Carpe Diem

This month is coming to an end, and so are the mid-winter breaks for the children. Baseball season is starting up, which means lots of running about not only for the kids, but for us. But we've had snow and presents in the mail. I won Marcia Hoehne's book giveaway (Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool) and wouldn't you know it, my son nabbed it right away ... I let him because I had lessons to correct, but it's all mine now!

Enjoy these snippets of winter fun from this weekend at the grandparents' home. They hardly ever get snow like this, so this was a treat for the whole family, including the dog.

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Here's a video clip. I love my wee little camera that can do all this and still fit in my pocket.

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I hope you are all enjoying yourselves, whatever the weather is. As for me, it's time to buckle down and work until Spring Break.

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Snow Days!

These pictures are a couple of years old, but it's looking a lot like this right now (though not as cold). It couldn't be better timing since the kids have midwinter break. The snow is melting fast, but another wave is beginning as I write this post. I love this time of the year because the tree frogs begin to sing and the hyacinths poke their heads out of the ground, and I always remember how it was twelve years ago, waiting for my first baby to be born. Time flies ...

Don't you love my crooked filbert? It always fascinates me how the branches curl -- this plant really comes into its full glory once the leaves fall off.

The kids are busy playing outside, I'm deep in revisionland, the progress slow and steady. A lamb stew is simmering in my crock pot. My health is incredibly good, just in time for baseball season to begin. I'm full of thanks and praise to God.

Have a beautiful day today.
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ETA -- My husband just came back from work and says our hill is the only one with snow. Strange how localized the weather can be.

On Children

Below is my favorite poem about children from "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran. I didn't understand it until my children were baptized ... there they are with their father (also newly baptized), their sponsors, the priest, the choir in the back, and all the faithful gathered at Easter vigil 2009.



And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said,

Speak to us of Children.

And he said:

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you, but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies, but not souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,

Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The Archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,

and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

for even as He loves the arrow that flies,

so He loves also the bow that is stable.

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Gifts

Two unexpected gifts arrived from two different friends. The Christmas blessings overflow. Of course, my kids get first dibs!

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I did get to peek inside Home is with our Family by Joyce Hansen and it is beautifully illustrated by E. B. Lewis. My knowledge of American history is very poor and what better way to learn than by reading gripping historical fiction? It's one of my favorite genres because it brings dry facts to life. This book is inspired by the history of Seneca Village.

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The other book that arrived in my mailbox was The Land Between: Finding God in Difficult Transitions by Jeff Manion. Last year was a tough year for us, the future uncertain. Fear can grip me at times. I'm learning to replace it with faith. This is a welcome book.

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My friend also recommended the book: If You Want to Walk on Water, You've to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. Don't you just love the title? I'll be picking that up too.

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I am so blessed to have my faith journey supported by friends who pray for me and find just the right books to sustain me. Thank you!

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