Happy Birthday to The Murph

Five years ago this guy was born.

His early months were more than a struggle.

He was born into a hoarder house,

so bad that he got really sick.

But this guy does not give up.

He's stubborn, and that stubbornness helped him survive.

I like to say that he survive so that he could save me.

This was definitely a case where he rescued me,

not the other way around.

Sure, people would say, "Wow, that's great that you rescued him!"

but he and I knew the truth...

My heart was saved by his four little busy paws.

To read the entire story, check out these previous blog posts.

Even Wonder Woman Needs a Sidekick

Happy Rescue Day

To celebrate this sweet guy, here's a look back a a year in the life of a Murph.

Murphy is 5

I love you more than you know Murphy!

And every day I'm thankful that you saved me.

Lucky Girl

I'm not sure how I got to be so lucky...

Do you ever wonder about that too?

My students during our class meeting this week,
wanted to share what they were doing for Thanksgiving
and the things that they were thankful for in their lives.
The first share was easy...filled with food, family, and football watching.
The second share was more difficult and definitely understandable
if you knew some of the worlds that they live in.
Some gave silly answers about socks, phones,
and the caramel lollipop in their binder,
while others actually said family or friends.
It's not always easy to see the good in your life
when it isn't really that great to begin with.
I guess I've always been one to look at the bright side.
You're probably shocked by that,
but it's true...I only get "humbug" at certain things,
and in those cases run away.
Seriously, it's best for both of us if I'm alone. (Ha!)
But I'm a glass is half-full kind of gal.

When it got to my spot in the circle to share what I'm thankful for,
it was easy.
I'm so thankful to my people.
Yep, they're mine and they're all around me.

I often look around and see the people that are in my life
and smile big.
They fill me up with all that I need.

Seriously, how did I get so lucky?

When I look around myself
I see;
-faces with the biggest, most loving smiles
-arms ready to embrace you in hugs that make you feel special
-hands that want to help others
-willing hearts that see needs and work to make those needs less
-people of action, not just talk

I hear;
-laughter, unashamed at it's volume and duration
-kind and encouraging words
-whispers of love to animals that drink in every syllable
-instructions to make things better
-decisive decisions that weigh the best interest of others
-knowledgable expertise

I feel;
-encouragement
-belief that things are and will be okay
-happy
-endless joy

AND LOVE.  So much love.

See, I'm really lucky.
I know it and I'm thankful for it all.
What are you thankful for?
Unsure?
Just look around you, it's there.
And it doesn't have to be big.
Often the best things in the world are in the items
we can own and hold,
it's in the people and how they impact your life.

Wishing you love and peace this Thanksgiving.

Must Have Pie, Must Spread Love

Some people love Thanksgiving for the turkey and gravy,

fresh cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and all the trimmings

Others love it for the time with family and friends...

All of those things are great, 

but for me,

it's all about making and enjoying homemade pies.

I don't think that I'm alone in this feeling at all.

A holiday just isn't the same without pie.

Do you need a little pie for your feast?

I have practiced for many years and learned the perfect way to cram 

as much love and joy into every morsel and crumb.

People often say, 

"Why does this taste so good?"

And I think it's because of the love.

For each pie you order, 

the money goes straight to help animals in local shelters.

I can't think of a better way to celebrate a holiday of giving than to give to others.

Can you?

Maybe you should order a pie and taste the difference love in the tummy and heart feels.

Believe me, nothing is sweeter than helping others.

I'm still taking orders for pies until Friday, November 21st.

All money from this sale goes to PAWS Animal Shelter in West Linn, Oregon.

It's a little, but mighty shelter that takes in abandoned and homeless animals.

Recently sweet Henry Travers was just that, abandoned and homeless.

He had a UPS driver that couldn't walk away and leave this dog...

got to love those guys with hearts like my dad.

Henry was saved through a series of caring people from certain death, 

brought into PAWS, and the loving hands of a foster family.  

Though these pictures are difficult to see, 

he is on the road to recovery and a life worth barking about.

Want more information about PAWS Animal Shelter and follow Henry's road to recovery?

Like PAWS' Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/PAWSOregon
Above pictures are from PAWS Facebook page.  Isn't he the cutest?