I love a dog in a sweater

I love a dog in a sweater, originally uploaded by homebodylynn.

I am still here. We are in love with Joey, but still missing our Pete. We've had some unhappy things going on- the worst being that my nineteen year old nephew died just before Christmas. It's been heartbreaking for our whole family. Then we were all sick and the house is falling apart and people aren't paying us some money owed and homeschooling a teen hasn't worked out as planned and I'm glad I haven't been posting over the past seven months, because it would just have been a big old downer to read.

But then Lee surprised me the other day by telling me he felt like he'd had a pretty good year. He's had his first girlfriends, been in three bands and played shows, made a lot of new friends and seems to be outgrowing some of his food allergies. He could have looked at it another way. He could instead remember this as the year he first got his heart broken and the year he had a big fight with his best friend, a year he had a lot of fights with his parents (the old back and forth over increased independence), but he prefers to look on the bright side. He'll be sixteen next week, and I couldn't be more pleased about what a fine young man he has grown to be.

I've decided to try and follow his example by attempting to focus on all the good in my life. There is so much of it. So I'll blog about it here, but you don't have to worry this blog will be full of so much happiness and cheer that your life will seem depressing by comparison. I'm way too much of an Eye-or to ever be too cheerful.

The prize for the most obnoxiously cheerful person in our family contest would go to Joey Crenshaw.  Like my kids, Joey is an optimist. After all he must have been through, he's still willing to be everyone's friend. It more than makes up for the fact he rarely listens to a word we say. He steals stuff and jumps on us and barks at the phone when is rings, but you just can't help loving Joe.

Comments

[Sharon]

Hurray! You're back! I've been checking every week or so for awhile and nothing...was about ready to delete the "favorite," figuring you were out of the blogging business. I was and am so sorry to hear of your lost dog, but delighted to see another photo of Joey. I live in Richmond too, although am probably easily old enough to be your mother. Thanks for your posts--I enjoy reading them.

[lynnie]

Sharon, I didn't know I was anybody's favorite! I am almost 46. I had my first kid at 30 and second at 38. I got a late start:) I doubt you're old enough to be my mom.

[Sharon]

OK, I'd be a young mother, but I could do it! I just started my own blog tonight, and took the liberty of linking to yours, among a few others I like.

[Tiff]

Hey there - sorry I missed this post. What happened to your nephew? I'm so sorry and sad to hear that...

I don't mind reading the bad and the good.
Glad you've all found new love with Joe!

Tiff