Gone too long!

[magnolia]

Hey ladies! Man, I can't believe how long it's been since I've been able to get in here! It's been so long, ya'll have probably forgotten about me...lol!

Things have just been really crazy the past few months at both work and home. A lot has happened and I'm not sure where to begin! The hospital where I work went through a "mock" survey to help prepare for the real survey later this year. We had 2 weeks notice and spent those 2 weeks making sure manuals were up to date and in order, policies were in place for various things, staff was educated, etc. Loooooong days during that 2 week period! Then the survey was 3 days long, and it took place the week before Christmas. We did okay in the survey but learned we had so much to do to get ready for the real thing so it's just been a constant roller coaster ride since after the new year began.

Then on the 17th of this month, my father-in-law passed away after a 6 year battle with leukemia. Although we knew his illness would eventually take him away from us, it was totally unexpected when it did happen! My boys took it really hard as they were especially close to their Paw Paw - they were the only grandkids who lived the closest to him (3 1/2 hours away) and we saw him several times a year. Although we know he is in a much better place, free from pain and suffering, the loss to our family will be felt for quite some time.

And not to leave her out - we have a new addition to our family We brought Mae home this past Sunday. She is a 4 1/2 week old black lab and tips the scales at a whopping 1 pound 9 ounces!!! Mom stopped nursing when the puppies were 3 weeks old and finally rejected the litter completely last week. Mae is the runt of the litter and the only surviving female. In order to give her a chance at life, the owner said we could bring her on home. Her brothers, who are twice her size, were nudging her out of the way to eat so she was not eating enough. She has turned into quite the little pig at our house...lol! We are not free feeding her but do see that she gets 3-4 small meals a day. Her little personality is starting to come out and she has found her voice!!! Gabby and Gage are not quite sure if they like her but I'm sure over time, they will warm to her. She is staying inside due to her size and will be there for quite a few more weeks.

Sorry to be so lengthy in my post! I have missed you ladies and look forward to getting back into the "swing" of things here.

Suzi