In everything, give thanks ( best read while playing Jolly Old Saint Nicholas...on the right-->)

We are going insane with the dog ritual of shedding! Each day, we diligently sweep the home ten times. At least. This is the wage of puppy ownership and a precursor to the messes we will have to clean up after little ones. However, I grunt and mutter in unison with my husband. Is there no wand to wave that will end this fiasco?
Then, a day later...
A friend was sharing with us that last year, her family put their twelve year old lab to sleep after several complications with his health. The family mourned during the sad December holidays of yesteryear, a family member was now gone. This year, as my friend began to open her holiday ornaments and tinsel, she found her lab fuzzies nestled amongst the decorations. Little fur that caught on everything and drove her mad, brought her to tears, and reminded her of the love she shared with a special dog.
So, today, though I did grunt, I hugged Cooper a tad bit tighter, rubbed his belly a bit longer, and gave thanks for all the things of life...like
the grace and love of God...
my husband who is a popular person of my heart...
my parents and siblings, who have raised me to be here today...
my family around the world, who pray for us and love us and who I always miss and want close by...
my friends far away who know me so well, though years have passed...
my friends not so far away, and the joy they bring to me...
my colleagues at work and how blessed I am to teach with them...
my dog and his shedding coat...

...because we are never promised tomorrow.

Blessed Christmas and holidays to you and all.