Haylee-Bug

I wonder if Haylee will be 40 years old and I will still be calling her Haylee-bug. Probably, lol. Haylee is my helper. She is always asking me if there's anything I need help with. She's a lot like Colby with that. She has a giggle that will put a smile on anybodys face. If the baby is fussing, then she tries to get to him before I do. She has such a kind heart and is going to be a great mom someday.

One of the perks to helping without being asked is I am a lot more leanient on her. It is now way past bedtime, and all the squad is in bed. All but Haylee, lol. She is nestled up on the couch watching t.v.

And even though this is my sanity time, she gets to stay up late and just chill out.
This is one of my favorite times of the day. All my kiddos are tucked in bed, safe and warm. I get to play on my computer, watch t.v. (a whole movie if I want!!) or talk to my hubby uninterupted. The house is quiet and peacefull. So, now I'm going to turn off my computer, and go watch a movie with my daughter. Nighters!!!!

Dogs

Our dogs are awesome. They put up with a lot from the babies, but never ever bite. Even when stepped on, slobbered on, and had their ears pulled. To me, a dog is part of your family. They love unconditionally.
These are our dogs, Dazey and Jessie. Jessie is Dazey's puppy, and is only 17 months younger. They are short-legged Jack Russell's.

They have been dressed up in baby clothes on days when the kids just had to find something to do.
They have survived 8 kids and are still well behaved. We watch home movies of the kids, and the dogs are always in the background. They love my kids, and my kid love them.

I Am Thankfull

Today Scott and I was on our way out of an appointment we had when we noticed a homeless man on the street near our car. Scott nodded and said hello as we passed by. As I was putting the baby in the car, the man walked over to the car and asked us if we had 3 quarters he could have. I said sure, and opened the center console in my car where the change dispenser is, and there just happened to be 3 quarters in the stack. I handed them over and he said with a grin from ear to ear I just made his day. As we drove off I thought about it. 3 quarters made his day. How often do we all take for granted something as small as 3 quarters? He was filthy. As he reached for the change his hands were black with dirt. When he walked away his pants were ripped in the back and his bare skin was showing. Who knows what purpose 3 quarters had for him, but it was a very, very small price to pay to make someones day.

Tonight as I started cleaning up dinner, I started thinking about him again. I looked at this mess.....

and instead of dreading the dinner clean-up, I thought about how happy he would of been to get a home cooked meal. To sit in a comfortable chair with people around him that cared for him. To have clean hands and some money in his pocket. 26 minutes later, my kitchen was clean.

And I am thankful god showed me a different outlook today.