The Sheepfold and the Voice of the Shepherd

Stone sheepfold John 10:22-30 Recently my boys have been spending a great deal of time outside in the area that will soon be transformed into our garden. They spend endless hours digging in the dirt for worms. They then promptly take those worms and throw them to the chickens. It amazes me how even chickens can learn to recognize sounds or voices. My oldest makes this funny high-pitched sound when he comes out of the house and heads toward the coop. The chickens practically fall over themselves running toward the fence or out of the coop when they hear him making his sound. They know there is food to follow! In Sunday's Gospel Jesus tells us that, "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me." and "I am the gate for the sheep." Today, again, Jesus mentions that His sheep know His voice and follow Him.  In these few verses we learn that Jesus is both gate and shepherd for the sheep. In those days and even today in some places, a sheepfold w

New Beginnings




Catherine started preschool last week. She goes 3 days a week and stays through lunch. She was actually supposed to start the week before but she had some mild chicken pox-type symptoms and she had to stay home. She did better than I thought she would. The past month or two she has been extremely clingy, so I honestly thought she was going to cry the whole time, but she didn't. She has a one-on-one aide that is there just for her and helps keep her safe and thinks of ways to involve her in everything the other kids are doing. Shannon is WONDERFUL. She's known Catherine for a few weeks, but she has a great knowledge base, as she had a child with special needs, and feels very comfortable with the extra helps that Catherine needs. Catherine did bring home on the last day of school last week what Jim and I feared the most about putting the kids in school...sickness. It was just a little cold, so she was well enough to go back yesterday, but it is making it's way through the house.

The older 3 boys also started school a few weeks ago. We decided to send them to our local parish school instead of home schooling. I am homeschooling our kindergartner. So far, it seems to be a really good decision. The boys appear to like it a lot, even though if you ask them they will say they don't. There was a small time of transition because they have been home-schooled for 5 years. It was a big change, but they all did well and we are very proud of them!

Comments

vincent said…
Glad Catherine is doing well... I have a friend and her two children had chicken pox this past week! It is nice that she has an aide that is so educated and able to help her like that. I am sure it is an adjustment for the boys, but they probably do enjoy it as you said... You have a beautiful family! I love this blog!
Linda Malaise said…
You don't know me but I check in here occasionally... Hadn't checked your blog for a while... since Catherine began eating. Her going to preschool is awesome. And I love to see the pics of your handsome boys, too. I have 3 grandsons so maybe I just relate to the 'grins' & antics! God Bless you all!