Birds of a feather

You may have noticed that my family is a fan of nicknames. I'm sure most of you only know my children as the Ginger Midget and the princess that is by design, but these are not the only nicknames we use. One nickname that has been around for the Ginger Midget is actually Rooster. He was christened with this moniker for obvious reasons by his Gramps. However, he is not the only family member with a bird appellation. Decades prior, his mother and I affectionately referred to one another as Pigeon and Silly Goose. Mandy gained her designation because of our common fondness for the Disney classic Lady and the Tramp. Tramp, of course, called Lady pigeon and it just kind of stuck. I'm not sure why Mandy started calling me Silly Goose. I mean, I'm one of the most serious people you will ever meet.

So we noticed that one family member was missing a bird handle. So, I set upon assigning the princess (which apparently I shouldn't call her that anyway) a bird name.

My 12 year old daughter, the apple of my eye, is going through a label phase. Everyone has to be labeled and she especially needs to be labeled. However, the labels change from day to day. She has identified as emo, pastel goth, and another that I can't even remember. She has a super cool haircut.

She is a huge fan of the color black and oversized hoodies. She is super artistic, smart as a whip, and pushing her (and our) boundaries. So, I latched on to the idea when she was categorized as emo and chose the emo emu. I thought the idea of this was hilarious so I did a few sketches in my journal. 

Of course, that prompted me today to do one with the whole family so now I present the Bettis Birds. Enjoy, or ridicule, if you'd like.

Silly, I know. Anyway, I put the verse there because for one, it is the verse of the day on my Bible app and for the past couple of months I have been trying to write each VotD in my journal at least once and two, I need to put this verse in action. See, lately, I have had trouble finding good things, rejoicing, praying continually, and most especially giving thanks in ALL circumstances. One thing that I can easily find joy in is my little family. Sure we have our struggles...pre-teen is no joke folks, but honestly, I am blessed beyond all measure. I have a super smart, hardworking wife who puts up with all of my childish behavior and I have two wonderful kids that bring tears and laughter to me daily. Not to mention a menagerie of extended kin that bless me in so many ways, from mom's cookin', to Aunt Glena's daily used fleece blankets, to my ever supportive little sister, to my fun loving brothers-in-law, the list could go on and on and it does. My little flock is blessed and just like the Apostle Paul instructed, I should recognize it and thank God for it everyday. Here's to me trying and little more and more each day to recognise all the little blessings that fill my cup.