Change

I've never been good at changes.  I prefer routine, I like knowing what's going to happen, and I expect immediate results.  Type A?  I think so.

Anyway, lots of changes are happening in the Beckereleg household, and I'm slowly learning that variety really IS the spice of life.

Change:

First, and most important, Murray turned six (SIX!!!!) last week.  I'm proud, yet sad.  Cliche, I know, but time really does go fast.  Our little one went from dumping a box of Cheerios on the floor to building a Lego ambulance by himself in a flash.

Change:

As I type this, our nephew (my sister's son) is in the process of entering the world. We absolutely cannot wait to meet him.  In the meantime, we're taking care of his not-so-big sister, Brooklyn, who is just 17 months.  We love her to pieces, and we know we'll love her little brother, too.

Change:

Work is fabulous.  I love The Flag Family (www.flagfamily.com) and my co-workers very much.  It's such a blessing to walk in the door each morning and work side-by-side with people who have the same passion for the values and morals that Craig and I embrace.  Yesterday, I began part-time hours, which will give me more time to spend with Murray - what a blessing!  By the way, tune in to AM 1100, or for you Western ND folks, try AM 1090.  Shameless plug.  I am so proud to be a member of The Flag Family.  Believe it or not, we really are an extended family; we check in on each other after hours and on weekends, we pray for each other, and we care about each other.  

Change:

As you know, we foster dogs for Retrieve A Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM).  Several weeks ago, the transport team brought us Bella, 13-337.  She is a puppy mill rescue who came to us terrified and sick.  She has 2 massive hernias, has birthed many litters of puppies in her short life (she's four), her teeth are broken and some are missing, she had a serious bladder infection, and is suffering from hip displaysia and arthritis. She's also terrified of humans, although recently, she has decided that she likes my lap.  Did I mention she's only four?  We are nursing her back to health and all around well-being, but it's slow and steady.  Please, never, ever, ever, buy a puppy from a pet store or large facility breeder.  Puppy mills torture and neglect these poor dogs.  I'd like to get on my soap box here, but that's another post.

Change:

Speaking of Golden Retrievers, our puppy was born three weeks ago (this picture isn't necessarily her, but one of the litter.  We are third in line to pick). We'll get to meet her tomorrow, and pictures will follow.  We are very excited.  We should have her around Christmas.

So there you go.  While I've never been great at changes, it feels as though the most recent changes are all good.  I'm not sure what will happen next, but I'm ready!

I'm Back and Inspired

I know, I know, I've been extremely lazy about posting.  Not that I wanted to be, but sometimes, life just takes over.  I'm here to tell you that I'm back.  Really.  I promise this time, that is, if you're interested.

I tend to get a bit blue when the cold weather sets in, so I've decided to embrace each day by reminding myself how blessed I am.  Following are just a few of the reasons that I love life (in no particular order):


Murray's sweet little hand, tucked in my pocket in my own hand, when we walk to school. 

The sweet and happy tail-wagging greeting of Rudy (and our latest foster, Bella), when we come home after being away.  There is nothing better than a joyous welcome home from our sweet, four-legged K-9 ('s). 

Teaching a sick and scared puppy mill rescue how to live a "Golden Life", and watching his/her personality emerge daily.

Weekly (sometimes more) conversations with my beloved Grandma and Grandpa.  Spending time with them in person is even better (we're overdue).

Love and hugs from our nieces and nephews.  I had no idea how much I would love them, until the instant I met them.

My in-laws.  Pretty fabulous.

My job.  Faith, Family, Freedom, and Free Enterprise.  What a blessing.

My awesome sister.  She's teaching me how to be strong, and I'm so proud of her.

Our friends.  This is all of you.  We love you.

Craig.  My absolute best friend.  I love that we're best friends beyond all else.  Our relationship is number one, and you, my dear, are amazing. To steal a quote I recently read, "I love you like a squirrel loves acorns". 


So bring it on, winter, I'm ready.  I'm counting my blessings, and even you can't ruin them.

Blessings,
MM

Summer in Review

Sigh.  It's that time of year.  I always shed a tear or two (I've also been known to sob) at the end of summer.  I dread the endless winter that lies ahead.  I detest the thought of snow removal, freezing temps, and icy roads.  So to cheer me up, I went through some of the hundreds of videos and pictures that I took during the last three months, and I'm posting a few of my favorites:

 Memorial Day Weekend - It was chilly, but that didn't stop our little fisherman.

 Brooklyn having a snack in our back yard.

 We bought Murray a swing set.  Here he is, enjoying it with friends.

 Beautiful day on the dock.

 Not to be outdone by Murray, Rudy fishes for rocks.

 They look a little cranky, don't they?  Cheer up!  It's summer!

 Serious fishing on a calm morning.

 Murray is a very good in the neighbor's kayak.  Next year, he'll get his own.

 Big bass that Murray caught all by  himself.

Murray graduated to an open face fishing reel this year, and he's done fabulously.

Mags and Brooklyn enjoying a tandem kayak ride.

So even though summer is coming to an end, we still have a few beautiful weekends left.  Besides, I'm ever so thankful that we made a lifetime of memories in just a few short months.  Until next year, summer.  You will be missed.

Dear Family,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of my resignation as head dishwasher.  I have been quite satisfied with my position for several years, but unfortunately, my time has come to an end.  Recent events have forced me to make this difficult choice.

Our contract clearly states that members of the family are to carry dirty dishes to the kitchen and clear the table.  Line 589, point F, (contract 07302007) notes that "if parties refuse to cooperate with the head dishwasher, the party has the right to terminate the agreement."

This matter could quickly be solved by the defendant purchasing a mechanical dishwasher or a new home. 

If you have any questions, please contact my attorney, Margaret A. Burlingame.
   
Sincerely,
Mom
P.S.  Put your underwear in the hamper.  Both of you!

He's Driving Us Bat**** Crazy (in a good way)

Children are a blessing.  Truly, what a beautiful gift from God. 

But sometimes, said child(ren) can drive you batty (or batsh** crazy, as I like to say, but this is a family friendly blog so...).   

For example:

"Mom, MOM, MOOOOMMMMY!   WHERE is my car?  I can't find my car!  No, not THAT blue car, I mean the OTHER blue car.  NO, that car is not light blue enough and I want the blue car that has wings with the black on it.

Guess who has to find it?  Not us.
Or:

"Dad, I'm SO hungry.  I really need a snack.  No thanks, I don't want a Go-Gurt.  No thanks, I don't want a peanut butter sandwich. DAD, NO!  I do not want an ice cream treat.   Could I please just have a fruit snack?  Sheesh!"
Guess who will not be getting a snack?
Not the boy.

And then there's the bargaining tactic:

"Mom, if I pick up my toys, can I can have a treat?"
But, I want a treat!  I won't pick up my toys, and I don't CARE about money.  YOU ARE SO MEAN!
Guess who won't be receiving his allowance and is grounded from television?

THERE'S MORE:

The shaving of my legs saga continues (via my Facebook page):

Murray: Mama, I'm not trying to make fun of you, but do you really want these pokey things on your legs?
Me: No, that's why I shave them.
Murray: You should just shave them every day.
Me: I do shave them every day.
Murray: Well, then I think you should buy a new shaver.


And this:

Murray: Mom, when can I ask Sophia to marry me?
Me: When you are 25. Why do you want to marry her?
Me: It's just that she is the most "beautifulist!". But Mom, when can I ask her to marry me?
Me:  What happens when you get married?
Murray: You live with your wife.
Me: Why?
Murray: Because it would be sad if you didn't live with your wife. I really love Sophia and want her to marry me. 

 

And we can't forget this classic (our niece is a mixed baby):

 

My dad: I spy with my little eye, something brown.

Murray: Is it Brooklyn's skin? 

 

One more for you:

 

Us: What's the matter, Murray? Are you okay?
Murray (sniffling): I BONKED MY PENIS!!!

 

 

So, to all of you that love children, take heart.  When they drive you bat-sh** crazy, don't feel bad.  For every one annoying moment, there are at least 49,000 precious and hilarious moments.  Happy parenting.

 

P.S.  Stay tuned.  My blogging hiatus is over, and I have a ton to share.

 

Love

Love has many facets.

From Corintians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.


From me:

Love is giving everything you can for your loved ones.  

Love is kindness, respect, trust and support.

Love is not judgemental and is given unconditionally, no matter what.

Love is your husband sewing the strap on your favorite bra that the foster puppy chewed.

Love is simple, love is kind.

I pray that my loved sister will read this.