New Years Eve Trauma

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole-Roger Caras

This is the way Indy spends New Years Eve (as well as 4th of July) -shaking in the bath tub or under the bed, desk, etc. The only thing we've found he is truly afraid of is fireworks. One of his quirks you could say. It's okay, though... Indy (short for Indiana Jones) came into our life unplanned six years ago. He needed a home and we were afraid what might happen to this puppy that was brought to us if we didn't find a family for him. Surprise! That family became us. Joel's sister said she'd take him, but when it came time to hand him over, Joel and Caleb couldn't do it. He has since weaved himself into our hearts and will remain with us the rest of his days. Somehow, I became his number one. I wouldn't change that! He is my running companion, my nurse and listener. When I am terribly sick and lying on the bathroom floor, it's Indy that gently pushes his head and shoulders under me and tries to lift me up. Although he gets carsick, he was my companion on the long, slow, drive when we moved to Tennessee and he never threw up in my car! When I'm home, he seldom leaves my side. He's quite fearless- other than fireworks. Last spring he even chased a skunk. The result was Indy trying to run away from the smell on his nose. Unfortunately, he left the fragrance everywhere he ran in the house. Ugh!! He is a McNab-which is basically a short haired border collie. This means he is highly intelligent and easily learns new tricks. It also means it's hard to outsmart him when playing!

Our other dog is Archie. We got him at the local animal shelter in CA. They said he has chihuahua in him but we think he is more a mixture of whippet, terrier, and maybe min. pinscher. He has a sweet, lovable spirit. A week after we got him, he fell off the couch and broke his leg. Archie weighed a grand total of 3 1/2 lbs. with his cast on! He has since grown to weigh about 10 lbs. Indy and Archie get along much as a big and little brother.

I have always had a dog although not as spoiled as ours are now. Yes, I read Marley and Me. And yes, it made me cry. I'm not sure when I'll have the guts to see the movie- it was hard enough watching the Walt Disney movie Eight Below. I truly believe that a reflection of a man's character is how he treats a dog. I have had some wonderful furry companions in my life. The question is- will they be happily waiting for me on the other side of the veil?? I hope so.........

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.
-Gilda Radner

Christmas 2008

"At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched--none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph--and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby--that's how Christmas began...."-Jeffrey R. Holland

Christmas 2008 is over but the memories will remain. We enjoyed seeing Lukas experience his first Christmas. And we were happy Caleb and Heidi were able to spend the holiday with her family in Minnesota. Memories of past Christmases have a special place in my heart and I'm so thankful for this special time of year. You can't avoid a feeling of love for others during the holidays. I do believe that we each feel the desire to be close to Christ. This desire is perhaps never stronger than during the Christmas season. The goal for me is to really try to keep that desire alive. We weren't given the chance to be led by a star as the wise men, or to hear the choir of angels, or to kneel before the manger like the shepherds. But what we can do is to live our lives as Christlike as possible. We can strive to keep the feelings of love and goodwill that we feel during the holidays with us always. If we could do that, wouldn't it be fantastic?!! I hope each of you had a special, memory making Christmas!!!

Lukas wanting to desperately have some Christmas Eve dinner!

Lukas with his new walker. Yep, he is only 4 1/2 months but boy is he strong!!

Christmas Spectacular!

Our kids did a really sweet thing for our anniversary. They all scraped some money together and bought us tickets to the Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular show in Nashville. It was very thoughtful of them because they know we don't very often splurge on something like that for ourselves. So Friday night, Joel and I went to the show and thoroughly enjoyed it! It was such a fun production. The best part was at the very end when they had the living nativity scene- complete with camels, sheep, donkeys and beautiful costumes. I'll admit, I was kind of emotional. It was a beautiful tribute to Christ! The Grand Ole Opry House was full of people on their feet during the wonderful scriptural narration. What a great way to feel that fantastic holiday spirit! Thanks kids! You're each so awesome!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

I love this time of year! It brings back so many good holiday memories- doing Christmas drop and runs for needy families with my family when I was little, baking yummy goodies with Alayna for friends and neighbors, singing "Silent Night" as a family at the doors of neighbors, watching the excitement of Caleb and Alayna when they were little, etc. So many memories! And this year the cycle begins again as we get to enjoy everything through the eyes of a new little one. Life is good! I am so thankful for so many things! Merry Christmas!