Greta's New Massage Therapist

This was way TOO CUTE for me to pass up the opportunity to pull out the video camera! And to think I was afraid they wouldn't get along.

Why Did God Create the Flea?

It is now the season for those ugly, pesty, insects to start showing themselves in droves. For the first time in our living in East Texas (almost 6 years in this house) we decided to hire an exterminator. He came out about 2 months ago and I have been so pleased. Peace of mind is worth so much. I have been less stressed about Clara running into fire ants or getting stung by a wasp. But, it seems that they are beginning to show themselves again. ESPECIALLY, the little HORRID, Fleas!! With 3 dogs and a new kitten we just can't seem to get them under control. I have flea collars, flea drops, flea spray, and flea shampoo and have administered all of this on all of my pets. Unfortuneately, it has done very little to help with the problem. The exterminator came out last Wednesday and sprayed the yard but two days later....YEP they were still jumping on our legs. I really hate to be high maintance but I called the Bug guy again and requested that he come back out again today. I'm hoping that does it. After putting down Clara for a nap, I went outside gave all of the dogs flea baths and applied flea drops. I'm pretty proud of myself for being a 9 month pregnant woman still able to accomplish much....but boy is it taking a toll on my body. Needless to say, I'm exhausted. But, it is days like this where I wonder, "Why DID God create the Flea?" Do they really benefit anything? Are they on the food chain for some bird? Does anyone know?

The Joys of Being a Mother

I just had to post some of these pictures of my daughter. It makes my heart smile when I see these. I'm so thankful for cameras which will help me recall these wonderful memories a litte more clearly.

"Controlled Burn" What Exactly is that?!?!

Just wanted to share some photos with you from last night. Sorry for most of the blur. It was hard to take good shots in the dark. And of course these pictures don't give you a full picture of what it really looked like.

We came home from services and as we crossed over the creek we saw the sky glowing bright orange. We knew that our fairly new neighbor across the street had been attempting to perform a "CONTROLLED BURN" earlier in the day...In which the fire department was called and asked to come over because it had gotten a little out of hand. So, we knew it wasn't our house...or at least not yet.

But as we got closer, we were a bit alarmed to discover that maybe this guy was a pyromaniac. I'm not the best judge of acreage but I would have to guess (my husband would probably disagree) maybe 30+ acres on FIRE!!! Is that considered a "CONTROLLED BURN" when you have one man manning a brush fires of 30+ acres????!!?!?!?

We drove down the road and discovered our neighbors that live behind our home were all outside at their barn watching with a bit of concern as well. I doubt we all got much sleep last night. At the time the wind was blowing South(away from our house). But, the wind did change and began to blow North and it was an eery sight to see the flames were now working their way over the hill, now down to the road that divides our property. Jonathan's concern was that a tree would ignite and fall across the street, catching our property on fire. He spent most of the evening, until about 11:30pm with the water hose ,trying to kill the fire and wet the grass and trees down. SOOOOOOOO glad that we to pay that water bill! Numerous trucks pulled over to make sure everything was okay because like I said earlier it was Alarming and looked a bit out of control.

We did get the camera and video camera out for "DOCUMENTATION" just in case something were to go HORRIBLY wrong. Our crazy neighbor then pulled out of his driveway around 11:30ish and saw us outside and stopped to have a chat (I quickly hid the camera). He didn't seem to be concerned but it made us feel better that he was there and was awake and not sleeping. He then proceeded to ask us, "Do ya'll have a gun?" Jonathan replied, "Not on me." Then he said that he received word from the Fire Chief (he'd been checking in with him every 30 minutes...what a relief) that there was a woman who was being held hostage by her boyfriend...down our road....holding a gun inside her mouth and law enforcement had been notified. He apparently got scared and fled her house on foot and there was a manhunt looking for him. Needless to say, we decided to come inside and lock the house down...bring the dogs in... and Jonathan loaded his gun and placed it beside our bed. How do you think we slept last night?????

Good news is that God heard our prayers. We still have a home and we woke up to a usual Monday morning. However, I did wake up extremely nauseous around 4am. The smoke must have been seeping its way into the house and I felt like I was in the process of being poisoned. And, Jonathan woke up seriously tired. He wondered what heavy smoke can do to your body? However, Jonathan wakes up EVERY morning SERIOUSLY tired. So that could be just part of our usual Monday morning. :>)

Did hear on the morning news that they still haven't caught the boyfriend. I think I will proceed with caution and keep all the doors locked just in case. THE JOYS and ADVENTURES that come with living in the WOODS! :>) Anyone up for coming and staying with us for a weekend? ha. It is probably stories like this that keep our company level down.

Fast & Furious trip to Florida

We recently returned from a very long drive to and from Florida. We were attending my cousin's wedding. It was so gorgeous. While we were there we squeezed in a Day at Disney and had so much fun. Although, it was so crowded. I think there was some kind of Cheerleader's Conference going on (UGH). Human pyramids and chatty teenagers. Plus, there seemed to be a lot of foreigners there too. I figure this is probably their "Holiday" time. I can't wait for Clara to go when she is a little older and able to appreciate the characters.

I WANT MY TENNIS BALL!!

While outside today with my camera, I witnessed this interaction between our dog, Rudy and my daughter, Clara. I was just snapping pictures and was humored by what I shot. Apparently, Clara found the next best thing to the tennis ball.

I received this in an email today. Thought it was CUTE!!

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary......
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary. ..
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................

What has been going on

Picture of my sweet Rudy. See about my most recent book
"Rudy's Path."


Hard to believe we are in the year 2009! There is something very refreshing about starting a new year. So many possibilities and hopefully blessings to come. I know for my family 2009 has some wonderful expectations. For one, my husband and I are expecting our second child on July 1st. Our daughter really needs a playmate. That will place our children approximately two years apart. Some folks say that is the perfect distance while I observe other small families with children close in age and quickly ask myself, "What was I thinking?" After my 21 month old daughter had a pubic melt down in the mall today, I turned to my mother who was shopping with me and said, "After this next one comes around, I may not ever go out again until they are both 10 years old."

But really, I love my daughter and feel such a warmth in my heart when she calls me, "mommy." Or when I see her mimicking me. All of the struggles and tantrums are quickly forgotten when she waves at me or when she puts her head on my shoulder.

2009 also brings a new book, hopefully. I need to begin working on the my 3rd book of the Greta's series of books. This book will be called, "Opie's Promise." My little girl is eye level with my art table and paints, so, it makes it quite difficult to paint without a mess or frustration. She so badly wants to eat the paint and suck on the paint brushes. It is kind of difficult trying to find the time to work on this project. I think after January I will really put myself to work and get this done.

Life is good and Life is busy. Here's to 2009!