New Baby!

Our new addition to the family is here! Sweet baby girl arrived in a hurry November 9 at 4:30 a.m. Nothing like a newborn, so fresh and innocent.

I am recovering well. Family has pitched in to help keep me off my feet to get me back on my feet. Nothing is normal right now, so things like blogging get left behind. So thankful that I was able to have my husband here at home for a week after the birth. My mother and two sisters in law have also been caring for our toddler. Makes me sad I can't pick her up or give her as much attention as I used to. We are trying to include her in the care of her baby sister so she feels important. So far, she has done very well with the baby.

So now I've added another ball to my juggling act. My verse for this pregnancy was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." When my daily simple tasks became overwhelming, I reminded myself of the promise that Christ gave me strength and took things one at a time. Now that the baby is here I still can cling to that verse for strength and encouragement to press on when the going gets tough.

I love being a wife and mother! Changing diapers, keeping my home clean, and loving my husband are some of the joys of my life. I don't need to be rich or have a super "success" story to be happy. Being content with where God has put me and with what He has given me brings a happiness that comes from deep inside.

I hope you can find that joy too! Have a wonderful Monday!

Rescued Pets

Almost every pet I have ever owned has been a rescued pet. The first pet I had was a beautiful long haired dog of unknown breed that my sister found advertised in the newspaper. How well I remember our first meeting. Had I known what a hyper dog she'd be I probably would not have taken her. But she was so adorable, I couldn't help but say I wanted her. She gave me lessons in patience, especially that first year. The picture below of a Pumi dog isn't my dog, but it looks almost exactly like her.

Several years later came my tuxedo cat. He was the cutest little thing I had ever seen! I had always wanted a cat. There he was bouncing around at the vintage shop my mom and I were visiting. The shop owner had rescued him off a busy street just that morning. I took him home that day, and he's turned out to be a great cat with my daughter. He's pretty proud of himself. :)

The latest addition to our pet collection were two retired Labrador breeders. Gabe and Elly. They certainly have had the least chance of becoming acclimated to socialized dog life. Gabe went to Happy Hunting Grounds just two weeks ago. Elly is extremely fearful of people and any sudden movement. Yet I believe that with a lot of time and patience she can become a wonderful companion.

There is something wonderful in giving an animal a chance to a good home. I am not against breeding dogs or cats or buying a brand new puppy from a breeder. I am just pondering on the fact that rescued animals can make great pets too, if given the chance. Most of my experiences with rescued pets has been good. I never had a vicious pet. (Aside from a male rabbit I had for a couple weeks. He would spray me with pee whenever he felt like it..yuck!)

So if you want a pet and don't have the money to afford a fancy pure bred, give the shelter or newspaper pet a visit and let some dog or cat enjoy a second chance at life.

By the way, you might want your dog to have a collar and leash set like the one below found at the Florida Tails Pet Accessories Shop. That way everyone will know you rescued a pet without you even having to tell them. Perhaps you might inspire someone to do the same.