Josie the Great

As you know, we got Josie last week for a one week trial. She was potty-trained, well mannered, and very loving. Overall she's a great dog.

We were told that she woke up at 6 a.m. and that sounded ok to me. Guess her clock got jacked up since every night (except last night) she got up at 4 a.m. (and one night she got up at midnight,too!) The first few nights we got up to take her out, but she didn't go to the bathroom. That was annoying. We figured out that she was just wanting to be loved and getting used to our home. Many nights of rotten sleep were strike one.

Strike two was all the dog hair. She was a shedder. Maybe not the worst shedder of all time, but we were constantly using a lint brush. It's not a deal breaker, but it's just more for me to think about and more work. Shane loves to lay in the floor and felt like he couldn't because of the hair. That wasn't something that we'd ever get used to...

Strike three was extra laundry. After I held her, the clothes I was wearing became "dog clothes" in my mind. Dog clothes equalled dirty. Equalled not wearing again until laundered. I usually wear my jeans twice, so that meant only wearing them once. More laundry is more work for moi.

I barely ever see the bottom of my hampers, so this almost counted as several strikes.

Strike four was our freedom. Both sets of grands live in other states and we like to visit them. Only one set would have allowed her to come, so that was a problem. We don't have the disposable money to board a dog every time we go out of town. Was thinking ahead to holidays and wondered if the cost of boarding would be a financial burden...UM, YES it would. I also didn't want to put any of my friends in a bad position by asking if they would dog sit for us when we traveled. Just not gonna do that to them.

I could go on, but you get the point. Our family likes dogs, but we don't want the work or cost of one full time. I felt a tad guilty, but mostly I'm glad we tried. Josie is a sweetie and whoever ends up with her is going to be so happy. She deserves a family that wants the responsibility and can afford to take great care of her. We certainly didn't want to end up resenting her.

Although it may have not been the easiest answer for our hearts, it is the best answer for our current lifestyle. Praying everyday that we had her (and before), I have peace about not keeping her. Daily I asked God to give Shane and I unity in the decision. He was faithful to show us and I know His plan is best. So glad I sought Him and didn't follow our emotions.

You are a sweet girl, Josie, and we'll miss you. Our short time with you was precious and we are grateful for the memories~

Josie

I just caught E adding a dog to our family picture. To the far right he made the baby we lost earlier this year a little boy (and of course, Tater likes to think it was a girl) and then he just added a little dog.

Her name is Josie. She's coming for a home visit tonight. Josie is probably a Daschund and Jack Russell mix, but we aren't sure because she's from a local dog rescue. All of us are excited to see how her visit goes! We'll let ya know if she's a keeper~

Round the Table

Our family has all been home together this week. For us, this is a special treat considering my husband's work schedule. Not only has he been home every night, we have sat together (all 5 of us) for dinner. At the same table. Did I hear a gasp?

We've decided to utilize our dining room table a.k.a. the junk collector(Fly Lady would refer to it as a "hot spot"). It's a round glass top that has a wooden pedestal base. Our old dining room couldn't handle a rectangle table, so we gotta a circle. Ended up being a good choice.

Added benefit: By using it every night, it doesn't get a chance to get piled.

I had forgotten that it is so nice to all sit together! For so long we've had a straggler ostracized at the kitchen bar while the rest of the fam sat at the breakfast table. Why did it take us three years to do this? Duh.

Being my silly self, I noticed that there's still room to seat more peeps(I was thinkin' bambinos). When I suggested my observation, the conversation got lively. I believe it was E who said, "Yeah, like for five more."

Then T pipes in, "Five more kids!"

Chuckling, I ask "Five kids?!"

And Tater reassures me adding, "And room for high chairs! Five high chairs!"

Yikes. We all had a good laugh.The thought of five high chairs around my dining table is a little much. Can you see my eyes bulging outta my head? We'd probably need one of these beauties~

A few weeks ago I looked online for a large farm house table. One of my old neighbors had one ( I think from American Signature) and it was cool. No matter what or who comes to dinner, these tables seem to be able to handle it. Love these. Especially if you need five high chairs.

Prayer Request

My sweet friend, Audrea, has been through so much in the last few weeks. If you're my "friend" on fb, then you've seen my numerous status updates regarding her situation. Without rehashing the details, I just wanted to share her with you and ask you to pray.

She is a wife to Jeff and a stay-at-mom of three children under four.

Describing her as a woman of strong faith is an understatement. Her blog: http://funkycoldmedinas.blogspot.com/