Introducing Easton

Introducing our latest foster, Easton.  Welcome, boy!  This guy is the easiest foster we've had (he's our third); well-mannered, well-trained, and he fit right in from the get go.  Plus, he and Rudy get along famously.

 

 

Easton arrived at our home on Saturday, November 24, 2012. It was a painful, tearful surrender, as his owner is going through major life changes. That said, he settled in beautifully and is one silly, loveable hound!
 

It's clear Easton came from a loving home. When we picked him up, he had toys, treats, grooming tools, and a good quality bag of dog food. We know how much he will be missed, but we know how much he will be loved in a new home.
 

Easton is a five year old, pure bred male Golden Retriever. He's house trained, crated trained (although we haven't set up the crate - he doesn't need it), and loves people, kids, and dogs. He met Rudy without incident, and the two have been playing happily ever since.
 

Easton knows basic commands and loves to sleep in the bed, but also does fine curled up on the floor next to you. He's food oriented, but doesn't need much training. We haven't walked him on the leash yet (we want him micro chipped first, just in case), but he did well when we met him in the parking lot - no tugging. He has no destructive behavior, but has mild storm anxiety, from what I've told - tries to hide under a bed (although we haven't witnessed that yet). He's great when I'm at work, and is super happy to see us when we come home.
 

Easton loves to be brushed and groomed and has this cute head of hair that sticks out on top. He loves to play with toys and tennis balls, but is also happy to snuggle with us while we watch tv or hang out in the living room. His favorite thing is to be petted on his front legs and his behind.
 

We are so thankful to be able to foster this sweet boy.  Welcome to RAGOM, Easton!

 

 

 

Happy Birthday!

Dear Murray,

Happy fifth birthday, little one!  I wanted to write to tell you all about the things that you've accomplished in the last year.

When you were four, you said your name was "Murray Beckerleg Joseph."  This year, you know that it's Murray Joseph Beckerleg.

Last year, you were still at daycare.  This year, you started  kindergarten readiness (full time), and we had your first parent-teacher conferences.  Your teacher told us that if she could have 1,000 kids like you, she would take them all.  All of your other teachers for phys ed, music, and technology reported the same thing.

You have superb manners and show great respect for your friends and elders. 

You can count to 23 without missing a number, and recognize most of the letters in the alphabet.  You even taught me how to play Angry Birds on my phone.

Last year, you couldn't skate without a folding chair to guide you.  Now, you can skate around cones and do basic hockey drills.

You know your address and what city you live in.  We're working on teaching you our phone numbers.

You love the Gopher's and the Vikings (not that Daddy had an influence on you).

You are constantly reminding me that "hate", "stupid", son of a bi***", and "dammit" are not good words to say.  You're patient when I slip, but very worried that I'll say the wrong words.

You are great at reminding me that Jesus is the best, and humbling us.  We love your Catholic education, and we know that you do, too!

Murray, you a sweet, kind, and gentle boy.  Your Daddy and I are so very proud of you, and so very blessed to be your parents.  We will never forget the day, just five years ago, that we left for the hospital as a family of two, and came home as a family of three.  I have to admit, I cried a little today, thinking about how fast you are growing up. 

But they were happy tears, little one, because you bring so much joy to our lives.

Happy birthday!

Beckerleg Family Update and St. Gianna's

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted.  I was on such a roll for a while, and then that crazy thing called employment happened.  Not to mention a child involved in school.  Why didn't any of you other parents warn us how busy life would get when the kid started school?  I can't imagine how you function with more than one kiddo at your home!

For instance, just today:

I worked, Craig was an election judge, (left home at 5:30 a.m.), Murray had a playdate at our house, an hour later the babysitter arrived, I went back to work for a meeting, then put in some extra work time, met Craig at school for our first ever parent/teacher conferences, we both went to vote, and finally, Craig and I snuck away for an adult beverage (we were home by seven - who can stay out late with all of this activity?).  Tomorrow is hockey practice, Thursday I have handbell choir practice, Friday is the family birthday party for Murray and his cousin, Saturday is Murray's friend birthday party, Sunday is Mass and the Veteran's Day celebration, and then, we start all over.

Granted, we won't have birthdays every week, but the holidays are right around the corner.  Here we go.

*************

Murray's conferences were awesome.  He's proficient in math, journaling, reading, sciecne, art, phy ed, music, and social skills.

*************

My new job is amazing.  This, in day two of being on my own, I love, love, love working at St. Joseph's School.  My days fly by, and I am slowly making my own way.

*************

Craig and I are again collecting donations for the second annual St. Gianna's Maternity Home fundraiser. Can you help?  We (Criag and myself) pay for all shipping costs and are more than happy to drive to pick up donations or pay you for postage if you would like to mail them.  We keep all of your information private and will provide a tax deductible receipt.  Contact us at marie.beckerleg@gmail.com or beckercr@mnstate.edu.  Following are two links; one, to get you to realize our mission, and second, to view their needs:
http://saintgiannahome.org/

http://saintgiannahome.org/needs.htm

This cause is near and dear to our hearts.  We would like to receive donations (including gently used toys and books) by December 15th, so that they'll arrive before Christmas. 

*************

Happy election day!

Peace!

It's True

I went back to work outside the home today.  I know, I know, don't fall over when you read this; it's true.  I really did it.  And I couldn't be happier.

It all began when Murray started school this fall.  I was ever so tired of sitting here at home, twiddling my thumbs.  So, I decided to volunteer at Murray's school, a Catholic school, which Craig and I believe very deeply in.

I immediately fell in love being there each day.  I had a purpose again, and that purpose suited me perfectly (selfish as it sounds); the hours were perfect and so was the work.  I got to help kids in the lunch room, assist the school's administrative assistant, and give basic first aid to the kids in the nurse's office.

One snowy morning about three weeks ago, while driving Murray to school, I offered up special prayers that a position at St. Joseph's Catholic School would open.  God was quick on answering this particular prayer.  As soon as I walked into the cafeteria for my volunteer shift, the current head cook explained that she was leaving for a different job. 

I immediately applied for the head cook position, and impatiently awaited the interview process, knowing in my heart that this was for me.  After all, I love children, I love to cook, and most importantly, I love that Murray spends each day in an environment that cherishes God.  I wanted to be a part of this great community.

Last week, I was offered the job. I accepted.  Thank you, to my dear friends who offered up prayers on my behalf.  You know who you are.

Anyway, today was my first day.  I knew I would love it when I applied, but now, I love it even more.  Yes, I'm sure there will be days that are trying, but that happens with any job.  That said, my soul truly feels fulfilled.  I have waited for this for a very long time. 

How awesome is it to be able to go to church, work, and your kid's school at the same time, all while providing healthy meals for children? 

It's pretty darn awesome.

My Personal Symphony

I'm not usually awake at this hour, but well, here I am.  Wide awake.  Here's why:

I crawled into bed tonight and snuggled in.  The house was cozy and dark, and locked up tight, but still, I couldn't sleep. It was too noisy!

Murray was breathing heavily from his room across the hall, Craig was gently snoring (in my ear and not so gently), and Rudy, well, he was exhausted and groaning with happiness while lying on my feet.  The wind was howling, competing with the roar of the furnace.

So, I drowned out the noise (or tried to) and said my prayers.  And then, it occurred to me.  It might be noisy, but it's my very own symphony.   These are the sounds that my loved ones make, and I couldn't be more grateful.  It's my lullaby. 

Sweet dreams.

My Friend Zoe

Craig travels quite a bit for work.  It didn't take long to learn that it's much cheaper to rent a car than it is to drive our ancient gas-hog Durango around the state of Minnesota.  So, once or twice a month, he rents a car from Enterprise.  It's a great way to test drive all models of cars, and they're usually brand new.  He's gotten to know the rental agent, Zoe, pretty well over the years.

So this morning, he informed me that he had a reservation at Enterprise for 10:00 a.m., and that I should be ready to take him to pick up the car.  Craig is very prompt, so I was surpised when 10:15 rolled around and he wasn't home.  I called his cell and his office, no answer.  10:30 - still no Craig.  I was starting to get worried that we'd lose our reservation, so I called Enterprise to explain the situation.

Me:  Hi, Zoe, this is Marie Beckerleg, Craig's wife?  We were supposed to pick up our car at 10:00,  but I can't find my husband, and frankly, I'm a little worried about him.  Can we still pick it up when I track him down?

Zoe:  Oh, don't worry, Marie.  He called me this morning and said that he had a meeting at 9:30, and wanted to push back the reservation to 11:00.  He's just fine.

Me (laughing sheepishly):  Well, at least you know where he's at.  I guess he forgot about informing his wife of the time change.  I've been waiting for almost an hour.

Zoe (laughing): Glad I could help.  Would you like me to relay any messages when he comes in?

Me:  Yes, please sit him down and explain about communicating with his wife, and not just our rental agent.

Zoe:  You bet I will; I have the same problem with my husband.  Have a good trip!

She gave us this nice Camry:

And some tips on communication as well.