One week ago today...

So I'm taking a break from the 'catch-up' blogs to fill everyone in on our recent loss.

One week ago today, 10-21-08, we had to lay my beloved Sabbyth to rest. It was by far one of the hardest things I've had to experience. Without getting into details, I will just say that he was in pain and he had lived a good, long, 13 years as the best dog I've ever had.

Sometimes I still can't believe he's gone, and I know that my other dog, Sayble, feels the same way. I'm not sure she realizes yet that he's not coming back and that breaks my heart.

I miss him so much, but I don't want to focus on the sadness. I want to celebrate the time I had with him and let all of you know just how awesome he was.

These are pics of him as a baby. (I scanned these, that's why the color is funny)

I was a freshman when I got him. My parents and I went to the pound and I knew right away that he was the dog I wanted. But, my dad made me wait 1 week and if he was still there, we could get him. Well, he was there and the rest is history. I remember taking him on a walk shortly after we got him. He was so small that he couldn't walk all the way around our neighborhood... I had to carry him halfway around!

He had the biggest paws I've ever seen on a puppy. He liked to lay on his back alot and the way his cheeks and ears would fall, he kinda looked like a bat. My mom always called him BatBoy.

As silly as it is to say, Sabbyth was with me through all my hard times. He would look at me with those sad eyes and I would just melt. Unconditional love is the best love, and he was always there to give it.

He was so protective of me and he appeared to be a fearless dog. However, he was terrified of storms. He would follow me around, and most of the time I would give in and let him sleep on my bed! But of course, I would feel guilty, and I would have to let Sayble up there too!

He loved to go on walks and would go nuts when he saw me put on tennis shoes. He loved marshmallows too. But, he HATED when his feet were wet. You should have seen him scoot to the back of the bathtub just trying to keep his feet dry!

This pic was taken when Brian was trying to pack for a business trip. Sabbyth obviously didn't want him to go! (or else he wanted to go with him!)

I told you he liked to lay on his back...

These were taken on one of his last days. We stayed home to spend the day with him.





Now that he's gone, I feel like a piece of me is missing. I'm putting all my 'dog energy' into Sayble now and trying to help her adjust. Brian's talking about getting a puppy... we'll see.


This poem was sent to us in a card from our vet... it made me cry...

Just this side of Heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge

When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge.
It makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful lush meadows of green. They are as healthy and playful as we remember them in days gone by.

Together the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will suddenly stop and look into the distance... bright eyes intent, eager body quivering. Suddenly recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in joyous reunion. You will never again separate.

Happy tears and kisses are warm and plentiful, your hands caress the face you missed. You look into the loving eyes of your pet and know that you never really parted. You realize that though out of sight, your love had been remembered.

You cross the Rainbow Bridge together.


Until next time... xoxo, Brian and Sabrina

To catch everyone up...

So this first one is going to be kinda long. I'm going to try and catch everyone up on the last year or so without going overboard.

I think I'll just try and do some highlights.

So, as most of you know, Brian and I built a house in Noblesville. Brian got to move in last November... I didn't get to move in until January (after the wedding).

The picture above was a very happy day for us! It was like being in a realty commercial.

After the house was finished, and Brian got to move in... it was time for the wedding!

December 29th was an awesome day!

The whole gang!

Being introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert!

Our first dance: "Wouldn't it be sweet to be loved by you"- Michael Buble

We haven't gone a Honeymoon yet, but we did have fun celebrating New Year's with some friends in Chicago... 115 Bourbon Street!

Now... skip all the way to 4th of July.... our neighbors (Liz and Eric) had a bash.

They are fast become some of our closest friends, tons of fun. This is a picture of Liz and I.

Eric and Brian are starting to let off some fireworks... didn't anyone ever tell them that it's better when it's dark outside?

This is the 'real' Mike Jones. He's our neighbor and he was the DJ at our wedding. He brought all of his equipment down to the Beckner's... it was awesome! Have you ever seen 30 people do the Electic Slide in a driveway? (I have!)

Jump to September... we came to Kokomo to watch Tony (my cousin Dina's fiance) sing at Don Pancho Villa.

The two new faces in the front are our newest neighbors and friends, Ryan and Brooke. They moved from California and they are awesome. So glad they chose our neighborhood.

Snagged a picture with Dina. I'm so glad she moved back to Indiana!

This is Tony... he has an unbelievably good voice!

Brian snatched up Isabella, Rachel's new little baby.

We hosted the first Colt's game at our house. Too bad they lost.

Yes, I realize it's the beginning of September, but that's when I put out my Halloween decorations. Righteous did not know what to think of this witch. You should have seen him when I plugged her in and she started to move!

The guys wouldn't get up and let me take a picture of them... this is the best I could do.

Brian's 27th Birthday Present

So, a while back when we painted out house, we painted our den with the Colt's team colors. One wall is blue and the rest are white. For his birthday, I really wanted to decorate the room for him and finally finish it. I had tossed around the idea of buying giant stickers and things to put on the walls, but it was all to expensive. Then, Liz suggested painting something, using a projector. I finally wrangled one (thanks Mark!) and Liz came over at 10:30pm the night before Brian's party (thank goodness he spent the night in Kokomo) and this is what we did!

The reveal.... he was very surprised!


So that's it for now... I'm sure I'll think of something soon!