Family Encourager

My eldest celebrated his 14th birthday this week. I thought he became a teen last year, but my friends who have older children informed me nicely that this is the year of change.  A time when your teen will metamorphose into a semi adult, into a mini man, into a facial hair growing, tall big foot, with a strange voice.  I have been warned, he will separate himself from the family unit, become a loner in the home, grunt one word answers to your questions, and generally become unrecognizable. Gone will be the sweet needy boy, well, he will still be needy, needing plenty of feeding from what I hear. As for us, at this juncture, my 14 year old is still a sweet loving child who actually enjoys hanging out with us and his 5 year old sister (that is when his social life is not calling or his social media is not pinging).  He still asks me for "mom and me" time, asks for my opinion on stuff, and gives me the daily football update from around the world...

The raging debate in my home this week, is to adopt a puppy or not? Before I get all the dog people on my case, let me get it out of the way, I love dogs!  Years ago before baby number two, while our son was growing, and growing all alone with no siblings, we discussed adopting a puppy. For our son to have company and someone to share happy memories with. That discussion got shelved, when I got pregnant with our daughter.  Five years later, the debate is back in full force. My husband seems to think it will teach our teenager responsibility and our five year old to stop fearing animals. It is a noble thought and  a fantastic idea. The truth is, I am against us getting a new family member, one that never grows and needs constant attention. We live in a desert, we have two seasons hot and hotter. A dog cannot stay outside for long periods of time. We lead busy lives, a dog should have company and affection for a big part of the day. Our teenager is...