Mongo Stanley.

October 1, 2010, I was sitting in my bed pouring myself over adoptapet.com, petsmart, petfinder.com, and every animal shelter from Vancouver BC to Vancouver, WA. I went to the NOAH adoption page (you know, Noah? It's the really pretty lodge-like animal shelter on the side of the freeway in Stanwood), and saw that they had a beagle-lab mix puppy. There was no picture, but they said he was 23 pounds and darn cute. I called them immediately, asked if he was available, and proceeded to jump in the car to start my journey.

I walked up to the counter and asked to see "Forrest." Someone had just looked at him though, and the receptionist said she didn't know if he was still available for adoption (Insert my heart beginning to break). As you already know, though, this story ends well. That family said they were going to come back the next day (suckers!) to make their final decision. I was led into his room, and saw this little cutie. This picture was taken about five minutes after I decided to adopt him. And if I believe in love at first sight, it's only because of my initial encounter with Mongo.

I walked in, immediately began to exclaim that "I love him already!" repeatedly. I took him on a walk, played with him in the yard, and hugged him and kissed him like crazy.

I took him home six days later after they had him fixed.

He's annoying, he sometimes poops in my house, and he is afraid of walking over railroad tracks, heating vents, and windshield wipers. But this face?? Ahh, this face. Too much cuteness.

Thus, the story of Mongo Stanley Robinson, and how he came into my life.

Outside the snow is falling...

How totally great is this shot? The kiddos were playing in the snow a couple weeks ago and I looked out the window to see Leyton (5) peeing in the snow. Hilar.

I'm thinking of framing it for them for Christmas. It's just too fabulous to not share!!

Relax, Take it Easy!

Fall is so delicious and cozy and warm, isn't it?

Delicious = My 1 pump pumpkin, 1 pump toffee nut extra foamy latte.

Cozy = My new black cable knit sweater that is totally divine.

Warm = The sweet little fireplace in my home.

And here's one from the archives...

My new pup Mongo(!), who needs to be introduced to the blogosphere, loves running around in the leaves that are starting to accumulate in our yard. He pounces on them as they fall to the ground and gets startled when the bounce back up again. It's adorable. But more on Mongo Stanley later... :)

Italy in Photos

8.26.10

"Thank you for being born so that I could love you."

-Dustin Hill, August 26, 2010

blessed.

bellingham. gorgeous, friendly, green and uniquely bellingham. it's a city all it's own.
a.) work --> hours --> money for bills. b.) i actually like my job. and who wouldn't? they're adorable.
dustin dean hill. inspiring, encouraging, faithful, loving and sweeter than sweet.
mom and dad. they love each other, and they have for 31 years.
these are my cousins. i love family.
double wammy. wonderful, inspiring friends like Sarita, and a fab-u-lous trip to Mexico.

See? I'm blessed.

New York, New York!

"Start spreading the news,
I'm leaving today.
I want to be a part of it,
New York, New York!"

Love ya, Frank.

Well, the secret is out. I'm moving to New York in January. I bought my one way ticket a couple days ago and I'm heading out. I won't be gone long though, I'm thinking about coming home to Bellingham in June. Sooo six monthsish? Not too bad. But I feel like everyone and their mother is wondering about what this plan is all about, so this will hopefully clear it all up.

As most of you know, I have had the privelage of nannying for a great family in New York. This is the same family I've traveled with, most recently this past June and July to Italy. I love them dearly, and they treat me like gold. They are so wonderful, and I really value my relationships with all of them. Over the past couple years, Jen and I have talked about me moving out to NY. They have offered me their home, and said I am welcome to stay with them as long as I want! This summer I started seriously thinking about it, and I spent the Italy trip in prayer. I feel very confident in my choice to move to New York, and I'm really excited about it! There is no other time in my life that I can just pick up and move, so I'm going for it!

Now, I am well aware that I am dating a handsome man who lives on the West coast, and I am also well aware that New York is quite far from the little town of Sheridan, OR where he resides.I also know that both he and I are less than millionaires, so traveling back and forth will be minimal. BUT, I know that we have something pretty darn special going on, and we're really confident that we'll be just fine. (Think Skype. Lots and lots of Skype.) He has been nothing but encouraging about the whole thing. Of course we're both totally bummed about spending so much time apart, but six months isn't that long in the grand scheme of things.

In New York, I plan on doing some babysitting on the side for friends of theirs, most of whom I have already met many times over the past few years. I may also apply at the Starbucks in their town. I'm going to have to take one more class over in Westchester, so I'll get that done winter quarter. Other than that, I'll just be taking it one day at a time.

I love them.

Me and Jenny Bug in Rome.

See? We love each other.

Baby sister.

(:

Anyways, I'm thrilled to bits to be heading out and chasing this little dream of mine. Prayers are welcomed and encouraged.