Dog grooming during a recession

No, using the dust-buster on the hopelessly ever shedding dog does not work. Nice try though, honey.

Our dog's name is Ruba (we honeymooned exactly 5 yrs ago in Aruba and loved it). She even walks across my cream colored ceramic tile floor and black hair magically deposits itself all over. My husband is quick to remind me that the 2 cats I brought with me into this marriage are a pet-hair nightmare too (I'll give him some points on that one).

Yesterday I got to dust and vacuum every inch of the house, determined to rid us of the hair. Did I mention the long beautiful hair of the 3 girls that live here contributed to my workload? My husband, Tim, gets and out on this one, his hair is more precious and less likely to even be noticed if he lost more, darn.

So the house is clean, Ruba gets to spend good weather days outside guarding the backyard and in a few days, me and the kids will de-hair the house once again.

Good thought for our times

"The greater part of our happiness depends on our dispositions and not our circumstances."

Martha Washington

Falling down

I received an unexpected call from Nathan, who lives up in Utah. He said, "I love you mom, I'm about to jump out of a plane (sky diving). Don't worry! I'll call you back if I don't die, bye!"

"I love you too! Have fun and be careful!"

He called me back (not as quickly as I think he should've) saying he's alive. He said they fell through an ice cloud, and that hurt, but overall it was really fun. I suppose he impressed the 2 girls that went with him. When I said, "2 girls? I'm impressed." He said, "yep, you taught me well mom."

I'm glad he's keeping his options open, and being a good friend. Parenting never really ends, and that's a good thing.

A son's devotion

This is my first-born, Nathan. I was doing some Spring cleaning/organizing and found a letter he wrote to me as he began the second year of his 2 year mission for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mormon), keep in mind he was the ripe old age of twenty as he wrote this to his mother,

"...I have served for a full 13 months now and it seems to keep on flying by. Right now I am in a place called Island Falls Maine, this place has become home to me and I really love the people and it was really hard to say good-bye to them, THEY WERE LIKE FAMILY. I'm going to Newfoundland tomorrow and I am so excited that it's not even funny. Well some cool things that I am learning on my mission are:
1. This is the Lords work and He has asked us to help
2. Without the Spirit all is vain
3. Pride is of the Devil
4. Humility is of God
5. Prayer works
6. We must trust God no matter the cost
7. Dogs are all bark and no bite
8. The work is rewarding
9. Home teaching is absolutely vital
10. Don't argue
11. I would rather tract in snow than in rain
12. Talk to everyone (D&C 60:2)
13. to do dishes
14. to do laundry
15. cook
16. never look for the bad in others always look for the bad in yourself and repent
17. no one likes a hypocrite
18. pick your battles

Well there are lots more but there are a few things that I have learned, I have also learned how to shop for places to live, and buy heating oil (didn't know what it was till I came out here).

I have walked more that I ever thought possible, I have slipped and fallen down right in front of people (not fun), I have gotten into some really big arguments with companions (living with the same guy for 3 months can do that to you) I have been called almost every swear word, I have been threatened and told that if I come back the cops will be called. I have been told that I am going to hell (but they can't tell me why) I have seen people's lives turn around because of the gospel.

I love my mission, right now I am memorizing a scripture a day and am focusing on Repentance, and I like the subject because it brings the spirit into a conversation and it really helps people start to change their lives when you read Alma 34:32-34 to them. Did you know that repent basically means to change? So when you explain that to someone they really start to realize what repentance is and why it's important...."

Nate's been back from his mission over 2 yrs now. I wish a letter like this for every missionary mom out there hoping and trusting in the Lord to watch over her son as he strives to serve and obey and becomes a man. Nathan, you are a blessing to me and our family and I hope and pray to see you again soon.

P.S.
He's single!