Friday: hmm

Hmm.  I had something profound to say...but I can't remember it now. :p

We went over to Betsy's house.  Isaac and Ethan had a good time playing...and there were only a few tears.  I'm still not sure what the tears were about, but the dog barked which made Isaac laugh and then everything was ok again.  I had a wonderful time too...it is nice to be with other people and makes the day go by so much faster.

I was going to put up our winter lights today but then they were completely dead.  How??  They were working when I took them down at the end of the winter.  It frustrates me.

Thursday: life lesson

Don't start a routine in which your young child gets a few minutes of Ipad time first thing in the morning.  They may wake up at 5am and then scream for a bit because they think it's Ipad time when it's really sleeping time.

Wednesday: trying things

This morning we tried a new activity: can we put all the Duplos on the Duplo table?  I find it an interesting question, especially since you can't attach Duplos to some Duplos (i.e., they have to go on top) and there is a toddler.  I also started a time lapse video, but the angle was poor so I won't be showing it.

We didn't get all the Duplos on before lunch time and the youngest members of the activity were done with it.  However, Joshua did better than I was expecting, only taking a few off.  Once we got some windows on he played with those pretty well.  Isaac didn't put a lot on, but did bring a lot over.

There was a lovely rain storm this afternoon followed by an incredible rainbow.  We could see both legs and half of a second rainbow.  And the primary rainbow was so bright!  I don't think I've ever seen such a bright one before.  Ben managed to see the whole arc...lucky him.

We also tried hamburger enchilada with chicken.  It wasn't as good.  Not bad, but not as good.

Tuesday: refugees

I am sad that the governor of Michigan is one of the governors that wants to refuse Syrian refugees into the state (legality aside).  I was especially sad he was one of the first.

Is the possibility of terrorism scary?  Yes, defiantly.  Does that mean we should refuse to help those in need?  Absolutely not.

The thought of my friends or family, especially my children, being hurt in violence is terrifying.  But God says not to fear.  He says it over and over and over again.  Jesus shows kindness to the poor and needy over and over again.

We need to welcome the refugees.

Monday: a prayer fufilled

Isaac: I wish Dad could come home early.  [Note, it was about 10am].
Amanda: yeah, me too.
Isaac: Can we pray about it?
Amanda, surprised but happy: sure.  Do you want to pray or shall I?
Isaac: you
Amanda: Dear God, please let Dad come home early.  Please let him finish his work really, really, really fast. Amen.
Isaac: Amen.

Imagine my surprise when Ben pulled into the driveway at 3:30 this afternoon.  I shouldn't be surprised, I guess.  He hadn't finished his work, but Isaac's part of the prayer was still answered; the server Ben needed crashed and he was unable to work for the afternoon.

Sunday: puppy

Isaac thinks he's a puppy.

We say his name, for whatever reason and he says he's puppy Isaac.  This happens many, many times a day.  You'd think Ben and I could remember by now.

He crawls around on all fours on a regular basis.

He barks, although not that often.

He refers to puppy Isaac in the third person all the time.  "Puppy Isaac would like some water."

I forgot to mention it to Aunt C when she was babysitting.  Not to fear though...Puppy Isaac told her what was going on.  Probably several times from the sound of it.

It's a bit of an annoying stage, but not too bad.  Possibly more annoying for puppy Isaac since we can't remember he's a puppy.

Friday: Christmas presents

I'm reading a book about justice.  (Our church recommends a book each year, this year this is the book.)  Last night the reading was on being content with what you have.

This comes at such an interesting time, since it has been "making Christmas list" week.  As always, I feel like I already have plenty.  I can find some things for my list, but so much of that just things that would be fun.  Don't get me wrong - fun is good.  Fun items give people jobs.

Yet every year I always wonder what would happen if I only put donation items on my list.  I always feel like I would be a disappointment to people trying to buy for me, because choosing a charity wouldn't be as fun.  As I think about it though, I wonder why I should care.  As I think it through, I wonder if I would enjoy Christmas as much without tangible gifts.

So this is my possible notice to everyone.  Next year I might finally do it.  ...or I might not.  I have a year in which to think about it.