Journal,

There is nothing that makes me happier than to see my sweet Betty happy. And happy was what she was yesterday on Mother’s Day.

Yep, here’s a picture of the lady of my life with the newest addition to our family. “Jigger” was born Thursday, May 8, 2008. In this picture he is just three days old.

‘Jigger’ was a Mother’s Day present to Betty, from myself and our kids. He is a Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier). Course Jigger is just his nickname.

Betty gave him his nickname. She will arrive at a much more dignified registered name that is suitable to the aristocratic, high-brow Martin family, when we bring him home. (Jigger needs to stay with his mama until he is eight weeks old. Don’t want to put any stress on him or his mama.)

Might mention that after Betty’s dog, Snickers (her pug), went to doggie heaven, some time later Betty began to desire another small doggie-friend that she can snuggle up with. You know, one of those doggies that she can put in her special ‘doggie’ purse. She was absolutely thrilled to find out about her Mother’s Day present.   

And of course it would not do to neglect an honorable mention to another beautiful lady who had a major role in Jigger’s arrival, which is Jigger’s mama, Miss Faith. She is a darling. Here is a picture of Faith, in her palace along with Jigger nursing. By the way, it really is her palace. All her doggie friends and family want to nuzzle up to Jigger. So mama makes them keep their distance.

A special message for the ladies…

This past weekend was really great. Our special speaker was Nathan’s father-in-law, Lori’s dad, Dale Chapman. Dale and Barbara are such a beautiful couple. And Dale’s message yesterday morning was deeply moving. He had a special message for the ladies that had to do with getting past cultural norms and traditions. It was a very unusual message.

I would encourage my readers to take time to listen to Brother Dale. To view the message via video recording go to the following site, drop down to ‘View sermon archives,’ and click on ‘Sunday.’

http://christianchallenge.org/live/index.html

Had a pleasant afternoon at Red Dirt…

Course many of my readers won’t know what ‘Red Dirt’ means. We have a beautiful National park area in Central Louisiana, called ‘Long Leaf Vista’, but locally known as ‘Red Dirt’. It is simply gorgeous with its canyons, nature walking trails, and views. You can see for about ten miles. And the wind whistling through the pine trees is like music to the soul.

Anyway, following our Mother’s Day luncheon, we set out to get a look-see at Betty’s new doggie, Jigger, and then headed on out to Red Dirt. Lois and Jenni rode with Betty and me, while Dale and Barbara rode with Nathan and Lori. Had a wonderful relaxing time.

The President’s daughter…

In reading the Drudge Report I saw the article concerning President Bush’s daughter’s marriage. The article said that Jenna picked the song, ‘You Are So Beautiful To Me,’ as the song she wanted for her dance with dad. When I saw that, my mind instantly went back to when my daughter Shana was just a wee bit of a girl. She would dance with me by standing on my feet, and I would sing that song to her.

Thought I’d share it with you.

Isn’t it something — You fall in love with every child born into your family. We began with Nathan, then David, then Andre, and then Shana. And you love every one of them in a very special way.

Well, thank you Lord for all the mama’s, and all the children, and all the doggies, and all the other pets. What a beautiful world you have created.  

But I think You most of all for Your Son, Jesus.

Guess that pretty much wraps it up for now.

Talk with you later.

Much love coming your way,

Buddy