Our Family Circus

I think it is safe to say that most pet owners spoil their pets! Our Annie, who was named after a friend's daughter,is no different. She got this fancy collar last Christmas from my sister. The I.D. tag came in the mail last week from our friends. It is complete with name, owner's name, address, and phone. Dolly likes the sound it makes on the collar as Annie is being walked. For Christmas, my aunt found this sweet bed for Annie. Dolly was thrilled that Annie had a new bed, all her own. This weekend, Annie raked in the goods at the dollar section when we stopped in to pick up Billy's video game. Dolly was ready to spend her allowance and who could resist a shamrock leash! Annie has enjoyed her new dish and Dolly keeps it filled. She takes such good care of Annie and loves her. Annie had a bath last week and then Dolly dressed her in a shirt to keep her warm and snuggled with her much of the evening. I think we can agree, Annie is a little spoiled. Dolly loves Annie so much!

Last February, our little man asked Jesus to come into his heart. You can read about it under a Sweatpant Week! I was well aware the anniversary of that day was approaching but not sure that our Billy was aware of its quick approach. Today is as special as the day he was born so we were not going to let it go quietly! First, he woke to find his door decorated. We then gave him cards. Grandparents and teachers from church emailed, mailed, and Facebooked messages to him. There were no gifts because they could not compare with the GIFT he received last year. Dolly made him the sweetest card. It said, "Happy Accepting Christ Day!" B. brought him a Tootsie Roll and said Happy Birthday. Then, off to PE class with a wonderful teacher...My Dear! Home from class and out the door to Chuck E. Cheese-the place for parties! My Dear had taken a group of kids there on Wednesday and already had a cup filled with tokens and a great start to tickets! Three cheers for free fun!!! Next

We have been to 3 funerals the last four weeks and my teddy bear of a brother called me at 1:30 this morning to inform me of another passing of someone I love. I, as well as the family, were unprepared. It left me tossing and turning because the question rattled in my head...were they ready? There is a difference in the funeral of a person who has a growing relationship with Jesus and a person who does not. One funeral we attended, we had worship! Five-year-old Dolly looked at me and said, "We know he is with Jesus" although she did not know the man personally. I could confirm with a head nod. God had laid this person on my heart long before today. But I wrote the name in my notebook and turned the page. Guilt stirred and I spent the morning dragging myself through the mommy motions. Did I send the note I intended to? Did they know the love in my heart was Jesus? Did they make a decision to be a Christian as a child? Did they know it is by grace though faith and not by our wo

I believe, 100%, that God orchestrates my day. How I respond to it is my choice! Sometimes I choose correctly but more often then not-I learn from my mistakes. Being a stay at home, I feel like my contact with non believers are limited. I know God called me to be home with the children so I have to trust Him not just for that part, but all of it. A month or so ago I went to the video store all by myself. Two things odd about this: 1. I don't care for TV so the video store is not my kinda place to spend money. 2. I went by myself-no little people! While at the video store I waited in a line typical of a weekend in the winter months-LONG! I noticed the man in front of me writing, pointing and occasionally making a grunting noise. I realized he was deaf. Here is the kicker! I actually have a degree in education for deaf and hard of hearing so I should sign and sign well BUT I earned that degree over 10 years ago and never used the deaf and hard of hearing part of it. So I am a bit r