One week ago...

One week ago...

• the house was really clean


• I spent hours exploring a fabric store


• I said my goodnight prayers outloud


• I laughed in the kitchen


• there were attempts to sew


• combining fields was the choice entertainment


• I said goodbye to Alesis.

Yes, of course we miss her talent and fine skills- but mostly I miss her. Who she is and what she aims to do and be. She is a good friend. I am forgetful and busy. But despite my imperfections, my friend, Ms. Perfectionsist, is wonderful to me.

Our family is truly honored having been blessed by your presence. We love you Alesis!

Korea

Yes, the rumor is true: I am headed to Korea at the end of July to teach English for several weeks. I am excited about this opportunity; every expense is paid for, and the doors slooowly opended for me to fly across the world. Praise God!

Farmer's Market

I thought market days were exclusive to countries other than the United States. In other parts of the world, "market day" is an all-important day when the poor and the wealthy go and buy everything they will need for the week. In Kenya, it was my favorite day of the week. People are everywhere, there are colorful vegetables, trinkets, trash, and of course, those of us who are always searching for an exciting bargain. Little did I realize that every Tuesday I would take our fresh produce that was carefully grown with love, to the farmer's market in Tulsa. It was fun watching all the vendors, and ultra ritzy, natural granolas come and buy my treasures. Across the way from our booth is an eccentric man who sells "baked eccentricites", arugula pesto, yummy carrot-date bread, and sways to the music that was played by a local musician. All this made me smile today. Although no one bought my beautiful bundles of decorative wheat, they loved the tomatoes, green beans, and squash. Market days are eventful and transports me to another world. A greener world where everyone carries reusable bags, rides bikes, and refuses paper and plastic.

Mommy for the Weekend

It is every little girls dream: to take care of little girls for 5 days. The days are filled with playing, shopping, riding the train at the zoo.... Could there be anything better?

Madalyn, Emily, & Anna, riding the train at Tulsa Zoo

After experiencing it this weekend, here is my answer to that question: a long nap and for mom to come back home.

"Hey, Hey, But... I MISSSSS MOMMMMMMYYYY!"

As I tryed to get two little sleepy heads to go to sleep last night, I heard that phrase more than there are weeds in our corn field. "It's o.k. Maddy- mom will put you to bed tomorrow night...." Anna pulled at her bottom lip and clung to her favorite pink blanket. When it came time to sing and turn out the light, we encountered a few character development opportunities. After the zoo, I realized that my character needed some development too.

Anna did NOT want the light out, but Madalyn DID. I asked Maddy to hop up and turn off the light, which she usually does joyfully. Getting off my lap wasn't so hard, but it took a LONG fifteen minutes of going through every body part that hurt and that she couldn't walk, and that she could'nt go a few steps to turn of the light. A simple task turned into a stubborn rebellion with many tears.

Trust me, there is more to life than riding the train at the zoo.

We are all very happy that mom had a nice break and a lovely time with Elisa in TN. But we are even more happy that she is coming home. I am not going to wait until next Mother's Day to tell her how much I appreciate her and thank her for all the things she does.

I LOVE YOU MOM.

busy day

making a splash

making bread

Yesterday was a busy day. After hoeing the entire field of corn, we (Luke, Andrew, Alesis, Sandra, and Myself) decided to make bread. Mmm.. While letting the bread rise, we went on a long bike ride. We put the beautiful bread in the oven and then jumped into the pond. yipee!