word of the day

en.nui (Fr. an nwe'), n. a feeling of weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom.

i ran across this word while i was reading aloud to the kids and since i did not know what it meant, actually, i did not even know how to say it, we looked it up in our trusty dictionary. so after reading the definition i asked the kids if they understood what it meant.

"you mean, like, 'i am feeling ennui about my schoolwork'?"

yeah. i think they get it.

slaying giants

the past 5 days have been mentally exhausting. i do not have the strength to put into words all the details, nor do i want to. but i will only post that the Lord is my Rock and he is at work. we have not reached the other side yet, but even in the midst, I see everyday gifts that God is pouring into our lives...

...a strong of sense of unity with mark

...a hug from C as he tells me thanks for helping him

...watching painful but productive lessons develop character in an emerging young man

...pride welling up in me as i consider the incredible courage and self-control C has shown during all of this

they're back!

the blue birds! the sun has been peeking out of our partly cloudly skies to begin the long awaited thaw. that's when i saw the flash of blue lighting upon the fence post. i got the binoculars to be sure, and there he was! time to do some spring cleaning in our bird houses!

everyday gift: welcome signs of spring

keepers of the faith

keepers of the faith is a girl's club that B belongs to. we get together monthly, moms and daughters, to learn all sorts of skills, to memorize scripture, serve others in our families and communities, and to share lots of giggles and fun. they met today to paint pottery and earn their ceramics badge. one of the moms opened up her studio/coffee shop for the girls, complete with mocha lattes for the moms and hot cocoa for the girls! it was a delightful afternoon.


i can't tell you how much i love these girls. they are each so incredible with hearts ready to learn, give, love, and grow! it has been such a joy to watch these friendships blossom.

everyday gift: an afternoon with the girls!

Embrace Me ~ by lisa samson

i was thrilled when i found lisa samson's new book, Embrace Me, the other day, hot off the press! but i must admit, my heart sank a little when the front cover had a definite circus thing going on. i recently read another circus-themed book, Water for Elephants by sara gruen, and reviewed it here. i was not crazy about that book. but knowing what a talented and powerful writer lisa samson is, i took her new book to the check out counter. i was not disappointed.

her characters immediately evoked a whole range of emotions: drew, the pastor and fraud, angered me with his greed for power, deceiving and using his congregation. valentine, the woman whose horribly burned face made me wince at the thought of looking at her scars when she removed her veil. and lella, a woman born with no arms and legs made me feel such pity, but also amazement at her positive and cheerful spirit. the friendship of those two women was very touching. as the story unfolds and the characters process some very hurtful and traumatic events, they travel full circle to a place of resolution and hope, but not without pain. without preaching, this book presents authentic Christianity: an individual's recognition of their own need of forgiveness and the realization that God is their only hope. through our healed relationship with God it is possible to reach out to others, extending forgiveness and reconciliation. our souls long to be embraced by a loving and forgiving God.

Embrace Me was a story of lives torn apart by the consequences of selfish and sinful choices, but also of healing, redemption, and forgiveness. what a contrast to Water for Elephants which puts on display the worst of human nature as a sort of sideshow without any hope or redemption.

my creek overflowth

sunday brought us a warm south wind. what a welcome breeze after the non-stop winter of the past three months. so B decided it was time for a spring walk. she packed a ham sandwich, some girl scout cookies, and her souvenir yellowstone canteen and set off for adventure.

what a fashion statement an explorer she is in her little knit t-shirt, mini-skirt, and winter boots.

everyday gifts: melting snow

book report

remember when you were in school and had to write a book report? one of the most important aspects of the book was the number of pages read. well, i am beginning to feel that way about the book i have been reading for the last few weeks. The Count of Monte Cristo by alexandre dumas. this book has a whopping 1,462. what was i thinking when i began this swashbuckling epic? well, after several weeks and 586 pages, i am setting it aside. now don't get me wrong, this is a fine piece of literature, excellent characters and intriguing plot twists, but when i find myself glancing at the top of the page to see how far i've read now and discover i have only advanced 3 pages, it is time for a break.

i know, i am a lightweight.