A Friend for Scooby?

I have to confess that I have been lurking on the Tucson Craigslist looking at dogs up for adoption. We really thought we had our hearts set on a golden retriever...that was until yesterday. I saw an ad about a young man who had rescued three 7 month old sisters who are flat-coated retrievers. They were to be euthanized that very day because they had runny noses. Well, this young man and his wife took all three to the vet. They had minor kennel cough which they have all recovered from and are now healthy. They brought all three girls over to our house yesterday and we watched how they interacted with Scooby and with us. We all had a favorite and told the couple that we'd need to talk and pray about it for at least a day. I think we have picked the girl we want. She was mellow and sweet but also got down and tried to get Scooby to play with her. Hannah wanted to take them all of course. So, it looks like Scooby will have a new friend and we will have a new family member. She does not have a name yet and Hannah is SO excited about that! She's probably going to name her "Miley." She wants this to be HER dog. All three dogs were very sweet and well-mannered. Will update you next week. She is getting spayed on Wed. and we'll get her on Friday or Saturday.

Retreating In Rio Rico, Arizona

Last Thursday, I drove down to Tubac (Rio Rico) for the Casas Women's retreat. The speaker this year was Bobbie Rill from Family Life Radio and she taught from the book of Ruth. Learned a lot about relationships last weekend...as well as joy out of suffering and God's great redemption! The retreat didn't actually begin until Friday night so I had the day to myself. Ordered room service for breakfast, went to the pool to read and then drove to Tubac for some shopping.

The weekend was really nice. I connected with an old friend, learned some great lessons and didn't have to be in charge of karaoke this year! I sat at a table with a wonderful group of women. We had some good discussions and powerful times of prayer.

I also had a crisis...my job...thinking that I've had enough and called John and told him I was thinking about leaving (my job, not him). He must have known that my hormones were active and listened thoughtfully. I have been under a lot of stress at work for the first time in 21 years...still at my first job out of grad school...so is it really my job or something else? I spent a couple of hours sharing with a friend on retreat she thinks it may be the female version of mid-life crisis...hmmm...All this to say that a couple of things have happened at work this week that have improved my situation. I also received my retirement statement in the mail and I'm really too far in to quit now. Guess I can work at Starbuck's when I retire from teaching.

I think this was the last Casas retreat for me...this year was more of a "closure" trip. I left after worship on Sunday to head back to Tucson. I had brought a beautiful angel pin with me and had it pinned to my purse all weekend. It was three girl angels in brightly colored dresses who looked very happy. I bought it after Britni died (I know we don't become angels...I just really liked this pin). It reminded me of my first Rio Rico retreat with Britni and Sheri as my roomies. Retreat was in September and Britni was called home in June. Anyway, we had so much fun that year, walking down Mesquite Gulch laughing so hard that we had tears streaming down our faces. Britni also shared a powerful encounter she had with angels who had protected her in a dangerous situation. So as I drove down the hill on Sunday leaving the resort, I stopped my car in the middle of the road and got out at Mesquite Gulch. I took the pin off of my purse and found big rock at the trailhead. I found a nice little place at the base of the rock under some brush and set the pin there. Not an altar nor a shrine...just closure. I had a smile on my face as I headed towards home...had some alone time just worshipping our Father. He is good...ALWAYS!

Hint of Fall Is In The Air!!!

For the first time in a LONG time, we felt a hint of cool air tonight. We drove way across town to the far east side to watch one of Hannah's friends play in a softball game. The girls are in the other room watching High School Musical 2...may be for the last time though...have heard some disturbing news about one of the main stars who is a "role model" for our tweens. I'm sure the girls will hear about it and we will have some important family discourse about it.

My sister Beth and my niece Sophie came for a visit over Labor Day weekend. We had lots of fun. The picture above was just before Hannah and Sophie filmed a Nancy Drew video. How do you like the unibrow Hannah gave Sophie? They were inseperable and love each other like sisters. We spent time with Dad and Nancy as well. We're going to get the girls together again in March during spring break for a week.

It may be time for another "Moms" weekend again this year...I'm going to see Annette and Shevon this Friday for dinner. Kathy, what are you doing Friday? Maybe you can drive down and join us?

Work is going well...still on my T, W and Th schedule. We stay very busy during the week. Hannah has CYT (Christian Youth Theater) on Monday nights. I go to my bible study on Tuesday nights. John will be starting a class on Wed. nights at our pastor's house for men. He is teaching a class on famiy worship. Then on Thursday afternoons, Hannah has her voice lesson. Her teacher has given her two songs for her first recital and she's very nervous. She has a strong singing voice and she will do fine...just wish she knew that!

Would love to hear from you other bloggin' girls. Will send an email to make sure you all made the transition to Google. I know Kathy has. I hope you all are well. Look forward to hearing from each of you here. Much Love....Katy