Big Girl Bed!

Time for Lucy to move on up in the world. We got our family's first dog bed that we hope will last a while. She still isn't quite ready to be sleeping on her own yet, but it is perfect for naps. In the evening when she falls asleep before bedtime, it's difficult to convince her she needs to leave her new soft bed for her little kennel. A dog's life isn't easy.

We put it down and she took right to it. She circled around her new bed and moments later...

Passed out puppy!

Cari Rieckers Morton 1976-2007

Yesterday, we got news that Cari Rieckers Morton, a dear family friend, died early yesterday morning. She had been under Hospice care since January and fought hard for her life until the end. A harpist came Wednesday to play for Cari, which finally allowed her to release her life. She has inspired me in my own life to puruse my dreams and possibilities. She lived a life full of health issues, yet she was an amazing friend, conversationalist, and host. She was interested in the lives of those around her and did not want to leave her loved ones behind. She will be missed, but I am so thankful she is finally at peace and that her struggle is over. Her parents, Keith and Kay, and her husband Keith, are in our prayers.



Cari's obituary from the Spokesman Review is as follows:


RIECKERS-MORTON
Caroline Suzanne (Age 31)
Died on August 23, 2007 after a long struggle from a rare neurologic disease. She is survived by her grandmother Pat Herda of Chewelah, WA; parents Kay and Keith Rieckers; and husband Keith Morton. Cari was born on January 28, 1976 at Deaconess Hospital and was raised in Spokane, WA on the South Hill. While growing up, she enjoyed skiing at Schweitzer, swimming with friends, traveling with her family, and visiting her many relatives in Chewelah/Colville. She graduated from Lewis & Clark High School (1994), and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from the University of Redlands (1998). It was at the University of Redlands, while running on the cross country team, that she met her future husband Keith. They were married in Spokane in 1995. Cari returned to Spokane in 2002, and, while her health allowed, taught at Cataldo Elementary School. Though she had no children of her own, Cari, who was adopted at birth, served as a role-model to children in California, Virginia, and Washington as a teacher, nanny, and baby-sitter. Cari had a special place in her heart for those children who were less fortunate. Cari was an inspiration to us as she perservered through the tribulations of her life. While her body was weak in the end, she maintained a sense of humor and kept on shopping! We know that Cari is in a beautiful place with those who have passed on before.

In the words of Benjamin Franklin: "I have often … looked at that sun behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have the happiness to know it is a rising and not a setting sun."

From 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

A Memorial Service will be held for Cari at Sacred Heart Parish Church, 219 E. Rockwood Blvd, Spokane WA at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, August 28, 2007. Donations in Cari's name may be made to Horizon Hospice, 123 West Cascade Way, Suite E, Spokane, WA 99208, or to The Hutton Settlement, 422 W. Riverside #931, Spokane, WA 99201.

Newman Lake

As a current grad student, I only had 1 week off between the end of my finals at Seattle U and the beginning of my internship at Explorer Middle. Steve set off for Spokane with a bunch of his buddies to celebrate Grant's bachelor party at Schweitzer. He met up with me in Spokane on Sunday evening and we spent the rest of the week at my parent's cabin at Newman Lake, which is just outside of Spokane (38 minutes door-to-door). We had an incredible time relaxing, swimming, eating wonderful breakfasts, walking, talking, drinking morning coffee on the dock, and introducing Lucy to lake life. She proved to be a great swimmer and loved wading in and chasing her chicken squeaker toy into the water. She hasn't yet realized ducks are for chasing, so they were safe this year. She enjoyed long naps in the sun and swatting the bugs away that interrupted her sleep. She got some training in a big field at the end of the road and went after the grasshoppers, which confused her beyond belief. We hope to spend more time at the lake in the future- I believe it's good for the soul. We miss our families already...

Lucy and her cousin Boone at Steve's parents' house before we left for Newman. Lucy looks up to and learns a great deal from Boone. She also enjoys tormenting him. Poor Boonie.

Lucy swimming after her chicken.

Steve and I both enjoyed Grant's wakeboard and the Connelly "Big Daddy" ski. It took me a while to get used to wakeboarding- I never figured out how to turn and spent the entire time screaming. Steve was much better at it and he got up on 1 ski for the first time! Bravo!

Did we mention Lucy got big?

Hugs and Kisses

Don Engdahl, my dad's good friend from high school, came to my parent's house last Friday night to meet Lucy for the first time. His dog Buddy died about the same time Max did and from what Don says, Lucy and Buddy could have been siblings. Don sat on the deck, Lucy crawled up on his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and licked every inch of his face. Don seemed to love every minute of it. Don and Joan came out to the lake on Sunday evening and Lucy repeated her "love fest" with Don. Seems like she can spot a true dog-lover from a million miles away. Lucy now thinks this is okay behavior- Looks like she'll be headed back to puppy school! It was great to see the smile on Don's face. I really think Lucy is destined for greatness and I'm excited to see how many lives she can brighten.

2 Wonderful Years

On August 5th, Steve and I celebrated 2 years of marriage. We were at Chelan and had a great day of sun, friends, and relaxing. We came back to Shoreline that afternoon and dined on Thai takeout on our deck. The romantic dinner included candles, wine, and lots of mosquitos. As a gift to each other, we decided to buy a new car before our trip to Chelan. Lucy loves her new Subaru wagon! What people will do for a cute puppy....

How lucky in love we are...

Lake Chelan

Steve and I visited Lake Chelan on August 3-5 and had an amazing time visiting with Britty, Charley, Gail (Britty's mom), Rush, Stephanie, Jason, Kayla, and Karter. Lucy had an incredible time and it turns out, she was destined to be a lake dog. More info and pictures to come.

Taitum is 8?

It doesn't seem possible. Just a couple weeks ago, my niece Taitum turned eight years old. Kids seem to be a benchmark that every year make you realize just how fast the time can pass. Lots of exciting things and changes have come in the last eight years for the ever evolving Brooks clan; a couple more nieces, our wedding, lots of rain.

Ma and Pa Brooks came over from Spokanthrax for the festivities at Bill's house. Actually, Mom flew over on Friday to see Taitum's school play and boy was she impressed and proud to be there. Dad drove over on Saturday for the party
and we all feasted on BBQ salmon and other tasty fixins.

Mom and 2/3 of the nieces.

Here's the other one. Looks like she is preoccupied.

Craig and Courtney made shirts for the girls (see Megan's above) with their age on them. Funny how Craig was wearing a '8' shirt too... Curious...

No blog is complete without a picture of goofy Uncle Steve: