If I had written

I just spent the last 90 minutes catching up with my poor, neglected Google Reader. I watched snippets of the Packers - Bears game in-between comments. I also checked the radar neurotically, since we have another (ANOTHER) snowstorm bearing down on us.

I did everything BUT write. Which is what I sat down to do 90 minutes ago.

If I had written, I might have told you how obsessed I've been the last three weeks with finding the right pet for our family. Last Friday, after agonizing for approximately 48,000 years, I called the shelter again to stress that I really did want to adopt the one-year-old puppy I showed you in this post. To my horror, the very kind woman who answered the phone told me "my" dog had been adopted by someone else the day before. Seems they never got my messages.

If I had written, I might have told you how devastated I was, initially. I felt like Christmas was going to be as flat as day-old ginger ale, seeing as the only other gifts my children have from their parents are coloring books and socks and oranges studded with cloves. (And Legos. And Polly Pockets. And tons and tons of books. But that ruins the drama, no?) But now, a few days later, I've made peace with it. That's largely due to Corey's constant encouragement that God is in control of everything, even this. Besides, he said, he didn't really think that dog was the right one for our family. So we're back to the drawing board. Here's my top pick right now.

We might get to meet her tomorrow night.

If I had written, I would probably have told you that Teyla is still sleeping through the night. However, the naps -- they are elusive. Last week, she took one nap. All week. By Friday afternoon, I was shredded. But today, she slept for two hours (TWO HOURS), and she was so sweet all afternoon. She has this beautiful throaty laugh that brightens a room. I love that laugh.

If I had written, I might have told you how I got a book in the mail last week from my BBFF and it's funny and smart and well written and encouraging at every turn and I get to give away a copy in January. Stay tuned.

If I had written, I might have told you that I miss journaling. I miss it dreadfully. Having three kids leaves me so little free time, and during the holiday season, that time is quickly gobbled by Christmas-related tasks. My soul is starting to ache with all the words inside it.

But I didn't write.

Instead, I'm going to show you this picture I took in Target last week.

Yes. Last week.

Merry Valentine's, everyone.