April 30 JINNY

I feel a need to chronicle about a friend of mine. Her name is Jinny. I met her over a year ago (I think) at a hair salon. I've been going to the Great Clips on Northland Drive to get my hair trimmed for the last 14 years or so. There was a young lady by the name of Katy who used to regularly cut my hair. She did a very nice job of it and always did what I asked her to do instead of what SHE wanted to do. 

However, Katy changed occupations and is no longer a hair styler. I found this out upon asking for her at the usual Great Clips I always went to. I had no choice that day but to let someone else cut my hair. That stylist actually did a terrible job--just hacked my hair off and that was that. !!

Six weeks later, I tried another location (same franchise). When I walked in, Jinny greeted me and was able to work on my hair. She asked how long I had been coming to her location and I told her that this was my very first time. I casually mentioned about the other location and how badly my hair had been cut. She immediately announced that she would cut my hair "for free" that day. I protested, but then another stylist confirmed that since they were part of the same franchise, this was the usual policy.

Anyway, let me tell you about Jinny. Have you ever felt immediately drawn to someone without being able to explain why? Jinny is very outgoing, friendly, and extremely genuine. We had such a nice time chatting together, I felt like I had known her for years. Off handedly, Jinny mentioned seeing her aunt during the last week and her aunt was encouraging her to "return to church." Jinny stated that it had been years since she had been a part of a church. I told Jinny that I agreed with her aunt. Nothing further was said, but she spent 45 minutes cutting my hair that day and did a fabulous job fixing what the other stylist had hacked up. As I was checking out, we gave each other a nice hug, and I just ... felt such a connection with her. 

For the next 5-6 weeks, I prayed for Jinny almost every morning when I was combing my hair, getting ready for the day ahead. I asked the Lord to lead Jinny to attend a strong Bible teaching church where she could learn about the Gospel and come to know Jesus. 

At my next appointment, Jinny told me she had found a little country church down the road from her (up near Greenville) and she loved it. She almost glowed from her happiness, and she said it was SO GOOD to be with believers. We talked and talked, and it was obvious Jinny was hungry for things of the Lord. I asked more about her living situation and her family, etc. and learned that she was living with her boyfriend, and had been for almost three years. She told me his name and I began to pray for him--that he would come to faith and that they would marry each other.

Six weeks later, Jinny told me Connor had come to church with her and that he was "warming up" to things of the Lord. In the next few months, he came to faith, proposed to Jinny, and they are now married. Isn't that cool?

A few months after that, I called ahead to see if Jinny was working that day only to be told that "she no longer works here." WHAT?!?!?! Thankfully, I was able to get the girl who answered the phone to tell me that Jinny had transferred to another location (within the franchise) out in Greenville. SO ... I called out to Greenville and drove out and had Jinny cut my hair! It's only a 22 minute drive from my house, and Jinny is so worth it! We had such a nice time talking that day. I asked more about her family, and Jinny told me her dad and mom had been divorced for many years and that her dad was kind of a "dead-beat" kind of dad who was never very constant in her life, was in and out of trouble with addictions, etc. I told Jinny that I would pray for her dad.

Six weeks later, I called out to the Greenville location to see if Jinny was working that day only to hear the girl on the phone tell me that "she is no longer working here." NO WAY. Thankfully, the girl who answered the phone recognized my voice and asked if I was CAROL, and I told her I would miss Jinny so much--she whispered where I could find Jinny! Yes! It turns out that when Jinny accepted the job in Greenville, she was told she would not have to work Sundays--but when she actually began working, they scheduled her for almost every single Sunday.

This is getting way too long of an account. Let's see: Jinny got a job at a little hair shop out in Sand Lake, which is actually only 25 minutes from where I live; so I immediately called and made an appointment.

I saw Jinny at the new place last Friday. She gave me a big hug when I walked in the shop. This little salon is NOT part of a franchise. Jinny rents her "chair" and makes her own schedule. It's a very tiny place--only two chairs! But Jinny is her own boss now, which is much better for her. As she cut my hair, we got to talking, as usual, and I asked about her dad. She smiled from ear to ear and said: "You are not going to believe this!" I won't tell you the whole story, because it's personal to Jinny and her family, but just in the last four weeks, Jinny's dad came to faith in Christ, apologized and has made things right with many people, and Jinny told me he is like a new person.

ALL PRAISE TO YOU, JESUS!

Isn't that so great? So NOW, I'm going to pray for Jinny's sister (Madelyn) who is getting married next week. Jinny says her sister and fiancee' need the Lord! Please save them, Lord.

It has been really encouraging to have the Lord answer all of these prayers. I have gained confidence in my pathetic prayer life because of Jinny, and I am so thankful for her.

April 30 Random Pictures

Month of April:  I'm posting a bunch of miscellaneous photos I've taken this month that have stories of their own, but I won't go into much detail about them. 

Here is one of the many squirrel "Thumpers" that visit my bird feeders on a daily basis. I think there are at least four different squirrels who stop by. Now and then, one of them will squat on my small window ledge and stare at me through the glass. I think they are super cute.

Back on Good Friday, I stopped in at Calvary a little early to walk through a display they had in the chapel that allowed people to follow Jesus during his last few days before He was crucified. Afterward, I went into the Prayer Chapel. In a side room off the Prayer Chapel, there is an engraved wooden table with the entire Gospel of John inscribed. It's completely beautiful.

I took a picture of this stump as I walked along Cannonsburg Road ... I thought it had an unusual shape to it and kind of looked like a Cyclops or some other kind of odd creature. See it's arms and legs and mouth?

This is the golf course located right next to Leisure Village ... "Boulder Creek".

This is a house right next to the "nursery and greenhouse" on Cannonsburg Road. I stood and watched the chickens and roosters for a little while. It's a very homey-looking place.

BELOW: Kelly is working on our family tree. She found several on-line sites that are really resourceful. Look what she found! This is my great-grandmother (my mom's grandma), Mary Elizabeth Pearce. She actually was born on Prince Edward Island in 1859 and lived most of her life there! I was so THRILLED to find this out! My favorite childhood book series takes place on PEI and I have always wanted to go there. Dylan and Kelly actually HAVE been there, prior to getting married. Kelly has a good friend (who also was in their wedding) who lived on the island for many years. But back to Mary Elizabeth ... I remember my mom talking about her--about how "short" she was, but also the fact that she was someone who could "hold her own!" I don't remember my mom saying one single negative thing about this little lady.

A few weeks ago, Emma and I were talking about "The Princess Bride" and how much we love that movie. The very next day (!!) I was driving to my Bible study class and was right behind this vehicle. I couldn't read the "Hello" sticker very well at first, but we finally had to stop at a red light and then I zoomed my camera in on the rear of the car and look! "Hello! My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!" This is a "line" that people crack up about all the time because it's a pretty hilarious part of the movie.

The final set of photos is from a walk I took last week. The flowering trees were at their full bloom! I love these beautiful blossoms so much.

That's all for now ...

April 28 Charlie Brown

Tuesday:  These four grandchildren are readers--all of them except young Gregory (although he is destined for it, for sure). They were absolutely thrilled with the paperback "Charlie Brown" books I brought over to their house today. These old editions were once owned by their Grandpa Jim, who picked them up at Used Book stores and other similar venues--and were being stored at their Uncle Jesse's house, along with 100's of his record albums. Since he passed in 2017, Jesse has held on to some of the stuff he had collected in his lifetime. There were 14 "Charlie Brown" books sitting on a shelf in Jesse's office. I asked if he was attached to them, or would he allow me to take them with me and let Dylan's kiddos read them. Jesse was very willing for me to take them, so I did.

Look at Erin! She has turned into a very serious reader!

Aidan has had the propensity to read practically since he learned to walk ... well ... (you know how I exaggerate). He gets all of the subtle things in these comic books (which come through in the illustrations)--facial expressions, Snoopy's little dog house, Charlie Brown's depression, etc.

Cal is not reading yet, not exactly, but he enjoys being read to--which at this age is just about as good! So he picked out a couple of books too.

Here is Cal showing me one of his books that I think he checked out of the school library.

I made a little sign-up sheet so that the kiddos could check out two "Charlie Brown" books and if they returned them to me in good shape, they could subsequently check out other ones. Here is Erin trying to decide WHICH two books she would choose.

Brendan immediately begin reading his choice out loud, while cracking up as he read. Brendan has a very keen sense of humor.

And look at their basement! Kelly and a few of her friends went on a cleaning binge during the last week or so and organized the entire basement toy area. YAY!

I love these kiddos so much--they are a joy to be with and are always unusually interesting! Nothing boring about this little bunch whatsoever.

April 21 Games

Tuesday:  Erin is lately into making "faces" and sticking out her tongue when I attempt to photograph her; always with an impish expression on her face! I can't convince her to NOT do this, so I'm giving up!! Perhaps this phase will not last overly long ...

We were just beginning a game of "Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza" when I took this picture. We played two rounds of the game. I lost each game. These guys are very quick on the draw! They told me they used to have this game--but they are not sure where it is right now. I brought my copy of the game over today because Aidan requested it.

I brought "Sleeping Queens" for Erin and I to play. Erin won by 15 points! She tells me there is a "Sleeping Queens 2" available. I'll have to look it up and get it for us!

I also brought my Tetrus Tower game, and the kids always enjoy it. These kiddos like to play games a lot. I'm glad because I think games teach lots of good things to kids.

Look at Cal's haircut! WOW! He is all ready for the hot weather now. His birthday is just a few weeks away now. I have to get busy figuring out what to get for him AND I need to design his birthday card. Get to work, grandma!
 

April 17-18 Erin's Sleepover

Friday-Saturday:  It's finally Erin's weekend to have a sleepover here at the Beach House! YAY! I took a lot of pictures, combining many of them into collages that kind of tell the story of our time together.

This is Baby James, named after Grandpa Jim. Erin loves this little doll--doesn't he look nearly real? While Erin was having an ice cream snack, she felt it was appropriate for James to have some ice cream too ...

I got out the Lighthouse/Ice cream shop (LEGO) for Erin to play with, as well as the Treehouse set. Erin played and played and PLAYED with these LEGOs! I got out my little tiny ducks and turtles and Erin used them to help tell many adventure stories with the LEGO people. I'm so glad I have these sets and that they are STILL together after all of these years. I'm sure I must have the building instructions to each set somewhere ... but ... it would take me awhile to find them, I'm sure. Thankfully, Erin does not take these apart at all! She just enjoys playing with them.

We ate hot dogs for dinner, two each (one with a bun and one without), with cheesy chips and very tiny cucumbers! It was almost 8pm by the time we decided to watch our movie. I popped the popcorn, turned out lights, and got the house ready to watch "The Princess Bride." Erin and I cracked up while watching it.

It was nearly 10pm when we finished watching the movie and then I went into the kitchen to clean up our popcorn, which took a few minutes, and I looked for Erin and couldn't find her! She had gone into the spare room and tucked herself in! That's a FIRST for Erin here. Usually, she will very reluctantly consent to bedtime around 10:30 and then go in and out of bed for about an hour until she collapses!

Earlier in the evening, I got the children's LOOM out because Erin requested it a few weeks ago and I promised her she could make something with it on her next sleepover ... SO ... here she is. I want to tell you something about Erin--she is SUPER patient when she is making something. Actually, all four of these kids are! She does not give up if it gets difficult. She really enjoys working with her hands. She is careful and conscientious about her work and she takes real pride in it too. All of this is SO healthy and happy! She did not want my help in any way, shape or form; however, she did allow me to "check" her work after she had woven each row, just to make sure there was nothing amiss. Only a few times, did we have to take out a small section and re-do it--but since we did this row by row, it was not overwhelming.

Erin picked out rainbow colors to work with. I just sat at the table with her and we "chatted" away more than an hour, and then she finally grew weary and ready for movie time. Erin ended up finishing her weaving the next morning.

Also, Saturday morning we watched a few short "reels" of babies eating their first lemons. Their faces were SO funny, we decided to try it ourselves. Here is Erin taking quite a BIG bite of a lemon. I'm not posting the ones Erin took of me--they are too hideous, and I am too vain (not a good quality to still have at age 72.5, but I am praying that I will grow out of it!--I'm serious).

We played a few games of "Memory", the animal set that I have. Erin won both games ... by a HUGE amount! 

Erin continued to play with these LEGOs Saturday morning, off and on, between playing other games with me ... and finally it was time to gather Erin's things and head on over to Culver's for a delicious lunch!

Look at our beautiful Erin enjoying her Root Beer while we wait for our food at Culver's. Isn't she something?

Note to self: NEVER get the hamburger at Culver's again ... it's not that it was bad or anything ... but they advertised a double cheeseburger with extras on it and it looked SO good on the poster that I ordered it. But as soon as it was delivered to our table, I regretted not getting fish. I love fish! What was I thinking?!?!

It was wonderful to have Erin over this weekend. She is a kind and sweet almost 8-year-old, and I love her through and through.

April 14 Only THREE pictures

Tuesday:  I'm not sure why, but I almost completely forgot to snap any pictures of the kids today! There was nothing unusual about my time over at their house--perhaps my brain was just on empty or something. 

As the little kids got off their bus, I noticed right away that Cal and Aidan had been to the hair salon and had fresh hair cuts--super nice! I failed to get any pictures whatsoever of Cal today--but I told him his haircut looked super nice and asked him what he thought? "I hate it!" was his response and then he cracked up. Hmm. What a kid. I think he was just pulling my leg.

Aidan and I played a game of Chess, using their "Jurassic Park" Chess board--which always throws me off. I can't remember which dinosaur corresponds to the regular Chess pieces--so it messes with me! Aidan has no trouble whatsoever keeping the pieces straight.

We had a good game--pretty even, I think; but I did finally checkmate Aidan. He handled his loss just fine.

Erin was watching us and giving me advice as I played. She was also eating her Easter candy like it was going out of style. 

Erin is invited to have an overnight at my house on Friday! I am looking forward to having her here with me. She's a challenge to keep up with, but I will do my best. I'm still surprised every time these kids express joy at spending time over here with me. I do have a fair amount of toys to interest everyone, so I am thankful for that. 

See you Friday, Erin!

April 11 Matt's birthday celebration

Saturday:  Matt's 21st birthday was actually yesterday, but family celebrated it with him today over at my house at 3:00 in the afternoon. I wasn't sure what to make for dinner because ... it's difficult to find something that everyone enjoys eating. Anyway, I made a bunch of food, and everyone ate what they wanted. It worked out fine--everyone seemed to get enough to eat.

I walked around taking pics with my phone. It isn't often that all four of these siblings are at the same place together, and I NEEDED to take as many pictures as possible. I promise I was not obnoxious!

Look at Kaity! Last week, she watched a short video about cutting her hair and ... she cut it! Look how pretty it looks.

After dinner, we had Matt open his gifts. I made him a card and gave him cash. Christopher gave Matt a football card of Matthew Stafford! It's a card Chris has had for a very long time. I know ZERO about sports' cards, so I have no idea of its value--but Matt was super pleased to have it gifted to him. Emma brought Matt two loaves of Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon bread (without raisins!); plus, she baked chocolate banana chocolate chip cupcakes, as well as chocolate strawberry ones. They were very delicious. How kind of Emma to bake something so yummy for this party.

When I asked Matt what his favorite cake was, he responded that he really doesn't eat sweets anymore. I suggested a cheese cake, but Matt responded that it really didn't matter to him. Hmm. I ended up making one of those no-bake cheese cakes that are super soft and delicious. I liked it (but there was no possibility that I wouldn't) and ate way too much of it!

We sang "Happy Birthday" and then cut the "cake" and ate it. Matt did not take a piece. Shucks. I thought perhaps he might taste a little bite--but no. He remained true to his word on the whole cake thing.

After cake, we decided to play a few games. I was so happy when Dakota decided to stay for game time tonight, as well as Jesse!! All of us just enjoyed the fun of playing games. This game everyone is playing is called: "Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza!" I was cleaning up in the kitchen, so I didn't play it; but I observed and cracked up watching everyone. It's a screaming, slapping kind of game and very fun.

Look how relaxed and happy Kota looks! 

It sure was fun to watch everyone laughing together. That's what families ought to do!

And some of the facial expressions ... !!!

We also played "Blank Slate", all eight of us. It's a good conversational kind of game. After we were finished with games, everyone decided it was time to go home. I packed up leftover food for everyone (mostly Chris !!) and then everyone was on their way.

It was good to have everyone here tonight. Families can be really difficult to navigate around. I hope we can find a way to continue to connect with each other as the years go by--so many changes will happen, and it's not always possible to stay close, even in location. Plus, there is a lot of hurt in this family and my heart is sad about that. Help us, Lord, to forgive each other where it is possible and to love each other as You desire us to.