It Didin't Take Long!

Well, I didn't last long! 3 Weeks ago today, Novemeber 26,2011, I brought home "Baxter". He was born Sept. 15 and is just about the cutest thing ever! His full name is Baxter Madison Benton. It's been a loooooong time since Ive had a baby, but I LOVE IT! Puppies are hard!!! He is doing great re: potty training. Maddie has taught him to fetch a ball and bring it back (such a good big sister!). Maddie girl is still not thrilled with the idea, but is warming up to him. I'm just a sucker!!!!Rumor has it that he is part chihauha, rat terrier, and maybe beagle. Whoooooo knows! He is only 3 lbs and will probably get to only 10-12 lbs. Never had a little yippy dog before...I like it!!! Baxter has found his forever home, just in time for Christmas.
On another note, tomorrow I'm leavin' for Ga! I AM MAKING IT in one day...more time with the babes! Got alot of wrapping and packing to do today, but can't wait to see 'em all!!!! This time last year they Ashley, Ally, and Avery were with me, while Em, Jay, and Lyse were in China getting Asher! Wow have things changed in a year! Will recap the year in another post....
All for now my blog....will post another soon

Should I or Should I NOT??!!

ok..it's been a very loooong time since I've had only one pet..Maddie is not young, but right now she is an only. At times I still can't believe I have only one pet! It's been 20+ years since that has happened. So, now I consider...should I adopt another one? I look at the Petfinder website every day. I'm just lookin'. I see those cute faces, but I'm not feelin' it right now. I kinda like coming home to just ONE! And THEN....I think again, and start thinkin' about a new baby. A new baby dog..don't think I'll get another cat. Love those kitties, but, I want to be able to take "it" camping and such. Can't do that with a cat..soooo, SHOULD I OR SHOULD I NOT...guess for right now, if I'm undecided, then that IS the answer. "NO"..at least for right now! I think in time I will want another one, but I want to be able to be home for a few days in succession before I bring one home.
Well, we'll see...MAYBE, MAYBE NOT!

Still Missing Him

It's been almost a week since Sparkey died, and I can't help but think about him often. I miss his snuggling by my face, I miss kissing him under his chin...I miss him sitting FOREVER in my lap! I just miss him. What a sweet, sweet kitty he was. My heart just aches. And....I'm just sad. Just sad.......It will get better with time...I know that, but right now it is still fresh..and it still hurts. I really do wonder if I'll see him again...in Heaven that is...sounds stupid, but MAYBE, just MAYBE, animals really do make it to Heaven...
I want him back..if only I could, if only I could see him and hold him again. 20 years is a looooonnnnng time to have a pet companion...lasted longer than my marriage!
I LOVE YOU SWEET SPARKEY....I JUST LOVED YOU SOOOO MUCH....

The Day I've Dreaded

November 5, 2011...didn't know it would be this day, but it was. the day I've dreaded for a loooooooong time...saying goodbye to Sparkey. He's been here so long, I have a hard time remembering what it was like before he came to us. What a cat. Sooooooo cute as a baby and just about the sweetest baby i've ever known. We bonded early because he was only 5 days old when he came to us. Getting up with him every two hours for 2-3 weeks somehow cements a strong relationship.
I miss him and it's only been one day. I miss him sitting in my lap, sitting a starring at a white wall (weird, I know!), lovin' chicken and eatin' canned aspargus! He was such a snuggle buddy. In the last year, all he wanted to do is sit in my lap. an sit he did. Any time I sat, he was right there on my lap. I miss his little furry body sitting on me. I miss kissin' him under his chin. I miss holding him and snuggling with him on a cold night.
Sparkey, you were one GREAT KITTY...There will NEVER be any other animal that holds your place in my heart. There will forever be a little Sparkey place in me. I will always miss you. I wish you could have "LIVED FOREVER!"...I used to tell you that. My heart hurts for you. You made me laugh, cry, and most of all, enjoy every minute you were here. Your momma will always miss you..............
HUGS, KISSES, AND MORE KISSES....

School's Out, the Garden, SUMMER 2011!

Never thought school would be out for the summer! WHAT A YEAR! It was a rocky beginning bec of the new superintendent. He (Dr. Hopson) changed bell schedules in all the schools...then he changed it again in October! The School board is a MESS and we, for the first time ever, got out of school because of the flood!!! But finally summer has arrived.
The garden is lookin' good! I was a little late in planting this spring because of all the rain, school work, etc..., so it's a little behind, but catching up fast. I am harvesting WHITE CUCUMBERS, and they are DELICIOUS! I've never grown, or heard of white cukes, but they are wonderful. I'm picking about 5-8 or so every three days...Lots of cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches this summer! That's ok by me.. I love 'em.
Sparkey is still with me. He turned 20!!!! He is slow and very needy, but not in any pain and is eating and drinking great. What you would expect of a very old man!
He sits with me every time I sit down. He wants to be held more than ever before. I know one day he will "cross the bridge", but until that time, I'll just hold him and love on him...He is my sweet baby kitty.
New revelation!! Stephen wants to take piano lessons!!! So, Sweet Cheryl C. is giving us her piano. I can't wait to see where this goes!
that's about all folka! at least for now...

My "Little Black Dog, Beau"

Beau had a restful night. She slept good for the first time in a week. She wasn't coughing or panting, just restful sleep. I am SO GRATEFUL FOR THAT. I knew last night, that she needed mercy. She needed me to put my own feelings aside and do what was right by her. So, this morning, I called Dr. Beam's office and made the appt to put her down.
I can say, WITHOUT A DOUBT, that she was the SWEETEST dog I have EVER had. She NEVER growled at anyone or anything. She was just so quiet. I only wish I had had her from her puppyhood. I will always wonder where she came from.
She is gone tonight, and I am sad, but know it was the right thing to do for her. A special tribute tonight for my BEAU dog...Love you sweet, sweet girl.....

One day in March of 2005

It was a rainy, cold March day in the wee hours of the morning when I heard a very strange sounding bark. I mean STRANGE...deep voice and irregular rhythm to it. It was around 4 in the morning, so I got up to see what in the world..I was not familiar with any dog in the neighborhood that sounded like THAT! Before me, in front of the door, stood a starving, cold "little black dog"...about a medium size in height. MMMm..wonder where "it" came from????? I raised the garage, feed "it" (but soon looked to find out it was a girl) and gave her a bed to sleep on. Could deal with her in the morning...but at least for now, she was fed, protected, and warm.
Fast forward to the next day. Looking at this poor little creature, I saw that she was missing hair and was very "itchy"...took her to Dr. Beam that afternoon and found out that she had mange. YUK! She had to spend time away from Angel and Maddie bec of the mange...it's very contagious.
Over time, I learned where she came from (a rental neighbor had her, but they were arrested for crack, so she was left in the backyard), and more about her personality..or lack there of. She was just the sweetest dog ever. Never chased or messed with the cats, got along great with Angel and Maddie...but I really needed to find her a home. THAT never happened. For whatever reason, noone wanted her. She just didn't have much personality. Quiet and kept to herself.
Now 6 years later, she is in heart failure. Her breathing is labored and in an effort to buy her a little more time, Dr. Beam gave her two shots to help with her breathing. He doesn't think they will help, but that's all we can do about it.
I began by calling her "little black dog" because I thought if I named her, I would get too attached if I found her a home. Her home was to be here, so I called her "Beau"..French for beautiful.
I don't know what it is about me, but I want to help little orphaned animals. My kids have never understood that, and really don't even like animals..well, Stephen does, but Emily would rather not have them. Maybe it's because they just love you no matter what. Their love is unconditional. It doesn't rest on what you buy them or do for them, they still love you AND appreciate you.
We will know in less that 24 hours whether the shots will help. If they help, then we will give her medicine to take daily. Doc says it will only last about a month, but that's fine...I need a little time to process this. I know for some, that sounds really stupid, but it IS how I feel. It's sad. It's so hard to let them go, but there comes a time when you just have to do what's right for them, irregardless of my feelings. That time is fast approaching with Beau...whether it's tomorrow, or next month, it is surely eminent.
Lil Beau, you are one strange dog, but I still love you and will miss you terribly. At least I gave you a few good years...

FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS

Fortunatley in life there are times that one is reminded about the really important "things" in life. That's just what they are, "things." We buy "things", we seek out "things", none of which are important. And as I journey thru this life, I am fortunate enough that God has allowed me and reminded me, thru life's happenings, of REALLY what's important.
There is a 10 yr. old boy, Johnny Teis, that is dying as I type this. He has a rare, inoperable brain tumor. His mom and dad post on FB and show the world the transparency of living with the impending death of their son. Johnny is one of 5 kids...The strength, unresolvable steadfastnes of their trust in the Lord can only come from HIM...there is no other way to understand or explain it. "The joy of the Lord is our strength."...joy meaning peace amist a raging storm...not "happy" joy..
At this point the "things" of this materialistic world mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. The anticpation of Johnny's homegoing is only bearable on Jesus' shoulders.
Last week I went with my close friend, Cheryl, to her first oncologist's appt after being diagnosed with lymphoma. The waiting room was crowded..either with patients themselves, or loved ones with them. Waiting for blood work, waiting for chemo, or waiting to see the Dr. ...all just WAITING. I couldn't help but see the struggles on their faces as they fight for their lives...Some struggling, some nervous, some obviously feeling really bad, etc..There wasn't one person in that room probably thinking about what they were going to "buy" next. They were probably not thinking about all the "stuff" they have and how much they wanted to get home to be with the "stuff"..
Once again I am reminded to ignore the "things" of this world and focus on HIM. "Love the Lord with all your heart and mind." When we truely focus on HIM...the "things" of this world go slowly dim. In the shadow of the cross, we see our hope of things to come and the assurance of Eternity. Thank you Lord for eyes that should be, need to be, fixed on YOU....

Sunday, THE Best Day of the Week

It's Sunday, my FAVORITE day of the week. Also the beginning of Spring Break. I am physically exhausted. I sooo need this rest. Homebound = 55 hr weeks, portfolios add another 5 hrs, 2 days this week of parent conferences (stay 3 hrs after school) and I am ONE TIRED LADY. I'd like to think that age doesn't matter, but I have to admit that I think it does. Next year I will be 60 and although that is still very young, I AM FEELING the extra years! As Jim used to say, "the ole grey mare, ain't what she used to be!)...in fact I think the stress of the difficult years are beginning to take their toll. Brain tumors, divorce, single parenting, gun shot accident, the fire...working at least 2 jobs for as long as I can remember..I need rest..............
Today, after church, Cheryl and I are going to the woods in the camper. My goal is to wind down and enjoy this beautiful Spring. The weather looks outstanding. I've packed my ereader, Bible, Bible study book and food..that's it! I'm getting off the world...going to nature and sit..I am past ready..
So, busy world, I will get back with ya on Tues...until then..have a great time spninng on your axis. I'll see ya when I get back!

Today, I Really Miss Them

Sunday, my favorite day of the week....thinkin' of my little ones and how far away they are...miss them today. A-L-O-T... some days,like today, I just wish God would bring them closer so they could be with their extended family. Yesterday Stephen replied to my email with the kid's picture with, "they're cute, but not as cute as mine!" He commented that he had not seen Avery since she was a baby. :(...IF they just lived close enough for us to all get together with all their second cousins, it would be soooooooooooo great. Both Stephen's and Sally's grandchildren could play with my grands. This spring, Sally and her grands and Stephen and his are going to Sulphur Springs for an outing. Stephen is taking them to our family's "roots"..so wishing mine were here ...
Maybe one day before they get so old they don't want to hang with me!...Until then..
some random pics that I had not posted from their visit in December!