Man's Best Friend

I mentioned in an earlier post that we have a new member to the family--Pedro. I have always been an animal lover and as my mother can attest I have been known for bringing home strays that we just had to keep. I have always been amazed at the ability animals have to calm and relax their human caretakers. Sometimes after a stressful day, I hop in the bed and my cat, Amber, will climb up beside me and rub her head on my hand so that she can be stroked. What she doesn't realize is that her presence and lack of words calms me as well.

Pedro is no exception to this rule. He is a fun-loving, young chocolate lab that has become not just a family pet--he's become another son to Jon. When I say that he goes everywhere with Jon, I am not exaggerating...he goes EVERYWHERE. He goes to the golf course to work with Jon everyday and rides in the floorboard of the golf cart as Jon does his work. On occasions where Jon has to leave him in his office in order to handle situations, Pedro jumps on Jon's desk and hops on the window ledge to watch for Jon to get back. It's a pairing like I've never seen before! If Jon runs to the corner store, Pedro jumps in the back of the truck and rides with Jon and patiently waits for him to return.

While many people may think we're just silly, I am quite thankful that God created these creatures for us to enjoy. They bring about a contentment and happiness that adds to the beauty of this precious life we are so fortunate to live. Thank you, God, for our furry friends!

We've "Moved"

It's been a while since I've posted a blog so I thought I'd give an update on what's been going on in our lives over the past few months. We have NOT sold our house, but we have moved to a house on St. Simons which is much closer to Jon's work. He only has a five minute drive to work each day which is really nice for him. I still have about a 40 minute drive, but the drive is much more bearable since I do not have to drive 30 miles down I-95 at speeds of 80+ MPH with a screaming toddler in the backseat...talk about needing a stiff drink after those rides home! Anyway, we're renting a house that is a bit on the small side and it could use some work, but it is in a wonderfully peaceful location. It's like living at the beach and in the country all wrapped in one. We really like the area and we are looking forward to our house selling so we can *hopefully* buy a house here on the island. If not, I think we'll just rent and save, and save, and save, and save some more until we can afford to buy here--we like it THAT much!

The kids are doing well in school and are enjoying this warm snap we are having. It's been about 80 degrees each day so we've officially pulled out the shorts and flip flops. Eve had surgery a few weeks ago to have her adenoids taken out but she's still having some trouble but now it is with her ears. Anyway, we're looking forward to getting well.

I've been plugging away at school (6 classes down, straight A's) and am on my 7th Master's class. I can't WAIT to finish so I can enjoy my weekends again. Jon is getting busy with the golf course since spring is in the air and everyone is looking forward to spring break. Oh, and I now have some competition for Jon's affection--a new dog he affectionately named "Pedro." He's a great dog and goes with Jon everywhere--even to work! Anyway, he's the latest member to the Hatten Six Pack.

One More Thing...

I wonder if at the end of a life does anyone say, "I should have taken more time to scrub those toilets better." Hum...I wouldn't think so. Today, my prayer is to be an more efficient time manager, to keep in perspective what is important in this life, to remember that I can't do it *all* and to remember that if it all doesn't get "done" it's okay...right?