Foxglove at Grandma's

Some consider this quickly propagating flower a bit pesky. Grandma appreciated it's quiet, natural beauty and it's understanding with the deer. I, too, am enchanted by the harmony. Just magical.

Continuing On

I traveled down the freeway to help my parents with the estate sale this weekend. Pops watched the kids for me so I could go and really be available. We accomplished a lot, though the burden continues. It is a strange and taxing thing, to dissolve a household. We are praying for a miracle in this real estate market. We need to sell the house.

I also was able to spend some time each day with my grandfather. This was a joy. His confusion and tender emotions are still present, but he is improving. It must take a lot of fortitude to settle into a new life, in a new place, without Grandma.

Today, when I went to visit, we read from the book of Romans. "I like it all," he responded, when I asked him what his favorite book was. But we settled on Romans, as it was his favorite book to teach from. I would read, then pause ... waiting for his still astute observations and commentary. He is so engaged and clear-headed when discussing the Bible. We did this for a good hour.

I noticed in the basket on his desk, a card. This card I penned a good 25 years ago. Goodness, I drew those butterflies all the time. How touching to see it and wonder how it survived all these years.

Grandad has photos of the family in the entryway of his new apartment. I believe it's his wall of pride. He told me: "I walk past this wall and look at these photos. This is my family. Not every time, but almost, I stand here for a moment and look at them. And I pray for them."

I love belonging to him.

Lucette Conquers Kindergarten

The God of Abraham

This morning I was praying in earnest. I was asking God to forgive me for my impatience and lack of maturity in trusting His timing and provision for Peter and schooling. I had become so weary. But then I kept thinking about Abraham and Sarah, and how God wasn't less faithful for having them wait. It was part of His plan even when they didn't understand.

A couple of hours later, I was in car-line to pick up Lucette (from the last day of kindergarten at our local charter school) and the principal came over to tell me that Peter was in for next year. I had to pull over on the drive home. Praise God. That's all I can say about it! Praise God!

At this sweet, little school, history and science are a focal point to the curriculum. So when we got home and read through the scope and sequence for 3rd grade, Peter about passed out in sheer delight: Ancient Rome, Vikings, Early American Explorers, Light and Optics, Sound, Ecology, and Astronomy. He's been walking around with a faint and quiet smile all day.

Actually, me too.

Making Sense

Thanks for being so patient at the dermatologist's office today, Peter.
Sure, Mom.
I had to get two more moles removed today.
Oh. Did it hurt?
Yeah, a little. But not too bad.
So ... do moles cause cancer.
Well, they can.
Is that how you got skin cancer? From a mole?
Yes.
I'm surprised. I didn't think you were around them that much.
Huh?
The moles. You're not around them a lot, are you?
---
Side Note: We have been battling rouge moles in our backyard. They drive me crazy tunneling under my plants, and I'm often muttering about them.
---
Ohhhhhh! Did you think I got skin cancer from a mole ... the animal? The brown dots on your skin are also called moles. The animal doesn't have anything to do with it.
Hmmm. Well, that makes much more sense.

Jane Isn't Worried

Jane, please don't stand on the toilet and jump off. You almost hit your face on the bathtub!
I'm fine. I didn't get hurt.
I'm glad you are okay this time, but you can really hurt yourself. No more standing on or jumping off of the toilet.
But Mom, I not get hurt!
Jane. No more. You could smack your teeth and they could all fall out (a little scare-tactic here).
Well, Greaty Papa's teeth fell out and he just puts new ones in. I want those grown-up teeth.

A Fake Recipe

We all like carrot salad. It's a fun change from the standard veggie side and laughably easy to toss together. The worst part is all the grating, but if you're blessed with a food processor and grater attachment, you'll be running shredded carrot circles around me. I'm not sure if this counts as a real recipe but ... I'll just tell myself that it is.

• Carrot Salad •
- Shred a whole bunch of carrots (Look at these 'rainbow' carrots I found!)
- Generously douse with favorite Italian dressing*
- Toss in some sunflower seeds

*Our favorite Italian dressing? Those funny little packets of dry mix from the grocery store. It's true! Toss in cruet with red wine vinegar, a splash of water, and olive or canola oil.

Baby Benjamin

It is so ridiculously fun to sew for babies. Last night, I stayed up stitching these cute bamboo twigs and today pieced the flannel together, completing the blanket. Somehow having cute things for baby makes all the late nights and general exhaustion that much more bearable. Wouldn't you agree?

I'm thinking Jenny's new little man won't mind being wrapped in cuteness if it makes his mother's day just a smidgie more fun. Can't wait to meet you, Benjamin!

Jane Makes Flower Stew

He Found Her

My brother found Allie. And he loves her.

And so does Scout.

And so do we.
Welcome to the family, Allie. We think you're just perfect.