry down by her toys, and played with Abby and Sammy who were dying for our attention. This is our every day routine when we get home. For whatever reason, we didn't take the dogs out when we got home (which is a pretty common thing we do is take them out asap).(Abby to the left, Sammy to the right)

Around 9:45, Todd noticed that Sammy wasn't upstairs in the bed with us. Once he realized Sammy wasn't down stairs either, the panic set in. We immediately went outside, checked the road, searched the backyard and starting yelling his name. Then... something just hit me; my heart stopped as I went towards the road for one last look. I stood there for a minute trying to clear the tears from my eyes so I could see clearly. I was freezing and my breaths drew faster and harder. I knew in that moment, it was My Sammy. I screamed Todd's name. Over and over again and even though it was only moments before he reached me... it felt like days. My heart was shattered, empty, speechless. I cried endlessly, sobbed for days.
(Emmry feeding Sammy)

Sammy was my very first pet to have all to myself. He was my Christmas present from Todd in 2006. Sammy was never afraid of anything, very curious but also very protective. He loved us all in a way that could never be replaced and the bond he had with Emmry was truly one of a kind. He played with her, chased her, kissed her, and whenever she would wake up from nap time... he'd always be right there at her crib waiting on me to put her down. I miss him. We all miss him.(Sammy getting some of Emmry's drink)

Todd buried him in our flower garden. He even has a headstone and flowers. It took me days to be able to go out and see it, maybe because I felt so guilty. I think of him daily and often want to call out his name. I hear his bark. I can sometimes smell where he used to lay. I know he is in a better place. I know I'll meet him again.
(Abby on the left, Sammy on the right)

Sammy, wherever you are... I love you. Todd loves you. Emmry loves you. Abby loves you. You are and will always be missed.

A Tad Bit Behind.... (sorry)

I do believe the last time I "blogged" was in October, after my birthday. There is soooo much catching up to do and figuring out a place to start is mind-boggling. I'll just pick up where I left off and ONLY give the most important details of the event(s). First up is Halloween 2009...

Even though it was a very yucky and rainy Halloween, it was definitely a great time for Emmry, who I must say was the sweetest little ladybug I had ever seen. We (Todd, Emmry and I) first went to eat at one of our favorite restaurant and then headed over to PawPaw and Nana Gayle's house to go trick-or-treating! She loved going from door to door and this child loves candy so this was a very enjoyable event for her.The next big event is Thanksgiving and oh what a long day it was. Todd had to work on Thanksgiving, so his missed the Thanksgiving feast at my grandma's house with my dad's side of the family. If I remember correctly, Emmry wasn't in a very pleasant mood so she sat in my lap the entire time and ate ham (5-6 HUGE pieces too)! PawPaw and Nana Gayle decided to go on a trip for Thanksgiving, so we didn't have a family gathering with Todd's side. Around 5 or so, Emmry and I loaded back into the car and headed off to Aunt Debbie's to celebrate with my mom's side and needless to say, Emmry still wasn't in a better mood. She cried most of the time UNTIL.... her wonderful daddy made his entrance! Her face lit up and in the moment, the child had changed. She was completely different the rest of the evening; she played, laughed, threw a ball back and forth with everyone, ate cake and she discovered that she LOVES whipped-cream! From all the food we ate the entire day, I believe we all put on about 5-10 pounds! =)
Christmas is a different story and I have to admit, I wasn't really in the "Christmas" spirit this year. But, I didn't let it stop me from putting up the tree or decorating the house. Most of December, I don't remember. However, Christmas morning is morning I'll never forget. Santa brought Miss Emm LOADS and LOADS and LOADS of things. She got clothes, shoes, books, dolls, barbies, learning activities, etc... But the BIGGEST gift from Santa was the convertible pink barbie bug. The moment she laid eyes on it, she was gone. In and out. In and out. In and out. Priceless! Let's just say, Santa REALLY over did himself this year but we are VERY THANKFUL!As far as Emmry goes, she is a growing girl that is full of energy and giggles. She is now nearly 17 months old and weighs 26 pounds. Not quite sure how tall she is but at her next doctors appointment, I'll be sure to update. She eats anything and everything and is very "nosy". She likes figuring things out on her own. Her smiles are endless and everyday, together, we learn something new. Emmry loves pictures, books, shoes on her hands, chocolate milk, chicken nuggets, balls (everything to her is "ball"), her blanket, and yes she still has her passy. She can say words such as ball, mama, dada, get, and stop. Although her vocabulary isn't large yet, she knows what we are saying to her. She is so bright and I couldn't ask for a more wonderful daughter.

It is now January 13, 2010 and the new year is looking brighter than ever. We are all excited to see what the new year will bring to us. As of last night, we have an OFFICIAL WALKER! Yes, my dear and precious Emmry is walking now (it's been a LONG few months). I do believe I have worried myself sick over the ordeal but just like everyone said, she will do it in her own time. I have a gut feeling that 2010 will be one of the best years for us... But only time will tell! =) I am truly blessed and thankful to have my family. I love them and I know without a doubt, they love me too.

Happy Birthday to Mommy!

Yes, I finally turned the BIG 21 on October 12th. Such a young milestone that I have been exciting about crossing. Not for the drinking part but because it FINALLY makes me legal for anything and everything. It's like once a person turns 21, you don't get the question of, "You're only 20"? I was so blessed to spend my birthday evening with my family and very close friends. We went to Olive Garden and had a fabulous time! I'd like to thank the following for sharing the big night with me: Todd, Emmry, Mama, Buck, Kyndal, Taylor, Bill, Gayle, Dad, Jaymie, Ben, Hunter, Aunt Debbie, Erin, Jeff, Kim, Brittany, Kyle, Chelsea, and Lan. My birthday was the best and it's because I have all of you in my life.

Thank Goodness!

I am proud to announce that Emmry is not only DRINKING from her sippy cup, but she is also holding it herself too! Whenever I feed Emmry, I always put her sippy cup on her tray. While I was fixing her lunch the other day, I notice that she was gibbering as much. I turned around and was so amazed at the site I saw; my sweet Emmry holding and drinking from her cup! I quickly ran to get the camera because I knew I had to treasure that moment forever. I am so amazed at how much she is learning each day. She knows how to clap, point to your nose, mouth and eyes. She knows how to give you a five and right now we are learning our colors!This is off subject but while Todd and I were cleaning the car the other day, we rolled down the windows and let Emmry walk around. I just happened to have the camera ready and I got some great shots!

Unplanned Weekends...

Gahh, they are my absolute total favorite! Like, when you get a "surprise" text or phone call and something so small turns into be so great! With that being said, I received a text from Chelsea asking if we (Todd and I) wanted to watch the Georgia game and cookout. Of course, Todd and I never turn down a date with Chelsea and Lan (they just happen to be one of our favorite couples!) We decided to cook hamburgers and wings. #1. I am NOT a cook especially with a deep fryer. Let's just say there was an "explosion" in my back yard! I called Lan over to put the FROZEN, not even thawed out a little bit, wings in the deep fryer. The oil was about 400+ degrees. When Lan dropped the wings in, the oil split over and there was a GIANT ball of fire! I screamed, Chelsea screamed, and Lan... He was just scared! =) I will note... our wings and hamburgers turned out GREAT! However, we are no longer cooking wings at our residence!Later in the evening we decide to go to Buffalo's in Acworth to Karaoke for Kevin's birthday. I might add that I has six people in my 4-Runner, poor Brittany was in the very back, hiding from any police seeing her! Needless to say, I am pretty sure Kevin had a good birthday since our "party train" arrived! We got home kind of late and Miss Emmry was wind awake, playing and carrying on. She was enjoying all the attention. It seems that wherever we go, the attention follows her and she eats it up.As everyone started to leave, Chelsea realized that the wing sauce was leaking out of the bowl, down my couch and pouring on the floor! We couldn't help my laugh because the night had already been so "eventful". These are the moments that will last a lifetime! Great friends, great fun, great laughs, great memories!

Todd's 30 Year Reunion

Todd and I recently received an invite to his 30 year reunion from Cass High. We, at first, were a bit skeptical of going. Not particular reason other than being uncomfortable. One night while we were laying in bed, we just decided to go. Todd was Mr. CHS so I felt like he should be there! I am very pleased to say that I am so glad we changed our minds! We had the absolute best time, I actually can't remember the last time we felt so good.

The reunion was held at the Country Club and was filled with all sorts of decorations, gifts and people... tons of people. My favorite detail was the name tags; each name tag had the year, the person's name AND... their senior picture. Quite hilarious! At first, you could tell people were a little standoffish but within about an hour of being there, we were surrounded by the best people. We ate amazing, mouth-watering food (it was to die for). I got the biggest kick out of hearing all the stories like this one guy made a giant paper airplane, lit it on fire and threw it across the room. He didn't even get into trouble and all I could think was, "We would have gotten expelled"!!

There was dancing, jokes, more stories, great people, awesome music, and much more dancing. We even picked up a dinner date with Sandy, Kevin, Robin, Megan and Tim. I did not feel out of place at all. In fact, I felt more comfortable than ever before. Now, I've been wondering if "my reunion" will be this much fun? Todd and I are looking forward to the 35th reunion... It's a CRUISE!(Sandy and Kevin)(Todd and Karen Mercer; Mr. & Mrs. CHS)

Hand Clapping

This is big news for us! =) I am guessing that since Emmry was born six weeks early, it explains a lot for why she doesn't do all of the "normal" things other kids her age are doing. BUT today, she clapped her hands!! She went on and on and on and smiled the entire time while doing so. We haven't had much luck with the hand coordination, so this is BIG! Emmry is also drinking from a sippy cup now. She hasn't figured out how to hold it and drink it but she does drink when I hold it up for her! I am so glad for her, even though she has no idea! Besides, what's "normal" these days anyway?