Where does the time go?

So our camera is still on the fritz. We have a really old one that we are using and it actually works fine other than the fact that it takes 5 seconds to take a photo.

Life has been busy around here. I just got back from a women's retreat in Deer Lake Washington. WOW! That was quite the experience. It certainly took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to be aware of the things that I need to change about myself yet enhance the things that I like. One of the things that we participated in was a sweat lodge. 17 of us squished into a tent covered in blankets the size of a 3-4 man tent. Can you say sardine?! It was pitch black until the glow of red hot lava rocks were placed inside a hole that was inside the tent, Through out the process water was placed upon the rocks in order to create steam. It was exactly like a sauna only smaller, darker and incredibly spiritual. We all prayed for people in our lives and just let the moment be experienced. This experience lasted 4 whole, hot and challenging hours! We took 3 breaks of a few minutes each which was quite welcomed. The fresh air was a gift. We were soaking wet as if we had just stepped out of a pool. I could feel the toxins release and it felt great. Except for the fact the I neglected to drink water the entire 4 hours, resulting in serious dizziness and low blood sugar. Duh right? What was I thinking? Getting out actually felt like I just got out of the ocean from all of the salt left behind on my skin. The hardest thing about it was the constant feeling like I could not get any air. I could breath fine but because it was so hot in there it felt as though I was suffocating. It was a great test of patience of which I have little, and perserverance which I am proud to say I do have. I was proud of myself that I didn't freak out and actually remained calm the entire time. It was a great mental test! When we finished I downed about a gallon of water and quickly ate to feel normal again. I think I lost a couple of pounds that night...wooohoo :), and gained an experinence I shall never forget.

Thankfully, Rob has been busy with work and we are very thankful and grateful! We also bought a house that was bank owned and are flipping it if they ever let us close the darn thing. They keep pushing it out and we are so ready to remodel and sell it! There are so many deals out there right now that it is hard to pass them up as a great opportunity.

I am looking at preschools for my little Koen. I can't believe that he is already close to being in school! I have actually tried not to think about it but know that if I wait any longer he will not get a spot in the fall. They fill up fast around here! Seriously, where does the time go?

On April fools day we had to decide to put our
dog Nutka to sleep. His life was long and definitely
full of life!

We took him to our favorite park (Camel's Back)
and went on a hike. I felt so bad because other than
the tumor in his mouth he was perfectly fine.

He had arthritis and that was it. On our hike
he was pulling me! It was a hard decision to make
to let him go. But after looking at all of the options
sending him on was the best choice.

The stories we have about Nutka will last a lifetime
The thousands of dollars in fines and fix ups,
the sleepless nights I would have after he ran
away for days on end, the daily jaunts through our
neighborhood because we just couldn't keep him
in and the list goes on.

Everywhere we took Nutka there was always a
interested on looker. Kids would call out
snowdog! And we were always asked
if he was nice.

For almost 8 years Nutka lived with Rob & I
and it seems it went by in a blink.

His life was good and he added value to ours.

We buried him on my in laws farm, next to their
dog Star.

Roam the valleys of heaven and enjoy your new
found freedom!
Nutka you will be missed!