a dog magnet.

If only I were a guy magnet...yes, it's true- I am the dog lady. This was taken at one of my favorite spots to visit in warmer climate- the dog park.

Delsie, on the other hand, is rather anti- social. Although, in this moment she remained at my left side as I was bombarded by all the dogs in the park.

I am completely infactuated with Ceasar Mullan, the Dog Whisperer. I love everything about him and his knowledge of the behavior of dogs. I do mean, LOVE HIM.

It remains to be true that my love for dogs at the moment seems to outweigh my love for humans. I know, there is a theological debate to be had in that statement. But for now, I am as much devoted to my Delsiemeister as she is to me.

I am proud to be the dog lady.

my cup is full

Times in my life I have heard the comment made, "my cup over flows"...one of those statements I don't think I really understood until I look at this photo.

I am in a season in which I have a perm-a-grin. It's hard to imagine that less than a month ago I was under my desk in the fetal position weeping next to Delsie.

Part of the reason for the silly grin is Eric and Tami-they are a gift in my life. Not only am I thrilled to live two minutes away from them, they are continually filling up my cup. Eric has been working so hard hanging a new front door, shoveling my driveway before I am out of bed, building a ramp, helping me move...the list goes on and on.

Tami has been a loyal and faithful encourager in my life. Raising two service dogs (even though they failed), sending me cards, driving my mini-van (ouch), eating at the Brew, allowing me to vent, having the patience dealing with this disability, picking up Delsie's business and emailing me through out the day...to name a few.

As they prepare to wed on the sixth of October, it is my hope I can be half the friend they are to me...yeah, my cup is overflowing.

I'm done with winter.

seriously.

will it ever stop snowing?

"Pineapple, Pineapple!"

This photo was taken minutes after my nieces had a "mishap" with my water heater in the basement. Kennedy did not want me to leave the couch and I took full advantage of cuddling with her.

Brecken and Kennedy LOVE playing in my basement as any kid would- it's empty and comes complete with a shuffle board game and darts...as they were riding around on their scooters imagining a car wash, a literal car wash started. Breck dropped her scooter and it landed directly on the spout of my water heater. Water began flooding the basement and tears flooded the cheeks of Kennedy and Breck. After I tried calming them down and reassured them that the only thing I cared about was them, they seemed to regroup. A few episodes of the Baby story on TiVo and a heafty use of a shop vac, the make believe car wash in the basement was up and running.

I am going to miss the girls. I am going to miss the sound of them hollering, "pineapple, pineapple" over the intercom that joined our houses but I love hearing them having a blast playing in my basement.

It's good to be home.

siesta anyone?

It usually is this time of the day when I want nothing more than crawl under my desk and take a five minute nap with Delsie.
Instead, I mix cappucino with my coffee anticipating my second wind.

Yesterday, Ken and Christy officially closed on the sale of their home. I stopped in to see their new home in downtown Zeeland- adorable...Christy will have that place looking like a model out of a home magazine.

My excitement yesterday was purchasing a dishwasher, two man tub, front door and molding for a grand total of $155! Granted, they are used but look great. I asked the guy if it was because my dog was good looking or because I am? I think I know the answer- Delsie gets 'em every time. I am not above working this disability if it means saving a penny here and there!

I can't wait to work out making my bathroom accessible- this old body can't take it much longer.

how sweet it is

Every other Friday I get a therpeutic massage. (thanks to the Katerbergs for this gift!) Most people roll their eyes when I tell them what my plans are for that morning. Yes, it is amazing and no, I would not be able to work this into my budget but gosh, do I ever get excited about it the night before. I carry all my stress in my neck so an hour under the hands of a trained professional to work out the kinks is good for my soul...Martha, here I come!

Today, a friend and sister in Christ was laid to rest. She died after a year long battle with cancer on her youngest daughters fifteenth birthday. Nancy left an impression on me. I have to admit, it wasn't always welcomed. She had this "edge" about her that made me often intimidated in my walk with Christ. But this should be a good thing, right? Nancy was intense in her faith and wanted nothing more for people to know God in a personal way.

I cried a lot today at her memorial service. Not sure if it was for grieving the loss of Nancy or grieving my apathy in leading the lost to Christ.
...my neck is sore just thinking about it. Thank God for my therapeutic massage.

yea, I see those eyes roll...

blizzard!

something about a blizzard makes me sleepy. It is in the single digits today and complete white-outs. Delsie and I are "hunkerin' down". It's a riot watching D-dog doing her business outside as the snow is past her legs. The fire is going and I have books laying at my feet to read if I can my eyes open long enough to read them. Why does a day fly by when you do absolutely nothing?

Yesterday, I got a call from Jayne saying that we are all set to close on my house on Tuesday! I don't think it's completely sunk in and not sure when it totally will...until then I am proceeding ahead. I have my paint colors picked out and just wrote out a check yesterday for the flooring. The gradual transformation of this place is going to be a blast to witness.

I am praying about the remodeling of my bathroom- not sure how that is going to work out.

Off to finish my Beth Moore Bible study- I have been procrastinating long enough...

journaling.

This morning in our creative planning team meeting we were presented with the concept of journaling. A challenge to begin our entries with "yesterday,..." so I will do just that.

Yesterday, I was asked to speak to second graders and fifth graders during their Abilities Awareness week at a local elementary school. After calling my brother-in-law the night before to find out where the school was located, I became acutely aware of the dread in my attitude regarding an interuption in my usual routine. Of course I blamed it on the weather but acknowledged my pride kicking in after some serious inventory.

Again, I was energized and blessed by the innocence and energy of the kids. But I was even more taken back with the peace and calmness that I sensed in my spirit, knowing that my life entails living with a disability. This disability doesn't define me but rather it affords me the opportunity to live life. A life that I am very thankful for.