A Tough Choice

I'm sad today. We have had a border collie named Macy for a little over a year and in that time she has brought so much joy to our lives. However, we have had to make a tough choice. About a month ago Macy and our Schnauzer Dante were playing when Macy began to play too rough and she hurt Dante. We had to take him to an Emergency Vet. We realized then that while Macy would never hurt the girls, how could we be 100% sure? Also, what if Macy hurt Dante again?

I did research about Border Collie behavior and I learned that if a BC doesn't have a "job" or some kind of work they can become destructive. Macy is kenneled at least 8 hours a day while we work and it's not fair to her. She deserves to be in the environment she was created to be in.

I began looking for such an environment. I spoke to a man who owns a sheep ranch in Caldwell and he offered some good advice. For a few weeks, nothing. Then a couple of days ago at my work, I met a family that has a ranch outside of Caldwell. They have cattle and six Border Collie's that help herd the cattle. I asked if they needed another dog, and they said no. But they would keep us in mind. The next day, I got a phone call from the family offering to take Macy and give her a good home and also allow her to herd with the others.

I struggled to say yes, but in my heart I knew that this was an answer to prayer. She will be in her element. Her environment.

So, this morning we are all driving Macy to her new home and actually I have a peace about this. I feel a weight lifted somehow. I think for the past few months I have felt guilty about her not having the lifestyle she needs because of her breed. Now, she can live a better life and I'm doing this because I love her.

She protected us for a year and gave us so much love in return. Some of you may not look at dogs as members of the family, but I do. She is very special to me, but I know that this is the right thing to do.

To change the subject, my sinuses have caused a lot of problems. I have been sick with sinus infections for a very long time and most of the time I lose half my voice or have coughing fits that hurt. I have been on antibiotics but they keep coming back. So for now, I will do what I can until my appointment next month. I have had to take a break from Praise Choir for now, which is something I love to do and so that was a hard decision to make. Hopefully this will clear up soon.

This week has been a week of tough choices. Sometimes we have to make them and pray that we are doing the right thing.

Julia

Feel the burn

Can you tell I'm on an exercise kick? Yep, another blog about spinning class. I can't help it, it's so much fun!!! At one point I thought I was going to fall off the bike I was so pooped, but wow did I feel awesome when it was over. The instructor is so positive. She plays fun music and everyone gets into the class and the best part.....we all encourage each other. That makes a HUGE difference.

Changing the subject to Church. Our small group is doing a study on 30 days to live with no regrets. I think that is the title. I can't think right now. Anyway, I am thankful to be part of this study because it has made me really stop and think about my life. So if I could change one thing in my life right now it would be to slow down. Quit being so rushed. The mornings are the worst. Trying to get the kids and myself out the door is a nightmare sometimes. I end up getting frustrated with the kids and it starts our day off on the wrong foot. So I'm working on that.

I'm anxious to complete this study and see what God shows us along the way. We are also praying for those who are doing this study as well. Because this is a Church-wide study, it will be exciting to see what God does in our Church family!

Have a blessed week and let's make sure we enjoy each day we're given. Especially with our kids....they grow up way too fast.

Hooked

I am hooked on cycling! Our gym has a class Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Tom has been going for a few weeks. He loves it. So I decided to try it last Thursday but the class was canceled. I was bummed because I had spent most of the afternoon getting mentally ready for the pain and the burn! Tom and I decided to go ahead and have our own class and he was a good instructor :) We only did two hills but it was 30 minutes of sweating and burning in the legs....and I loved it! I don't know why but this workout just clicked with me. Maybe it's because I love bikes. Whatever the reason I can't wait until Tuesday's class. I think it's also called Spinning but not sure. Anyhoo, I highly suggest this workout.

Tom is an awesome workout partner. He doesn't let me give up. He challenges me but most of all he's encouraging and supportive. I think it's important to have a workout partner if you can. I'm trying not to put so many goals on myself, right now I think it's about getting healthy and feeling better about myself when I wear clothes and go shopping for clothes.

I'm very thankful that when we don't think we look our best, Christ loves us and thinks that we are amazing and beautiful (or handsome for you guys) and isn't that such a wonderful truth to hang on to?

Motivation

Our biggest motivation for the gym is Kailey and Natalie. But only because they want to play with their friends in the daycare area! I consider it good motivation though.

I really love working out. It's a great stress release. The Freedom Fitness gym in Kuna has been a blessing to us, and if we ever move again we will miss it so much. I have seen people from our Church and the girls daycare and it's awesome to see familiar faces. We are all striving for the same goal...to get in better shape and have a healthier life.

I'm still searching for a school to do online classes. I want to find the right one. What do I want to do? That I am keeping silent for now because I have some ideas but I'm in prayer at the moment so I will let you know as soon as I do :) Some good news with school....the G.I. bill is supposed to be available to spouses starting in August. I don't have all the details but it may be a route we can take. Tom's military career has opened up so many doors for us. We'll see what happens.

Well, I better get this day started! Have a good weekend everyone, miss you and God bless!

Julia

http://danny1957.blogspot.com/

For some reason my link isn't working, so here is the link to my Dad's blog :)

Julia

Welcome to the blog world P-Bear!

P-bear is a loving nickname for my Dad. This actually came about from one my best friends, Alysia, way back in the day on a road trip. It's short for Papa Bear. My Dad is just a big soft teddy bear, as most Dad's are to their daughter's :) He's been through a lot over the years and I'm extremely thankful that he is my Dad.

My Dad has a blog now and I'm glad he decided to do this to keep us all updated with his health. He has Sarcoidosis or I guess now it's officially Beryllium Disease. If you log onto his blog @ http://dannyboy1957.blogspot.com you can read all about it. He has a link where you can learn about this disease. This all began while he was working at a facility in Colorado called Rocky Flats. He thinks he's too old to start a blog but I don't think so :)

So welcome to the blogging world P-Bear :) I love you very very much and am proud of the new steps you and Mom are taking to better your health.

Julia

Holidays

This is my favorite time of year. I loved watching the girls faces as we put up the Christmas tree and lights on the house. But most of all I love telling them about the real reason we celebrate Christmas. They like to say "Happy Birthday Jesus" over and over again. I can't wait to see them sing in our Church Christmas program this weekend!

I took the girls picture today for our Christmas cards. They loved getting dressed up :)

Well, I better get the girls ready for bed. Hope everyone has a great week!