Chew toys and beach bums

Let me begin by saying this: I love my dog. I really do. I can't put any kind of monetary value on his company and friendship. BUT, if he eats one more thing at my house that I have to replace, I'm going to be poor.

Here's a brief summary of some of the things he's destroyed in the past year: countless pairs of socks, an estimated 15 pairs of shoes, two t.v. remotes, a blanket, a suede comforter, three harnesses, two leashes, a collar, two throw pillows, six books, two cell phone chargers, an ungodly amount of toilet paper, a few hats, some DVD cases... the list goes on.

But here's the real kicker — last night, he ate MY CELL PHONE. The bottom half of it is completely chewed up. I can still use the arrow buttons at the top, but that's about it. OH, and he destroyed the part where the charger plugs in, so once the battery dies, that's it. No more phone. I guess I'll be going to Alltel tonight to find a new one. Obviously the two chew toys that Mama bought him this weekend weren't enough to keep him entertained. Good try though.

Somebody please tell me why I love him so much?

Maybe he was getting me back for leaving him alone all day Saturday while we were at the beach. Which was AMAZING, by the way. The weather was absolutely perfect. No clouds, temp in the high 80s, crystal clear water. And I didn't even burn!

(Here we are on the way to the beach!)

We went to play mini-golf, which was really fun until about the 10th hole when everyone was more focused on the prospect of seafood than trying to get the ball in the hole.

(We had to take a picture with the gorilla.)So we rushed through the last few holes and went to the Back Porch, where we proceeded to stuff our faces with shrimp, crab claws, scallops and other tasty beach things. Over all, it was a great day.

(The mother-daughter picture.)

Not to mention Alabama totally upset Georgia Saturday night. Can I get a Roll Tide?

The Bible and the beach

Last night I was lost in reflection as I thumbed through the Bible that Grandma brought me when she came to visit. This isn't just any Bible...this is one that she was given in 1978, and nearly every page is filled with notes in her handwriting. There are dates written beside verses, marking important passages of her life.

I don't think she could ever know how precious a gift that was to me. Years and years ago, she promised the Bible would be mine one day, and I thought she had forgotten. But on the inside of the front cover, she had written "To be given to Heather when I die, Mom". After crying at the thought of one day not having her, I started turning the pages and cherishing her words.

I think one of my favorite notes was one that read, "When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of your future because of the grace of God." It's comforting to know that no matter how many mistakes you've made, God still forgives you and promises a future of eternal life.

In other news, Mama, Loretta and Brooke are coming to see me tonight. I think four people in my tiny little house might be pushing it, but the company will be nice. We're leaving in the morning to spend the day in Destin. The high is only supposed to be 84 tomorrow, so I don't know how much time I'll spend in the water, but it will be nice to relax on the beach for awhile.

Maybe I won't come back looking like a lobster. :)