Take Advantage of Tender Moments

If you follow my blog, you know our family recently went through the tragedy of losing a dog. Nicki had been a part of our lives for a long time. So, needless to say, it was a little traumatic on all of us. However, in the midst of this pain, we've had the opportunity to have some tender moments with our boys.

I don't know if there will be animals in heaven or not but for the purpose of this event, we told our boys that Nicki had gone to heaven. In our opinion, that was the easiest way to explain to them what happened. And, wow...it has opened a lot of doors for conversations especially with Caiden, our 4 year old, about heaven and dying.

It is tender moments like these when we are hurting as a family in which we need to take advantage of to help further teach our kids about our incredibly awesome God. I know it is hard to do that sometimes but in the midst of explaining things to our kids during this moments, we come to rely upon and give ourselves more completely to our Creator. I think we become less self-focused about the pain we are feeling when we are teaching, praying and encouraging others through theirs. So, take advantage of tender moments, good and bad, with your kids and students to help them learn more about God and what He wants for their life.

In Memory of Nicki

Nicki, our dog of 13 years, passed away on Saturday. She was a feisty Jack Russell terrier who was an extremely loyal companion. She never left your side wherever you were in the house. I know this is cheesy but we really miss her - the tapping of her nails on the hardwood floor and the rattle of chain as she would come down the hall. Our home will never be the same - all because of a dog nicknamed Poops.

Don't worry...Nicki's safe

Don't worry...Nicki (our dog) isn't going to have to find a new home. She IS going to have to stay out of Caiden's room and off his bed. We found out this week that in addition to Caiden being allergic to every type of grass (yes? grass - bermuda, fescue, rye, etc.) known to man, he is also allergic to cats and dogs. Must have been mother's intuition, because I just knew it. I guess Dawson won't be getting a cat anytime soon!