Happy Mother's Day

Thank you to all the beautiful women who gave us:

birth

taught us right from wrong

warm hugs

delicious food

love

life lessons

and

encouragement

Without you, the world would miss out on something wonderful.

good things

a gentle breeze bringing the beautiful scent of lilacs into my office

peanut butter and homemade raspberry jam sandwich

guests arriving in one week

sharing our lovely parrot tulips with friends

tomorrow's flower and herb shopping trip with a few girls

generous friends giving us their grill

'national ride your bike to work' week starts on monday

the promise of a sunny week after days of rain

most of all - - it is friday

life in the slow lane

Friday evening, we had unwelcomed car trouble (when is it ever convenient or welcomed?). A generous friend had offered to help the next time we found ourselves in a bind (especially since last month we put over a thousand dollars of our savings into fixing Eric's car) and we took him up on his offer. A few hours later, Eric's car was fixed and life returned to normal. At then end of the experience, I can honestly say that God was glorified.

It was humbling - we hate asking for help.


We don't like to inconvenience people or think we are overstepping the bounds of a relationship. There have been so many times that we have felt used for our talents and not our friendship. But the Lord put Mike's name on my heart and we called. And he came. On a Friday night. With a smile on his face.

Originally, we were looking into using a moped to offer some relief to keep Eric's car alive as long as possible. We could give you a handful of reasons we've decided to put this purchase off for a year. But we won't. At least not in this space.

We are so incredibly fortunate to have two cars - even if his windows, windshield fluid tubes, and fans don't really work. And we are keeping that in mind, even when things get a bit too hot or don't work as well as we'd like.


I wonder how many other areas in my life I am incredibly blessed but still complaining.

Many nights I grumble to myself about having to pick up the house, wash laundry, or do small maintenance on things. Sometimes I forget how blessed we are to have a wonderful home, our own washer and dryer, and all of the things we own. When our iron broke, we were able to buy a new one without even blinking an eye. When Eric wears out another pair of shoes because he works so hard on his feet, we pick up another pair - without even having to think about saving up for them.
Then I think about all the children who go to bed hungry in the world. Many of them don't even go to "bed" but sleep on a dirty floor or cardboard. I think of the women who have to wash laundry in the river and it is such a hard task, I only have to push a few buttons. There are so many girls who are sold into sex slavery because their families have no food and feel desperate. When have I ever felt so desperate?
Oh the shame of feeling sorry for myself that I just spilled an entire pitcher of water and have to clean it up quickly before guests arrive when millions of people around the world don't have access to clean drinking water. I have to admit, sometimes I am a camel trying to go through a needle (Matthew 19:24).

Today I am thankful.

lately

Our area annually hosts a river rubber duckie race. Community events and rubber duckies are a few of our favorite things, so this race was of high interest. We live only a few streets from the river and it was a short walk (read: no issues trying to find parking).

Our downtown is very small and we were all huddled in to watch the duckies get dumped from the bridge.

They quickly floated down the river, racing as fast as they could. We bought three duckies (we didn't want to leave Sushi out) and the proceeds went to local schools and non-profits. Watching everyones donation float down the river was really incredible. I'm sure that some people entered to win the money or the trip to Disney (there were 90 prizes overall), but it really is just a fun day and a chance to make a difference.

Next year, I may even hug the duck.

Our day was filled with lots of fun and enjoying each other's company. We rarely spend time on the weekends together and it was such a treat. During Lent, we started to really prune back our activities and we are looking forward to continuing this. While being a part of things can be rewarding and fun, we need more time as a couple, with friends, and individually. We have a hard time saying 'no' when someone needs leaders, help, or wants us to attend. As we learn to set boundaries and carve out time for us, we hope that others will not take it personally.

We have friends and family coming in from out of state this year and we want to enjoy them. There are lots of other community events that we are looking forward to (concerts and plays in the park, festivals) and they are important to us. We want our hearts to be ready before we go to Brazil and minister to the hurting children.

Our summer priorities will include:

enjoying guests

using our nearby library

starting and maintaining our garden

riding bikes

taking the kitty to the park
walking in the neighborhood

the church softball league (Eric plays, I watch)

For a few days, we had summer weather, but are now returning to mild spring days. The few days of heat made flowers around the neighborhood pop. Tulips (including ours) are everywhere. Our front yard even surprised us with grape hyacinths.

The parrot tulips we planted in fall are so beautiful. There is already talk about how many more bulbs will go into the front garden in the spring.

Trees and shrubs are blooming all over town. They lift my heart and give me hope that we'll see more birds, squirrels, and life around our home. It has been such a cold winter and my soul is ready for warmth and growth.

for the record

There are great messages to feed you.

I am one of the wealthiest people in the world. Are you?

Listening to her sing this song makes me think of my pen pal. Only I know that my darling friend can draw.


If you've played the game, you'll love the song.

Jesus is amazing. And doesn't want you to give up football.

So many people are talented.

Anyone can be creative, sometimes we just need the freedom to play.

I'm trying to overcome my materialism.

(click on the bold words to see what I'm talking about if you don't believe me)

happy spring

our first daffodil bloomed

it was too pretty not to see, so I brought it inside

we celebrated Easter with Elena and her family and guests :)

it was a living room full of love

last weekend, we attended a marriage retreat in New Hampshire

I will not be a ping pong master

but we had fun playing

Eric made a fort out of our bunk

we had lots of good food

I took second place in the hula hoop competition (lost to a gracious and beautiful dance instructor who has more moves than I ever will)

Eric won when the men competed!! the men didn't last nearly as long as the ladies, but were more fun to watch

being in New Hampshire, we missed the stellar weather we had on the coast

our seeds are now tucked into soil and waiting for the sun to come back

we are really looking forward to tending to a garden and learning patience as we wait for the Lord to bless our endeavors

Eric is not a fan of the fake speckled eggs stores sell in the spring. I am, so we compromised and made our own. well, the chickens made the eggs and we blew out the insides 

when we got back from our retreat, we only found two eggs broken on the floor (some little kitty thinks that they are a toy)

Happy Birthday Eric

Today my darling husband is 27.

Happy Birthday!!