In Another Life.....

No.  I do not believe in reincarnation. 
Hebrews 9:27 says,  "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement."

But, I can't help but think what my life would be like if I lived a different life.  What if I had been born to famous parents?   Or in a poverty stricken third-world country?   What if I was raised in the big city; or on a large pig farm?  What if I was a famous actor or singer?  Soccer star?

I'm happy with my suburban life, white collar husband, and being average.  (O-Kay, I wouldn't mind a little bit of fame ;)  However, I wonder about other lifestyles and experiences.  This life is just too short to experience it all.  And I have a family to consider.  I can't pull up stakes, leave the kids and try to make it in Hollywood.  (assuming I could act, of course!)

Today?  I want to be a cowgirl.  I've always loved the west.  The idea of riding horses, working on a ranch, knowing how to rope and ride.   Of course, going to the rodeo last night has a smidge to do with my feelings this morning!

I am aware my cowgirl vision is slightly skewed thanks to historical romance novels and reruns of Wagon Train.  I know life as a real cowboy/girl is full of long, hard days and tough struggles.

Perhaps in heaven I will be able to experience different lifestyles.... without the hard work part.

How about you?  If you could live a different lifestyle, what would it be????

Lessons from a Dog

I've been the proud owner of a puppy 4 weeks now.
In case you missed it, Meet Hershey, a now 3 month old English Setter.

How Hershey has been good for me:

1) Gets me up in the morning.  I can't sleep in if I want to.  I can't tell him to fetch a granola bar snack, buying me an extra 20-60 minutes of snooze time, like I've done with the kids.

2) Exercise.  Sure, due to the fact Hershey isn't old enough to run yet, and I don't want to kennel him right after being kenneled all night, I've been neglecting my morning jog.  But he does make sure I take him on two - 20 minute daily walks. 
(yes, I know.  I could run in the evening.... but I'm happy using Hershey as an excuse for another week or so)

3) I'm a better Mom.  I'm reminded that consistent, positive reinforcement is the best training method.

4) I feel loved.  Hershey Kisses are great :) (not on the face, though)



Any dog owners out there with stories of how your pet has blessed you?

Will I Never Learn?!?

"I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
 - Apostle Paul - Romans 7:15

Great verse with tons of spiritual implications to unpack.
I'm just using it for a springboard to talk about stuff I've regretted doing / not doing in recent days.

Things I should know better than to do / not do.....

1)  Paint My Fingernails.   I grew up a tomboy.  I'm mellowing into the occasional girly-girl, so I sometimes get the impulse to do something truly girly... like paint my fingernails.  Bad idea.  It ALWAYS ends up looking like a 1st grader painted them.  Actually, my 1st grader could probably do a better job....

2) Spend Way Too Much at Wal Mart.  I'm talking both time and money here.  I usually try going by myself - which means I go in the evenings when Dan is home with the kids.  I always think, "I'm gonna stick to the list.  Go, stay on target, and come straight home."  Never happens.  Wal Mart is not my ideal fun shopping store, but there is something about being alone that causes me to leisurely peruse every department in the store.  Even girly aisles.  (That's what got me in trouble with the above mentioned nails...)

3) Stay Up Until 2:00 am Reading a Book.  I really can not do this anymore!  I need sleep.  But I love reading a good book in peace and quiet....  Oh the dilemma!


How about you?  Any little annoying things you do/don't do that you catch yourself doing - even though you know better?!?

Updates

If you are interested in Homeschooling or Good Food .....
I updated both sites.
Click on the desired link at the top of this page.

Hard Good-Byes

Woke up this morning to an "empty" house.

In-Laws caught an early flight home today and Dan is off at work.

My Dad and Uncle were able to stop in for a day visit this week... they're both gone, too.

Goodbyes are hard.

But I'm so thankful for all the fun we had this week!

Happy 4th of July

Happy Fourth of July!

I love this holiday. 

I feel so blessed to have been born in the land of the free.  Where I am free to worship God.  Free to choose my life's course.  Free to say what I want.
Sure America isn't perfect.  (What country is?)  But she is perfect for me.

Of course, I'm also partial to the 4th for all the fond memories.

*  Large extended family camp outs at my great Uncle Darwin's ---- got to ride the 3-wheeler. (Mom's side)
*  Fireworks shows at 7 Ponds and grilled cheeseburgers with relatives.  (Dad's side)
*  Family vacation with my boyfriend's family...... where he proposed to me and became my fiance!  :)
* Those now In-Laws are currently visiting.  I love having family here!
*  Did I mention Fireworks?!?  :)

Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend.