Sweet Pea’s letter to the neighbors

Hi, my name is Sweet Pea, and I am the bird dog/terrier mix next door. Maybe you've seen me around. This is really embarrassing, but I have to admit I have a huge crush on your dog. He is so handsome! I tell my owners I really need to go outside just so I can look at him. My mom is getting really tired of this, but what can I do? He is such a dream.

Well I was kind of wondering if it would be okay to come over and meet him one day, actually muzzle to muzzle. Don’t worry, I’m not one of those girls, and besides, I had that spay surgery last spring. I would love to look into his eyes, and perhaps play spit head with the cute guy.

My mom says I act like a wild hyena around other dogs, but that is only till I get to meet them. Then I remember my manners. I have a brother at home, but he’s 12, and isn't interested in playing with me. Actually, he’s really grouchy. I’m only 3, so you see why I like to play.
You've never met me, and this is crazy, but here’s my number, call me maybe!
Sweet Pea

First Crush

My dog Sweet Pea has a huge crush on the fella next door. I mean huge! She'll beg to go outside, claiming an impending potty disaster, just to catch a glimpse of her beloved. Now she's never met face to face with this guy, but she is simply head over heels in love with the bull dog next door.

Up until this week, Bullet has been tied close to his owner's home,and he wasn't able to come close to our fence. Well Bullet received an early Christmas present this week when his entire yard was fenced. For the first time, he ambled over and said hi to Sweet Pea.

Now picture a giggly, movie-star/music artist obsessed 14 year old girl. Imagine the object of her infatuation walked up and said "hi" to her. That's pretty much how Sweet Pea reacted when Bullet greeted her yesterday. She spun around, huge grin on her face, and....this followed:

and this:

then this:

Finally:

I'd say I have a very happy dog!!

God bless,
Chela

Good Friends

Monday afternoon, a bank in our town was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight. The assailants escaped in an SUV and have yet to be caught. This is highly unusual for a small town like ours, and left the residents on edge.

Although I was concerned about the situation, it was really up to the police, so after a prayer for those involved, life continued on in our house. Evening brought homework, dinner, baths and bed.

With the house buttoned up tight, I headed onto bed, and quickly fell asleep. I was awakened some time later by my dog. She started out growling, then woofing, then downright furiously barking. I started to chastise her for barking at her boyfriend next door, when I heard someone knocking on my door!

It's 12:30am, a bank has been robbed a mile from my house, I'm not opening the door! I jumped out of bed, cell phone in hand, and my finger hit the speed dial 5. No, not 911, but my best friend two houses down. I'll get to that in a minute. I run down the hallway, with my dogs carrying on like a pack of wolves, and my heart racing like crazy. Still someone is pounding on my door.

It's not college kid, it's not my husband, they both have keys. If it was the police, they'd announce that, right? So, this can't be good. Friend tells me to call the law, then says to hold on. She woke her dh, and they came flying down here to see who it was.

I soon found out everything was okay, the person outside was a neighbor of mine. She wanted to tell me about the bank robbery, and that the perpetrators hadn't been caught. I appreciate that, but she really frightened myself, and my children. Plus pulled my other neighbors out of bed, and surely scared them as well.

So why did't I call 911? I am not sure. I picked up my cell, and went straight for their speed dial. They're always there for me, no matter the hour or the problem. They are the best friends I could ever wish to have. By the way, they are the ones I had invited over for Thanksgiving just days before. When I mentioned this to them, that I really should have called the police, my friend mentioned that they would have been here first anyway-they would have heard the call over the police scanner.

So I learned a few things from this experience: lock your house at night, keep a phone by your bed, have a dog or two with a big bark, and good friends are worth all the gold in the world. Whether I need to talk, want to chat, or have a dire emergency, my friends are always there for me. Thank you T and T for everything, you are the best. Thank You Jesus for such wonderful friends, and for keeping us safe that night and always. Amen

Chela

A Thanksgiving to Remember

Ahhh..Thanksgiving...a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy a delectable meal, and remember the first settlers to make our wonderful land their home.

Sure...in a Southern Living magazine, maybe. Here is how Thanksgiving played out at our house! The week before the holiday, I had helped our zoo with a booth at the fair, talking to hundreds of people. Naturally, one of them was kind enough to share some crud with me, so I spent the next several days in bed.

After a visit to the dr, a sore hip, and a boatload of meds, I was starting to feel human again. Just in time for a pipe to break in our bathroom. Now remember, this is only one week before Thanksgiving. The break flooded both bathrooms, and left us unable to use the kitchen sink or dishwasher.

Friday, ds #2 has his wisdom teeth out. I also receive a phone call informing me of unexpected company for Thanksgiving. I thought college kid and his girlfriend were coming the week after the holiday.

Monday, college kid and I hit Lowe's for supplies to fix the pipe. Washing dishes in coolers is quickly getting old. College kid then informs me he is going to remodel our kitchen floor over Thanksgiving break, replacing the horrid brown linoleum with beautiful ceramic tile.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, he didn't get the first tiles down until Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. Did I mention they can't be touched/stepped on/breathed upon for 24 hours? Fortunately, by the time I needed the kitchen to start preparing our meal, the floor was dry and able to be stepped on.

Since the kitchen/dining area was a work in progress, we rolled up our beautiful area rug, and ate in the living room. The day before Turkey day, dh and I had visited a friend of ours, and found out they weren't having a Thanksgiving. Due to a planned road trip on Black Friday, they were not going to mess with cooking a big meal. Before I knew it, the words, "Please come to our home, and share a meal with us. We'll have plenty of food" came tumbling out of my mouth.

I prayed as we prepared food, that we would have enough. Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the 5,000, surely he could multiply our feast enough to feed eleven. (John 6:1-14) And He did. We ran out of only one dessert, and in fact, had enough leftovers to feed us for 4 days. Twelve baskets of leftovers indeed.

For all my stressing, worry, and craziness leading up to the celebration, we had a great Thanksgiving. Jesus keeps working on me, and I shall one day learn to trust Him to supply all our needs. Thank You Father for a great celebration. I love You, amen.

Chela

Unanswered prayers

Unanswered prayers....those times we pray, and think God isn't listening to us, or perhaps He is too busy for our little concern. Maybe God only listens to priests or nuns, or people who are heavily involved in the church.

Not so, of course. Our Heavenly Father hears all of our prayers. Whether it's a big one, 'please let me have this promotion' or a small one, 'please don't let me stumble over my words when talking to the boss today.'

Jesus wants what is best for us, and sometimes that isn't how we want to live our lives. He can see our past, present, and future. He knows how the book is going to end, and He knows that although we desperately want the promotion, it isn't in our best interest. Sometimes the answer is no, or not yet, or wait and see what I am going to do in your life. As hard as that can be, Jesus has a great plan for you, as He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."

What a good deal He has for us! Still, it can hurt when the answer to your prayer isn't the "yes" you've been praying for. That is when we have to remember that we aren't in charge of our lives; Someone much bigger is taking care of that for us. That can be a real comfort.

Recently, another job opportunity became available at the zoo. I was so excited, and applied right away. I mentioned the opening to my co-worker Sarah, and she also applied. Imagine, me as an assistant zookeeper. Taking care of cheetahs, wolves, big snakes. This was my dream job! Except I didn't get it. Sarah did. I tried to be cheerful, and congratulate Sarah on her new job.

I was happy for her, but it hurt so much. Why didn't I get it? I didn't even get a phone call for an interview! I was really crushed for a couple of weeks. Then I happened to be at the zoo, and found out exactly what the job entailed. Then, I was grateful I didn't get it. I don't want it. At all.

Sarah is taking care of the education animals, not the zoo animals. She is working hard caring for a variety of animals ranging from Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, to scorpions, alligators, beavers, possums, owls and parrots. It is also a volunteer position I've been avoiding for 8 years. It's way too much work, and I just don't want to do it. Perhaps it's the ground floor for working with zoo animals, but it's not for me.

This time, I am thanking Jesus that He gave the job to Sarah, and not me. I'm grateful that He knew I wouldn't want it, and that He has better plans for me. When I heard about the opening, and through to when I submitted my application, I told Jesus, "Thy Will be done". I'm grateful it was. Thank You Jesus for taking my life in Your hands, and guiding me through each day. Please continue to prepare my future, to prosper and not harm me. I love You! Amen.

God's sense of humor

I completely believe that our Father in Heaven has quite a sense of humor. He proved it to me again this evening. Ds and I were volunteering at an event at our zoo, Walk on the Wild Side. It's an annual fundraiser, with dinner, live entertainment, and a silent auction.

Ds and I were handling animals, walking around, and talking to the guests about them. I had chosen a blue tongued skink-a good sized lizard with, as the name suggests, a sky blue tongue. They hail from Australia. Ds had our ball python, Poe.

A couple came up to me during the evening, and we started talking about the lizard, and reptiles in general. The wife was very afraid of snakes, and I told her it was okay, everyone is afraid of something. Then I mentioned that I am afraid of tree frogs. The husband started laughing and told me his brother is as well. We talked about how the frogs stick on windows, get in your car, or your home. I also mentioned I hadn't seen any this summer at all.

The couple moved on, and the evening progressed. Finally it was time to leave, and we headed out to the car. I got in the driver's seat, and ds went over to the passenger side. He excitedly told me there was something on top of the car that he had to show me. It was dark out, so I couldn't imagine what could be there.

After a couple of minutes, ds leans down beside his open door and shows me his treasure. A tree frog! Even worse, he loses the critter in my car! I told him he was in serious trouble, grounded for a week, and if that thing jumped on me on the way home, we were crashing.

We looked furiously, but the frog was no where to be seen. I couldn't believe it. Ds reluctantly sat down in the car, and shut his door. Then I saw it. The offender was on his door, just above the arm rest. I told ds to open that door, and get that frog out NOW! He followed the first part of my directions, but not the latter. He lost the frog again in the car!

The second time, I found him on the fan between the two front seats. Before ds could catch him, he...jumped on my leg!! I might need therapy now. Fortunately at that point, ds was tired of messing around, and caught the frog once and for all. He relocated him to some nearby grass.

Yes, the Father definitely has a sense of humor. He heard every word I spoke tonight, and the entire conversation I had about tree frogs. Haven't seen one all summer, huh?

Love You Jesus, and thank You
Chela

Couple of funnies

The other evening, the boys and I were eating supper. We had boneless pork ribs, a dinner that I (wrongly) assumed would be a huge treat for them. Ds #2 didn't like them at all, and refused to eat anymore after a bite or two.

We started talking about non-meat sources of protein; such as peanut butter, nuts, and tofu. I told the boys (jokingly) that we were having tofu for dinner the next night, here is the conversation:

Me: okay, we're having tofu tomorrow for supper.

Ds#2: Then I'm eating at T's house. (dear family friend and good cook who has NEVER made tofu in the 11 years I've known her)

Ds #3: No, I'm not eating raw fish.

Today, I was heading out to the store, and noticed a number of birds in a small tree in my yard. There were two mockingbirds, two cardinals, and a dove. They were hopping around the tree, and flying in and out of it. This commotion continued for a few minutes before I turned to get in the truck. I continued watching from the side mirror on my truck before deciding to check this out further.

I ran inside to tell ds, and we went back outside to see what was going on with the birds. The reason for the chaos soon became hilariously apparent. There was a locust around the tree, and all the birds wanted him for lunch. Yet every time a bird picked up the locust, it would buzz, and the bird would drop it. Then another bird would try, with the same results.

Finally all the birds gave up except the cardinal. After a few unsuccessful tries, he eventually decided that locust was his lunch, no exceptions. We know this because he flew across the yard with the locust buzzing his disapproval from the cardinal's beak the entire way. Sorry, locust, but you did provide some comic relief this afternoon, and fed a beautiful red bird.