the last 1 1/2 years....in a nut shell :]

It's been almost a year and a half since any blogging has been attempted.  My life has adjusted quite a bit!  It's amazing how much can happen in the course of a year....

My best friend in the whole world, Axl, passed away on September 30, 2012.  It broke my heart right in half and is still hard from time to time.  One year ago he was given an Excellent Health Report.  The techs at the vet couldn't believe he was 10 years old...they thought he was 6!  Crazy what can form in just a couple months...a basketball size tumor in his stomach.  It was devastating for me, but I made the decision and we put him down.  I stayed with him until after his poor little heart stopped beating.  I cried harder than I had in years. Oh boy I loved that stubborn dog...and I know he loved me right back!  He's buried in back of our barn and I visit him once in a while ;]

However, never fear!  There's always a dog near!  In February of this year, CJ took me to "look at" some chocolate lab PUPPIES.  One thing you should never do...take Miss Lisa to see some puppies.  Yep, there was one I just couldn't take my hands off of - and now we have Tom!  He is polar opposite than Axl...he loves socializing, he WILL drop the ball for you, he never leaves your side and truthfully is already more obedient that Axl ever wanted to be ;]  I bought a plaque after Axl died that says "All you need is Love...and a Dog"  It's so true.  Dogs are the most caring and honest friends you could ever have.  Tom loves to play and swim in the canal and pee all over the house, which is why he is now an outside pup!

IRONMAN Florida 2012....CJ swam it, biked it and ran it!  Then he passed out waiting for me, Kay and Craig to come get him ;]  The highlight of his whole race (to me anyway) was his bike...he biked 112 miles in 5 hours and 15 minutes!  He's amazing!

The race start was on the beach at the base of our hotel!

THE MOST EXCITING thing that happened, was in November.  Our Cait got engaged to Kyle Wainwright!  It was a blessing to sooooo many prayers.  Cait and Kyle are like 2 peas in a pod.  They love each other and are happy.  The got married on March 16th!  It was a party....so much fun!  Kyle is in the army and had to leave to serve in Kosovo just 1 month after they were married.  It's been hard for Cait and Kyle, but they stay connected through Facebook and Skype.  He will return home in February of 2014 and his service will end the following year.  We love Kyle and cant wait for him to return home!

Sadie was involved in 'Special Needs' programs All Year Long!  She loves serving, however she can, in these programs.  She worked so hard at school and in the special needs mutual...she was literally tired ALL THE TIME!  And she finally got her driving permit...license to come next month!

Dancing with Aiden at Best Buddies Ball :]

Sadie also went bear hunting in Canada this May with CJ, Uncle Todd and Dave Openshaw.  She had a blast, but most importantly, shot a bear!  Unfortunately there are no pics of this momentous occasion on this computer yet...but they're great and her bear was 6 ft tall!

My fun with My Little Preschool came to an end in May.  Only 2 years...but it was a blast and I will love those kids forever!  They will forget me, but I will never forget them ;]  It's time for me to take some time getting myself back together.  It's been a tough couple years which took its tole on my body and emotional state.  I'm in the process of getting my sinuses figured out, they may need to be operated on?  But I'm for sure getting my tonsils taken out...then maybe I will be able to breathe and be active again?  I'm also aiming to get all my "lady junk" out.  So there may be 2 or 3 surgeries this year?  I hope so...then I'll move forward again!  My constant and love of my life is always there to support and take care of me...I love my CJ.

My Grandpa Gibson passed away on July 1st.  Just a few weeks ago.  I absolutely love my Gramps and the awesome example he has always been.  He loved me, he loved everyone!  I will miss him, but am so grateful he is where old age and illness can't keep him down anymore.  He is truly a man of great honor.

on his 91st BDay in January

Graveside was a tear jerker...gramps served in the US Navy
My man dedicated gramps grave, they were great friends

So...when all is said and done, all is well.  It's good to enjoy life, it's good to also take it one day at a time.  All I need is the love of my family.  They are my most favorite treasure.  I am proud of each one of them!  I'm super grateful to be the wife to a seriously sexy and funny man, my very best friend.  I love being mom to my two crazy and beautiful girls, and I finally have a son who I adore!!  I am a very different person than I was 1 1/2 years ago...but I'm still Lisa and I really don't mind being that :]

family first...always

Peace out...be of good cheer!