Waiting for Santa

Yesterday, Gibby and I were snuggling and getting ready to take a nap. We were chatting and he said, "Mom, I wike Santa. He's a nice guy." I agreed. He then went on to say, "Mom, I'm so excited...Santa can come visit us now...cuz we have a firepwace!" I said that yes he could and we could put out milk and cookies for him. He replied, deep in thought, "and mom, if he has to go potty...I'll give him pwivacy!" Such a thoughtful son!

Loving on the Dog

This week, it became evident to Toby and I that our yellow lab, Sierra, is really struggling with her age. Her hips have long been an issue with terrible arthritis. And now, we noticed that her eyes are getting cloudy. So a trip to the vet this week revealed that she has a degenerative condition that will eventually lead to cataracts or blindness. We decided to put her on a prescription dog food that should help her joint issues a bit...but time will tell. The kids sense that something serious is going on, so they are all pitching in to help with her. Just the other night, I found Alaira laying with Sierra, brushing her over and over...with her own hairbrush! Ugh! But it was a precious moment and so I let it slide.

Having pets can be very heartwarming and sweet, yet it has its moments of frustration and impending heartbreak as well. These are good lessons for the kiddos to learn and experience. Learning responsibility, gratitude, patience, hard work (cleaning up poop in the yard teaches that!), tenderness and the reality that every life eventually comes to an end, are lasting life moments. We don't know how much longer Sierra will be with us, but we cherish these moments to give her comfort and kindness.

Door Hanger

I just walked into my sons' room. Hanging from the door knob, I saw a note in Hunter's sweet handwriting saying,"No Grls Ulowd!". I wonder if that means momma and grandmas?

A Child's Prayer

Last night, Alaira prayed for her teacher. She had just found out that her teacher was going to get married next month and move away. She was sad, so we encouraged her to talk to God about it. As she finished praying she said, "and God, please help Ms. Irizarry have a safe trip to Minnesota, Amen." As Toby began to pray, Gibby promptly interrupted, saying, "who is Mrs. Sota?" To that, we all broke into laughter and daddy had to do a quick prayer to get us through it. Funny times.