"No, Lord Jesus, Don't Come Quickly!"

Why do we say, "Come Lord Jesus, come quickly?"

Is it because of the pain and heartbreak here on earth?  The very pain we are told we will endure because of sin?  (John 16:33) Is it too  much for us and we just want an easy way out?

Is it because we don't understand and can't comprehend the evils in the world?

Dare I say, "Oh Lord, come quickly." and He actually came?!

Now follow me here.

I know the Lord is not going to return because I asked Him to.  Don't leave me a comment telling me that.  I am trying to prove a point.

Christ and Christ alone knows the appointed time of His return (I Thessalonians 5:2, "For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night." HCSB)   . . . . but follow me here.

Just for a moment.

What if God listened?

"What if," because of our greed and selfishness of NOT wanting to be in pain; to be uncomfortable, that God actually listened and came, "too soon?"

Hmmmm, where does that leave the ones that won't come to know Him, say, tomorrow, or even the next hour?

Oh the souls that would be on my hands!  My heart breaks just posing that very question to  myself!

May I be so bold to say, in pain, in suffering, in heartache, in disappointment, in death, in disaster . . . . that we not say, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus." but "Thy will be done.  Strengthen us.  Use us.  Be glorified Lord Jesus! Use this horrible situation to bring the lost to you!"

I personally have too many friends, family, and even enemies that don't know Him.

So for me, "No, Lord Jesus.  Come in the appointed time.  Give me strength to get through the tough times.  Compassion when it hurts, and Father, I pray you will use every situation to bring glory to you.  Oh God, use us, as believers to bring the lost and hurting to you.  Give us a courage to speak the truth in love that will only come from you!  So be it.  Amen."

Understanding Asperger's and How YOU Can Help

This is not going to be a very popular post and honestly, I don't care.

When I first heard that Adam Lanza had Asperger's, my heart sank.  Fear filled my body and my thoughts rushed, "What can I do to prevent this from happening to my son?"

Christopher has a horrible anger and rage problem, but he has the biggest heart of any child I have seen before.  Well, that is not true, he has the same generous heart as my Kayla and Kaitlyn.  They bless me over and over when they are more concerned for a homeless person than for themselves, or for a child that won't have, or for an animal on the streets.

While I don't have an answer to that initial question, and to keep fear from rising within me every time I see a picture of one of the babies or a story of Adam Lanza, I pray for my son. I put my hand or hands on him, whichever is available, and I pray.  Let your children hear you pray over them!

I am making a point to make sure Christopher understands the difference between good and evil and how satan can take a simple problem and make it huge.  God has opened the door for me to talk more about Christopher's anger with him since the shooting.  Last night he cried because he didn't understand evil and how rage, when used in a bad way is sin.

I have made it a point to not read much about the children and the shootings.  My heart is breaking and I can't.  However, this morning, I saw an article on Fox10 News that EVERY ONE needs to be read.

Parents, it is YOUR job to educate YOUR CHILDREN about children and adults with special needs!

When you see them teasing or laughing, it is YOUR JOB to stop it!  If you do not stop it, you are just as guilty as the child.

We must educate ourselves on Asperger's.

These kids aren't freaks.  

They are just a little different, in a gifted way, but they are also different in a way that "normal" people will never get.

Why you ask?  I'll be glad to tell you.

1.  They don't judge others for the way they look.

2.  They don't de-friend someone because they react differently.

3.  They don't talk about others in a negative way.

4.  They love unconditionally.

5.  They don't care what you wear (or what they wear for that point! lol)

6.  They don't care if your body does weird things when you are nervous.

7.  They don't criticize a child that is rocking back and forth.

The list could go on, but the point is, these children are the least critical, yet they are picked on the most.

Why you ask?  I'll be glad to tell you.

1.  Because they look just a "little" bit different.

2.  They react differently to new situations or change in schedules.

3.  They are the ones getting talked about and teased.

4.  They are not loved unconditionally.

5.  They usually hate to wear clothes and when they do, they probably don't match.

6.  They have weird body movement called tics.

7.  They rock back and forth or side to side when nervous.

I am not making an excuse for what Adam Lanza did, by no means.

It is horrible and he will be held accountable unto God for each of the lives he took.  We can not allow people to use their disorders or disabilities as an excuse to sin!

I'm just saying, as the mother of a child with Asperger's, Tourettes, OCD/Sensory/Anxiety Disorders, that does get made fun of, I can understand his pain and THAT breaks my heart as well.

The Twelve Days of Christmas . . . . Jesus Style!

A friend gave me this.  Not sure if she wrote it or heard it from someone and copied; nonetheless, felt it worth passing on.

On the 1st day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~Salvation full and free!

On the 2nd day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~Everlasting life

On the 3rd day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~Peace in my heart

On the 4th day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~Love for all men

On the 5th day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~Joy for my soul

On the 6th day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~Power from  high

On the 7th day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~A body glorified

On the 8th day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~A robe and a crown

On the 9th day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~Mansions above

On the 10th day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~Streets of pure gold

On the 11 the day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~A thousand tongues to sing

On the 12th day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me

~Eternity to praise

If you know Jesus as Lord, Christmas has a special meaning to you; for without His birth, there would have been no death.  Without death, no resurrection.  Which means no hope.  You get the picture.

We have much to be thankful for.

Peace my friends.   

A Thankful Ouch!

Have you ever had a moment when you are listening to a song and the Lord speaks?  I love those moments as I love music.  Music releases a freedom in me that I can not explain.

Happened to me this morning.

Heard THIS SONG and God spoke.

"Stacey, you are critical of others."

Ouch.

"But Lord, I said . . . . when?  And, and . . . . that's not even what this song is about, Lord!"  I said.

"When you listen to others being critical and making judgement against others.  When you think 'someone should know better than that' or are quick to condemn without knowing the facts." says the Lord.

"But Lord . . . "

"Stacey, you are a work in progress.  I choose to reveal myself and grow everyone in the time I see fit.  Not how you see fit."  said the Lord.

"Oh Lord, forgive my critical spirit.  Thank you for loving me and growing me and revealing yourself to me.  Thank you for what you have taught me.  Remind me every time I begin to think critically or judge that you might not have chosen the time to reveal yourself to them yet.  To be reminded they might not be where I am and Lord, let those looking down on me in critical judgement and opinions be reminded that I might not have been shown the error of my ways by you, Lord, not them.  Thank you for speaking to my spirit this morning and showing me that my schedule is not your schedule and your ways are indeed the sweetest.  Thank you for disciplining your child with love and not hatred.  Thank you for redeeming me. Oh Jesus, thank you for redeeming me.  I love you Jesus, Amen."

What a morning it has been and it is only 8:03 a.m!  Hallelujah!

(I've listened to the song twice already and am about to listen to it again.  Take a moment to praise God if you have been redeemed!)

Big Daddy Weave, "Redeemed"

Our Jackie Angel

This year, our Christmas Tree got decorated . . . . twice.

Yes, it fell over.

We purchased a potted live tree this year.  No base necessary.  But for some reason, the pot collapsed.

Regardless, the tree had to be redecorated.

As I went through the countless ornaments and fought frustration, and even anger of so many ornaments that were broken, it appeared that one, of extra special value was not broken.

This picture does not do it justice.

It is an ornament made out of noodles.  One ornament I received had a white face.  One a black face.

I was give this set of ornaments one night on Christmas Eve from a member of the Most Excellent Way.  The church was to be closed the night of our meeting, and we opened our home so those struggling with drugs and alcohol would have a place of fellowship during a time of so many relapses.

A dear friend and several ladies from the Charis House came.  My oldest daughter and I jokingly said, "Hey look, it's a Jackie angel!"  Ever since, when we hang the "Jackie angel" on our tree, Jackie gets prayed for.

This year, Jackie got prayed for twice.

As I type this, tears roll down my face; goosebumps rise, and cause me to wonder if that is why our Christmas tree fell over this year.

That makes me smile a little :)

Pray for those the Lord brings to mind.  There is a reason.  We may never know this side of glory, but there is a reason.

Merry Christmas :)

Ten Years In The Waiting

For about ten years I have been asking God for something.

Not a need.

A want.

You know, those secret heart's desires that are just between you and the Lord?

Yeah.

One of those.

I took a friend to Sam's yesterday to do some grocery shopping; and there it was.

A Bible cover in the form of a purse.

I didn't like the color, but for the first time, I spoke of my "secret" desire to have one to my friend.

In that instant, she said, "Well why did you wait for so long to say anything?!  I could have gotten you one for Christmas ten years ago!  AND for that matter, I have one you can HAVE!"

My heart smiled.

You should not be surprised to hear my Bible, the one I use most, not only fits perfectly, but is the same color.

I have many secret heart's desire tucked away.  I found myself thankful that I didn't go against the Lord and get one, "just because 'I' wanted one" those many years ago.  This blessing sure wouldn't be as nearly significant or meaningful now, would it?

Psalm 37:4 is a very popular verse in the Bible.  It is often misquoted by saying, "The Lord gives you your hearts desire." but that is not it.

The scripture reads, "TAKE DELIGHT in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

We must take delight in Him first.  When we do this, our desires and His desires will be one.

That makes me smile :)

Let Me See Redemption Win . . . .

I am the mother of two special needs children. 

One boy with Asperger's, mild Tourettes, OCD, Anxiety, Sensory, and Insomnia that is 8 years old. My daughter is 7 and suffers with Sensory and a severe anxiety disorder. 

I praise God for good days, and I am learning to praise God for the oh so bad days. 

This past Saturday my son had a melt down at his cousin's birthday party. His meds were wearing off (which is always an emotional time daily) and then his feelings were hurt that we had to leave the party early . . . . ended in him punching me over and over to get away and then running down the street. 

These sort of days don't happen every day any more, but when they do, it is taxing. 

When Christopher was just days old, God gave us a pediatrician that is so much more than a pediatrician. 

She is a friend. 

An advocate. 

A shoulder to cry to.

She sent me this song song this morning when she should have been sleeping! I wanted to share it for any of you that are worn. Weary. Tired.

There is hope my friend.

His name is Jesus. When we are at our weakest, His strength then shines through. Why? Because we are out of the way! That's why I think so much changes in the night time hours! When we are sleeping our "selves" are out of the way and He works miracles!

My daughter this morning asked me to take a battery out of the clock. I asked, "why?" She responded, "Because I want to control it."

Oi. What a teachable moment God gave me.

"Kaitlyn, you know there are going to be many times in life that we can not control what is happening." I said.

The conversation continued and while it was more than she could comprehend, it was a start.

I pray you are strengthened this day and that you take the time to seek His face.

Shalom.

Simple Act of Kindness

I have to share how my son blessed my day today, as well as a senior saint and a cashier at Sam's.

We were behind a senior saint this morning in Sam's.  Christopher leans up towards my ear and asked, "Is it OK if I help unload his buggy?"  Of course I said, "Absolutely!"

The senior saint smiled and thanked Christopher.

Christopher smiled his precious dimple smile that we don't see too often.  He then thanked Christopher for helping him.

When we got up to the cashier, she then looked at Christopher and thanked him for helping the customer and raved about how nice that was.

Simple acts of kindness don't go unnoticed, and even if it did, what Christopher did today has eternal rewards.

I am so proud to his momma :)

Chic-Chic-Chickens!

I've been wanting chickens for going on two years now.

But God said wait.

So, I waited.

Until this year.  I was gifted with cash for my birthday and was told, "do not spend it on kids, bills, husband . . . . only for you."  So.  I obeyed :)

I search Craigs List regularly for freebee items for things around here . . . . and for chickens!

One day, after not searching for chickens lately, something told me to search.  So I did.

And there they were!

Three hens, a coop, and feed for $50.

Now, once I got them home, thanks to my friend Jenny and her son Branden, I realized their coop wasn't all that . . . . . but that's OK.  As the pictures will show, I have learned to be quite creative on a skimpy budget AND my mom chipped in and bought some wire along with some boards for Chris to build some protection for them.

I asked Jenny how the people around her were looking at her as she was driving down Davis Hwy . . . . .  She said, "I didn't look."  :)

I am not sure which theme song is more appropriate, The Beverly Hillbillies or Sanford & Son's . . . . so you can take your pick.

As soon as I saw this, I laughed out loud!  

She loves me :)

 

  

 "Oh geez."  

 "Now what do you want to do?"  hehe

 (Christopher took this one of Branden working hard.)

 Everything I've read and everyone I've talked to said not to expect any eggs for several days; even up to a few weeks.  Well, we had one within a few hours!

 Chris is checking out the new addition . . . 

 She hasn't met an animal that doesn't adore her. 

 Now.  Let me explain this. lol.  We decided to put the chickens on the side yard that is NEVER used and was really bad over grown.  The problem, we put the senior dog, Shelby, in the back yard and we needed a way to keep her away from the chickens.  We had pallets left over, so my husband used them to make a fence with a gate to protect the chickens.

We decided the little bitty green run the the chickens were in before was too small for them.  They needed a nesting box.  After mulling it over for a bit, I came up with the idea of using my old toy box!  This is it!  It still has the sticker on the back from 1979 when dad was transferred and the military moved us!  

 Punched out the bottom of the toy box and put a wire grate as the bottom for air circulation and for ease in clean up.  Then layered shredded paper and feeding straw in the bottom.

Chris added four legs to get it off the ground.  Used a board and more wire for the steps :)  and we had a ramp!

 Drilled some holes in the side for more air flow.

 Removed the front left panels and switched them around to make a door opening.

 And we have a nesting box!  The lady that had the chickens had them sleeping and laying their eggs in the same area.  I hadn't figured out what to do or not to do, so this is what they had for the first week.  We kept them enclosed in a fencing area and let them out for an hour or so a day.

 Valentine wants chickens!

 Clearing more debris :)  (YAY!)

 Then today, mom brought some plywood by for Chris to make a nesting box since really and truly they are supposed to be nesting and sleeping in two different boxes.  They loved it!  I added a bar to the toy box for them to be able to roost in.  When we checked on them tonight, they weren't liking that too much.  They have been going without a roost since they were 1 day old, so I am sure they are confused.  Tomorrow I will remove it and they can keep being confused chickens. They will fit right in over here!

The drill died so Chris only got one hole in the side.  More to come; but for now, they have another nesting box that is a few inches off the ground and a place to go if it rains.

So that is it.  Nothing fancy.  But it works.  

The chickens have been giving us three eggs a day since they arrived.  

I think they are happy, don't you?!

:)

Son's of God

Many years ago, when I was cleaning houses full time and going to school, I cleaned for a senior saint, Mildred Parks.

I adored her.

She always had something to share with me, always wanted to teach and always had something wise to say.

One day she was completely out of character and suggested I clean all her pictures with a wet washcloth!  I thought she was crazy, but she insisted, so I did.  I had to redo the pictures the next time I cleaned because they were so dirty.

Besides the picture frames, there is one other "thing" that sticks out when I think about Mildred Parks.

One day, she reached for her Bible and opened it to I John 3:1.  I had a different translation, and that wasn't what she wanted.  She wanted the King James because of the wording.

As I started to read it, she said, "No.  You are reading it wrong.  The word, 'Behold' needs to be read with boldness."

"BEhold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that WE should be called the sons of God . . . . ."

In other words, "What an honor, that we, are loved so much, that we should be called, sons of God."

If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will!

So Simple, Yet So Profound . . . .

This morning, for the first time in MANY months, I listened to the Holy Spirit and opened The Word of God before getting on the computer.

I'm glad I did.

I actually sat down, at a loss of even where to begin.  Isn't that strange?  Someone that has been walking with the Lord for 15 years doesn't know where to begin because they've been lazy and not spending time with the Father.

Shameful.

I sensed the Spirit stopping me at Matthew 5.  One of my favorite passages.

The Beatitudes.

For those that do not know, The Most Excellent Way (MEW) is a Christ-centered drug and alcohol recovery program.

Below is a copy of the "steps" taken in MEW.  They are taken directly out of the Beatitudes.  You will have to zoom in to read them, but I do hope you will make that effort.

Here me, and here me loud and clear.  These "steps" can be applied to any and all areas of your life that are out of wack.  The first step to anything is admitting there is problem.  Watch too much television   Admit it.  (Humility).  Eat too much.  Admit it.  (Humility).  Put your kids before your husband.  Admit it.  (Humility).  Watch porn.  Admit it.  (Humility).

You get the point, I'm sure.

While all this is fantastic and resourceful information, re-reading the Beatitudes and the "Ten Steps to Victorious Living" is not what the Lord really wanted me to see.

It was quite simple, and a point I have always known, but one He showed me in light this morning.

It's the verses before the Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount) that He spoke to me about.

Matthew 5:1-2, "When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.  Then He began to teach them . . . . ."

Do you see it?

As I type my stomach is in knots.

Something so simple but so profound.

Jesus couldn't teach until His disciples came to Him.

Now go read the scripture again.

Maybe it is just me, and maybe none of this meant anything to you, but for a woman, a wife and momma that has put her family and fostering animals before her time with the Lord, it was my Father in Heaven's gentle way of ushering me back into the flock.

Oh I pray you will spend time with Him today.

I'd love to hear what He shows you.

Shalom my friend.  Shalom!

When Jesus Makes Me Smile THROUGH Caprisuns

There are many times that He makes me smile, but today, He blessed in such a way that my face and heart were beaming.

Our church, Pine Summit Baptist has been planning a food distribution for the 32526 area for today, Saturday the 29th.

I never thought anything about it because we don't live in the 32526 zip code area.

Until Thursday, when I received a call from one of the ladies that works in the church office.  She wanted to make sure I knew even though we don't live in the 26 zip code, since we are church members, we are more than welcome to come.

At first I was thrilled!

Then it sank in.

Pride.

I know, I know!  You'd think I wouldn't have any pride left!  But somehow, it reared its UGLY head.

These are MY people.

MY friends.

MY acquaintances . . . . and they are going to SEE ME in the LINE for FOOD distribution!

What are THEY going to think!?

My pride took my thoughts to, "That's all I need is for someone to feel sorry or show pity.  I just won't go.  The Lord will meet the need another way."  (Yes, that is what I was REALLY thinkin' y'all!)

Well, can I tell ya, that was just plane ole stinkin' thinkin!

With a knot in my stomach I drove to Pine Summit Baptist this morning.

I stood in line.

I got hugs from people that I know love me and my family and have missed us (we have missed about 6 weeks in a row . . . . I know, I know!)

I swallowed my pride and in my heart, thanked God for meeting our needs.

And then it happened.

The juice section.

Caprisuns.

Eight left.

Strawberry Kiwi.

Now while that means absolutely nothing to you, to me, a momma of a child with sensory issues that is VERY picky about what is eaten or drank, it was the touch of the Master saying, "I'm here, Stacey.  I know what you need, even the things you haven't asked for."

You see, Thursday, Kaitlyn took the last Strawberry Kiwi Caprisun to school in her lunch.


Kaitlyn only drinks one kind of juice.

Strawberry Kiwi Caprisun.

(And before you criticize and say, "let her go thirsty and she will drink what you have."  She does go without.  She will drink water or thirst because her sensory issues are pretty severe.)

We were out.

But today.

God gave us enough to get through next week for Kaitlyn's lunch.

Wanna know why?

Cause He loves me.

He loves my children, EVEN more than I do!

He loves you too.

He knows your needs.

He knows your wants.

He know your dreams/hearts desires.

He know the number of hairs on your head.

He knows your heart.

He made you.

When He died on the cross, YOU were on His mind!

Oh How HE Loves YOU and ME!

NOW!  If that doesn't make you smile . . . . 

What IF My People Pray?!

Hey ya'll.

As most of you on fb know, I started a new page.  It is entitled, Romans 8:28.

The page is intended to be used as a prayer page.  Please feel free to leave your prayer requests and/or prayers on the page.

The page will not be used for political gain or to smash political parties.

The page will not be used as grounds for gossip.

Foul language will not be tolerated on the page.

Please use the page to pray for our nation.  Our President and all those in leadership rolls over our country.

Please use the page to pray for the men in our homes to be leaders.

Please use the page to pray for your children.

Please use the page to pray for your pastor's and their family's.

Please use the page to pray for yourself.

When two or more are gathered in His name, He is there with us!

Thanks for sharing the page to your fellow bloggers and friends.

Stacey

What Do Bullies In The First Grade Have To Do With David And Goliath?

My baby girl told me this morning (as she was leaving for school) that she has two enemies.

The look in her eyes said fear.

Here is what I know.

After lunch time, the students are taken out to recess.  It is then two little girls continue to chase her and scare her.  Yesterday as she was leaving school, one of the girls tapped her on her shoulder and said, "That's her!"

She has spoken to her teacher about it, and the teacher made a joke about it, asking, "if they had horns?"  Hmmmmm.  (I will most definitely be following up with that one.)

I immediately sat and prayed with her, telling her the Bible tells us to to pray for our enemies.

The scriptures say in Matthew 5:44, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

The scriptures also say in Proverbs 25:21-22 that in being kind to our enemies is like pouring heaps of coal on their head.

After our prayer time, I told her she is going to have to confront them, or they will continue to chase her.

Fear was evident in her eyes as the words, "I can't.  I'm scared of them!" came out of her mouth.

It was then, my most gracious and loving Heavenly Father began to speak through me.

"Do you remember the story of David & Goliath (I Samuel 17)?  He was this VERY small boy, and yet he faced AND conquered a GIANT!  You have that same power within you!  You can face them."

Kaitlyn then asked if she could take her Bible to school with her, and of course I said, "Absolutely!"

She marked the story of David & Goliath for quick reference.

School and some teachers do not allow the Bible in their classrooms.  I do not know her current teacher's view on this; however, I did ask Kaitlyn if she is allowed to have free time to read and she said yes.

My instructions were that then and only then could she take out her Bible to read it in class.

Then she left . . . . . to conquer her fear.

Pray for Kaitlyn today.  Specifically between the time of 11:00 a.m. and 11:50 a.m.

Pray for her teacher that she would allow Kaitlyn to read her Bible in free time reading.  I have no desire to cause a problem, but free time reading is free time reading and Kaitlyn has rights.

Pray for the two girls.  I only know the name of one, but that doesn't even matter.  Pray for them.

Pray for me; that this momma will walk in grace.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

This is my rendition of Chicken Cordon Bleu.  I kind of, well, OK.  I made this up, so bear with me.

Here are the ingredients I used:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Ham
Mozzarella
Cream of Mushroom Soup

If the breast are large, fillet them.  If not, you can layer the ham and mozzarella on top of the breasts (heck, even if they are large breasts and you just don't want to stuff them, then layer them!).

I used "skinny  meat" ham.  I know, you have probably never heard of it, and this is OK; just go to the deli and get your favorite kind of ham and have it sliced thin.

I used the soft, good Mozzarella, not that hard block stuff that doesn't melt smoothly :)  Is that a nice way of putting it?  But just buy whatever kind of Mozzarella you like, but I'm telling you, this was oh my gosh good!

Place 1 to 2 slices of ham inside the breast and place a slice of the Mozzarella inside the breast, fold breast over.

Pour Cream of Mushroom Soup over top.  For more than 4 breasts, you will need an additional can of soup.

For the smaller chicken breasts, I just layered the ham on top of the breast, then the cheese and then the Cream of Mushroom Soup.

I personally preferred the layering of the ingredients on top because the Mozzarella had a beautiful golden brown color to it.

I served the chicken over a bed of egg noodles.  I personally did not care for the texture of the egg noodles with it, but my husband loved loved loved it!  The next time I fix this, I will use either a Penne pasta or something with a little firmer texture.

Also, I baked this in the oven at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.  I plan on preparing this in the crock pot next time though.

Neither myself nor my husband had to add any salt to this.

It really was good!

Week Old Kitten

A friend called today; she had a friend . . . . .  who had a friend . . . . . that found a week old kitten under her car.

Yes.

The one week old kitten is now at my house.

I am indeed . . . . .  crazy.

But what can I say?

My daughter walked in tonight and said, "Mom!  We have EIGHT dogs, FOUR cats and now a BABY KITTEN!  That's THIRTEEN ANIMALS in our house!"

I said, "Oh my gosh!  What is WRONG with me?"  (Not ever taking the time to add them up, I was seriously shocked and then realized why it is I am actually picking up soooo much poop every day!)

She then looks at me with the most beautiful hazel eyes that God gave her and smiled her beautiful smile, and said, "I. LOVE. IT!"

*Sigh*

I wish I could have taken a picture of the look on her face.

Priceless.

Valentine heard the kitten crying and instantly took to him/her.  She has made my heart smile time and time again today by cleaning the baby and stimulating him/her so it will go potty.

I just love my "V-V!"

Below are some pics of the two together.  I have tried all night to upload a video of her cleaning the kitten; but blogger keeps freezing.   Will reattempt at a later time.

The kitten went about 24 hours without any real food.  She seems weaker than when she first arrived earlier in the day.  Please pray for the baby kitty that she makes it the night.

 I love this picture because of Valentine's ears :)  

 This picture isn't about the kitten.  

Or the dog.

But look at the face of the precious baby in the background.

*Sigh*

 Cleaning the baby.

 And more cleaning.

 Nose to nose :)  

(Jenny, do you notice the container next to the basket.  Dog food bowl!  You should be proud :)

 More cleaning (Is this normal for a non pregnant and never has been PUPPY of 8 months old to do this?)  She has been AMAZING!)

Now I laughed out loud on this one.  After all the sweet loving ones of V-V cleaning the kitten, 

it looks like she is licking her chops and ready to chow down!  

On a serious note, several of the animals here this week will be leaving soon for Maine.  

What a joy it has been to have them.  

Each has their own personality and each shows love differently . . . . sorta like people.  

The honorable trait about dogs/puppies, they seem to have this thing called unconditional love down.