What I've learned

Cats often devise their own sets of rules that they think we should live by, and they may be quick to chastise us if we fail to adhere to these rules! Margaret Reister

It was difficult to feel vexed by a creature that burst into a chorus of purring as soon as I spoke to him. Philip Brown

These two kitties have been sworn enemies since the day Tex arrived at our home. Hissing, arched backs, barred claws, and cowering kitten has become an every waking hour common place. It has been more than a month, but they are slow making their way to becoming friends. The atmosphere is tolerable at least, but yesterday we saw spotted Midnight snuggled under a fresh warm load of laundry and Tex inches his way as close as he dared... It gave us a bit of hope. It's been a few weeks since I last posted and I've felt guilty, but this time has been spent with my family and I needed that. It's the last day of 2008 and I could spend the time reflecting on this past year, but when you're sick most of the year, time spent in doctor's appointment, having test done, etc. I'd rather not revisit it! I must say that I'm thankful for blogging. It has given me an outlet for writing, which I love, and a way to keep family and friends up on what is going on in our humble home. What have I learned through blogging?

1. There are terrifically wonderful people out there that I've not met, but they've influenced and touched my life. They have challenged me to think deeper, care more, pray harder, love deeper, and listen. They pray, encourage, laugh, cry, and pray. Thank you!
2. I've learned tons of handy household tips and recipes, and shared a few of my own: making my own laundry detergent (thanks Tracey), using vinegar in place of fabric softener,
3. I've learned that after 42 years on this earth, I'm still working to find out who I am, face my fears, that doing something I'm uncomfortable with does not have to be a terrible experience. I'm finding that if I think I'm going to fail at something, I put it off... Isn't there a self help group for this??? I'm learning that I'm not the person that people assume I am, but I'm struggling to be real. I'm a little like the Velveteen Rabbit.
4. I'm learning that's it's okay to say "No, I'm not taking on any more responsibilities outside my home", being honest is okay, and I should have had my deviated septum taken care of YEARS ago. If I only would have known how much better it would help me feel.
5. It's okay to laugh and be silly, be human with your kids, but still, burping at the dinner table is taboo, even if some cultures deem it as a good sign that the food was good.
6. A lack of planning on my children's part or the inability to write something down on the calendar does not constitute an emergency on my part.
7. If we don't PLAN and write the time down to get together, the "We need to get together sometime" will never happen. We have a great year getting together with friends, even if it's over pizza. This is one investment we're so glad to make!
8. I spend too much time on blogging and facebook!

Ahhhh! Finally the Weekend!

I usually don't post on Saturdays, but I just had to share these pictures that just summed up Friday!

Tex & Honey watching a game on TV

Tex and 100th Customer

Yesterday morning I was a little bummed... the "sweet" little orphan kitten, Tex (isn't that original?) we brought back from Thanksgiving in TX woke me up at 4:30 a.m. He had heard Honey getting around for work... then there is the matter of breathing. You'd think that once I got my deviated septum fixed I'd be fine, but after finally being able to breathe and then get a nice cold, I'm back to not breathing. So the saga continues... Back to Tex - This sweet little 6-week-old kitten, who is VERY vocal, hasn't, um, I'm not sure how to say this delicately, but... he's not, um, you know... pooped! So off to the vet we go because we have lots of time to take off to visit the really nice vet. Dr. Vet took Tex back for a once over, then we heard the YOWL!!!!! A minute or two later Dr. Vet reappeared with Tex, who was sporting a much THINNER look. Yep, the 'ole thermometer trick works every time. Sorry if this is too gross. We walk out the door with a happier kitty, minus $58. And while I'm on the subject of the little guy, can anyone tell me why he feels he must stick BOTH front feet in the water in order to take a drink??? We met up with Honey and his parents (they had stopped by Honey's work) on their way to CiCi's (a pizza buffet place). Since I don't eat pizza, I stopped in at Chick-fil-A for a free shake (Only had won a free coupon in Sunday School) and you guess it!!! The cow bell rang and I was handed a rose! I got my whole order FREE!!! I love FREE stuff!!! (Two shakes, and a kids meal). This last year our family took a tour of our Chick-fil-A restraunt via a homeschool field trip, and boy were we impressed! Everything, despite the busyness of the day, was clean, prepared fresh, and yummy to boot. If you ever get a chance to take a tour, it's well worth it. I had to tell you about a blessing that happened on Tuesday, thanks for Lorie for reminding me about Random Acts of Kindness. Youngest has gone through a growth spurt and most of the jeans he has are holey in the knees. I know this is a fashion statement in some parts of the country, but he does wear them out fashionably! We were going to stop at a store after we ate (after my pulmonology appt.) but it was already and we had almost an hour drive to get home. I told Honey I'd take Youngest to the thrift store the next day to find some jeans. God has the best sense of humor! When we got home, guess what was on our doorstep??? We know who the Angel was and we were able to thank them yesterday when they showed back up with another bag that her son had outgrown!

I'm so emarrassed!

I was shocked appalled mortified embarrassed I tried to hide they called when they called my name

I protested

I clawed but they lowered me

into the murky water.

They put this smelly stuff on me

scrubbing, rubbing

spraying, draining.

I thought it would never end

as I shivered and cried.

They scrubbed me in places

that should not have been!

Horrors of all,

out came this gun

this was not fun!

It shot me with air

tummy, back, and derriere!

Finally the horror was over

I felt the floor beneath me

I found a quiet corner

could I regain my dignity?

Please don't tell my humans

But I feel now PRETTY!