TODAY is a DND!

If I were a cat, I'd be purrrrr-ing right about now!  

My Mom declared today a "Do Nothing Day!"  She's still in her jammies, and I'm all curled up warm and snuggly!  It's a "ruff" life, but someone's gotta live it!

There's something wrong with this picture... Stumped?  Well, normally, my Mom would be sitting in the chair with me.  I'd put my head on her shoulder, and we'd be happy as two clams!  But someone had to take the picture, and I was too comfortable to get up! 

You're probably wondering how her surgery went.  Well, she sees her doctor this week on Thursday when she'll get the official word, but if you ask me.... She's doing great!   No pain all week!  

She's just a tad tired today, so... DND!

So we're catching a few Zzzzz, watching a French movie (Zut Alors! ... I can't keep up... and so nap time again!), and a bit of reading... maybe even a little walk later!  


But I need to wake up first!

Okay... I think I'm ready for a walk!

Woof... see ya! Coco

Taken by Surprise

I love surprises.  You know, like a treat in the middle of the day.  A new toy for no reason except that my Mom adores me.  A walk along W. Cliff with the sea air and lots of doggie-friends to meet.  Or the unexpected guest - aka - my new best friend!  These are simple surprises that bring me great joy!  It's what I live for.

Then there are those surprises which aren't so nice.  Like when my Mom takes me for a ride in the car and the destination is the Vet.

Or even worse... the groomer!  Rut-Ro... NO thank you! 

Yea, yea... I know I look like a skinned Rat!

Well, I guess it's the same for humans.  My Mom loves surprises!  ... Like unexpected company; ice cream cones; finding dark chocolate hidden when she thought there was nothing yummy to eat in the house; serendipitous adventures; and a surprise call from a friend.

But just like me, there are other "surprises" which my Mom doesn't necessarily like...  

This Thursday she went in for her "post-stretching check-up." Here's what she thought would happen... 

Doctor: "Everything looks great; you've healed up just fine. When would you like to do the implant surgery?"  

Mom: "Well, I'd like to wait another 4-5 months, so I can focus on  finding full-time work; settle into a new job; and then ask for some time off avoiding any problems."  

Doc: "No problem!  We'll schedule your implants surgery for June."

Oh... did I mention this is how the conversation was supposed to go? But instead, the conversation went a little something like this...

Doc: "Hmmm... this open wound is too deep. 

(Remember the unexpected surgery in August?  Yes, we've walked this road before!)... 

Mom: "You mean this little hole?"

Doc: "Yes. We need to remove some fluid, open you up; suture internally; and then close you up; wait while you heal; fill you up again; let you heal; THEN do your implant surgery in June.  Good news... we can do this procedure today or tomorrow under local anesthesia in my office."  (Mental note: he's still okay with June for implant surgery)

Mom: "Again?! Really?!  Well, okay, I'll come back tomorrow."

Oh... but wait... tomorrow (Friday) comes.  

Doctor:  "You know?  I've been thinking about this last night (uh oh)...  I think we need to do the implant surgery as soon as possible.  I can't guarantee this procedure will work and your skin won't open up again.  The expander is probably putting too much pressure on the incision.  I am worried and don't want to run the risk of infection.  I'll schedule you for implant surgery Monday!"

Mom: "(in the best Scooby-Do voice) Uhhh?" 

So instead of waiting till June, my Mom is having her implants surgery Monday at 2pm.  Talk about an unexpected surprise!!  But if she's learned nothing, she's learned that God is in the unexpected.  His timing is perfect, even when we don't understand!

So if all goes as planned, my Mom will be home Monday evening for better or worse, and I'll get to cuddle with her.

  No really... it's what I do best!

So, while you're praying for her on Monday at 2pm, I'll just wait here for her to come home to me.  Don't worry, I've got this.  I'm really good at making her feel better.  Woof!   Really!  

Thanks for your prayers!  Coco

A Look Back in Time... 

Hi, it's me Coco!

I've been reminiscing. This requires deep concentration, because one year for me is like seven for you!  Now, where was I?  Oh yea... think, think.  

Me concentrating!

Concentrating often triggers me to lick my chops, so this is a good sign! But I digress...

Don'tcha just love Christmas-time?  I know... there are lots of reasons to enjoy this season: friends and family coming and going, yummy food, pretty lights and decorations, giving of presents and worshipping the Baby-King.

But for me it's even more than that... sometimes I forget that it's only been 3 short Christmases ago that my mom brought me home! 

My 1st Christmas!

My 3rd Christmas!

So you see, Christmas is a special time for me and my mom!

But about 1 year after my mom brought me home, she got laid off from work. It was a little scary, but she was excited about it too.  It opened up new possibilities. First and foremost, she took some time to rest, be creative, be still & explore.  

So, I decided to take some time too... to play, explore, romp, & nap!  

I loved it!! I mean, come on... what dog wouldn't? I had my mom all to myself!   It's what I call, Puppy Bliss... Woof!

After resting for a few months, my mom found some balance in her life again. She felt a peace so deeply, she couldn't explain it.  She knew without a shadow of a doubt that God was in control and would take care of us both.  She knew that He has always had her in the palm of His hand! 

I'm pretty small, so I think I can fit in His hand too!

But soon it was time for my mom to start looking for work again.  She discovered it was pretty tough out there.  As the months passed by, it never occurred to her that she wouldn't be working 12 months later.  A couple temporary assignments presented themselves, but nothing seemed to materialize full-time. 

Right when things were starting to look up, she hit another bump in the road... 

You remember... last Spring... yep, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Bow Wowzer! No one saw that coming!

There were lots of doctor's appointments, insurance meetings, and running around.  Summer was a time of two surgeries and a long recovery.  

In September, she started looking diligently for work again, even though her body was telling her to (perhaps) wait just a little bit longer.  No job materialized (again) = blessing in disguise. Funny how that works!

Thankfully, by November she started getting her energy back. Finally no more skin stretching; less and less pain; and minimal discomfort.  If you ask me, I think her energy is back!

She even decorated for Christmas, hoping and praying this wouldn't be the last Christmas in this sweet little cabin in the woods!  If it is though, we sure can't complain... it's been wonderful!

 

Looking Forward... So now I'm thinking... 

God must have known my mom needed these past two years off from work.  Her unemployment brought her a time for rest and renewal... then it brought her to a place financially to be eligible for insurance which would pay for all of her medical needs (WOW!), and now it's given her time to heal and recover.  And of course... I got to have her all to myself!! (*Sigh*)

So as we say goodbye to 2012 and ring in the New Year... I know God will continue to take care of both my mom and me!

Just think of the possibilities!
Woof, Coco

Raining Cats & Dogs....

Okay, what exactly does that mean?  When I look out the window, I don't see kitties and puppies.... 

.... and believe me, I keep looking, because I LoVE company!  


I think someone's "messin' with my mind."  All I see is puddles getting bigger and BIGGER!

I don't like to go outside when it's like this.  And neither does my mom.  

I think it's the perfect day to stay inside.  Nice & cozy. Maybe a bit of play now and again.

My mom wants to start decorating for Christmas, but she would have to go outside to the storage room and walk through this...

So... what I like I say is, "Put off today what you can do tomorrow! Let's play!"

Come on...

That's it...

Now,  what can be more productive than a play day?

Come on over if you want to.  Lots can play this game!  Don't get wet!!

Bow Wow!
Coco

Tick Tock, Tick Tock


Waiting isn't always easy, ya know... I don't like waiting.  When I'm home and my mom is out-n-about, I'm lonely!

But waiting isn't always bad!  

My Mom came home from the doctor last week.  She looked perky and was smiling from ear to ear.  Guess what?  She's done with her "filling"! No more skin-stretching!  A-Roooo!  Ruff, Ruff!  

Tick Tock, Tick Tock.... She "gets to wait" and let her body rest for three months before the next surgery!  Yippee-Ky-A!!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock... Of course, she's also waiting to find the right job.  Tick Tock, Tick Tock!  I can tell this waiting is getting harder and harder for her.  

But God obviously has some extra lessons for her to learn.  Lessons in trust... lessons in waiting... lessons that will transform her if she'll let Him.

Tick Tock, Tick Tock...  Transformation is happening both on the inside and the outside.  

Well, I need to go and wait for my mom!  See ya later!

Woof, 
xoxoCoco

Divine Timing...
(told through Lynne)


In the wake of not getting the job in Scotts Valley, I was spending some time reflecting on God's goodness in my life.  I picked up my "Jesus Calling" devotional and read the following excerpt:

No matter what your circumstances may be, you can find Joy in My Presence. On some days Joy is generously strewn along your life-path, glistening in the sunlight.  On days like that, being content is as simple as breathing the next breath or taking the next step. Other days are overcast and gloomy; you feel the strain of the journey, which seems endless. Dull gray rocks greet your gaze and cause your feet to ache. Yet Joy is still attainable. Search for it as for hidden treasure....

... Awareness of My marvelous Companionship can infuse Joy into the grayest day.

Can you believe this message?  On this very day?  When it was pouring rain outside this morning?  Coincidence... I think NOT!

The Son is shining through the clouds.

 

Acceptance vs. Discouragement
(told by Lynne)

When an army of people are on their knees, when prayers are covering those making employment decisions, when an interview goes very well... how can I be disappointed when the Lord closes the door?  Well, if I'm honest, the answer is quite easily!   

The good news is my discouragement is very short-lived.  If I believe in an all-knowing, miraculous, and ever-loving God, then I know His hand was intertwined and enmeshed in this process.  There is nothing He doesn't know; there is nothing He can't do; His mercy and grace are ever-present in my life.  

So I accept His hand; the same hand that shut this door, and lean on Him in His waiting room, clutching His strong hand, awaiting the miraculous plan He has for me.

Thank you Lord for stretching my faith; for deepening my dependence for You; and for the gift of the faithful prayers of so many.  I feel overwhelmed by love!
Lynne

P. S.  It's me... I just had to share a little secret from my heart.   Grrr!  ... wait a minute... I'm way too close to the camera.  

There, that's better.... I know my mom needs a job, but deep down... I can't help but be a little happy that she's still home with me!