Happy Happy Joy Joy

Sorry, I just cant help but love our little dog.
Maybe I am obsessed with her cute face.
I don't know.
I do know I just cant get enough of her, she makes me smile.

Spring is in the air

....just not with enough enthusiasm.
We hiked up the hill to campus knowing that its ALWAYS windy there.
Sunny skies, but the wind for kites was way lacking.
The kids didn't seem to mind having to work for their results.
Campus is still so drab and lifeless right now, so it was only appropriate the kites and Z.'s shirt were so bright.
My advice: Visit the quad only during Spring break, otherwise nearly invisible strings and kite bombing won't be as tolerated.

You watch the right ,I'll take the left.

Where is C.C.?
Usually in cohorts with Izzy, sneaking some fun.


Sly eyes give away their plans.
They both love having a playmate!

What a difference the sun makes

Where the sun shines in the front yard it is becoming a welcome place to spend time and enjoy the warmth.
Z &T find it a great spot for a picnic.
The snow now is completely melted.
A new spring is just around the corner.

Where the sun doesn't reach in the back yard it is difficult to walk through the icebergs and moguls, coats are required, hats and gloves recommended.
Motorcycle work is cold and slow, so is playing.
No where near the good feeling of the sunny front.
Just noticing an analogy between the sun and the Son this week.
Without the Son, frozen and dark.
With Him, warm and happy.

D&C 101: 25
And also that of element shall melt with fervent heat; and all things shall become new, that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the earth.

"Whats that 'mell ?"

Not the dogs (this time!).....

I guess the family is used to salon smells in the salon, but not so much in the kitchen. They now realize, like I do, how blessed I am to have a house with a separate salon area.

Ps.149:4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
I'm doing a little beautifying of my own. Can't help it really, straight baby hair is just too much work to get cute
S. totally looked like one of my beauty school victims at first, didn't hold as still as one though. Playdoh can only hold your attention for so long.
As you can tell chemically altering a 2 year old might create curls but wont create even one second of holding still, even for a camera(notice my grip on her arm).

I got the curl I was looking for, now if only I can get it to grow in a little on the sides!

Angels or Devils

Our cutie Thor had to apologize (in the form of mom baking cookies and kids writing sorry notes) to a neighbor for face nipping.
Again.
If he were mad he could probably cause some serious damage, this was just a little warning.
My issue with it has to do with Responsibility. As far as I believe(and as we will be discussing in Sunday School this week) we are given the gift of agency. We are held accountable for our choices but that was the deal we made to come here.
How about Thor? He isn't accountable, he's a dog.
I have to remind myself sometimes, okay lots of times(like when Z. refuses to wear socks) that forcing the kids is taking away their freedom "with a great chain".
Thor now has been off chain, and as much as I would like to say that he was obedient and kind, that wasn't his choice.
As much as I would like to say that he is the one responsible, I know better, it was our family that used our agency so the cookies and notes became our job to deliver.
Now, especially , it's our responsibility to keep the dogs on their leashes. We learned that it is the only way to give the dogs their share of agency, by force.
We also learned that giving cookies is a great way to brighten the day and shake off ugly feelings like embarrassment and fear. I'd highly suggest it although I would also suggest skipping the dog biting part!

ValenWhat?

Since its Love week, I'll tell you a few things I love.

Chocolate.
Free rose (and doughnuts on Saturdays!) from the Harley dealership on my pillow.
Cream cheese frosting.
Date night.
S.'s face when she got Valentines in the mail.

Its a lovely holiday but truthfully I'm ready to get rid of every trace of pink candy, cookie, glitter glue, kiddie tattoo(who thought of this Valentine tradition?!)sucker wrapper and all things with hearts. Fun Times, lets move on.