Downstairs

Right now, it is hot outside.  Just for the afternoon, and there are plenty of cool spaces to retreat to, but it means that our downstairs is getting more use.  There are blocks to build cities and weapons and vehicles, there are movies to watch while curled up on the couch with a blanket, and a punching bag to attack.  But outside, well, there are puppies outside.  :)  Puppies like this one:

and this one:

So, every morning, while it is still cool, I hear yips from puppies and kids outside in the back yard.  We still have all 7; at least until next Saturday.  They are growing up too quickly :( and will soon be leaving us for their new families.  In the meantime, we get to play with them, just to get them used to people ;).

One of the puppies has had an eye infection.  We have to administer eye drops 3 times a day, and he's such a calm thing, he lays in my arms and holds still while I squeeze the drops into his eye.  The infection is almost gone, thank goodness! 

So far, we have names for all the puppies.  Most of the names reflect their markings: One-stripe, Two-stripe, Angel Wings, Goose-goose, Hammer Butt, and Heart Head.  One of the males is Buffness (because he is still obviously the biggest puppy), even though he has a mark on his rear end that looks like a pistol.  Anyway, we're trying not to be too upset that we cannot keep them all.  *sigh* 

Gratitude List:
* I have a wreath on my door.  A $1 willow form from the dollar store, plus 2 fat quarters of red material and some left-over yarn, and I have a nice looking wreath!  Bonus is that I didn't have to spend much money on it- just an hour of my time. (and no, it isn't centered in the picture.  I fixed that afterwards)

* Audible books :) and the opportunity to listen to all sorts of books while I am working out or cleaning or knitting. 
* Kids who are old enough to clean up after themselves, and who don't whine (much) about it when they're reminded by their mother.
* Having a delicious dinner last night of crawdads, grilled chicken, and lots of fresh corn on the cob.  I love summertime!
* That my husband is a good cook, and that he cooks frequently.
* Enough craft supplies to keep my children busy for at least a year.
* A clothes washer, so I don't have to scrub them by hand.
* That I can actually keep indoor plants alive (sort of).  If I see them every day, I will eventually remember to water them ;)
* I have a wonderful husband, and three beautiful strong children, and they are all healthy.
* knitting supplies and a knitting community to keep me inspired.
* page kits for scrapbooking.  I finished 4 pages yesterday!
* Kind friends and family, who offer love and support.
* I am so blessed in my life.
* God is good.