Farewell Tico

Yesterday was a very sad day. Tico, our 12-year old German Shepherd, died. I can't even remember when we first noticed it, but he had a tumor on his back leg that eventually got the best of him. By the end, he was only walking on 3 legs, and the 4th leg was just a mess (for lack of a better term).

I don't even know what to say. Before yesterday, I heard about people losing pets and how upset they got, but I never understood why. Well that's because I've never lost one before. I was shocked at how much I cried...and how much I still want to cry even now just typing this. Being almost 100 lbs, Tico was a huge presence in our household, both physically and otherwise. He was Ed's dog long before I came into the picture, so to imagine one without the other is really strange. When I lived in Ohio, there were plenty of nights that Ed was working when I only had "my boys" as company (we also have another huge dog named Goliath). When we brought Edwin home from the hospital, Tico was the big brother protector trying to figure out who this little creature was making strange noises. I always felt safe with him around.

So as hard as this is for me, I can't even fathom what it's like for Ed. When you hear the phrase "a man and his dog", that's Ed & Tico for sure. Tico was the one constant in Ed's life...and I know they loved each other very much.

Speaking of love...I just have to think that God gives us dogs (and other pets) as tiny glimpses into His love for us. No matter what we do, no matter what we look like, no matter what we screw up...that love remains constant. Maybe that's why this is so hard...because a tangible daily reminder of perfect love has been taken away. Not that I can't see or feel God's love in so many other ways...this was just so sweet. Tico was so sweet...

Katie came down to our house on February 15th to take some pictures of Ed & Tico. We knew he didn't have long and wanted to capture his sweet face. So thank you Katie for taking these - we'll treasure them always.

Bestest Video EVER!!

I took this short video last night...and the more I watch it, the more I love it!! Enjoy :)

Moving?!?!?!

When Ed and I first moved back to North Carolina from Ohio, we bought a house halfway between Wilmington (where I work) and Myrtle Beach (where he used to work). Most of you know this…but I feel it’s a good way to start this post…so bear with me.

Last spring, Ed decided to change careers…he was tired of never being home, working late hours, etc…so he quit cooking in Myrtle Beach and became a manager in the Fresh Foods dept at Harris Teeter in Leland. Immediately after he started the new position, images of moving closer to Wilmington started swimming in my head. I started talking about it, I started selling our house in my head...I even asked people if they knew anyone that wanted to buy in our area! But Ed wasn’t as thrilled about this prospect and essentially told me to cool it. So I did. I stopped wishing for something else, and instead was content with the home we had, and resigned myself to driving 45 minutes to and from work (and church) all week long. It wasn’t so bad.

Last week, however, Ed and I were talking about grown-up stuff. You know…money, babies…stuff like that (and no, I’m not pregnant Ashley!). Suddenly he says, we need to sell our house and move to Leland. I thought he was messing with me, but nope! He’s ready to move!!!!!!!!! Can I get an amen??!!!

So…now images of moving closer to Wilmington are once again swimming in my head, but this time, it might actually happen! We want to move to Leland mainly because Ed works there, Edwin goes to daycare there, and I work just minutes from there. Plus, the taxes are way lower than New Hanover County. Anybody want to buy a house?? Or know someone who might? Here’s my little attempt at a sales pitch:

It's a 4bedroom/2bath house on 0.67 acres with a fenced in back-yard. It's bugging me because I can't remember the exact sq feet, but I think around 1500? We have a small front porch, but the back deck extends the length of the house. The master bedroom has a big walk-in closet, the master bath has double sinks, a stand-up shower, and a garden tub. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are all open....there's tons of counter space and a big pantry (for all of our grocery game winnings! haha). There's a laundry room, sliding doors leading out to the back deck.... We have central air/heat…um…what else?

I’ve already talked to a few people about realtor referrals…I’ve gotten quite a few names actually. Our first step is to sell a bunch of stuff that is taking up too much room in our house. And I think all of my tv-watching might finally pay off! When we still had cable, I loved watching the shows on HGTV or TLC or Discovery where they’d set up the home for selling (I think it’s called staging?). Anyway, I know that we need to take down all personal stuff, re-paint the rooms to look more neutral, basically detach ourselves from the home. I think I’ve already done that. Hee hee. Don’t get me wrong…I truly love our house. If it were possible (and not expensive), I’d just as soon pick the darn thing up and plop in down in Leland. But that’s not an option here, and I don’t feel like going all Wizard of Oz or anything.

Whew! Ok, here’s where you, my two or three blog readers, come in. Do you have any tips, hints, recommendations for selling a home? This is our first house, so we don’t have any experience in this crazy real estate world. Also, please pray for us. I want to keep a level head about all this…and I want to do God’s will. (I’ll admit, I’m hoping His will includes us in a new home in short order!) But I have a feeling I’m going to be learning some patience!