Monday...Monday
Day 151. Memorial Day. Of course I'm thankful for the men in women who've paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Military.
I'm also thankful for another day with Justin.
We went to Anodyne again for coffee and a pastry. We also spent some time shopping at Home Depot and Menards. We bought a couple of Clematis plants and two hanging planters and a variety of annuals. I did my first floral arrangements, and then hung the planters on the front porch.
Day 152. I'm grateful for a quiet morning by myself, a brief visit with Bri, and some hostas.
After dropping the kids off at school, I spent most of the last morning of Judy's visit at the Bay View Anodyne. It was quiet and relaxing and uneventful. It will probably be a while before I go there again, seeing as I usually have my kids and there's no drive-thru. Anyway, a few hours later, I went over to Bri's house and visited her with her for a little while. And then we went outside and dug up a handful of her hostas. She had more than enough, and I was happy to take a few off her hands.
Day 153. Thankful to be back on the wagon. Again.
Justin and I are broken records. We want to eat healthy. We want to lose weight. We want to want to exercise. One of these days it'll stick. Or it won't.
Day 154. Konkel Park with Jackie and Ally.
It was a pretty typical park day. Also, Thursday means fellowship dinner and church.
Day 155. Morning coffee and park play date, turbo cleaning, and a change of plans
I met Angie at Blum, the coffee garden at Bluemel's with our littles. We looked around for a bit, but because the kids were antsy, we headed over to Konkel park (again). Margo, Piper and Savanna played while Angie and I chatted and walked, trying to get Oliver to fall asleep. He's been a cranky guy lately. Sarah came a little later, and we all stayed till about noon.
I went home, put the girls down for their naps, and was a whirlwind of activity, trying to get the house clean for dinner guests. We were supposed to have a couple from our old church over (Donny and Porscha). After, I'd gotten the first floor nice and tidy, I found out that their little guy was sick. So, we had to postpone our dinner date. Instead, the kids watched a movie (The Peanuts Movie) and Justin and I had a relaxing evening.
Day 155. I'm thankful for Super Readers.
Saturday morning, I decided to take the kids to the library while Justin stayed home and putzed in the garage. Deuce got a library card, I signed the kids up for the Super Reader summer reading program, the kids played, we picked out books, and headed home. It ended up being a rainy day, perfect for staying in and reading. Josie got the first book in two different series: Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth and In a Blink, the first Never Girls book about four girls who go to Neverland. Josie started reading the latter first. Deuce picked out some superhero book, and I also grabbed a couple Geronimo Stilton books, which had been recommended by my friend, Bri. Both kids read so much on Saturday. Josie stayed up quite late that night reading, and when I woke up the next morning, she was already reading! Deuce is really enjoying his reading too. He told me, "I love reading!" Yay!
Day 156. This was a very special and interesting day.
Church was brief today. A couple worship songs, a short sermon, and an interruption by a homeless man. Because our church is located right on a busy street in a rougher part of town, things can get interesting. Today, a homeless man walked in and sat down for the service. Like I said, he interrupted David, who patiently and kindly told him that he'd talk to him after the service. And afterwards, we all gathered around him and prayed. By the way, his name was Joseph.
We had another church outreach that day. David stayed back with the kids and Joseph. He ushered the kids into the kids' room while he sat and talked with Joseph, and then later spent time with the kids, singing songs, doing a bible lesson, and playing games with them. (What a guy!)
Anyway, We split up into two groups (remember we have a very small church) and walked around the blocks to the north of the church, going in opposite directions. I was the "Spanish speaker" on my team with Justin, Angie, and a woman who insists on calling herself Pastor Jackson. She's a character, let me tell you. Justin and Angie did most of the trash picking up, I went to the doors, talking to those who answered, asking if there are needs in the neighborhood that we can help address. The point is not to get people to come to our church, but to serve the community. Meanwhile, Ms. Jackson, who apparently did not get that memo, passed out flyers, practically begging people to come to church. When I told Angie that Ms. Jackson was saying, "please come to our church... I'm Pastor Jackson," she was not very pleased. After all, her husband actually IS the pastor.
I definitely felt that this time was more successful. I talked with a pregnant woman, a woman who'd recently had open heart surgery, an elderly Hispanic couple who spoke in rapid-fire Spanish that showed me that I have miles to go before I actually understand that language. I also spoke with a nice lady named Velvet who'd recently moved into the neighborhood, a Buddhist woman whose son is an alcoholic, and another elderly Hispanic man who is tired of the trash in the neighborhood. I love that I don't have any fear when I go up to the doors. Well, unless there are signs that say "Do not tresspass!" "Beware of Dog!" Then we skip those houses.
When we got back to church, we had pizzas waiting for us. I indulged and had two delicious slices.
Joseph was still there, passed out on the couch. Some talk ensued about getting him to First Step, which is an alcohol recovery program. I love that David really wants to help those in need, but in the right way. Before he woke up, we started packing up to leave. And as I was buckling the kids in, he quickly strode out the door and down the street. Deuce asked, "Why is Joseph leaving?" I wasn't quite ready to talk to him yet about alcoholism and homelessness and how some people just keep choosing to be in bondage. I am thankful that my kids are exposed to these hard realities, but I hope they grow to feel compassion, and not disdain, or perhaps worse, indifference toward the lost.
Okay, fast forward to bedtime, the best part of this day. While I was snuggling with and talking with Deuce, he had some questions about heaven and praying, and the conversation went to following Jesus. I asked him if he wanted to follow Jesus, and he said yes! So, we talked about what that means (It's so much more than just saying a prayer. You also have to believe in your heart, and you have to behave in a way that proves it.), and then he prayed my very uneloquent version of the sinner's prayer. Deuce had a great big grin on his face, and so did I. Hooray! (There's a new name written down in glory!)
Day 157. I'm thankful for encouraging, spiritual conversations with Marie, another park visit, and a trip to the dentist.
This morning, while cleaning up the kitchen and doing a little laundry, Marie kept me company with all sorts of encouraging and challenging thoughts about being a Christian and what it means. I responded here and there, but she definitely did most of the talking. I really enjoyed our chat.
After naptime, we picked Josie and Deuce up from school and went to Saveland park to play until the kids' dentist appointment. They got tired of the park sooner than planned (it's never as fun without friends there), and we got to the dentist office pretty early. Good thing there's a kids' space with books, coloring books, and toys. I brought my library book and read while the kids played. Josie and Deuce took turns getting their teeth cleaned, and both were given a clean bill of dental health.
At bedtime, Deuce and I talked about baptism. The only reason I brought it up is because our church is doing baptisms next Sunday. I explained to him that when he prayed to be a follower of Jesus, that it's between him and God. But when he gets baptized, that's a declaration before the church, and they will be involved in stirring him on toward Jesus. I told him that it's up to him to get baptized, and that he shouldn't do it because he thinks I want him to, but because he's ready to make that public declaration. So, we'll see what he decides.
P.S. It's going to be a beautiful week, so you can expect that there will be more postings about park visits!
I'm also thankful for another day with Justin.
We went to Anodyne again for coffee and a pastry. We also spent some time shopping at Home Depot and Menards. We bought a couple of Clematis plants and two hanging planters and a variety of annuals. I did my first floral arrangements, and then hung the planters on the front porch.
Day 152. I'm grateful for a quiet morning by myself, a brief visit with Bri, and some hostas.
After dropping the kids off at school, I spent most of the last morning of Judy's visit at the Bay View Anodyne. It was quiet and relaxing and uneventful. It will probably be a while before I go there again, seeing as I usually have my kids and there's no drive-thru. Anyway, a few hours later, I went over to Bri's house and visited her with her for a little while. And then we went outside and dug up a handful of her hostas. She had more than enough, and I was happy to take a few off her hands.
Day 153. Thankful to be back on the wagon. Again.
Justin and I are broken records. We want to eat healthy. We want to lose weight. We want to want to exercise. One of these days it'll stick. Or it won't.
Day 154. Konkel Park with Jackie and Ally.
It was a pretty typical park day. Also, Thursday means fellowship dinner and church.
Day 155. Morning coffee and park play date, turbo cleaning, and a change of plans
I met Angie at Blum, the coffee garden at Bluemel's with our littles. We looked around for a bit, but because the kids were antsy, we headed over to Konkel park (again). Margo, Piper and Savanna played while Angie and I chatted and walked, trying to get Oliver to fall asleep. He's been a cranky guy lately. Sarah came a little later, and we all stayed till about noon.
I went home, put the girls down for their naps, and was a whirlwind of activity, trying to get the house clean for dinner guests. We were supposed to have a couple from our old church over (Donny and Porscha). After, I'd gotten the first floor nice and tidy, I found out that their little guy was sick. So, we had to postpone our dinner date. Instead, the kids watched a movie (The Peanuts Movie) and Justin and I had a relaxing evening.
Day 155. I'm thankful for Super Readers.
Saturday morning, I decided to take the kids to the library while Justin stayed home and putzed in the garage. Deuce got a library card, I signed the kids up for the Super Reader summer reading program, the kids played, we picked out books, and headed home. It ended up being a rainy day, perfect for staying in and reading. Josie got the first book in two different series: Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth and In a Blink, the first Never Girls book about four girls who go to Neverland. Josie started reading the latter first. Deuce picked out some superhero book, and I also grabbed a couple Geronimo Stilton books, which had been recommended by my friend, Bri. Both kids read so much on Saturday. Josie stayed up quite late that night reading, and when I woke up the next morning, she was already reading! Deuce is really enjoying his reading too. He told me, "I love reading!" Yay!
Day 156. This was a very special and interesting day.
Church was brief today. A couple worship songs, a short sermon, and an interruption by a homeless man. Because our church is located right on a busy street in a rougher part of town, things can get interesting. Today, a homeless man walked in and sat down for the service. Like I said, he interrupted David, who patiently and kindly told him that he'd talk to him after the service. And afterwards, we all gathered around him and prayed. By the way, his name was Joseph.
We had another church outreach that day. David stayed back with the kids and Joseph. He ushered the kids into the kids' room while he sat and talked with Joseph, and then later spent time with the kids, singing songs, doing a bible lesson, and playing games with them. (What a guy!)
Anyway, We split up into two groups (remember we have a very small church) and walked around the blocks to the north of the church, going in opposite directions. I was the "Spanish speaker" on my team with Justin, Angie, and a woman who insists on calling herself Pastor Jackson. She's a character, let me tell you. Justin and Angie did most of the trash picking up, I went to the doors, talking to those who answered, asking if there are needs in the neighborhood that we can help address. The point is not to get people to come to our church, but to serve the community. Meanwhile, Ms. Jackson, who apparently did not get that memo, passed out flyers, practically begging people to come to church. When I told Angie that Ms. Jackson was saying, "please come to our church... I'm Pastor Jackson," she was not very pleased. After all, her husband actually IS the pastor.
I definitely felt that this time was more successful. I talked with a pregnant woman, a woman who'd recently had open heart surgery, an elderly Hispanic couple who spoke in rapid-fire Spanish that showed me that I have miles to go before I actually understand that language. I also spoke with a nice lady named Velvet who'd recently moved into the neighborhood, a Buddhist woman whose son is an alcoholic, and another elderly Hispanic man who is tired of the trash in the neighborhood. I love that I don't have any fear when I go up to the doors. Well, unless there are signs that say "Do not tresspass!" "Beware of Dog!" Then we skip those houses.
When we got back to church, we had pizzas waiting for us. I indulged and had two delicious slices.
Joseph was still there, passed out on the couch. Some talk ensued about getting him to First Step, which is an alcohol recovery program. I love that David really wants to help those in need, but in the right way. Before he woke up, we started packing up to leave. And as I was buckling the kids in, he quickly strode out the door and down the street. Deuce asked, "Why is Joseph leaving?" I wasn't quite ready to talk to him yet about alcoholism and homelessness and how some people just keep choosing to be in bondage. I am thankful that my kids are exposed to these hard realities, but I hope they grow to feel compassion, and not disdain, or perhaps worse, indifference toward the lost.
Okay, fast forward to bedtime, the best part of this day. While I was snuggling with and talking with Deuce, he had some questions about heaven and praying, and the conversation went to following Jesus. I asked him if he wanted to follow Jesus, and he said yes! So, we talked about what that means (It's so much more than just saying a prayer. You also have to believe in your heart, and you have to behave in a way that proves it.), and then he prayed my very uneloquent version of the sinner's prayer. Deuce had a great big grin on his face, and so did I. Hooray! (There's a new name written down in glory!)
Day 157. I'm thankful for encouraging, spiritual conversations with Marie, another park visit, and a trip to the dentist.
This morning, while cleaning up the kitchen and doing a little laundry, Marie kept me company with all sorts of encouraging and challenging thoughts about being a Christian and what it means. I responded here and there, but she definitely did most of the talking. I really enjoyed our chat.
After naptime, we picked Josie and Deuce up from school and went to Saveland park to play until the kids' dentist appointment. They got tired of the park sooner than planned (it's never as fun without friends there), and we got to the dentist office pretty early. Good thing there's a kids' space with books, coloring books, and toys. I brought my library book and read while the kids played. Josie and Deuce took turns getting their teeth cleaned, and both were given a clean bill of dental health.
At bedtime, Deuce and I talked about baptism. The only reason I brought it up is because our church is doing baptisms next Sunday. I explained to him that when he prayed to be a follower of Jesus, that it's between him and God. But when he gets baptized, that's a declaration before the church, and they will be involved in stirring him on toward Jesus. I told him that it's up to him to get baptized, and that he shouldn't do it because he thinks I want him to, but because he's ready to make that public declaration. So, we'll see what he decides.
P.S. It's going to be a beautiful week, so you can expect that there will be more postings about park visits!
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