Going to the Dogs

When I mentioned that I would explain more about our addition to the Ewen 6, I didn't realize that people would automatically assume it meant another human.  I guess people just think TJ and I breed like stray dogs, so another kid would only make sense.  Sorry. NO MORE CHILDREN.  Just a stinky, shedding, drooling, pooping dog.

I know what youre thinking now though, "Um, didn't her husband just lose his job? Don't they know dogs cost $$$? And don't they realize that dogs are a lot of work? I think it may be time for an intervention.". And ya know what, I totally get that, and if I was on the outside looking in, that's exactly what I would think too.  But let me tell you, there's a reason.  And a good one.

Now at this point I'd like to put all joking aside and tell all those who may read this, that I would like to share some information with you that is a little more on the personal side of my family.  My hope with this blog was that I could be really honest with my life, not just because I can, but in hopes of informing others, engaging with others, and maybe even getting support from others.

So to begin, we need to go back to about a year ago when we adopted these beautiful children.  It has been almost a year (wow, that went fast) and we are still having some bonding/attachment issues.  It is one of those things that as a bio parent, you just take for granted.  I never had to work at it with my little ones; from the day I gave birth to them we were stuck together like flies to dog poop (sorry, I couldn't help myself).  But with older children, especially those who have experienced trauma, man, let me tell you, it is rough stuff. And it is not by any means all on them.  But they are so good at pushing you (the parent) away that you can let them and a not very good cycle begins.

BUT we love our children, and we do not, I repeat, DO NOT want to  fall into that cycle any longer than we already have.  And so with the counselors advice, we are getting a dog.... if we can ever find the right one....  A dog that can handle the Ewen 6 is one we have yet to meet! =)

What can a dog do for our kids you may be asking?  Well, with kiddos that have a hard time bonding/attaching to others (their parents mainly) an animal can be a very good way of creating a safe place for the child to show and recieve trust and therefore learn some bonding and attaching and MAYBE learn to do so with us.  That is the hope, and the continued prayer.

My mom believes that my real reason for getting a dog is so I can take it running to scare off creepy stalker guys.  Is it wierd that the first day we started talking about getting a dog was honestly that same day as creepy stalker guy?  hmm...why do mom's always think they know everything???    =)

So, what are we up to these days?

Since it has basically been 2 months since I last wrote a post, one can only assume we must have done something exciting, right?  Well lets do a quick recap of what we have been up to:

• Summer break started last month for big kids
• TJ had his last day at work and has been home since looking for a new one (keep praying for him!)
• I started working at a coffee stand a few days a week
• found Asher on top of my dinning room table covered in hot pink nail polish and almost cried, then laughed...
• went camping/fishing with my parents and brought back half of Lake Roosevelts pop of Walleye
• did 500 loads of laundry
• began war with a gopher who ate ALL of the carrots in garden
• going on lots of runs to get ready for a couple of half marathons coming up in Sept and Oct
• got stalked by a creepy guy on a run and had to call the cops
• baught a treadmill
• did 200 loads of dishes
• had to get a root canal on a root canal
• went camping again with our Kaleo church family and loved every second
• came home and did 900 more loads of laundry and still counting
• decided to bring a dog home for a "trial run"
• just realize we really do have a dog in our house..oye...at least she's cute!
• did I write take a nap anywhere up there?

So, this is my condensed version of what we have been up to this summer.  We are having a blast, loving having the whole family home, and yes, even decided to extend the Ewen 6 a little (more on that later).  I feel as though we are in the middle of one of the best summers to date!  Crazy that a little chaos and unexpectedness can in turn reveal blessings and great joy!