Merry Chirstmas

I know we all hear this over and over about the true meaning of Christmas, but I found this quote to be kind of neat. I also thought my Catholic audience would appreciate it.

With Christmas fast approaching, Pope Benedict XVI is warning Catholics
about the temptations of materialism, saying children are being raised in a
consumeristic culture that trumpets "false models of happiness." The pontiff
laments that consumerism keeps youth from searching out real truth and meaning,
and that "adolescents, youth and even children are easy victims of the
corruption of love, deceived by unscrupulous adults who, lying to themselves and
to them, draw them into the dead-end streets of consumerism." [AP, 12/8/07]

I teach Sunday school to 9th and 10th grade students. Recently we have been talking about the five love languages. If you don't know what they are go here, then take a quiz here to find out what you are, then come back and finish reading.
I was very surprised to find that out of the five languages; gifts, quality time, acts of service, words of affirmation, and physical touch, not one kid had gifts in his/her top three love languages. In fact, almost all of them had quality time. Something to think about when trying to decide what to give those you love this season.

Julie and I have found ourselves especially busy this year with all the stuff that "has" to get done. I hope you are able to find some quiet time this year.

Puppy Chapter 2

Maggie continues to make herself at home with Julie and I. She has progressed from a shy meek tiny little creature to an antagonistic loppy attention seeking conniver. Just a few minutes ago we gave her a brand new rawhide bone because it appeared that she had eaten all of the previous one. Well after about 5 minutes of chewing on the new bone, she gets bored and starts playing with the skirt of the couch. Or so we thought. Turns out she was really trying to get the bone we thought she had finished. After reteiving that one, she goes back for another bone. Then she decides that she needs the bone that Sam is chewing on as well. We will be spending the better part of this Christmas teaching her about sharing and giving instead of taking and hording.

Meijer

Wanted to let everyone know that I started a new blog today. I realize I do a poor enough job keeping this one up, but I am much more passionate about my new one. It is all about Meijer stores. Pretty much the best store every invented. Check it out if you have a chance.

Puppy

So, anyone who has read Julie's blog is already aware that we have a new puppy. I don't know how many of you have had puppies before. Despite having had several dogs in my life, this is the first time I have really been responsible for a puppy. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. Below is a list of things I have learned about caring for a dog.
1. breeds with boxer in them are extremely stubborn.
2. puppies are extremely orally fixated. If it is living, it goes in her mouth, if it is dead, it goes in her mouth, anything else, goes in her mouth.
3. puppies need to pee every 2-3 hours, and lots of time in between.
4. there are two settings on puppies, sleeping and terrorizing.
5. there are two settings for responses for everything puppies do, awwwww, and NOOOO!!

More to follow I am sure. Please respond if you have any great dog advice.