Memories

Last night, I began a major project: cleaning out our 16 X 8 closet. As you can guess this is not an easy task as this is the place that I tend to stuff EVERYTHING in order to de-clutter the rest of the house. Well, I could no longer walk to the back half which contains all my clothing.

Another reason I really needed to do this was that both the girls have outgrown their current clothing size and I desperately needed to get them changed out. Jules, who is now 2.5, can no longer fit into her 2T clothing; while Jaelynn, 8.5 months, has finally outgrown her 3-6 m clothes. And so the war on containers begins.

I purchased 4 new containers for the girls keepsakes since Jaelynn is now needing to put things away and to put Jules' things away that I will give her when she is a mom. My 18 gal containers are all color coded, but not labeled so I have lots to do and it will be an ongoing endeavor for a week I am thinking.

Anyway, I said all this to say that last night I pulled out all the containers from our closet to begin the orgainizing. Today when Jaelynn took her 20 min catnap, I began. I was able to make a huge mess in the bedroom before Jaelynn woke up.

Well, instead of continuing I decided to take the girls outside and swing them. Then we got on the trampoline for some ring around the rosie and other fun games. We came in just a bit ago and began our imaginary Little People play and the girls are now playing together by me as I type. I think I made the right decision. I may not have a place to lay my head this evening, but my heart is full of precious smiles, sweet gigles, and the cackle of laughter. Today is a good day as it is full of memories.

Eggs

So, today we are coloring eggs for the beloved Easter celebration tomorrow. This morning we decided to boil a dozen for coloring. All 3 of the older kids are super excited and want to "help". So, the each put eggs in the pot(big help). Jeremy, 8, asks:

J: Why are we putting them in the water to boil?
Mom: So that they are hard and we can color them.

(Jeremy ponders this for a minute)

J: So, if this makes them hard, how do you get them to turn into chocolate and stuff them with candy?

(Mom thinks for a minute about busting his bubble, answering sarcastically, or playing along)

Mom: let's go ask your Dad.
Mom: Daddy, Jeremy has something to ask you.
(Jeremy asks Dad)
Dad: (with a straight face)Well son, it is a lot like cows, you have to have a chocolate chicken for chocolate eggs, just as you need a chocolate cow for chocolate milk.

Thoughts

I know many that struggle with life. It is unfair and wonderful all at the same time ... After my surgeries and struggles through recovery I have found a new peace in life. This poem is the best description of that peace that I have ever read, and a good read that I would like to share.... Jeremiah Cottle

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Perfect

What Was I supposed to be? by Ray Boltz

Genesis

Welcome to the Little J Ranch, Cottle Clan's Reparo Genesis. This is our newest addition and as her name suggests she represents a "renewed beginning". We will be retiring Athena for breeding this fall and Genis will begin breeding next fall. So far she is extremely shy and not well socialized so we have a lot of work ahead of us.

3 Left

These are the 3 pups that are left. They are 8 weeks old now if anyone is interested or knows someone interested please let us know-Thanks!