Dog for a day . . . and more

A couple of weeks ago, we decided it was time to get another pet (our bunny went to Heaven about a year ago). We have been thinking about it for awhile, visiting the animal shelter, and always leaving empty-handed. We could not decided between a dog or a cat. (Though I must say I am by far a dwarf bunny person!)

Anyhow, we had located a dog that we were interested in listed on-line. We settled on a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix. We were interested in the breed because they are very smart and can be trained to do a lot of neat things (such as crazy frisbee tricks). They can also handle good long runs -- something I needed from a dog. One of the things I was a bit concerned about was the fact that the dog is a "herding dog". You know, like the sheep-dogs, in the movie Babe. Well, in some of the research I did it said the dogs may try to "herd" children, too. I thought that would be silly, but not too much a problem. So, we went to pick up one of the puppies, and this was the one we choose . . .

(For family members, any guesses why? Yeah, Sage-doggie look-a-like you're right! ) ;-) wink! The kids would not think of picking one of the other puppies available.

We named him Jack, as in, Captain Jack Sparrow -- meant to be our William Turner's best friend. :-) My hope was that Jack would be a puppy-friend to William, who is home without siblings during the day.

Jack was actually a really terrific puppy. He would go outside for the potty and whimper at the door if he had to go. He was calm if we were calm, and excited if we were excited. But the trouble was . . . my kids were/are ALWAYS excited. Jack LOVED running around chasing the kids (he thought they always wanted to play), but William started freaking out when Jack would jump up in his face, or nip at his loose clothes. I could see the "herding-dog" instinct was strong with Jack (see picture below of Jack herding William). It was hilarious to me, but not to William. :-) Lots of shrieks. I did more research and discovered you have to teach the kids to stand still and then clap and say a loud, "NO!" (The standing still was key, it meant herding was complete). I taught William to do it, and it was also hilarious to watch! But not a realistic thing for a 3 year-old to have to do -- ALL the time!

Jack was really good, though he was sad at night (lonely) and Charles (the sensitive soul that he is) actually slept on the floor of the laundry room, and Jack was happy. Things were fine and fun (besides Charles' new sleeping accommodations). Then, Sunday night came, we were putting the kids to bed, and Charles and I both got a sinking feeling in our guts -- out of the blue. It would not go away.

We talked for awhile and realized that though Jack was fun, we both had added a new unnecessary level of anxiety at a time in our lives when we need to keep all extra-anxiety at bay. (We are getting a new business off the ground.) As soon as we decided to take Jack back, we both felt instant relief from a very real, deep, uneasy feeling in our guts. (We know by now to listen to that "feeling".) We took Jack back to his family (mom, dad, puppies) and the family who owned the dogs were understanding and nice to deal with. I actually cried as I watched Charles take our puppy back. In a very short amount of time, I had begun to love that puppy. There were many tears from the kids, but once the house was "back to normal" they all felt relief, too. (They were spending a lot of time on top of the furniture worried that Jack would jump on/herd them.) So, we had a puppy for a few days, and we are "cured" of our furry-animal need -- for now! ;-)

Just some random things . . .

The kids have been pulling together their costumes for Halloween, deciding to use costumes from years past. (Good with me!) We have Hermione, Jack Sparrow, and Peter Pan. :-) Daniel is especially into it this year, he has been working on his Jack Sparrow expressions, and his walk. William has been practicing his flying. Sammi has been mastering her spells. :-)

Sometimes we go to Charles' office with him on Saturdays, so he can get some things done. It is so nice to have an inviting place to go. The kids can watch movies on the laptop and play with toys he has for client's children -- while I help Charles with whatever needs to be done. He is so happy being his own boss, he has a great bounce in his step! Chipper-Charles, for sure! Whistling while he works!

Daniel has been really into costumes and acting lately. When my parents were visiting they took us to a few shows at the Starlight theater, one of them was The Wizard of Oz. Daniel made his own tin-man costume (love the hat and axe) and I found him in bed, still dressed in costume, holding The Wizard of Oz book -- it was classic, had to take a picture. :-) Cute boy.

I only have the internet at night (except for weekends), Charles has to take it to work. As soon as I am a daily-user again, I will post more frequently! I do miss it! I especially love posting during the holiday season!

It is my favorite time of the year (Fall to Winter) -- LOVE it!

Happy Autumn!

Law Firm Website

Charles' law firm website is up and running:

www.minertandvanormerlaw.com

If you would add Charles' website to your friend list/anywhere on the web -- that would be great. The more links to the website, the better the optimization -- which is a very good thing! It would be much appreciated! Thank you for your help!

Home

I love deep, rich colors. I love things with meaning, depth, and character. (Including people!) But right now, I am not talking about people -- I am talking about my home. My home now, and my dream home. (Which may only ever be in my dreams!) Such lovely dreams I have! So, what is it that makes a house a home, for me . . . ?

(Doesn't this picture just make you want to go inside? :-))

A home is not a home (to me) unless it possesses a certain "atmosphere". One special quality that women can attain is the ability to create "atmosphere". It is amazing, really. It is not something that every women does naturally, but it can be learned. I can remember, as a very small child, I would spend hours rearranging my room -- trying out different lighting, angles of furniture, picture placement, etc. I LOVED to do it then and I LOVE to do that now. (Keeps Charles on his toes!) ;-) wink!

Atmosphere, I believe, is KEY to having an inviting home. It can be accomplished in any level of home, too. Regardless of size, age of home, fancy features, or lack of features -- a beautiful atmosphere can be achieved! You just have to create it, work at it, make it happen. If you do it right, sometimes, it is almost a tangible thing. (By the way, it is ALL about mood lighting!)

*A side note . . . YES, the Spirit has a LOT to do with atmosphere -- but I think atmosphere has a LOT to do with the Spirit, too! You have to invite the spirit in your home, after all! I clean/arrange my home when I invite a guest . . . should I not do the same to invite the Spirit?

Anyhow, for me, my personal choice of atmosphere is . . . Victorian Style.

Mmmmmm . . . what a yummy room.

Like I was saying before, I love the deep, rich colors, the depth of design, the look of quality, and warmth. I love a room to be full of interesting things to look at, even to touch. Things that invoke pleasant feelings and joyful thoughts. I love having family history pictures displayed. It reminds me of life gone by, struggles overcome, and where I came from -- as if my ancestors are watching over me, daily.

In my future (dream) home, a fireplace is a MUST. There is nothing better than a cold winter night, candles lit, a roaring fire -- divine. Proper lighting is essential. Beautiful lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers -- amazing. It is important to let the light shine in your home -- not in a blinding way, but a beautiful way! It is very interesting the effect a nice soft light can have on your soul -- peace.

I think one of the main reason that I love Victorian style is because it feels like Christmas. How I adore Christmas! During the Christmas season there is a special Spirit that fills the air: the color, the warmth, the light. Why is the Spirit especially strong during the Holiday season? I think it is because people -- all around the world -- are "inviting" the Spirit into their homes, towns, cities, etc. Christmas is invited by the "atmosphere" that is created.

I try to, and would like to better achieve that same Spirit in my home, always.

In design, and in my heart. Depth, warmth, peace.

Our current home is not our final destination, but in the future my goal is to fill my home with things of beauty, things of deep meaning, and things of light. I do not consider myself a "worldly" or possession-hungry person, but since we must live in a home -- it might as well be a place of beauty!

Brigham Young Said: Beautify your gardens, your houses, your farms; beautiful the city. This will make us happy, and produce plenty. The earth is a good earth, the elements are good if we will use them for our own benefit, in truth and righteousness.

Part of being a good "homemaker" is being skilled at creating feelings of comfort, beauty and warmth -- the feeling of being home. Creating a beautiful home atmosphere (which includes, cleanliness, furniture arrangement, picture placement, lighting, even smells, etc.) is truly "making home" and inviting the Spirit to dwell in it.

Consider the House of God, the Temple. Judging by the beautiful Temples that dot the Earth -- beauty and quality are important to Him. Consider the glorious Earth. That in mind, I do not believe the "atmosphere" of Heaven will consist only of puffy white clouds. I must say . . . Heaven will only be Heaven to me if it feels like Home, my home. Perhaps, even the home of my dreams -- deep, rich colors, depth of design, look of quality, warmth, a place where the Spirit will dwell, constantly. Heaven. Home.

Salt Lake Temple

(Perhaps this is where my love of Victorian Style was first discovered.)

Truly . . .

Home can be Heaven. Heaven will be Home.