SO many CHANGES!!!

Wow, it feels like I haven't updated in forever but, I just have not had the time!!!!

**Stephen and I love Krypto so very much and there has and never will be anything that could even try to replace the special son/friend that he was. He was amazing in so many ways and we will always remember him.

****We decided that, while we didn't need a replacement, we wanted another baby to take care of, love and be friends/parents with/to. His name is Clark, (Yes, like Clark Kent :)) He is a black lab and has a tiny tinge of white on his chest, but other than that he is completely black. He has VERY dark blue eyes, almost black but in the light you can see blue, they are gorgeous. He has a very sweet face and loooooves to cuddle with his momma (me!) He follows me around like we have a string attached to eachother and although it's annoying when I'm trying to get things done, I'm loving it!!! He is still adjusting to being in our home so he's had some accidents and it was an abrupt reminder of puppies when he whined and cried and I had to take him out at 12....2....and 4 AM. : ~ / We love him very much and can't wait to see him grow up into the big man he already feels he is, haha. He has a big personality and is a bit arnry(sp?) but, we'll break him of that, ;) He was a VERY big hit at church Wednesday, I think there were more people in the parking lot with him after church than there were inside!

***Thank you Thank you Thank you! You all don't understand and cannot know how much I appreciat the sincere, warm, love that has flowed from your hearts to ours through this VERY difficult time. I didn't forget but, my friendships were magnified through calls, visits, cards and sweet words! You are all amazing and I love you.

******SOOOOOOOOO,,,,,, FINALLLLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!! Stephen and I moved into our new home this weekend!!!!!!!!!! If I could I would make that BIG, BRIGHT and BOLD!!!! We are SO very happy and feel so incredibly blessed. To make a VERY long story short, Stephen and I have been trying to buy this house for 8 months and have jumped through every hoop you could imagine, had so many heart breaking moments, have been told; maybe, NO, we'll see, should be, probably, and finallly YES! It is exactly what we wanted and are so glad to be in it and starting the work that needs to be done. It is a 4 level split that needs carpet, paint, some updates, a few repairs and mostly just love :) Stephen and I have finally began our lives together in a home to call all our own and we are earnestly thanking God for the blessings of these days! We have had a lot of help and are so blessed by friends and my family who have been there every moment to help, to listen, to help, to listen, to....you get the idea :) I don't know what I would do without my christian family who also happen to be my best friends! As I get things done, I'll try to learn to post pictures, we are SO excited about doing the work and making it exactly what we want to start our family someday. They will definetely be on facebook :)

***You have heard me talk before about my mom and how cool she is and this whole process is just a testmony yet again of her. She is the one I call when I get a new vase, when I got a new puppy, when my puppy was hit by a car, when my now husband asked me to marry him, when I don't feel good, etc.....I love her so much and am so very grateful for her! (and my dads pretty cool too ;)) My mom came on Saturday and brought an entire dinner with her that simmered allll day long while she cleaned my kitchen top to bottom, organized and put away all of our new stuff :) Thanks, mom!!!

**shhhhhhhuuuuuuuuuuuu, that was a lot, sorry if your bored but, I had to let you all know, I am SOOOOOO very happy and content and amazed and delighted and excited! I'll let you know how things are going!! :)
  • alp1926
    So happy to read about all this happiness!! Love you!
    by alp1926 at 03/15/10 4:10PM
  • split_rock
    Here's your puppy!

    Puppy Clark Budd
    What a cutie!
    by split_rock at 03/15/10 4:53PM
  • marie
    So very happy for you and your new addition, not to mention your new home!
    Yeah, your mom is VERY cool.
    by marie at 03/15/10 5:56PM
  • katiebee
    I would agree... your mom is pretty cool!
    by katiebee at 03/15/10 6:01PM
  • lilah
    Love you ALL THREE! Enjoy the house, puppy!
    by lilah at 03/15/10 7:25PM
  • splitmesoup
    It makes me happy to know you're happy again. love you, sista!
    by splitmesoup at 03/15/10 8:03PM
  • sockmonkey
    Look at those big paws!! He is beautiful.
    by sockmonkey at 03/15/10 8:23PM
  • cdawg
    praise God!
    by cdawg at 03/16/10 7:49AM
  • mimi
    He is so cute. I can't wait to see your house. I'm glad you are happy again and things have turned out so well for all of you.
    by mimi at 03/16/10 11:32AM
  • mimi71
    Not boring at all!! How exciting for you & Stephen!! Can't wait to see house & puppy either in pictures of person! :)
    by mimi71 at 03/17/10 9:52AM
  • rockymtnslover
    Who could get bored with a wonderful post like this! Congrats all the way around and enjoy that new pup and his new house. lol!
    by rockymtnslover at 03/17/10 8:22PM
  • shelbee
    HI Ritha!!!!!!
    by shelbee at 03/19/10 11:54AM
  • tesnus
    A Brown's theme??? COME ON!
    by tesnus at 03/19/10 1:18PM

There is a hole....

My heart is broken. My best friend, Krypto is gone and he's not coming back. He was hurt and in pain and now is peacefully sleeping, I hurt so bad there are no words to describe it. Our family is incomplete and will never ever be the same without him. No matter what anyone says or thinks, he was the best dog, friend, companion and baby you would have ever known. He was perfect. I love you, Krypto and my life will never be the same, not even close and nothing could ever compare to your sweet heart, caring eyes and loyalty--I love you, always and forever, mama.
  • shelbee
    My heart is breaking for you Carissa. Time will heal your pain and waiting for you will be all the happy memories you and Stephen made with Krypto! I love you so much and am praying for you both continually. You know my number....call me when you need me.
    by shelbee at 03/07/10 10:24PM
  • nightingale
    Oh Carissa, I'm so sorry for you and Stephen. Losing your beloved pet is a horrible pain. Unfortunately, I've lost many pets and it never gets easier. I hope it won't be long before you add another sweet puppy to your home. It's amazing how you develop love for your new one and helps heal the pain of the one you lost. We lost our dog of 12 years a year ago and a few months later we got Daisy. She has been such a delight. I promise, you will be happy again (:
    by nightingale at 03/08/10 7:08AM
  • rockymtnslover
    My tears flow with yours. I grieve with you for your loss.
    by rockymtnslover at 03/08/10 7:40AM
  • cdawg
    sorry :(
    by cdawg at 03/08/10 2:27PM
  • sockmonkey
    I am so sorry for your loss. It is never an easy thing to deal with when a pet must part from us. His pain is eased.
    by sockmonkey at 03/08/10 2:46PM
  • madam_librarian
    Hoping today was a new day filled with cherished memories.
    by madam_librarian at 03/08/10 5:09PM
  • mimi71
    Such a difficult loss :( My heart breaks with yours *hugs*
    by mimi71 at 03/09/10 9:20AM
  • alp1926
    Thinking of you and hoping you're having a better day today.
    by alp1926 at 03/09/10 8:40PM
  • shelbee
    You didn't call me back.....
    by shelbee at 03/09/10 10:04PM
  • mommaroush
    Good to see you smiling yesterday!!!
    by mommaroush at 03/11/10 8:06AM
  • mommaroush
    Anytime!!! :) Love you too.
    by mommaroush at 03/11/10 12:21PM
  • ektustin
    your new puppy is adorable! sorry we didn't get to chat last night! see you sunday?
    by ektustin at 03/11/10 2:15PM
  • sockmonkey
    ^a new little one??
    by sockmonkey at 03/11/10 2:32PM
  • alp1926
    Is there a new puppy????
    by alp1926 at 03/11/10 4:10PM
  • madam_librarian
    ^yes there is and I got to hold him!!!!
    by madam_librarian at 03/12/10 5:29AM
  • mommaroush
    CAN I JUST SAY THAT I AM SOOOOOOOO STINKING HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    by mommaroush at 03/12/10 8:35AM
  • cdawg
    awesome :)
    by cdawg at 03/12/10 8:51AM
  • mimi
    Happy for the new house and for the new puppy!!!
    by mimi at 03/12/10 10:07AM
  • alp1926
    Clark is adorable!!!
    by alp1926 at 03/12/10 3:45PM
  • hannahk
    glad you got a new puppy! :) he's so cute!
    by hannahk at 03/12/10 4:56PM

SO VERY EXCITED......FOR REAL.

First of all, thank you so much for the birthday, 'happy's' and wishes. It really does make my day to know people care enough to write a couple of words and tell me they care, I love you all.

Second and more important than my birthday, I'm letting you know, WE ARE MOVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I don't know how to change my font or else I'd make it realllllly big :))

Stephen and I have FINALLY worked things out and we are buying the house that we've been working on since middle of LAST year!!! We are SOOOOOOOOOOO excited and happy and anxious and GRATEFUL. There was definetely a point when I finally just pulled out the laptop and started searching, "apartments" again and it was a HUGE bummer. Because of a LOT of great support and people who love us, we are able to start our home together and we couldn't be more excited. We should be ready to go and closing on the house in a week or so. Anyone wanting to get rid of a washer and dryer or anything else for that matter, let me know ;) Stephen and I are soooo incredibly blessed with great family, friends and a God who loves us and we appreciate it all so much.

Please pray that we will make this move as seamlessly as possible and things continue to work out the way they have been. In the next several weeks we'll be cleaning, organizing, carpeting, painting, assembling and enjoying our new home!! My mom and dad are coming to help and we've got some great friends that will be around too. Wish us luck!!!! :)

Have a great weekend everyone!
  • katiebee
    I am so excited for you guys!!
    by katiebee at 02/27/10 7:22AM
  • sockmonkey
    in His time!! i am so happy that it is a go this time around. what a joyful time and yeah for more room for doggy.
    by sockmonkey at 02/27/10 11:19AM
  • shelbee
    Did you make it home safe and sound??
    by shelbee at 03/01/10 9:26AM
  • cdawg
    that is amazing! God is able to do abundantly above what we could ever think or ask. if my quarter here is over, i would love to help you guys move if you need help. just let me know, it gives me an excuse to go to c-bus :)
    by cdawg at 03/01/10 9:27AM
  • mommaroush
    Missed you yesterday!!!
    by mommaroush at 03/01/10 9:43AM
  • mommaroush
    Woot! Will do, thanks :)
    Devin is going thru withdraw but I am loving that I have a few days to actually get to sleep before 11:30. 24 is the reason for my insomnia, lol!
    by mommaroush at 03/01/10 10:30AM
  • rockymtnslover
    I was wondering about all the fuss! Yay for you! Moving is fun when you're looking forward to the end result!
    by rockymtnslover at 03/01/10 3:46PM
  • tesnus
    YUM!! :) That is one of my favorites! So are you super excited?? Just a few more days!
    by tesnus at 03/02/10 9:52PM
  • marie
    You should have came over. Luther is very sweet. Is your Lab African American also?
    by marie at 03/02/10 10:04PM
  • tesnus
    Missed you tonight!!
    by tesnus at 03/03/10 10:27PM
  • mommaroush
    You ok? Devin said you weren't there last night - I wasn't either, lol :)
    by mommaroush at 03/04/10 7:14AM
  • mommaroush
    Yuck! I hope you're feeling better today - I know the feeling!! So are you counting down the hours????
    by mommaroush at 03/04/10 9:32AM
  • splitmesoup
    post or send me pictures of the new Budd residence stat!!!!
    by splitmesoup at 03/05/10 11:36PM
  • alp1926
    We love you both and are thinking of you!! Hope Abby and Amber got there and can be of some help.
    by alp1926 at 03/06/10 9:35PM
  • marie
    I'm so sorry Carissa. I love you.
    by marie at 03/06/10 9:46PM
  • ektustin
    I'm so sorry, 'Rissa! We love you!!
    by ektustin at 03/07/10 3:35AM
  • split_rock
    I'm so sorry, Carissa.
    by split_rock at 03/07/10 5:46AM
  • mommaroush
    Love you, Rissa. ...I'm so sorry!!
    by mommaroush at 03/07/10 6:10AM
  • mimi
    I'm sooooo sorry - love you!
    by mimi at 03/07/10 1:22PM
  • madam_librarian
    Rissa--my heart is hurting with you. I am so sorry.
    by madam_librarian at 03/07/10 1:48PM

Made me cry today....

My Mom is the BEST!!!
  • alp1926
    Happy, happy birthday, Carissa!!!! Love you!!!!
    by alp1926 at 02/19/10 7:12AM
  • mommaroush
    Elijah says "Happy Dirtday, Rissa!!!!" We love ya!
    by mommaroush at 02/19/10 7:37AM
  • funsahm
    Happy Birthday
    by funsahm at 02/19/10 7:47AM
  • mimi71
    Happy Birthday!!!
    by mimi71 at 02/19/10 8:05AM
  • shelbee
    Happy Birthday to you......Happy birthday to you.......Happy Birthday My dearest Rithaaaaaaaaa.......Ha----ppyyyyyyy Birrrrrthdayyyyy, toooooooo,YOOOOUUUUUU!!!!!!!

    Love you and will miss you tonight at Bunco!! Hope you have a spit on your neck Fantastic day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
    by shelbee at 02/19/10 8:56AM
  • mommaroush
    ^LOL!!! Spit on ur neck faaaaantastic. I have never heard that.
    by mommaroush at 02/19/10 9:15AM
  • shelbee
    I thought you had watched Friends??? I
    by shelbee at 02/19/10 10:00AM
  • mommaroush
    HAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I remember now!!!! That is hilarious. I have to be reminded of these things sometimes ;)
    by mommaroush at 02/19/10 10:02AM
  • cdawg
    i dont remember that from friends, but happy brithday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    by cdawg at 02/19/10 10:04AM
  • sockmonkey
    happy birthday.
    by sockmonkey at 02/19/10 10:30AM
  • bballliz
    HAPPY BIRTHDAYY!
    by bballliz at 02/19/10 10:55AM
  • bigbudd
    Happy Birthday! I love you! The best Bride EVER! :-)
    by bigbudd at 02/19/10 11:17AM
  • mommaroush
    ^Woah, Superman has risen!!!
    by mommaroush at 02/19/10 12:13PM
  • mimi
    Happy Birthday - hope you have a wonderful day!
    by mimi at 02/19/10 12:48PM
  • tesnus
    Happy Happy Birthday!! :)
    by tesnus at 02/19/10 1:05PM
  • madam_librarian
    Happy Birthday---have a great one!!!!
    by madam_librarian at 02/19/10 3:21PM
  • rockymtnslover
    Happy birthday on Pleo too! ;)
    by rockymtnslover at 02/20/10 5:08PM
  • bballliz
    DITTO! it was great catching up :) and thanks.. i love it too :D
    by bballliz at 02/21/10 10:07PM
  • ektustin
    You're very welcome! I hope you had a great birthday! Eventually, we all will get together again! :)
    by ektustin at 02/23/10 6:46AM

Better late than never....

Valentine's Day was great!!

This was mine and Stephen's first Valentines Day as a married couple!! (awww :))

On Friday at work, Stephen had the most beautiful 18 yellow, pink and orange roses delivered to me at work, complete with a vase and chocolates! It was soooo sweet and I really think they are the most gorgeous flowers I've ever seen (besides my wedding)!!!

On Saturday we went to dinner at Longhorn, one of my favorites...mmmmmmm!

On Sunday night after services we got ice cream and cuddled up on the couch to watch a movie!

I don't know about you but there are fewer ways I can think of that would be better to spend February 14, 2010!!

I know, I know, it's mushy and gushy and love filled but guess what, I LOVE IT!!!!!!

???????????????????I hope you all had a great day too! What did you DO??????????????????????TELL ME!! DId you enjoy it???????


XOXOXOXOX
  • dcroush
    Sharnea got a red rose, card, and Willowtree figurine. I then took her out to dinner at Red Lobster. Twas a lovely evening :)
    by dcroush at 02/18/10 1:22PM
  • splitmesoup
    and...AND....TOMORROW'S YOUR BIRTHDAY! ! ! ! HAAAAPPPPPYYYYY BIIIIRRRRTTTTHHHDDAAYYYY!
    by splitmesoup at 02/18/10 1:27PM
  • mimi71
    Saturday night my son & I went to dinner and then Sunday after church we went out to lunch. My husband chose that weekend to go out of town on a "mancation"....I think those boys planned it lol But he had a great time and had some much needed down time! So glad your first Valentine's Day as a married couple was so wonderful! :)
    by mimi71 at 02/18/10 2:53PM
  • lorileigh
    We went to Red Lobster on Valentine's Day. So yummy! (Red roses, chocolate, and a book from Eddie and a handmade candy bracelet and necklace from my little guys made my day.)
    by lorileigh at 02/18/10 4:51PM
  • ektustin
    Hi, Miss 'Rissa! Your VM is full, so I couldn't leave you a message. Caleb is doing much better; thanks for asking! He was sick again Monday night, but has been fine ever since. He's his usual talkative self. :) I hope you have a great birthday tomorrow! We mailed your card today!

    Valentine's Day---hmmm....ended in puke. It was great! :)
    by ektustin at 02/18/10 5:37PM
  • lilah
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE MOM
    by lilah at 02/18/10 10:34PM
  • split_rock
    Happy Birthday!
    by split_rock at 02/19/10 2:39AM