Gotta love puppies!

We're patiently waiting on a call back from a farmer who has puppies for sale.  We had a lab mix for eleven years before we had to put her to sleep after having a stroke.  Our kids have been asking for a new dog since then (four years ago!).  We've put it off, mostly because we (the adults) weren't ready for a new dog.  But then the middle school Science teacher got a new puppy and everything changed.  She brought the puppy up to school the week that we buried Ally and it did wonders for the kids in the building.  The classes took turns taking him outside to play during recess and he made himself right at home in the school office during morning Mass.  And, of course, our son FELL IN LOVE!  Our son has anxiety issues and we noticed how calm and happy he seemed when telling us about playing with Dozer.  Sooooo...here we are waiting on the phone call to see if we can adopt one of Dozer's brothers.  The puppy is half Australian Shepherd and half Great White Pyrenees, so he'll probably be around 80-100 pounds.  But we love big dogs and we have a huge fenced-in backyard, so we're good to go.  Hopefully, by this weekend, we'll be the proud new family of a stinkin' cute puppy. 

Does your family have pets?  Are your kids in charge of the day-to-day care of them? 

Adoration

Do you have perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in your area?  Our parish has an adoration chapel and I always have high hopes of making it over there "in my spare time" to just be with our Lord.  What's the problem, you ask?  I can't turn my brain off when I get there!  I don't like reading while in there, even though it's spiritual reading.  My goal is always to pray unceasingly while in the chapel.  But I just can't do it.  I start out praying, but invariably, end up mentally going through my grocery list, chores I need to do when I get home, lesson plans, etc.  Anyone else have this same issue?  What do you do to quiet yourself so that you might actually HEAR God every once in a while?

Love Our Priests

We recently found out that our parish priest is leaving us at the end of May.  His health has been in decline for almost a year, so he's heading to the retreat center in Rochester, Minnesota so that he can be treated at the Mayo Clinic.  We are sad to lose him.  He is one of the most compassionate men I've ever met.  He will do anything he can to help someone. 

What do you love about your priest?

Gospel Reflection

This Sunday, we see Jesus appearing to the disciples.  Thomas, not being there, does not believe they've seen Him.  So Jesus appears again and allows Thomas to touch His wounds.  I've always thought that I would be just like Thomas.  I would have to see the evidence before believing it with my whole being.  But Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."  I pray that I can become more like those, that I can wholeheartedly believe without seeing. 

What stood out for you?

Friday Fun Day

What's on tap for your weekend?  I have another busy one.  First Eucharist retreat on Saturday morning and a Confirmation Rite on Sunday morning followed by Confirmation practice.  I'm looking forward to May so that I'm able to spend more time at home with my family.

Like weeds!

Our kids are growing like crazy.  We shopped for Easter outfits last week and I had to buy our son men's size 9 shoes.  What???  Needless to say, neither of them have many pieces of clothing from last summer that still fit, so we'll be shopping more in the near future.  Where do you find the best bargains for your kids' clothes? 

Hot or cold?

I noticed something funny yesterday.  When I was younger and we were first married, I was always cold and my husband was always hot.  It was a constant tug-of-war with the covers on the bed and a battle with the thermostat.  Well, yesterday I kicked the ceiling fan up a notch and my hubby complained because he was cold.  Haha!  These peri-menopausal hormones are kicking my butt!  Can anyone relate?

Where has the time gone?

We are feverishly preparing our second graders for First Eucharist.  The school year is almost done.  Our daughter's dance recital will be here before we know it.  And all I can think is how in the heck is it already the end of April?  Anybody else lamenting the fast passage of time?  Seems like just yesterday I was holding a positive pregnancy test with our son...and he's turning 13 this summer!  How??? 

Happy Easter!

So how did your Easter go?  Can't wait to hear from everyone!

Waiting....

As we celebrate the Easter Triduum, I will not be posting so we can all take some time to reflect on Jesus' Passion and celebrate His Resurrection.  I pray that your family has a most holy weekend and a joyous Easter Sunday.  God bless!

Prayer Request

Could I please ask for a few more prayers?  My great niece, Braylee, was born with a heart defect nine weeks ago.  At that time, the doctors said they would wait until she was 6-9 months old before doing heart surgery to fix it.  But she's been losing weight and her heart valves are deteriorating faster than they thought.  So she's scheduled for heart surgery tomorrow morning at 7 a.m.  Her dad, my nephew, is only twenty-one and not married yet to Braylee's mom.  They and the doctors could use all the prayers we can give them.  Thank you so much!

Is there anything we can pray about for you?  If so, please share.

What are you reading?

I am a book lover and always am in the middle of one or two.  So what have you read lately?  Anything you can recommend?  Any book you've read and would steer us clear from? 

Easter Baskets

What do your children usually receive in their Easter baskets?  Here, we do the usual candy and chocolate bunnies, but also a few small items.  Sometimes, it will be a new movie or book and other times, it will be a new spring outfit.  Our daughter is thrilled when she gets new shoes and our son loves video games.  For the grown-ups, we receive our favorite chocolates, music CDs, and books.

Gospel Reflection

This weekend, we share in the Passion of our Lord.  At the beginning of Mass, we'll hear about Jesus entering Jerusalem, surrounded by the crowds waving palms.  What has always struck me about this reading is the fact that the same crowd that lays their cloaks on the ground and welcomes Jesus as their king turns their backs on Him just a few days later.  What in the world happens in those few days to make those people completely change their minds about our Lord?  And would I have done the same?

Just something to think about.  What stands out for you?

Friday Fun Day

Any big plans for the weekend?  I have highlights and a haircut on Saturday morning and I can't wait!  It's been almost a year since my last highlights, so I am definitely overdue.  And I just love being able to sit under the warm dryer and read a book in peace.  A little slice of heaven!

Green Thumb?

Do you have a green thumb?  I do NOT!  My grandparents were the best gardeners ever.  Almost everything we ate there came straight from the garden.  I would love to have a salsa garden, but I just don't know if I'm up for the challenge.  Anyone garden-challenged like me or do you have an abundance of fresh veggies?

Memories

Where did you and your husband honeymoon?  Anything really exciting happen while you were away together?  Funny stories? 

We honeymooned in New Orleans.  We're both from the south and both Cajun French, so it was a no-brainer.  We are in LOVE with that city!  We spent an entire week sleeping in, eating awesome food, and just wandering the French Quarter listening to local music.  We were married over spring break (I was a senior in college), so we happened to be there for St. Patrick's Day.  Our hotel room had a balcony and we were able to watch the parade go by.  Aaaah, what memories!

What about you?  Please share your story.

Aaaaaachoo!

Anyone suffering with allergies?  Things are slowly, but surely blooming around here and we're going through tissues like crazy.  I endured seven years of allergy shots and STILL have a runny nose.  It doesn't help that I'm allergic to most trees and grass.  Any helpful hints to keep the sniffles away?  I've read that a teaspoon of local honey every morning helps.  Please share your home remedies!

Gospel Reflection

This weekend, we see Lazarus raised from the dead.  The part that stands out for me is that Jesus went to the tomb of Lazarus and wept.  Yes, he had a normal human reaction to the death of his friend.  This passage has brought us, as a school family, great comfort this week as we bury Allie.  We know that Jesus knows exactly how we are feeling.  What caught your attention?

Friday Fun Day!

We have a busy weekend!  Our parish is hosting our Diocesan Stewardship Conference tomorrow and our R.C.I.A. class will celebrate the Scrutiny at Mass on Sunday morning.  Hopefully, by Sunday afternoon, I'll be napping for a bit.  What's going on at your place?

Looking ahead....

What do you cook for Easter dinner?  We live 11 hours away from our families, so we're usually home and celebrating with just us.  Sometimes we like to bake a ham and all the fixings.  Other times, we'll do a roast or baked chicken.  Just depends.  What about you?

Hubby Time!

Okay, today is our day to brag on our husbands.  What does he do for you that makes you want to jump for joy?  What makes your heart smile?  Large or small, please share.

April is here!

What is your favorite part of spring?  Mine is the first day I can open up the windows and air out the house.  What about you?