Cuteness

Teeter Totter

I can't decide if I like this picture better in black and white or color! I am only beginning to discover the big, scary world of editing. I finally got a copy of Photoshop Elements but it is an older version and was not a direct purchase (Cory gave it to me). It is having some compatibility problems. I may have to save up and buy the current version that I am sure will work with Vista. Computer technology has never been my strong point. Being an intelligent person, I can figure things out with some work but that all depends on how much effort I am willing to put forth. I am much better at learning through a class then self taught adventuring. But I have found a bunch of free tutorials on-line for Photoshop Elements....now it is a matter of actually watching them!

Love to all, Brenda

Honoring our Veterans

My Grandfather, Lester Thompson, Army-Air Corps vet and retired LAPD Officer.

Lieutenant Commander Scott Smith, US Navy and I checking out his jet.

I am stealing this list from a very nice e-mail honoring the vets in our family that my Aunt Chris sent today. We have quite a military family and I am honored and amazed by all these brave souls. A Thank you is not enough to express our gratitude.

Commander Scott Smith (My brother-in-law)
Lester Thompson (My grandfather)
Aunt Elaine Thompson, who served in the Canadian Army during WWII
Cousin Joan Mansfield (I think my dad's cousin)
Daniel Thompson (My uncle)
John R. Thompson (My uncle)
Skip Sacks (My uncle)
Dave Hardesty (My uncle)
Ralph Godfrey (Cousin's father)
Ralph Godfrey, III (My cousin)
John C. Thompson (My cousin)
Garth Vincent (My cousin)
Joe Morello (Pam's dad)
Senior Chief David Keane, who will be home soon from Afghanistan! (Pam son)
Matthew Drewe (my dad's nephew)


Very special additions:
Dennis Dunivent (Drafted in the Korean war, served Army at Ft Lewis)
Albert Bun Faulkner (WWII)

Fall Photos

Here are a few cute fall pictures of the girls.

Things are nice and quite around here with out Bentley. It is so much easier to appreciate Levi, who is not perfect but is a really easy going dog. He goes running with Craig, gets some love for us and he is content. Bentley is officially up for adoption on the OHS web site. It is hard to think of him sitting their waiting but I am comforted in that he is being treated well and that they will make such he goes to someone who understands him. I called to check in on him on Sunday and learned he has a buddy, another coonhound that he is paired up with. It is also nice that OHS is the creme de la creme of Humane Societies. Not only are they a fantastic organization (87 cents of every donated dollar the animals care), but they see a ton of traffic. I am hoping the perfect person comes for Bentley soon. Love to all, Brenda

A Sad Day

It is a sad day for me as our faithful companion for the last 4 years is now at the Humane Society awaiting adoption. Yesterday I had a lot of doubt and regret about my decision but I held onto my resolve and as of about an hour ago,the deed is done. I have to say, though there were a lot of tears, I felt a sense of peace on the way home from the shelter. And I feel a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Of course, I still feel sad and bad for Bentley. I hate that he is having to go through this and I pray that he will be adopted quickly to the perfect home for him. I will definitely be checking in with the Humane Society to see how he is adjusting and to see when/if he is adopted.

It is hard to know how Levi and Katya will adjust to his absence. I expect many questions from Katya even though I have been keeping her well informed. I am sure she will miss him. Levi of course can't vocalize his feelings. I think he will be okay as long as he gets lots of attention. I imagine he will miss his friend, though it is hard to know what a dogs mind and memory is like.

To make myself feel better, and to honor our friend Bentley I want to commit to these three things: 1.) Never again take on more pets than we can handle. 2.) Make Levi a true part of the family with lots of attention and walks (which is what any dog deserves of course. With the 2 dogs and 2 kids, it was too overwhelming and I feel they both suffered in this department). 3.) Someday, when I have time, volunteer at the Humane Society walking dogs.

This is one of those hard life moments when I really, really miss the physical presence of my family.  I am so glad they are only a phone call and/or Skype away but I really wish they were closer.  Thanks so much to my mom and sister for their support and sympathy this morning.   I love you! 

Halloween at the Faulkner's

Reagan the witch

Craig and the girls heading out Trick or Treating with the Longcor's. I stayed back to hand out candy.

Katya's Loot

Katya made a fantastic and scary Red Skull.

We had such a fun holiday!