Saturday, January 30, 2010

Regrets

I feel the need to apologize over my last post.  I'm coming off very whiny and not thankful.  I'm so sorry it seems that way.  {And no, no one said that, I just read it again.}  I love my kids and all their 13,437 questions they ask me each day.  I was just SLIGHTLY frustrated last night when I wrote that.  Kind of like I was on Tuesday night when I wrote "Dear Children".  


We did survive our night sans Todd last night.  Our power went out sometime close to 9pm, and finally at 10:45 because of boredom and me being tired of all the complaining, we decided to call it a night.  Have I mentioned my kids don't have bedtime on the weekends?  I let them stay up until they conk out.  Because of the power being off, and because I didn't feel right about letting them all sleep on the floor in our bedroom {the cats litter boxes are in there}, we made the executive decision to "camp out" downstairs in the living room.  


Good idea, right?  Except for the fact that Graham and I couldn't fall asleep.  We read by flashlight until close to 1am.  Hideous, right?  Oh, and by the way...speaking of reading?  Have you all seen the preview for the new movie coming out next weekend called Dear John?  I read that book.  It's by Nicholas Sparks.  AND OHMYGOODNESS it is awesome.  I've read most of his books and this one is no exception.  So, if you're a reader, I strongly recommend the book first, then the movie.  I can't wait to see it!!  Anyway, Todd finally got home sometime close to 2am and we all went upstairs to sleep.  Because it was freeeeeeeeezing down here.  I don't actually know the temp, but it was a chilly 60 degrees upstairs.  


We bundled all the kids up in 2 beds {Jonah's and Noah's} with tons of extra blankets, then went to bed ourselves.  Sounds fine and dandy, right?


Until we went to make the bed down, when we realized that one of the cats {Sambo} peed on the bed.  And the comforter, flat and fitted sheet and the mattress pad.  ARE YOU SERIOUS?  I feel like I'm on some bad sitcom at this point.  I was so tired that I couldn't see and my eyes were barely able to stay open.


SO.  We changed the sheets and scrambled around the house for some MORE blankets.  When we finally fell into bed, we were both so cold that we slept touching all night.  {Because we have a king sized bed, folks.}  Well.  All night?  Until 3am when all the lights came back on.


My first words when the blaring light beside me woke me up?  "Thank You, Jesus!!!"  Seriously, my face was like a popsicle.  It was so cold that the heater kept me awake forEVER because it kept going to warm up our house.  


We slept peacefully for 4 hours.  Then Jonah decided to test how loud he could scream from the playroom.  I so did not want to hear that.  But praise the LORD when I woke up, I was able to come downstairs and push "ON" on my coffee pot. 


We're among the fortunate ones, because some people in Collierville STILL don't have power.  It's awesome to have a warm house with lights that work.  


So, we're just hanging out around here all day.  We're not going anywhere.  My hubby and the greatest neighbor ever, Travis, are taking off all the crown molding and are about to putting up the wires for the surround sound.  We just may get this all done today!  And we'll have our furniture rearranged, hopefully, and the tv will be in its new home.  Maybe.  


I made some yummy potato soup for dinner last night.  I think we may have the leftovers tonight.  I am in the mood to cook.  Lucky for me, my awesome hubby went to Kroger for me on Thursday.  Him and all the other crazies, that is.  So we have plenty of yummy things I can whip up for dinner.  


Well.  I'm going to get off this thing.  I hope all you that are near me enjoy your day being iced in.  I know we will. 

Friday, January 29, 2010

U.G.H.

"Mom, I feel like I'm gonna throw up."

"Mom, when I walk, my foot {ankle, leg, toe, throat, finger, arm, toenail} hurts."

"Mom, what's for dinner?"

"Mom, {after dinner has been consumed} can I have a snack?"

"Mom, can I go outside and see if my bowl of water has frozen yet?"

"Mom, what's that noise?!?!?!"

"Mom!!!!  I can't find my ______________!!!"

"Mom!!!  The phone's ringing!"

"Mom, can I get a cookie?  They're not hot, I just touched them."

"Mom, the satellite's not working again!!"

"Mom, what movie can we watch?"

"Mom, since Dad's not here, can we all sleep with you?"

"Mom, what's going to happen if our lights go out?"

"Mom, where's my flashlight?"

"Mom, when's Dad gonna be home?"

"Mom, tell HIM to stop copying me." 

My turn:  "Todd!!!  Where are you???  Get home NOW PLEASE."  {He's riding with the Sheriff's dept. tonight b/c of all this icy stuff on the ground.}

The cabin fever thing is becoming annoying.  Our satellite apparently loves all the ice and has gone out.  It's a good thing we're movie buffs.  {LOL, I swear I just wrote 'bugs' instead of 'buffs'!!}

We just watched Field of Dreams, now we're onto Eight Below.  Which I'm pretty sure belongs to one of my friends, if only I could remember which one. 

Don't know what we're gonna do when this one's over. 

It's gonna be a lonnnnnnnng night.

I hear my book calling my name.  I'm reading Dear John.  Ohmygoodness.  It's seriously good.  I can't wait for the movie next weekend!!!

G'night and love to all.

Stay warm and dry.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

House Update

So last night at the hideously late {to be starting such a HUGE project} hour of 7:00, Todd and I began the deconstruction of the room formerly known as Jonah's and Noah's.  {Did you like that?  It sounds so Prince~ish!}


The beds they have are so big that they don't fit through door frames.  SO.  Todd the manly man had to take them both apart in order to move them.  So he did.  And we did.  Then we had to start on the room formerly known as "the office".  We had to do a little in one room, then go do a little more in the other room.  And the vacuum and I walked down the hall at least 10 times.  


So, we finally finished and Jonah and Noah actually got to sleep in their new room last night.  The problem?  The walls are all yucky.  And tan.  And if you've been in my house, you know I don't do "tan".  I think it's a lousy excuse of a color.  So I'm thinking of painting the room.  Actually, I've already thought about it, and I will definitely be painting the room.  The good news is that it's a small room with no crown molding and just the 2 windows.  And can be done probably in 4 hours.  


We did that one time~me and my FANTABULOUS sister Trish painted Graham's and Drew's room in one day and completely rearranged it and everything.  It was like that old TLC show, While You Were Out.  They didn't even know we were doing anything that day.  I'd love to do that with the little guys.  


The other thing I have to do in their new room is move all their clothes from their old closet into their new one.  And we need to have a toy sale.  DO WE EVER NEED TO HAVE A TOY SALE.  Because it looks like the Toy Fairy threw up in the playroom.  


So.  That's all.  I will like it better when it's all painted and decorated and cute again.  It's my goal to make every room in this house look "just so", and this one has a ways to go before it reaches that status.  


Oh, just a cute little story~we were putting Noah's bed against the window in their room last night {where faux wood blinds hang} and we told Noah that he'd better not mess with the blinds while he was in bed at night.  Because if he did, he would break them {like Graham did in his room when he was 4 years old}.  So when we told him that he said, "Well, I was thinking I want to try my bed on that other wall."  As if he just knew that he wouldn't be able to restrain himself from playing with the blinds!  We shared a good laugh.  


Okay, well, I hope you all have a great day.  Happy Wednesday!!!!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Dear Children,

I know you might not be perfect.  And I'm sorry for the times I expect you to be that way.  I'm also sorry for the times when I completely FREAK out over your rooms and closets and how I can get neither in nor out.  
  

*SIGH.*


I sometimes forget that you are boys.  And while I do not understand, I'll try and remember that you're going to be messy.  And loud.  And smelly.  And put up a fight over getting into the shower.


I forgive you for immediately consuming all the "good stuff" the second {or so it seems} I get home from the grocery store.  




And then complain of a tummy ache because "I ate too much".  



I'll try not to laugh when you trip over something and fall.  But please forgive me when I slip and do just that.  Because I have always been that way.




And please, will you stop growing?  My arms miss holding you, Graham and Drew.  And Jonah and Noah, I'm not ready for you two to stop being my "babies", just because you were





I don't remember the last time any of you asked me to marry you.  




I'm not ready to be the mom of an almost teenager {and yes I do realize I have 2 more years, but do you realize how fast the time flies?}.  




I'm not ready to handle some of these issues that come with you all growing up.




Please be kind and stay little forever.  I won't sing to you anymore {unless you ask me to} if you don't want me to.  And I will try not to meddle into your everyday lives~even though that might be the cause of all these grays I keep finding.  




But can you please stay this age forever?  Please?




I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always.  As long as I'm living, my baby{ies} you'll be.  




Love,
Your tired, sometimes frustrated, always well~meaning, loving, never perfect, reminiscing Mom


 

Heart Issues

I posted on my facebook status this morning a Bible verse that I looked up on Biblegateway.com, and it's one that I love.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  Proverbs 4:23 NIV


"Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.  Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.  Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil."  Proverbs 4:25~27 NLT


Is your heart being guarded?


Really?  At all times, even when no one is looking?

What about your mind?  Your thoughts?  Your actions?

I'm praying about this in my own life.  I pray that I can be the same ALONE as I am around lots of people.  I pray that in Christ Jesus He will guard all of my heart, my mind, my thoughts, and my actions.  

When no one is looking.

What about you?

I know this might be a touchy subject.  But it's one I'm willing to talk about.

This also goes along with us being the nicest to those immediately surrounding us, NOT just strangers, whom we may never see again.


I'm just sayin'.


 I loved this, and it spoke volumes to me today.  


I challenge you to practice this with me, starting right now.  Pray and ask God for wisdom, because He will freely give it.  


Love to all.


 

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Weekend Fun

Well.  I don't know that I would call it FUN.  It was work, that's for sure.  And speaking of that, I'll be glad to return to work tomorrow so I can rest!  I always wondered why people said that...

Our fun is not over yet.  This week we're making the Big Bedroom Swap with Jonah and Noah.  The room we called the office is now devoid of all office~y things.  The computer desk was carried HEAVED down the stairs tonight by my masculine manly man and wimpy me.  And I don't really want to talk about the fact that I cried while doing this.  {Yes, I am a girl, as I informed my husband.  I had no idea how heavy the stupid thing was, and yes I did cry.  But I stuck with it and managed to somehow assist him in getting it downstairs.} 

And while almost getting knocked upside my head last night by my manly man's power drill. 

I was tired, folks, what can I say?

Our living room is now a beautiful shade of blue called "Skipper" {Behr brand paint}, our fireplace and structural beams are all clean, crisp white and all our furniture is devoid of sheetrock dust. 

Ahhhhhhh.

This week we're doing their bedroom like I said, and hopefully on Saturday the rest of the, um, STUFF will get done.  And by stuff, I mean all things black and electric that my hubby will be marring our freshly painted walls with. 

So.  That's what we've been up to.  What have YOU been doing this weekend?  I'd love to hear.  Until then, I'll be the one snoring in bed tonight.  Nobody will have to rock me to sleep, that's for sure. 

Oh, and did I mention that all this would have gone much slower if my amazing sister Tricia hadn't been here helping?  She may never come over again after this weekend. 

Love you, Trishy.  Thank you doesn't quite seem adequate, but thank you.  To infinity and beyond. 

Thursday, January 21, 2010

My Husband Rocks

He seriously does.  And NOT just because he has a vacuum in his hand right now, although that does sweeten the deal for me.  


He was my friend before we ever got married, and he has won the status "best friend" in our 13 years together.  


We laugh a lot, and tease a lot...and mess around with the kids a lot, but in the midst of that fun I can ask him to be a specific way, and he will.  For instance, last week for 2 mornings in a row, I kind of felt like he was looking for a fight.  He got up and on both of those mornings he irritated me more than just a wee little bit.  But later when I asked him to stop doing that, he immediately apologized for acting that way.  


And before you read ONE MORE SENTENCE, let me assure you that I have done my fair share of irritating him and going back and apologizing.


He is an amazing dad.  I always knew he would be because he loves kids so much.  He is active in their lives and hands~on.  And when faced with a rough 'tween~aged situation~he shone like a star.


He thinks before he speaks.  


He is the best baseball coach ever.  


He is the king of fairness.

He is an amazing hugger~I like to think I had something to do with that.  I love to hug, especially his sweet 'ol self.  


I love his tender side~a friend of mine that went to camp with them over last summer said she was touched when she saw how he prayed with the kids, with tears streaming down his cheeks.  

He loves my quirky ways~like how I make our animals "talk".  And instead of making fun of me, he often just joins in.

There are lots more reasons...but tonight these are the ones that stuck out the most.  

Love to all of you who are reading this~and if you have a hubby, tell him thank you for the man he is.  And thank the Lord for giving him to you.  

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Happy Wednesday & Organizational Tips

I love me a 4 day week.  Seriously.  The only thing NOT going great is the fact that I need to go grocery shopping, and I've yet to do that.  Actually, let me stop there.  My dear, sweet hubby did go get some necessities last night on his way home.  I usually go grocery shopping after work~I get off between 2:15 and 2:30~but yesterday it was closer to 3.  I go to the bank everyday and by the time that was all taken care of, when I got to Kroger and didn't see any up close parking spots, I just kept on driving.  I didn't have enough time to get all that I needed to get in 20 minutes.  So.  I'm thinking if I can hold off until Thursday, that I will. 

So, because there is a lack of food in the house, lunch making is not going so great.  I made 3 of the boys buy their lunches yesterday, and I took Jonah's lunch with me when I went in at 11:00.  That's what I'm doing this morning~Drew is buying, and the other 3 will be taken with me when I go.  I don't know what is wrong with me~I can't seem to get UP and get going. 

This week is safety patrol week for Graham so we have to leave early everyday, which believe it or not, makes a HUGE difference in our time around here. 

I'm already thinking about what I want to do when I come back home, and due to some drawer issues I'm having around our house, I am thinking I need to clean some of them out.  Of course this probably won't get done until the weekend {or in all my other spare time, what with painting and rearranging everything}, but it's nice to dream.  {And by drawer issues~I mean the pull out and put things in variety.  ;)}

So that brings me to this post.  I was reading some of the blogs I love to read this morning and came across this one from the Nester.  So I thought I would share with you all.  In case you're interested.  You can click HERE to read the story yourself.  Some of these I already do~the idea about the cups, and some I've already asked my husband to help install~the idea with the pegged rack for bags and coats {because remember my post about all that camo that has taken over my dining room?}.  But still, there are some great ideas in the above post. 

So.  Happy Wednesday and if you so choose~happy organizing!!!  I wish I could stay home to do that!!!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Something Worthy Of Passing On...

I got this in my morning devotion today.  For those of us {and I am not saying "YOU", I'm saying "US"} struggling with parental stuff...because from time to time, let's face it~we all struggle.  I hope you get as much from this as I did.  Enjoy!! 

A father corrects a child in whom he delights.
You're destroying your child's motivation and self-esteem when you allow them to think they don't have to work for anything because it's 'owed' to them. The story's told of a telemarketer who phoned a house, saying: 'I'd like to talk to the person who makes the final purchasing decisions for the family.' The woman replied, 'I'm sorry, that person is still at kindergarten and won't be home for another hour.' Cute story, but not so cute when it is reality. Parent, love your child, provide them with opportunity and a secure home environment, but teach them to be responsible. This sounds like a no-brainer; so why don't we do it?
 
1) Misguided love. We say, 'My kids shouldn't have to struggle like I did.' Your children interpret that kind of indulgence as lack of interest; you taking the easy way out. As a result their demands increase because what they're really saying is, 'I don't really want more stuff, I want you!'

2) Low expectations. As a parent you owe your children a chance to excel in life. Don't rob them of the fulfillment that comes from working hard to improve their grades, clean their room and earn their way.

3) Guilt. We all feel bad about not spending enough time with our kids, or having failed them. One seventeen-year-old told her dad that he 'owed' her a car. And she got it! Why? Because her parents were divorced and Dad felt bad about 'letting her down.' Don't try to buy your child's affection, you'll only end up paying later. God corrects His children; you need to correct yours!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Holiday

I am taking advantage of some quiet.  It's 9:15 on Monday morning, and here I sit in quiet.  Graham and Drew stayed with a friend last night, and Jonah and Noah are upstairs sleeping peacefully.  I love having no reason to get up and out the door.  Especially on a day as beautiful as this one~I can hear birds chirping somewhere in my backyard. 

My biggest decision for the day is deciding what I want to do with Jonah and Noah while Graham and Drew are gone.  I have until 3:00~then I have to go get the older boys.  Hmmmm....any suggestions?

It's been a great weekend~we hung around with family.  And had some church yesterday.  I love a great church day. 

Well, as exciting as I know this may be, I will not force you to keep on reading.  I am going to investigate the woodpecker I hear right this moment~it just scared the daylights out of Andy and he jumped up and took off up the stairs. 

Well.  Happy Monday to you all.  Love to all.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Something Cute



 

I love this.  Jonah did this last year for his friend in kindergarten.  He was sick this day {I think} and this was one way he cured his boredom.

Just thought I'd share. 

And try to win $1000 at the same time.


Please Consider This...

Haiti Donate Online


Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Transform

I love that word.  And not because of the movie, risque as it is.  That's a whole other post.  


I just love the word TRANSFORM


Take a look at what it means:


Main Entry: 1trans·form
Pronunciation: \tran(t)s-ˈfrm\
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French transformer, from Latin transformare, from trans- + formare to form, from forma form
Date: 14th century
transitive verb 1 a : to change in composition or structure b : to change the outward form or appearance of c : to change in character or condition : convert
2 : to subject to mathematical transformation
3 : to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation


And take a peek at what I just read:


Romans 12:2  Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.


That's all I'm sayin'.  


In Jesus' Name.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

I Don't Hate The Cold.

In fact, it's just the opposite.  I heart the cold.  {If I were on facebook, I would have made the cute little heart instead of the word "heart".}  I really do.  Even the bbbbbbbitter cold like we had yesterday.

Cold weather {for me} means yummy fires, soup for dinner, snuggling up with blanket {and a kid and if I'm lucky, a MAN!}, coffee, a lazy day spent indoors, comfy sweatshirts, fuzzy socks...you get the drift.  The only thing that would make it more perfect would be some snow.  Not ice.  I said "SNOW". 

Although, I'm the one who didn't really want snow this week.  Only because we JUST went back to school after Christmas, and I wasn't quite ready for a break.  Now, if it were February, then YES.  Bring on the snow. 

Last night we braved the single digit temps and went to dinner at Carrabba's.  Yummmmmmm.  The little boys had grilled chicken and fettucine alfredo.  The older boys had shrimp scampi with mashed potatoes {Drew} and macaroni {Graham}.  Todd had lobster ravioli and I had pasta rambo~linguini with shrimp, mushrooms, scallions, artichoke hearts and a butter cream sauce.  It was so crazy good, it wasn't even funny. 

This is the boys' third time to go there and it is their absolute favorite.  Graham said to us at the end of dinner, "We should come here once a week!"  Ummmm, not for the price we paid, but o-KAY.  He can think that. 

We had a gift card, by the way.  Which we so lovingly shared with the boys.  Instead of going on a date night by ourselves.  But, whatever.

So....we are staying in today.  Well, for most of the day.  The boys and me are going to Nana's and Big Daddy's tonight for dinner.  Todd is going to help the sheriff's dept. out while we do that. 

Well, I hope you all have a deliciously good Saturday.  Stay warm!  Oh, and speaking of warm~~it's already warmer now than it was yesterday!  It's a whopping 16 degrees already!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Andy Update & More

He is fine.  Well, kind of.  He does have arthritis and we're going to start him on some vitamins.  He also has a little inflammation, so we'll be giving him something to take care of that as well.  The limping is gone {for now}, and he is on the mend. 

Well, he will be once his tummy gets back to normal.  Andy doesn't like anesthesia, and they won't clean dog's teeth without anesthesia.  So, he's kinda sick right now, but he'll live.
 
I don't know if this snow thing is going to happen or not, but Todd says that on the forecast there is ice all around us.  So maybe it will happen.  The boys are all wearing inside out/backwards pj's, they've flushed ice down the toilet, Drew has a spoon under his pillow and Noah put a spoon in the freezer.  We've covered all the bases. 
And to make it a little extra special, I told all the boys they could sleep on pallets in the office.  It's their most favorite thing. 

Well, that's all for now.  My words have all been used for the day.  G'night.

10 Reasons I Want To Stay Home, Alone, In My PJ'S

1~because it is stinkin' COLD outside.  Mr. Ronnie at work yesterday said it's probably been 25 years since Memphis has seen this kind of cold.  And who in their right mind would prefer to get dressed and brave the 21 degree weather?  And yes, it is 11am on this blustery day and that is the temperature outside.  Brrrrrr.  Not that I don't love it, because I do.


2~for those of you who know me, you know I love to clean and organize.  It's therapy to me and Jonah's and Noah's room and closet is SCREAMING for me to come and spend time in there.  And because Jonah told me this morning that he didn't like all the toys that were out.  That they were too big for them.  *Sigh.*


3~Because I want to read my new devotion that I haven't started even though today is January 6th.  I also want to change my calendar, because I haven't done that either.  That feels so forbidden to me.  And so unlike me.


4~I want to finish cleaning my house.  I only got the upstairs done.  


5~I want to read my book so I can finish it and start one of the many new ones I have that are just calling out to me!!!


6~I want to scrub every inch of the floor since Andy the Wonder Dog is spending the day at the vet.  Because, sadly, that is not part of my cleaning routine.  GASP.  Do not say one word about that, please.  Not a one. 



7~because I want to play on my blog.  Since I'm obsessed.


8~because my closet needs some attention, too!


9~because now that school started back, my napping days are gone and I miss them!  It's a great nap day.


10~because it's just good to be lazy sometimes.  And even though this list includes busy stuff and lazy stuff, it's the perfect balance for me.  I know.  I'm weird.  I will happily admit that fault to you bloggy people.  I have lots of other ones too, and I would gladly admit those.  


Although for now, my time is out.  Stay warm, bloggy world.  Love to all. 

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Andy The Wonder Dog?





Meet Andy The Wonder Dog.  He really is~he's the greatest dog ever known to mankind.  Seriously.  All this coming from a non~dog person, such as myself.  I took this picture right after we got him, which will be 5 years ago this coming May. 

Did I ever tell you how we got him?

Todd had been BEGGING, and I do mean begging for a dog ever since...well, forever.  We were at church on a Wednesday night, and I was coming out of choir practice and ran {literally} into Todd.  "Do you want a dog?", he asked.

I probably said something really sarcastic, like, "Now??"

To make a long story short, there was this lady we went to church with who had been given a dog.  Being a single mom of three, with 2 cats and a dog of her own, Andy {as he was already named} was too much for her.  She was giving him away free to a good home.

Andy was already housebroken.  He was 3 years old {a.k.a. NOT a puppy}, kennel trained and had successfully completed obedience school.  {Well, I say "obedience school" very lightly.  Because half the time, the dog just does whatever he wants to.  Occasionally he will obey and make us feel good about ourselves.}

*Sigh.*

Can you hear my heart melting?

I agreed to the dog.

Yup.  Me.  Who likes cats, not dogs.  Who, I didn't want to admit at the time, was a little fearful of dogs.  Especially big dogs.  Because I'd been chased by some and been scared half to death by as a little girl.  Who had never owned one personally.

Well, let me stop right here.  The dog has to be an inside dog for me to count "owning" a dog.  Not an outside one.  We had an outside dog when I was young, and while he was great, it's just not the same. 

So, I totally gave in to my husband, being the bossy SUBMISSIVE wife that I am.  {Please don't come and strike me, Mr. Lightning Bolt.}  And for your information, I am working on the submissive thing.  Have been since the day I married dear, sweet Toddley.  Even though I may have laughed through that part of our vows.  Seriously, I was laughing so hard you could see my veil shake.

Anyway, back to the reason for this story.  The one thing that caught us off guard about Andy was his size.  Todd told me he was big.  That was how he was described.  What our dear friend from church left out was that he was not merely big, he was more like the size of a small pony.  Not really, but it's fun to imagine.

Todd picked him up and called me when he got him.

Me: "Do you have him?  What's he like?"

Todd:  "Yup, I got him.  He's um...well...he's BIG."

Me:  "Really?  How big?"

Todd:  "He's just BIG."

Big was defined as a 130 pound black mass of the most amazing dog to have ever been born.  A ferocious bark me might have, but a bite?  Well, come visit us at 1am unannounced and I'll let YOU be the judge of that.

Andy was nervous around us at first, but he quickly wormed his way right into the center of our hearts.  Even mine, the former cat lady.  Yes, I still love cats, but in our house the animals all get along.  Well.  Most of the time.

We quickly got Andy out of the kennel~we had a "guard dog", so what good would he do us if someone broke into our house and he was locked up in a crate?  He came to love "bedtime" each night, especially when it involved Drew and a nice game of "chase".  

Andy doesn't jump on furniture or people.  He doesn't snatch food away from you and he most certainly does not beg.  He only barks at every third car, and as big as he is, he is every bit the 'fraidy cat.  He is deathly terrified of thunderstorms and fireworks.

He loves his boys and his mama.  When I cook dinner at night, he watches from a few feet away, ever hopeful for a dropped something or other.  He lays in the kitchen while we eat dinner and he hangs out with us in the living room after.  He goes to bed with the boys each night and when he's satisfied they're all tucked in and sleeping soundly, he joins us downstairs.  When I go to bed, he comes with me.  When I'm gone, he stays upstairs.  He loves wholly and completely. 

I am smitten.

The reason for this post?  Andy has been limping today.  Being as big as he is, I'm scared it's his hip{s}.  I hope not.  It's not something in his paws~Todd felt all around, and there was no sign of pain.  We called our friend who is a vet, and he thinks Andy may have arthritis.  Which means that he doesn't jump up quite so fast.  It also means he may not always be able to go to school with us every morning.  :(  The sad face because that is his most favorite thing in the world, going for a ride.  So much so that we can't even say the word "RIDE" or "GO".

I was trying to coax him into the back of the 'burban this morning, and I didn't think he was going to make it up.  It was absolutely pitiful, and I was reduced to a puddle of tears.  And have been the rest of the day.  I cried on Mom's shoulder when she was here earlier.  And through preparing dinner.  And in the bathroom, where I was forced to hide because the tears wouldn't stop.

I hope it is arthritis and nothing serious.  As pitiful as arthritis is.  I know this is just the circle of life and all that, but come ON.  I feel like I'm living out Marley & Me.  I never would have thought that I would love a non~person this much.

To top all this off, Andy keeps on looking at me so pitifully with his big 'ol eyes.  Even Mom saw it, and she was kinda teary.  It was the saddest thing.  I don't know what I will do when his day comes to leave us.  Forget the boys {DREW, I should say}, I don't know if I'll be able to handle it.  I love animals.  Especially MY animals. As does my sweet Drew.

*Sigh.*

I know nothing can be done about all this, I'm just explaining some of the madness I've experienced all day.  I've cried so much that my eyes feel all squinty and my head hurts.  Andy's going to see the doc first thing in the morning.  To get him checked out, but also to get his teeth cleaned and to be groomed.  He will be loved on and well taken care of.  And hopefully we'll be told we have a few more years to enjoy this awesome beast of an animal. {He's 8, did I mention that?}

Thanks for the listening ears/reading eyes.  It feels better to have vented a little about all this.

If you have a dog, go love on him for me.  In honor of my sweet Andy the Wonder Dog.

Now That I Like My Blog Background....

I think I'll write again.  Yes, I have a problem with decisions.  Well, not really in the real world, but in the blog world~yes, most definitely.  Call it silly or an obsession...whatever.


Do you ever NOT feeling like doing something?  Something you know will be great for you once you get over yourself and just do it?  


That was me on Sunday night.  Christmas break has been marvelous, it truly has, but I have had absolutely zero time to myself in more than two solid weeks.  Not even a solo trip to the store.  Where I go, one or two want to follow.  Usually Graham or Drew.  Not that I'm complaining, but....a woman needs some time alone, ya know?


So, that being said, I wanted to stay home from church on Sunday night while Todd took the boys.  I am not one to miss church~and for various reasons, it had been quite sometime since we'd been on a Sunday night.  Even if someone is sick~or two of them~Todd and I will still go with the ones who aren't sick.  In fact, we'll tag team and one of us will stay home that morning, and the other will stay home that night.  


I'm not saying this to brag~heaven forbid.  I'm saying this to tell you how human I am, and how my wants get in my way sometime.  


I did go to church on Sunday night~I won't tell you why on this blog, that is between me and my man, but I did go.  And low and behold got one of the biggest blessings I've had in a long while. 

The enemy is out to STEAL, to KILL and to DESTROY.  He is a thief and a liar.  He swoops in to steal our joy, he kills our hunger for the Lord and he is out to destroy families.  I should have known when this feeling of wanting "time to myself" came over me, that it was not me desiring time alone.  It was the enemy trying to rob me of the blessing I got that night.  


Some of you who read this probably don't understand what I'm talking about.  The very thought of church 3 times a week probably bores you to tears, and whatever in the world am I talking about when I say that the Bible is one of my favorite books, when it puts most people to sleep?!

God is my lifeline.  He alone keeps me going on a daily basis.  He alone gives me joy like no other~although, I must say that my boys do their fair share!  He alone completes me~contrary to what Tom Cruise said to Renee Zellweger in that movie whose title I just forgot.  He alone does for me what no human being on this earth can do.  


So, what about you?  Do you ever do things you don't want to "just because"?  It's like exercising is for me~if {AND A BIG FAT IF IS INSERTED HERE} I get around to doing it, it is most certainly not because I want to.  Ask my husband how many times he's had to drag me out the door, all but kicking and screaming.  But if I do the exercise thing, I feel so refreshed afterwards. 


He is that for me.  The thought of not attending church on a Wednesday night is unappealing to me~my dad always said the midweek service was comparable to filling up your empty gas tank.  Sometimes all the giving I do as a wife, mom and caregiver to elementary aged kids drains me and I need a refresher.  


Are you missing something in your life?  Do you have an emptiness that nothing as of yet has been filled?  Do you hunger and thirst for something, yet nothing quenches that need?  


Give church a try.  


Any Bible believing {as in nothing added to or taken away from the Bible} church will do.  Denominations don't matter to me~we're all going to be neighbors in Heaven someday, right?  We might as well learn to get along down here.  You can try my church.  There is a picture of the lovely building on the right side of this blog.  By clicking on the picture, it'll take you straight to our website.  


What are you afraid of?  We're starting a new year.  What a perfect opportunity to get involved in something new.  Just see what blessing you will receive by going.  


If you have questions or comments and don't want to leave them on here, feel free to email me at allboys@gmail.com.  


Love to you all on this cold and beautiful day that the Lord has given us. 



Philippians 4:6 and 7  Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  


James 5:16  Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 

Saturday, January 2, 2010

May I Have Your Opinion, Please???

Okay, since I am having a ridiculous time finding a background, what do you think of this one? 

If you're reading this on facebook, go to my REAL blog site~all4boys.blogspot.com and let me know what you think. 

I think I have a winner, though. 

What do YOU think???

Please Excuse The Regularly Scheduled {RaNdOm} Blog Changes

I am having a problem finding a blog background that I like.  I had one that was cute, but another bloggy friend had the same one, and I cannot have that!! 

So.  Until I find one that I really like, I will be trying several on for size.  Because it is my blog and I do obsess over it just a tiny bit.  Okay.  A whole lot. 

I hope you have yourselves a wonderful Saturday.  I'm a little sad because this weekend will end all too soon and Monday will be back to reality. 

With lunches.  And snacks.  Times 4.  Those two things I just mentioned are going to be the death of me, I am confident.  I detest strongly dislike making them. 

Okay.  I'm off.  Talk to you soon!!

Friday, January 1, 2010

New Year Prayer

Father in heaven, thank You that You are All Authority in heaven and on earth. Thank You that You led each woman here today. You know her every need, her deepest desires, and her hurting places. Lord, as she seeks to know You more, would You open the eyes of her heart to see the wonderful things in Your law?

Father, we confess that so often we live lives that do not honor You. Our actions and our words seem so far from You. But, we do want to live lives that please You, so we ask today for You to soften our hearts to receive what Your sweet Spirit has to speak to us. Give us a hunger and a thirst for Your Word. As You reveal it to us, help us through the power of Your Holy Spirit to listen and obey. You tell us Your Word is living and active, like a double-edged sword. Father, we invite You to use it now to penetrate the deepest recesses in our hearts.

Give us hearts that desire You and Your Truth above all else. Your Word tells us that if we lack Wisdom, we need only ask and You will give it liberally. So we ask today for a fresh filling of Your Wisdom. Give us the strength to walk in Your Truth, no matter the cost. Guard our hearts and keep our eyes fixed on You. Grow in us the fruit of Your Spirit…those things that will make us more like You. As we study Your Word, fill us and saturate us with more of You!!

Today, Father, we surrender our past and look to the future, thanking You that we are a new creation. No matter what we have done before today, we have Hope in You to take all things and use them for Your good and the good of Your Kingdom. Thank You that You are Faithful. Thank You that we can make our plans but You will direct our steps. We trust in You to do a mighty work in us through us this year and carry it on to completion until the day we step into eternity with You.

Lord, we love You. Make our lives a living testimony of Your Love. We ask this in
the powerful and mighty name of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord who will do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. AMEN. 
 
 
**Taken from today's devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries, written by Wendy Blight.**

Hello Monday

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