ahora

Sunday morning, Kent and I drove home from church only to find this cute little puppy laying on the welcome mat in front of our 3rd story apartment. No collar. No identification. Just the cutest, happiest puppy. She was quite dirty & see-ribs-through-fur skinny. But as soon as I sat down by her, she climbed right up on my lap, leaned against me and wagged her tail.
How could you possibly say no to these eyes?!?
Long story short, we took her to his parents' house (since we can't have animals in our apartment), bought her a collar, leash, dog food and a rawhide bone and brainstormed what we could do.
We have since posted signs with "Puppy Found" and our number around our area of town just in case some owners are looking for her; but, since Sunday, I haven't received one phone call. I'm sorta hoping no one calls. In the meantime, we have adopted her and named her Maddie.
She is the sweetest thing. She loves going for car rides and always has to be near you. The last time Kent and I took her somewhere, he drove and she curled up in a ball on my lap and fell asleep. And in general, when I sit down by her, she basically stands over my legs and lays her head on my arm or shoulder. I think physical touch is her love language. :)
When people ask where we got her, I enthusiastically tell them, "Jesus gave her to us!" (and I'm only half-joking). God knows I have been wanting a dog ever since I moved away from home. Even if someone ends up claiming her, she has brought both me and Kent much joy in the past few days.

I LOVE my puppers. :)

This past Sunday, we had a small group lunch/pickle ball day.

Justin was our grill-master (many props to him since it was 97 degrees out that day!):





After a few games of pickle ball and many cups of water and lemonade, a few of us headed to DQ for $1 mini-Blizzards. Mmmm. :)

For a few days this month, our family (minus Karla and Cody) went to the Oregon coast for a vacation. The weather was less-than-appealing, but it was relaxing and a good time together as a family.

Our time basically consisted of:
1. Sleeping in.
2. Drinking coffee.
3. Having breakfast.
4. Reading.
5. Going into town for pastries and more coffee.
6. Walking around town.
7. Going back to the cottage.
8. Reading.
9. Watching Band of Brothers.
10. Eating.
11. Watching more Band of Brothers.
12. Sleeping.

A couple of days before we left, we went to the beach (right by Haystack Rock - the biggest of the three rocks sticking out of the water) to watch the sun set. It was gorgeous!

Soon after Kent and I returned from visiting MI, we had a mini-reunion of sorts at his parents' house.

Here are the ladies (sisters with their mom):