Meet Mr. Eko

Reasons we had to get a dog

Today, we adopted a new dog.  Why?

• The pain from losing our Annie is still deep. There's a huge void in our hearts.  A new canine in our family is sure to cheer us up a bit!
• We need the loyal, dependable, eager companionship of an active dog. (Great motivation to get out and walk or run everyday!)
• The kids have "jobs" that relate to dog care - and every day that went by where we didn't have to talk about whose "turn" is to let the dog out of the kennel when we get home from places reminded us painfully of our missing companion.
• I like having the protective company when Rich is working late or has to go out of town for work.
• I don't like to go for walks alone - the company of a dog makes me feel safe.
• When we met this dog at Wayside Waifs today, everything in my heart and soul said GET HIM! YOU WANT HIM! HE MUST BE YOURS TODAY!  (hehe)
• When we first saw him at the pound, he just laid there and looked up at us. No barking. No jumping. No overly anxious excitement.
• When we had a "visit" with him in a large room with the kids, he let us love on her and he was very calm, cool, and collected. He did not jump up on the kids or run around the playyard frantically.
• He is very good on a leash - hardly pulling at all and easy to correct.
• We have a very large, fenced in backyard that is now double-triple-quadruple secured. *sniff* What happened to Annie Dog will NEVER happen again.

Pictures of our new dog, Mister Eko, will be posted shortly!  Stay tuned!!!

Open Letters

Dear God,
You rock. I'm humbled. Thanks for speaking to me so clearly sometimes... Thanks for using me to bless others. Very humbling. May I serve You well and make You proud.
Love ya!
Me

Dear BBF,
I'm honored to be a part of this organization. I feel blessed to be a member of the board. I'm happy to contribute and help in any way I am able. Can't wait for our 5K in  May.  Supporters of the BBF are all are a huge blessing to my life.  I pray that the BBF serves God well and makes Him proud.
Amen!
Maggie

Dear Gardner Pizza Hut employees,
Thanks for all of your hard, dedicated work last night. How could we ever expect to have such a massive turnout for the BBF fund raiser. We did not mean to cause any of you undue stress. I trust that all the BBF supporters there were kind and respectful. I cannot thank you enough for your extreme generosity and for setting an example of love and kindness in this community.  I hope you slept well today - you all deserve a luxurious vacation!
Much love,
BBF Co-Chair

Dear Facebook,
We parted ways for 21 days while I refocused my prayer life and settled into some new healthier habits, like daily scripture reading and devotional prayer.  I missed you terribly.
Hate to Love you,
Maggs

Dear Husby,
You are the most supportive, encouraging, loving, kind person on this planet. Thank you for loving me and making me your beloved wife. I'm proud to hold the title.
Your Valentine,
Wifey

Dear Abbey, Brent, Torrey's cousin, Bryndon, Hannah, and Diane,
Whether you know it or not, I pray for you by name just about every day. I pray that God will lift you up, keep you strong, fight for you, fill you with comfort, provide you with an awesome medical team, show you Love, and bring you peace. I care about you and want to make a difference in your life.
In prayer,
Maggs

Dear Annie-Dog,
Miss ya! Hope you're in doggy-heaven or wherever it is that doggies go when they're gone. Totally miss ya!
Much love,
theonewhoalwaystoldyouGETOUTOFMYWAY!

Dear Julia,
You impress me. You're so charming and smart and funny. Never a day goes by that I'm not awed by what you know and how much you understand.  You're a brilliant child of God. I love you so much!
Love,
Momma

Dear Rebecca,
You inspire me. You're spunky and fun-loving. You live every moment to the fullest... whether it's by being held or jumping in circles shreiking. Every minute matters. I wanna be more like that. I love you so much!
Love,
Mommmmyyy

Dear Mark Batterson,
This Wild Goose Chase thing that you sent us on? It's really fun - but man, it's a lot of work!
Thanks and stuff,
Maggie T.

Dear sicky germs,
Go away. Stay away. I don't like you. You've hurt my kids, you've hurt my friends, you've scared some great parents that I know, and you're really getting old. You outstayed your welcome long before you showed up. B'bye now.
Sincerely,
Mucous head

Dear LOST,
You were gone for so long! It's great to have you back. I can't decide which I like more: The addicting plots/storylines or the quality time I get with hubs watching the show and then talking about all week long. Either way, Thanks!
Much Love,
Maggs
P.S. Feel free to start revealing some ANSWERS anytime now... like, TONIGHT would be nice. kthxbai!

Dear cookies, candy, ice cream, cake, and Root Beer,
I love you. Too much. Let's just be friends from here on out, k? It's not you, it's me.
Love you,
Maggie

Dear self,
Get off the stupid computer and go relax. This is the one hour you don't have anything you HAVE to do.  ... uhm, no - updating your blog is not a HAVE TO DO kind of thing. Go on, scat.  Seriously, you're so lame.  And who talks to themself as much as you do anyway?
Mwah,
Self

Dear reader,
Sorry for the lameness of my post. Thanks for reading!  And - hey you, go update your blog, will ya? It's been ages!
Much love,
Fella blogger