My Little Clown

He turned 4 a couple weeks ago, unbelievable! He surprises me with his profound words. Here are a few recent ones:
- "I wish I was a man before I was a kid."
- "God is a big boy. He made the whole wide world."
- "Mommy, you're pretty like a crystal."
True to costume, he makes me smile and laugh. And, I'm still uncovering the unique layers of my little clown.

The Tale of a Turkey

The last few months have been a little lean, the longest we've ever gone without a pay check. God and I have been talking about this regularly and He has some creative ways of providing...

I was excited to hear how much company was coming... three weekends in a row! And then it occured to me, "How am I going to feed all these people?" (Sound familliar?)

Later that day I saw a sale advertised at local grocery store for $8 turkeys!! I'm no expert, but it seemed like a pretty good deal. I went to the store right away... on a mision to the meat dept. When I ask the worker where the $8 turkeys were, HE actually laughed at me. Then He replied, "That's just something we advertise to get people in here. The few that we had were gone in under an hour!" I was so disappointed.

What now God? I only walked a few steps more for my answer. Another meat dept. employee asked me if I was finding everything okay. I replied matter-of-factly, "Yeah, everything but the $8 turkeys." To my surprise the man said, "Just wait here." A moment later he came back with a turkey... not just any turkey...we are talking totally huge-fill up half my cart-monster bird!!!!!!!

I made roasted turkey, turkey sandwiches, turkey hot dish, turkey noodle soup, .... and all for 8$!!! The masses were fed and I still have some left in the freezer. It was like the loaves and fishes story told in a modern day Tale of a Turkey.

Our Fall Garden

We planted everything September 1st. This week we have been harvesting leaf lettuce, spinach, and arrugala. Next month we hope to have fresh snow peas, green onions, carrots, and some yummy herbs. We'll have to wait until early summer for the strawberries. This is a fun project that both Jason and I really love. If you live nearby, drop in for a salad! :)

The Thing about Grace...

I have a child who I often describe as being "fair, as it pertains to him". Unfortunately, I think My Heavenly Father could describe me this way sometimes too.

While we were away for three years, we rented our home to a woman and her three kids. Coming back to see the horrible condition of our house has been agonizing. Daily I seem to discover new ways that she destroyed things in our home....and daily I find myself muttering angry things about her as I execute another repair. I justify it because it is a "righteous anger"!!!

The other day the I felt God stirring in my heart...asking the questions that I didn't want to hear...highlighting fault I would rather not see. After downing a full glass of ice cold humility, I began to see who I really am..."deeply flawed, ungrateful and tenaciously fair (as it pertains to me)". And then the familiar phrase..."my grace is sufficient for you"... and for her too. He was entitled to righteous anger at my rebellion, the ways I willingly destroy the life He intends for me. Yet, He offered me costly grace instead. And the thing about grace...is that once you have been measured by it, you surrender your right to judge others with the ruler of justice.

First Day of School

..."the Three" in front of our house. They were ready with back packs on an HOUR before we needed to leave. The littlest still wasn't sure why he wasn't going to school.
The Big guy wanted to show everyone his new shoes that light up. Thanks Nana and Papa.
Pink and Poka-dots are a perfect way to start Kindergarten. Meanwhile, a mom feels so many different things on this literal first day of school ever...excitement, nervousness, a little sadness, but most of all the unfamiliarity of that first step in a long journey of letting go. Start growing those wings my sweet children.

With Gratitude...

I thought it appropriate, on the eve of my 34th birthday, to list some of the things for which I am grateful. Here goes:

- colorado blue skies and sunshine

- fun family night

- "the three", my love for them, and their love for me

- spacious counter tops and closets

- a loving hard-working husband , although he is far away

- dear friends in many time zones

- dishwasher, dryer, and wall-to-wall carpeting

- being near to family who I have missed so much

- house plants and herb gardens

- the Father's unconditional love

- memories

- health and energy

- spontaneous coffee drinking

- freedom and life with out war and fear

- redemption from slavery

- people who understand

- ice cubes and fans

- public parks and the library

- garage sales and clearance racks

- untexpected kindnesses

- peace amidst uncertainty

- birthday bouquet from mama's rose garden

Ahhh. It is good to be 34.

3 Little Monkeys

Since the kids were climing up the walls at our house anyway, I took them to "Rope World" set up in a school gymnasium. They had all kinds of climbing things set up...with lots of padding on the floors. Yes, that is the oldest monkey at the very top of the gym ceiling. He climbed to ring the bell several times and did the zip line UPSIDE DOWN.
The littlest monkey liked the rope swing and the zip line. He also just generally enjoyed roaming around and climbing what ever he wanted.
The middle monkey showed off her balance on the rope bridge. I was surprised that she showed no fear of any activity; she tried them all! The moral of this story is when you are raising three monkeys, it is best to get them to the jungle as often as possible. :)