She's On Her Way

 If you've been following for a while, you will know that our sweet Golden Retriever, Nala, passed away right after Thanksgiving.

We miss her still.  She'll always have a special place in our hearts.  It's taken some time for all of us, including Rudy, to adjust to her absence.

And though we can't replace her, we've felt a void.  We really weren't ready to add another permanent dog to our home, and we definitely were not ready for a puppy.  But still, we I felt a calling for another big hound.

I did some research. I found an organization that I felt was a good match - Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota.  I couldn't resist.  I quietly - meaning I didn't tell DH - filled out the foster application.

Slowly, carefully, I planted the idea of fostering a dog in Craig's head.  I've learned that introducing an idea to him a bit at a time and letting him mull it over is usually the best way to get what I want. 

But, SHHHH!  Don't tell him I wrote that. 

He agreed on letting RAGOM conduct a home visit, which I thought was a positive step. When the evening was over, I had a pretty good feeling that he would agree to try fostering.  I was right.  Introducing Molly:  (this is her description from the RAGOM staff)

Molly is a 9 year old PB (purebred) female Golden. She is spayed and weighs 85 pounds which is said to be a good weight for Molly. Molly is good with cats, dogs, chickens, pigs, ducks, and kids of all ages....she has lived with all. Molly lives as an outside dog so it is unknown if she is house trained. She has not been in a crate, stays in the unfenced yard, rides ok in the car but gets excited. She does have storm anxiety and is afraid of gun shots and fireworks. The SO (surrendering owners) have not tried anything to help Molly with her anxieties, she stays outside when it storms. Molly is being surrendered because she does not hunt and now with their sons out of the house she does not get the attention and time she deserves. They had planned to euthanize Molly but talked with a RAGOM volunteer who told them we could help Molly so made the call to ask for our help. Who can help Molly find her new life?

After I read this, I knew that we would be lucky to foster her.

Rudy has storm anxiety, too.  And, he's nine, just like Molly, and loves to play with other dogs.  Plus, she's great around kids, so we're comfortable having her around Murray.  If she's not house trained, well, we'll deal with it.  We have hardwood floors and lots of patience, so no worries there.  I'm home a lot, so she'll have time to get comfortable with us.  Rudy can show her the ropes, and I just know he'll feel a bit less lonely when she arrives.
I just received word that she'll arrive tomorrow.  I'm beside myself with excitement.  I can't wait to love her.
Her vet and grooming appointments are scheduled for next week.  Her brand new bed is here (don't worry, Rudy got a new one, too.  I won't leave him out) and I have her collar, leashes, treats, and tennis balls at the ready.
Now, we just need Molly. 

Stay tuned for pictures.

I WON!

One of my favorite bloggers, Crazy Aunt Purl, recently held a contest, and I WON!  Check out CAP's blog at http://www.crazyauntpurl.com/.  You'll love her.

-MM

An Endless Night

Murray has been acting strange lately.  He's been complaining that his legs hurt, but we chalked it up to growing pains.  I haven't been feeling so hot either, so yesterday I took off work early to take a nap.  At around 3 p.m., our beloved "Linnie" (our daycare provider) called to report that Murray had a temp of 103-plus.  So I picked him up and called his doctor's office and they said to administer Tylenol and lots of fluids and to call if the fever rose to 104 degrees.  The strange thing was is that despite a pretty decent fever, he wasn't acting any differently.  Since he seemed okay, I left him with Craig and went into work for a while. 

We put him to bed after a dose of Tylenol, but I was worried, so I hunkered down on the floor in his room. I shouldn't have slept right next to his bed. At who knows what hour, I woke up to vomit.  And it Was. All. Over. Us.  I got us cleaned up, changed, and we moved to the living room; exhausted but wide awake.  A long movie and several hours later, it happened.  Again.  And one more time after that.  Needless to say, Murman and I did NOT get any sleep.   As the night wore on, I myself, was feeling worse by the hour.  My face felt (and still does) like it had enough pressure under my skin to burst, and then I realized that I too, had a fever.  Add sore throat and an ear ache and Murray and I are are physical wrecks. 

OH!  I forgot to mention some very exciting news.  Craig got the OK from his doctor yesterday to return to work with the understanding that he is not aloud to lift over 20 pounds, or do anything physical (like skating) for 6 months.  He was thrilled, and went to work immediately after his appointment.

Anyway, besides our immune system issues, we're doing well.  I apologize for a poor-pitiful-me post, but ask any member of my family: I get this way when I'm sick.  I turn into a huge baby, and even worse when my own baby is feeling sick too.

So today I'm chugging orange juice and Zi-Cam, and Murray is with my dear mother-in-law so that both of us can get some rest.  More to follow, but I'm going back to bed.

Downs and Ups

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS POST WAS WRITTEN ON WEDNESDAY  I APOLOGIZE FOR THE DELAY.

Have you had a day when you just know, without a doubt, that God is with you?

I spent the morning at home with Craig to observe his independence level.  Craig isn't allowed to shower without an adult in the house because it's one of the two instances that he can remove his brace.  This scares me silly.  Clark G. (a.k.a. Craig) requested a BLT for lunch, so this morning I cooked the bacon and then realized that I needed to move the remaining ingredients to the top shelf of the fridge.  He can't bend, so I have to think ahead, but I'm working on making life a bit easier.  Today, his first day alone without nurses or me, he managed pretty well.

This is where it gets crazy. 

Last Tuesday, I was gently (and tearfully) informed by President Edna that due to the economy, my temporary job would end on January 4th, 2010.  She offered references, help finding a job, and letters of recommendation.  What a compliment!  I was devastated, but I do understand what the budget crisis in Minnesota is doing to the MnSCU institutions.
 I hesitated to say anything to anyone. I needed to process and think things through.  I completely forgot about the situation when Craig got hurt; obviously, work was the least of my concern.

I walked into work at 11:30 a.m today and was greeted with smiles, welcome backs, and many "how is Craig?"  It was so worth it; beautiful to realize how much human nature is kind, compassionate and caring.

About 30 minutes later, I was asked  to see the VP for the Alumni Foundation.  After she closed the door, she explained that one of her best employees was leaving, and asked if I would be interested in taking a modge podge of responsibilities.  I accepted.   I will be mainly handling events and some fund raising (the Phone-A-Thon) and whatever else they send my way.  I'm thrilled, excited and eager to learn.  I will do what is needed and beyond; I'm tickled!. 

It's been a roller coaster of a week.  My goal for the weekend is to finish the housework (I did get the floors scrubbed, dusted, and the cleaned the bathroom, but the bedrooms are another story).  I also hope to make several dishes that can be frozen into small portions for Craig (and me for work).  Recipes welcome!

Craig is healing slowly, but surely adapting.  He is bored to tears, and I can't blame him.  When he looks forward to laundry, I know without a doubt that I have to get creative.

Mish Mash

This was taken at the end of the night at my Aunt and Uncle's house. Doesn't he look cozy? I love the way his ankels are crossed. Milk in a fancy glass, a bowls of cheetos, a comfy chair and a great tv show. Who could ask for more? Scooby and M trying to soothe an angry lion:

Scooby, lion and M:

Scooby Doo and M, ready to go:

Not sure what exactly is happening here. . .

On another note, Stefanie started a blog to update everyone on Miss Ava. Check out this beautiful addition to the Fink family by clicking here. Congratulations!

Slapping Craig

Funny thing how life doesn't stop, even if you think it should just take a rest for a minute.


Last night I read for three hours and when I finally gave up, I dozed on and off, my mind racing in between very strange dreams. So much seems to be happening at break-neck speed, but at the same time, I feel as though time is dragging. Sounds strange, I know, but it's true. At one point, I was having such a bizarre dream that I physically slapped Craig - hard - strangely, it wasn't him I was dreaming about. In the dream, I was slapping a lady who was assaulting us, and I distinctly remember how good it felt to slap her in my dream. Poor Craig woke up and said, "what the heck did you hit me so hard for"? I hadn't realized that I had whopped him one in my sleep. No wonder we have a king-size bed. He needs protection from his own wife.



I have another temp opportunity, and it seems to be a go. You may remember from my last post, that there is a need for a sales assistant at a local radio group while their permanent employee takes maternity leave. I was able to negotiate a salary that I can agree with, and I start a week from Monday (training). I'm thrilled, to say the least, especially since I will be working for a former supervisor and now friend. Murray and I met everyone this morning and since I've been in the media for so long, I know half of the staff already (huge bonus). Those I didn't know were very friendly and welcoming. The hours are 8am-3pm, which will be a perfect transition to a full-time world down the road. I'm going stir-crazy in the house.


Yesterday, my dad, Maggie and I attended the funeral for our friend Roger. It was an emotional day, to say the least, but it felt good to be able to celebrate his life and grieve his death with others. I know he's in heaven and am sure my Mom is showing him the ropes (to quote my dad). My prayers to Roger's loved ones.

Murray is napping (surprisingly so after 3 cookies at my new "temp" office" and a tootsie roll and a Hershey Kiss at Craig's office), so I think I'll take advantage of my time and get some cleaning done. The clutter and toddler toys may have won this battle, but I am determined to win the war.

I will be having another contest in the near future, so keep checking back!

M

Back at it, at Least, Temporarily

I received a call yesterday from my mother-in-law (she is the the textbook manager at a local college). If you aren't familiar with this time of year, for universities everywhere, it's book rush. Book rush equates to extreme craziness for campus bookstores. Some colleges tend to hire extra help during these periods because students have classes and there just isn't enough full-time staff to cover the chaos. So, at the last minute, the temp that was previously hired backed out and Mary needed help. I worked the fall book rush in 2002 and had a blast, so of course when Mary offered me a two-week gig in the bookstore I was thrilled. Today was my first day. The students are much friendlier than I remember, especially the student workers who are training me in. They don't treat me like a dumb old lady newbie and their knowledge of all things related to the bookstore is amazing! I just love being surrounded by stacks and stacks of books; the colors, the smells, the sound of brand new book spines cracking. Hmmm. . .maybe I should study library science? Anyway, it was very short notice, but it's nice to be out of the house and contributing to the family income again.



The other good news I have is that I must have passed the phone interview because I was called today for an on-site interview. I'm thrilled. They are interviewing four candidates, including myself. If it doesn't work out, I'll know that God has other plans, but I'm still praying.



If you have travel plans this weekend, please make sure you have emergency kits in your cars. When DH traveled a few weeks ago, I asked if I should put together some safety items for his trip. Here's how the conversation went:
Me: Do you want me to pack some candles, matches, a flash light and batteries etc?

Craig: No thanks, I have a blanket in the car and I always stop and get a candy bar when I get gas.

Me: Hysterical laughter.



Does he really think that a blanket and a Hershey bar will save his life? Sheesh. Anyway, on my to-do list this weekend is to assemble a real emergency kit, candy bars and all.



I'm off to start the weekend. More tomorrow. Tomorrow or Sunday we plan to take Murray to open skate (indoor arena), so I will post some pictures. As for the moment, snuggle in; it's only going to get colder!

Blessings,
M

Clint Black and Conflict

I've never been a person who enters contests. Even when the prizes are, for example, a vacation in the Bahamas or front row tickets to see George Strait. Besides, since I've been in the advertising world, I've not been legally allowed to win said contests. But now that I'm not, I called a radio staion a whim today. The prize was tickets to see Clint Black (whom I love) at a nearby casino. I answered the question correctly and won! The problem lies with the fact that Craig has to be in the cities for meetings and Murray and I had planned to join him. I can't help but thinking that the concert would be super fun but I wonder if I would have as much fun without him. Craig hates concerts so I'm thinking he will skip it.

I just realized that this a ridiculous problem to have - sheesh - what's happened to me? I've gone completely materialistic and selfish. Anyway, I don't know what will happen, but it was fun to win. My guess is that the tickets will be given to someone who really wants them unless Craig is able to be home,
More tomorrow. Much love!
M

M & M's

Murray, myself, Jamie and Nadia had a special Mom/kid day. We began the day with Yunker Farm.. The two of them are hysterical, and Nadia is an absolute beauty.

After the kids wore themselves out, we went to McD's, which is a very special treat for Murray. He didn't care for his chicken, so he ended up eating my whole cheeseburger. After lunch, we went home and napped (me too).

I wanted to find something creative and fun after nap, so we wound up at "Clay Your Way". We had so much fun - we may go back tomorrow after church. Murray loves to paint.

We are going to be an aunt and uncle again. Craig's sister and brother in law just found out that they will be parents to a babe in December. We're all thrilled! In the mean time, if you are a facebook friend of Amy and Todd's, please don't post anything other than you are happy for them. The two of them are going to fantastic parents, and we are all thrilled to have a new addition on the way.

Cheers to the S's on their new their new arrival!


I have a few more (or MOE in Murray speak) but unfortunatley my timing is off. I hope to be back at it very soon!

Special prayers to Dee Tangari (our great and talented) great aunt. We will miss you!

Blessings,
Marie, Criag and Murray Beckerleg

Highlights

The guest of honor (aren't these 2 gorgeous women?):

We had so many silent auction items that we almost didn't have room for people to sit. Good thing we had a tent set up outside!

Some of our family:

The benefit was a HUGE success. Over 600 people attended and every single one of the 250 silent auction items sold (not to mention the many raffles). The outpouring of the community was amazing and I'm so grateful. Thank you to all of you who donated silent auction items, attended the benefit, made a monetary donation and who have kept Flynn and her family in their prayers. This is the John Deere pedal tractor that I bid on and won for Murray. It even comes with a front end loader and a trailer! He just loves it.

The next step is our grand prize raffle. For $10.00, you could win the following:

4 front row tickets to the Vikings vs. Phoenix game in Phoenix

Airfare for 4

2 nights lodging (2 rooms)

This is an awesome prize - if you would like to purchase a ticket, please contact me. They went on sale yesterday and are selling like hotcakes!!!

Lazy Days

Relaxation was the name of the game this weekend. We decided to stay home, which is rare on weekends in the summer. We missed the lake,but it was fun to enjoy our home.

Thursday evening was the highlight of our week. Flynn arrived in Moorhead, just released from Craig hospital. She will continue physical therapy in Moorhead, and eventually, I do believe she will move back to Bozeman to finish her degree. We are SO unbelievably proud of her and are thrilled to have her just across town again.

On that note, on Sunday, September 20, there will be a supper and silent auction for Flynn. The benefit will be held at the Moorhead American Legion from 4pm-8pm. The goal is to show support for Flynn and her family, as well as to raise funds to help cover not only medical expenses, but the cost of modifying their home to suit Flynn's needs. I am asking for everyone to join us, as well as donate any silent auction items you can contribute. All will be extremely appreciated by the Murray family and extended relatives, friends and those who care about Flynn. There is also a fund set up at State Bank and Trust for Flynn Murray. Not only will you help a wonderful person and family, you will have a blast at the benefit! We Murray's are pretty fun people.

Yesterday we attended a birthday party for our good friend, Kristine. We had a fantastic time. We were so happy to share her special occasion!

We attended Mass this morning, and were informed by Msgr. Mike Foltz that his mother has a terminal disease. Our hearts and prayers are with his mother and family. God speed.

Murray fell asleep in his highchair today. This is the first time in his 22 months of life that he has chosen sleep over food. He refused to get out of his chair for his crib, and wouldn't let pooh bear or his blanket go anywhere. So we left him until he was completely out and then moved him. I'm sure most parents have a picture like this of their own children, but I couldn't help but share ours.

Da, da da da, dum, dum. . .

Congratulations to my sister, Maggie, who will take her final college exam at noon today! We are so proud of her accomplishments. I can't wait to attend commencement tomorrow. I'm going to be the crazy sister in the front yelling and taking a million pictures!

I chose to post this picture of Murray and Maggie together (one of many) because today Murray is officially 1 1/2 years old! Wow! Mags and Murray are two of my favorite people in my life. It's a very exciting week. I can hardly contain myself.

On Saturday, we will head to the lake to put the docks in. A bit late this year, but dock day always marks the beginning of summer for me.

I hate to end on a sad note, but please send prayers for my blogger/mommy friend Roxane, who is grieving the unexpected loss of a beloved family member. We're thinking of you, Roxane!

I've Got Sunshine . . .

It hasn't been a smooth ride this week, but a country song on the radio this morning reminded me that when things seem to be falling apart, we have to remember that this is our life, and we have to live it. It was just what I needed to hear at that very moment in time.



There is always a bright side of things and I'm lucky enough to have many. The first is that Flynn is making so much progress! She and her family had their first intake conference on Monday at Craig Hospital. The most exciting news is that she can speak again. I can't imagine the frustration one must feel to not be able to project one's feelings/thoughts/needs, etc. To read more about her eventful day, check out her page here. I'm not sure I can explain everything as eloquently as her dad.



Yet another bright side is that we are preparing for my sister, Maggie's, college graduation. As of May 15, she will have a BSA in Paralegal Studies. We are incredibly proud of her. Her college experience hasn't been typical. Far from it, actually. She struggled with personal issues at first (as many of us do). She flew over those hurdles, and this amazing woman juggled a full load of classes and a full time job, not to mention the daily bumps in the road that life tends to hand us. When we found out the our beloved mother was ill, Mags didn't slow down. She took care of mom and kept up work and school - full speed ahead. When mom passed away, Mags was right there planning the funeral and handling the estate. I honestly don't know how she did it, but I will say this: There is not an angel in heaven who is bursting with pride more than our mother. Mags is truly an inspiration.



The sun is shining and the water is receding. Life is good.

I Grew!

I always thought you were supposed to shrink as you aged, but according to my annual exam this morning, I GREW! Almost a whole inch. I can now say I'm 5' 2", compared to my former height of 5'1" and 3/4".

Murray is napping after a clean bill of health from the doctor. Nothing has changed, but they aren't so worried. We just have to keep an "eye" on his eye. The Dr's. are still mystified, but the meds seem to be helping. We were given the okay to travel.

The Lovejoy's are home safe and sound after a miserable journey home (see their latest post). I spoke with Kristine, and we hope to visit them before we leave on Sunday.

I'm off to take a nap. I'm so tired and still have lots to do. Happy Friday!

Welcome, Mariana

I'm feeling rather uninspired today; I think it must be the weather. I know we've all had enough of this, and it's very apparent. Even driving through town, I notice an all around gloom. Looking at the bright side, maybe spring will come early. I can almost smell the tropical air; we leave for vacation on February 22nd (if the plane doesn't freeze up like it did the last two years). I just cannot wait.

I had my first session yesterday with my new therapist, Dr. H. I was very unhappy with the LSW who I had been with previously, so I asked Dr. B (my psychiatrist) if she could make some other arrangements for me. I am thrilled to report that this man is excellent, and I immediately comfortable speaking with him. He made me feel so human, so normal; I know he can help me to be well again (mentally). The panic attacks are still occurring frequently, and frankly, it really affects the way I live. The anxiety directly affects depression, so until I get this taken care of, it's rather difficult to move forward. I feel like I'm on my way though, and am so much better now than I was when I began this journey.

Congrats to Wade and Kristine, (see the link to Our Adoption Journey) who finally have their beautiful daughter in their loving and long-awaiting arms. Her name is Mariana, and she is absolutely gorgeous. I wept when I saw the pictures. I just couldn't be happier for them.