A Boy and His Dog....and other stories

Mitchell loves his dog, Maya. He made this very apparent the other day. We had some friends over for awhile and while they were leaving Maya escaped out the front door. Usually Maya is very obedient (when she is already confined in the walls of our home). But if she gets outside she doesn't want anybody to know that she's associated with us. I think she's embarrassed. If I try to catch her she runs further. The best option has been to just let her come back on her own terms.

While she was gone Mitchell was watching and waiting for her by the front window. After 10 minutes of Maya not coming back he started crying frantically that he didn't have a dog anymore. I told him that she was probably out investigating the neighborhood and would be back shortly but inside I was starting to plan out what I would tell Mitchell when she didn't return. I was also wondering when the appropriate time is to start hanging posters and putting ads online. It only took a few more minutes for Maya to return and Mitchell was very excited.

A few hours later I found him hugging Maya and very sweetly telling her how much he loves her, and showing her with his arms just how big his love is. "Maya, I love you THIS much" (with arms extended as far as they can go).

Last Sunday during dinner Caleb was having a hard time being happy. He and Mitchell are both recovering from colds, coughs, and fevers that plagued them last week. Usually when my children are having a hard time I end up making a fool out of myself to try and help them be happy. That day was no exception. In an effort to change Caleb's grumpy mood I started pretending that I was going to eat his hand. That progressed to me kissing his hands and arms. He really liked it so I really got into it. To get some better smooching action I moved from my chair to Caleb's side (as shown). At this point shown in the picture I think he had had enough.

Valentine's day was great. Mitchell enjoyed writing his name on Valentines and giving them to his friends. He also enjoyed getting Valentines especially the one from his grandma. He could hardly wait to open the package that had arrived a few days before. Clint surprised me and the kids with balloons when he got home from work. I had asked him to pick up some for the kids but he also got a boxer-wearing monkey balloon for me. I'm sure it will last longer than flowers and bring more enjoyment to the whole household. Clint never ceases to bring fun surprises to our home. I'm so glad that I have him for my husband. He is a wonderful spouse and father!