This picture totally cracks me up!  These are my dogs, Molly and Stu at the dog park.  Molly is the one with her tongue hanging out, the joyful look on her face and her paws in the water bowl.  Poor Stu is the one with the nasty glare.  What you don't see is that Molly has the ball and has placed it into the water bowl.  Stu, being the dutiful brother, is patiently waiting for her to allow him to grab the ball and bring it to me.

I learn alot from these dogs.  Molly is 2 years younger, loves to counter surf and always full of energy.  Stu is my little gentleman. He takes care of his sister.  He has wonderful manners but is all about the ball.  He is focused.  He lives for our daily dog park visits. 

Each day, Stu will run into the park and check out every ball in order to find the "ball of the day".  No other ball will do.  If Molly catches the ball, he will follow her until she gives it to him.  If another dog steals the ball, he will not get aggressive.  He will wait until they lose interest.  Then he grabs it and brings it to me.  When I am throwing the ball, Stu is completely in the moment.  Nothing exists outside of that tennis ball.  No matter what else is going on at the park, he won't get involved.  The ball is king.  I am amazed at his ability to tune out all distractions and concentrate on what he finds important.

I wish I had such focus!  Often I find myself getting muddled in the brain due to having too many things going on at the same time.  The important things get mixed in with the trivial events an instead of doing one thing well, many things get done half assed.  I need to focus like Stu.  He does one thing and he does it very well. 

Happy, Happy, Happy!

This has been my life for the past week.  Welcome Stu and Molly to our family!  We adopted them from a lab rescue group and we could not be happier!  For the past week, I have been chasing after dogs.  I have cleaned muddy paws, held slobbery balls, said NO! a thousand times, and have a sore right arm from chucking balls at the dog park.  I am constantly filthy and so is my house and my car.  Am I upset about this?  Heck no!  I am completely in love!
I forgot how quiet the house had gotten once our 14 year old lab passed away a few months ago.  Nick and I had gotten into a routine and for awhile enjoyed the quiet.  Since the rowdy pair have arrived, we have been exhausted, but constantly have goofy grins on our faces.  They are so much fun to watch, we are thinking of cancelling our cable.


So, this brings to mind a question... Is happiness organization or chaos? 

I used to think that everything in its place was absolute heaven.  If you haven't figured this out, I am a bit OCD.  It drives me crazy when the kids leave things out or when I have to clean little messes.  My house has clutter, but it is controlled clutter (is there such a thing?)  I don't like to be dirty and I hate a dirty kitchen.  I can't stand sticky hands or surfaces. Well, that has gone completely out the window.  I can't keep up with the mess and I don't mind!  This must be love. 

 The bonus of two labs is that so far, I am down two pounds.  Their exercise is my extra exercise.  My only worry is that my right arm will become a popeye arm and my left will look pathetic.  I have tried to chuck the balls with my left, but they don't go far and Stu has little patience for those lame throws.

If you had told me two weeks ago my life would change for sticky, slobbery dog kisses, dirty car seats and muddy paw prints everywhere, I would have laughed in your face.  It is amazing what love can do to a person.
What makes you happy?  what will get you to change your life?  What will get you to move forward?

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  I am thankful for these two rowdy, loving dogs that have turned my life upside down.  What are you thankful for?