Joyful July

It's been a good and relaxing month.  The kids enjoyed a week of online VBS; a couple of pool outings; a socially distanced picnic and hike with friends; lots of popsicles, Lego, and library books; and much less screen time than during the school year (actually, the kids might not list that last item as a highlight but I sure do!).  We've also had some overnight visits with fully vaccinated grandparents and Graham and I were fully vaccinated on July 11th.  A number of teeth have also been lost - thankfully from the 10-year-old and 7-year-old.

After returning home from the library

Online VBS

The highlight was our surprise trip to Raybeth, which is Graham's parents' former property that they sold a couple of years ago to friends.  The family built a lovely home on the property.  They went camping and the Faulkners were invited to stay.  We were there for two nights and had such a lovely time.  We arrived and there was a full candy dispenser awaiting us.  There was also a trampoline, a slingshot, a raft and tractor inner tube for the pond, hammocks, a window over our bed to see the stars, s'mores on the fire, good books to read, and a keyboard that the kids loved to play.  I think those were the important items according to the kids.  The adults were also very happy to have indoor plumbing and hot showers!

We have been back at our church building the last two weeks and it is nice to be back.  The kids are able to go to their classes.  Sundays are running more smoothly.  We look forward to being there tomorrow.

I just saw a skunk outside my front window on our lawn for the first  time.  I hope it's not a regular visitor as I have been known to arrive home late from the grocery store.

I just remembered something that I want to get in writing.  Isaac and Kohen agreed that their long rat tails would become very short for the start of school in September.  I didn't even need to persuade them but in case they happen to forget, I'll be able to show them this.

Isaac received his results from his Level 4 piano exam that he did at the end of June.  It was an online exam and he did very well.  He's working on his Level 5 now.  Lily-Anna is looking forward to starting in September.  It will be a little busy with three kids in piano but I am so thankful that they are able to take lessons.

I've also been having fun in the kitchen including making flat breads and shawarma, chicken satay, Vietnamese Rice Rolls, and a Rice and Bean Bowl with Corn and Avocado Crema which surprisingly everyone liked, a rare feat in this house for a new menu item.  Isaac, Kohen and Lily-Anna also followed a recipe to make delicious Monkey Bread.

We celebrated the anniversary of Josiah's passing with our first restaurant trip in a long time.  We went out for breakfast.  We later visited his grave with flowers.  

I also played RISK for the first and second time this month.  At first I thought it was quite the motherly sacrifice as I was ready to be finished by the time we had finally set up the board and discussed the rules.  However, I'm afraid it grew on me quickly and I didn't mind playing again.  Actually, we also picked up the game Backgammon this month and Isaac and I have both really enjoyed playing it.

Speaking of sacrifices, I have taught my children that it they see a pomegranate in the house, it means that I love them.  They know I always love them but the pomegranate is the physical example because I would never choose to buy and wack out those seeds if it were not for my children.  

Lily-Anna and I were talking about Adam and Eve and Lily-Anna said, "Eve would have had to do a lot of work with her baby because they didn't have baby toys back then."  She also asked, "If they hadn't sinned, would we not sin now?"  

Lily-Anna likes to tell us that it is the birthday of one of her stuffed animals or her imaginary friend/brother Jimmy.  A few times we've had cake to help celebrate and she will even wrap up "presents".  The other day she wanted Jimmy to open the presents before she had her bath so she said, "First can we wrap out the presents?"

Gifts for Jimmy

It's definitely passed my bedtime so I'll say goodnight and hope to add photos later.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Jeremiah 9:23-24

This is what the Lord says:

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom

    or the strong boast of their strength

    or the rich boast of their riches,

but let the one who boasts boast about this:

    that they have the understanding to know me,

that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,

    justice and righteousness on earth,

    for in these I delight,”

declares the Lord.