Blest Sunday: A Blogovesary Full of Blessings: 5 Years

MeOW-llo Furiends. C’mon Raena, it’s Blest Sunday. Me’s sure you’ve got some Blessings to count today, right?

 

Dezi and Raena lay on cat tree with Blest Sunday banner

 

 

 

          Kittens!!! Is it already Blest Sunday? Time sure does fly by. but you’re right, I’s do have many Blessings to be fanky fankful fur this week.  

 

 

 

 

Raena sits in box looking up

 

 

 

Yeah Raena, time sure is movin’ by fast. It’s hard to believe that we’re already almost a full 2 months into the new year. It’s been slow goin’ ‘round here. Mommy’s tryin’ hard to get things packed up, but she can’t reach some of the things that are up high and down low isn’t much better.   

 

          Ain’t that the truth sissy. Y, just the other day she was tryin’ to pack up a cabinet and fell flat on her bee-hind. I’s didn’t even know we had that stuffs. There was a pan big enuff fur me to curl up in and take a nap. Guess mommy didn’t need to use it, so it got put in the cabinet of utter darkness. 

 

Raena stands in box looking upMeOW Now that’s a pan mommy.

 

 

 

The cabinet of utter darkness? Where did you get that from?  

 

          Well, you know, mommy never opens those cabinet doors, so it’s always dark in there. The cabinet of utter darkness, see?   

 

Sometimes Raena, your logic scares me. But, me guesses it does kind’a make sense. Anyways, did you know that our Blogoversary is tomorrow? That’s right, we’ve been blogging fur 5 years. So much has changed in that time. When we started out, sis Lexi was still with us. We call our blog a happy accident cuz we didn’t have a clue what we were doin’ back then.  

 

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          And we still don’t sissy…at least some days. But, it is really cool to think ‘bout sharin’ our lives and makin’ so many amazin’ furiends in that time.  

 

 

 

Yeah Raena, we could’ve never ‘magined how our lives would change when we wrote our furst posty. Back then we used heavy cat speak. Not like our posty’s today that have occasional words and a more southern connotation. Cuz of our blog and amazin’ furiends, we got to attend BlogPaws in Nashville. We’ll always believe that trip is what gave us extra time with sis Lexi. She luvved to travel and that trip put the spring back in her step fur months. She was a huge Blessing in me’s life and mommy’s. We miss her so much.  

 

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          She sounds so amazin’ sissy. I’s wish I’s could have known her.  

 

She was Raena. But, she had to go away to make room fur you. Someday you’ll meet her when we all meet again in heaven. Till then, we have her memory to guide us and help comfort us. And of course, we can’t furget when we introduced you to the world. You sure were a scroungy stinky little thing. 

 

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          It wasn’t like I’s could help it sissy. Fanky fankfully, mommy cleaned me up and made me all purretty as soon as we got settled in. I’s had never seen so many toys or had so much room to run in. I’s was in mine’s own little kitty heaven. More ‘purrtantly, I’s felt safe fur the furst time in mine’s short life. It was amazin’. That’s when I’s learned ‘bout bein’ Blest. I’s had a luvvin’ furever mommy, a gawjus sisfur, and more toys than I’s could play with at one time. I’s had no idea that day, how many pawsum furiends I’s was gonna have. To be luvved is somethin’ everypawdy should get to feel at least once in their lifetime.

 

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Yeah Raena, me couldn’t believe mommy brought you home, but you turned out not to be that bad. Altho’, you do still get on me’s nerves every once in a while. Anyways, cuz you were gonna need trainin’ we decided to start our Service Cat posty’s. We thought we’d post a few Trainin’ stories and that would be that. But, they were so pawpular that they evolved to encompass all kinds of topics from Trainin’ Tips to Nutrition. So, we infurmally changed the name to Training Tips and Everything Feline. That series is goin’ on 3 years now.

 

Dezi lays on tree with harness and Service Cat logo

 

 

 

          Don’t furget the Blessing Train sissy. That’s been so much fun. We just had our 2nd annual Blessing Train event and it was better than the furst. I’s can’t wait fur our next one.  

 

Blessing Train 2018 week 4

 

 

 

 

You’re right Raena. It’s always fun when our furiends purrticipate in our events. And of course, we can never furget ‘bout Blest Sunday. It’s been a pawrt of our blog in some form from the beginning. We’ve had more than our share of bad times, but no matter what may be goin’ on ‘round us, we knew we always wanted to have a day where we could share our Blessings and Give Thanks fur those Blessings.   

 

          I’s luvs Blest Sundays sissy. I’s fanky fank God every day fur mommy and you and all our furiends. I’s so very fanky fankful fur mine’s life.  

 

Raena gets lap loving -profile selfie

 

 

 

We are indeed very Blest Raena. We hope all our furiends will join our Blogoversary celebration. Because of all your luv and suppurrt, we’re still here and goin’ strong. We luv you all so very much. Thank you fur bein’ Blessings in our lives. We hop you’ve enjoyed seein’ some of our flashback fotos.   

 

          I’s sure did sissy. I’s gonna link us up with the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies and then take a short nap befur mommy starts packin’ again. 

 

Dezi gets loving while laying in mommy's lap

 

 

 

As we do each week, we’d like to remind you to take a minute today and every day to Give Thanks fur the Blessings in your lives. We heard a saying the other day and wanted to pass it on. No matter what you may be goin’ thru, things will get better…”it can’t rain all the time”. Thank you fur bein’ with us fur the past 5 years. Here’s to many many more.

 

Till the next time…………………………………………..Be Blest!!!  

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue  

Raena: Navy Blue

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses  

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Chatting Cats: 12 Amazing Facts About Us

Hey, everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle. Wha’ch’all doin’? Is it hot enuff fur ya’? Did you know that some of our furiends on the other side of the world are havin’ winter? I’s couldn’t hardly believe mine’s ears. It’s hard fur a little kitty girl to comprehend how it can be so totally different somewhere else. But sure ‘nuff, it can be. 

 

Raena lays atop the Liberty cat tree looking down at Dezi laying on the edge of the tree

 

 

 

          RaenaBelle, what are you meowin’ ‘bout now? Me thought we were gonna meow some amazin’ facts ‘bout us today?. Ya’ know, me’s good furiend CK came up with more questions and we furgot to post ‘em on Blest Sunday.

 

12 Amazing Facts badge

 

 

 

Your good furiend? Don’t you mean our good furiend sissy? I’s luvs CK too. 

 

          Sure Raena, whatever. (Dezi mumbles under her breath) She was me’s furiend furst. Anyways, let’s look at the questions and see how we’re gonna divide ‘em up.

 

Dezi and Raena lay together on the floor

 

 

 

Divide ‘em up? I’s think we should both answer all the questions sissy. After all, I’s sure everypawdy wants to know the same things ‘bout both of us. I’s’ll answer furst and then you, k?

 

 

 

1. What’s your favorite number?

Raena: I’s don’t know that I’s have a favorite nummer…is all a nummer?  

  Dezi: (shakes head) Me’s favorite nummer is 1, cuz me’s birthday is on the furst day of the month that starts with two one’s, ya’ know, November, 11/1.

 

2. What is your dream job?

Raena: Oooooh Mine’s favorite job is bein’ mommy’s Service Cat. I’s luvs spendin’ time with mommy helpin’ her and gettin’ luvvin’ all, there it is, mine’s favorite nummer, the time. Don’t you sissy? 

  Dezi: Yep Raena, me luvs bein’ mommy’s little helper too. But me thinks me would also like to be a famous actor or writer. Ya’ know, me would like to see me’s name in lights.

Raena: Ooooh yeah, me too sissy. I’s wanna be famous too. I’s wanna be just like you. 

  Dezi: (Dezi whines) RaenaBelle…

 

3. What is something no one would ever guess about you?

Raena: Even tho’ I’s wanna be just like sissy and do everythin’ she does, I’s an Alpha kitty all the way.

  Dezi: You are at that Raena. And as much as mommy wanted me to be the Alpha when sis Lexi went to heaven, all me wanted to do was be mommy’s little baby girly. Me didn’t wanna be in charge fur nuffin’.

 

4. A trait you have that people would be shocked to know about you?

Raena: Well, I’s guess you could call me a bit of a pest…Sometimes. 

  Dezi: Sometimes? Hmmmpht  Me couldn’t really care less ‘bout treats. Ifin we get ‘em that’s great, ifin we don’t, me doesn’t miss ‘em.

Raena: That’s not a shocker sissy, everypawdy already knows that. 

  Dezi: Okay Raena. Well, sometimes, me sets Raena up to get in trouble. MOL (Dezi starts rolling around and laughing while Raena looks at her with shock on her face)

Raena: Really sissy? That’s not very nice. Why would you do that?

  Dezi: Movin’ right along Raena. We need to answer the rest of these questions.

 

5. Do you think aliens are real?

Raena: Aliens? Hmmmm I’s don’t know what that is, so I’s s’pose I’s don’t think aliens are real. 

  Dezi: The only real aliens are the illegal kind.

 

6. Can you use a hooded litter box?

Raena: I’s use the Litter Robot. It doesn’t have a hood really, it’s more of a spaceship. But we do have a hooded pawtty box that we also use. 

  Dezi: What Raena meowed. Me purrfurs a covered pawtty box fur sure. It’s the only way to get any purrivacy ’round here.

 

7. Guilty pleasure?

Raena: Guilty purrleasure? Hmmmm Is that somethin’ dirty or naughty?

  Dezi: (Dezi laughs at Raena) Pepperoni pizza. Altho’ we haven’t had one of those in so long me can barely ‘member what it tastes like.

 

8. If the world ends (as you know it) do you want to survive?

Raena: I’s would only wanna survive ifin mommy and sis Dezi were still with me. 

  Dezi: Yep, me too. Me wouldn’t wanna survive without mommy. And yes, me would even want the little pest to be with us too.

Raena: Aaaaaaaaaaaaw Fanky fank you sissy. I’s knew you luvv… (Raena goes to hug Dezi)

  Dezi: Ugh, Get off me, Raena. Don’t let it go to your head.

 

9. Do you have any outstanding markings?

Raena: I’s a bicolored Ragdoll that’s also a tortie. I’s have one orange striped in the middle of mine’s furhead, and an orange tipped ear.

 

Raena sits pretty on scratcher

Can ya’ see it?

 

 

 

  Dezi: Me’s a Lynx point Ragdoll who’s also a tortie and me has an orange patch on the top of me’s head and stripes on me’s arms and legs.

 

Dezi sits pretty in front of door

Ain’t me purretty?

 

 

 

 

10. Favorite kitten game that you played?

Raena: I’s still a kitten and I’s think every game is fun. Mine’s favorites are the ‘lectric ones. I’s so luvs turnin’ ‘em on and off. MOL 

  Dezi: Me’s favorite game is anythin’ that involves mommy. Me luvs “gonna ge’cha’”.

 

11. Do you purr to yourself?

Raena: Sure I’s do. It makes me feel better. 

  Dezi: Yep, me purrs a lot.

 

12. Milk or Tuna juice?

Raena: Neither. I’s actually never tried either of them.

  Dezi: Does ice cream count?

 

Ice cream? When did you get ice cream sissy? I’s just luvs purr-layin’ these kinds of games sissy. I’s luvs learnin’ more ‘bout our furiends. I’s hope lots of bloggers play along.

 

8X10 canvas of Lexi from Petsy.com

Isn’t sis Lexi bootyful? The canvas is still wrapped in

plastic till mommy decides where to hang it. That’s why it’s shiny like that.

 

 

 

          Me too Raena. That actually reminds me ‘bout a give away we won from our pawsum furiend Cody. A while back he was givin’ away a purrsonalized canvas from Petsy. Mommy was really torn ‘bout who to put on it, but she decided to memorialize sis Lexi fur her birthday. Anyways, we got our canvas last week and it looks so purretty. Mommy luvs it. Fanks again fur the oppurrtunity to win such a pawsum purrize, Cody. 

 

Raena lays on the bed on jeans

 

 

 

It sure is bootyful sissy. Now mommy needs to have one made of us. Ya’ know, we better wrap this up and go finish brekky.

 

Till the next time……………………………………..Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee 

Service Cats: Ode to Lexi: Letter to Heaven

MeOW Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline. We’re takin’ a small detour today fur mommy to pay tribute to an amazing Service Cat, me’s sis Lexi. A lot of you remember her; but fur those who don’t, she was mommy’s Service Cat fur 17 years. Sadly, kidney disease took her from us 2 years ago today. You can read more ‘bout sis Lexi, here, here and here. We’ll be back next week with our regular Service Cat posts. Fanks fur letting us honor sis Lexi’s amazing life and her memory.

 

Lexi forever badge from Ann

 

 

 

My Dearest Sweet Lexi,

Hello my sweet angel. I miss you more than words can say. My heart aches, each and every day. Today marks two years since I last saw your beautiful face; and felt your paw resting on my hand, or the look in your eyes when they met mine. I’ll never forget the purr that could be felt and heard from across the room when our eyes met and we shared a slow blink. In that moment, no words were needed to express the love we shared.

 

Lexi and her littermates the day they were born
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I’ll never forget the day you were born…So tiny and yet so loud. You must have been terrified from the horrors that had brought you into this world. But, what I remember most is how you immediately quieted your screaming and started to rumble all over the minute I held you in my hand for the first time. You seemed to know, everything was going to be okay. You seemed to know you were home. You would have been happy to lay in my arms all the time. You never really needed a space of your own. I remember all those every 2 hour feedings when you preferred sleeping in my arms over eating. I remember when I would try to lay you down to sleep afterwards and you would wriggle your little body up under my shirt or arm or whatever you could so that you could stay close to me just a little longer.

 

3 week old Lexi waddling through the house
110 camera image
Lexi at 3 weeks

 

 

 

I remember the look on your face the first time you heard me call your name. And I remember the love I saw in your emerald green eyes as they focused in on my face for the first time. I remember seeing the world in a whole new way through your eyes as you experienced everything fresh and new. Each day was a wonder and every experience a welcome challenge. I remember the fear when you thought you might have to leave me and the utter joy when I told you we’d be together forever.

 

 

Lexi rides in her travel carrier home from BlogPaws Nashville

 

 

 

I remember the perseverance and utter determination you had when learning each new task. And, the pride you felt when you mastered those tasks. You would strut around and chirp loudly as if announcing it to the world. I remember each night as I laid my head on the pillow and you began to massage my head and purr away the stresses of the day. I remember waking each morning to find you curled up next to me and how you would gently put your paw on my cheek and purr.

 

Lexi at 16 years old in mommy's lap

 

 

 

 

I remember each day that we spent together and never gave a thought to how it might end. I never imagined a day without you. Through all the ups and downs, you were always there. I remember how you fought the disease that wore your body down. I remember when you could no longer stand, but still managed to massage my head as I laid on the pillow each night. Near the end, I remember seeing that fear in your eyes once again when you thought or maybe knew, our time together was coming to an end. You had been my reason for living and the heart that beat in my chest. Maybe you wondered how I would go on.

 

Lexi with outstretched paw rubbing head in mommy's hand

 

 

 

 

I can tell you, it isn’t easy, and each day I miss you more. From an abandoned kitten to Queen of the Service Cats, you were that and so much more. Saying that final good night to you hurt me to my core. But, I wouldn’t have missed sharing your life for anything in the world. Dezi and Raena help me now, and fill my life with love. But no one or anything will ever fill the space occupied by your memories, your devotion and love. Those I cherish and think about every day with a smile.

 

Lexi with mouth open meowing on 3/9/2016

3/9/2016 One of the last photos ever taken of Lexi.

 

 

 

I take some small comfort in knowing you’re pain free and happy again. I will always love you and miss you till the day we meet again on heaven’s beautiful shores. Forever here didn’t last very long, but someday it will have no end. Until then my sweet, my Lexi, enjoy your hereafter and think not of my grief or sorrow. Only think on and remember my love. I know you’re in the best of hands, those of our Lords’.

 

 

 

Loving You Always,

 

Mommy  

 

Lexi sitting on cat tree in paint

Till the next time………………………….Be Blest

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

with Mommy A

Chatting Cats: Remembering Lexi

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. Sissy? Where are you? What’s wrong? Why won’t you play with me this meownin’?

 

Raena lays on heated cat mat while Dezi lays in front of her

 

 

 

          Me’s here Raena, me’s just feelin’ a little sad.

 

Why, sissy? I’s thought you were tired of the sads and downers.

 

Lexi and Dezi lay together in the window perch

 

 

 

          Me is, Raena. But, that doesn’t always make ‘em stop. Ya’ know your 2nd birthday is comin’ up soon. And altho’ that’s a happy thing and me can’t wait to celebrate; it also reminds me that me’s sis Lexi ain’t ever comin’ back. Me knows mommy’s been missin’ her a lot lately too.

 

She must’ve been really special fur you to miss her so much, sissy.

 

 Dezi lays in sink while Lexi sits on the vanity and poses

35mm camera image

 

 

 

          Oh Raena, she was. You would’a luvved her. She was a real boss cat and soooooooooo beautiful. She had emeralds fur eyes that could see right thru ya’. She could be really hissy to peeps and anipals she didn’t like, but ifin she luvved you…she was fierce with her luv. There wasn’t anythin’ she wouldn’t do fur those she luvved. And kittens, did she ever luv mommy. She used to meow to me ‘bout her life with mommy befur me came along. She assured me that mommy would never ever leave us or give up on us. And she used to meow ‘bout her brofurs and how much she missed them. And she luvved me too. Me ‘members the furst time me met her up close and purrsonal like. Me was in the kitchen with mommy while she was makin’ our dinner and in strolled sis Lexi. She took one look at me and splatted me flat on the floor. Belly down and all four legs and paws splayed out. 

 

 Devon lays on vanity and yawns while Lexi and Lucky sleep in the sink

35mm camera image

 

 

 

Well that doesn’t sound very nice, sissy?. 

 

 Dezi lays on tower shelf while Lexi sleeps on chair beside her

35mm camera image

 

 

 

          Well, she was just lettin’ me know who was the boss. Me quickly stood up, turned sideways and puffed out so me would look bigger. Ya’ know, me was only a few weeks old and really tiny. Y, Her head was bigger than all of me. Me thinks her paws might’ve been too. Anyways, she looked at me all puffed out and looked up at mommy and took off down the hall screamin’. And me does mean screamin’. Me had never heard anythin’ like that befur. Me wasn’t sure what me should do, so me looked up at mommy and mewed me’s squeaky little mew. Mommy picked me up and took me to the pawtty box room where sis Lexi was layin’ in the sink. Mommy held me with one hand and gave sis Lexi some chin scritches and told her that me was her new sisfur and helper and that me wasn’t ever gonna leave ‘em. And then she put me right in sis Lexi’s face. 

 

Dezi kisses Lexi while they lay on the floor

 

 

 

Oh sissy, that must’ve been really scary. Weren’t you ‘fraid she might splat you again? Or, bite your head off? 

 

 Lexi lays on nip nanner while Dezi lays beside her

 

 

 

          No Raena, somehow me seemed to know everythin’ was gonna be alright. And besides, me’s always felt comfurt in mommy’s arms. That’s why me picked her to be me’s mommy. Anyways, sis Lexi let out a huge hiss. Me was sure she’d just blown all me’s furs off with that hiss. But, me’s furs were still there and sis Lexi nose bumped me afterwards. That’s when me knew that she was gonna be the bestest big sisfur ever. Me wanted to be just like her. Me watched everythin’ she did and tried to copy her. Everythin’ she did, she did with her whole bein’. It didn’t matter how old she got, she still played like a kitten, with complete abandon. And when she was helpin’ mommy, she was so focused that not even food or treats could distract her. And let me tell ya’, sis Lexi luvved to eat. Well, least she did, till she didn’t. (Dezi hangs her head as she remembers Lexi’s last days) She was so devoted to mommy and me that even on her goin’ to heaven day, she still tried to give mommy a massage and help her in the shower. She couldn’t even harldy stand up and yet she desperately tried to get in the tub with mommy.

 

MeOW sissy, she really sounds amazin’. 

 

 Lexi anhd Dezi play with the air wand toy

 

 

 

          Yep Raena, she was. Me doesn’t really ‘member too much ‘bout me’s furst 2 weeks of life befur mommy and sis Lexi, so me just couldn’t ‘magine what life was gonna be like without her. But me somehow knew, she wasn’t gonna be with us too much longer. Me was so lost without her. Mommy said sis Lexi was all better again, and furee of all the pain and sickness that had plagued her that last year. But me didn’t care, Me wanted her to come back. But, she didn’t. And then you showed up. Me didn’t wanna be a big sisfur. Me wanted sissy back so me could stay the baby. But, like mommy did with me and sis Lexi, she did the same with you and me. So, me’s just a little sad. Me luvs you, but you’re also a reminder that sissy will never come back. Furiday, will be the second anniversary of sis Lexi’s goin’ to heaven day, and me’s just missin’ her and our time together. 

 

 Raena hugs Dezi while she lays on the brown cat tree

 

 

 

Well sissy, I’s might not have known your sis Lexi, and I’s might not unnerstand what you’re feelin’, but I’s here fur ya’ ifin ya’ need me…and maybe ifin ya’ don’t. Like ya’ meowed, I’s here to stay and ain’t goin’ anywhere. (Raena hugs Dezi and goes to get a nip nanner.) Maybe playin’ with the nip nanner will help, sissy. I’s luvs you very much. And, I’s think you’re the bestest big sisfur ever. 

 

          Fanks Raena, you’re not the worst little sisfur either.

 

 Raena stands on the Liberty Cat tree while Dezi looks back at her from the ledge

 

 

 

(Raena looks at Dezi a bit perterbed but doesn’t respond to being not so bad.I’s gotta get ready to go with mommy fur another wax fittin’ at the dentist’s office fur her upper denture. I’s’ll ask mommy to bring you home somethin’ special to cheer you up. Okay?  

 

Till the next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee