Absent Blogger

I have not been keeping up my blog very well over the past few weeks. I suppose life has been just really busy and my passion for writing was temporarily squelched due to being consumed with other things. The warmth of the sun today has jump started my writing desire, so I thought I'd give a little insight into the current life O' Mandy.

THE KIDS

All three kids are just fantastic. I was telling Clayton last week that I just love the place we are in with each of them. Madison is doing just awesome at everything in school, is advancing beautifully in dance, and will go for her first softball practice tonight with her new team. She is a sweet and caring girl, full of emotions from time to time, and has learned the art of REALLY being funny.

Carter is a big goof. All of the teachers at his preschool simply say "He's so happy and sweet!" That pretty much sums him up. A big boy full of love and joy. He's pretty much happy to be wherever he is. He had his first T-Ball practice yesterday evening and it went great! He's a natural ball player, just like his daddy. He was one of the few that didn't break down into tears over something or another... that's just not his style.

Samuel.. what can I say about Sam?! He is my love. He has my heart and I cannot get enough of him. He talks up a storm now - putting together little sentences such as, "I try it," "That's mine," and "I wanna go." He's the happiest little toddler! He knows how to throw a good fit when the mood strikes him, but 90% of the time, if he's with Mommy or Daddy, he's just as happy as he can be.

THE WORK

I've done very little writing lately. I'm hoping to get back in the mood for it soon because I miss 'wanting' to do it. Something will strike my fancy sooner or later I'm sure.

Dog business is doing great! I'm getting emails and calls weekly now and my client list is steadily growing. I've yet to work with dogs that we don't see results after the first session. I just trained 4 Daschunds the other day for a retired couple. They were the cutest little dogs, but full of barks and excitement! After the first 3 minutes of me arriving, they were calm and quiet. It was a really easy case, actually, but the owners were amazed. (that always makes me happy!) They want to be added to my "dog walking" list, too.. which I think is exactly what their little doggies need to be well behaved. EXERCISE.

Now that it's starting to warm up, the dog walking is much more enjoyable. Today I took a client's dog on a really long walk, with Samuel on my back in the Ergo, and it was just fantastic! We were both happily exhausted when it was over.

Dog boarding is something that recently has started - not in my original plans but it's a profitable business plan, helpful to my clients, and fun! Why not? I'll be keeping a Jack Russel for one of my clients for a little bit of spring break. He's so much fun.. I can't wait to spend a few days with him. My kids are going to go nuts over him!

Being the Children's Coordinator for Journey is such a blast. It's kind of like the dog stuff.. I often find it shocking that I get paid for such things! I've taken the road less traveled and stopped using the pre-packaged curriculum that the church has been buying so that I can tailor each lesson for OUR kids and where I know they are each week. It's amazing how much I've learned from preparing lessons. Digging deeper into scripture in order to teach it to children really helps me get more out of it. It's my coolest job, by far.

ME

I'm just feeling fine.. really really fine. :) I'm struggling a bit here and there being content with where we are right now (house wise) but after the sermon Jeff taught on Sunday, I'm seeing things in a different light. I'm just thankful. We have so much... we are so blessed. How can I be anything but thankful? God knows my desires - and I'll have to be content with that knowledge.

So, how are YOU in blogland? Hope to be seeing more of you!