Joy Anyway

As some of you know, this hasn't been the best summer for me, for a variety of reasons. My teen camp job has been extremely challenging and I haven't been able to find a teaching job for the fall, along with a million other things that are just throwing me for a loop. I've been seeing a counselor since I returned from Peru and my work with her has been helpful this summer. She challenged me to find "joy anyway" in my life, even when things seem like they are going horribly, and I've luckily had some moments of joy to keep me going, including hanging out with Ralph, the wonder dog.

You've seen Ralph's adorable picture on this blog many times and I couldn't resist a few more cute shots. Marc was helping replace the headlight in my car and I was loading things into the back and Ralph loves the car, so he had to show us how adorable he can be. Right after this shot, he proceeded to get out of the back of the car, go around to the front where Marc had the hood up, and jump up onto the engine. Not the sharpest tack, but he sure is cute!!

Ralph is quite the rock star of Hedding. Whenever any of the kids see him, they yell his name and make a beeline for him. He is usually very good about taking all the attention he is given and he loves to be loved. And he never gets tired of hearing people say how beautiful he is and what a good dog he is. It is a rough life!