Do y'all have any idea how much I've missed each of you...not to mention blogging? Well, I have A LOT! Hey, life happens sometimes and you just have to step away for whatever reason...and that's what I decided to do. Now, that isn't to say that I'm back full swing, but it's definitely a move in the right direction, wouldn't you say? If you're interested in participating in Hodgepodge, simply answer the questions on your own blog and link up. Here we go!
1. Do you try to set rules for yourself in how you use your time? Explain. Yes, I usually have a list in my head and I allot a certain amount of time to getting those things accomplished before I can enjoy some down time. Seems to work well for me.
2. Monday was National Lighthouse Day. Have you ever visited a lighthouse? If not, do you have any desire to see one up close? Of the 10 Most Beautiful that made this list, which would you most like to see in person? Lindau Lighthouse (Germany), Fanad Lighthouse (Ireland), Portland Headlight (Maine), The St. Augustine Light (Florida), Peggy's Point Lighthouse (Canada), Start Point Lighthouse (England), Tower of Hercules (Spain), Bass Harbor Head Station (Maine), and White Shoal Light (Michigan). When you've been away, what's your 'lighthouse' telling you you're on the right road home? I have visited a lighthouse in Hilton Head, SC (Harbor Town) and one in the Caribbean, though I can't recall exactly where. On the list, I'd most like to visit Fanad Lighthouse because I've always wanted to go to Ireland. When I'm away, my 'lighthouse' is either Chris, as he's great with directions (me...not so much), or the Waze app on my phone. That thing is priceless! However, if you're talking about a landmark, it would have to be the golf course that is at the entrance to our neighborhood.
3. What have you unintentionally stopped doing? Is this something you need to pick back up and begin, again, or is it something you need to let go of for now (or even permanently)? I don't necessarily think this is unintentional, but it's my trying to control the things over which I have no control. I'm thinking of letting it go permanently. After all, God is the only one who's really in control...and that brings me such peace.
4. We've had a full week of August. Share a GRAND moment of your month, so far. Last Sunday at church, we combined our two services into one at 9:30 AM and it was awesome! There was hardly a vacant seat in the sanctuary!
5. Tell us one song you love with the word 'baby' in the title. "Baby I'm A Want You" by Bread. Please, someone tell me that rings a bell! It was one of my favorite 70's songs. Boy, am I ever dating myself now!
6. Insert your own random thought here. As Brittany recently posted to her Facebook, "Wedding planning is NO joke!" I'd say that's the understatement of the century! We now have 7 months to pull everything together before her wedding and my stress level is beginning to rise. We recently booked the venue and we want to commit to a photographer by tomorrow. Next on the list will be the catering, cake, and DJ. Oh, and we, also, have to start dress shopping. Time is of the essence! I'm trying hard to enjoy the journey and I think that once we have all the vendors nailed down, I will be able to do just that.
Please keep our family close in your thoughts and prayers. We've come to the painful decision to have our beloved dog, Maddie, of almost 17 years put down on Friday. Her health has taken a sharp turn downward this past month or so. She has suffered a couple of seizures, is blind and deaf, has lost a lot of weight, has a tumor inside her ear, and isn't steady on her feet (walks into walls, etc.). We know it's the right thing to do, but there is still that sense of guilt that we're all fighting. Pray for peace as we go through this difficult time. We love our Maddie deeply and don't want her to suffer. I'm sure I'll post more about her next week, but it's too raw and too real right now. I know you understand. Here's a shot I took of her a couple of weeks ago while she was attempting to eat her dinner. Her little legs often give out from underneath her...
In our eyes, she's the BEST dog there is...and certainly the MOST loved.
18 comments:
Oh goodness, I will certainly keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. I know Y'all are doing the right thing by your sweet pup but I also know how hard it is. I decided that my Tucker is the last dog I am going to have because it's just too hard. He is the joy of my life besides the grandbaby and I hope I have many more years with him. I feel your pain on the wedding planning. It's just such a racket. I hope if anyone else here decides to get married we don't go through all the hoops and just do our own thing. Probably won't happen that way but a mom can hope, right? LOL
Welcome back, April! Great answers, especially #3...I can relate! I am sorry to hear about your precious fur baby...this is never easy but you know you are doing the right thing...they are our family! Have fun planning that wedding...whew!
My thoughts and prayers are with you with this tough decision, but we know it is the best thing for your sweet companion. There should not be any guilt involved, because it's for her that you're doing this. And you're right, it's so hard to see them go. My beloved German Shepherd who died in spring of 2013 is still the wallpaper on my computer. I'll never forget him or stop loving him.
And about the wedding! Oh it makes me so glad that both of my girls are already married. :-)) Hope all goes well with the planning and not too much stress involved.
I do remember the Bread song. My heart goes out to you about your beloved dog. We had to do that with a cat who had been with us for 18 years and it about broke my heart.
Good luck on the wedding planning, so exciting and nerve wracking
It is hard to lose a pet, especially for children.
Oh how I sympathize with you on the Maddie situation. We went through that this year with our little Schnauzer and although we went twice to the vet with intent thinking it time to put her down, it just didn't feel right. I desperately prayed for God to take little Trudy and He did, at just the right time. I know you will know when the time comes what to do.
As for the wedding, it is a stressful time, but at least it is good stress! Happy times and when the day comes, I'm sure it will all be perfect! Sometimes even in the little mishaps, there comes perfection.
Oh boy, that learning to let go of control thing is a tough one. I will admit to having a very hard time with the changes that came as the kids grew up and went out on their own...and the changes to tradition that brought. I've mostly gotten over it and take things as they come now, but once in a while melancholy sets in. :/
We are down to just over a month to go for our daughter's wedding. I probably wouldn't be stressing, but she is stressing over EVERYTHING! And that is stressing me.
Aw...I'm sorry about your pup. They are such dear little things to us and such big parts of our lives. Sometimes I think letting them go is harder than other losses because they are so dependent on us and they don't understand. Just hang on to the belief that you will see her again in heaven. (I believe that is true based on a verse in Genesis 9. When God gives the animals to Noah for food he also mentions that animals that spill human blood will be judged for it. Judgement takes place before the throne...the throne is in heaven...so animals will be there. Well, and we know that Jesus will come back on horseback so again...animals in heaven.)
Love your answer for #3 and God is in control! Great idea for the church service, makes a big difference having a full sanctuary. When Amber got married Dylan was home for a short break from the service and we only had 3 weeks to plan. You would think that the wedding was planned for an entire year! It was amazing and beautiful, the decisions had to be made on the spot so the stress only lasted three weeks.
My heart is aching for you. I am so sorry that you have to put Maddie down. We have done this too many times. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. ((HUGS))
Oh, I do hope that once everything is booked for the wedding that you can really enjoy the rest of the planning. Just make sure you have nothing, absolutely nothing, that you are responsible of the day of the wedding outside of being at your daughter's side and getting yourself ready. I so enjoyed our daughter's special day because I made sure I was not responsible for one thing outside of being present and enjoying it.
So sorry about your precious dog. Goodness, know this is so tough.
Blessings abundant!
Hubby read an article to me just yesterday about a couple who decided to have a very small wedding and spend what money they had to buy a house. The couple found no cons for their decision and all pros. But, I know that is not for every one, but I can sure see some benefits with the expense and stress of a big wedding. This is another area where God is in control and hopefully it will be a memory that you all treasure.
So glad to see you back today.
I'm sorry to see this about Maddie. This is a hard thing. May the Lord comfort you all with peace.
I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet pup. That is so hard, and know I'm thinking of you. Good luck with the wedding planning! It is a stressful kind of fun : ) Bring some tissues with you dress shopping. Also, sometimes the dress alterations can take months so don't put that off to long. Somehow it all happens, comes together beautifully, and I know you will enjoy the day once it's here.
Oh April! I'm so sorry about Maddie. Been there and I know it is duch a hard decision to make. I'll pray for you all.
Oh my gosh... I cant even talk about it...
Praying for you all on Friday
I'm so very sad for you all and the tough decision you have had to make. Hugs!!
I'm so sorry about your Maddie. It sounds like it is time, but that doesn't make it any easier.
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Hi April... just checking in on you. I miss your posts. I hope everything is ok. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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