A Warm Bath

Recently I woke up early with hopes of a relaxing bath before the kids started bouncing around the house. As I slipped into my warm, bubbly bath I heard the pitter-patter of my youngest child heading for the bathroom. He burst in with a smile and said, "I want a baff wiff you!". I helped him get undressed and in the tub (what choice did I really have?). He slipped down into the deep, warm water and grinned. Then he quickly added, "I din't pee in da wader!!!!"

Life with children is always full of surprises, and sometimes so is your bathwater.

Kid-sized Compassion

Last night I was feeling very pleased about a conversation I was having with Brent (6) and Rachel (5). They were asking why I was preparing some food to take down to the elderly couple who lives in our basement; and why they lived there. I explained that we allow them to stay there because they have no money, no home and no job. I further took the opportunity to share with them the importance that Jesus placed on caring for people by meeting their real needs, like food and clothing. Brent kept firing away questions, while it seemed I could see the compasion and understanding growing in Rachel's eyes. Just when I thought I had conveyed the importance of these matters, Rachel nodded empathetically and said, "Yes, they are sooooo---poor they can't even afford teeth! They just chew with their lips!". I nearly burst out laugh. Compassion...kid-sized.

I Woke Up with the "Grumpies"...

Truth be known, I have a serious case of the "grumpies". I woke up this morning TOO early with Jake saying, "I haf-ta pee Mommie!" at which point I also realized that we STILL HAVE NO WATER. It has been two days already and will probably not come on for a while yet. Everything feels dirty....laundry and dishes piling up. And I really want to wash my hair! I usually wash it every other day....of course the water went off on the "really need to wash day". Since I'm already complaining, can I just say that I used my last bit of starbucks coffee this morning, our wood still hasn't come, it is raining AGAIN, and I'm really missing my family and friends who are far away! This level of grumpiness calls for serious counter-measures....blessing counting.

I'm blessed by....healthy children who constantly entertain and amuse me; a spouse who loves me; a fairly warm house and blankets; food on the shelf; electricity; people who love and pray for us; internet that is working; a great team; a blue passport that gifts me more freedom than most; laughter in our home; and one last cup of starbucks....

Phew!!! It worked; the "grumpies" are gone.

Jacob's 3rd Birthday

It was a "CARS" themed birthday complete with a game of "Change the tire on Lightning McQueen" and a muddy wheel for a cake. When Jacob tried to blow out the candles, he was more like a sprinkler than a stout breeze. It was a blessing to have a few friends over who haven't lost the kid in them. We missed the family and friends far away, but appreciated the calls, emails and gifts. We love you all!

Come for Coffee

• Starbucks Filter 6:30am ...while contemplating the depths and height of The Father's love for me, and how He longs to call each person on this earth "child...forgiven...accepted."



• Bosnian Coffee 10:00am...while joined with my husband, a Brazilian, and a Ukranian planning a camp to share truth and encourage the people here.



• Espresso with Cream 12:30pm...while comforting a Bosnian friend who confided that her husband recently hit her and doesn't know if she will stay in the marriage.



• Bosnian Coffee 9:20pm...while hosting a surprise group of 5 neighbors who stopped by, discussing the differences between Catholisism and Evangelical Christianity.

No matter where I am or what I am doing, how I long ...to be steeped in His Holiness...stirred by His Spirit...and to pour out His love to the thirsty.

8 Reminders That I Live in Bosnia

There are certain moments when it hits me all at once...."I'm raising a family in Bosnia!" Some recent moments are:

8) We had to wait for sheep to cross the road so we could keep driving.

7) I didn't have a kitchen window for 6 days this month...just open air!!! The man who is fixing it had to order a part from Slovenia.

6) The children were in awe when I brought home eggs from the local store...because they were WHITE!

5) I warned the babysitter not to let the kids touch the SYTHE hanging in the tree. (We use this to "mow" the yard).

4) Jason and my recent conversations have revolved around which cement wall to punch a hole through to vent the wood stove.

3) I have received mail exactly twice this month.

2) I showed the kids a map of the USA and Rachel said... "Where's Russia?"

1) I heard myself say, "Hey kids! Come watch daddy light the chimney on fire!"

A Few Days in Montenegro

Montenegro is known for is sunny weather and pebble beaches. After a hectic summer we thought we would spend a few nights there. As chance would have it we only had sun one day, followed by lots of rain and cold. The kids still managed to have fun though. Favorite things...BRENT: skipping rocks, searching for money on the beach,eating fish soup...RACHEL: finding "treasures" and special rocks, getting cozy under all the towels...JAKE: scooping rocks saying "look at dis one!" and going for icecream. Jason and I really enjoyed the beauty of the sea meeting the jagged mountains and the lush vegetation (pomegranet, fig , and olive trees). Hopefully next time will have a bit more warm sunshine.