Saturday Again

That week seemed to fly by ...

What gorgeous weather we've had all week! All of a sudden all of the trees are blooming. I remember going  home from the hospital after I had the Boogie, the last week of April, and how I noticed that trees were blooming. This is a full month earlier. I know I keep talking about it but I just can't get over it. Our yard is so lush and green ... and needing to be mowed. Of course today it's supposed to rain. That just figures, right?

The past few weeks have been a little challenging with the Boogie. Our normally cheerful, obedient, easy-going girl has been rather obstinate and willful lately. But the other night she did something that made me so proud of her. At our church's mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study the kids have Bible club. They sing a lot, play some games, have a lesson, and always eat a snack. As I get the girls ready for bed after church I always ask the Boogie what she had to eat. This week she said, "Well, I didn't eat a snack because it was fruit snacks. It was blueberry fruit snacks and they are gummy and you told me gummy things are bad for my teeth. And that's what the dentist told me. So I told DiDi [teacher] I'm not allowed to have any." Now, she is allowed to have fruit snacks, though they are an occasional treat because I don't buy them. But bless her heart, I was so pleased that she did what she thought was right! When parenting is challenging those little moments make you feel as if all your hard work "ain't been in vain for nothing." (Name that movie.)

She told me today that when she grows up she wants to be a mom and an animal rescuer, and that I can watch her kids while she goes to work. What a deal, right?

I think I'm ready to share some of our news. Dog 2.0 has taken up residence in our house. I had such terrible (debilitating, unprecedented) anxiety with Sophie that after we took her back to the shelter I thought I was cured of wanting a dog for a long, long time. But several weeks ago I started thinking about it again, about how we'd always wanted one, and about how we were so pleased that this house already had a fenced yard so that we could get a dog, and so on. Eric and I talked about it and started praying and looking again and found this little girl about 2.5 weeks ago.

She was a rescue from a southern state (Georgia?) being fostered by a couple in Philly. They guessed her age to be 1-2 years old. She was described as a corgi mix, and I can definitely see some corgi in her face and ears and body, though her legs are too long! We can't figure what she is mixed with -- maybe a terrier?

She was very mellow when we first got her -- she was on antibiotics for a respiratory infection and now that she's off of them and more used to us she's much more playful. She tolerates the girls well but prefers the attention of grown-ups; however, she immediately rolls onto her back for a belly rub from anyone of any age. She's been very good about leaving kid toys alone, and quickly learned that she's not allowed into the playroom, or up on the furniture ... she also quickly figured out that if we are all asleep we won't see her on the couch or recliner!

When we got her she had just weaned a litter of pups about a week before; that seemed so sad to me since she is barely more than a puppy herself. I started calling her "mama" right away and now it's a habit.

Mama Dog loves to be outside and if the weather is nice she will hang out in the yard all day, barking at passers-by with her funny little raspy bark, and lounging in the sun or shade as catches her fancy.

 

She often has to pick up a leaf or twig or pinecone to bring into the house when it's time to come in. Funny dog. We make a fuss, and after she drops it we quietly throw it in the trash or back outside.

I'm doing better with her than I did with Sophie. I've had some anxiety -- though not nearly as much -- mostly triggered by a couple of minor health-ish things she's been dealing with, and by the shedding. Oh, the shedding. I don't like it but I'm trying to handle it the best I can, including ordering that magic tool known as a Furminator. And thanks to some wise counsel and Philippians 4:6-9 I've had less anxiety for the last couple of days, too. *Thanks, Mom*

But that's not all! I'll have one more thing to share in a day or two. And no ... not a baby announcement. :)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9