Introducing the Newest Addition . . .

After much prayer, and believe it or not, humongous confirmation from the Lord, let me introduce to you . . .

Ruth . . . or Ruthie

We had many names picked out . . . but Ruth was the name that ALL the boys agreed upon.  We thought it was kind of cute since we have a Naomi that was just born.  But that isn’t to say or mean that Naomi is Ruth’s MIL, like the story in the Bible. 

Umm . . . because Naomi is a baby and Ruth is VERY much of a dog. 

I’ll have you know that taking care of a newborn is MUCH easier than taking care of a puppy. 

I’m glad that my dog won’t be in diapers for 3 years, but taking her out to potty every 1.5 hours . . . in addition to getting up to feed Naomi . . . makes for a very tired mommy.

But the SHORT inconvenience will reward a lifetime of blessing and reward for our family. 

We look at our unusual dog as a conversation piece.  It gives us opportunities to talk with people that we don’t know or wouldn’t normally talk with when walking around town. 

There is so much joy in my heart when I see my sons step up to the plate and take ownership of their new sibling. 

I love seeing the dog bound after their heels in the backyard . . . my brain fast forwards 9+ or so years when our first drives a car with Ruth happily sitting in the front seat, when one of our boys is courting a girl and they take Ruthie on a walk together, or even when one of them leaves for college . . . this will be their dog.  The dog they tell stories about.

If you grew up with a dog as a child . . . you know what I mean.  My dog was Toby.  And my adult dog was Mussie.  Their dog will be Ruthie.

During the day they have been responsible for watching Ruth when I am changing a diaper, nursing, or making a meal.  They feed her, give her water, and generously reward her with treats.  They have created tunnels and made her a kennel of pillows.  They have even shared their Ahh! Bean Bags with her . . . (by the way, if you ever have a child puke all over your Ahh! Bean Bags – don’t worry.  They clean up GREAT!  Not that I would know or anything.)

I love knowing that I know that I know we are completely in the Lord’s will by purchasing Ruth so soon after Mussoorie’s death.  The way the pieces fell into place reveal to me that Ruth’s arrival into our family is no accident.  And that our God cares about even the little details in our lives.

In fact, her presence in just two short days has given me a new perspective . . . on our controlled chaos.  And I’m happy. 

Random Thoughts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Thought #1: I just have to thank myself.

Thank you for your post yesterday, Self. You knew I would need it today. Thanks, Self.

Yes, it has been one of those days.

Because of yesterday's post, I woke up this morning feeling prepared to embrace the day with joy. I was going to greet Mr. Smackdown and Mr. Easy in their room instead of them pulling me out of a deep slumber with the words, "I'm hungry, Mommy." I envisioned a dreamy day of everyone saying "please" and "thank you." Sharing would abound and hugs would be too numerous to count. We wouldn't need music on because laughter would fill our home as a pleasant choir.

Let's just say, it didn't happen that way.

So I am experiencing "avoiditus." I suppose that the appropriate word to use would be procrastination. However, I figured if Dr. Seuss can make up words, then I can make up a word once in my life. Avoiditus typically translates to me blogging. Avoiditus is another way of having "me time," which as you will recall from yesterday is a myth. The reality is that after I am done blogging, nothing will be done. All the toys will still be strewn across the floor. Two boys are sleeping, but one will be awake in an hour. Another little boy will be done with his rest time and ready for all of my attention. I will come out of my blog zone, feeling frustrated at my lack of physical accomplishment, though my Internet accomplishment I am sure will astound many. Blah, blah, blah.

I will say that yesterday's post has helped me to be less lazy today and to truly enjoy serving my little charges; even attempting to disciple them as God's precious creations instead of discipline them in anger as little intrusions.

Though I have longed for some quiet and alone time today, I haven't entered into my present time with a locked, windowless door. If there are interruptions, so be it. My time is not my own.

Scripture that has really encouraged me today comes from Ruth. What a neat little book! There is sooooooooooooooo much detail.

Ruth 2: 12, "May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the
Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge."

Thought #2: What if Hotty Husband blogged?
I'm rather curious at the thought and it makes me giggle. Perhaps it would be a blog describing the idiosyncrasies of his silly, beloved wife. Or maybe he would write mini-sermons. Perhaps he would include elaborate engineering drawings. Or better yet, I think he would make it a blog about backpacking adventures and how to become an experienced backpacker. Yes, that is what it would be.

Thought #3: Here is a sneak peak of my next giveaway!

Thought #4: My hands smell like I have been camping. But I haven't. It must be the hot dogs we had for lunch. Gross. So does that mean we always have hotdogs when we go camping?

Thought #5: I forget.

Thought #6: Do you notice one small, tiny change in my blog? Send me a comment if you know!