Special Baby Story

This is a very special baby. We came home last night and found this little guy on the grate in the bottom of Cody and Mia's cage. It wasn't a huge fall as Mia is sitting on these eggs in a Tupperware container at the bottom (getting a nest box ASAP). When I grabbed him up really quick after a small freakout, he was cold. I put him in my hand and, surprisingly, he was still alive!

Quickly, I warmed him by cupping my hands and blowing warm air on him. He started getting more active when I did that. We also started warming some baby food for him because his crop was nearly empty. We warmed a heating pad and prepared a brooder because we weren't sure if the baby falling out was an accident or if he was pushed out for some reason.

After feeding the little guy some food (and getting it all over him! he's so little), he was doing much better, but I was still worried. Would Mia take him back? Did she want him? He is such a cute little dutch blue!

We put him back in her nest and within a couple of minutes, she had pushed him under her wing. Within 15-20 minutes the baby was crying like normal too!

This is our miracle baby. He looks so great this morning. He has even gained weight (went from 3 grams to 4 grams). It looks as though it may have been accident that this little guy ended up out of the nest. Mia is feeding him and warming him.

I noticed this egg this morning. It has a "peck" but we don't know if it will hatch.... we'll see!

Anticipating Christmas on Thanksgiving

While I know it is Thanksgiving.... I still am fully in anticipation of Christmas! I can't wait. It is my favorite holiday. I have asked Rodney for a Zune which I know I will get (he's ordering it today at a good price!).

Plus, you just can't help the Christmas Holiday Spirit. It just makes you happy.

Well, eat you some good Pumpkin Pie (my favorite!) today and sit back and relax enjoying the blessings you have had this year. Even if it was a hard year, you can be thankful that it is almost over! I am thankful for my God, my family, my friends, and my business.

Sending Babies Home

Raising Lovebird babies is fun and demanding at the same time. It is hard to part with each and every one of them, but I know they are going to special homes where they will get more attention there than with us because those homes tend to have less birds to divide their attention amongst.

A tradition of ours is to take a picture of me and every baby that goes home. These are the first 9 from the last "Lucky 13" babies we had from July & August.

Sunny

Luna

Love & Joy

Star

Rainbow

Sunshine

Cherry

Apple

It does give me joy to bless others with our wonderful lovies! We are certainly on our way to breaking the lovebird stereotypes.

Life Update

So, hmmm.... life. Life is busy. But, good busy that is.

Rodney is now working out of town during the week. While him having a full-time job is a blessing, I also miss him dearly during the week (and so do the fids!)! I am still working part-time during the day for the ESL program at DTCC. While having that job is good, it's not what I truly am excited about.

Many of you know my business-mindedness. I am not ashamed of it, that's for sure. The reason is that I know that I am a super-successful business woman! Currently, I am, for all intensive purposes involved in about 4 business. Sure, I clump three in one! I am very active and excited about my internet business. The payoff so far is huge in all aspects and it is only going to get better!!! Then, True Love Aviary is a hit as well! Under the TLA banner, I am Co-owner, toy-maker, and webmaster. So, all of that basically means that I help sell lovebird babies, do paperwork and taxes, make toys to sell online, and now am going to be running an online bird supply store (launching, hopefully, on Oct 1st or at least before the NC State Fair).

This is my life now and I love what I do outside of my day job. Those of you who aren't really business-minded won't really understand why this all excites me.

Some people are still wondering how I could've turned down Med School. That was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made!

Pondering a few things....
I am still grieving for my dear, sweet Angel. It's been almost 2 months since she went to the Rainbow Bridge to wait for me, and home life is not quite the same without her. This week is also the one year anniversary of the death of my Grandmother. I miss her dearly as well. The holidays will never be the same.

Yesterday, I drove to be with Julieanna as her Mommy passed away in the ICU at Baptist hospital. Her death really touched me. I love Julieanna as a sister and to see how this deep loss has affected and to know how it will affect her cuts at my heart. It was not but about 5 years ago that my own Mother could've been taken from me. Thank God she wasn't! Even still, the tears I cry are empathetic. Vicki was a true woman of God and I was honored to know her. This will be my memory of her:

(I made them do this shot. I certainly don't regret it either!)

Beyond the loss, happiness still reigns. The little lovie babies we got in the house always touch my heart when they pop out of their cage at the mere creaking open of their cage door! I also know that I am already making an impact in people's lives. That's what counts and that is what my purpose is in this life!

Remembering 9/11

I love this image. Oh, how it is so symbollic. Our troops are still out there fighting for freedom. They are true heroes and I totally respect their bravery.

I certainly shall never forget! I remember where I was. I remember watching the tragedy as it occurred. I remember the tears I shed and holding hands. I remember classes cancelled. It's sad that even the younger people have no real recollection of that day. It is a day that changed our country. I shall never forget.

You all really need to hear the piece my hubby wrote in memoriam to 9/11. It'll make you cry.

Never forget.

Meet my Neighbor...

The Praying Mantis!!!It was just chillin' outside my apartment!!

Happy Birdday Evee!

Happy 1st Year Birthday Evee!

She was so tiny; our first hand-raised baby! (12 hours)

She amazed us so much! She grew fast! (2 weeks)

Look at the black going away!! (3 months)

We love our Evee!!! Happy Birdday Darlin'!!

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Tragedy

I don't have the heart right now to write about my Angel. Just know that she was one of my children, one of my fids (feathered kids), and I am having a hard time dealing with her passing and loss. I can't stop crying and only really just want her back.

Cool Lightning Storm in Raleigh on 7/17/07

Next time, I will use my tripod so the picture is steady!

I took several videos from my deck, but I thought this one was the best. I also enjoy the sound of the rain and my chimes while listening to this video!

Happy Birdday BeBe!

He is 2 years old today!!!

He is our original!

BeBe was 3 months old in this shot!

It is amazing to see how much he has changed in color and personality!

He is gorgeous with his adult colors now!

This was last year's birthday present! He was playing in it today.

After getting to visit with his friends at the Raleigh-Durham Caged Bird Society today, he got his new birthday present (bought in New Bern yesterday!)! Yay for toys!

Blessed

Something really hit me. We were watching a video in the Campus Ministry class on the 4^th of July and I was really struck by a statement that was made. We sing the song and place the bumper stickers on our cars: “God Bless America.” Really, God has blessed America as a whole. Did you know that if you own a car, you are in the top 8% of the world?! 1 billion people in our world live on $1 or less! Those are just two of the staggering statistics of those of us who the world would call “rich” or “blessed.”

Yet, there are still many out there within our blessed country that would be called, “poor” or “homeless.” How do we help these people without encouraging or supporting their lifestyle? Most of the homeless out there, I would gander to say, are not homeless because they want to be, they just are. Some are from the habits they are trying to kick. Others choose to be.

A lot of people are scared to even talk to them, when many of these men and women are good people. They hardly ever get the chance to have a good conversation with someone, none the less someone to pray with them or for them, or feed and clothe them.

Matthew 25:34-40 says:

³⁴ Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

⁴⁰ The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

I prayed with a man who just wanted healing. He was grateful for the food and clothing we brought him, but he wanted to get back on the right track with God. One man wanted to visit our church. How will we receive him? With out-stretched arms? One man, I talked to and prayed with, wanted to quit drinking so that he get his life turned around and use his story for the glory of God. This same man, when we approached him asking if he was hungry, stood up and shouted, “Yes! Thank you Jesus, I was just talking about being hungry!”

Not every person we talked to wanted to get their life straight with God. In fact, two men I talked with were angry with God. They couldn’t understand why He had put them in this situation. They told me to “tell God to leave [them] alone!” These are the people who we have to reach even more. The lost. The ones whom God tells us to stretch His love out to. The simple act of feeding them and clothing them is one way to do this.

I remember, as a child, going out with our church and my family to feed the homeless. I remember visiting the shelters and giving out clothing. I remember visiting the women’s shelter. Reaching outside, beyond our walls, is important! It leaves a lasting impression not only on the people that you touch, but on yourself as well.

Matthew 9:35-38 lays out just one example of Jesus’ way with people, the lost:

³⁵Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Emphasis added)

We have only wet our feet with this outreach. What are we going to do? What are we going to give? How can we help? Where is our compassion? We need to be workers in His harvest and look beyond “I.” We truly are blessed! Thank you Jesus!

Choices (Poem)

How do we decide?
Are we in it just for the ride?
Life is about the choices we make
Are we thinking for Christ’s sake?
If we choose not to grow
Then it it’s the bad seeds we sow
Many circumstances can affect outward
But how we respond reflects inward
Think on what Jesus would do
Ignore the devil’s coo
Even then we may face many consequences
Because of our own busted fences
Yet when we fall
We can climb back up towards His call
It’s a decision made in His trust
For salvation, that decision is a must!

By Tamara Money
© TRM 2007

2 Year Anniversary

Ah, how quickly it seems time has passed! Honestly, Rodney and I can hardly believe it's been 2 years. For us, it seems like just yesterday! For others, they think we have been married forever!
I tell you what, I asked my hubby today what he thought about it having been 2 years and he said, "It's like the honeymoon!" AMEN!

I hope we never get past the honeymoon stage. I want to be a perpetual honeymooner!

Stealing the idea from a friend of mine (Jessica), I think I will write down a few titles of the chapters of our marriage book (should we ever write one based on our experiences):

The Marriage is more important than the Wedding
The Wedding Day... thank goodness it's over!
Honeymooners... Honk at them
Holding hands is not taboo
"Oops" and "Sorry" are ok in Bed!
Feeling fulfilled
Understanding the Husband/Wife Role
God-centered Marriage
Finances are up and down... just push through the down
Finding happiness together
Compromising
Together, but independent too
Find common ground
Be Bird Brained (Sometimes)
Unconditional Love
Inside Jokes

Well, that's all I can think of now.
I am grateful to God for 2 wonderful years of memories and love!

I love you, Rodney!

Pigwidgeon's Prognosis

It saddens me to tell you this, but my baby Pigwidgeon definitely has cancer. It is testicular cancer, and while he has no swelling in his abdomen as of yet, Dr. Burkett said that the prognosis is not good. He's giving Piggy 3-6 months. So, we have definitely entered into a "budgie hospice care" stage with him.

I am upset even though I knew it was coming. I really do love him, even though he's only been in our lives about a month now (rescued!). There were some good things that came from the vet visit today. Pigwidgeon has gained weight (yay for not being underweight anymore!) and his beak has stopped growing as fast (perhaps his liver is doing much better now!).

Testicular cancer is typically seen in budgies that are inbred. This is a huge problem in pet stores. Many of the breeders they get these birds from allow inbreeding to happen. Little Pigwidgeon is only three years old! He's at the end of his life even though he should've/could've lived another 10-15 years! The biggest indication is his cere. It should be a beautiful blue color, but it is a dark brown. Later on down the line, Pigwidgeon will have trouble breathing and his tail bob will be the indication that it is getting hard for him.

Piggy is my first ever budgie. I love talking to him. He makes cute sounds back at me. He also sings in the mornings. Otherwise he is very quiet, unless the lovebirds are annoying him! He rides on my shoulder and sometimes will even let me get in there and preen his head good!

I will cry when he goes to heaven. Losing a pet is never easy. It makes me happy to imagine him in heaven with my Grandma though. She passed away last September, and in the last months of her struggle with ALS, one thing that always perked her up was when we brought over our birds!

Dr. B says this is a typical case and that there is nothing we can do but make him comfortable and give him the best months of his life. That, I know, we can do!

A good picture....

At least I think so!
This is a portrait we got done when the whole Money clan got portraits done!

What is that shiny thing??

Haha!!!! I love it! Check the video out:

Gizmo: "I have to protect Kiwi from the shiny thing!"

Kiwi: "There's a shiny thing? LOOK AT THIS BALL!"

Took the plunge.....

So, I did it. I took the plunge. I sent in the letter! Yes, that letter. The one.

There's a real sense of peace in it all. I also felt very much in control and like I was the one with the power. Not that I want to be like some of those medical schools who send rejection letters, but I essentially rejected medical school itself.

Why? Oh, why, Tamara?
Well, let's just say it isn't for me. Especially not right this moment. It seems that there are more important things in life than a career. Family, friends, life, freedom. All these things appeal to me way more than medical school.

I just don't want to sacrifice my life for a career that would rule my life. It would take away all freedom. Seriously. Imagine: I would be studying 24/7 and really have no life. I desire to live life to it's fullest, and that includes being with my husband, loving on my nephew, spending time with my Mom & Dad, visiting my family, and being with my friends.

Frankly, I am happy with the job I have right now. It works out in the number of hours and pay (recently asked for a raise and got it) and fulfills my desire to help people. Ultimately, that's what I want to do in life: help people. I can do that without being a doctor. This has been divinely revealed to me.

Perhaps medicine will be something I pursue down the line. Had I been accepted right out of college, I wouldn't have known any better and gone. But, since entering the "real world" per se, I have determined that jobs are not life. We shouldn't have to work to live or even live to work! Work does not = life!!!!

Medicine is stressful. I have seen it, read it, heard it, felt it. I desire less stress in life as it is!

I know some of you are thinking that I am crazy! Well, you could say that. I am "crazy" in love, "crazy" in life, "crazy" involved with God! It is awesome! Thank the Lord and Jesus I can be fulfilled in something other than a job!

Ok... whew. That felt good.

On another note, I am making someone on the alternate list very happy! I know how I would've felt had I gotten in off the alternate list originally. Also, I received the "summer reading" book in the mail before I "rejected" them, and it sure feels good to be reading it because I want to (looked interesting). Haha!

Amen.

High School Yearbook

Trying to swart a case of slight insomnia and also looking up pictures of some people I was trying to remember how they looked in high school, I spent some time reading some of the "autographs" I got in my Senior Yearbook.

Let me tell you something.... the people I went to high school with who signed my yearbook my Senior year were so amazingly nice. So nice, in fact, that I started to cry. Yes, cry.

I totally recommend that if you need a lifter upper, that you read your high school yearbook signatures. I was amazed at how many people believed in me, said nice things about me, and just were friends to me.

Now, I don't believe that a person should live in regret, but I do believe you should take a trip down nostalgia lane and help yourself remember to be a better person to those around you.

I wish I had kept in touch with more people. Especially those who I could've.

One of the most wonderful friendships that I neglected was my friendship with Dinara Turabekova from Kyrgyzstan. Somehow, her address got misplaced, and with good intentions I had planned on getting her address from her host family, but never got the guts to "re-ask" them for it. I read the entry in my yearbook tonight and flat out cried. Every time we sing "Shine Jesus Shine" at church I think of her. She really did touch me with her life and heart while she was here, and I often reflect on how I wish I had kept in touch.

Many others tugged at my heart with their entries into my yearbook. I thank you for being so kind and encouraging in your words. I also thank you for the memories. Sometimes we reflect back and wonder what happened to "so and so." Well, you do have that chance to reconnect. And, I would do it.

Thank goodness for things like Facebook.

Also, can you believe I have been out of high school for 7 years? Whoa.

Dinara- I googled your name tonight and found it but with no contact info. I would love to reconnect! Remember Volleyball? That night on the bus? Yeah, I'm that lost friend.

You think you know me?

Take My Quiz on QuizYourFriends.com Can you Ace my quiz? Yes! No Let's Find Out!

Contemplation

Lately, I have been contemplating where I am right now in life. It actually amazes me to think that I'm not in life where I expected to be just a few short years ago. If you had asked me when I was college where would I be when I was at the verge of turning 25, I would have told you I would be in Medical School, in my third year, and living in Greenville, NC. Pets? Probably a parrot of some type, being that I married a parrot-guy. What would Rodney (my husband) be doing? Writing music full time and teaching music part-time. Kids? Probably after medical school.

Where am I now? Well...... Let's just say, not quite what I pictured, but probably happier now than if I had been where I thought I would've been.

I am a Mommy to 4 wonderful pet parrots for one (+ 2 breeders/pets). I am an Aunt on MY side of the family (WOW! who would've thought that???). I am fulfilled taking care of my home (that one has got to be the craziest of all). I turned down medical school for the fall (holy moley!). We don't want kids (hey, I got a baby nephew... I'm all good in the diaper dept there). I am coming up on 2 YEARS (yes, unbelievable!) of marriage. I feel like a newly wed still even though I am a bit of a veteran now (when your single friends come to you for "marriage bed" info, you know you've been married a little while longer!). I own 2 businesses (me, business owner? who would've thought.... not me!)!

Why is all this relevant? Well, I am turning 25 years old in August and I am still learning that there is no real way to "plan" your life. See, we all end up with unexpected obstacles in our lives. The decisions you make surrounding those circumstances truly make you who you are. That is a pretty cool thing too because, then, at least you can try and make the right decisions in your life.

Hindsight can be depressing at times, but then again, it can also give you insight to why certain things didn't go as "planned." That is when you can see the directions God led you to get you where you are now.

I love the motto, "Who you are is God's gift to you, and who you become is your gift to God." It is so true. God doesn't force you to make certain decisions. He opens doors and closes doors for a reason. It's trusting Him and knowing that He has 20/20 foresight! Man, sometimes I wish we had that so that then we could "plan" our lives. But then there would be no surprises!

Congrats Class of '07!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Oh, the places you'll go!!!!

Vanessa- You amaze me! I know you are going to do awesome things in your life. You certainly teach me what's important in life. I just wish you the best in all and for God to truly help you touch your kids' lives as a teacher!

Marty- You are a doll! I always enjoy being around you. I am so glad you are sticking around here. I love your joy in life!

Andy- What can I say? You are awesome. You make me laugh. I know I am going to miss your funny comments and hilarious antics. I am so sad for all those folks who will never get to ride your Wolfline bus!

Brent- I pray that you will bless many people with your life. You definitely have been a blessing to me. My life certainly wouldn't be very interesting without you! Thanks for your hugs (& kisses... haha!), your happiness, and for always being a great friend/brother to me!

My Nephew Andrew (Video)

A short of my nephew Andrew "talking" and then giving us a surprise fart!! He is 2 and a half months old!

Haha!!!!!!!

My New Baby

Introducing.... Pigwidgeon!He's an American Normal Green Budgie (Parakeet). His is hand-tame and sweet. He is a little shy right now as we have only had him for 48 hours! But he will step up and cuddle our necks. He is also a good forager!

He is a rescue from our downstairs neighbors who were moving out and couldn't take him.

Unfortunately, he won't be able to play with our lovebirds (lovebirds can be aggressive to smaller birds).

We took him to the vet yesterday and he definitely has some health issues. He was underweight, had an overgrown beak (due to Fatty Liver Disease from an all-seed diet), and possibly may have a testicular tumor (not sure about this one; his cere has a small brown spot where it should be blue. We will do another vet check next month to see if it is worse or better and maybe then know for sure).

Normally, we don't take in birds as we are definitely crowded enough around here, but we made a special case for Pigwidgeon.

Celebrity Look-Alikes

Me:

My Hubby:

North Carolina Girls

Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had given their new wives duties. The first man had married a woman from Alabama and bragged that he had told his wife she was going to do all the dishes and house cleaning. He said it took a couple days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes were done.

The second man had married a woman from Florida . He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and the cooking. On the first day he didn't see any results, but the next day it was better. By the third day, his house was clean, the dishes were done and he had a huge dinner on the table.

The third man had married a North Carolina girl. He boasted that he told her that her duties were to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed and hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything but by the third day most of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye. Enough to fix himself a bite to eat, load the dishwasher and telephone a landscaper.

Got to love them North Carolina Girls. Yee-haa!

Babies!

I am having so much fun with and love all the babies in my life right now!

Sweet little ones!

Cuddle monkies!

Weeeeee!!! Just having fun!