We had a busy day on Thursday. School and cleaning in the morning (the kids did school, I did the cleaning). Around lunch time we went and picked up some friends who had their car in the shop. The kids were thrilled to have playmates come over in the middle of the day. Sarah and Elise dressed up in the wonderful animal costumes.

We enjoyed lunch together and some visiting. Sarah and Elise have a sweet friendship. Fun to watch four year olds enjoy each other. What do you think they whisper?

Later in the afternoon Tim’s parents came by with an offer to see Charlotte’s Web at the theater. They took the children while I dropped our friends back at home. I met up with the group and was tickled to see we had the entire theater to ourselves. “David,” I quickly exclaimed, “we rented the whole place out for your birthday!” What a fun treat!! We sat in one big row and thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

I enjoyed the slow, easy pace of Charlotte’s Web. It reminded me of movies from a gentler time. Lol! There was lots of humor which had us all laughing. Tim met us afterwards and swooped off the children to go buy presents for David’s birthday. David and I went home and fixed dinner. We were delighted to have Tim’s parents come over and join us for dinner.

I had a meeting in the evening so Joshua made the cupcakes for David’s co-op class. How fun to have his birthday fall on a co-op Friday. Joshua was a tremendous help and worked on decorating the house. Rachel made a sign for the stairs and Joshua put up streamers. I fixed a cherry French toast casserole for breakfast. It was a mixture of cobbler (had an oatmeal, crumb topping) and French Toast casserole (egg, milk and cubed bread). Looked very promising.

Friday we will say Happy Birthday to David!!

Kathy

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This is my blog from Sunday. I couldn’t post it because the link I was pointing too wasn’t ready (trouble loading pictures). Better late than never .

On Sunday there was a benefit concert for The Refuge (Olympic Mountain Retreat and Conference Center) by pianist, Diana Walker. The children were asked to help – Daniel and David handed out bulletins and Sarah and Rachel presented Mrs. Walker with flowers after her beautiful performance of Beethoven’s Sonatas.

Of course, the true treat of the day was the delectable feast Tim’s mother (and a few friends) put on for the reception. You can see the children are barely containing themselves.

Are they praying or preying??

Please, may we have some MORE!!

It really was a beautiful concert ending in a delicious collection of desserts. It has been almost two years since I went off sugar and this feast about sent me diving off the deep end, into a plate (or two or three or four) of chocolate. Yum! This picture is still incomplete – there are 3 or 4 more dishes that have yet to be added. I counted 34 platters full of scrumptious sweet somethings by the time the reception began. True sugary heaven!

Tim managed to get a sweet picture of the children sitting outside the chapel. Joshua was off at a middle school retreat so he’s missing from the Cute Kids in Red picture.

You can read the blog by Tim’s folks (they are the builders/directors of the retreat center) for more information and pictures about The Refuge. www.olympicrefuge.org

Kathy
P.S. Thursday’s blog will have to wait for another day. I’ve run out of computer time for the evening.

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The other day my 5 year old (6 on Friday) asked why the movie we were watching was so “romantic.” I think it was Calamity Jane (known for it’s high romance) and the main characters were sharing a kiss. Thankfully Tim jumped in with an answer about how God loves us so much and the greatest thing He gives us is His love. He told David that God created us to love Him and care about love. One way we learn about God and His love for us is by loving other people. Love is so important to the Lord that He lets us participate in it as well.

David is VERY eager to open presents!

David seemed to accept this and we finished the movie. As I thought about this Valentine’s Day blog I reflected on romance, love and the greatest gift of ever – Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us on the cross. Not exactly the stuff of flowers and candy but how much more life-changing.

Sarah sits amidst presents and school books.

Tim and I have stolen a Valentine’s Day tradition from my parents. When I was growing up my dad would always give a card and gifts to the girls in the family and my mom would buy treats for the boys. I loved being included in the holiday. My dad made me feel special, like his sweetheart. I was tickled to share the day with my mom.

A table full of gifts!

Today we had a Valentine’s Day lunch. After the meal Tim and I gave presents to the children. It was fun. Of course, I wish I was more organized. I didn’t have cards for any of the children. I bought the boys gifts at Walgreens (while they were waiting in the car no less – I managed to hide them). I didn’t have anything fancy for lunch or breakfast. Wednesdays are busy (that’s my excuse) but then life is busy. We did have pink pancakes for supper but they weren’t heart shaped (like Emily’s in FL – awesome Valentine’s Day breakfast, Em, and lovely decorations).

Sarah learns early on that the small boxes are often the most valuable.

I don’t know. Life seems to be full of small moments that add up to a large tapestry of memories. The big holidays are just one of the many threads. In some ways our Valentine’s Day celebrations probably won’t be so powerful in our children’s minds because Tim and I are both ‘present buying people’ (if there is such a thing). We celebrate Bonus Day and Special Birthdays and Traveling Day (treats for the backpacks when we fly), Back to School Day and so on. When I buy curriculum I usually add in a present or two for the children. Nothing extravagant – just little things here and there – but it does possibly detract from grander celebrations.

Joshua is laughing because we forgot to take his picture and this one is “staged.” Get working on that math, young man!

It has been endearing to see the children develop the spiritual gift of generosity themselves. They love to give presents and think quickly of how they can bless others. At Christmas they bought for each other and friends far and wide. David’s birthday is on Friday and the other children are worried since they haven’t had the chance to go shopping for him yet.

A flashlight and chocolates, does it get any better than that?

This evening, instead of a romantic dinner for two (or even a fun family dinner for seven), Tim and Rachel went to church to serve a meal to the Prime Timers (seniors). I stopped by and was able to see the 5th and 6th graders in action. It was lovely watching the older and younger generations mingle. I’m not sure who was serving whom and just who was really doing the ‘ministering’ this evening but it was a beautiful picture of another type of Valentine’s Day love.

Pink Indian Girl

Tim’s parents came by earlier this week with a bag full of Valentine’s Day presents. The kids were thrilled with their bag of goodies. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa, you spoil us!

It was a lovely Valentine’s Day. Maybe next year I’ll have those cards ready and a special dinner all prepared.

Or maybe not.

Either way I am thankful that the Lord has brought Tim and these beautiful children into my life to teach me about love. And I am eternally grateful for His love.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Kathy

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