halfway serious

Nothing Like Insomnia To Get You Back In The Game

2010-01-09T06:03:00.000-08:00

Life has been too crazy to blog lately, but It's 6:00 AM on a Saturday so here I am. Here is something just for fun. I love this show.

A New Sart To a New Life

2009-10-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

This just makes my heart happy!

Because You Can Never Have Enough Pictures Of A Giant Cat!

2009-10-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

100 Year Diet

2009-09-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

So I have been having headaches for oh, well just say a decade or so. Most of the time they are not bad 3 or 4 a week, I take a Tylenol and they go away. Sometimes they are worse than others but not too bad, just annoying. My friend said "I bet it's something you eat". I said it's stress, doctor says maybe caffeine. Who knows!

But I was intrigued enough to find out so my friend (who is ever so smart with nutrition and a role model for healthy living) introduced me to the elimination diet. Let me just say that it is the worst diet in the whole world! You are supposed to eat NOTHING but fresh raw fruit, fresh raw vegetables, plain chicken and plain pork for 10 days. Then you can slowly add thing in and see if you get a headache.

Well I made it 5 days and it was the longest 5 days of my life! I did not figure out what caused my headaches but I did come to some realizations. 99% of what we put in our body is JUNK! Even diet drinks are nothing but unnatural products! Yogurt...full of corn syrup and artificial dyes.

So while I did not like not being able to eat hardly anything, it did open my eyes as to the junk we eat without thinking. I have decided I'm going to start what I'm calling The 100 Year Diet. I am trying very hard not to put anything into my body that was not around 100 years ago. No corn syrup, no processed, junk no dyes or fake sweeteners.

It takes some creativity and label reading but I'm having fun with it. Who knew that all natural rolled oats with a little cream and 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar was really good? Did you know you can get 100% natural peanut butter that taste great? The only ingredient is peanuts! I even found Dannon makes a yogurt with nothing but natural ingredients.

The best part is that I feel really good, have not had a headache and lost 5 pounds. I now feel good when I send lunch to school with my kids and know it's really healthy. Dinner feels more like an experiment than a chore, and after not very many days my body stopped craving all that junky stuff.

Not to say that never again will processed products enter my body (yesterday I had a pumpkin spiced latte and I have yet to read a book where the pioneers stopped off at Starbucks for a pick-me up) but I am eating and living more consciously, and that feels good.

Scale Tipping Cat!

2009-09-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been away for a while. Busy with kids back to school, and I have started working at our local animal shelter. Which is where I found this big guy who needed a home and since our 10 year old kitty just died (sad story) there was a spot avaliable in ours.

We named him Murphy or Murph, and he weighs in at 17.5 lbs! He is one large cat! But so gentle and sweet to everyone!

The World Needs To Know This!!!!

2009-08-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

So after 2 years of "country" living and dealing with the flies that come with that I was at my wits end! I have spent much time and money trying to find away to keep flies out of my house. I have been spending hours keeping my kitchen an unhealthy clinical clean just to starve out the little buggers, then today I get an e-mail from a friend. 12 cents later I am fly free!

The e-mail gave simple home remedies to everyday problems. One of them was to keep flies out of your house hang a plastic bag, half full of water, and 4 pennies up in your door frame.

What the heck I think, I have tried EVERYTHING else!!!

Normally there are 30 or 40 flies hanging to the side of my house just waiting for the door to open. I take my little water bag, get up on a chair, and hook the bag to the door frame. As soon as the sun hit the bag...BOOOM! Every dang fly in the area took off!

I googled it and apparently the science is that their eyes are so big they pick up the tiniest reflection and get spooked!

Forget drugs, global warming and cancer screening...this is what we should be spending our advertising dollars on! The world needs to know!

Summers Great!

2009-08-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Our Back Yard In Full Bloom!

2009-07-29T18:24:00.001-07:00

Here are some shots from the back patio

These are my Cana Lillies. In another month they will be 8 feet tall.

Wish this shot had turned out better so you could see how beautiful the pond is right now.

My Flocks are attracting bees and butterflies.

The pond is full of life! Fish, frogs, newts, and plants all live here, and it is my favorite spot in the yard!

The garden is giving us about 4 squash, 6 cucumbers, dozens of patatoes and tomatoes on almost a daily basis. Not to mention all the beans and lettuce. We are giving it away by the truck loads.

Pink Wars!

2009-07-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Back to school shopping has begun! That is the good news. The bad news is that with it comes the yearly battle of the wardrobe. Specifically, Lou Lou's wardrobe. Every year she wants pink EVERYTHING. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to pink. I love a good frilly dress or sparkly hair bow as much as the next person, but it would be nice to have a bit of variety in her dress.

This year I finally figured out a way. We went shopping, and bought 10 or so pink shirts, pink shoes, pink hair bands, jeans with pink accent, and a few pink skirts. Then I found the cutest teal dress, old fashioned buttons, faded seems. It is a dress straight out of the 40's, so cute and simple. But it also came in pink. The pink however was not nearly as cute and we already had a shopping cart full of pink. So, me, being the the very clever mother that I am, removed all the pink dresses from the rack, hid them in a row of Pokemon shirts and called out to Lou Lou.

"Oh, Lou Lou, look at this super cute dress. It is so pretty. And look, I bet it twirls like a dream. It is just too bad they don't have it in pink. I guess we will just have to put it back. (dramatic sigh) Oh, well, (shoulder shrug)"

wait for it...wait for it...

"I still like it even if it is not pink."

BULLS EYE!

"I guess I could have one dress that is not pink"

Eureka! And we have a winner! She's happy with her mound of pink and 1 teal dress, and I am happy with the hint of variety. As for the next boy to come along and want a Pokemon shirt only to find a pink dress...? Eh, you can't please everyone.

Here Is What I'm Up To

2009-07-21T09:49:00.001-07:00

This is a blog I have been following. It is Year Of The Bible. And everyday there is new text to read until you get through the whole Bible. It started on June 1 and will end next June 1. If you want to folow along here is the site. The reading is not to heavy just 2 or 3 chapters a day.

http://www.southminstersyearofthebible.blogspot.com/

Animal Quote Monday

2009-07-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

"Summertime and the living is easy..."

People of the Pool

2009-06-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Our neighborhood dues are expensive, and most of the time when I see dead grass in the common area, or hear an annoying little yapper all night long I wonder what in the hell we are getting out of our money. But today the price seemed worth it.

The kids and I went to the neighborhood pool, we do it 5 to 7 times a week! In fact we kind of take it for granted that we can just walk 4 blocks and be at a very nice private pool with only our neighbors around to compete with for water space.

My sister-in-law was there, as she usually is, with her 4 kids, and we did what we usually do. But today I realized the community within the community. We often see the same moms, or dads, the kids that go to school with ours (the school is next to the pool by the way.)

This pool community is really quite fascinating if you step back and really look. You have your kids, big ones near the deep end, small ones in the shallow, those in between kids with floaties on their arms bobbing in the middle.

Us, the moms, sitting on the sides with our sunglasses and soccer mom visors discussing the best place to find an affordable swim suit and swim diapers that really work. We take turns yelling at our kids to stop splashing, or not to jump where it's so shallow.

The hours wind away as we laugh about our husbands never getting to that honey-do list, and pass around the spf 8 sunscreen (so we can still tan through it). We make each other feel better by talking about our stretchmarks and cellulite and reassuring one another that they are not so bad, you can hardly see them.

Undoubtedly there is a mom with a really young one shaded under a beach towel in her arms. She tells of her horrific birth story and we all try to top it. This is where we really feel proud of being a woman because, as we all agree, men could never go through what we do and still be able to walk upright.

The kids shout to us to watch them swim under water, hold their breath, front flip, and whatever else they have learned this week. Every few minutes a loud "MARCO" followed by "POLO" is heard.

Every single child in the pool tattle tales at least twice, and when they do we all roll our eyes and tell them to try and work it out on their own, (we got that from a book I'm sure.) When our youngest is showing signs of stress, and or heat stroke, we pack up the floaties, pool noodles, goggles, and soaker balls and the other moms wave us off.

Our oldest grumble about having to leave and beg for 5 more minutes, the younger ones are only seconds away from a melt down and a few are already well on their way to tantrum, but nobody minds because we have all been there. We are the people of the pool, all linked by chemical-filled water and an incessant need to talk with someone who does not pick their nose.

Today the neighborhood dues don't seem so bad.

3,700 miles Of Fun!

2009-06-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Plinkie's Adventures

2009-06-24T08:19:00.001-07:00

Meet Plinkie. He is a 5 inch stuffed flamingo adopted from the Minnesota zoo, and as you can see he quickly became the family mascot.

Plinkie at the Bad Lands of South Dakota

Plinkie in Yellowstone

Plinkie made some friends along the way

I don't remember where this is... I'll ask Plinkie

Patriotic Plinkie

Wild west Plinkie

Plinkie at the corn palace

HOME!

2009-06-23T10:06:00.001-07:00

In the near future there will be posts about our family's 2 week trip across the US. But seeing as how we just got back last night, this is how I will be spending the day...

Happy Anniversary Charlie!

2009-06-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

This Is Really Great! Must Watch!

2009-06-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

I Like Dumb Dog Tricks

2009-06-11T07:44:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DalB-CvO7Qc

This is kinda fun!

Animal Quote Monday

2009-06-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

"Truth is the tallest of all mountains"

Animal Quote Monday

2009-06-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Unless life also gives you sugar and water your lemonade is going to suck!

-unknown

Brotherly Love

2009-05-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

This is a the final paper I wrote in my seminary class and I will present it on Thursday. It goes along with a paper I wrote earlier in the class. Basically the assignment was to pick 5 verses from Matthew and dwell on them for 8 weeks. The picture is of me and my brother, a person I admire and love very much.

Matthew 28:16-20

I have been putting off writing this paper because I could not find an angle to take it that had not been done. The one thing I found from the three commentaries and five versions I have read on this passage is that they are all very similar. It seems to just be given that Jesus is telling the disciples and us to go out and spread his word.

My question that I have been dwelling on is, what is that word. The obvious and what I have heard preached is that Jesus is the son of God, if you want salvation you must come through him, be Christian like the rest of us. But what if there is more here than has met the eye for the last 2000 years?

This is what I have been thinking…

It started when I wrote my paraphrase and tried to get inside the minds of the 11 who were there on that mountain. How had they felt? What had their thoughts been? And it went further when I was sitting in church last Sunday listening to the sermon. My pastor preached on the ascension in Acts 1:1-11. She talked about how the disciples watched Jesus ascend into heaven and just stood there starring up at where he’d been. She went on to say that she would have done the same thing. But is it what we should be doing.

If we stand and stare up to heaven, who is here to get things done? Who will do the work Jesus has asked us to do? She played a song by Johnny Cash called “No Earthly Good.” The main line is, “ But you're so heavenly minded and you're no earthly good”

It was a good sermon and got me to thinking about what we are to be doing here and now. But it wasn’t until a day latter when my brother, who was visiting and had been at church with me, commented on the sermon. He just briefly said how much he had enjoyed it and how he had never heard before a pastor say that we ought to be more focused on earth than heaven, or at least as much. He even confessed that he had gone to the pastor’s blog and reread the sermon.

That was the moment it finally hit me, and the moment I realized what the Spirit was saying in this text. For you see, my brother is gay, and has been very hurt by the christian faith. In fact, I was shocked he had even heard the sermon; I thought he had just been playing with his blackberry, and I had given up hope that he would ever see God as more than a ploy to damage those who are different than us, because lets face it, that happens all the time, in all religions.

What if we read this text again, but we wipe out everything we have ever heard about Jesus, Christianity, the disciples, and the kingdom of heaven. I encourage you to do that for just a minute. Try very hard to come at this as a total stranger to all things religious. Look at it as if you have never before heard of any of these people.

(NIV) Matthew 28:16-20
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted.
18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing you in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I did, and here is what I heard. Eleven scared, confused and lonely people, they have been hurt by their very own. Their religion, their God, these things have turned out to be nothing they thought they were. Where was their happy ending? Where were the trumpets and victory that the scriptures promised? The faith they had devoted themselves to all their lives had killed their teacher, master, and friend.

Had a faith with so much promise really turned into an angry mob that would go to any length to silence some one who would challenge conventional thinking? Even if that someone was God himself? They had become no earthly good.

And then, there he is, their teacher. A man they had known, and yet not known at all. Coming back to them after being killed by the very faith he believed in. He was not a man or teacher in their eyes now, but he had become a God. Or, they were finally able to see him for what he had been all along. And does he tell them to go out and avenge his death? To right the wrong the world has done? To prove to everyone that they were right all along and that now, finally every one will know it and realize how sinful they are?

No, he tells them to go to all corners of the earth and make everyone a teacher, disciple, baptizing them in the Father, Son, and Spirit. And what happens when you baptize? You submerse, cover, and surround.

In this new light after letting the past go about what I’ve heard this means, I saw something new. I saw this through my gay brothers eyes, through the homeless eyes, through the eyes of the oppressed and battered, and I can never again unseen it.

I have dwelled in the word, and the spirit has shown me that I, along with the eleven, have been called to embrace ALL of the earth, all of God’s children. Submerse them in Jesus’ love, cover them in God’s grace, and surround them with the Spirits strength. In short, love the unlovable, comfort those who have been hurt, be what Jesus was, and do what Jesus did.

What similarities do we share today with the world back then? Are we so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good? Our we worshiping tradition over God? Dwelling in the word is an amazing thing, it can allow us to let go of preconceptions and see in God’s word what God needs us to see. This can be a fresh light, a new way of coming closer to being the people we are called to be.

I think of my brother and others like him. They have been hurt by the very book, and people that have been called by God to baptize them. Jesus did not say, “Change them to be like you when you baptize them”. Or “If you try hard enough you can make a gay person straight, the homeless man on the corner wealthy, or even a sinner to repent.” He simply asks us to embrace them, and surround them in God, Himself, and The Spirit.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

Cousins By A Nose

2009-05-29T21:06:00.001-07:00

Two of the cousins had a sleep over tonight, and as I watched them watching "Open Season 2" I noticed that they all have the very same nose. A cute little button nose!

From left to right we have an 8, 4, 6, and 6 year old. The 2 in the middle are my kids' cousins and they live just 2blocks away. Fun for all of them. Two older ones are missing here, and they have the same nose too! Round pinchable cheeks also the same!

Life Lessons

2009-05-29T10:04:00.001-07:00

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
by Regina Brett *columnist

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Animal Quote Monday

2009-05-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

Scientists announced today that they have discovered a cure for apathy. However, they claim no one has shown the slightest interest in it. -George Carlin

...is it me, or does he have an extra foot?...

Night Shots

2009-05-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

The yard is starting to come along now so I was playing around with some night shots of my favorite spots...

Some of my Shasta Daisies... they look awesome with the night back ground!

My Bleeding Heart just got done blooming, and the Hostas are not quite up yet...

This is our second spring in this house so all our plants are still young... even so, they are coming along well. By next year I'll have twice as many Lilly pads by this time.

The water is mirky because I was digging around in the rocks.

This is brand new this year. Look how little the Water Iris is... just a sprig.

Too dark to see the purple Salvia in bloom... I'll have to get a shot in the day, but I'll wait till the annuals bloom!

Planting Day

2009-05-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

I look forward to planting day ALL year! It is the day I get to put all of these (see left) into the ground, and can be reasonably certain they won't die of frost.

This day usually happens between April 30th and May 12th. When all the snow is gone off the giant mountain to our North, I know I can plant my annuals.

I buy these guys in March when they are cheap (well cheaper), baby them, keep them in a warm covered garage, fertilize them, and when the snow is off the peak... IT'S TIME!!!

This year I had over 100 plants to get in the ground, but it is so fun for me to be digging in the dirt in my bare feet! Plus, this gives me a jump on my summer tan every year!

Planting day is an all day event that the whole family does.

Banjo is fascinated by our coi pond, and always has been. She like to put her feet in it and watch the fish nibble them.

Right now the pond looks kind of sad, but when the plants get going, and the algae will die back it will be beautiful!

The dogs are not real big on planting day because it means we close the gate to the garden area. No more dirt to dig in. Can't you see the frown on Dolly's face? She is either sad about the garden, or that I'm taking her picture after giving her that stupid hair cut.

When the flowers start to bloom I'll post the pics. It's beautiful!

Animal Quote Monday

2009-05-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

"In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer." -Albert Camus

Bird Cam

2009-05-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

This is really cool! There is a building downtown where I live that is always home to a Peregrine Falcon couple. This year they set up a live cam to watch the nest. The babies are due to hatch any time now, and it's fun to get to glimpse nature at work. It is super windy here today, and you can see it on the cam. I'm wasting a lot of time on it!

http://www2.fiberpipe.net/falconcam/live.asp

You Go Grandma!

2009-05-12T10:27:00.001-07:00

Animal Quote Monday

2009-05-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Sarcasm: The bodies natural defense against stupid.

A Cinco De Mayo Recipe

2009-05-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

I never use recipes. I make them. And here is a favorite for Cinco de Mayo.

Skinned chicken breast (I do 4 at a time) in a shallow baking dish. Cover the chicken with sour cream and leave some extra in the pan around the breasts. Pic your favorite salsa and add a few spoon fulls to the top of each breast. Add a can of chick peas all around the chicken in the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the whole thing with shredded cheese (Mexican blend) especially the breasts. Then just bake it. It is very yummy, and VERY fast!

Animal Quote Monday

2009-04-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals. -Sir Winston Churchill

* For Lou Lou... who loves pigs!

Ten Years Ago...

2009-04-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago today, Charlie took me on a picnic, and had a ring hidden in the basket.

That was the start of a most wonderful adventure! I'm proud of what we have done together in the last decade, and of the family that we have.

I'm lucky to be in love with my best friend!

Animal Quote Monday

2009-04-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

"Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh." -George Bernard Shaw

What A Day For A Daydream! (family slideshow)

2009-04-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our Family Photos

2009-04-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

A field full of wild flowers blooming by our house!

Then And Now

2009-04-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

These are the cousins in 2006 on Grandma and Papa's porch swing.

Same swing, same kids in 2009. They don't quite fit the same, but they are dang cute!

Holy Cow, 3 years really makes a difference!

I believe...

2009-04-15T18:08:00.001-07:00

I am currently going through a 3 year seminary school. At the end, with any luck, I will be a CLP (certified lay pastor)

Anyway, a friend of mine from class recently wrote down her beliefs. She started with "I believe" then elaborated on it till it was a 10 page term paper. I'm not going to do that. But I did feel compelled to jot down a few things that I really believe in.

I believe in God...

By this I do not mean a wizard in a white robe who has magic powers. Rather, I mean a loving spirit that embraces all of earth creatures.

I believe in love...

That's a tricky one because there are so many different kinds. In a way I feel love may be a made up word to explain the unexplainable. But whatever it is, I believe in it. The biggest problem I see with it though, is that many people see it as a right that is owed them, when in reality it is a gift. To REALLY understand love it has to be given, and not expected in return. If you give it and dwell on who does not give it back, well that is something besides love.

I believe in giving...

The best way to explain this is with a metaphor. The flowers in my garden give everything they have to the earth that holds them. They take in light, water, and oxygen, then they send it all back to the source. They bloom in beautiful colors and when the seasons change they die. They have taken very little, and given back very much. There in lies their beauty.

I believe in the soul...

I believe the soul is just as real as the heart or liver, yet can never be studied or dissected like other parts of the body. I believe that to be healthy we have to feed our mind, body, and soul. And I strongly believe that the soul is the most important of these.

I believe in Truth...

I think that God is truth, and that too often we fear both. If God turns out to be less, or more than we thought, we fear it, when in reality God is Truth, and Truth is God, whatever that truth may be, there in lies God.

and finally...

I believe in miracles...

In the small ones that get overlooked, like a tiny bird emerging from an egg, or a new born babe that knows his mothers face. I also believe in the big ones. Like a tormented soul finally finding peace, or the grace of God that I can not explain.

I realize that my beliefs will be different from others, and I have not put all of them here. But I feel I have come to an age that I no longer have to apologies for, or justify what I believe. And undoubtedly my beliefs will change and grow as I do, but I do believe, and that is a gift.

Animal Quote Monday

2009-04-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Life is known only by those who have found a way to be comfortable with change and the unknown. Given the nature of life, there may be no security, but only adventure. -Rachel Naomi Remen

Animal Quote Monday

2009-04-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

A Bend in the Road

Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And He knows that it's only a bend--
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow.
You've just come to a bend in the road.

A Strongly Worded Letter

2009-04-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

I pulled my kids from their school today after a run in with the very nasty principal. It seems she thinks she is God, I disagreed.

Long story short my kids will not be going back to that school. So what do you do if you are steaming mad at everyone in power and society in general? Well, you don't do some of the things that were suggested to me by a dear brother I will not mention...(Brian) But a strongly worded letter always makes the little guy feel vindicated, right?

Okay, we all know that these letters we write fighting "The Man" most likely end up in the garbage. Maybe one out of 3000 ever accomplishes anything. But, after shooting mine off to everyone I could think of, and their dog, I feel a bit better.

A bath, glass of wine, and good book should have my spirits renewed by morning.

Well That Really Came Back To Bite Me In The Bumper!

2009-04-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone who knows me knows 2 things.

1) I am a die hard democrat

2) I am the QUEEN of April Fools

So you can imagine my surprise when I found this on my bumper today (after driving around with it ALL day!)

(Very funny Diet Coke. I will get you back!)

Animal Quote Monday

2009-03-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. -Anne Dudley Bradstreet

A Night In

2009-03-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

The kids went to grandma's for a night, so Charlie and I had a nice romantic dinner at home. I made up a new salmon dish that was SO good I wanted to share.

All you need is a fresh salmon fillet. I seasoned it with garlic salt (tiny bit), chili powder, Paprika (for that great color)and a few other things I don't recall..play around with it.

Baked it, and after it was done cut my fresh basil and chives from my window garden and topped it.

For a sauce I used avocado and mandarin oranges blended together and sprinkled with chili powder. It was VERY good!

Animal Quote Monday

2009-03-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

The purpose of life is a life of purpose."

-Robert Byrne

*side note*

I don't know who this person is, I just found the pic on the internet, but I thought it fit the quote.

Norman Rockwell has got nothing on us!

2009-03-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

Lou Lou got her first REAL bike today! This is her very first, new, from the store, not handed down, no weired twist in the handle bars, bike!

I have this dream that the whole family can go for a bike ride all together. But in order for that to happen Lou had to have a bike that actually fit her. So, after church today we stopped at the store, found the perfect, princess bike with streamers, and we are on our way to a post card family! Can't ya just see us all, riding along the country roads, breathing the fresh air?...Well I can, and it's GREAT!

She road it to the car, and MD took on Big Brother role and guided her through the parking lot.

Now, to tackle those training wheels!

Age 8

2009-03-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

MD had soccer tonight. His team practices 4 blocks away at the neighborhood school. This is how our conversation went at a quarter to six.

Me: Time to head to practice, get your ball and get in the car.

him: I'll ride my bike

Me: Alone? You're only 8

Him: I ride my bike all the time.

Me: But I always take you to practice...

Him: Can I please ride my bike?

Me: Don't forget to wear ..

Him: Yeah, my helmet.

Me: and don't...

Him: talk to anyone

Me: Look before...

Him: I know, the street

Me: Are you sure you don't want me to drive you? You're only 8

Him: Mom, I'm 8

Apparently 8 is a relative age, and my son is taking himself to soccer.

Animal Quote Monday

2009-03-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

"Following the path of least resistance makes men and rivers crooked."

My Favorite Color Is Dirt!

2009-03-14T17:39:00.001-07:00

It is my favorite time of the year... YARD WORK TIME!!!

Charlie brought home the first load of fresh rich dirt today, and, as is tradition, we all climbed up in the truck with our bare feet and walked around in it.

I love the feel of soft dirt!

See that tree in the back? That's my new Weeping Cherry! So pretty when it blooms!

Both of them got the gardening jean!

MD wanted some spring in his cool surfer room, so we bought him a bright orange flower, drilled holes in the bottom of last years sand bucket, and... Vwa-la, a little bit of spring that matches his room's theme!

(I had a sand shovel sticking out of it that was adorable, but he didn't like it.)

See the cool green paint?...That's all over his room, with surf boards, lays, and giant flip flops! I'd have shown you the whole room, but it's a mess!!!

I love the growing season!

Animal Quote Monday

2009-03-08T21:13:00.001-07:00

"Fear not the path of truth for lack of those on it."

I'm Not a Drug Dealer, I'm an Activist

2009-03-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

So, if there was one thing I never thought I would be, it's an activist. If you could have seen me in grade school you would surely agree. I was the quiet insecure little rag-a-muffin girl in the back.

So what happened...? I have no idea, but something did because now days I seem to stand up for all that is good and just in this world. Could be my faith that calls me out to do so, or it could be that I just got tired of being quiet. Whatever it was, I am now a full blown activist.

In a previous post (that I would link right here if I knew how to do it) I wrote about how the principal at my kids school is trying to fire the best teacher ever. We don't know why she is, I think it is because she didn't like said teacher going over her head in defense of a child, plus she's just a bit evil.

Well, I, along with many other parents are furious. We have never liked this principal and now we can't stand her. So, we have been writing letters, making phone calls, demanding a meeting with the district big-wigs, and we have a petition going around.

The petition just states that we disagree with the action being taken against this teacher (Mrs. Awesome). There is no shortage of people who want to sign it, so everyday I'm walking the pavement in front of the school with my little green folder in hand. While almost all of the parents dislike the principal, some are not willing, or afraid to cross her. There in lies the awkwardness.

As I walk the sidewalk, wonder halls, and make copies in the office, there is an odd feel in the air. Everyone knows what's going on. Most, support us, if not vocally than with silent nods. But, there are those that disagree. It is always interesting to see the eye contact that takes place. Those who support our cause will give me this slight nod. If they have not signed the petition yet I always get this strange sideways glance, which I interpret as "I need what you have, meet me in the parking lot at o-dark-thirty, (or when the bell rings)"

Those that disapprove usually refuse to make eye contact and pretend they don't see me standing in line for the copier. The principal has yet to say one word to me, and yesterday I rocked the boat a bit further by sending a letter to district calling for her resignation on behalf of a very large parent group. I made sure I cc'd her on that letter because I want her to know how her schools feels about her actions. Then, I promptly drove down to the school and spent the day in the class just to prove she couldn't intimidate me. My, my, what happened to the quiet rag-a-muffin?

A Blessing For Lent

2009-03-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a blessing our pastor has been saying at the end of each service. I absolutly LOVE it and I'm going to have it framed and put on my wall!

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Dog Daze

2009-02-28T19:22:00.001-08:00

There is usally about 15 to 20 dogs at the park at any given time. Banjo is the all black one, Dolly is the one by the tree.

Okay, so this may sound stupid, but the most fun thing I have found latley is the dog park. It is in the middle of down town, behind a cemetary, and I had know idea it was there.

I found it about a week ago by accident. I have been taking Dolly and Banjo every since.

It is this magical little world for dogs. There are even doggie drinking fountaines!

The girls LOVE it, and it is so fun to talk to all the other pet owners about their breeds and training tips. It is fun to see the tiny 2 pound dogs play with the giant 150 pounders. I am just amazed at how well they all play together. When a new dog comes in all the others run to greet it.

Dolly is the tri colored one... the Border Collie and her had so much fun together!

Cute huh?

Banjo was worn out on the way home. Not even enough energy to look out the window.

Survey Says...

2009-02-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

I have gotten so behind on my posting. I have lots of things I want to write about, but seem to lose my time somewhere between getting kids to school and American Idol. So lets do a little survey. Which do you want to hear about most?

- Issues with the kids school

-Dolly and Banjo's trip to the dog park (this one has pictures)

-My grandpa's funeral (also pictures)

-Things I plan to do in my yard this coming spring

-What I gave up for lent

-Random thoughts that are not really useful to anyone, but may be entertaining

-None of the above, we have enjoyed not reading about your life this last week

Animal Quote Monday

2009-02-23T18:18:00.000-08:00

"Poetry is what gets lost in translation."

-Robert Frost

Animal Quote Monday

2009-02-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

Creatures whose mainspring is curiosity enjoy the accumulating of facts far more than the pausing at times to reflect on those facts. -Clarence Day

Valentines Day Is For The Birds

2009-02-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

Charlie's card to me today was a home-made card that had two birds collecting string. In the card he wrote: "Want to be my mate and nest with me?"

To you this may sound strange, but to me..it was perfect! You see, Valentines day was originally a European holiday to celebrate the day the birds mated. This is much more romantic to me than a 2k diamond necklace or an over priced box of chocolates. I love Valentines Day because of the birds.

Birds have always been my favorite creatures. I can not see one fly without thinking it soars on the spirit of God. Charlie knew that gifts or frilly clothes were not what I would want. What I want to remember on Valentines Day is that nature is a gift to us from God, and Spring is on the way.

There is no better day to remember that than on this one. My Grandfather passed over into God's eternal realm early this Valentine morning, leaving behind his mate...my grandma.

So, now, even more than before, when the rest of the world buys candy and cards that sing, I will remember that each bird, plant, and person God gives us is a gift and on this day we celebrate life.

2009-02-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

I'm Actually A Super Hero With No Special Powers, And Very Little Motivation

2009-02-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

If you recall my New Years resolution was to stand up to injustice when I saw it. I really underestimated how much injustice there is in the world! It is only February and already I'm in a full blown "battle" against politics and red tape.

The kindergarten teacher at the kids' school (I'm going to call her Mrs. Awesome) is in the process of being let go. Now I can not emphasize enough how absurd this is! She is an amazing teacher, the kids love her, the parents love her, and her test scores are the best in the district. So what could be wrong? Well, apparently she has stood up for children one too many times and the principal has decided she doesn't want an active advocate in her school.

I'm outraged, the other parents are outraged and we are meeting today to see what the power of numbers can do. Our hope is that as a group we can sign a petition and present it to district saying we want to keep our teacher. All ready I have had people who want to help, but are afraid to go against the principal. My stomach has been in knots for a week, and my ear hurts from making phone calls. But, if we can pull this off we will have greatly impacted the 100's of kids that will have her in the future, and we will have taken a stand that in one way or another, we are all called to take.

Animal Quote Monday

2009-02-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit. -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

The Rule Of Six

2009-02-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun little blogger game. It is called the rule of six.

1. Go to your documents/pictures.
2. Go to your sixth file.
3. Go to your sixth picture
4. Blog about it

Here is mine...

This is a pic of Lou Lou when she 2 1/2. I remember this day so well. Spring had finally broken free of winter, and the weight that I carried during the cold months was lifting off my shoulders.

Charlie had found this little princess bike at a thrift store the week before, and it was a perfect day to give it a try.

Md was with us, on his red bike. I remember how good the sun felt, and how soft the grass was.
I also remember those little shoes she is wearing. They had Winnie the pooh and piglet on them. She loved them so much. You can't see it, but her shirt also has piglet. She loved it when she matched!

I can almost feel that little girl with the silky smooth cheeks. The way she fit in my arms, the way she laughed with a high pitch. The dimples that shown when she did. If only I could reach into my computer and give that baby girl a kiss, and hold her against my chest as her legs dangle and she laughs because I'm blowing on her ear.

We can never go back, and that is usually a good thing. I just wish pictures captured more than the image. Imagine how it would be to look through the photo album and not just see days gone by, but feel, hear and smell all those wonderful moments that have slipped away through the hands of time.

Really?

2009-02-05T08:45:00.001-08:00

Who would have ever thought 2nd grade could be so complex. We have not had a great week here. MD has been having trouble at school, talking being silly and all that good stuff. Then yesterday I get a call that "inappropriate talk" has occurred. It seems now days that a childhood crush is deemed inappropriate.

Last Friday MD got a note from a little girl with hearts and x's and o's on it. She asked if he would be her boyfriend. He showed me the note while his ears turned red, and I thought it was adorable! I told him he and the girl could be good friends, but that they can't "go out" for another 20 years or so. I thought that was the end of it...right?

Wrong! Well somehow a mother of one of the kids heard of this and complained about this "inappropriate" talk. The kids were called in by the counselor, class mates were questioned, and NOW they want to meet with the parents! Am I the only one who thinks this is absurd? They are 8 for crying out loud. Who didn't pass a love note or two with the word "gilfriend" spelled wrong on it? My poor boy is so embarrassed to even go to school now, all the kids are teasing because the school has made an issue out of it.

If second grade is this bad, what's jr. high gonna be like? Aaaaaa!

New Blog That's Good For You!

2009-02-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

My friend has started a new blog on healthy food. It is kinda fun and has a weekly challenge to help us all get healthy! Check it out!
http://purifiedpantry.blogspot.com/

Animal Quote Monday

2009-02-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God's great Judgment Seat;But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth,When two strong men stand face to face,tho' they come from the ends of the earth!

-Rudyard Kipling, The Ballad of East and West

E-mail Exchange

2009-01-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

This is an e-mail conversation I had this morning with a local radio show that had a comedian on telling offensive racial jokes. My New years resolution was to stand up for good where I can and not to ignore injustice. Because I copy and pasted this, read from the bottom to the top. My letters are in blue, theirs are in red. I have taken the names out. If they write back again I'll post it later today.

I do accept your apology, but it is not that I was offend, I am a caucasian middle aged female in a red state, the jokes were not against me. What I am is worried. The longer jokes that divide continue to circulate the longer hate...even in the name of humor will thrive.

I appreciate your willingness to hear my concerns, and I hope you will pass this on to your comic. Once he tells his jokes and gets a laugh it's over for him, but the people who are teased in school, looked over in restaurants, or worse brutalized physically because society has said it's okay to treat them this way don't get to just move on to the next city and show. Their lives, children and safety are effected by all of us.---

We are sorry that you were offended by today's comic. I wish we had known he was going to do that joke, unfortunately we were live and the entire thing is spontaneous. Our uncomfortable laughs must not have come across that air very well. Off the air we did tell him that it was inappropriate.We are not making excuses, it is just the unfortunate nature of live radio. Again, please accept our apologies.

Thanks,

As one of your 12 listeners, I have to say that the racial "humor" this morning was not only not funny, but dangerous. In this day where people hear these things and then think it is okay to believe and act in this way it has real consequences. What you think is funny and then forget others do not... real people get hurt, real lives are effected. It's not a joke!

Very Fun Thing I Found While Bored!

2009-01-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

Inversion Metaphors

2009-01-27T12:45:00.000-08:00

If Emanuel means God with us, then Inversion means Satan with us.

Depression is an Inversion of the soul.

Seeing blue skies to the South is like window shopping, you can see those really awesome shoes, you just can't have them!

Is it obvious I am sick of the Inversion?

Animal Qoute Monday

2009-01-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

To be persuasive, we must be believable; to be believable, we must be credible; to be credible, we must be truthful.

-Edward R. Murrow

A New Mothership

2009-01-23T21:38:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen any new blogs all week because we have had a dead computer. But after a short memorial service for the old gal, that really turned into more of an airing of grievances, we tossed her out into the cold. The nice man in a blue polo at Big Buys was happy to help us find a new shiny Mothership and I am up and running again!

My week without a computer has taught me that while technology has done many good thing, it has also made us dependant on it. Needless to say I'm relived to have my window to the world back!

Things I Don't Understand

2009-01-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

So, apparently I have a very small mind, and there are numerous things I don't understand. Since my evening has been going progressively down hill, I thought I'd jot down a few of the things my mind has not understood in the last 24 hours.

I do not understand:

- Why a six year old can tie her hair into 50 different knots while trying to look like Cinderella, but can't stand to have the scissors even remotely near her forehead while her bangs are being trimmed.

- Why practicing the piano takes an act of God, but playing 'Old McDonald' on it NEVER gets old.

- Why an 8 year old can LOVE addition, but refuse to do subtraction.

- Why you have to take down every last article of clothing in the closet to find the right dress.

- Why you can take down all the clothes but not get them back up.

- Why a piece of paper with one tiny little crayon mark is no longer good for anything but the recycling.

- Why tape can not be used in moderation!

-Why, despite the fact that I am the only one who never uses it, Im only one who knows where the remote is.

- Why there is crumbs inside my couch cushions despite the fact that since the beginning of creation food has not been aloud out of the kitchen.

And finally, I do not understand why a load of laundary fills up half the laundry basket before it's washed, but is over flowing after!

Animal Quote Monday

2009-01-19T18:31:00.000-08:00

Affection is the most important thing. And the quality of affection - with your friends, your lovers, your family. But particularly for your own generation. -Allen Ginsberg

I'm married to Suze Orman

2009-01-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

My Saturday is being spent listening to Charlie put up Mini blinds. You see, we don't have Mini blinds in the front room, we have very nice curtains. They are fashionable, but apparently not economical. Here's how the morning went.

Charlie opens the mail.

Charlie: Good Lord!!!!

Me: What's wrong Darling? (okay, I added that last part, but it makes me sound good huh?)

Charlie: This heating bill is $210.00. That's ridiculous!!

Me: Yeah it is, seeing as how you won't let me turn the heat above 66 degrees.

Charlie: Well, I know what the problem is.

Me: What's that Dearest? ( Again, I used artistic license )

Charlie: It's those damn curtains of yours. They let all the heat go right out the windows! We need air tight Mini blinds.

Me: Mini blinds are ugly, I like the curtains.

Charlie: I don't care if they are ugly, I'm not paying 200 dollars all winter long so your "no touch " room will look nice. The blinds can go under the curtains.

(I should add here that the family teases me because I have the front room just exactly the way I like it and I "encourage" everyone else in the house not to touch anything in it. Anal, yes, but I want one room that stays nice. Considering I have given up hope on the rest of the house I don't think it's too much to ask.)

So, here it is at 3:00 on Saturday afternoon, and my husband, Suze Orman, is hanging Mini blinds in our front room. I suppose I can give on this one, seeing as how he's spending his Monday off painting the kitchen with me. Good thing I love him!

and Mother of the Year goes to.....

2009-01-15T19:52:00.000-08:00

So I must say that MD's birthday party tonight went off great. It was just Family (cousins, grandparents) because rather than a big friend party MD decided he wanted to go to Walking with Dinosaurs. We went last week, it was awesome, but what this post is really about is the sweet cake I made. It was everything I love, cheap, fast, and really cool.

Here is my secret: 1 chocolate cake mix

1 can of white frosting with confetti chunks

1 package of plastic dinosaurs ($4)

2 excited kids

So I'll be expecting that nomination any day now!

Fighting Back

2009-01-13T17:33:00.001-08:00

Winter is doing its annual number on my mood. I have what my doctor calls, "seasonal depression". I have had it for as long as I can recall. It starts a few weeks after Christmas, and stays until mid March when I can feel the sun on my face and see hints of life poking up in the ground.
I guess you could say winter and I just don't get along. Like relatives that spend too much time together, by Christmas we are sick of the other. So, this year, instead of slipping into a dark state for 2 months, I'm fighting back. Here are a few things I am doing around the house to help me survive the dull of January and February.

I bought this glass bowl at the Youth Ranch for $3.00
Filled the bottom with potting soil, the top with river rock
Then, since no one is selling bulbs this time of year, I dug up a few
daffodils from my front bed and stuck them in! In a week or 2
I'll have bright yellow flowers!

This is the antique sewing machine Charlie got me for
Christmas. I put an old spool on it, and a glass jar to collect buttons
I love buttons! The flower fabric is the material I used to
cover my dinning room chairs.

This is my fav! The old jars from my recycle bin, covered in

construction paper and tied with twine yarn. I filled the

bottom with pea gravel, added soil, and planted my herbs!

In 6 weeks I will have garden herbs, and in the mean time

I love how these look on my kitchen window ledge!

Last but not least, this is the Scooby-Doo Chia Pet Charlie got the

kids for Christmas. It will add some green while we wait out the

winter!

If any of you have ideas to fight the winter blues I'd love to hear them!

Animal Quote Monday

2009-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

" Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are"

-Unknown

Shot of the Day

2009-01-11T16:54:00.001-08:00

I recently went on a winter photo shoot. This was my shot of the day. I love it!

Operation Prozac

2009-01-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

Banjo loved our kitten, Poncho

So you have heard me talk about my old dog, Buddy, and our new one, Dolly. We also have a five 1/2 year old farm dog, Banjo. Banjo's mother, Cookie, was a cute sweet little black thing who lived on my grandpa's farm. I loved that dog! She had everything you could want in an animal, sweet disposition, loving eyes, around 25 pounds (the perfect weight).

I had tried numerous times to get my grandpa to give her to me. He had two other dogs that were good with the horses he raised. Admittedly, Cookie wasn't much good with them, too friendly. Every time we were out there I'd say "When you gonna let me take that dog home?" or, "If you ever get tired of that little black one you just let me know." Undoubtedly he would come back with some cowboy type comment that pretty much meant, no. Finally one day I just flat out asked.. "What do you want for that dog? I'll buy her from you." Now, I thought for sure this would work because after all, she didn't preform like a farm dog so I could not understand why a man who saw animals as only a useful tool wouldn't take the offer.

When he said no I realized that deep down he didn't want to give her up because in his own, "old cowboy way," he loved her. Oh, he gave me some speel about her not being happy with city life and a once a farm dog always a farm dog, but I think the truth was he'd come to enjoy her. And who wouldn't?

So, I put my Cookie dreams away. I had Buddy, the love of my life. Buddy fulfilled all my dog needs. He was lovey, smart, even a bit wily, but he was also 12, and starting to slow. I absolutely refused to acknowledge it back then. We went on as if his vision was not fading and his hips weren't weakening.

Then I got a call from someone. It was either my cousin or my brother, but who ever it was said that Cookie had had another batch of puppies. This was her second time around as mommy and we do not know what happen to the first batch, we don't want to know what happened. Whatever it was, the pups never made it past the first week.

I called grandpa:

"I hear you got some new pups."

"Yep"

"Out of Cookie"

"yep"

"Are they...are you, um, will they still... are you keeping them?"

"The damn dog dug an 8ft tunnel under the house, I can't get to them. Yes, she's keeping 'em."

Well I immediately put in my dibs on one of them. I wasn't sure yet how I was going to talk Charlie into it. He was a huge fan of one dog only. In fact, the only dog he would have considered besides Buddy would be Cookie, and only because she was calm and well behaved. A puppy was not going to be an easy sell, especially since besides Buddy we also had a chicken, rabbit and 2 cats. We also may have had a duck or two at the time, I can't recall exactly when they came around. So we were already just this side of white trash. Another dog would put us over the line.

I was correct, Charlie said no, with a bit more cursing on it. I worked on him for a couple of days. By day 3 I was pretty sure I had him. He was willing to make the 1hr drive out to the farm to see them.

There wasn't much to see. We wriggled our way about 3 feet down the tunnel and with a flash light saw a pile of squirming whimpering little bellies. Their eyes were closed and you could not tell where one stared and another began, but you could tell they were mostly white. I was excited, because I'd never had a white dog. Black has somehow always been my color.

Two weeks later Grandpa called to say the dogs had emerged at 4 weeks of age. We went for another visit and to chose the one we wanted. There wound up being 9 of them. All boys, all white with black spots, except one. One was a girl, and was black with tan markings on the legs and chest. She looked like a baby rottweiler.

We played with the pups all afternoon. They were all so sweet and friendly, like their mother. It was impossible not to fall in love with them. As cute as the white males were, that little black pup looked so much like my beloved Cookie, and had these deep whiskey eyes. Charlie and the kids liked her best too. We named her Banjo, and told grandpa we wanted to take her home when she was weened.

"K" he said. "If she's still here." I asked what he meant by that, and he explained that a farm was a dangerous place for a puppy. At least a few out of every litter get stepped on by a horse, or run over by a tractor, killed by another dog around. The list of tragic endings went on and on. Charlie and I looked at each other and we both went a bit pale. Grandpa assured us that there would be some pups to survive, he just couldn't guarantee it would be the black one.

We took her home that day, stopping at Wal-mart (to further embrace the white trash image we had now acheived) and loaded up on little nipples, bottles, dog formula, and a stuffed puppy so she wouldn't miss her litter mates so much. We loved our half pound baby and even though I had never trained a puppy before I was determined to do it right. I rented books and videos from the library. We socialized her with everything from children to chickens, taught her tricks. She was so smart. By 5 wks she was house broke, and by the time she was 6wks (before the other dogs were even weened) she was doing simple tricks.

She took the bottle very well and was a plump cute little bundle of energy. Every time we took her out someone tried to buy her from us. And her and Buddy had become friends, which really shocked us. You see, Buddy did not like dogs, him being a small furry human. Dogs were annoying and smelly and puppies especially got on his nervs, but Banjo wouldn't let up. She looked at Buddy as a hero. She worship the ground he walked on and kept trying to be friends until he eventually gave in.

It looked like everything was going to be great. Banjo was part of our family now. But, she had picked up one bad little habit. She was a growler. It started at probably 8wks. Just a little back talk here and there, and she stopped when you used a firm voice with her. No big deal.

Over the years though it got worse. It wasn't like she was trying to be mean, she just didn't know how to receive praise. Every time you gave her a kiss or told her what a good girl she was you got a growl instead of a kiss. She never ever bit and was very well behaved so we didn't pay too much heed to it. In fact, it was kind of funny. What dog shows teeth when you say "I love you."?

She was still a good girl. very athletic and her and Buddy were best friends. Buddy no longer looked or acted old. He acted like a pup again with Banjo. We loved them! Then, last June our Buddy died. It hit me and Banjo the hardest. For two days we didn't get out of bed. I was sad because my best friend was gone, and she was sad because she didn't know where her best friend was. She looked for him in every room, whined low in her throat at night, and waited by the door for him day after day.

Banjo and Buddy just before Buddy died

Life went on. I got out of bed, Banjo went for her daily swim. The summer continued even with out Buddy. But I noticed Banjo growled more, barked more, and just generally was more annoying. I had never been able to cuddle her. She would sleep next to me, but wouldn't let me give her loves. I missed my dog. Banjo missed her friend.

By late August I couldn't take it. I had to get a new dog, one that would be happy to see me when I got home, and would roll around on the floor with me. Banjo was, and is a sports dog. She likes Frisbee, ball, jogging and swimming. She does not like human interaction unless it involves said human throwing something she can fetch.

The kids and I went to the animal shelter, and came home empty handed. There were lots of dogs, but not the right one. I have no idea what I was looking for, but I never found it. We tried three or four times with no luck. One day I was searching the pound website and saw a 2 year old border collie named Ollie. I absolutely love herding dogs, and I knew that if and when I got another it would be a sheep herder. Buddy was a blue heeler mix so I knew some about the smart and stubborn personalities very smart dogs can have.

When we got to the shelter, another disappointment. Ollie had been adopted. I almost cried. I wanted to just turn around and go home, but the kids convinced me to at lest look at the other dogs. It had been a while since our last visit. We looked all through the cages. Lots, and lots of sweet dogs waiting for a loving home, but none that felt right. Two cages from the last there was a lab mix of some kind and a dirty furry mess. The only reason I looked twice was because the sign on the cage said border collie mix. The hunk of fur in the corner did not look like any border collie I'd ever seen. For one she was tri- colored, not the traditional black and white that I like. Her head was much too round to be Border collie and her fur, well I couldn't see much through the mattes.

MD saw something I didn't and asked if we could get her out. Sometimes when I see a dog that looks so pathetic I take them out for a run in the yard and a brush just so they can get out and have some interaction. I had no intention of adopting this dog, but she looked like she could use a little TLC.

Most dogs bolt out of the cages, they are so full of built up energy. This little dirt ball took her time. The kids and I walked her around the yard, told her a nice family would come for her soon, gave her some water out of the hose, and.... We found ourselves lingering. Playing ball with her, scratching her white tummy. All of us were smiling, and we just couldn't take her back to the cold metal cage.

It was a dumb thing to do, we had know idea what she was like. She had been brought in as a starving stray so there was no information if she was good with other animals. We still had 2 cats and Banjo. Something in me just told me it was right. I threw caution to the wind and brought home a dog I knew nothing about, and Charlie hadn't even seen. In fact, he didn't even know I'd gone to look for a dog.

Dolly fit our house like a blot fits a nut. She was great with the kids, respectful of Banjo's space (she wouldn't even go to the bathroom in the grass because that was Banjos territory.) and even though she herded the cats around, she never tried to hurt them.

I loved her! Once we spent about an hour and a half washing, brushing and cutting all the mattes off her fur she was quite pretty. My soul finally felt at piece again. A feeling only dog lovers understand. You just don't feel whole without that k9 companionship. I was so happy, but Banjo was not!

Where Buddy had been his mentor and hero, Dolly was just some dog that had taken over her house. The first few weeks were tough. Banjo was in a really bad mood. The dogs got in a couple of scuffles, but eventually they called at least some form of truce.

Dolly would love to be friends with Banjo, and occasionally they have some play rounds across the yard, but by in large, Banjo is a grouch since we got Dolly. Since Buddy died really. It is so bad now that if you even give her a small pat on the head you get growled at. She barks non stop if I play with Dolly.

I took her to the vet to make sure she wasn't sick or something. I tied to get the vet to give me some drugs for her that would help her mood, but he wouldn't do it. He said he thought it was a training issue. I tried to explain that she is very well trained, but that she is depressed and has been for months. He still wouldn't give me the drugs.

So, in an effort to bring some piece back to my little farm pup I have issued "Operation Prozac". Banjo will never be the kind of loving dog Buddy was or that Dolly is. I excepted her for who she is years ago, but this angry moody dog isn't her either.

Operation Prozac goes like this. We (humans of the house) will give her no attention when she is being cranky. No one will put their face near hers, as this really upsets her. We also will pet her for no more than 4 seconds at a time. It may sound harsh, but extended touching seems to upset her, and the object is to take away the things that are causing her stress. We will have extra fetch games with just her, and rides in the car. And we will give verbal praise from a distance in short phrases like "good" and "yeah". If she growls at us or Dolly we will immediately leave the room, showing her that growling is a bad way to get attention.

I have my fingers crossed that this will work, or at least improve a little. Banjo is a complicated complex creature. Most people wouldn't keep a dog that growls more than she wags her tail, but I guess I understand her some. I understand that things are different now that Buddy is gone; I feel it too.

Banjo may not be a typical dog, but she gave Buddy back his zest for life when he was languishing. I had five more years with him that I may not have otherwise. How do you repay an animal for giving life to your best friend? For me, I guess I repay her by putting up with her moods, and trying to bring her some of the peace she deserves.

Animal Quote Monday

2009-01-05T17:10:00.000-08:00

"Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within."

-James Baldwin

Slipping Through My Fingers

2009-01-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

I just layed in bed next to MD for a while because he couldn't sleep. He asked me to sing him an old song I made up when he was little. My baby boy is turning 8 in less than two weeks.

While I sang him his song another was playing in my mind. Remember that old ABBA song? Slipping through my finger...

*Slipping through my fingers all the time I try to capture every minute. The feeling in it, Slipping through my fingers all the time Do I really see what's in his mind. Each time I think I'm close to knowing he keeps on growing Slipping through my fingers all the time....*

It hurts, ya know?

New Years Resolution....really?

2009-01-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

So it is that time of year again. Time to think about all the things we do not like about ourselves and our lives, and vow before God and the big ball in Times Square to change them.

Any gym will tell you that membership burst on January 1st. By March 1st their numbers are back to the same people who come year round. I'm not sure, but I bet church is the same way.

Normally I only set one goal. A goal I am happy to say I have reached for 2 years and counting, and that is to not use a Port-a-Potty for the entire year. This may not seem like a hard one, but consider the amount of cola consumed at your average 7 year olds soccer tournament and then judge me. I think I did pretty damn well.

This year I plan to do the Port-a-Potty thing again, but add one more. Which one to add though? There are those 10 pounds that mock me at every turn, the eyebrows I long to pluck but am too chicken to do, the house that could be much cleaner (save your smart remarks here).

Or I could tackle the relationship thing. Spend more time with kids/husband...but if I spent any more time with them they would beg me to get a life. The truth is there are just so many things in my life I would like to have more of, or less of (10 lbs). I guess that is true for everyone. So instead of a resolution to add to my life I have made my resolution to add to others.

Here it is. In 2009 I vow that I will be mindful of things other than myself and my immediate family. I will help those I can, pray for those I can't, and respect the earth and creatures that inhabit it.

That plus the outhouse thing and I should be in good shape when 2010 rolls in!

Winter Exploration!!!

2008-12-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

I was getting stir crazy stuck in the house. There is still another week before the kids go back to school and the Christmas toys are all ready old news. So MD, Lou Lou, Dolly and I grabbed the camera, my i-pod (set to the best of Bonjovi ) and headed out to explore the desert.

Exploration is one of our family's favorite things. Whether its the pond by our house, a dried up canal bed, or the vast miles of Idaho desert, looking isn't good enough for us. We have to explore.

Explore, as we know it, means to get out, walk around, pick things up, sniff them, compare them to other objects close by and come to a conclusion of how we think they got there. This usually involves an elaborate story, millions of years and dinosaurs, but it makes us happy to imagine it all the same.

So without any further adieu.. I give you our most recent exploration.

It may be that I grew up in the desert.. but there is nothing more beautiful to me than miles and miles of open land.

Spring time is really the only season the desert has sharp color, but I think these muted browns and blues are wonderful!

It looks like home to me!

The European Starlings flock in huge numbers to grain fields here in the winter. They move as if one, and can take the form of a dark menacing storm cloud.

It's one of my favorite sights!

I wish you could hear the thunder their wings make as they all take off at once!

I have an obsession with old farm buildings...
I love the story that radiates from them.

This old building just had "explore me" written all over it!

What trip to the great outdoors is complete without your proverbial cow making an appearance along side the road?

I think Dolly looks like a big fox here..
Mostly I am just showing off how well my new camera takes moving subjects.

We spent about 2 hours out exploring farm lands and the surrounding desert. No better way to spend a winters afternoon!

Animal Quote Monday

2008-12-29T14:59:00.000-08:00

"In order to live free and happily you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice." -Richard Bach

Our Winter Wonder Land

2008-12-27T18:09:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Animal Quote Monday-a day late- again

2008-12-23T08:55:00.001-08:00

Therefore all seasons shall be sweet to thee,Whether the summer clothe the general earthWith greenness, or the redbreast sit and singBetwixt the tufts of snow on the bare branchOf mossy apple tree. -Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Frost at Midnight

Tradition with a Twist

2008-12-20T11:55:00.001-08:00

Every year we love to make snowflakes. I think this is the kids very favorite Christmas project. We stepped outside the "tradition" box this year and added in some Christmas wrapping paper to make our snowflakes more colorful.

Because of the back light it's hard to see all the color, but most of these or various shades of red, green, and pink...Lou Lou wanted to use birthday wrapping so she could have hers pink.

We have never strung them like this before...I liked it. MD is making one for his bunk bed.

I wanted to do one snowflake on each kitchen cupboard..but after over an hour of cutting I lost some steam. This will have to do for now. Charlie was at choir when the kids and I made all of them, so he will probably want to add some latter.

This is the only bad part to the project..but it's worth it.

Please get me something nice for Christmas

2008-12-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

This year I have been thinking more and more about the economy...I know you're shocked right? It's not like the economy is a hot topic or anything. Well, it's true, this is the first year I have really dwelt on the less fortunate. That may be because it is in my face every time I turn on my computer, TV or pick up a paper. But I like to think I'm just that kinda of person, (slightly cheeky laugh)

What ever the reason you really can't help to think about money this year. There are just so many who are hurting so much. And yes, I know that there has been every year. There has never been a December when every child in the world went to bed healthy, full and warm. There has never been a month for that matter, that everyone everywhere had everything they needed. And I don't mean new socks for Christmas or a cheap plastic truck. I mean really important things like, water, food, shelter, safety.

This year I just can't do it anymore. I can't look forward to fancy, or even just fun gifts on Christmas morning when some have nothing. I can't buy my kids every little cutie thing I see so that the unwrapping will last more than 2 minutes, when some kids will wake up to nothing. And while every year our family tries to give canned food and a few toys in the bins...somehow this year that just doesn't seem like enough, maybe it never was.

This year this is my Christmas list. And even though most of you are strangers I am going to ask that you please pick one thing on my list to do for Christmas, and send me yours so that I can give you a gift too. If we all gave each other these gifts there really would be peace on earth...or at least a dang good start.

1. Smile at a stranger

2. Drop change in the bell ringers bucket

3. Buy a toy for the bin in the store

4. Give a dollar to the person on the street (not because of what he/she will do with it, but because in giving you also bless.)

5. Buy a bag of cat or dog food for your local shelter

6. Donate blood

7. Give up your seat on the bus to someone who has just as good of legs as you

8. Pay the toll for the car behind you

9. Pick up a plastic bottle off the street and recycle it

10. Say thank you to someone in a uniform

11.Wave to a total stranger

12. Let a car in in the mall parking lot and smile when you do it.

13. Tell the sales lady thanks for standing on her feet all day so you can buy your groceries

14. Give your kid's old coats to a family you know is struggling

15. (And this one I took from Charlie) Make an extra payment in your 401k for future security

These are the things I want for Christmas...and if you are one of my family and want to wrap something, write what you did down on a piece of paper, put it in a box and wrap it up for me.

I'm going to end with my Grandpa's favorite quote...

"I expect to go through this world but once, if I can do any good therefore, or offer any kindness to any of my fellow creatures, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

Christmas Show and Tell

2008-12-15T19:53:00.000-08:00

I like my house best at Christmas time. The lights, and smells and colors can not be topped any other time of the year!

Here are a few of my favorite spots in our home...

This is my "fancy" Christmas tree. We have another in the loft where we hang all of our family ornaments.

The one thing I miss about our old house is the fire place....the stockings just don't look right without one.

We love to play Christmas music together in the evenings...Charlie on the guitar, MD and I take turns on the piano, and Lou Lou sings.

Front room looking out.

I love this rocking horse!

The basket is filled with cinnamon pine cones that hit you when you first walk in.....and I love the wooden train.

This is the back yard pond...I'm always intrigued by the pattern the waterfall makes. (click to enlarge so you can really appreciate it.)

Hope all of you are having fun with your own homes, and I'd love to see some pictures...you can never have too many good ideas right?

Animal Quote Monday

2008-12-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

"Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?"
Edgar Bergen

Joy to The World

2008-12-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

MD and Lou Lou singing in church this morning. What they lack in tone they make up for in gumption!

Antique Corner

2008-12-13T19:28:00.000-08:00

I really like antiques, especially if it has personal history.

This is my Grandma's vanity. I think she got it when she was 16. You can see the matching bureau in the mirror. That is a picture of Grandma and Grandpa. You can't see it, but on the other side I have a pic of Charlie's grandparents from the same era.

This is my reading chair...I have to share it with Poncho. Someday I aspire to have my own library, complete with a rolling ladder, but until then this little corner of our bedroom will have to do.

Camera fun

2008-12-12T19:24:00.000-08:00

We got a new camera yesterday and Lou Lou and I were playing around with it.

Nope, not yet....

There we go...there's my blue eyed girl. Just look at those dimples!

Apple Cinnamon Ornaments

2008-12-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

( I stole this picture off the Internet..but they look pretty much like this, just a little flatter. You can decorate them with gel pens, or paint pens)

Every year, about halfway through December I get the feeling that I have not done enough Christmasy stuff to hold the family until next Christmas. Yes, I realize this is absolutely ridiculous and I wise person pointed out to me that Christmas is not a competition to see who can cram in the most family fun. Never the less, the feeling still hit last night.

So, if anyone else gets that feeling, or even if you are just looking for a simple and fun family project here is one you must try. I did this with Lou Lou's Kindergarten class this year and it is so fun. These ornaments smell SO good, and last forever!

The recipe is simple:

1 cup of apple sauce

1/3 cup of white glue (like Elmer's)

1 1/2 cups of cinnamon (this is a TON so buy bulk)

Mix together- chill for 1 hour or more.

Roll out and cut with cookie cutters (poke a hole at the top with a straw)

Air dry for about 24 hours.

When you are done you will have cute wonderful smelling ornaments to hang, give away, or tie to presents. And the kids love it! I hung one in my car to make it smell good!

Animal Quote Monday-a day late.

2008-12-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." -Victor Borge

I wish I were a cat

2008-12-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

Meet Jack. My 9 year old tabby. This is how his day went:

9:00 am

I found him snuggled down on my good sofa. Now keep in mind there are only 2 spots in the house that animals are not allowed. My fancy couch, and matching love seat.....but they know I'm a sucker for a cozy critter. I never seemed to have it in me to shoo them off when they are all curled up like that.

11:00 am

As Lou Lou and I were heading into the kitchen
for lunch we passed him. "No, no, don't get up" I said.

2:00 pm

See how well he listens!

4:00 pm

After the kids and I got home from school, this is what we found. My giant orange tiger, Poncho, has decided Jack's got the right idea!

6:00 pm

Just before Charlie walked in the door, home from work...........

I wish I were a cat!

Pets: pros and cons

2008-12-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

There are many, many things people should consider before getting a pet. This time of year parents go out and get a new puppy or kitty for a great Christmas gift, only to find out they weren't prepared to give it proper care. January -March are always full months at animal shelters. Taking in all those "gifts" that became overwhelming to busy families. I have taken the liberty to jot down a few pros and cons for potential pet owners to think about before you bring home that Christmas puppy.

CONS:

1. The hair: Take it from me, it gets everywhere. On your clothes, your carpet, sofas, church cookies!

2. The time: Depending on the type of pet you get this is a lot or not so much, but any pet will require some of your valuable time.

3. The noise: There is nothing louder than 2 dogs in a full blown wrestling match!

4. The cost: If you do get a pet you will need to invest in him. Buy quality food that supports their health. It costs more, but you wouldn't feed your kids bulk cereal for every meal. And vet bills, even if they stay relatively healthy from good diet and care a yearly vet visit is essential to good health.

5. The energy: Now a fish won't take much energy, but a dog needs exercise every day. And not just physical, but mental stimulation as well though training and games that work their intelligent minds. This can take it's toll on you after a long day.

6. The mess: No matter what kind of pet you get, some cleaning will be required, and your house may not look exactly perfect at all times.

These are just some of the cons you should consider before adopting a pet. And I say adopt because your local shelter is over flowing with all kinds of animals for adoption.

And now the pros of pet adoption,

Pros:

I could only think of one pro to adopting a new pet-

Enough said!!

Home for the Holidays?

2008-12-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

(This is Buddy. I got him from the local animal shelter in 1992. This will be my first Christmas without my best friend in 17 years....this post is for him, and all the other wonderful pets waiting for a home this holiday. In this season of giving please consider helping some of God's most vulnerable creatures.)

How to Support Your Local Animal Shelter: Holiday Edition
By CurbsideWriter

'The holiday season is supposed to be about giving. Animal shelters can use all of the giving that they can get, so why not consider that when you are out there shopping this season?';

Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You’ll Need:
A few extra dollars
A caring spirit
A little extra time

Step1 Consider contacting your local shelter and finding out what they need the most. You may be surprised when you find out what they need the most. Maybe volunteers? Dog walking, a fresh paint-job, plumbing help, lots of tennis balls for the pups? Try calling or just showing up, and asking. (Hint: go/call during not-so-busy times.)

Step2 Shop in quantity. Remember, BUY IN BULK! The shelter is probably over-crowded, and the animals could use all of the comforts they can get to help with the stress.

Step3 A few constant necessities: Dry dog food; dry cat food; jingly balls for the cats; tennis balls for the dogs; baby blankets; and, of course, volunteers!

Step4 Feel good about whatever you do. You deserve the selfish feeling of do-gooderness. It's better to do, than to not do and regret it.

Step5 Make it a tradition! Do this yearly. Maybe have your friends/family do the same. Plan a get-together. Ask for donations to the shelter, in lieu of gifts. Do your part

The Origin of the Christmas Tree Angel

2008-12-02T18:01:00.000-08:00

(This is a poem I wrote 8 years ago or so after hearing a joke about how the Angel came to be at the top of the Christmas tree)

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the North,
Every creature was stirring to bring presents forth.

Santa was scurrying to find his red sack,
Rudolph was fevered, the sled had a crack.

Mrs. Clause came forward to give out her warning;
Only twelve hours left until Christmas morning.

"Where is my coffee" Santa said with a huff.
"And why in the hell can't I get this bag stuffed?"

The elves were all quarreling over a poker game,
Dasher and Dancer were riddled with pain.

Santa's hot coffee was spilled in his lap,
"Good Lord" he exclaimed, "I could sure use a nap!"

He tried on his red suit-a little too tight,
He'd have to ride in long Johns all through the night.

Amidst all the talk, amidst all the clatter,
There came a small sound; rat-a-tat-tatter.

Santa opened the door to an angel so sweet,
With a cute smiling face standing there at his feet.

"Santa," she said, holding a Christmas tree thicket,
"Where in your house would you like me to stick it?"

Animal quote Monday

2008-12-01T08:56:00.001-08:00

"It seemes rather incongruous that in a society of supersophisticated communication we often suffer from a shortage of listeners."

-Erma Bombeck

Not our Daddy

2008-11-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

So, today, after a long and drawn-out shopping trip where my husband, 2 kids and I fought the wandering hoards of human debris to return and purchase items of absolutely no significance we passed an accident. No big deal. Lights flashed ahead of us; we pulled over to let 2 cop cars through. At first it looked as though the sea of blue and red would not part and we'd have to find an alternative route home. Mostly I was annoyed by the delay. It had been a long weekend and I really just wanted to be home having my Sunday nap.

I was being short with the kids when they asked what all the commotion was. MD was pulling on the back of my seat to get a better view and the scene ahead was just one more distraction in an already distracting day.

Not that I could blame the kids for rubber necking. Even a family on bikes had come out to see what was going on. A woman and 3 kids straddled their bikes on the side of the road, not the least bit concerned that they were in the way of the emergency vehicles trying to get through.

And then as the cops cut the traffic into one lane and let a few straggling cars get by I saw what had happened. Just to my right, not 10 feet away, lay a man stone cold on the road. The kids saw it too. I realized then that the biking family were not mere spectators, but witnesses to the accident. The victim their father, and husband.

Our car passed by fairly quickly but that 10-second image is something I will never forget. Dark brown hair, gray sweater and jogging pants; he was laying on his side, face turned away. His body was deathly still, a police man crouched beside him. Someone had put a white blanket under his head and it was soaked in a dark crimson.

MD said, "That's the dad who got hit mom." And I said a silent prayer that this would go away, not just for the unknown man's sake, but for his family, and for mine. I didn't want to think about mortality and how all of our hopes and dreams can be ripped from us in the blink of an eye.

So I said my silent prayer that the man would be okay, even though I knew he wouldn't. And I prayed for the family that they could be strong and not scared, even though I knew they couldn't. Then I took some deep breaths and reminded myself that I was okay, that everyone I loved was okay...this helped my anxiety some, until I heard Lou Lou say very quietly from the back seat, "I'm glad that's not our daddy."

Suddenly it hit all at once. It could be. For someone, it was their dad. Where moments before they had been a family now they were victims, lives changed forever. As a mother I live in a false sense of security, I think I have to to cope. I tell myself that if I make everyone wear helmets and seat belts and look both ways before they cross the street that I can protect them. Nothing can break my safe cozy bubble I keep wrapped around us, at least that's what I tell myself.

The truth is, we are all just one bike ride away from destruction in one form or another. Nothing we do can protect all of us all the time, and life is precious. I knew that today, and I've known it before. I'm sure there will be other shopping trips that get under my skin, times when my children are not my favorite people; life is just like that. But tonight, with my babies sleeping soundly in their rooms and my husband here with me, I am thankful for the fragile gift of life and in awe of the respect that it deserves.

The Eye of the Tiger

2008-11-29T17:56:00.000-08:00

Uncle's Rock Star X box game- $200

Grandma and Papa's TV- $900

A cousin sing-a-long- Priceless