artwork

Girl's Art Displays

what I learned this week

This past week has been one of those draining weeks.  It seemed like bad news came from every direction.
First, my friend, Tish, which by the way is doing amazing; her pacemaker was literally coming out of her skin, staph infection and now recovering at home less than a week later.
Second, gym/church friend's brother-in-law killed in a motorcycle wreck.
Thirdly, friend of a friend, chokes on her dinner at a restaurant, begins to seize and has been on life support for over a week.  Seizures every 20 minutes for over 10 days straight.  Mom to 3 young children, younger than me; family says their goodbyes and takes her off life support, 48 hours later she is still breathing on her own, but in a coma, i.e. you can pray for this one.
Fourthly, very good college friend's son, who is now missionary in South Africa, (3 months older than R2) is found in the bottom of a pool.  He is on life support in an African hospital fighting for his life, Andrew, yeah you should be praying for this one too.
And hopefully lastly, a very upsetting situation for a friend that Ben and I have been made aware of.  Cannot share any more on the topic.
All that to say, God put most of the people on my heart in the past 2-4 weeks multiple times.  Their names would come up or I would think about them, randomly and I mean randomly; did I act on any of those thoughts?  Nope.  I know I cannot carry everyone's burdens, but I know there are lonely, hurting and sick all around me and I have to slow down sometimes to just reach out to someone.  Lord, teach me to love one another and really love them.  To get out of my 4walls and stop hiding behind the fact I am "just too busy".  Lord, please touch those that are hurting and even fighting for their lives and turn these situations for good.
So, what I learned, when God puts someone on your heart, you should probably act on it.

update on Tish

Tish cane through her surgery beautifully.  Thank you so much for any prayers.

homeschool presentation day

The girls participated in our homeschool group's presentation day this week.  There were kids reciting poetry, playing the piano, reciting memory verses, a movie created with legos, and songs.  The girls recited Ephesians 6:10-18 with a few of the friends from Keepers.  They also had displays of science, art, and other projects before and after.  The girls chose their Pysanka projects and the pencil drawings of Carl Fredericksen they did at Disney World for their displays.  Both girls got a lot of praise for their artwork.  They are already making plans for what they want to present next year.  R2 discovered ginger snaps.

another prayer request

This morning, one of my seniors will be going into have her pacemaker replaced.  She has been battling cancer for the past few months with chemotherapy.  Last week, she was declared to be in remission and now it has been discovered the chemo has caused an infection around the pacemaker.  It is a very risky surgery and she is very worried.  Her name is Tish.
I also could use prayers for some fun pregnancy issues.  I have been having very bad back pains for the past couple of weeks.  I found my back brace and I am sporting it this week with some relief.  I also have developed carpal tunnel, which causes my hands to fall asleep multiple times during the night.  I have braces, but they are worse than having my hands fall asleep.  And to top it off, I have an umbilical hernia.  I am so grateful my issues are minor, but it is really hard being Mama to 3, especially a 16 month old when you are tired and can't bend over to cuddle.

garden boxes update

Daddy, Daddy, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

This is an updated pic of our garden boxes.  The tall plants are two tomatoes (starting to blossom), middle row is green beans and cucumbers; the green beans curly q's are taller than me, and the large leaves are zucchini and squash.
This weekend we added spinach (there is one more box which also contains bell peppers, snap peas and more tomatoes).
Yes, we are going to be that couple who show up to your house with home-grown veggies in hand.

little boy's haircut

I have no ideas how those ladies do it, he did not still for one second, was swatting at her hand, burying his face in my chest, and crying most of the time, oh and eating animal crackers.  But he came out with a mostly even haircut (she even used clippers and scissors).
First haircut - SnipIts, April 23rd, 16 months old

Tater Fun

Yes, that's a Spud Trooper Mr. Potato Head, would you expect anything less?

one last Noah craft

When we unpacked our IKEA shelf, we had tons of Styrofoam and wrapping paper at our creative disposal.  I came up with these rainbows to make out of pipe cleaners and a small section of the foam.  Word to the wise though, don't use cut Styrofoam on the day after you vacuum your classroom.

wordless wednesday - throwing rocks