Monday, May 25, 2015

Sunday hours ...

The grandchildren came over after church Sunday afternoon and spent a few lovely hours at my house! They are growing up so fast … I want to freeze time for all of us so that they will always want to come over. I know that I have such a small window of time left. Before very long, they will all be teenagers--and they just won't want to associate with their grandmother anymore!

We began our afternoon with a nice snack of freshly baked banana bread--YUM. They ate practically the entire loaf!

Emma and I played a game of chess while completely cracking up. Here's the deal: in the past, Emma has had a difficult time losing--she really struggles with it (as do all of the kiddos). For the last few months, we just haven't played many games together because … I do not want to waste the few hours I have with them trying to comfort them after losing a game--and I simply CANNOT just let them win every game! This week, however, Emma played the best chess game she has ever played. She did not win, and we did a LOT of laughing while we played (I loved every minute)! We also played about 10 games of Connect Four and split the wins pretty evenly. Chris and Matthew played LEGOS in the toy room until it was finally our Bible time.
We have finally finished the book of GENESIS. We started our lessons just after Christmas this year; and while the children haven't been here every single week, we still covered each essential and beautiful story in this amazing book. I learned SO much--because when I read my Bible in order to TEACH it, I read it altogether differently.
I love Matthew's BIG smile in this picture. He had been making gruesome faces (and so had Christopher) at my camera for the longest time and I refused to snap a picture! I told both boys that I was just kindly requesting a "normal" picture of them for my blog … they finally complied. 
This was our third week studying the account of Joseph. The kiddos are painting when Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. But first, he really put them through the ringer, didn't he? I used an old sack and filled it with stuff that was supposed to be grain from Egypt, plus a baggie of coins, to show them how the brothers each had paid for grain to take back to Canaan. Each brother found his money returned in his sack! And then when they came back to Egypt with Benjamin, how Joseph had his servant put his silver goblet (the one pictured isn't silver--but it is a treasure of mine from Lindos and the children thought it was pretty cool) in Benjamin's bag. It was very fun to tell the story and build the suspense of the brothers being accused of spying, stealing, lying … they were terrified … and finally repentant of the crimes they had committed against Joseph all those years ago.
We talked about the similarities between Jesus and Joseph--the fact that none of us deserve forgiveness, but Jesus freely forgives us, puts our sins far away, makes us clean, and brings us into a relationship with Him. So thankful for the Truth revealed in the Bible. I can't wait to begin EXODUS!


Didn't they do a nice job on their illustrations this week? We have been using watercolor paint, which is far more enjoyable for them than just markers.

A pretty springtime walk ...

It was such a beautiful Friday afternoon (last week) that I decided to take a nice brisk walk down Chauncey Avenue ... 
But since I had my camera with me, my walk was anything but brisk ... 
 I wandered about making friends with every blossom I met ...
 It was wonderful and refreshing ...

 Above is the underside of these dainty little flowers … the picture didn't turn out as clear as I had hoped.
 This little garden gate is so enchanting, isn't it? 
 Makes me want to open it, enter, spread a blanket and … just enjoy the green and the fragrance of fresh spring.
 But, of course, this is private property and trespassing is not allowed ...

Thankful for spring and for every alluring flower out there!

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Dear Little Fellow ...

I LOVE Wednesdays! I almost always go over to Dylan and Kelly's and get to play with Brendan after work. I look forward to it so much. And look! Little Fellow got an official haircut! Kelly said she kind of talked him into it between the offer of plenty of suckers and playtime with his friends Eli and Laci. Plus, he sat on Kelly's lap while she sang to him throughout his ordeal … (!!!)
Very nice result. What a sweet little kiddo. 
 He knows I adore him!
 Brendan actually has a host of folk who love him ...
 I think that is one of the many reasons for his sparkly personality … he is deeply loved, and he knows it.
Brendan is interested in every little thing. He plays and plays … his imagination is wonderful. He is happy and contented almost always. 
 And he loves his train table and trains ...
 He was showing me all of his cool train stuff yesterday.
 And talking up a storm ...

 Brendan is very good at manipulating his magnetic trains and always has a plan in mind ...

 Look at him seriously talking to me like a grown-up … PLEASE don't grow up too quickly, dear!
 This face (below) cracks me up ...
 Brendan just has so much fun ...

 We simulated a major train wreck, right into my camera!


 I love this little person ...
 I never get tired of this little face … those scrumptious cheeks … 

We read books, ate pizza, visited with Dylan and Kelly, and played a LOT. Pure joy. So thankful.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

A few weekend pictures ...

Is there anything more exquisite or delicate or DELICIOUS than lilies of the valley? I am amazed by their intricate and sweet beauty, aren't you?

Solomon in all of his wealth and glory wasn't decked out like one of these perfect creations! 


These little cuties were hiding behind my house (!), actually in my neighbor's yard by her back shed! What a gift to find them there! 
 I took a little walk along the Grand River--this is on the bridge that crosses the river right at Northland and Cannonsburg.
 The GREEN is SO intoxicating, isn't it?



 I happened upon this Scripture yesterday while looking for something entirely different … but I love it so much. How wonderful that He takes care of us and provides fruit for us all throughout the year.


I am crazy about spring ...