What should we do while we wait for July 28?

So, we had this dog.  Her name was Shelby-Gurl.

She was a glorified mutt.  She was actually a Leonberger, so she is a breed specifically made for something.  Also known as a glorified mutt.

We got her when she was 5 months old from the pound.  She was abused, so training her took a l-o-n-g time.

I mean looooonnnngggg time.

But she was a sweetheart.  I used to think she was a semi useless dog, only around for the kids sake.  They loved her and she really was a good dog; but one day when Samuel was still small, one of our friends was over at the house and was wrestling with his son. He turned around and went for Samuel;  she jumped up and stood between the 2 of them, growling and her fur flying, protecting Samuel from this character.  Ok, he is a good friend.  STILL she was protecting Samuel.  Samuel, who pulled her ears & tails and sat on top of her and dragged her around. 

Last Friday, the 16th, Shelby had to be put down.  She was tired.  She was old.  She was done.  She was beautiful to the end.

And I cried.  

She was a good dog. 

Now we are a 2 beagle family.

The fact that my son is gone for weeks on end, and my dog died, I had to go.  SO, the perfect solution was...VA Beach to go see a grandson.

Elly loves going.  Granted the 7 hour one way ride leaves much to be desired, the end result totally ROCKS!!

With his grandpa!  <3  He has the most perfect chucnker legs.  And cheeks.  And toes, and a smile to melt even the coldest hearts.

John turned vegan on me.  Well, mostly vegan.

Gross.

Anyway, Chloe made him a vegan cake.  Which I have to say, was not 1/2 bad!!  It was coconut.  Seriously, anything with coconut has got to taste good.  But still it tasted better than I thought it would.

On Father's Day we went out to lunch.  Josiah had this amazing looking steak...thing.

And John had vegetables.   duh.

Speaking of vegetables.  Check out the radishes from my garden.  All organic, all natural.  The size of an apple!!!  Delicious.  I love radishes.

As of today, 36 more days to go until my boys comes home.  It has been a hard time, but I wouldn't change it for the world.  I pray he is doing well, and he is learning to trust and rely on GOD and HIM alone.  Work hard, trust HIM, love hard.  I pray he changes to HIS glory.

I will try to write more often, life is too busy.  But I need to remember and record.

Next time I will tell you about my crazy fast.  Because it is crazy, and I am already regretting my decision.  But I will stick to it because I am too stubborn to quit right now.  Even though I REALLY WANT TO!!!!!