My View

It rained on and off all day yesterday...and we awoke today to more of the same. That is fine with me as it is soothing to hear raindrops dropping on your windows as you work. I also love the scent in the air during a good rain.

I spend a great deal of time looking out my windows. I pause often in my household duties to take in the nature God has surrounded my home in. I love the wildlife I get to observe from my front row seat! I included a couple of the views I enjoy on a daily basis. These pictures are a part of what means home to me.


My kittens spend alot of time looking out of the windows, too. I believe they spend their time looking out for a different reason. They desire to be outside! They continually watch the birds. They explore the door areas anytime someone goes in or outside. We must be careful to latch the screen door so they won't escape.

We do not keep our kittens in the house to make their lives miserable or dull. Just the opposite is true! I have lived in this home on and off for the past 21 years. In that time we have lost a few animals to the road we live on. On the other side of our beautiful trees is a major thoroughfare between two cities. Many trucks go through at 55 miles per hour. An animal on the road is almost always roadkill. We love our kittens and want what is best for them for the long haul . I am not overly concerned with giving them their every desire and whim.

Yet, as I watched my kittens at the windows again-dissatisfied and wanting more-I was struck by how often I do this to God. I think I know what is best for me and my family. I want it now. I need it for my happiness. I could serve God better if...and on my reasons go. But God truly knows what is best-and sometimes the best thing for me is "no". I cannot see the whole picture. I do not know the destruction of others before me who did their own thing. And though I know in my mind that God knows best...and though I say that I trust Him, you can often find me pacing the windows of my heart still longing to go out. To have what I want now.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

May I learn to "rest, and be still" as the book of Jeremiah admonishes. God always knows what best. May He inscribe it on my heart.



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Getting Things Done

Life marches on at an alarming rate at times. The last few months have been busy and full and so many projects and lists have gotten pushed aside. But school is done now and a couple of big projects are behind me. Summer is here! The children race through their chores and go to do all the things they love to do-bike, legos, basketball, soccer, read and play, play, play! I have large amounts of time to get things done. Add a sick child to the mix and I am totally housebound. My sick one is showing signs of improvement (and 2 are showing signs of...never mind...), and it has been blissful to see projects and lists completed.

The cookie pictures are for you, Margaret!! Margaret sends my children (and Paula's--Hi, Paula!) cookie mixes as part of their birthdays gifts. Rachel (birthday in February) and Ryan (birthday in April) had yet to make their cookies--until today! And the cookies are delicious! We have oatmeal cookies(which have chocolate chips added...where did they come from??) and chocolate chip cookies. They are scrumptious, Margaret! Thank you for your kind thoughtfulness as always. They had a great time baking today. And I feel good about more projects done.



I read something today that made me laugh...

I have always been known for asking alot of questions. My grandparents called me Chatterbox growing up and it was a title I well deserved. I love to know the "whys" of things. I want to understand things, and so I ask questions. My husband has already endured a lifetime's worth, but patiently answers more. My cousin's wife has in recent days endured my pestering as I try to learn new things. I have often said, "I know this is a dumb question, but..."

All that to say, I read the following quote today:

"There is no such thing as a stupid question, but they're the easiest to answer."

So, I must be pretty easy to answer most of the time... ;)



My kittens have relaxation down to a science-think I'll take a lesson. (By the way, this picture is taken from above. Our kitten is sleeping sitting on her hind feet. Kind of like college guys-so tired they can sleep anywhere!)

And as always...
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Happy June!

Happy June! It is the first of the month-which for me means switching over the calendars and cleaning out my coupons. But of all months, June might be my favorite. School is just finished and summer with all of its possibilities lies ahead, friends are coming for a visit, and June does not hold many extra responsibilities. The days are longer, there are many baby birds and animals to observe and nature is beautiful.

I have been really trying to get some desk work done...but as you can see from the picture above I have two very busy helpers who are preventing productivity. :) But they are cute...

We enjoyed a lazy morning, then went on errands and did our shopping this afternoon. We came home to a special supper and then watched Treasures of the Snow. And the laziness is justified as one child started running a fever today. Prayerfully this is short-lived and won't go through the household.

We did have some excitement today. This afternoon before we left to shop a police cruiser pulled up to our house. It seems someone spotted what appeared to be a rabid fox in the church's front lawn and called it in to the police. Our patrolmen came to check it out and discovered we had our older children playing outside our home and so they came to warn us about the fox. (Our church and home are on the same property.) A short while later we went to load up to go shopping and heard an animal crying as we all got in the truck. We looked up to see two officers picking up a fawn. The mother had been killed and the ofiicers found the fawn near the road as they were searching for the fox. They took it to a shelter. It was exciting to the children to get to talk to our local policemen and have them on the property. I must admit though, we are all really keeping an eye out for the fox...

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Meet the Newest Members of Our Family....

...Cinnamon and Sugar! This family has a weakness for kittens. Some dear friends brought these to us today. I hope to have clear pictures soon, but I snapped these tonight to get some right away. They don't sit still very well. :)






















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