The Hills' Adventures: ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN

Monday, November 10, 2008

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN

...And this dog will receive a royal welcome.

Today we said a very sad farewell to our dog, Tommy. He was over 11 years old. We found him sick this morning and had to say goodbye.

We inherited him two years ago when we moved into this house. He belonged to Mike's parents, but a country dog had the city move in on him and they gave him to us so he could spend his old age free to roam.

We really grew to love and enjoy him.

He was a very special dog, especially to Grandma Hill. How fitting that she was over last night and brushed him one last time, not knowing what would happen today.

We will miss you, Tommy!

We are glad you are able to rest.

2 comments:

Erik & Marcie +3 said...: Oh my gosh, I'm so sad! I didn't even get to see him last time I was in town. But I'm glad he isn't suffering anymore and that he lived out his last couple of years having fun with you guys! And it will probably be easier for you to not have to worry about him while Mike is gone. I'm sure he's up in heaven with Cuddles, Rebel, Roxy,Rush and all the MANY other dogs we have had having a blast! : ); November 11, 2008 at 7:56 AM
Nelsons said...: My deepest sympathies. A pet becomes one of the family. We are dreading the day when we have to say good-bye to our dog. At least you have all the great memories that don't die!; November 12, 2008 at 4:05 PM

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FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

"Work is no fun." Jake 9 years

"Candy." Natalie 22 months

"Oh mom, could you change her diaper somewhere else, it's making this taste disgusting." Dallas 7 years

"I know the answers to everything!" Katie 5 years

"The prophet says if you don't spend time with your kids, you'll regret it." Jake 8 years

"Mom, I wished you lived on Jupiter."
"Dad made me change my mind."
"What do you want to do before you die?"
"Mom, I dropped my hot wheels in the toilet." Dallas 6 years

"Come on husband, you need to read our daughter a story...I'll do it myself."
"When will you be able to go? I'm exhausted with you."Katie 4 years

"Dad, Mom lets us get one choice. You just get us what we need." Katie (4) and Dallas (6)to dad at the store

"No", "Toe", "Nose", "Hi mom" "Hi Dad" "a-da-no?" Natalie 19 months

DREAMS DO COME TRUE--Mike's New Job

Mike was recently selected to fly AH-64 Apache attack helicopters for the Idaho National Guard! We'll be in Alabama for flight school for two years, then back to Idaho where he'll be a part-time Apache pilot(this video is from the Utah Guard, but you get the idea).

[Mike] I recently embarked on a great adventure. My whole life I’ve been fascinated with military aviation. As a kid I could name any jet or chopper flying. I studied them, built models of them, drew them. But I never pursued my dream of flying because I didn’t think life in the military would suit me and my future family, and I thought that passion was something I'd grow out of. So I chose a career I considered more practical. In my 20s, though, I began regretting not taking that path. That regret grew worse and worse.

Long story short, in the fall of 2008 I put it all on the line and finally went for it. I joined the Army National Guard here in my home town, with the long-shot hope of flying the AH-64 Apache helicopter (the best attack helicopter in the world). The training just to be considered was tough and required quite a commitment: nine weeks of Basic Training, 8 weeks of Officer Candidate School, academic and physical tests, a 6-year commitment regardless of the outcome, plus the preparation on my own time. All that, just to qualify to go before a "flight board" that selects future pilots. The field is very competitive, but failure was not an option—given the wars we’re fighting, I didn’t want to be in the Army, stuck on the ground. I had to succeed.

By some miracle, everything lined up perfectly and I was selected for flight school, despite my lack of experience and prior service, and despite being 3 years over the age limit (I got an age waiver).

In the spring of '10 my family and I moved to Fort Rucker, Alabama for two years of flight training, after which I’ll come back home to Idaho and be a part-time pilot. I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. Getting selected to serve my country, flying the world's best attack helicopter, based right in my home town, is incredible. It still blows me away.

I have the best wife in the world for supporting me in this adventure. She initially told me to do something about this ache in late summer of '08. She encouraged me every step of the way, even while I was gone for months on end, leaving her to manage the home, business, and take care of our babies. And Army pay is not good, especially considering my life may someday be on the line in Afghanistan, Iraq or who-knows-where-else. Thank you, thank you, Cass, for all you are to me.

We may not have it all together...But together we have it all.

Monday, November 10, 2008

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN

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DREAMS DO COME TRUE--Mike's New Job