This Week's Memories

This week has been a flurry of activity and tidbits. It began last week with a call that our dear friend and "Dad" had passed away. Mr. Washer was a sweet man and father figure to Tim and I as we ventured into the ministry at Lighthouse Baptist Church in New Castle and later Newark, DE. He and his wife called themselves, "Mom and Dad in DE." They had called us family and treated us as such including us in their family get-togethers and showering us with gifts and love throughout the 7 years we were there (not to mention the year we have been here in Millville, PA). Tim was asked to give the eulogy at Mr. Washer's funeral and was honored to do so. We left for Tim's hometown late Sunday night so Tim and I could drive an hour more on Monday for the funeral. Lydia was in tow. She brought smiles and laughter to our dear friends and us as we hugged and remembered with many friends from LBC. What a sweet time we had with everyone and wished we could've stayed longer.

Micah and Kiersten thrilled to be with Grandmom and Pop Pop Valiante for two nights and as always had a blast! Side-walk chalk. Swimming pool fun. Kit-Kat (Kiersten's adopted wax kitty). Story books. Cocoa Magic cereal. Shopping...with Lightning McQueen pajamas as the outcome. On Tuesday we headed home first stopping by the hospital to see the triplets (John and Ruth's new little ones). They are 1 month old and looking to the time when they come home...one reaching the goal possibly this coming week!

Our house is definitely feeling more like home! I am beginning to feel comfortable around boxes and piles of clothes that have no place to go but in the open. I could actually feel comfortable enough to leave the dishes and laundry to get out a bit this week. Thursday the kids and I visited our town's library...a library on wheels! We had not been to a library since...well...Micah was too young to remember. We had a blast! The only ones there during one of the hottest days of the year, we collected all kinds of treasures to take home. We got one about May-May and her sister, Rose (one I thought my sister, Mary would love to read...). Another favorite and Kiersten's new bedtime pal is Pete's a Pizza.

Friday I hauled the kids to church so I could fill in for the secretary at church. A whole room of toys for the kids keeps them pretty occupied, except for Lydia who has not gotten used to the church playpen. She, by the way, has learned to roll over at 4 months (is that normal?). Later that night we ventured as a family to eat Chinese and visit the Dollar Store and WalMart. Kiersten had the experience of losing her favorite blankie (what dramatized crying!) and having it returned (I think the lady who found it had warm fuzzies, too).

Today Micah had his second expectation of going on a fishing trip with Daddy. He was disappointed Daddy hadn't woken him up early for the trip, but at least they hadn't missed it as it was scheduled for 4:30 in the afternoon. Kiersten was also grateful for the trip...she has Mommy time. "Just me and Mommy" she said at the dinner table eating peanut butter and jelly (with fishies inside)...well, except for Lydia who was sleeping upstairs for the most part. We had an enjoyable "girl's night," reading all the favorites from the library including Pete's a Pizza (which is now snug as a bug in Kiersten's bed). The men are on their way home and a new week begins...wonder what else will happen between now and tomorrow. Maybe the biggest catch ever! Or maybe just a good tale of Micah and "Ooey Gooey."

"He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD." Psalm 113:9

As I read, I desire to share with others what I learn. This verse has definitely been proven to be true in my own life. When Tim and I first married, I was so fearful of the whole aspect of "keeping house," especially preparing meals. God knows me so well! My sister-in-law, Joy, gave some wise advice in the notations she wrote in a cookbook..."pray hard!" Even something that might seem menial such as keeping house comes from the strength of the LORD. He has been so faithful.

Then as Tim and I desired to have children and God blessed in His timing, the fear of being the right kind of mother intruded. Again I found and am still learning that it is God who gives me joy in raising my children. God has been the source of all that I have and am. I cannot do anything without Him.