RIP Bert

Today was a day that will live forever in my mind...

No, not because it's President's Day.

But because today, after almost 19 years, my childhood pet, Bert the cat, passed peacefully away via medical assistance.

Why make such a big deal? He's just a cat... No... He was our one and only pet we had growing up, besides a short-lived (literally) spurt of raising some fish and the one time I got to bring the 3rd grade class pet hamster home for Spring Break.

This cat was a trooper. He was born in Copperas Cove, Texas in a litter of kittens that my piano teachers cat had. He was part Siamese and part Tabby cat. We named him Bert because all of the boys in my family were B's (dad Brad, brother Bret....) and my brother Bret actually named him.

Since living in Cove, he has spent time living in Kansas, a short time with Aunt Kirsten in Houston, in Emigration Canyon with Gma and Gpa Nelson while we lived in Korea, in Idaho, in Iowa, and when my parents moved to Japan he went to live again with Gma and Gpa Nelson, this time in Hurricane, Utah.

He was an odd cat--liked to chase things and bring them back in his mouth, his favorite being a plastic bag tied in a knot two or three times and then cut off on the ends.

He was not particularly fond of small children. He definitely had his favorite people as well, my Grandma Nelson being one.

Emily and I had a good cry this afternoon after I told her that Bert had passed away. I told her that he went to go see my Grandpa Nelson (who passed away in June of 2009.) I told Emily that I was very sad, but she told me that I shouldn't be sad. I asked her 'why?' and her response was this:

"Mommy, when you are sad or mean, the Holy Ghost leaves your heart.."
*This 3 year old explanation is due to the fact that we have been trying to teach her that it is not good to be mean, or the Holy Ghost cannot live at our house...*

But the sentiment was right...

And so I laughed, she gave me a hug, and we shared this special moment together.

RIP Bert

(Couldn't find a picture of him, although I know we have one somewhere.)

I am ashamed...

I have been called out by multiple people who shall remain nameless.. .(*ahem*... Mary, Chelsea, Katelyn, Anne, Melissa, Katie, Holly, Chandi..did I miss anyone?...)

"...update your blog already!"

"...when are you going to update your blog?"

"...you never blog anymore!"

"I am ashamed." (said in the style of the cleaner shrimp on "Nemo") I am guilty of negligence of my blog. And I have a goal to change.

IN FACT, I will be blogging every day for the next month to catch up! It's a new goal, and ultimately since I will be printing this blog, it is my "journal" for the family.

The biggest reason that I haven't is due to the fact that I feel like there is SO much to catch up on. The last time I "caught up" on my blog was the week before Eric was born (ummm.. .JUNE!) There is so much to catch up on, but I WILL DO IT!!!

There will be some posts about what is going on now, but MOSTLY, there will be updates that are back dated to between now and when Eric was born... eight and a half months ago. (shame shame..) I have to.... HAVE TO... have everything in chronological order....so, if you don't see a new one, it's because it's backdated and is showing up else where. ( I think that is how it works..?)

So, if you are still reading this, which I would be surprised to see who still is... prepare yourself for the... (cue drum roll)

BLOG CATCH-UP OF THE CENTURY!

One post every day.

Pinky Promise.

(oh yeah, end drums)

Here is a picture for those of you who think "word-only" posts are usually boring. (Like me...haha...)

Taking a bath in Grandma's sink in December....

**Does this count as my post for the day??**

Ode to Shutterfly!

Shutterfly is an online printing website that specializes in customized prints using your very own pictures! I am particularly impressed with their selection of cards: greeting cards, Christmas/holiday cards, birthday cards, birth announcement cards....you name it, they've got it! Here is a list of the holidays they have cards for! Some of them I have never even heard of!

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Christmas Cards

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Holiday Cards

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Religious Christmas Cards

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Tarjetas De Navidad

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Holiday Story Cards

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Hanukkah Cards

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Thanksgiving Cards

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Business Christmas Cards

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Support a Cause

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Christmas Photo Cards

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Christmas Gift Tags

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New Year's Cards

 AND, they make it super easy to do! The quality of the pictures looks really great! I am really looking forward to using them for my Christmas cards this year! You should check out their links!

Here is the link for some really neat photo cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

or

Here is a link for some super cute Christmas photo cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

or..the perfect gift for Grandma: photo CALENDARS!  http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/ 

They also have some really great deals: Spend $50 or more and get free shipping! Or save 20% on cards!

They really have it all, and they are a one-stop shop for your card/calendar/announcement needs.

The website is also really easy to navigate, for those of us with less than technical computer skills!

So yeah....go check 'em out!