Updates from 2011!

Greetings Readers!

We thought we'd start the New Year off with a few updates.  The first one comes from mom who wanted to find her son a book on dinosaurs that didn't undermine a Biblical worldview.  Here's her letter!

Dear MikChiks,

I just wanted to thank you and everyone who gave advice regarding my son who loves dinosaurs.  I'm glad to know that others have grappled with this issue, too.  I'm checking out the books and web sites that were recommended.

My husband has read some heavy-duty books about Intelligent Design and even attended a conference on the topic--but he says (and I would tend to agree) that this probably isn't the time to try to explain it to our son.  It's not Creationism... but I think it might be useful in the future, as the little guy reads more and has more complex questions.

I think the faith/science question will be ongoing for us.  But we'll take it a step at a time.  Thanks again for all the wonderful input!

Dino-Mom

You're welcome, Dino-Mom!  Our next letter comes from The Reader who wasn't sure if she should uproot her cat when she moved from the country to the city.

Dear MikChiks,

Just wanted to update you on the tale of the country cat moving to the city. She's been City Cat for a few weeks now and is doing pretty well. Because she was stuck in just the garage at first, I've started letting her come into my bedroom, which she loves but now she thinks she's an inside cat. She enjoys the extra cuddles inside and sleeping on my bed while I write (I put a special blanket on it for her and then take it off when she's out, so I'm not breathing cat hair all night).

However, the new catnundrum is that she's bored and getting demanding. One can only do so much sleeping, grooming, and wandering outside on a little plot of grass. Then she starts tearing at the door's weather-stripping, meowing, pacing, and attacking any random feet or hands that look amusing. I have scratches to testify this. We spray her with a water bottle when she scratches the door and have tried buying her toys or playing with strings or balls with her, but she only does that for a short time and while I'm actively with her. As it happens, I have more things to do in a day than exclusively cat-sitting.

Any advice for teaching a cat deprived of eight mice-filled acres to entertain herself? (Sending her back to the farm isn't a good option because of the previously-mentioned scratching and attacking--she isn't mean but doesn't care about the fragility of human skin, so isn't a good children's feline).

Enjoying the cuddles but not the restlessness,

City Cat's Person

City Cat Herself!

Dear City Cat's Person,

Maybe it's time to let her out of the garage, and just pray she doesn't join some gang or become a hoodlum.  Or you could go to your local mega-pet store and find a hefty piece of feline exercise equipment.  Perhaps they even have a program where you can check out a new piece every couple of weeks—so she doesn't get bored.   We'd also recommend a gloves for your own defense.

Next up is an update from Nervous who wasn't sure what to do with planning a Big Vacation in the midst of clamoring extended family.

Danke, darlings. You know, that advice really is spot on. It allows me to enjoy the planning (sometimes a good portion of the fun is the planning...) while not offending anyone or leaving them out. Brilliant.

I'll be sure to let y'all know how it turns out, but the trip's not till May. There's always Christmas family fun to make it through first :)

And don't even think you're getting away with avoiding the CATundrum. Meow.

We'd never avoid ANY of the multitude of CATnundrums that come our way!  Sheesh!  Our last update comes from Hip-Sister who needed to break some bad news to someone who was in a similar situation.  Hip-Sister wrote the family a beautiful letter—here's the result.  We've changed the names.

Dear MikChiks,

Here's the response..... That almost made me cry (in a good way!) Okay. Scratch the almost. ;)  And look! Nothing in the e-mail that my over analytical mind feared! ;)

Veronica (aka Hip-Sister), I am so sorry to hear about your pain! Of course we will pray for you and for God's will and wisdom for you! We know that God brings good from all things, though we don't understand what that could possibly be at times. You will be in our thoughts and prayers, and we are honored to be your prayer warriors. You are a special and beautiful girl, touching so many lives and being such a positive role model for so many young kids, as well as an inspiration to both the young and old. You are a blessing and I know through this that you will be blessed, and that you will undoubtedly bless others through it. This hits so very close to home for us, especially to Leah, and we are going to begin praying for God's healing touch on your hip right now! Take very good care and let us know what we may do to help you. We love you, Vernonica!

So there you have it, Readers!  Some of what was accomplished last year.  Mostly, we thank you for your continued insights, letters, and support in 2012!  And remember no conundrum is too insignificant (or otherwise) for us!  We've got an awesome team assembled:).

All in Goodwill,

Lisa and Maddie