Stairway to Remodeling Heaven

We love our house. And while built in the late 1980's, we've only been here about 3.5 years. "It's got good bones!" we first declared. This is certainly true, but what you can read behind that comment is: "It's really outdated, but still in good shape!"

So, we've phased out the country geese with the blue neck-ribbons, replaced powder pink counter tops, and said "no" to the teal and mauve vinyl flooring. And we've painted. Ridiculous amounts of painting. I'm talking first-name basis and "I'll bring you those oatmeal-raisin cookies tomorrow," kind of relationship with the Sherwin-Williams guys. We've painted about 80% of the house so far and I'm almost done sanding, priming, and double-coating all the downstairs trim and moulding. Phew.

We're down to mostly simple tasks like the painting, with the exception of two things: Carpet (and that's gonna' wait awhile) and the rockin' 80's stair-railing. A few weeks ago we dismantled the stair-rail and set in for another do-it-yourself project. Um, yeah. We tried ... and then began convincing ourselves that the orange construction netting (that kept us all from pitching off to our doom) was just fine. In fact, it was very urban chic.

That is until, Mr. Young. I highly recommend making friends with talented and generous contractors from church. He's been here all day and I think we may just have to pen a hymn or some sort of praise music in his honor. Indeed, we have been rescued from remodeling purgatory.

The Promise of Summer Tomatoes

Update from Ambrocio

Amazing how effective communication can be with the internet. I just received a response from a morning email I sent to Ambrocio regarding the earthquake. Here is his translated response:

Thank God we are just a little frightened by the movement of land and houses. I hit the wall with my wife because it seemed we were in the water, not used to these things, but it's good to be prepared especially with Christ.

I like the idea of visiting the ruins is a good place.

Thanks for everything. We are praying for you and the group.
Ambrocio.

I love his words. Yes! It is good to be prepared ... especially with Christ!

Flights are Set

Well hot-dog, we got tickets! Our flights have been set for our trip to Honduras, and the dreaming and planning are creeping up on reality. We leave July 10th at 12:15 AM and take the red-eye to Houston, a three over lay-over, then off to San Pedro Sula. We had hoped to spend a few extra days exploring on our own (how could we resist??) and we were able to find a return flight four days later than our team ... for no extra charge!

The next thought that popped into my mind was that my parents are champs for taking our girls for so long. Truly, Mom and Dad. You're amazing. The girls can't wait for us to go to "Ponduras" so they can bask in the glory of Grammy and Gramps for such an extended time.

Speaking of people we love, we have been so blessed lately by the generosity and care from those around us. Commitments of prayer (thank you!) and even financial donations have demonstrated God's provision in mighty ways. We feel a little like Paul, commissioned and encouraged in his journey. The details are still coming together, but it is an exciting challenge to pursue something that is much bigger than we are. Thank you for pursuing it with us!

"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."
(Ephesians 3:20)

- Peter, in a flurry of research -

Earthquake Reports

Just heard. Major earthquake off of the coast of Honduras. Naturally, a little unnerving. Time to pray.

"All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

A Girl and Her Bubbles

Grandma Shelia brought bubbles.

Pops took preventative spillage measures.

'Cause Lucette is one enthusiastic gal.

Almost Done

Just a couple more weeks to go, then we've done it. School is almost completed. This year has been an odd, but good, hodge-podge of homeschooling, co-op-ing, and charter schooling. At times I wondered what on earth we were doing, but God has been faithful and provided confirmation many times.

We are, however, looking forward to the break found in summer. Especially since next year is still a bit of an unknown. Lots of continued praying and waiting. Patience is a virtue I'm acquiring very slowly, but I am learning to rest in the stillness rather than question it. Most of the time.

Regardless of particulars, my days are filled with my children and this is my delight. What a joy to be a participant in their young lives.

Memorial Day Fun

Saturday Windows

Before I begin, let me state that I have very low standards for clean windows. If they are basically free from full-window smudges and bits from dinner, I am impressed with myself. So with that said, I cleaned the back windows today, inside and out. This is quite an accomplishment for me. I'm also quite proud that I devised a 'cheater' version of cleaning the outsides, 'cause I'm all about cheater versions. 

Here's how it went:

• Hose down window. 

• Spray on copious amounts of window cleaner. (I use vinegar water normally, but I broke out the chemicals, this time.)

• Grab car washing brush that's attached to a telescoping pole and scrub away.

• Hose down window.

• Squeege window and wipe down edges with rag.

Done! Not professional quality, I'm sure (and drat, I still need to get out a flat-blade razor to scrape off the paint flecks from a previous project), but the windows look a whole lot better than before! Definitely good enough for this Mama.

A Good Import

When it comes to a black tea in a bag, this friendly box is far and away our favorite buy. Loose is always better but not always convenient, Twinings is a tasty bag but rather spendy. PG Tips is a good strong brew for a great price. 

Typically, I like my tea untainted. But like a good English girl would, I enjoy a spot of milk with this tea. And since it is brewed in bag form, it's a casual, relaxed sip. Pinkies are not required to extend.