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?