February

I really don't know why I put this picture up, I just love it I guess. It speaks volumes really.

Well, today is the last day of January. So Long! I'm glad February is upon us. Even though the temperature is supposed to drop dramatically within a few hours tomorrow, I feel as though spring is on it's way. I probably won't be feeling this way while I'm standing outside feeling every bit of the wind chill while waiting for sweet Archie to do his business. He probably will do it fast because, come on, who wants to do that in 20 degree weather.
ANYWAY ... still, March is right behind February and then *BAM* it's April and before you know it, May is here. AAAAAhhhhhhh, MMMMMay - but before I get a head of myself I will take time to enjoy February. We are getting ready for a Women's Retreat that will be so much fun, and I am getting ready for a play that I will be in sometime in March. Big things happening, oh, and I will be revealing my long awaited plan that I have just recently put in motion.

Hurry up and Wait

There is something humbling as a mother, wife, sister,and daughter in saying "I'm tired" which tends to translate to "I don't want to play anymore" in my head. I feel like I want to be a recluse for a while. Not in a bad way, just a "time to ponder" sort of way. I go through days of wondering if I DO too much, what should I be saying "no" to? My boss and friend, Robin, listens as I vent my concerns and I love that she doesn't try to sugar coat anything. "Sweety", she says, "there is a season for everything". I love that because it's true. Just because I don't feel moved to do something now doesn't mean that I won't be 100% ready for it later.
It's not about how much you do, it is about the shape your heart is in while doing it. I want to be someone that my children look up to and my husband admires when I'm serving God. So how should I feel when I'M the one staying home to do laundry and vacuum the house instead of going to church on Wednesday night? Aren't I supposed to be setting an example? How do you do this when you are spiritually exhausted? ... The Bible tells us we wait ... In Psalm 27:14 it says this, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" Wow, he wants me to wait, I know this because it is mentioned twice in one verse.
This scripture makes me excited for what is to come after the wait is over.


What are you waiting on?

Help! Mommy's Down!

You know, instead of "piper's down" ... I guess if you never watched "So I Married an Ax Murderer" you wouldn't know what I'm talking about. Anyway, I came home from work today and I pulled a muscle in my back. It hurts BAD but I'm sure it's nothing that a really hot bath can't fix. I hope.
Since I'm a "glass is half full" kind of girl, I am using this opportunity to get the girls to help me with my evening routine. It's amazing how Belle loved to load the dishwasher and Layla was upset because she didn't have a job, we can't have that, so I LET (heheh) her sweep the kitchen. Baby girl even got the dust pan out and scooped up the trash and dumped it. Now here is the funniest part. I don't know of any other little girls that can actually have fun sorting laundry. I supervised while Belle and Layla separated my laundry and laughed when they would pick up a pair of Daddy's underwear and scream.
Hhhhmmmm. Maybe tomorrow night I might have a sore leg or something and see how much I can get out of them.

Archie and Zoloft

I put these two names together because that is what the voice in my head is chanting. (Not really ... maybe ... no, not really ... maybe).
If you haven't gone through potty training a dog or even a child you can't possibly understand the stress I'm under. I find myself watching "It's Me or the Dog" episodes on Animal Planet to really try to "understand" my dog.
The girls absolutely love him but they really don't watch him like I do, partly because I am the one that cleans up the mess and if the T.V. is on every one's stock goes down as far as the kids are concerned. Oh well, this too shall pass.
Belle stayed home from school today with (as Nana would say) the case of the "trots" -ha! Poor baby. needless to say she got some real bonding time with Archie, which was nice because I think he's taken a shine to me *gulp*!
Anyway, that's what's going on in our home tonight, hope yours is just as eventful and if not, give us a call and we would be glad to entertain you.

Meet Archie

This little schnoodle has marked us with his love ... and in occasional spots in the living room and kitchen. Thank goodness I already had kid worn carpet, truly I don't know which stains were already there or which ones are from Archie. Anyway, we are going through the trials of potty training but it will be over soon and I will get my carpets cleaned.
He is so sweet, great with the kids and loves, loves, loves to cuddle on our laps. This is more than what I can say for my sister's new pet ...



Ha! Ha! Yep, this is a wild hog that my brother- in -law, Trent found. Sorry Shell, I think this is only the tip of the iceberg, I mean come on, you have three BOYS!!!

The Circle of Life

Well, there is sadness in the Rutledge house. Our little kitty was hit by a car Wednesday. It was the most horrible night! Poor Layla, she was sure that kitty would come back as soon as he got hungry but Belle, she just knew, without us telling her, she just knew.
Anthony and I were very sad as well. Sure the kitty was sweet and sure he was probably the best cat we have ever owned but that wasn't where the sadness was for me. I can handle my own grief or sadness, but when I'm holding my 8 yr. old as she is sobbing because this is the second cat in two months that we have lost, I can't stand it.
I know there is greater tragedies in life than losing a pet, believe me, this situation just made me realize that in my daughter's life there will be so much that makes her sad and that hurts her and she will look to me and Anthony and ask us "why?" and like Anthony said, "It kills me that I can't fix this for her."
Well, hopefully this story will not end bad. We are currently in the market for a small house/lap dog. He or she must be completely prepared to be loved and carried and brushed and dressed-up by two little girls that have a whole lot of love to give. So, if you know of a dog that is in need of a home please let us know.