Beach Day

On Memorial Day we went to the Beach! It was a gorgeous afternoon, perfect beach weather. It was mid 80s so hot, but not too hot. And it was sunny, but nice a breezy on the beach.

Zoey had a BLAST! She is such a water baby. She saw the ocean and literally gasped. We went to the beach in FL, but it was in the bay and very calm, this was the Atlantic, huge and full of life. She was ready to go right when we got there. Other than that, it is our first time coming out as a family this year and she wouldn't have remembered last year.

First, she walked along the tidal pools for a while and then we headed for the ocean. I was very excited about how excited she got about the ocean. After the first introduction, which she loved, we got her swimmies. With the floats on her arms, she was ready to go. Whenever a wave would knock her over, she got herself right back up. Those swimmies are amazing! They helped her keep her head above water and get her balance while getting back up. She wasn't afraid of the waves at all and would laugh when they hit her, even in the face.

She was so brave too. She wanted to go way deep. And we did too. We jumped waves all the way out beyond where she could touch. She liked splashing and swimming out there. She loves to bounce and we would "bow" over all the waves. She loved walking along the beach too, on the sand and in the surf.

We had a great family afternoon. I love the beach and I'm glad Zoey does too.

Zoey was so excited she ran from the car to the sand,
then she slowed down only because it was "hot hot"

Zoey loved the water!
She and the ocean make very good friends.

Of course, we had to spend some time
playing in the sand!

Zoey was ready to go back for more!

She was so happy in the water

Zoey liked riding on Daddy's back,
not only was she in the water, but she was climbing too!

She would laugh even when the waves splashed her in the face.

My baby girl, swimming in the ocean!
(She has a pretty good kick too.)

Zoey took her toys hostage when it was time to leave.

We had a blast, but then it was time to go home.

Day 21: The Importance of a Plan

Today is talking about the ant and the grasshopper. Have you ever heard that story? How the ant prepares all summer for the winter bringing food into his shelter and does nothing but work all day long. Then there is the grasshopper who plays all day and doesn't prepare anything for the long, cold winter. So the winter comes and the ant is safe, warm and feed and the grasshopper is out of luck.

I've never really liked that parable. Does it have to be one or the other? Do you have to be either the ant or the grasshopper? I think the key is to be somewhere in the middle.

I've always been a planner. I like things to run smoothly and everyone to have fun no matter what we are doing. But becoming a mom put all of my previous planning ideas on it's head. I'm still a planner, but in a whole new way. Let me explain...

Before I was a mom, I would plan every detail and get aggravated with deviation. Now, I'm a flexible planner. I still like to plan things, events etc., but now there is so much more to planning an outing with a baby/toddler/kid in general and I've managed to become a lot more flexible and enjoy the deviations because they are sometimes the most fun.

As a mom, I've gained a sixth sense about what we will need and what could go wrong. I love the impulse of "Let's go to the park!" However, with a small child there is no walking straight out the door without a little preparation. I know every mother/parent knows exactly what I'm talking about. You can't go anywhere without diapers, change of clothes, snack, sippy cup or bottles, a lovey or something to entertain, blankets for smaller babies... Your list may be a little different and have some more or some less on it, but the idea is there, it's amazing how much a little person needs, even for a short while.

My solution: Be prepared. I always keep a change of clothes, diapers and wipes ready in the diaper bag. I also keep a couple small toys, a pad and pencil and a small book in there (my daughter is almost two so this is what will occupy her). I keep snacks in baggies in the cupboard so I can just grab a couple and go. I try to keep a cup of juice in the fridge all the time so I can grab it, even around the house. I don't always, but filling a cups takes 45 seconds and if I don't have to do all that other stuff then it seems like no time at all. With this preparation, by the time shoes are on, we are out the door no matter how impulsive the outing is.

Now, I just have to work on planning dinners better. There is always something to improve!

*Note: The challenge is associated with Joyful Mothering from the book 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae.

Day 20: Time

Time is a funny thing. I remember having many conversations over coffee in college talking about time.

I also remember a friend's mom saying, "You better enjoy your life now (in college) because you'll never have this much time again." I didn't believe her. I figured, if I could just get through my classes and the papers I'd have plenty of time. I mean, a job only takes up 40 hours a week, that's plenty of time to left to do whatever I wanted. Yeah, right. I was young and delusional. Especially now that I am no longer working a 40 hour a week type of job. Being a stay at home mom is a 24/7 kind of job and on vacations, you take your work with you.

I'm not complaining, I love my job and I love my life. I now know what my friend's mom meant. I also would add that you'll never have more time to yourself. Roomates are one thing, a husband is something else, but with kids, your personal space and time is a sacred thing.

So time, more aptly, time management. It is a tough thing to manage time because often time manages you. I feel like I do fairly well at managing my time. I do have times where I don't do anything, but I don't get them enough for it to be a problem. And, I would say those 10 minutes I do nothing or spend an hour doing nothing but surfing the Internet or Facebook are sometimes the best time of my day. I am outwardly doing nothing productive, but inwardly, my mind is resting. By taking my mind off of my lists or frustrations for a little bit I am rejuvenated to start fresh and often get more done. True, if this were a constant thing it would be a bit different, but I'm doing good if I can have a computer on more than a couple/few hours a day because the rest of the time is spent with Zoey (and cleaning, etc.)

Time. Time is a tricky thing. It is amazing that no matter what, everything always gets done and I'm always better for it.

Now...cue Hootie and the Blowfish because I can't get that song out of my head!

"Time" by Hootie and the Blowfish

*Note: The challenge is associated with Joyful Mothering from the book 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae.

Day 19: Finding Joy in the Self-disciplined Life

Joy.

Joy is mentioned 244 times in the NIV bible, according to Bible Gateway. I would say it must be a pretty important topic.

The thing about joy is... it doesn't mean your life is going great, it doesn't mean you are in a good mood all the time, it doesn't even mean you have all the things that you want. It means you are at the core of your being satisfied.

The disciples definitely didn't have things going great for them all the time, in fact, they all were persecuted in some way, most were killed. However, they had joy.

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happed to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV

There are many times in life that things just need to get done. The dishes, for example, the laundry is another, but I am thankful that we live in a time where I am not persecuted for my beliefs (for the most part anyway). I am also glad I live in a time where I have a washing machine to help me out.

I am joyous everyday. I may not be happy about doing chores or getting interrupted, but at the core of my being I am satisfied. I love God and I love my family. Everything else is just details.

*Note: The challenge is associated with Joyful Mothering from the book 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae.

Memorial Day, Remembering Papa

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day is a wonderful day when we remember all of the people that have ever served our country. The more I think about it, the more I realize it is a bittersweet day. We, as Americans, are celebrating our freedom to live as we do in the U.S.A., but we are also celebrating the lives of those who defended our country and are no longer here to enjoy it.

My Papa, Taylor Cogar
One of the best men I know

Memorial Day is bittersweet for me personally as well as I remember my Papa, Taylor Cogar. Not only did he serve in the army in WWII, but he died two days before Memorial Day two years ago. I miss him very much, he was a wonderful man.

Papa and I when I was a baby.

My Papa was the kind of man that everyone liked, he made no enemies because he had such a kind and fascinating character. He would go out of his way to help you and if he gave you his word, he meant it. He promised my Grandmother that he would keep a house in WV (where they are from) so their family could continue living up there. Even though my Grandmother died 10 years before Papa and he nontheless kept his word until there was no family left to live in the house.

My Nanaw and Papa
They loved each other very much.

My Papa loved his wife Anna very much. My Nanaw struggled with diabetes, especially later on in life, but my Papa was right beside her, caring for her through all of the good times and bad. Not only did he love his wife, but he loved and respected all of his family. Even me, a little pip squeak that for most of my childhood was so ready to go and do, but Papa always took time out to just listen to me.

My Mom and Papa. 

My Papa loved his country very much. I always knew Papa served in WWII, but I didn't know anything about it and I didn't think he wanted to talk about it either. But when I was in the 9th grade, we had a writing project to interview someone who fought in WWII. My Mom suggested I talk to Papa. I was nervous because I didn't want to press on the subject. I was pleasantly surprised that he did talk, a lot. And he allowed me to understand what (at least somewhat) life was like for him in the Army. I even found out he was on Normandy Beach on D-Day. He was in the wave behind General Patton. I realize now that was one of the first grown-up conversations I ever had with him, which then opened up the door for many more.

Papa and I at Myrtle Beach enjoying ice cream on the pier

Ever summer, for as long as I can remember, I went with Papa to Myrtle Beach on Spring Break where he had a time share. I loved those trips. I would go with Mom and sometimes Dad. We even went before Nanaw died. But the later years, when I was in high school are the ones I remember the most. Again, Papa would always listen to me and respect what I wanted to do while we were there. My favorite was always miniature golf. I loved to sit on the balcony and write. I really love the beach, I'm glad I have some good memories of Papa there.

Papa, Stephen and I celebrating Papa's Birthday!

I love all of my grandparents. But, I realize now that Papa was really the only one I knew past childhood. All of my other grandparents died before I was old enough and mature enough to respect them as a person, not just being my grandparent. I respected Papa for the man he was, not just that he was my grandfather. As I got older, got into and graduated from college, got married and then became a Mother, I loved Papa even more. He was there through it all. He was at my graduation from Clemson and at my wedding. He died before he met Zoey, but he asked about her all the time (I was about 6 months pregnant when he died). I knew he was proud of me, and it makes me even more proud of myself.

Papa with all of his grandchildren.
He loved us all so much!

I enjoyed talking to him so much and even sometimes just sitting together and enjoying the afternoon. He was such a wonderful man. He was the simple, quiet man that affected your life subtly, but always for the better. It's hard not to think of Memorial Day without thinking of Papa. Then again it's hard to do much of anything without thinking of Papa. But we always celebrate his life and he lived his to the fullest!

I love you Papa!

The best picture ever!
This is often how I remember Papa.

The Best Day

Yesterday was the best day! We had such a great time hanging out with friends and spending time together.

The best part, I realize, is that Stephen and I can reconnect and have quiet conversations about things not pertaining to schedules, finances, Zoey, pets or other necessary things. We spent a lot of time just with each other talking about whatever. I like that we can feel refreshed and renewed with each other even among the chaos of everyday. Relationships are a lot of work, but you know you have a strong connection when the work doesn't feel like work at all.

Caitlin (Left), Gwen (9 months), Tristan (right)

 Today is our friend, Caitlin's birthday, so yesterday we celebrated her birthday and Memorial Day in one big bash with lots of friends, some we knew and some we met for the first time. It was so great to have such a lively group of people where it didn't matter if you were stranger or not, the conversion flowed easily and by the end of the day it felt like you were among family. There was even music! Turns out there are several musicians amongst the group, including Stephen and Caitlin. They jammed and talked and it was great. There were also several kids there, which was refreshing. I'm glad Zoey could play and interact with other kids, one girl only a month older than her. It was such a great time. 

Zoey and Mommy had a great time meeting new people!

My wonderful husband and his guitar

After we got home and took a nice nap we decided to go downtown and have dinner with Lance and Shannon. We met them at the Pita Pit, which is delicious by the way and very healthy. I enjoyed a delicious Chicken Caesar Pita and Zoey took bits of mine and Stephen's. We had a nice walk downtown. Zoey loves walking and seeing everything. It was a great way to spend the evening.

Zoey enjoying a bite of Daddy's Pita

We ended the evening by enjoying a cupcake at the bakery, "Cupcake" (very aptly named I would say, and absolutely delicious!) I shared a red velvet and a carrot cupcake with Stephen and Zoey and enjoyed a nice cup of Hazelnut coffee. Then the stroll back to the car was so lovely. Zoey walked through Marion's Square (basically a big field downtown) and Stephen and I got to walk while holding hands. It's amazing the little things you miss with a toddler in tow. It was such a great evening with our family and friends.

The perfect way to end the evening!

Enjoying a nice walk downtown

The whole day, but especially the evening walking downtown made me reminiscent of my college days. I went to Clemson (B.A in English) and had a wonderful four years meeting people, studying and chatting over coffee about anything and everything. We even ran into one of Stephen's friends from college (Charleston Southern) while we were out and he mentioned that he was having college flashbacks as well all day. (Even more so for him probably because he walked the streets of downtown Charleston while we was in college.)

Stephen: The Love of My Life

It was such a wonderful day. Good friends, good conversation, good food--you can't ask for much more than that. Zoey was especially good all day, even with a late nap and late bedtime. It made the day special and relaxing. The best part is, at the end of the day, I have my wonderful husband to come home with and kiss goodnight.

Day 18: Making Your Personality Work For You

I don't really know which personality listed fits me. None of them really sound right. I am laid back and easy going and my cleaning style parallels that. I do the thing that bugs me the most first. It's a pretty easy system really. I get the daily stuff done when it works for me. I don't exactly sit around and wait for motivation, but if I feel like I need to do something else in that moment I do that instead and don't worry about it too much. Because at some point that thing will become what I need to do. It all gets done. The more I read and learn the less I want to define my cleaning habits, instead I am accepting that my habits are okay because the work for me and my family.

*Note: The challenge is associated with Joyful Mothering from the book 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae.

Friday Fun

Today has been a very exciting day! It's really just a bunch of little things, but it's the little things in life that make it worthwhile. So...I am ready to chatter away!

There was a lot of bird babble and Eli was very interested in the window. I looked out and saw this baby bird on the window sill. It was really cool. The Mommy or Daddy birds were up on the roof talking to him. He stood there for a while, gathering the nerve probably, and then flew along the ground and then off the ground. It was awesome to see one of his first flights! 

Our plan today was to go to the pool with a friend of mine, Michelle. To get ready I got out all of Zoey pool floats. Once Zoey saw this one she immediately started playing with it, she didn't even give me a chance to blow it up. She was so cute driving the little float car. She would run across the room saying "choo choo!"

This morning I took Eli to the vet. It was a well appointment to check him out after adopting him last Saturday. He got a clean bill of health! He weighs 98 pounds. He has actually gained a little weight since he has been with us from the shelter, so that is a very positive thing. And he did so good at the vet! Even though there were several dogs and cats there, he did not get to excited about them and stayed right with me. All the nurses and the doctor commented on how well behaved and sweet he was. He gave everyone that leaned down to him a big doggie kiss. They also commended me on my was of handling him (keeping him close to me and giving cues to where he needed to be) which made me feel really good. I have never had a dog before so I am learning as I go. Thankfully, we have watched a lot of Caesar and the Dog Whisper so I understand the concept of pack leader.

Even though it was overcast today we still made it to the pool with Michelle. Zoey had such a wonderful time! She is such a water baby, just like I was. Those arm floats are awesome! She got confident enough in the water that I didn't even have to hold her all the time. I was so proud of her. She would kick her legs and reach out her arms trying to swim. She even floated back and forth between me and Michelle a few times. She didn't want to leave either, but the clouds were starting to turn dark so it was time to go.

Look at her go! She is such a little fish! 

It's been a good day. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Day 17: Your Cleaning Style

"Don't Beat Yourself Up!"

I like this one. The point is...everyone is different and everyone will do things differently. I actually just wrote about this, to "Do It Your Own Way." It's kind of funny that the same subject came up two days in a row.

Dear God, I'm listening!!!

For today's Mary challenge, Sarah Mae encourages us to complete the D.I.S.C personality test. I finished mine and it resulted in: Supportive. I completely agree with that. The summery is as follows:

"Supportive, steady, status quo, and sweet. This person likes to help and support other. They tend to focus on teamwork and cooperation over results."

That makes a lot of sense to me. It also probably explains why I am more worried about my family and how they are feeling than actual work to be done. I prefer working on things that make others happy, which is also why I don't take a lot of time for myself. I like to see someone's eyes like up when they receive something meant just for them. And I love to see my husband's eyes light up when I randomly bake brownies. And I love to see my daughter laugh and learn when I take the time to include her in cooking, crafts, or whatever I doing.

The Do's and Don'ts...
DO it your own way, and DON'T beat yourself up!

*Note: The challenge is associated with Joyful Mothering from the book 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae.

Weekly Gratitude

This has been a rough week on me. Not really bad per-say, just frustrating. It has been a series of days where I feel like I can't get anything done and nothing is going the way I expect it too. On top of the normal funk, we've been adjusting to life with a dog and Zoey being terribly two (this basically means that she is sweet until I need her to be sweet and behave and then she is a wild child.)

Okay, enough complaining from me. It's not been that great of a week, so Weekly Gratitude is even more important! It's especially when all the little things start aggravating me that I need to stop and appreciate what all I have, which is a lot!

I am especially grateful for...

...Wasabi! This is a kid's plate, can you believe it? She had a salad too. Zoey went to town on it too. I loved her trying to use the chopsticks like Mommy and Daddy. 

...Date Night. Even with friends and daughter in tow, it was such a great and special night. It was the first time I'd ever had sushi for the entire meal and it was delicious! Stephen really looks after me and loves me so much. I am very thankful for such a wonderful husband.

...Markers and coloring sheets. Let's face it, nothing is more therapeutic than coloring.

...Family walks. Not only is it great family time, it's also great exercise. It will be more enjoyable when it isn't bordering on 100 degrees outside, but it was still a lot of fun.

...The best night-time routine is a while. Stephen was at band practice on this evening, but Zoey and I had a relaxing and sweet evening together. She took a bath and then we watch Mickey just before bed. Then she went to her bed, gave me sweet kisses, and said night-night. She really is so sweet when she wants to be.

...Foam letter. These are so great for bath time. Zoey is learning all her letter now and she will put them up there and say letter sounds. It's not always the correct sound to letter, but she is learning and doing really well.

...My Nook! I LOVE my Nook! I am finally able to read my first book on it, Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts (The second book in her Bridal Quartet series). It too, is amazing. I am enjoying reading again and don't want to put the book down. The Nook makes it easy to read and carry around too.

...Birds. They entertain us all. Zoey is trying to find the one making all the noise in the tree. Eli will chase one every once in a while (better a bird than the cats). And I love to look at them. I saw a beautiful Cardinal and his mate dancing in the back yard this week.

...Our Garden. It's coming along quite wonderfully. We have eaten tomatoes, jalapeños, lettuce and an onion out of it so far and it is delicious!

...Zoey and Creampuff. I'm so glad Zoey loves her kitties so much. She is giving Puff some love after Eli chased her again. Zoey is really so sweet.

...For clothes that fit! I can now fit into a size smaller pants and shirts! I am so excited! Though my workout routine lulled during our two weeks of visits, I am getting back on track and am enjoying the results!

I hope you have had a good week. Even though life can be frustrating at times, there is still so much to be thankful for. 

"A happy heart makes the face cheerfful, but heartache crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:13 (NIV)

:Give thanks to the Lord, for his good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

Do It Your Own Way

This is actually a Wonder Pets song. Though not my favorite cartoon, it's cute and Zoey likes it. I think it's the high-pitch singing that takes it off the top of my list despite my high tolerance for Toddler TV.

They sing about doing things the best way for you instead of trying to imitate what someone else is doing. They sing "Do it your own way" a lot. Though high-pitched, it is catchy. And very true.

I notice that kids try to copy each other all the time. I suppose, just like they copy adults. One kid will say "Let's play dinosaurs" and every kid will tag along whether they know the name of a dinosaur or not. And as easily it will turn into something else. It is amazing watch how kids play together and can make believe anything.

I saw prime example of kids copying each other when we visited Stephen's family and Zoey's three cousins (ages 3 and 4). Stephen had taught the kids to build cubes out of foam puzzle squares. He showed them one way and they all tried it. Kiley got it right off the bat and four-year-old Connor found his own way to do it with no help. But October had a hard time. She came to me upset that she couldn't get it. I showed her a different way to put the cube together. But she said that wasn't how Kiley did it so it wasn't right. I told her that there are often many different ways to do things and sometimes you just have to do it the way it works for you. She did it then and was happy.

This was before "Wonder Pets" brought it to my attention how common that happens. Once I saw the show, that event immediately popped into my head. Not only do we try to copy other's actions, we often determine our worth by comparing ourselves to others.

As adults we to try to follow the crowd and copy others. We think ourselves failures if our house doesn't look like so and so's or we can't cook like so and so. But, the beauty is that we all have things we are good at and we each have our own style for living. God made each one of us unique and He intended it that way. If we were all the same, let's face it, we would live in a very boring world.

We need to not judge ourselves, our actions or our possessions against someone else. We only have God and ourselves to answer to, so perhaps it isn't worth it to be so hard on yourself. You just have to "Do it your own way!"

"Do not judge other, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37 (NLT)

Closing Time?

What would happen if the Internet shut down for even a day? Now that would feel like the end of the world. Businesses wouldn't be able to run, the stock market would crash, our ability to communicate would almost cease and people would have to find a new hobby besides online games, facebook or watching youtube.

I love the Internet as much as the next person (obviously, I'm using it right now), but the question came to mind today. Two blogs I follow have closed their comments in order to better live their real lives (the one outside the Online community). I commend their efforts to focus on their families, their homes and their lives. And it makes me take a look at myself...

Stephen, Zoey and I enjoying our evening.

Thankfully, I've never had a problem with being addicted to the Internet. I know it can be very addicting. I've read a lot recently, even before these two "closings," about how social media is affecting individuals focus on what really matters. (Jon Acuff has a great post on this call "Losing sight of the tweets that matter most.")

I started thinking about why I write this blog. At the top of the list is MY SANITY! That is a very good reason to write. I've always been a writer, even as a kid. I'm horrible at keeping a journal, but I like to write things down to get them out of my head or sort through my thoughts. I have a tendency for my head to get so full of thoughts that I can't even think straight, let alone focus on what I am actually doing. So in that respect, my blog is very nice. It allows me to write down and sort through my thoughts while sharing my experiences with other.

I have come to love this aspect of blogging. I was at first nervous to have my thoughts out there for anyone to read, but the more feedback I get, the more I realize that people aren't out there to judge you (for the most part at least) they are out there reading to find others who think like they do. I believe people, at the core, just want to be accepted and find others who share the same experiences. Through this community I am a stronger mother and, I think, a better homemaker. I have found others who struggle with the same daily tasks and deal with the same type of rambunctious kid(s) like I do. It has made me like I can handle anything. And some days, it just gives me a chance to share a laugh with some friends.

I do get myself a little overwhelmed at times. I get so many ideas that I just can't get them all down. I'm trying to write down the gist of it so I can come back to it. I think that is more my mind going into hyper-drive. I am making it a point not to get stressed though because I don't want my escape to become my prison. I don't want to post because I feel like I have to, I want to want to. (Did you get that?) I want to keep my love for writing.

I do follow a simple, yet very important guideline...I only blog when Zoey is asleep (napping or bedtime), I don't do chores when she is asleep, I do things for myself because it is one of the few times I get to myself. In fact, I do more during naps because much of my evening is spent with Stephen. In other words, I don't blog when I should be doing something else. My family always comes first.

Blogging really is an escape for me. It is one of the things that I do for myself. I love for everyone to read, enjoy and share with me on my blog, but I write it only for me. I need the escape to give myself a chance to think. You'd be surprised how hard it is to get a coherent thought in with a toddler, a new dog and a house that demands attention. Then again, maybe you wouldn't be surprised at all.

I used to have conversations all the time about life, love, how the universe works, how I want to spend my life and what I want to do. I miss these conversations. I have some of those topics fairly figured out, but there are always dreams to have and things I want to do. I want to keep talking about how the universe works and to add to that now, what makes a toddler tick. Whoever figures that one out should win the Nobel Peace Prize.

The next generation is extremely tech savvy!

I will say that giving our "real life" the attention it needs is getting harder and harder. Zoey (not even two) already loves playing with my iPhone and understands a lot about computers. The next generation is growing up with technology (much more than I did) and I believe it is important to teach what really matters. The best way to teach is to be an example. I am trying; just another reason to blog while she is asleep. Honestly, I think we will be just fine.

So...that's a lot of rambling. Hopefully it made at least a little sense. The point is: I love to write and I hope you enjoy reading it. I love to hear what you have to say and stories you want to share. Just remember that life outside of the computer is more important.

For some reason this subject has gotten the song "Closing Time" by Semisonic in my head (I can't believe that song is over a decade old now.) The best phrase: "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here."

By the way...
The two blogs that closed it's comments are "Love, Life, Lace" and "Like a Warm Cup of Coffee" by Sarah Mae (the author of the book challenge I am doing "31 Days to Clean").

Does the Internet ever get in your way of living? I hope you are having a great day!

Day 16: Willing Hands

Are our hands willing? Are our hearts willing?

These are very important questions.

My answer: Most of the time.

Most of the time, I don't mind cleaning. I am even learning how to do it joyfully everyday. I pick up what I can and do what I can and leave the rest alone. Again--most of the time.

Sarah Mae touches on the word "can't" today. It is a very naughty word and I think of it on the same lines of a curse word. "Can't" should not be in your vocabulary. I have learned (at times the hard way) that speaking negatively reaps negative actions and attitudes. Thankfully, through God's grace and focusing on the positive, I have overcome most of my negative tendencies.

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. it exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

Life's about the little things...
Zoey and I enjoyed a fresh strawberry from our plant.

My biggest obstacle of willing hands is getting overwhelmed. We already touched on this some on Day 10. It's at this point that it starts to feel like work and less of a willing attitude. Today is a prime example:

We got a dog this past weekend. You can Meet Eli, our new Newfoundland mix "puppy." So today is the first normal day and trying to find a new routine. Eli is really great and well behaved, but it does take some getting used to anytime a routine is altered, this change just happens to be affected me the most.

This is Eli. He is such a sweet dog!

Anyway...this morning I felt overwhelmed. I got up grudgingly (I'm still working on positive in the mornings.) I got Zoey up who was now beating on her door, I let Eli outside who was now pacing behind me, then I try to remember what to do next, oh yeah--breakfast. So I go in the living room to turn on Mickey while I start breakfast when I remembered that I haven't even used the bathroom myself yet. So I did that and then remembered to let Eli back in the house. I started breakfast with a very hungry dog under my feet (I love him, but humans come first, at least the pint sized one.) So I got Zoey her cereal and banana and realized I haven't changed her yet, thankfully she was fairly dry. So I changed her and got her eating happily while watching Mickey. Now it was time to feed Eli. I got his food ready (we are doing half dry and half wet) something that I don't quite have down to a science yet. Then I gave him the food after he sat and stayed very well (he's such a good dog.) Then I got my orange juice to go with my cereal and went to sit down with Zoey. Sigh. It's only been like 10 minutes (if that) into the morning and I already felt fried. And as I eat my cereal I tried not to think about the dirty dishes sitting in the sink or the three loads of laundry I need to do (Monday is self-imposed laundry day at our house.)

Well, you get the picture. I feel overwhelmed when there is a lot to do and it all needs to happen now. Every morning doesn't feel this rushed, thankfully, and we will get the newly added dog routine down, I'm sure of it. But, it's times like these that make my hands feel unwilling. I get so much on my mind that I don't know what to do next.

I am working on this! I am making my lists a priority. That is helping. It lets me know that I have a plan so I can focus on what I am doing now. That is a big step for me.

My feet were the first thing to get in the pool.
Zoey dragged me into the pool laughing!

To be honest the thing that has helped most today was when Zoey and I were playing outside in the pool and she pulled me (willingly) into the pool with her. It was so nice to rest and cool off on a hot summer day in her little pool. It made me forget all of my overwhelmed feelings from this morning and I realized (as I so often do) that spending time with Zoey is the only thing I really need to accomplish every day.

*Note: The challenge is associated with Joyful Mothering from the book 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae.

Meet Eli

Meet Eli, Our New Puppy

Today we adopted a puppy from the SPCA and gave him a forever home! I say puppy, but he is estimated to being about 6 years old. He is a Newfoundland mix, somewhere between 125-150 lbs and about 3 feet tall (taller than Zoey). Stephen and I always wanted a big dog and I think we got our wish.

After she meets him, Zoey immediately says "hi"

He is such a gentle giant. I first spotted him purely on his size and pointed him out to Stephen. As soon as we met him I think we knew he would be ours. However, it was a blazing 93 degrees out and we were all hot and hungry. After a short lunch break we went back and asked immediately for this dog.

Zoey wants to pet Eli, they became fast friends

Stephen got him and walked with him for a little while and then me and Zoey went to meet him. Zoey immediately said "hi" to the puppy and started clapping and being excited. My heart melted. She petted him and then I was sold, this was going to be our new puppy. He even gave me doggie kisses!

We tried to learn about his past from the ladies with the adoption agency, but they couldn't tell us a whole lot. They were brought in as strays, but they appeared to be from a home environment because they were so tame and well behaved. They had only been at the rescue shelter about three weeks, so we were glad we could give him a new home.

Eli riding home with us!
Zoey was so excited about her dog.

Zoey was so excited when she saw the dog in the car with her. I think she realized then that this dog was going to be ours and that we were not just visiting. It was pretty cool to see her so fascinated. Eli is such a sweetheart to her too. He will be patient while she pets him (she does pretty good but she tends to get excited and forget about the "gently" part.

Eli is a good fit

Eli has even done really good with the cats. This basically means he leaves them alone, which is really all they want. Laz hissed at him once and then we introduced them and all was fine.

Zoey and Eli playing together outside

We were thinking about getting a little puppy when we went to the SPCA event at Petsmart, but soon realized Zoey doesn't always do well with high energy like a puppy has. So we started considering an older dog. I think this was a good decision because 1. the cats would take better to calm energy (as well as Zoey and us too) and 2. He was already house trained so we didn't have to worry about potty training a puppy and a toddler.

Yep, He's Good!

Eli has only been with us a day, but I think he will do just fine. He is so mellow, he fits right in with us. He's already taken a nap on the couch, so I know he feels safe. And our yard is big enough for him to move in so he can get lots of exercise at the house as well as on walks.

Already right at home!

We chose the name Eli because he looks like an Elijah, strong and sound. But we will just call him Eli. I'm so excited to invite this puppy into our home. He already feels like a part of our family. We will make lots of memories together. I would say I think we found just the right dog, but I suppose, he really found us. We are all going to be very happy.