Positives of having a dog

1st Positive: Now we have a walking partner!

Today I took Lucas and the boys to Edwin Warner Park for a "little" walk/hike. WELL, I didn't prepare and went on a trail that was new to me. I THOUGHT it would end up on the main paved trail. WRONG! It was a 2 1/2 mile loop trail (the longest in the park!)up and down the hills in the park! Those poor boys. They did so great. Big E hung in there the entire time. Special K's little feet wouldn't go much further. I held him on my shoulders for a small portion. By the end, he could barely walk. Evan Lucas seemed like he didn't want to go any further by the end.

We did it though. The boys were super ROCK STARS! Now they are napping. Big E even requested one!

2nd Positive: the Boys actually clean up now!

It's amazing what happens when you have a new dog that will EAT your things if you leave them out! We've been having a particularly difficult time with clean up of toys around the monastery. We instituted a "library" policy 3 weeks ago, thanks to a friends advice. That has been helping b/c the kids can only have 2 toy bins out at a time and then must put one back to get another. Pretty simple. But the Dog clean up method works immediately! No, "I don't want to do it now." or "He got it out" or "it's just too much"

All it takes is, "Boys, I've told you that Lucas might eat your toys if you leave them out. Lucas is currently eating one of the cards to your favorite game." I tell you what, those boys have never cleaned up so fast." It's truly a miracle. I think I'm going to like having a dog!

Now I must go and deal with a possible dog ownership negative. Zoe is testing her fate and is downstairs checking out Lucas . . . pray for me!