Wordless Wednesday

The Sad Saga Continues

This is my sweet puppy, two days after we brought him home.  This picture is about 5 years old.

I need to burn this picture into my mind.  Why?  Well, because he struck again and I need to constantly remember how much I love him.  If you've been following Jackson's sad saga, you'll know his neurotic tendencies that result in complete destruction of our house.  Here's my lovely attempt at a temporary fix to our office carpet that he tore up after locking himself in the office.

And this is what happened to the carpet and my fix-up job when Jackson locked himself in the office again a few weeks ago.

Needless to say, Matt and I were speechless.  So speechless that we didn't even punish Jackson.  Now, if he had destroyed that pink bag and coupon binder you see sticking out of it, this post might have been about Jackson's funeral.  I guess the bright side to this is that we got our office recarpeted with beautiful, new carpet yesterday.

Just keep staring at this picture, Kristin.

What I'm Reading...

"If abuse, rape, desertion, paralysis, debilitating disease, or the loss of a loved one has devastated you, then the issue of evil and suffering isn't merely theoretical, philosophical, or theological.  It's deeply personal.  Logical arguments won't satisfy you; in fact, they might offend you.  You need help with the emotional problem of evil, not merely the logical problem of evil.  Like children at times, each of us must struggle into our Father's arms, and there receive the comfort we need.  But remember this: you are a whole person.  Truth matters.  To touch us at the heart level - and to keep touching us over days, months, years, and decades - truth must work its way into our minds.  Never seek comfort by ignoring the truth...Deeply rooted beliefs - specifically a worldview grounded in Scripture - will allow you to persevere and hold on to a  faith built on the solid rock of God's truth." (Alcorn, 90 Days of God's Goodness, p. 12)

A Mother's Day Message

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!  This is my dear mom a few years ago (yes, we have to take a more recent picture together).  Big surprise that I'm holding a bowl of snacks in this picture.  Hey, I was pregnant ...

...with this precious baby girl...

...who is not so much a baby anymore.

I mean, look at that attitude.  Pay no attention to the dirty bathroom.  Just look at the pose...yikes.

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I know that for many reasons, Mother's Day may not be joyous for some.  Some of these reasons I'm familiar with.  So, I leave you with something I read today on one of my favorite blogs, The Finer Things in Life.

"For my friends who are missing their own mom, separated by too many miles.

For my friends who have recently buried their mother, and have to face this day without her for the first time.

For my friends who are mourning the unbearable loss of a child.

For my friends who find themselves in an untimely pregnancy, confused and unsure of the future.

For my friends who are praying without ceasing for a Godly husband and children to call their own.

For my friends who are clinging to motherhood as they face a uncertain diagnosis.

For my friends who are longing to see a little pink plus sign this month.  We’ve been there.

For my friends who gracefully bear the weight of mother, father, and provider for their children.

For my friends who held their child for only moments, and for those whose children passed through this world as quick  as a breath.

For you, my friends, I will remember the struggles and the heartache of this Mother’s Day.  Yes, I will celebrate my own innumerable blessings, but I will also remember.  Bless you."

(Taken from The Finer Things in Life)

Snip, Snip, Cry?

I've put off getting Abigail's hair cut for two years.  There have been many times I was ready to schedule the big day, but couldn't bring myself to have her baby hair cut off.  Well, I gave in a few weeks ago after realizing how stringy and straggly her hair was.  Here is before:

I prepped her with a movie about one of her favorite characters getting their haircut, and talked about it for days.  Then the big day came.  Off to Great Clips we went, and Matt and I were so surprised that Abigail sat completely still and did not let out one peep!  No tears whatsoever!  In fact, she was completely serious and wouldn't even smile for the camera.  Probably shock had set in.

And here is the final result:

Still no smile, but still no tears. 

What a big girl...we are so proud of her!