Dogs are Animals & Tree Traditions

Yes, you dog lovers. Your dog may be your best friend but don't foget it's an animal. We dog sat my sister's black lab while her and her family went down to Florida over Thanksigiving break. This is our fifth or sixth time dog sitting and we all love Maddie (I know, some of you have children with that name - the Dog Rescue named her.) The dog was a little stressed out this time and would not go out to go potty unless we walked her out with a leash, decided it would be fun to roll in another dog's poop, and the most offensive thing, ate out of the bathroom trash. For those of you who are thinking, "who cares if a dog eats a kleenex or two?"let me remind you that we have well & septic and certain things just can't be flushed down ... you get it? We had to give the dog hydrogen peroxide (learned this trick from the emergency vet we called the last time this happened) and then tied him up outside to let him purge. Once we thought he was good and cleaned out, we let him back in the house where he immediately jumped up on Paige's bed to sleep for the night and left her a present at 2 a.m. :( Jeff has made a new rule: No dog sitting while I may be having my period.

Thanksgiving weekend would not be complete without going out to cut down our Christmas tree. I think this a fun family activity and really reveals each person's personality.

Jeff: Hunter, must find the perfect tree.
Laurie: Impulse buyer - after about five minutes, I'm good - this one is fine.
Paige: Ever so helpful by tossing everyone's gloves in the maybe trees.
Zoey: Tough girl, has to carry the very long & jagged saw.
Zachary: Happy Wanderer - Chasing a dog & running away from us into the woods.

A BIG DAY!

We recently received a letter that said our church presented the salvation story in our daughter Paige's Sunday school class and she asked Jesus into her heart! I couldn't finish reading the rest of the letter until I dried the tears from my eyes. When we sat down to dinner to talk to her about it, she crawled into my lap and wiped away my tears and kept saying, "Oh mom, are you so happy?" I am so happy and feel so blessed that our church invites children to join God's family at any age.

Even though I went to church every Sunday and attended a Christian school, I don't remember when I specifically asked Jesus into my heart. (He has lived there for awhile now :) and I would say that reading the book, "Left Behind" in college helped me take the big step in living not just a "good life" but, a "Godly life".) Unfortunately, in my community it was often assumed that you were saved and that your faith would mature by the time you made Profession of Faith. For some people, this is fine and they don't desire to tell a dramatic beginning to their faith's story. However, I always felt my story was a bit boring, especially when I was asked to give my testimony while on a mission trip to Russia. Now as an adult & parent, I realize just how blessed I was to say that Jesus was always my friend and that as I grew, so did my faith. Christian schools, a loving Christian family, and attending church every week are a great place to start ... as long as you keep talking and growing.

It's a Girl

After a fun & sleepless night, my dear friend Sarah and her husband Mark welcomed a new baby girl into their family. She keeps being referred to as a "peanut" according to Mom & Dad since she weighs only 5 lbs. 10 oz. Her name is Megan Merie and she couldn't be more beautiful, healthy, or content. I was so honored to "labor" with them and was amazed to witness this miracle of birth. I have to say though, after such a long night - I thought it would take more than two pushes! Hopefully, the happy family is resting and looking forward to all the family & friends that will be visiting and for their 3 year old son to meet the little person that is about to ROCK his world. :)

Hope

Then & Now

There are times when I look at my son and remember that his story is a story of hope. About hoping for the unimaginable and expecting to receive it. It is about the kind of hope that can only be found in God, and in His son, Jesus Christ. There are many things I remember about waiting for Zachary to arrive. I had never seen the minutes on a clock go slower than when I was on bedrest. I had never wanted to sleep more and be physically unable to. I had never loved my husband more or my daughters each time they came to visit the hospital with their sloppy pony tails and mismatched clothes. And I have never felt the hand of God like I did while lying in a hospital bed and pleading with Him for my baby's life. He sustained me, he comforted me, he encouraged me, and he carried me. The lyrics of this familiar hymn became my song; "I need Thee, O I need Thee, ev'ry hour I need Thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee." It is my desire to have this same physical need for God (without being in a crisis) and to feel God's hand again and to understand His grace so that I can then extend it to others.

DOUBLE DIGITS

Quick Update on my Life:
*Last night we caught the 10th mouse in our house. Yes, you read that number correctly. We are in double digits.
*I am officially done with what I affectionately called the "WW" (Weight Watchers) and lost 14 lbs. and went down a pant size. So, pass the Halloween candy & bring on the holidays. :) The most helpful thing I learned - "Food is fuel." The least helpful thing I learned - "Losing a 1/2 of a lb. is like losing a stick of butter." Ummm, o.k. Can I choose where I lose those sticks?
*Bible Verse I am trying to memorize, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
*Quotes that each time I read them they make me laugh:
"When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair."
"Never ask your 3 year old son to hold a tomato."
"You can't trust dogs to watch your food."
"Dogs still have bad breath even after eating a tic-tac."
"You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk."

Since life and relationships can sometimes be hard and complicated, I hope that this gave you a smile, chuckle, or even a LOL!

364 Days until Halloween Next Year - Phew!

Carving Pumpkins with the Neighbors

(Notice Fabes the U of M carved pumpkin - inspired by Truman's UW pumpkin.)

Paige/Dorothy with buddy Madison/Pirate

My little dragon (Zoey) walking in the parade.

Heading out for the big night.