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7:47 AM
the max
This may be one of the most controversial posts I will ever write. I don't like pets in my house. Please don't go hating me. Most every single one of my friends have pet(s) in their houses. It's a personal choice. I love dogs and always had one growing up. My mom did not allow us to bring them inside except for puppies to nurture. I'd climb out of bed at night and sneak the puppy into bed with me because I could not stand to hear one cry. So let me assure you, I do like pets. I just prefer they have their own space. Not to ignore, but somewhere to run and play and make all the messes they want. We'd never leave one out in inclement weather, etc. either. For those of you who keep yours inside, I'll happily pet them, play with them and let them sit in my lap when I come to visit. I enjoy that. Although, I do not allow my children to continually bother an adult guest in my house and think the same rule should go for pets.
I'm highly allergic to cats. Not the "sneezing and watery eyes" but the "absolutely can't breathe" kind. Without treatment, cats are lethal to me. I once became so ill, it lasted 3 months, all from one encounter with a cat. Hard to imagine how something so adorable can make me so sick, but it does. Not sure why some people find this amusing. We were once invited to dinner at a friend's house and this is exactly what was happening in the kitchen. The cats were on the counter eating out of the very bowl meant to serve us. I didn't eat and my visit was short. Maybe the only time I was grateful for being allergic to cats. Nothing sweeter than puppy dog eyes. It would be hard for me to say no or scold something so cute. I really have a big soft heart for pets. Here's the reason for this post. In my last post, I told you how our house was not as we left it. Turns out the tenants had at least 8 dogs maybe 12 inside. The house was a dog house, not a people house. I can't begin to tell you of the filth that was awaiting us. So much damage has been done. I can't fathom how people lived in that type of mess. The smell alone was enough to make me sick. And for the first time, I had an allergic reaction to dog hair in the same way I've had to cats. Everything from the plumbing to the a/c unit has been damaged. I could go on and on but, I really desire for this blog to be a fun and positive place so details will be spared. In the upcoming weeks, we'll be replacing all the flooring, etc. Therefore, you'll know why we are remodeling. Each time I relay this story, my friends feel compelled to tell me how clean his/her pets are and how his/her house is not affected. I know that. I'd be the same way about mine. Unfortunately not everyone is so clean. What's even more sad is some do not realize how unclean they are. So if you have pets and you lease now or in the future, do not be upset at rules, pet deposits, etc. I pray you never have to live on this side of the fence. When I drove away from my house, I cried a little but then remembered things are only things... and things cost money, which made me cry a tad more. Later that day, I saw my little buddy Gavin, the 3 year old who was diagnosed with cancer 2 weeks ago. Nope. I really don't have a single thing to complain about.Some of you have asked how he is. Perfect way to end on a positive note! The chemo has made him really sick but it only lasted for a couple of days. The best news is that it's working better than expected. His lab work came back great! The tumor is shrinking! We are praying for less chemo and a quicker surgery. Gavin has the prettiest dark hair and the longest dark eyelashes you've ever seen. The next round of chemo will probably take that so his mommy was going to get pictures made this week. He was rather droopy when I saw him and this made me cry on the inside. It's hard to see a 3 year old who doesn't feel like running and playing. But we are so grateful he is still with us and all the good reports thus far! His parents are in great spirits and have a beautiful attitude. A lesson for us all.God is good!
7:31 AM
the max
Mother's Day is a cupcake kind of day. Wishing all the moms a sweet day!The first thing I learned about being a mom is- if there's only one cupcake, you don't get it. Yesterday, I had a little pity party in honor of myself. Should have celebrated with cupcakes but didn't think of it.
I was thinking of the "sacrifices" I'm making for my family. That sounds greedy, just like hogging an entire plate of cupcakes to myself. I can't say I've completely snapped out if yet, but the guilt is there.I guess sometimes guilt is pleasurable. It helps to remind yourself that life is not all about you. If you look hard enough, you'll find little sprinkles of joy all around you.My wonderful hubby has been reminding the kids that it's Mother's Day weekend. So, early this morning my 5 year old climbed into bed, snuggled next to me and began to sing, "Happy Mother's Day to you.." to the tune of the birthday song. Talking about melting my heart and making me feel small all in one moment! This little cupcake could not contain all the sprinkles.
Being a mom has those moments of unexpected happiness. Small sweet surprises that fill my heart, just like a nice pop of delicious cupcake filling.
Today, I'll have my motherhood with a cherry on the top, please.
Speaking of sweets, I just won a very sweet giveaway by Stacy's Shabby Shoppe! Two Mary Englebreit flags. She also sent me a vintage ballerina cupcake topper! I love it. Thank you Stacy! According to Stacy, I can have my cake and it eat it too! I think I will.
7:52 AM
the max
It's Easter Sunday! Celebrating the resurrection and thankful for the saving power of Jesus Christ! Happy Easter!
Some of you may be out of town like me. Hopefully you will enjoy a great time with family throughout the day. Wishing you a basket full of happiness and a little chocolate to sweeten your day. Sure wish you could win the $125 prize egg. Enter here.
5:51 AM
the max
I love the smell of fresh rain. Rain makes our paths glisten.
No sweeter sound than rain hitting a tin roof or the window pane.Rain brings forth the fragrance of pretty flowers. Rain is a beautiful thing! I say... let them play in the rain!Puddles are made for jumping in.
Why do we try so hard to keep our kids out of rain? I guess we don't want their shoes ruined or their clothes to get wet. I don't think my parents worried too much about lightening, pollution or us catching a cold. We would play and run squealing in the rain until we were silly. We'd wring the water out of our shirts and shake our heads like a wet puppy dog. The best part was letting raindrops melt in our mouths. When you become an adult, there's nothing quite as romantic as kissing in the rain. Rain doesn't last forever but memories do. I will be traveling out of town this week but have scheduled my posts ahead of time. The Doc is up for a very big honor, (the AOA for those familiar with the medical field.) I'll visit with you next week! Whatever road you're on- no matter where life takes you...don't forget to feel the rain! (All photos from Pinterest unless otherwise noted)Giveaway still going on!
12:04 PM
the max
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it's picking grapes or sorting laundry. - E.B. WhiteI've never thought house chores to be pleasurable until I read a great post by my friend Dayle over at A Collection of This and That. Dayle is a noted author with an uncanny ability to put things in perspective which challenges one's thinking. Her writings always inspire me. I don't like housework. No secret here. But I do enjoy the process of folding laundry, especially my children's clothing. When each of them were babies, I made sure to use the most gentle laundry soap. ummm...I can still smell it. I'll never forget the first time I washed infant clothes in anticipation of my newborn's arrival. It started a love affair with baby laundry. I'd lovingly fold the little arms and legs of fuzzy sleepers, kiss tiny socks and caress warm baby blankets. Thankful for disposable diapers. (I have fond memories of helping my mom hang clothes on a clothesline.) There's no softness like that of fresh laundered baby clothes.A real turning point is the day we would graduate to "normal" laundry soap. Call me crazy, but it always made me sad to put the baby soap away. Albeit, I was relieved to throw all the clothes in the same basket.The things we moms find in pockets!Surely I'm not the only one who forgot to empty pockets and washed a valuable electronic game or a wad of play dough. The little tears at the knees make me thankful my children are healthy enough to run and play.Then come the teen years when laundry quadruples. This is also the time you realize they need to do their own.Finally, the day will come when there will be no more chocolate, ink or blood stains. And I'll wonder if they are remembering to separate the towels from the jeans. Less laundry. That's what I always say I want. But maybe not. I kind of like laundry.I've never had a large pretty laundry room. I dream of it.
Posting to All Things InspiredNice! I'd love one of these but it would probably be just for looks (except for that sweet pull out ironing board.) Truth be told, I really like to spread my laundry out on the sofa so I can sit and reflect. So, do you really use your laundry room for more than just washing and drying clothes? Loads of hugs,
