Baxter?

BAXTER . . .

cute?

ugly?

good dog?

bad dog?

annoying?

lovable?

perfect in every way?

i admit that i ganged up against my husband and used his good nature and tendency towards guilt to get my way. we rescued this guy from the Animal Shelter 2 years ago. he still barks madly at anyone who comes near our house. he guards it with his life, sitting at the landing in the stairs to ensure our safety. drives us all a little mad sometimes.

but both my boys consider him their best friend and companion. and nothing can replace the way he greets you every time you come home. like you are the greatest person that ever lived! does anyone ever like you as much as your dog?

and guess who takes him to the dump every week, and let's him sleep in the bed when i am not around. who calls him to keep him company while he does the yard work. who feeds him from the table and spoils him rotten: dear old dad.

Mother's Day Picture

well, there we are, smiling and happy for Mother's Day. only a moment earlier they were frowning and complaining wishing they did not have to pose for a picture with dear old mom.

hard to believe they hugged me and cuddled with me so easily once. funny how much they loved to see me pick them out of their cribs every morning. now i am the nag, the investigator, the enemy.

they still need me though, right? they will never let on, but i need to believe that even though they are too cool to admit it, they still want to be tucked in at night, and made to hug me and smile for a picture every now and then. . .

thinking about friendships lately. reasons we like one person and not another. someone completely annoying to one person could be charming to another. high school reunion is coming. kids like someone one day and hate him the next. coworker makes you nuts, but you have to find common ground. friendships are funny.

the friends i have right now are the greatest. and i think i have always felt that way. even looking back when things don't always end up the way you hope. you were friends with someone because you found some type of common ground, and love for each other. there are some people i met and felt immediate friendship. other people i wouldn't have imagined we would have anything in common, have been my dearest friends. some people i have just never been able to connect with, even though everyone else loves them.

anyway, i just think everything is a little better, when you share it with a good friend.