Walt's 34th

Today is Walt's 34th Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALT!!!

Nine times out of ten in this country we live in things never go quite as planned.  It usually turns out alright but just not the way it was initially intended to.

That summarizes today.  But it was still a day of celebration... just without Walt!!!

Bliss is in the village, wishing she was here to wish her daddy a "Happy Birthday!" but that wouldn't have happened yet if she was here!!! Because he's not!

Walt left early this morning, Thomas waking up just in time to see him off.  He is having adventure with hand pumps and other things out in the heat, I mean villages, several hours from here.  I'm sure he is enjoying himself immensely. But will he have the energy to eat what Thomas and I cooked up?

We started this morning so it could simmer all day...

 Yummy spaghetti as requested.

Thomas cut the pineapple and the mushrooms!!! (don't tell Walt there are mushrooms!)

We then made Apple Crisp.  Thomas peeled, I cut.  We both made the topping.

We enjoyed our dinner without Walt!!!

He'll enjoyed his later!

Thomas is excited to surprise his dad with this... tomorrow!!!

I am so thankful to the Lord for a husband that gives and gives and gives to those around him.  He rarely tires and I think it's because he is so faithful to daily be in the word and prayer.  I love him and praise God for him and look forward to seeing all the different ways God will use him in the year to come.

Happy Birthday Walt!!! I love you!

m

Why?

The dust covering every surface after 6 weeks of being out of town was bearable.  We could clean it and then tackle the next layer tomorrow.

It was this that almost threw me over the edge!!!

Rat prints on my stove top. 

Great.

(their prints weren't the only thing they left behind!)

They seem to go where I go.

Is 'cuz I'm dirty?  I don't know.

My kids sure couldn't agree with that.

But why God?  Why more rats?

If it's not 'cuz we're dirty than why?

Seriously rats almost make me cry.

(like not, "yikes" but weeping)

Their roaming my room steals my sleeping.

Could it be for my sanctification?

Rats = Mercy's sin purification.

I hate them with all my am.

I'll chase them morning and pm.

My kids would like a cat.

Guess what?  I'd rather have a rat!!!

Rejoicing must be the verb I live.

If rats is what God's gonna give.

So pray for me as I endure the heat, chase the rats, clean the dust, and still try by his love to love.  Pray I learn well the love and grace of God and can say, "in all circumstances I have learned to be content.

learning to rejoice

m

T's teeth

Check this out!!!

BEFORE... 3 teeth too many

DURING... no tears.  What a courageous boy!

AFTER... 3 teeth gone...

Praise God for growing boys!!!

m

4 days of Rest

We are so thankful for some days of vacation as a family.
We did nothing but sleep, swim, read, swim, walk on the beach,  swim, and sleep.
It was restful and we are so thankful.  Here are a couple pictures from our time.

Enjoying Watermelon shakes

Enjoying the pool!!!

 Enjoying the beach

Enjoying the wildlife and plants

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

m