THIS is what a bad girl looks like!

What a crazy morning! I had just bragged how the kitten has left the tree alone. Well, I woke up to quite a commotion. Our 4 month old kitten, Lily had a strand of Christmas lights wrapped tightly around her leg. She was struggling, and screaming. She was also biting the cord and no doubt getting shocked since the lights were on and the outlet was behind the tree. Stephen was trying his best get her out of it. Finally, I called for Shelby. I thought since Lily is her baby... she would be able to get her to calm down. She tried and tried and finally she just knew she would have to endure the biting and scratching to free Lily...and she did. Shelby's hands, fingers, and arms are a shredded bloody mess....and yet the whole time we were trying to get the bleeding to stop, and butterfly bandages on... she was wanting someone to bring Lily to her so she could comfort her. Lily endured a few cuts and scrapes as well. Everyone will recover and hopefully... she will stay away from the Christmas tree!

Rest in peace precious boy

Shadow August 2, 2000 - November 29, 2013

We have lost a dear member of our family....and we are heartbroken. Our little 12 year old shih tzu is lost and keeps trying to find him. She is blind, and many times Shadow would guide her. Shadow was as close to perfect as you can get. He was a cuddle bug, funny, playful and loyal. He never met a stranger. He loved to play ball and in the sprinkler. He loved his stuffed duck and literally sucked on it as he would fall asleep. We have been through this hurt many times over the years. Each time we swear we will never put ourselves through the pain of loss again. But I know that is not true. All the joy he brought to our home outweighs the hurt we are feeling. We will focus on the precious time we were blessed with.
Grief is the price we pay for love.

I am thankful 28 day challenge

Thanksgiving 2013

Day 1 I am thankful for my Lord Jesus. His amazing grace, forgiveness
and unconditional love. I can’t imagine my life without Him.

Day2. I am thankful for for my husband, Randy. My soul mate, my love...my best friend. With the exception of God...no one knows me better than Randy. He makes me laugh, he calms my fears...he encourages me. There is nothing we can't do or get through together. He is wonderful father to our children. They are confident of his love for them. Thank you God for blessing us with Randy.

Day 3: Dear Matthew, Stephen, Caleb and Shelby, I am thankful for you! Each one of you represents an answered prayer. When you were born...your dad and I knew we would love, nurture and care for you We knew we would have to be the best people we could possibly be...because you would learn from us. I still love watching you learn. What we didn't know then is how much we would learn from you. I love you more than anything in this world! You have made my life complete.

Day 4: I am thankful for my parents! For giving me life. For loving God and teaching us to do the same. For always praying for me. For loving me even when I didn't love myself. They made me a better person by their example. Even when I disappointed them...I knew their door was always open and that I was welcome. My dad getting up every morning and going to work...even when he was sick. My mother for taking care of our home, and making sure our bellies were full. For the many scarifies they made so that my brothers, my sister and I would have what we needed...and wanted. For staying together through better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and health....and teaching us that though love and marriage is not always easy...it is definitely worth fighting for. For their sense of humor. For their compassion for stray animals...and making our pets part of our family. For making birthdays, and holidays special and all the pictures my mother made us pose for...so we wouldn't forget a moment of our time together.
I am blessed beyond belief to have Stan and Rose as parents. Parents don't come any finer than the set God gave to me

.Day 5: I am thankful for my pets! They are here for me, in good times and bad. They keep me company, snuggle when I am sick, protect me, drive me nuts, make me laugh, cost a fortune, and don't do their share of the housework (much like the human children). They fit right into our crazy life. They require so little, yet give back so much. I'm so thankful we are blessed with each of them.

Many of these babies were abandoned and starving. Please have your pets spayed or neutered. Remember the homeless, hungry and unloved animals. Not just during the holidays.....but through out the year. Make a donation to your local humane society. I like to go to my vet office and donate a spay or neuter.

Day 6: I am thankful for my siblings! I sure wish mom and dad would have had me sooner...so I could have grown up with them. I always loved listening to their stories and memories of growing up together. I suppose that might be the reason why I was always in such a hurry to grow up.
I have been blessed to watch as they fell in love and married their life mates.... Karen, Theresa and Pat. As they began and raised their families...and now adoring their grandchildren.
They probably don't know this...because I am pretty sure I have never told them. So I will tell them now. Stan, Joe and Gina... I love you all very much. I admire the lives you have built and I am very proud to be your little sister.

Day 7: I am thankful for all of my nieces and nephews! Brandon, Amy, Travis, Misty, Micheal, Carrie, Daniel, Jared and Justin. A few of them grew up with me and were more like little brothers and sisters. They made me laugh, got on my nerves, made me proud and made the holidays so much fun! They grew up way too fast. Now they have children of their own. The GREAT ones: Bradley, Nicholas, Abigail, Wyatt, Ellie, Gianna, Mason, Morgan, Max, Piper, Stella, Rose, Dillion, Darin, Evan, Sadie. and one on the way! I love them very much! All of them own a huge spot in my heart.

Day 8: I am thankful for my friends. The chosen sisters who walk my life with me. Other than my family and my faith in God, nothing is more important to me than my friends. Some are funny, some full of passion, some flighty, some rock-solid, some are kindred spirits with me. Some are right where they want to be, and others are still finding their way. Some are far away or have walked out of my life. I still love them and miss them terribly.


Day 9: I am thankful for my home. I knew the moment I laid eyes on this old house...it would be our home. The memories we created, and the lessons we learned as we worked together to renovate. I am also grateful for the friends who gave their time to help us.
"The Greene House....Home is where they love you!"

Day 10: I am thankful for my camera...and the memories I create with it. Not only for myself...but for others. With it...I view everything up close and personal. I see things I may not have ever noticed before. The details of a flower. A just hatched butterfly drying it's wings before taking its first flight. The innocence of a child at play. Sunrise...sunset. Altering life by holding it still.

“Sometimes I arrive just when God's ready to have someone click the shutter.”― Ansel Adams

Day 11: I am thankful for our Military and Veterans. I salute you. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to live a life unfettered by fear. I thank you for the right to speak my mind without fear of retribution. For standing proud and defending America each and every day of your lives - and ours. I am proud to be an American. I am thankful today and always for the millions of men and women who dedicate and have given their lives so that I may continue to live my life - freely, honestly, and without fear.


Day 12: I am thankful for Teachers. To all teachers (past, present, and future) You will be remembered this Thanksgiving Day and beyond. Thank you for your endless patience, and unrivaled dedication.

Day 13: I am thankful for the many challenges. Whether planned or unplanned, the challenges and difficulties have made me stronger. Without them, I would not know gratitude for the many blessings of life


Day 14: I am thankful for facebook! I know there are some negative things about facebook. But I am thankful for being able to connect with old friends, new friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins...near and far. To be able to share the good times, laugh at jokes, remember the old times or to take a moment to relax and play a game together. To congratulate the proud moments, to grieve with each other during our losses. It is truly a blessing.


Day15: I am thankful for music!
It is so powerful! Music makes me happy and sometimes makes me cry. It can take me back in time, and remind me of certain people, places and things. Music makes me want to get up and dance. It often helps me to relax. My oldest son is mentally disabled, and cannot speak...but I can always connect with him through music. I believe there is music in Heaven, and is a gateway to the soul


.Day 16: I am thankful for all of nature. The birds, the bee's the flowers and the trees....and of course the butterflies


Day 17: I am thankful for the City of Vidor, and our community. When we left the military...we had the option of moving anywhere. We chose to come back to Vidor. It is one of the best decisions we ever made. Our little city is often the subject of cruel jokes and criticisms. Every time I hear someone putting Vidor down...it really hurts my feelings. There is no such thing as a perfect person or place....but our citizens are friendly and loyal. We come together when our fellow Vidorians are in need. Our schools are awesome and I feel our children are blessed with a top notch education. Unfortunately in this day and age...crime is always a possibility...but in Vidor I feel my family is as safe as they can be. I am really proud and thankful to be a member of this community.


Day 18: I am thankful for the morning. The sunshine. Breakfast...my favorite meal. For Hazelnut coffee, and a hot bath. All I need to start the day!


Day 19: I am thankful for Randy's employers, and coworkers. I am thankful that he is able to go to work, do his job...come home and not stress about what tomorrow will hold. Having a job at all these days is enough to be thankful for...having a job you love and coworkers you enjoy is a blessing.

Day 20: I am thankful for doctors, nurses, and all who devote their lives to helping the sick, and injured. Thank you for your kindness, your wisdom, and humor. I know the work you do is not always easy. I am grateful that in spite of the many challenges you face, you still do what you do every day.

Day 21: I am thankful for the peacemakers. Those who have chosen to take the path of peace. They choose and respond to situations with love... rather than anger or hatred.

Day 22: I am thankful for books. When I need a little break, a little quiet time for myself...I simply pick up a book. Books take me to other worlds. They help me see life from another’s point of view. They help me to think.

Day 23: I am thankful for peaceful sleep. My warm cozy bed, and fluffy pillows. Wonderful, mouth open and slobbering, waking up with hair looking like Don King sleep!

Day 24: I am thankful that my son Stephen is home for a whole week! All my children home, under one roof!

Day 25: I am thankful that I am finished shopping for Christmas! Every year I promise myself that I am going to start early and avoid the crowded stores. This year I did it! Now, I can spend the month of December, enjoying the company of friends and family, spreading holiday cheer through random acts of kindness, and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.

Day 26: I am thankful for Smiles. Ever have a baby look into your eyes and smile? It’s priceless. When you go out today, tomorrow and the next day...make a point to smile at everyone you see. Even if they seem rude or look angry. Some will smile back at you, and some won't. You may change someone's entire day. Just watch how it makes you feel!

Day 27: I am thankful for the church of my childhood. For the Pope, the Priests, my CCD teachers, the choir directors, our CYO groups and even the sweet little old ladies – they all played a part in my spiritual growth. The church of my childhood helped make me who I am today. Peace be with you!

Day 28: I am thankful for our food and our many blessings. Thank you, Lord. Wishing you all a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!   

    

Favorite Photo Friday

Honey Bunny chilling on the air vent in Shelby's room. If you have never seen a spoiled rotten rabbit...now you have. She jumps up on Shelby's bed so she can get to the window. She lays on the window seal like a cat.

Happy Monday!

I Feel Great! No more sore throat...and my knee is improving more and more each day! I had a wonderful weekend with my husband and children. Everyone pitched in and we got the housework done in no time at all...and we even got both dogs bathed.

My adorable Cockatiel Pete is not only enjoying a squeaky clean cage...but new toys! His mate died suddenly last month...and he has been..actually..we all have been quite saddened by the loss of Ollie. We were worried for awhile that his grieving heart might take him away too. It does my heart good to see him over there dancing on his perch..and tossing his little ball around.



Oh yes...hot digitty dog she made his day! When he see's someone turn on the hose...he goes crazy with excitement. Before she gives him a bath...they always play. He runs, leaps and barks at the stream of water. Sometimes she will put the hose up in the tree and he just plays all by himself. Unfortunately I missed playtime...but I did manage to get a few shots of his bath. He's not really very fond of that part...but he sure feels great after! He needed a bath so badly...I am glad it warmed up enough that we could bath him outside. He has a beautiful thick, shiny coat, but sheds worse than any dog I have ever had. The brush she is using is awesome! It is a Kong Zoom Groom and it can be used to scrub as well as everyday brushing. Very easy to clean and gets the loose hair off. It must feel really good because he relaxes and falls asleep while we are grooming him.

Since my family has taken such good care of me and I had not personally cooked in more than a week...I thought it would be nice to make something yummy for them. But it would have to be something easy. So, I had some leftover chicken in the refrigerator...and I remembered a recipe my friend Jan-Jan's Sushi Bar had shared right after Thanksgiving. Enchilada Casserole--A seriously simple and delicious way to use up leftover turkey...or in this case...chicken. As you can see even the finicky one's ate two plates! I also took advantage of Jan's Pimento Cheese recipe...which made my man very happy.


I thought my little dumplin would be back today. She stayed with her Great Granny (my mother) all last week while I recovered. But for some reason she is running a high temperature...so her mommy/my Niece is taking the day off and they will pay a visit to the pediatrician later this afternoon. Other than fever she has a bit of a stuffy nose...but no other symptoms so far. We know she isn't feeling good though because rather than being her active, busy self...she wants her mommy to hold her...and that is just not like our girl.
Hopefully the doctor will get her started on some antibiotics...and she will be back here tomorrow....and if by chance she still just wants to be held...I can think of nothing else I would rather do.

The sun is shining and it's a beautiful day here in Southeast,Texas. What ever your day looks like...I sure hope you are making the most of it.

Shadow's Guide To Playing Fetch

If you want your busy family to throw your ball...the pitiful look (also known as-puppy dog eyes) are a must!

Concentrate! Keep your eye on the ball at all times... sometimes the humans just pretend to throw it. They find it hilarious...don't ask me why.

You must run very fast and fetch the ball as quickly as possible
before the humans slip back inside the house

And always trot back proudly!

"I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that." ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

Puppy Survives Beating

At just a tender 5 months old, an adorable Labrador mix inspired not love and affection, but the kind of brutality that gives us all nightmares. "Teenagers allegedly abducted the helpless and trusting puppy from his property, took him to an abandoned home and beat him". The case is pending, and they are charged with using a sledgehammer handle, a rock and a beer bottle with the mission of causing this pup as much pain as possible. Miraculously, the puppy survived – even after suffering without medical treatment for 24 hours. He sustained skull fractures, numerous cuts, a broken leg and a terrible eye injury.

Unable to afford the puppy's medical care, the owner finally surrendered him to a local animal shelter, where the puppy was renamed "Justice."

Justice – and the shelter where he had been taken – still needed help. The puppy's ghastly injuries required medical care that went beyond what the shelter could afford on its shoestring budget. Then American Humane stepped in...with the help of donars the organization provided vital support through their Second Chance® Fund, a grant program for animal shelters that provides medical care to treat animals in need like Justice, who suffer from life threatening injuries resulting from abuse. ustice immediately received medical treatment. The veterinarian was unable to save Justice's eye, but the courageous little dog otherwise made a full recovery.

No animal deserves to be treated brutally, ever. But we are fortunate that there is a caring, dedicated grant program to help animals who are victimized by senseless acts of brutality.

Every abused and neglected animal deserves a second chance!

Although Justice's eye was irreparably damaged, his spirit is as strong as ever. Amazingly, he did not lose his sweet temperament following the dreadful beating he took. He is now living with a loving family that recently adopted him. Please give whatever you can to help other animals like Justice start the new lives they so justly deserve.

American Humane
The Second Chance Fund

The Little Furr Babies

Shelby snapped a few pictures of the babies this afternoon. They are 17 days old and each is beginning to show their own personality.

We call the one looking at the camera "grumpy" It hisses at everyone.

Their eyes will change...they are blue because they are not finished developing.

Did you know that Calico's are almost always female?

She has really been a very good little mother.

She kept moving them because she didn't want them in the box we provided for her...
so we took the box out and now she is keeping them in the little storage room.

We are really enjoying them....I sure hope we can find them good homes.

June Is Almost Gone

Can you believe how fast June has flown by? I don't know what the weather is like in your neck of the woods...but it is CRAzy hot here in S.E. Texas. The heat index is supposed to be somewhere around 110 today. No rain is expected in the near or distant future and the grass is burned to a crisp. Of course Murphy's Law rings true yet again "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong."..our central air went out Friday night. None of us slept at all! The AC repairmen are so busy right now ...we can't get one out here until late Wednesday evening. So we ran out to the Home Depot first thing on Saturday and bought window units for our bedrooms.

Anyway...back to the month of June. We celebrated two birthdays! Caleb turned 17 on the 7th and Stephen turned 19 of the 15th. Caleb asked for a Banjo for his birthday....yes, a banjo...and we are still trying to find one. Oh we have found a few...but they were all between $500 and $1500...Um No! If anyone knows where we might find one for a reasonable price (no more than $150-$200) please let me know. Speaking Of Caleb..He cut his hair...he cut it SHORT! I took him last Friday to take his senior pictures (my gosh that doesn't even seem possible!) Well...he wanted to get his hair cut first. His hair has been to his shoulders since he was a freshman. I talked him out of it at least for the pictures...I felt it was best that he take the picture with his hair long...just in case he hated the haircut. As we previewed the pictures...I could tell by his face that he didn't like them. So Saturday he got it cut...and then this Wednesday we are going back to take the pictures again. I just want him to be happy and he was right... the haircut turned out really nice. What do you think?

Caleb's hair before and after
Also on Friday...we noticed that our little mama cat had not eaten any of her food...nor had we seen her since the night before. The kids and I went looking for her...and found that she had given birth to 6 kittens (one dead), on the ground behind some bushes. She was a nervous wreck...panting because it was so hot...and I am sure she was still in some pain. The kittens were gasping because they were so hot and dehydrated. I ran home...got a laundry basket with a blanket and we scooped up the kittens and brought them to my back porch. We knew that wasn't going to last for long...I have two house cats of my own, a Labrador and a peek a poo. Mama kitty kept running up to the door and hissing at the animals inside. Like I said she was a nervous wreck.

Mama Kitty 2 days before Delivery
My neighbor is currently in a nursing home and no one is living at his house...well, with the exception of his son who stays there from time to time. He has screened in porch...the screen is pretty much ripped away and he just uses it as a shed. I knew that would be the perfect place for mama kitty and the babies...so I asked one of the family members if it would be OK if I put them in there until the humane society is able to take them. They are so overloaded with animals...we had to be put on a waiting list.Anyway...my neighbors were kind enough to allow it. So now mama kitten has her babies in a nice comfortable box, she can jump in and out of the room as she pleases... and all the food and water she wants. I have also put a box fan in there as well. She is a very good and attentive little mama. Actually..she is a little funny with her babies...she nurses them almost constantly...and when they drift off to sleep..she pulls them back to her with her paw and licks them till they wake up and start nursing again. Their bellies are very round!

3 days old
I am still "making healthy choices" and juicing everyday. It is getting easier each passing day. We have been walking in the evening...but a mile and a half is about all I can handle due to this heat. Even at 8pm the temp is still in the upper 90's. I am certain that I have lost weight...but I have no clue as to how much. I still refuse to weigh myself. I just think for me.... it is better that way.

Spring is fading....

Summer is right around the corner and the kids are finally out of school! Well, sort of...Shelby has to go back on Monday...and every Monday- Thursday from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM. She didn't quite pass the math section (missed by 4 points) of the TAKS EXAM. If you are not from Texas...this is a pain in the tail exam the state makes our students take...and even if they have straight A's on their report card...if they don't pass this test...they fail the grade anyway. They get three chances to pass it....and Shelby has already taken it for the second time....but the results didn't come in on time. So until they do...she has to attend summer school. If she passed it...then she doesn't have to go back. If she didn't...she will attend class for 4 more weeks and take the exam one final time. Poor darling. She struggles with ADD and Dyslexia.

This morning Hubby and I finished putting the butterfly garden together and the seeds have been sown. FINALLY! For now, I will have my hands full just keeping Sparky (the resident squirrel) and all the Cardinals from eating the seeds. We planted quite a variety to attract not only butterflies...but hopefully hummingbirds as well. On the opposite side of the deck we have a "Firebush" it was here when we moved in and grows to 7 ft every summer. The hummers and butterflies love it! Once the plants come up a bit...I will add a water source...hopefully it will be a solar birdbath/fountain...and a butterfly house. I just love sitting in the swing in the morning and watching all the wildlife come right up to the deck.

Recently, I noticed a little black cat hanging around on the deck eating some cat food I had put in a bag to give to the Raccoons. Every time we went outside...she would run...but I tried calling her and to my surprise she came running to me... rubbing on my leg and purring quite loudly.It was then that I noticed that she is very pregnant. So for the last week or so we have been setting some food out. As friendly as she is...it is obvious...at least to me that she once belonged to someone....and most likely has been dumped. In my opinion...this one of the cruelest things that a human being can do to a helpless animal. Dump them and just leave them to starve. :( I am not quite sure where to set her up for the birthing...I can't put her in the house as my nosey critters would probably make her very nervous. Anyway...it looks like the event is not that far off...so soon I will be trying to find homes...any suckers...oops! UH I mean takers? :)

"What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade. " ~Gertrude Jekyll

How Do You Keep A Moron Busy?

In this case...you hang a water hose from a tree limb...


I hope everyone has a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend!