Today we had a wonderful time with old and new friends. The Yi Care Group and the Mayhew Care Group joined together for food, fun and fellowship at a local park. Brianna had her ups and downs. She started off with a popcicle while playing with her friend, Anthony! Later she was traumatized as she rode the carousel and the train. You would’ve thought we were torturing her. She’s going through a stage where she wants to be held all the time and would grab my shorts and jump up and down while pinching my legs begging to be picked up.After the train ride she was gloriously happy to be in the swing, which she’d been waiting for all day! And, she even got out when I told her to without complaint.Next we found her fighting with lightsabers with her dear friend, Kyla. On the way home, she fell asleep and is now sleeping in her bed upstairs as I type.
Anytime we are talking to Brianna and we say "You're a cutie! or "You're a silly goose! or the like she says, "No! I Nonna." very seriously.
This year we combined C.J. and Lela's family birthday celebrations with a trip to the indoor swimming pool. We wisely coordinated the trip to include Uncle Stephan and Aunt Kari. It was so great to have them with us because we just love spending time with them, but hindsight revealed that it was God's kindness that must've led us to even think of the idea. It would've been a miserable trip without them. There just aren't enough of the two of us to go around for our 6 little ones. Here are just a few pics of the evening (thanks to Aunt Kari). We wouldn't have been able to take even one picture…it was a full evening of water slides, diving boards, overflowing buckets, piggy back rides, fountains and fun for all.
This past weekend Jeremy went to Texas to honor his grandparent’s for their 60th wedding anniversary and to celebrate his sister’s graduating with her master’s degree. It was such a blessing to be able to send Jeremy to spend this special time with his family. He was even surprised to find that his life-long friend, John Mark, was in town. He was able to go see Star Trek on opening weekend! Another added blesing was that our dear friends from India, Vargis and Aleyamma, were in the States, as well. I hope that you made some special memories, dear! It was a joy to release you to go.
The kids and I stayed behind in Maryland and kept ourselves busy. I had two visits with Aunt Kari, getting crafts done and the kids enjoyed lots of outside time playing. Sunday morning we went to church and then headed to Baltimore to pick up Jeremy from the airport. Since it was Mother’s Day we made our way to Ikea to enjoy Swedish meatballs. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the adult meals for just $1 instead of $4.99! He presented me with a beautiful glass Texas flag and an oversized Texas Flag coffee mug. Both of these will remind me of the Mother’s Day I received my dear husband and a most welcome gift back from that far country, Texas.
Well, we ventured out about a month ago and added a new member to our family. We thought that we would probably never have another dog after our beloved Mystie left our family last August. However, on August 16th a post came through on Freecycle saying that someone was trying to find a new home for their Shih Tzu puppy. After asking a few very important question about housebreaking, neutering and immunizations we believed that this was the dog for us. The Lord was answering the children’s prayers and heart’s desire. BANDIT is a full blood Shih Tzu who loves kids, WAS housebroken, had been neutered the month before we got him and has all of his shots. And, he came to us completely free! …well, at least without cost of money!
Since he’s arrived he has definitely cost us some time (he has to be walked rather than just using the yard otherwise he just plays outside and then comes in to use the bathroom), convenience (we have to put up gates and pick up our things before we leave the house or he’ll chew up our stuff, and a few pieces of wood that he likes to chew on, including our window sill we discovered today.
My husband asks for prayers for himself, as the dog continues to do what puppies do! But, I am grateful that the children will have memories of growing up and loving a dog called Bandit, whom the Lord graciously provided!
I’ll post a picture soon.
Test blogging from posterous!
Posterous is a very snazzy service that allows me to blog via email and post everything all over the place (i.e. this blog!).
And facebook…
And twitter…
Whee!