Memories of Molasses

Most people don't know how Molasses got her name. Years ago when Andy and I were first dating we were being all sweet and telling each other that we loved one another. I told Andy that I loved him more than molasses. We both laughed at my choice of the word molasses, but it was the first thing that popped in my head. The saying "I love you more than molasses," became our little silly saying to each other. Well, as the years progressed I told Andy if we ever got a dog I wanted to name him or her Molasses. We were engaged when we went and got Molasses through a rescue. When we first met her, they were calling her Blondie (why we still have yet to figure out). We decided Blondie was not a good name for her, and I remembered my Molasses name. She was the color of it and moved like it. The name was perfect and she responded to it the first time we called her Molasses like it had been her name all her life! So our beautiful Molasses entered our life and our cute saying exited our life. After all how could we now tell each other that we loved one another more than Molasses?

My big sweety barreling down the stairs

Olivia and Molasses, best friends

Olivia's first riding lessons were on Molasses. Molasses was so content to let Olivia ride on her.

Christmas cuddles

Goodbye Molasses!

As I sit here sobbing at the computer, I have to reflect on all the happy times we had with our Molasses. Unfortunately she passed away last night as we were heading to bed. She came upstairs with us, went into her crate, made a short whimpering sound and was gone. Olivia was staying the night with Nana and Papa so she wasn't here and doesn't know yet. I didn't get much sleep last night, and I just keep thinking about how I am going to tell Olivia. I remember when I was pregnant with Olivia telling Molasses that I didn't think it was fair to the baby I was carrying because I couldn't imagine loving the baby more than her, and I truly felt that way at the time. Andy and I used to joke that if we ever separated we'd be good about letting each other have shared custody of Olivia, but we'd have to get lawyers involved over who got Molasses. At least she went quick and peacefully at home with Andy and I by her side, but we are going to miss her terribly.

Sweet puppy kisses

A Time for Family

Andy's cousin Jason was married to his beautiful bride Melody on November 1st. It was a great time to get to see family from all over the U.S. back together again. Above is Olivia dancing and being her silly self with great grandma, up from Arkansas. Below Olivia snuggles with Aunt Doris a.k.a "Aunt Diva," who drove in with her son Danny from NY.

Robert and Aunt Jen also were in attendance at the wedding. I finally got to meet Andy's Aunt Debbie and her two sons, who flew up from Texas. I'm so glad that most of the family was able to make it to the wedding in Ohio.

On November 8th, baby James turned 1! Here he sits after the tears have finally dried because they took his new toy away from him so he could eat some cake. He did end up fairly messy, but not as much as messy as most one year olds do. It's hard to believe a whole year has passed already. He's getting so big and starting to walk. He truly is such a sweet boy, but why wouldn't he be with an aunt as sweet as me?

Happy Halloween!

Olivia and Mommy

Standing like a flamingo

Trick - or - treat!

Our immediate next door neighbors go all out at Halloween every year. They even advertise their annual balloon launch in the newspaper which literally brings hundreds of kids to our neighborhood. I had at least 350 pieces of candy to pass out and we ran out after about 1 1/2 hours! Our little flamingo had a marvelous time trick or treating and helping me pass out candy. Afterwards we even went to Jimmi Jo's, her favorite ice cream store, that was giving out free ice cream for their last day of the season.

OLIVIA IS 3!

Well Olivia's 3rd birthday has come and went. We celebrated with just family on Sunday the 19th. As usual, she was spoiled and got way too many items, but is appreciative of them all. On her actual birthday Olivia celebrated with her friends at Jackie's during the day. I had a night class so she went to the pool with Andy for a bit and they went out to eat together. Mommy also arranged for a scavenger hunt for Olivia to find one more gift on her actual birthday. My little princess needed a gift just from Mommy and it just so happens that Sleeping Beauty just came out on DVD. It's hard to believe she is 3!

Olivia and daddy sporting their Ohio State attire. Go Buckeyes!

Queen for the day!

She was great at giving huge hugs to everyone after opening their gifts. Even Robert got a hug!

A tractor from my big kid (Andy) to my little Olivia. He's having as much fun with it as she is.

Fall Flowers, Pumpkins, and Horsing Around

Picking out some mums at Byler's

Which pumpkin to pick?

Our first trail ride led by Aunt Jen with Nana close by

Anyone looking for a last minute birthday gift for Olivia, she wants a real white horse like this one!

Fun with Boys!

Last Saturday, September 27th was Titus' 3rd birthday. Olivia and I had planned on hitting the movies in Three Rivers before her horse riding class and invited her cousins to join us. Elizabeth brought Titus and baby James and the five of us enjoyed "Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales film." It was quite cute and a great pick for the kids first time to the theater.

Andy had been telling Olivia all summer long that we could camp out some night in her play house. Well, Andy and Olivia dug a fire pit. We ate outside and made smores over the fire, but the two of them ended up camping out on the living room floor. Of course Olivia now wants to do this daily, but is accepting to the fact that she has to sleep in her own bed. Please excuse my husband's filthy pillow that he didn't put a pillowcase on.

After the movies and Olivia's horse class we headed up to Kzoo to see our old neighbors the Skultety's. Olivia has been missing Zsolt. It's been quite a while since we've last seen them, so I was surprised at how well the two played together. They were like an old married couple. Olivia told Zsolt what to do and he obliged.

This was in an attempt to give goodbye hugs and kisses. They were falling for each other a little too hard if you ask me.