On the first day of classes for this past semester, I found out that I wasn’t supposed to have taken another class with my Stat class. Why? Because Stat’s was going to kick my rear!! At first I was hacked that my advisor didn’t “advise” me properly. Then I set my jaw and dug my heels in.  (I am a bit stubborn.)

I cried…I screamed…I laughed like I’d lost my mind, but I did it.

I finished the class last Saturday, along with my other (very difficult) class.

AND I MADE AN AAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was told I couldn’t do it and not only did I do it, but I got an A…I just can’t say that enough.

An AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

#Permagrin

Three years ago she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I thought the Vet was a nutcase…I just figured it was the rocks she was eating at the neighbors. But he was right. She was supposed to die in ’08 but she lived 3 years longer.  We had to adjust her food…help her up and down stairs…clean up when her bladder went out, but then edema kicked in.  I know what that means.

This weekend, with the help of a kind-hearted friend, we let Rivka go. It was an incredibly hard decision. When I put my English Springer down a few years back it was painful but was needful since she was losing her mind. With Rivka, she was mentally fine…that made it so much more harder.

We had been planting seeds of what was to come to the boys so they had already loved on her and cried.  Gremlin was mad, but he’s doing better. Oldman is sad, but will get through it. I’m a blubbering mess and J is trying to keep us all sane.

Surprisingly enough, it’s our Border Collie, Boomer who is having a horrible time with this. She won’t eat much, and whines in every spot where Rivka used to lay. I know she’ll get over it, but she viewed Rivka as a mother.

I believe Rivie’s in a better place and thankfully no longer in pain. Time will heal these wounds.

Recently we were given incredible seats to a St. Louis Cardinal game. I’m not much of a baseball fan, but when you’re in the 10th row, right behind home plate, even I know it’s worth going to.

It was incredibly hot, but it was so much fun with the boys. I was especially excited to see Pujols play. Not because he’s is an excellent ball player, but because of how involved he is with the Down Syndrome group in his area. (His step daughter has Down Syndrome.) He is a very dedicated and supportive dad.

Even before the 3rd inning we got to see him run the bases for a homerun. The Cardinals didn’t win the game, but it was a great memory all the same!

This past weekend was our local Step Up for Down Syndrome event. It was outstanding! The volunteers went above and beyond to make it special.  But I have to say the fans at the Springfield Cardinal’s game were incredible! It was a double-header game so between the games the Emcee announced us as we walked the ball field.  We got standing ovations, cheers, whistles and even some tears of joy.  Hulkman just “knew” they were doing it just for him.  Never mind that there were probably 100+ other people with down syndrome behind him.  He kept saying over and over, “I just love all my neighbors!”  I don’t think I’ve heard him laugh so much in years. Truly.

We’re learning a little Hebrew in my Old Testament class. It helps to understand what the hey-hoo was REALLY going on during the Abraham-Moses era.

Our Hebrew word of the day today is ‘Beth’; which means ‘house of’. For example -

Bethlaham – House of Bread
Bethel – House of God

Now stay with me…this is one of those if A=1, then B=2.

My official name is Jenny Beth. And everyone knows that Jenny is a female donkey.

Do you see where I’m going with this?

*Garfield eyes*

Jenny Beth = House of Jack@$$

I’m meant for greatness, I tell ya.