Chloe and Company

Chloe, our BullMastiff that we got from Brad's Uncle Ernie, came to us skinny and pregnant...breed by his American Bulldog. Chloe delivered 12 puppies on July 1st. The 12th pup however was a stillborn male. It was such an amazing opportunity to be there during the delivery of all the pups. I was in Chloe's whelping box with her for over 9 hours! There are light brindle, dark brindle, and tan pups. They are so adorable! When the stillborn pup was born, that was hard to take! I have never been a part of the delivery of animals, since we always have gotten our dogs fixed before that point. You get so attached to your pets, it is devastating when you loose one! After a week, the pups were doing great,except for one we named Patch, because he had a little white tuft of fur on his neck. He began to really take steps back, wasn't growing and nursing. I began feeding him multiple times a day to try to save him, but it wasn't God's plan! Patch died on July 8th! The other 10 puppies (5 female and 5 male) are doing great! They are growing and nursing and their eyes are starting to open! They are so beautiful! We are looking to sell all of them but 1 or 2. We are getting so attached to them that it will be hard to see them go!

Peighton named the first born pup, Claire and she has named one Zsa Zsa, and she thinks daddy should name his pup Jackson. Where she comes up with these name is beyond me!

Feeling Lost In Minnesota

I know that God has a plan for my life, but when it isn't revealed and I am totally walking by faith, that makes for major confusion and hope that I am walking in His will. I look back on leaving Arizona and going to Colorado and I see God's hand on that move and decision because of Brad's heart condition and the amazing care he received while in Colorado, but as I was going through it, I didn't understand His plan at all. I am very grateful to be out of Colorado, but it seems that everything we try to do here, just doesn't turn out right. I am trying to start this Christian Preschool and I feel like I am swimming upstream like a salmon against the current! My intentions are good, I have a lot of experience and passion for teaching preschool, but I find myself up against so many odds!

I know part of it is that I am trying to do this on my own and not seeking God's direction and guidance. I feel like I have grown so far away from God and not letting Him take control of my life and what He has planned for it.

I feel so frustrated and overwhelmed with all that needs to be done for the Preschool to open in September:

1. licensing through the state of MN (and the state is shutdown)

2. financing to buy all the preschool supplies and furniture, licensing, and CDA

3. enrollment numbers (lack there of...only two kids are enrolled and one is mine)

4. getting my CDA credential completed

Not only am I feeling lost, but we all feel displaced in our own way. Paxton and Preston just got back from a two week vacation in Arizona, so their hearts are back their, along with mine! Brad has been traveling a lot for work in IN, KY, and OH. He hates being away from home, but doesn't really know why we are in Minnesota. I think if we were given the opportunity to move back to AZ, we would all agree to do it.

Preston is a senior this year, and I am so worried about what will happen to him. He has a lot of growing up to do and is pretty lazy without ambition. I really wonder what he will do after high school! He makes some pretty dumb decisions at times, not thinking about the outcome!

Our whole family has fallen away from our relationship with God. We have found a church that we think would be a good fit, but since we are not in the Granite community, it make it more difficult, since we feel so disconnected. Once we move out onto the farm, I know things will feel more real and we will feel more connected!

We have a huge move to the farm coming up as well and all the work that goes with that!

Not to mention, we are the owners of 7 chickens, 2 rabbits, 3 adult dogs, and 10 new puppies!

My garden has weeds galore..needs watering and WEEDING!!!!!!

We have bills to pay, dental work needed, truck to pay to fix, etc.

Life is just so overwhelming right now! I just want to climb in the arms of Jesus and just hide out in His love! Jesus take the wheel of my life!

Ham and Cheese Anyone?

Peighton wanted to create in the kitchen...she came up with her own version of ham and cheese...

Grandpa and His Growing Boys

Grandpa came out for a visit and was surprised at how much Paxton has sprouted up! He bypassed Brad and I and even Preston. I think he is ready to give Grandpa a run for his money now and then Nick! I do think that Peighton will catch up to Paxton someday, though!