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.