Mitchell Moments

What a weekend. What a full of good stuff weekend. 

I haven’t been sleeping well the last few days, and I’m pretty sure it’s because my brain doesn’t want to miss a single exciting “Mitchell Moment” before we move.  Mostly I’ve been trying to absorb as much time with my family and friends that I can, drinking in their love and honest desire for Jesse and me to succeed and enjoy our new adventure.  I love our support system… not only because they’re awesome, but because they are awesome in so many ways. 

This blog is dedicated to our support system… to the party throwers, the supper hosters, and the dog sitters, we © you!

First came the “going away, drink instead of cry, party” given by the hostess with the mostest, SassyKassie.

And this was my cake.

Janet, Emily, Sarah, & Barb

And these are my wonderful friends!  So honored to have these wonderful ladies in my life... others in attendance were my SIL, Darcie, Mindy, Brenda, and my MOM... And baby Rhoen, too! Pretty good crowd!

Nathel, KrazyKassie, & me

The next day Jesse and I ventured out to replace my car that had been totally ruined in the recent hail storm.  I impressed myself (and Jesse!) with my bartering skills and drove home a Tahoe, which is a pretty big step up from my Pontiac, but I like it!

And that evening we hung out with some of our best friends, Jerry & Angie, and their boys.  We grilled, and spent the night sipping strawberry daiquiris (non-alcoholic for the boys, of course!) and it turned into a random classic game night.

drinks, anyone?

isn't that the truth?

jenga

Crazy Jenga!

Serious Chess...

 I had never played Battleship before, so we had a little guys vs gals competition after the boys had went to bed. It had to have been the longest Battleship game ever!

And to top off the weekend, an event I had been anxiously awaiting came… our sweet puppy Nella was delivered!  Naming her was quite the feat, eventually settling on the name I insisted upon, Jesse nicknamed her Nilla, as in the wafer.  And our niece, Lilly, calls her va-nilla.  This poor puppy is going to be so confused! 

She’s an 8-week-old German Shorthair Pointer, bought with the specific purpose of being my running partner and Jesse’s hunting buddy.  She’s super cute, super sweet, super smart, and super spoiled!

We grilled out at my Godparent’s home Sunday night, and hung out with more family.  The kids LOVED the puppy.  Eventually she cuddled into my jacket and fell asleep while I watched the professionals play beanbags.

Until we move next week, Nella is being fostered at Jesse’s sister, Melinda’s, house.  Her 2 kids, Lilly & Jason, are learning what a puppy is all about.  And Melinda and Mike are remembering what having a baby in the house is all about.  Nella was crying in her kennel when we left her the first night, and I felt like a new mama leaving my baby, with my heart breaking as we backed out of the driveway.  

 Jason called me this morning just to confirm, “When you’re not here Amanda, I’m in charge of the puppy, right??” Pretty important stuff to a 5 year old.  Especially when you’re competing with your 2 year old sister!  Just hope it doesn’t break their hearts too much when the puppy leaves next week.  They’ll probably miss her more than us!

Melinda informed me tonight that the puppy was so worn out she went to her kennel, refused to leave, and didn’t cry or whine at all tonight. GOOD DOG.

And so, it was a busy, busy weekend.  The kind of early summer weekend everyone loves, but I especially love, and will hold near and dear to my heart.  The kind that will hold me over when I’m 5 hours away and missing home like crazy… My “Mitchell Moments” are dwindling down to a few short days.  Most of those days will be full of packing. And packing.  And crying.  And packing. 

 And truly realizing the amazing life we have here.  Thanks to everyone who makes our life amazing!