Day 3,398

The Scream-Cry Goodbye

One last cuddle/hair session with Auntie!

And one last belly laugh all together in unison. 

We’re already missing our family. The kids were nearly scream-crying when I left to take their cousins to the airport. It’s always so hard and so sad saying goodbye. Ah. My heart!

We love you and we can’t wait to see you once more before our big move!

To distract from the sadness, we went on a family date to the park!

Slides and swings never fail to bring instant joy and gigantic smiles. Love them so much!



And pictures of Bitsy in her new home give us even more reasons for excitement and smiles. The kids LOVE seeing her in the snow! She’s doing well up there in Michigan and ia thoroughly enjoying being able to run wild and free in her new space and with her two dog companions. We love you Bits!

Day 3,389

The Farewell to Bitsy the Cow AKA Bitsy Girl Dude

Yesterday, we drove three hours with Bitsy to drop her off to her new family. 

She was cozy getting there. 

But it sucked not being able to give her the knowledge of why anything was happening or that was about to happen to her. 

She met her new owner—my sister Morgan’s husband —but not before one last run, one last belly scratch, and sticker thorn removal from her little Bitsy paws. 

Regret is a real thing and though I don’t regret giving the children Bitsy to enjoy as much as they did, I do regret making a rash decision in getting her in the first place. If I’d had known the emotional toll it would take on the kids and the anxiety and confusion and loneliness Bitsy must be feeling now, I never would’ve agreed to bringing her home to us. 

And yet, here we are. We know she’ll be well cared for, but goodness, this hurts. 

We love you so much Bitsy. Maybe even too much. We hope you grow to love your new home and thrive there in ways we couldn’t offer you here. You’ve brought us so much joy and we’re heartbroken to say goodbye, but ultimately, we know this is better for both you and us. See you in a while, dear friend. 

Ugh. 

Well, knowing the kids would feel like junk, we pre-planned an immediate distraction at Florida’s only “real” snowy mountain. Snowcat Ridge is home to a giant sledding hill and igloo, complete with ice cold snow and freezing temperatures. 

Of the three kids that went, only one enjoyed the ride. Amelia hated it most followed by Ella Mae. 

But they did have fun in the giant igloo. 

After about five minutes, the girls thought it was too cold though. Florida girls at their Florida-est. 

Bub was context to absolutely soak himself in the snow though!

We had some fun and made some memories. And they haven’t cried much since yesterday, so we’re hopeful it stays that way.

Meanwhile, Gammy played with Molly the entire 8 hours we were gone in Dade City. 



We missed her, but she had TONS of fun with Katy and we’re SO thankful for the last minute change in plans that afforded her a different kind of distraction that she could actually enjoy. You’re the best, Gammy!

Day 3,388

The Last Little Bits

I had this beautifully envisioned day planned for how yesterday was going to go. Our last day with Bitsy was supposed to be magical.

It wasn’t. At least not for her. 

I suppose her seventeen minutes of frolicking in tall park grass at dusk while Daddy quickly threw was romantic enough, but as far as quality time spent with her went, it just didn’t happen. 

I have slight Mommy-guilt over it, no lie. But I do TOTALLY understand now, the sentiment of your dog becoming more than just “your dog.” The kids straight up called her “Sister.” Ah. 

She said goodnight for the last time though and got plenty of tummy rubs and puppy kisses and cozy snuggles from Dad and I. But Sundays are just busy—in the best possible way—except when you’re the dog of a family who has to say goodbye the next day. 

We’re missing her already. 

But we do have lots of distractions right now to keep our minds occupied. 

Lesson #1: DO NOT GET A DOG WHILE PLAYING PROFESSIONAL BASEBAL. DON’T DO IT. JUST DON’T!

More tomorrow but sleep for now. 

Day 3,383

The Best Sleepover Sister

She’s everywhere they go, even though they push every one of her buttons. 



Ah, Bitsy. We just love you so much, it hurts. 

We’ve been extra cautious with her and the babes but on Monday, we’ll be taking our Little Bits to Auntie Morgan, where she’ll be free to run and play with Jack Jack and not be constantly attacked by four playful yet aggressive children. We’re dreading the day as it looms on the calendar—the pains of expensive experience are real, that’s for sure. 

Day 3,374

The Manly Example

Practicing being a man alongside some faithful dudes. YES PLEASE, gimme ALL of that!

Practicing sitting through a Sunday night sermon. 

It went well. 

Until it didn’t. 

We got about 20 minutes (not bad!!) in before these two started loud talking and landed us in the mommy room. We’re thankful for the room, but I’m definitely looking forward to the day I can sit and listen to the WHOLE Sunday night sermon as it’s being preached in real life. I can wait though—not really looking toward speeding time up at the moment. 

 Yesh, let’s stick to this pace for a day please?

HAHAHA. Yeah right. 

Day 3,371

The Giant L

Good morning around the couch.  



Good night around the couch. 

Day 3,370

The Bite

They love her...maybe a little too much and not the right way. 

Yesterday, Bitsy bit Molly in the face. 

(Molly is ok—it’s on the surface, more like a scratch—but it was obviously a traumatic experience)

Molly loves our puppy but after hiring a trainer and learning more about what Bitsy has been trying to tell us, we realized too late that Bitsy is really afraid of Molly. We were told that until Bitsy and Molly could interact without Molly hurting or scaring the puppy, they needed to be monitored together at all times. Well, we missed one of their interactions and Bitsy was provoked too far. 

We’re really upset and the kids are incredibly sad. But we have no other option except finding a new home—without children—for Bitsy to grow up in. She’s a great dog and we’re crazy in love with her, however, the kids are too aggressive with her (especially Molly) and she’s beginning to really want to defend herself against them. We can’t and won’t take the risk of her biting again and so, our Bitsy the Cow is headed off on a new adventure. 

Wake me up when it’s over. 

Ugh. 

Day 3,364

The Most Thankful Thanksgiving

Baking

Tasting

Cleaning

Creating

Smiling 

Begging

Eating

(Gammy Katy!) Jumping

Playing 

Passed out

_______________

This year, with all its turns and twists and highs and lows, was so much better than we deserve. Truly. Though I could say a lot about a lot of things, ultimately, God is in control and has saved me unto Himself. The absolute kindness. And as if that weren’t enough, He’s blessed me in abundance and continues pouring out unmerited favor in every direction. And so, we live thankful, knowing that in every moment, we are shown mercy and grace. 2020 has caused my heart to love and cherish my salvation more, my family more, my church body more, and faithful friends more. I can’t think of anything better than that. 

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends and family.