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It’s Domino Designer 7.x day! (November 22, 2009) That is, it’s Donahan Domino Designer’s 7 year (or 49 in people years) birthday!!!!
Seven years ago, Bruce and I were considering a dog but were just not 100% sure what kind of dog we wanted or even if we were ready to commit to the responsibility of dog ownership. In Bruce’s quest to find the perfect dog, our friend Kelly told him that her mother bred English Springer Spaniels and that they were an excellent dog to own as a pet. We had no clue what an English Springer Spaniel was, but Kelly insured Bruce that he would fall in love with them. To get Bruce familiarized with the breed, Kelly’s mom brought over their four dogs (Delta, Jeanie, Calvin and Duffy) for him to check out. Bruce never mentioned anything to me about seeing Kelly’s mother’s dogs nor going forward with any thing. So for a few months things slowed down and not much happened.
Then, a few months later, Bruce showed me some puppy pictures of the breed and asked me what I thought of the puppies. I thought they were cute, but I had my heart set on a yellow lab. He asked me if I would like a dog like that (an English Springer). I didn’t say “yes” or “no”…so I think he took it as a “maybe”. I am not sure when Bruce did this, but he went out to see the litter of puppies that Jeanie (Domino’s mom) just had. He instantly fell in love with Domino (Kaleb then). From that point forward, there was no turning back! We were now going to be the proud owners of a 8 week old black and white male English Springer Spaniel!
I remember vividly the day that Domino was brought home to us! He was so little! He had his first meal at our house, played with us for a while and then fell asleep.
The next item on the list was to name him. We were thinking something to do with him being black and white. Oreo was mentioned and some other names. but then I came across Domino and thought of the instant connection between black and white, domino the game piece and IBM’s Lotus Notes/Domino! What a perfect fit!!! It was a match made in heaven!! But now the chore was to put together a AKC name that included Domino. We thought long and hard on this but came up with a very clever name. With Domino’s mother’s AKC name, CH Donahan’s Designer Jeans CD, we came up with CH Donahan Domino Designer (playing on his mother’s AKC name as well as IBM’s Lotus Notes/Domino Designer name) Pretty neat, huh?
What would have been really neat is if back in 2002 (the year Domino – the dog) was born, that IBM Lotus Notes/Domino was in version 7, but alas, it wasn’t (it was in version 6.x) So, I guess we can’t say that Domino was born when Lotus Notes/Domino was in version 7.x!
So here we are 7 years later with a WONDERFUL pet who has brought us so much joy and laughter into our family! Domino now has a little sister (Bella) that he has to contend with every now and then, but I think he wouldn’t have it any other way! But that’s another story!
Thank you Domino, for bringing us all the joy and love into our family! We are excited to have MANY more years with you and creating unforgettable memories! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOY! You are the best Domino Designer that anyone could ever design! We love you so much!
Baby Domino
Domino Today
It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone! I count my blessings that I have such wonderful people in my life who support and love me (or at least I think they do! hehe) Even though I may be another year older, have a few more creaks in my joints, gained a few more pounds and have a few more gray hairs, I can’t complain. It’s been a wonderful year (with many more to come)! I won’t say how old I am, but I will say it’s getting closer to that 1/2 century mark! Oi! So cheers to everyone!
Baby Gayle
Teen Gayle
Young Woman Gayle
Gayle - Today
Some times it is hard to express exactly what you mean to me. I believe that this poem captures it all:
My Miracle Mother
Mom, I look at you
and see a walking miracle.
Your unfailing love without limit,
your ability to soothe my every hurt,
the way you are on duty, unselfishly,
every hour, every day,
makes me so grateful
that I am yours, and you are mine.
With open arms and open heart,
with enduring patience and inner strength,
you gave so much for me,
sometimes at your expense.
You are my teacher,
my comforter, my encourager,
appreciating all, forgiving all.
Sometimes I took you for granted, Mom,
but I don’t now, and I never will again.
I know that everything I am today
relates to you and your loving care.
I gaze in wonder
as I watch you being you—
my miracle, my mother.
By Joanna Fuchs
Happy 78th Birthday Mom! You are cherished and loved always!
Mom
Happy Belated Birthday Erin! It’s hard to believe that you are 15 years old!!
There are so many words that I want to express to you but don’t know where to begin. I found a very touching poem that says it all. Hope you like it sweetie!
An Angel Left Her Wings
© Tina M. Marascia
I have this little angel. For me she left her wings.
She has no idea how much happiness she truly brings.
She brightens up my days with her smiles and her laughs.
She helps me to remember all the blessings that I have.
Her face, it is so perfect, she’s sweet and soft and pure.
Sometimes she can be willful and sometimes she is demure.
She tries her very hardest to please and do what’s right.
She gives the greatest hugs from morning until night.
Every person that has known her sees this light within her soul
I know that in this whole great world, she has a special role.
She’s helpful and considerate to everyone she knows
This light in her shines brighter as my angel grows.
When she sees someone is sad, it opens up her heart.
She wants to do all that she can; she wants to do her part.
She’ll squeeze away the sorrow and make me forget about my pain.
She shows me where the sun is when we’re hiding from the rain.
I know that God must love me, He showed me with His Grace
I knew just how completely when I saw my angel’s face.
And in that very moment when she came into my world,
I knew that she was so much more than just my baby girl.
She would be my sunshine, with a sweetness that won’t end.
And when she grows up one day she would be my closest friend.
She would be the reason I would always try my best.
For my little angel baby girl would be my greatest test.
When God entrusts to you an angel, who has left her wings for you.
Encircle her with love with everything you do.
Let her know God made her, and that He trusts you with her care.
Be sure to make time for special moments with her to share.
And when at night she finally says her prayers and goes to sleep
I Thank Him for my angel, and ask for him to always keep
A watchful eye and hand to protect her from this world.
Protect my little angel; protect my baby girl.
Baby Erin
Erin (now) and her friend Erica
Today is my son’s 18th birthday. Its hard to believe that is he officially an adult now. He can now do some semi-grown up things, some of which I do not want to know about!! (like going to some strip clubs…yikes!!). And he will actually be able to vote for our next president this year!
Hard to believe since it seems like yesterday when I met him at the elementary school after his first bus ride. Coming off the bus with tears in his eyes, he came to me stating that he did not know where the bus was going (since it was not a direct route to the school) and that he was worried. Now, we will be dropping him off at his college dorm next week. This time, it will be me with tears in my eyes as I wave good bye to my not so little son.
I write this with mixed emotions, happy and elated that my son is taking his next big milestone in his life and entering into the world of us adults. The other part me is sad and melancholy as I know that my little boy is no longer that “little kid” that always needs his mommy.
However, there is a book that encapsulates it all, one of my favorite all time children’s books entitled “Love you forever” by Robert N. Munsch. It is a story of the evolving relationship between a boy and his mother. The lullaby she sings to him (below) is engraved in my heart forever.
“I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
as long as I’m living
my baby you’ll be.”
Brandon, happy 18th birthday! Even as you grow into adulthood, as long as I’m living, my baby you will be. Have a great day sweetheart! This is YOUR day!!
Brandon on a pony
Brandon today
It’s Bella’s 1 year birthday!! It is hard to believe that it’s already been a year since she was born (and about 10 months since we have had her). A lot has happened since then and a lot of good memories have been created!
We are looking forward to creating more of those happy and fun memories with you Bella! Just be nice to your brother Domino!!! 
Bella 1 Year Ago
Bella Today
Happy Birthday Bruce! I hope you have a wonderful day!! Love you!
