Bagel, Belliism, Bunnies, and Awards

When I was in 4th grade we got a family dog.  She was a beagle and I (rather smartly I thought) named her Bagel.  Yep, Bagel the beagle.  This is her:

Or, I suppose I should say, this was her.  Sadly, after almost 15 years we had to put her down back in March.  This was the first death that Belli has ever had to deal with so I was interested to see how she would react.  I decided not to mention it to her unless she asked because she was never really fond of dear Bagel anyway.  I mean why bring it up if she doesn't really care anyway right?

Well a few days later Belli was outside with my dad and she asked him where Bagel was.  He told her something about her getting sick and being in doggy Heaven now and all that stuff.  Well, without missing a beat Belli says, "Well.  I guess that means she won't be bothering when I play in my sandbox anymore now will she?"  So, needless to say Belli handled the death well. 

On the upside, because Bagel is no longer on the prowl in our backyard we now have a brand new bunny.  Belli named him Bruno and he lives in our backyard.  What's really awesome about him is that he is a wild bunny so we don't even have to take care of him.  He comes and goes as he pleases and finds his own food.  It's quite nice really.  Here is Bruno:

Isn't he cute?  We love to sit by the back door and watch him hop around.

And last, but certainly not least, Belli was nominated for the Finley Award.  This is an award that our school system does based on character.  There is one kid per class per grade nominated each year and they pick the kids who have consistently shown good character.  Only the high school overall winners and the faculty winner get the money that is awarded but just to be nominated is an honor.  Here are some picture from the ceremony last night:

And here are some pictures of her certificate, free meal from Beef O'Bradys, and her medal:

I am one proud momma!

Five Question Friday

Head over to Mama M's to join in on Five question Friday!

1.  Have you ever forgotten your child in a store or at school?
I've definitely never left her at a store but there was one time a couple of years ago when she was in MDO so I could go to class that I almost forgot her.  Class got out early one day so I went home to lay down for a little bit before I had to go get her.  I was supposed to pick her up at 2 and the next thing I know I wake up at it was 1:55.  I was WAY late picking her up.  So I guess I didn't technically forget her...I just fell asleep.

2.  Where did you go on you first date?
I actually don't remember...Most of the guys I dated where people I actually knew already so there was never really a "first date" per se.

3.  What's your "silly" fear?
Insects.  Any insect.  OH. MY. GOD.

4.  Confrontation:  do you cause it, deal with it as it comes, or run far far away from it?
It depends on the situation.  I will cause it if I need to or avoid it if I don't think it's necessary.

5.  Wood floors or carpet?
I am currently a big fan of the laminate wood flooring.   

Belli Finally Got Into A Preschool!!!

Now you may be wondering why I am so excited that she got into a preschool since that's just kind of a normal thing.  Well it's because it has taken me two years to finally find a place that will take her.

Every other place I looked (probably 5 or 6 places) wouldn't take her because of her disability.  Which, by the way, is illegal.  Even the daycare who is run by the United Cerebral Palsy foundation that takes special needs children wouldn't take her.  You can read about the devastation here.

But now, finally, I received a letter from my church preschool saying she will have a spot in the fall.  Thank GOD!  Finally!

Snow Day

We have had quite a few snow days lately but today was the first day that we finally got out and played.

Belli Has Lost Her Head

Five Question Friday

Hop on over to Mama M's blog to join in!

1.  If you had $1000 to to donate to one charity which would you choose?
It would probably be between The Bell Center, a neat little organization called the Prosthetics Outreach Foundation, or to a coworker of mine who goes on mission trips to Swaziland every year.  

2.  Snow days: do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in the butt?
I absolutely LOVE snow days.  The only problem is that here in Alabama we have snow days when there is only an inch or so of snow which actually isn't really that much fun to play in.

3.  What talent do you wish you had and why?
I wish I could sing.  I love to sing and I love music but I have horrible voice!

4.  Are you a news, politics, or celebrity news junkie?
I am a news and politics junkie.  I can't stand celebrity news.  It's so stupid and dramatic and no big deal if it was about a non-celebrity.

5.  What is your favorite cocktail?
I love long island iced teas!

Belliisms 8

Belli outside waving goodbye to my mom yells for the whole neighborhood to hear:  "Bye bye Mimi!  Bye bye!  HEY!  Hey MIMI.  I JUST FELL DOWN AND HURT MY TUSH!!!!!"

Belli:  Look mom.  We have a new ornament on the tree.
Me:  I know!  It's so pretty.
Belli:  What is?
Me:  The ornament.
Belli:  What ornament.
Me: ......

"We have summer, we have fall, we have winter and we have sprinkles!"

After letting out a huge trucker burp Belli looks at me with wide eyes and says, "Was that YOU?"

"Hey mom, when I hold you are you going to turn into a hippo?" 

So weird...I know.