I’ll start with the bad and finish with the good. Better to sign off with a good feeling, right?
Last week, we had to put my sweet baby Lily McAliley (if you don’t know how to pronounce my last name, it’s Mac-a-lily, so Lily Mac-a-lily) to rest.
She had been sick for several months and after multiple visits to the vet, we finally found out that she had mass in her stomach. I immediately knew what that meant. The dreaded “C” word. Cancer. But after several tests, we were told that it looked like just an inflammation. But they wanted to do one more, surgical biopsy to be sure.
We dropped her off early in the morning and looked forward to picking her up the following day. Except that just a couple hours later when we received the call. Turns out it was cancerous and it was much worse than anyone had anticipated.
We had three options and, unfortunately, only one would end her sickness and suffering and take her to a happier, healthier place.
It was devastating! She was my Christmas present. Our first baby after hubby and I got married. She was the runt of the litter so she was teeny tiny. And she stayed teeny tiny, except that she was a little fat.
She was the best! And she was only 8 years old. Lily, we miss you so much! (BTW, that’s Little Man #1 at just 8 months!)
Okay now on to the good news. Actually, some GREAT news!
That’s right! We are building a house! Well, we have just purchased land in which we will be building a new house! I’m so freakin’ excited! My own house, from the ground up! Even better, I can’t wait to share it, step by step, here on the blog! It’s going to be so much fun! Yay!!
So that is my news, both good and bad. I know I will receive some big hugs following this post and I want to thank you all in advance! 
So sorry about your pup : ( I’m sure this is a difficult time for you and your family. I’m glad you have the distraction of pinterest’ing away designing your new house!!
Like salty and sweet, they always go together. Jen congrats on your house news, that would be such a dream come true and truly you can ‘make it your own’. I’m secretly very, very jealous but can’t wait to follow along on your journey. And yes so sad to hear about your dog but these things happen and he’s much more content now. Good luck with all the decisions coming your way.
I am so sad for your loss. I have a 6 year old Shih Tsu who was also the runt of her littler. So sweet. We got her at a year and a half from a friend who couldn’t keep her. That is devastating.
Exciting news about the house though! Can’t wait for your updates.
So sorry about putting down your first “baby”. We have two of those as well. I even sent them to dog daycare before we had kiddos and we drove for five days instead of fly when we were transferred cross country so “our boys” would be safe. Yep, I’m one of those.
So excited to see your house plans develop on your blog. We are looking at pursuing building a house as well. We seem to live similar lives on opposite sides of the country. 
I am so sorry for the loss of Lily. It is always so hard to lose a pet, they really are a huge part of everyone’s family. And congratulations on the house, it sounds like so much fun to build from the ground up, that way you get everything that you want
I am so sorry Jen to hear about the loss of your sweet dog. What a cute name she has! I am sure the precious memories will live on in your family. My heart goes out to you!
On a brighter note, yeah for building a new house! We built our home and I would do it all over again in a heart beat. I absolutely loved it and so will you! Can’t wait to live vicariously through your experience my friend! You are going to love having a new house all to yourself. Nothing beats that new house smell either!
Hi Jen,
So sorry about little Lily – my heart goes out to you and your family. On the happier side – congrats on the new house!
Peggy
Jen, I’m sorry about your puppy! We have a shih tzu too and absolutely LOVE him (including giant Patrick who never wanted a little dog)! Well, you saw him in our wedding. Lily will always have a special place in your heart. But… Congratulations on the house! Baxter Village will be lots of fun!
Jen, I am so very sorry about Lily! So sad to lose a pet.
Congrats on the new house – that is going to be very exciting!!!
Hi Jen, I know what you’re going through. I just lost my 4-legged best friend on Saturday and trying to deal with the sadness of my other dog that’s left behind. Congrats on the new house!