WayfaringStrangers

Only if you peer into the creek, still and quiet, might eye and brain in a flash discover a small turtle in your palm. You both blink, surprised. Only if a toddler's chubby hand bumbles persistently for the black ant in the grass, dropping it over and over, finding it again, does the ant finally realize its mortality the moment the toddler discovers its mighty bite. Only if I scan the sky, against cirrus and azure, can I begin to distinguish wingspan of eagle, buzzard, hawk, heron. There's a world up there. Only if one sits on a tree stump, alone, no earbuds, that in five minutes time one may hear the unmistakable slither at one's feet. One was not alone. Only if he must conquer creek will he find a stick to measure depth. Cautiously first, then charging on. Creek is known, joy found. He's a Navy Seal now. Only if we step to edge of pond, clear on top, muddy bottom, there's nothing here- then we toss the pebble and a thousand fat...

Samuel is a little over a month old now. He's growing fast, already up to 9 lbs, 7 oz. The overall adjustment of life is going well. Yesterday was Graham's last day of school and his PreK graduation (that deserves it's own post) so now... I'm home all day with the 3. I didn't get much 'rest' after Sammy was born. How could I? Even with help...there's so much to do, and the boys are so active. And so, I quickly found myself in the normal routine, just now with a baby along. I press forward, coffee in hand. Since school is over, today was the perfect day to hit up the library with all 3. Graham hasn't been in a while because I usually go with Patrick while G is at school. The library went really well! The big boys are mature enough to actually play well and not run off. Baby slept in his carseat the whole time. Afterward, we decided to go for a walk in the trail next to the library. It's paved, and Graham rode his bike and Patrick rode his sc...

Busy, lovely November! I love fall, even late fall when the tress are bare and the temperature drops. We have had lots going on. I had a dear friend come visit- always wonderful! We have had some beautiful family walks in the woods- my favorite thing to do. There's some serious bed head around here: I've been working out consistently the past few months, and I'm feeling pretty good! My goal is 4 times a week- sometimes I don't make that goal, but usually I do. I'm feeling stronger and healthier. Now if I could just stop eating cookies, all would be well! I found this gem at the dump. The living room is really coming together, with the curtains and the gray paint. I'll post a picture of the whole room soon! By the way, this chair was totally a God-thing. I mean, who throws out stuff like this?? I prayed God would provide a new chair or loveseat, and there it was. Family Time- yesterday 2 of my sisters-in-law ...

I love our new neighborhood. God chose well for us! It's quite a working-class neighborhood. There are lots of HVAC and Electrician vans and trucks parked in the driveways at night. It's a quiet neighborhood, and feels safe. Most of the houses are small or medium sized, and neatly cared for. There are lots of dogs and school-aged children, though I haven't seen many young families like ours. There's no HOA, and therefore no frills like a community pool or park; that's ok, though, because we have something better than that- a trail in the woods! What a gift to have nature so nearby. At the end of our road is the entrance to the trail. We walk there several times a week to explore and enjoy creation. I've been teaching Graham about the beauty around him; he can identify moss, fern, and holly. We've picked up many a toad and observed turtles scooting along. There's a sweet little creek- every neighborhood needs a little creek. This brook f...