Monday, February 20, 2012

Of Jungles and other things.

Our backyard, is, apparently a thoroughfare for wild animals.  Two bobcats this morning, an armadillo yesterday and a wild boar last week.  So much for the friendly woods with inviting tree house for the kids.  

Saturday morning, I arrived home from exercising to find a beauty parlor in the driveway and children strewn about.   Philip had also allowed Emma, our 10-year old neighbor to MOW our lawn and Anna, the 8-year old to WASH his car. We are currently going through Deitering withdrawal as the 6 children across the street have returned to their home in Ohio until next December, when we're hoping they'll come back for another 2-month play date!
Thanks, Anna. You did a beautiful job :)

Teya and Eva were charged with sweeping the "hair clippings" from their beauty shop off of the driveway.  

We have enjoyed quite a few visitors in our 3 months in Orlando.  Emily Long (Davison and Ann's daughter) was a welcome addition to the swimming pool rodeo in our front yard.  We are blessed to live in a place where people like to visit, even if we're not the ones they want to see (thanks to Mickey Mouse).  Thank you Selfs, Tuckers, Longs, Gulletts and Bruces for sweet visits, not to mention Nina and Dita!  


Friday, January 20, 2012

You'll find us....


where the bananas are labeled in spanish, 
where the grass is still green,

where sandhill cranes visit front doors in the early morning fog,
 where the open ocean laps tippy-toes,
 where grandparents are happy to visit in the winter,
 where she still needs a hand to hold
 and the size of your castle is only limited by your imagination.
 Where you can meet new friends on a curb during a parade,
 where it would be wise to know what an alligator really looks like,
and where the flamingoes are not plastic and chi-chi the gator DOES sunbathe on the banks of the roadside lake on the way to church.

You might also find us enjoying an afternoon reading books in the backyard with a bowl of popcorn or playing at the park with friends.  We might be climbing trees or looking for mammoth snail shells or empty turtle shells.  If you're lucky, you'll get an invitation from Teya for tea (everyone's invited)! Last but not least, you'll find Phil at work, mostly, which is where he belongs!

God who hears....

We moved to a new place just over 6 weeks ago.  No family.  Four friends (thanks to the Leducs :)  So we prayed.  And God has provided over and above.  A home.  A church.  Wonderful neighbors.  Sweet friends, some of whom speak spanish (yes, we went that far in our requests :) and others who love lavishly enough to call wanting to talk with Teya about her first day in ballet class.

I feel like a spoiled kid who just got everything on her Christmas list.  Its just that feeling, without the letdown that follows all materialistic binges.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  After all, hasn't He said He likes go give good gifts :)?
A few really sweet gifts, and we're quite full.

Thursday, December 1, 2011















SUMMER, BRIEFLY

God Bless America (and if you look closely, Cuba, too)
Best buddies - wow, how we miss Miss Alyss
The 4th at Bo and Brynne's.  Refined sugar and food coloring. My children's dream.
While David was busy doing snoozing in his clothes drawer
Teya was busy getting attacked by a vicious garter snake.  For real - they have little bitty teeth and they will bite you if you step on them.
The snake was very sorry and sent Teya a sweet note of apology, not wanting her to be scared of snakes for the rest of her life.
RIDE THE TRAIN!



REFRESHMENT - COLORADO
First Pony Ride at the County Fair
Second Pony Ride
 First soccer shoes.
I did not get pictures of the wretched stomach bug the kids both caught, the temper tantrums David threw every time we had to walk to the dining hall (3 meals a day, mind you), the amazing Colorado State aquatics center, complete with lazy river and climbing wall (in the pool!), a sweet week with Millie, who stayed with the kids while we were in meetings, to name a few.....

REST -VANCOUVER





Sushi at the beach. An old favorite for us.  Hmmm, not so good for Teya.

MAKE THAT DOUBLE NOT HAPPY


Exploring Cates Park

Lounging at Cates Park

Ahhhh. Pender Harbor

Prepared to paddle
All paddled out

Hazy and Jane.  

Lounging for some

More vigorous activity for others.



Hot tub for this boy.


Sweet cousins


Path to the prayer garden






Summer.  The End.