tonight my family endured one of the most difficult things our family has ever gone through, for some of us the most difficult. four months ago we made a new brother. i don’t mean to say that we endured the effort of procreating a new brother, but rather gained one in appa - our brother from a canine mother. he was the cutest, spunkiest little west highland terrier that i had ever seen, with a heart ten times bigger than his body. in so many ways i saw him as the perfect addition to our clan, his sweet disposition and charming personality couldn’t long disguise the fact that he was a real brat at heart. he was born a chan.
i’ll miss most the way that he would jump up to great you, misjudge his landing, and face-plant into your thigh. whether or not he was being obedient, he was always a great dog.
appa was deeply loved by us and he knew it. i’m incredibly grateful to him for the way that he brightened up my life and the encouragement that the brought to my family. he knit us together in a way that only a puppy’s relentless love can.
nellie and i loved you, you silly pup.
tonight was a very special night. as part of our preparations for china we took part in the worldwide “NIGHT WALK.” each walker’s registration fee goes to support one chinese orphans camp fee. at the same time that we walk, the supported children are walking with us. it was a truly humbling experience knowing that our walking was ensuring that we will have the privilege of meeting these kids in july. we can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us.
in celebration of my mom’s 50th birthday, she asked 30 of your family and friends to take part in supporting this kids. what a generous mom she is ;) thanks so much to nellie and aunt colleen for doing all of the legwork, invitations, and birthday party-prep!
anyway, we had so many people interested in what we were doing that i only got a chance to snap off this one shot. though it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites.
!http://michaelandnellie.com/blog/images/57.jpg!
today appa graduated “obedience training.” of course being a as west highland terrier as they come, obedience is a relative term. in any case, he’s one of the cutest little pups i’ve seen. here’s some pictures of him enjoying the “alumni” agility course.
!http://michaelandnellie.com/blog/images/55.jpg!
!http://michaelandnellie.com/blog/images/56.jpg!
back in march, i sold off one of the last pieces of my “rock” memorabilia. however, i am proud to say that the chan name will indeed live on in rock infamy.
to make a long story short, i found out second hand that my little brother was playing the bass in his first rock show without telling me - definitely not compliant with the brotherhood code. of course, i set him straight.
the band is “southern thunder” and i can honestly say that i’ve never seen a first time performance with so much talent and presence but don’t take my word for it ;)
!http://michaelandnellie.com/blog/images/53.jpg!
!http://michaelandnellie.com/blog/images/54.jpg!
we came into the kitchen last night to this…
!http://michaelandnellie.com/blog/images/52.jpg!
i think that we had to locate and replace about 20 letters by the time he was done ;)
!http://michaelandnellie.com/blog/images/51.jpg!
congratulations! you are officially invited to be a part of nellie’s 2007 birthday gift and it couldn’t be easier.
1. click here to be transported to iheartnellie.com
2. post something sweet that will make her feel special for her birthday.
3. ummm… find something to do with all the time you saved not picking out a silly card!
but remember, until May 8th, this puppy is a secret! thanks for making this year a special one.