ink everywhere

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Shanda

I came out of my room this morning, wrapping myself up in my soft red robe. It was 6:20 and the schoolbus would be arriving within the next 15 minutes or so. I found Grace on the couch, finishing up her homework with her Madrigal dress next to her ready to take to school for a performance. “Did you eat anything yet?” I asked. “No.” I handed her an apple. Ethan needed me to write a check for a school skiing trip and I gave David a kiss on the cheek as he ate the rest of his breakfast. Very soon this peaceful moment would be over.

David recently found the TV series, “Top Shot” on Netflix and has been watching it every chance he gets. It has inspired him. In case you haven’t seen it, it’s a competition type show with a group of people trying to be “top shot”…they spend all their time shooting guns and arrows at targets. In every episode, someone has to leave the show so that eventually there is only ONE winner…..the TOP SHOT.

David won’t be watching it today.

David will be having a talk with Mom and Dad.

The upstairs was out of toilet paper. Sarah needed some. The bus still hadn’t arrived for the teenagers. After helping Sarah I went back downstairs just in time to find THICK, DARK BLUE, BALL POINT PEN INK shoot out of David’s hand. It could have been much much worse. He can thank his lucky stars that it miraculously DID NOT go on the leather couch or the rug. Instead, it was dribbled all over the floor and the kitchen island.

Acting quickly, while screeching, I grabbed paper towels. Those of you with experience will know that ink isn’t the most pleasant of liquids to clean up. Raw egg is bad…..ink is far worse. At first wipe, the ink drop will turn into a horrifying ink smear. Turning the paper towel to a white side and wiping yet again, it will then turn it into a lighter blue smear. And thus the action is repeated, to be finished up with a shake of BAR KEEPERS FRIEND, and a prayer offered up in gratitude that THAT ink drop came off the wooden floor/island. Then, off to clean up the next one.

My finger tips are still currently stained a pale, deathly blue.

“All that pen wanted was to be turned into a book.” said Grace, looking on from the door.

“If only David felt the same way.” I replied.

So, how did this happen? After many confusing moments and much questioning, I finally figured it out.

He’s been modifying pens.

To do this, he must take a perfectly good ball point pen and take it all apart, causing it to never more be useful as a pen. But wait! It will soon be even BETTER than a pen! For then, he wraps a rubber band with duck tape around the pen. It is now a shooting device.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm, What to shoot? THE INK CARTRIDGE that used to be inside the pen, of course! After all, it is thin and has a sharp point on the end, just like an ARROW!!!! Genius.

What David learned today was that the ink cartridge MAY explode as you shoot it!

“I’ll have to put glue on the end next time” I heard him say to himself as he helped clean up the ink.

“David I do not want you ruining any more of our pens!”

The bus came. The bus went. Goodbye E, Goodbye Grace, Goodbye David. Deep breath. Now it was time to get the elementary kids ready for THEIR bus.

I went downstairs to wake up the boys, amazed that they slept though the excitement. Seth did say he had heard me say something. “What did I say?” I asked expectantly. “You said, ‘I’m so sorry I did that.'” “THAT. is NOT what I said,” I replied. (and David didn’t say it, either) He must have been dreaming.

The “TOP SHOT” story isn’t over yet….because guess what I discovered downstairs? Uh oh.

Not wanting to jump to rash conclusions, I ran to my phone to text Ethan. “Ask David if he took a ceiling tile and turned it into a target.”

(after a minute or two)

“Yes. He did.”

“I don’t think we should let him watch Top Shot anymore.”

I also found the workings of a modified Nerf gun in progress on his dresser. The baggie to the left of the gun is filled with parts that used to be INSIDE the gun.

This is what the inside of our kitchen trash currently looks like.

My child is a creative, busy, bright, single minded, scientist-type and I’m forever being impressed, delighted, and amused over his endless projects and interests.

But he still has to learn his limits.

what family means to me

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Shanda

Once again, never to be taken for granted, Rich and I and all seven of the children were together in our warm and cozy living room — to decorate our Christmas tree, purchased in town at the Fire Department for 30 dollars.

It was delightful chaos. Talking, bossing, laughing, non stop movement to and from the tree to the ornament boxes which were all along the couch.

Seven times we experienced the miracle of birth, births of our own flesh and blood, baby girls and boys from a man and woman whom God joined together as one. As the children grow and develop into their own individual selves, we are all the more thankful for each and every moment with them. They teach us so much, they remind us of what we have forgotten–that life is an adventure from sun up to sun down. Very little worries, seldom any cares, only exciting things to look forward to and absolute trust that Mom and Dad will love and nurture them.

From the oldest to the youngest, we are their Parents until death do us part. To support, guide, enjoy, and yes…even step away (but never too far away) in order to give space for them to make their own decisions in life. They will become stronger and independent, knowing that we are there to cheer them on their journey of living.

Firstborn Jacob’s 19th birthday is the last day of the month.

While the youngest, Sarah, is only five and a half.

Each child is a gift, so unique, so amazingly precious to me and to their Dad.

They have brought so much gladness and light into our lives.

As their Mother, their pains are my pains, their joys are my joys. Their love is my love. One of the most romantic things I have witnessed occurred last night and oh, last week at this time I would have never dreamed that my darling daughter would very soon have a loving, Christian boy humbly ask and receive the blessing of her very protective Dad to get to know her……….and my heart gives grateful praise even as I sneak upstairs to read their text messages after she goes to school. *sigh* soooooo sweet

taking off the hats

discussing the hat with Ethan the 17 year old.

still discussing the hat

I gave the hat back.

MERRY MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS

the boys

Posted on November 28, 2015 by Shanda

had their hair cut today.

thirteen

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Shanda

Isn’t it beautiful to celebrate every child, each special, unique life?

To give birth to a son and watch him grow each and every day.

How thankful I am to have my son David in my life. Thirteen years ago, on an early fall, sunshiny day, he was born.

I experienced the miracle of new life…my third baby boy. I savored every minute of those baby days.

This morning I woke up at 7:30 and there was already a party going on. Dave had a friend spend the night and they were chasing each other around the house with toy weapons.

After church we had a big cheese pizza, a salad made with radishes, tomatoes, mushrooms, and Italian dressing, and fried chicken. He played the piano while we cleared the table and turned on the Sunday afternoon football game.

The many sounds of “home”.

Isn’t it a marvel how God makes a family? To put a husband and wife together, giving them children to raise? Each life has a purpose, each life is a gift.

Thirteen is the age of rapid growing, the beginnings of manhood. Long legs and arms, his voice cracking and deepening. But still so much the child remains.

Some of David’s quotable quotes:

“I really don’t like j’s. Why can’t they all just be g’s?”

***

“is it Monet or Monae?”

“It’s Monet.”

“YES!! I love silent t’s.”

***

“I feel like I just had a genius idea. But I forgot what it was.”

***

“I dreamt that I was grown up and I was skydiving……I was probably smiling in my sleep. And then Santa skydived.”

***

“There is not a SINGLE movie where love isn’t involved.”

“Love is a wonderful thing, Dave.”

“NOT when it keeps happening.”

Home is where we wrap the presents, secretly in the other room, at the last minute.

Letting little sister help.

Leaving them in a stack for the birthday boy to find.

Home is an empty couch filled with pillows one minute, full of boys the next.

Home is the sound of guesses, ripping wrapping paper, and surprises.

Shamrock fiesta mugs and nerf guns.

batman and superman

The wonder of a tiny microscope, books, legos, and a 2 dollar bill.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to spend this!”

“Why did you put tape?…….oh” … “Did you really put tape over every time it says that in the book? I bet you forgot at least one.”

Home is cherishing every moment.

And eating cheesecake.

It might even be homemade (it’s not).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID LLOYD, you are a wonderful son. I love you so much.

news!news!news!

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Shanda

The news is this: Ethan passed his drivers license test last Wednesday!

On Friday we picked him up early from school to get it from the DMV.

As usual, it took a very long time for our number to be called.

It was way past lunchtime and we were all so hungry. This is a picture of Ethan after they called his name out to receive his license to drive.

To the right you see his Dad’s hand asking to hold it and see it.

He noticed me taking pictures with my phone and gave me an unappreciative but semi-amused look.

Proud Dad and oblivious brother.

Congratulations, my son.

a lovely family, part 2

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Shanda

Sarah went to school today so I was left alone again, back to those sad weird feelings of motherhood with nobody around because they are all at school. I left a note for Jacob and headed out. I had a doctor’s appointment at 10 so I went to the Bookstore until it was time and then after the appointment I had my oil changed and light replaced in my car. Then to Kohl’s to use my Kohl’s cash. I bought a Scarlet fiesta mug for 2.77. After that I went to Target to fill a prescription and use my coupons. I had Chickfila drive through for lunch and came home and watched part of a movie.

It’s actually raining!!!!!!! Soooooo happy. (Grace and I love to say that just like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday).

David came home from school and threw a pink paper at me that has the schedule for open house tonight. It’s not something I’m looking forward to, but I’m going to do it because it’s my motherly duty. As an introvert, it is not fun for me to go to any school functions whatsoever.

David said that he told the assistant principal today about the girl who has been bullying him for almost 2 years. She’s been calling him a terrorist because he sometimes wears a black hooded zip up jacket. She is now accompanying her remarks with stabbing him in the neck with a pencil. Hmmmmm, wonder who the little terrorist is??? Dave wasn’t planning on this being the day he told someone about his woes with the girl, but as he was called down to the office he began to stare at a paper that said, “Have a problem? We will help you.” The assistant principal was meeting with all the students one by one to ask how they were enjoying seventh grade so far and noticed David’s fascination with the paper offering help, so she conscientiously talked to him.

“She said she was going to talk to the girl.” Dave told me. “I just hope when the girl finds out she doesn’t scream at me.”

“You do hate loud noises,” I agreed.

“Especially when they come from girls.” he said.

***

So after the family picnic Rich and I went to the mall with the kids. It was the very mall we went to all through our growing up years, teenage years, and early marriage and parenthood years. I hadn’t been there in a long time and the thing that struck me the most was the smell of cinnabons. It took me right back. Sarah had two dollars so I took her to the Hallmark store with Grace while the boys went off on their own. While we looked at the things Sarah said, “I need to go the bathroom!!” And when Sarah says she needs to go to the bathroom, you better listen…..so I grabbed her hand and took off running for JC Penny with Grace close behind. As we ran past the Verizon store, we saw James and Janice and the boys. (our dear dear friends) I couldn’t stop so Grace stayed behind and I called, “We’ll be right back!”

Eventually we all decided to eat at Ruby Tuesdays together and it was such fun, such a nice gift, especially since that very morning I had told Rich that I was thinking about Janice a lot.

Sunday morning we had a very lazy morning. Rich took the kids to breakfast and then to the pool. I had a hard time getting out of bed.

See the photo above Dave’s bed? That’s the building my Mom works in every day.

I asked the hotel if they had any copies of the picture but they didn’t. I would have loved one for my house.

Jacob was snoring so loud I asked E, “Doesn’t that bother you?” but he said “no”.

I met Rich and the kids downstairs and they said, “Didn’t you notice that this is fiestaware?” to me. And I hadn’t!

The hotel had cereal bowls, luncheon plates, and mugs, all in white.

Rich threatened to drive us all home that morning so I pushed aside my exhaustion and said that he just needed fresh air and exercise. So we went to the bookstore where Dave found some things that he would like for his birthday.

Jacob and Ethan went to my parent’s house. It was such a thrill for them to drive there all on their own, for the first time.

And the rest of us went to the park.

Grace did some sketching.

Rich and I rested on a blanket while the kids played on the big playground.

They threw things at a squirrel way up in a tree, and made up games with other children…….

Gracie

Grace took this one of the treetop.

After his nap, Rich went for a long run and then he felt much better about things. This is a man who needs to move around.

When he came back I was still in the same place. 🙂

Then I asked him if he would please please take me to Boscov’s and he agreed. This was another store that I remember my mom taking me to when I was a little girl. I just love going back home, we both do (Rich is from the same place).

I bought an egg plate what was on clearance, some silicone trivets, two bowls in lapis blue, and a poppy java mug.

AND THEN….we went to Humdingers ice cream for cones and slushies.

I had this ice cream sundae.

We got up early Monday morning and left for home. It was a very nice weekend even if Sarah did get sick that very night and was sick for the next two days, poor thing. She’s better now and will be getting home from school soon, along with Caleb and Seth. I have to leave in an hour and a half to take the boys to practice, pick up Grace, and go to the Middle school open house.

Jacob’s first car, Jacob’s first day of college

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Shanda

It’s going to take me a little while to get used to this.

Will I ever get used to it? Please tell me I will.

On this very morning, the last day of August, Jacob and I went to the car dealership to finalize the purchase of his very first car.

I sat in my vehicle as he pulled away, with a police car following him (it just so happened).

I felt extremely nervous for him, the same kind of nervousness I feel at every major event, and full of adrenaline…I know in my logical brain that all is well and that this day is not as shattering as I feel that it is. But there is a disconnect between my head and my heart. Or is it a battle– a battle that my heart ALWAYS wins in these situations?

I watched him drive away, slowly and carefully, with a police car right behind him and several more cars, too. They were all probably wishing he would go a little faster but it was his first drive in his own car. (other than the test drive)

He was on his way to his first day of college. English class started at 11 in the morning.

I went next door to the grocery store and picked up groceries feeling completely alone, with heart palpitations, shaky hands, and burning eyes. Thank goodness for Rich, who was texting me that he loved me and everything was going to be okay. I saw young moms with their small children in the carts and I couldn’t stand it……I wanted one or two of mine back……but then, think of all the many times I went grocery shopping wishing I could concentrate and just get it done without the little voices asking me for everything they saw or little feet trying to run away from me in the parking lot?

A few times I caught myself talking to myself out loud in the store.

I kept wondering if Jacob was getting into an accident. I know it sounds terrible, but he is a new driver and the roads can be so busy…he has to drive the highway every day, he has to merge and change lanes and …… (!!)……

There was nothing to be done but go on my merry way, trusting my Jesus, but feeling a little bit lost just the same.

I came home and put the groceries away, let out the chickens, changed into shorts, made salisbury steak in the crock pot.

I finished my book and ate Cinnamon Bun Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. I had to! It was therapy — and it was delicious.

I finished up my Bible reading for the day. I love the book of Job. I’m also reading 2 Corinthians. There were two verses that “jumped out” at me today (you know what I mean?)

“As God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving and God will receive more and more glory.” 2 Cor. 4:15 (*more and more* I love that!)

“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” 2 Cor. 5:7 (what an unusual way to live, a way that works only by the “magic” and power of God Himself, through faith and constant communication with Him. I love how life in Jesus is so strange and wonderful. Think about it, there are probably angels all around me, my family, your family at this very moment, and I know for a fact that God Himself is always always near!).

Jacob texted me at 12:15 to let me know that he had made it to school and had his first class. I was so relieved. His day is done at 2 (right about now!) and I will wait like Forrest Gump at the end of the movie until he pulls into the driveway. I can’t wait to hear all about it.

I am proud of myself because I didn’t let on one bit to Jacob that I was nervous for him. I didn’t want to be anything but supportive. So don’t tell, ‘k?

Having conversations with no one at the grocery store AND the blog today….I’m getting scared now. LOL

2011 VW Jetta TDI and my grown up son…

Simply trusting every day;
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting Him, whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way be clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth is past,
Till His gracious advent call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Edgar Page Stites

finding

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Shanda

And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13

They didn’t know I was taking a picture with my phone.

Dave could not find his shoes and had to wear his Dad’s big white size 13s into the store.

We stopped at Barnes and Noble at about 7:30, on our long-long drive home from Georgia.

Rich and I lined them up on the curb so we could give instructions and information to everyone at once, rather than 6 times (forgetting the seventh, which is typical–SOMEONE gets missed!oops).

The instructions were: 1. Everyone needed to use the bathroom. 2. Everyone may pick out something to read.

The news was: 1. We were driving all the way home without stopping at a hotel to sleep.

We arrived home early this morning at 4:30.

My favorite memory of traveling was at about 2 in the morning when they had taken little naps, gotten over the grumps, and had a second wind of cheer. Singing to the radio, telling funny stories to classical music, watching a video. At 2 a.m.!! Such good little travelers.

Rich singing every hymn he could think of to himself while flying down the highway in the fast lane……me half enjoying it and half plugging my ears so I could concentrate on my new cheap paperback. Hanging on and whispering prayers.

Rich, by the grace of God, is raising up some good young men. This is our Ethan. He loves Jesus, being active, sports. He doesn’t talk much. He can dance some cool moves. He is confident, respectful, honest, and doesn’t take any slack from his younger siblings. My favorite memories of Ethan from vacation are 1. When he pulled himself up over a high wall to retrieve the volleyball we had hit way out of bounds. and 2. When he walked out of McDonalds holding Seth’s hand on one side and Sarah’s on the other. Be still my heart.

My mom loved vacationing with all of her children and grandchildren, but she was itching to get back to her garden.

I’m just like her. My garden is much smaller but the first thing I did today after I woke up at 11am was go outside with my cup of coffee.

I knew where to find some treasures. Some were obvious, like the bright red tomatoes. But others, like the cucumbers and green beans, were hidden and had to be searched out.

For brunch I made a quiche.

chopped bacon fried with a section of minced onion and one green pepper

added to 8 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk

2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar

1/4 tsp pepper, a few nice healthy grinds of salt from salt-grinder

all leaves from the two beets I harvested (can substitute 3 cups chopped lightly packed fresh spinach)

fresh basil, chopped (about 1/3 cup)

about 1/3 cup tomato

Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until set.

I served it with the rest of the garden tomato, mixed with salt, olive oil, onion, and basil.

***

I almost shrieked when Tessa told me school started this Thursday. I thought I had one more solid week with the children. My heart aches because Sarah Joy is going off for her first day of Kindergarten. Mothers understand what I mean….I’m happy for her, I know she’s ready, but as a mom I feel that small sad-like feeling of letting go. Rich read Seth and Sarah letters from their teachers, which were in the mailbox when we got home from vacation. Their little faces were seriously listening to every word. They have homework to do, and a meet and greet on Wednesday. I don’t quite feel ready, but I’m thankful for this journey with my children and that little by little they grow up, not all at once. Thankful for Jesus and for my husband making it easier.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

“I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.” Proverbs 8:17

gifts-peace-love-seeking and finding the greatest treasure–HIM

two very important sentences

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Shanda

We are leaving on Friday to go on a nine day vacation.

I am busy organizing, packing 72 complete outfits in 72 large ziplock bags, and preparing food. The house is in an uproar.

Three children had dentist appointments this morning.

Also, Jacob took his driver’s test today.

While I was waiting for him to be done (there were three kids ahead of him) I nervously drove to Goodwill and found……six sage green fiesta teacups…..making me even more excited with life in general!

Naturally when we got home I took a couple of pictures.

Sage is a brand-new fiesta color. Why anyone would want to donate Sage fiestaware is beyond me.

My guess is that they came in boxed place settings and maybe the person decided they would never use them, so they gave the teacups to Goodwill and kept everything else?

Regardless, it will be a pleasure to use them and they look so pretty on the shelf.

And he passed with a perfect score.

we had a situation

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Shanda

It all began on Saturday. Rich and I drove in separate vehicles to the church to pick up a whole bunch of kids and their luggage from a week of camp. After he greeted me and gave me a hug, Jacob told me that he and the older kids were going to get Chinese food with their friend Michael on the way home, so I gave him thirty dollars. Rich left with his group of kids and I left with Seth and Sarah, not really knowing who was riding with Rich or Michael. It was past lunchtime and we were all very hungry. I stopped at McDonald’s with my two kids, but Rich drove straight home with his.

I pulled into the driveway at home, went in the house, and discovered Ethan all distraught. “There wasn’t anything to eat”. I had assumed that he was part of the group going to the Chinese buffet. He loved Chinese food but missed out because somehow he wasn’t told the plan. I made him some elbow noodles and meat sauce but it just wasn’t the same. He missed out on Chinese food and was never going to get over it. “Oh E, I’ll take you to Chinese, just the two of us.” I was willing to say anything to encourage him, but I didn’t mean that I would take him anytime soon. Just that I would take him….eventually.

Soon everyone was fed and Chinese food was forgotten.

Or so I thought.

Yesterday, as typical on summer Mondays, I took Grace, Dave, Caleb, Seth, and Sarah to the movies, leaving Michael and the teenagers at home. I had a lot to do so I left Grace with the little kids at the theater while I shopped at Target. After the movie we stopped at Costco. By the time we arrived home the whole back of my SUV was full of bags and food and I was tired.

I discovered all the teens sleeping on the couches in the living room but I took no pity on them and woke them up so they could unload the groceries.

To my surprise, they happily woke up because they said “We are going to the mall and getting Chinese food for lunch.”

“Oh no, you’re not! I just gave you thirty dollars on Saturday! And I just bought a bunch of food while I was out that you can have for lunch.”

They wouldn’t hear of it. We went back and forth with our debate and meanwhile I was disappointed to come to the realization that my children are spoiled rotten.

Ethan especially wanted the Chinese food. “Mom, you said I could go!” He was still feeling left out from Saturday but the truth is, I never said WHEN he could go and I never said I would foot the bill for anyone else but Ethan. I wasn’t about to give them anymore money.

Jacob put his shoes on and got his wallet. He had money saved that he was supposed to be using for college. “I’m going. I’ll just pay for it with my savings.”

“Oh no, you’re not!”

The other point I made was that next week we would be leaving for family vacation and eating out all the time. So in the meantime we were going to “stay home and be satisfied with common foods like peanut butter sandwiches.”

They hated peanut butter sandwiches. They won’t eat them.

Yet another point was “Jacob, you needed me to take you to college tomorrow, I don’t want you going to go to the city two days in a row. You’re exhausted from camp and need to rest.”

But they still wouldn’t yield.

It was then that I knew I wasn’t dealing with spoiled rotten teens. I was dealing with over-tired, HUNGRY teens who had the stubbornness of both their mother and their father.

So I called Rich at work. We had a parenting situation that needed both Mom and Dad to solve. He promised to call right back when he had a minute to spare.

We were all in the living room: Michael (who was to drive them to the mall and didn’t care either way, but did want to buy sandals), Ethan (lying on his back with his arm dramatically over his forehead), Emily (who was using her Starbucks gift card in the debates) and Jacob (on the verge of tears).

Rich returned my call. I put him on speaker and placed the phone next to me on the arm of the couch. He received an earful as everyone stated their case. Being the wise and sensible man he was, he quickly decided in my favor.

“Your mom is right. I want you children to stay home and rest today. Jacob, if you don’t toughen up I’ll give you something to do to toughen you up. Ethan, I want you to get in the kitchen and find something you DO want to eat, and make enough for everyone.

“Now, I really have to go. I want to finish things up here at work so I can take a break and go eat Chinese food for lunch.”

(evil laughter from Mike and the parents)

Well, well, well. I had “won” the great Chinese food debate against my teenagers. I was feeling victorious but also sort of mean…..I love giving them anything they want….so when I DO have to put my foot down, I feel bad. (yes, I am a feeler, it’s a blessing and a curse). The poor children would have to forgo Chinese food, although we did have chicken patties in the freezer that they could shake soy sauce on. This idea of mine was not met with approval, however.

I took my phone off the arm of the couch and just as I began to get up to put away the groceries Mike said, “The Schwan’s truck is here.” He could see it pull in the driveway through the window.

Instantly, I started to scream because I knew they sold delicious Chinese food meal kits. “Oh my word!!! I cannot believe this!! This is all the Lord’s doing. You better get down on your knees and humble yourselves in gratitude!”

I opened the door to greet the man. He never had such a warm welcome. I turned to make sure the kids were with me to order their beloved Chinese foods from the catalog and saw Ethan kneeling in the kitchen with his arms raised to Jesus in grateful praise.

We had chicken lo mien and shrimp rolls for lunch.