Coup d'etat

The rabbits have taken over...

Each morning, as many as five or six little bun-buns begin to emerge

from their burrows over the hill to begin their daily ritual.

One fresh bunny leaps over another, kicking up the early morning dew,

as they graze (and poop) all around our yard.

Because we don't have dogs, our yard has become

gourmet breakfast munch and a safe haven,

or better said - breeding ground - for the cute prolific critters.

We call this guy "Notcho"... note his chunked-out ear.

He's been here since we arrived and is clearly the one with the most lives.

I wonder if they know they are safe here, among the bunny lovers

they find themselves in the grateful company of?

Pie Pie

Troy & Sarah and their little Ellie (aka "Pie Pie") have been with us since they moved here from Seattle in October. We've grown to know and love them as their search for a permanent home was under way.

As they leave us this week, we thank the Lord for the blessing and joy of sharing life at this level. A new dimension has been birthed in each of us.

And stashed deep in our memory banks are moments of joy and laughter, some monumental.... like the time the cats escaped (twice) from the safety of the garage, and from becoming coyote snack. Shared recipes, ingredients, dinners and waffle irons. An unexpected rendezvous at the trash. The preciousness of hot water, and the satisfaction of troubleshooting the repair of its temperamental heating element. Family fondu night. Ellie's first birthday, and her first steps. Apples, and trips to Urgent Care. Walks to the Villa; laundry time; chats about life and God.

Troy's occasional bursts of worship. Sarah's Ellie-songs. Dancing to homemade music. Praying for one another and together. Laughter and tears, joys and sorrows. These are the things we share and will forever hold in our hearts.

Love you guys!

Process

There is no growth without change;

there is no change without fear or loss;

and there is no loss without pain.

Rick Warren's Daily Devotional

Breakfast

Love fresh eggs!

Thanks neighbor!

Confessions of the Household Administrator

It's a joy to sit and reflect on the blessings of a day. I am grateful for the shift in my thinking. Thankful for restored joy. JOY! Here are a few joys and confessions of a recent day...

I ate two (yes 2) Snickers bars today. I was checking out at Rite Aid with a box of Tylenol, with no cash in my wallet, hungry and waiting. So, I did a quick paroose of the selection of candy bars, saw that many were marked 2 for $1, and grabbed two (yes 2) Snickers, because adding a few more items to my tab would make me feel less silly for needing to use my credit card. The hunger pains, along with the rate of speed at which I consumed the "first one", ensued in an uncontrolled conquest of the second, which started with "just one bite". My tummy hated me afterward. Ahhh, what I wouldn't give for my twenty year old waste line once again. I used to be able to do these sort of things. Ignorantly, I guess I was feeling like I could eat them both because I had gotten a deal.

You can imagine my disappointment when, after studying my receipt, I was dismayed to discover that I had been charged $.88 twice. Come to find out, I didn't get the discount I was banking on for lame excuses.

Heidi called me today... I was so pleased to be thought of. Thank you for calling, friend.

Kimmy came out of surgery with flying colors. Thank you Lord for the healing that you have begun in her. I am excited to watch you perform a miracle of health for her.

The kids and I had two nice meals together at the table. We lounged in the family room after dinner with books and bibles and makeup school work. I had to resist the temptation to scurry around and finish "one more thing" before this moment of "all my kiddos grouped together in one room" came to a quick end.

I am seeing things in my own life that I need to work on. Areas of much needed improvement. Things I have not known of before this time. Grateful to want change - grateful for the awareness of it's need. Many SO dear to us are covering us in care and prayer. I know. See above mentioned self evaluation. That sort of thing can only be God.

I haven't made the bed but once this week! Hahaha! Good stuff!

This has been a week of great peace. The kind of "great vacation peace". I think I've had a vacation from my own agenda.

Return

The return of Mr. Owl last night reminded me that it's been a while since my last post.

Sad. I know.

But reminders are a good thing, and Mr. Owl, a good friend to remind me of my love for this, when I'm ready and in the mood.

Stay tuned....

Simple things

It's a new year...

The windows are open. There's a soft warm cross-breeze blowing gently through them. The sweet melody of singing birds accompanied by other outside sounds plays almost unnoticed on this quiet morning. I usually notice this special time of morning, but today I took an unusual stock in it.

I had the sheer joy and privilege of watching a friend's baby today. Ellie is 11 months old and as cute as a button. Our time together brought back memories of not so long ago. A time when a day was filled with coos, and diapers and walks around the block. Having a baby around brings life to a screeching halt, and it's precious. No agenda, and no pressure. Slow pace and simple.

I missed that today as I reflected over my time as mom to three little beings. But oh so grateful for the memories and feelings stirred in me.