Waiting

What are you waiting for? Is your birthday just around the corner or a much anticipated vacation only a day or two away? Are you waiting to hear about a job interview or a promised raise in salary? Could you be waiting for a doctor's call to tell you the results of a recent medical test or news about a run away pet or worse a missing child? We wait for dinner, for traffic, for our turn in line, for our money to grow, for our first driver's license, for the wedding day, and for the funeral. Being in the "waiting room" can be lonely and sometimes frustrating but "take heart" and remember God's directive which I rediscovered during my quiet time today as I meditated on Psalms 27:14 "Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
As I deal with digestive issues it is good to know I can be strong and wait for the Lord. He will act on my behalf in his perfect timing!

Aiden

With these long legs maybe an NBA player?


I'm happy!



Grandma and her cute grandson!

Moving on.....

This was our last Sunday in Ohio with Christian, Logan, Rebecca, and Steve. Now we have moved to Fayetteville area in North Carolina to spend time with Branden, Brooke, and little Aiden. We are staying in a RV camping area about 40 minutes from Branden's home. It is out in the country, secluded, a bit run down but with a nice pool. This morning, before church, Hunter and I swam laps for half an hour. The water felt good since North Carolina summer temps hover around 90 with 90% humidity. This campground has a couple of little ponds where Hunter hopes to practice some fly fishing and there are a number of trails through pine woods that will be fun to explore. We will be here around 6 weeks helping our kids and grandson in whatever "tasks" need done at the time. Right now I am in charge of most of the meal planning and I volunteer for dish duty as well as lots of baby holding! Hunter has already fixed a wobbly toilet and made homemade chocolate ice cream in our new ice cream maker. Its the cadillac of ice cream machines and gives Ben and Jerry a run for their money! In fact we have their recipe book and have improved on several of their recipes already. With Hunter's chemistry background he is having a ball "creating" in the kitchen! Steve and Rebecca hated to see us leave but we are not sure if it was because we helped with the grandkids or that they would miss the homemade ice cream! Check it out. It is pricey but SO worth it when you taste the results of only a short half hour of preparation!
The next blog will include photos of Aiden!!

Conservatory-fun?

When one thinks of the word plant conservatory, fun would generally not be a proper descriptive adjective except for possibly a botanist. For the general population a plant conservatory is a "fancy greenhouse", EXCEPT if one is visiting the Franklin Park Conservatory. Looking for something to do with a toddler on a rainy day, Rebecca and I thought a quick walk through Columbus's conservatory might briefly entertain. We underestimated this marvelous entertainment jewel. While there for two hours we walked through a butterfly garden, fed huge Japanese koi, played in a boat with plasic sculptures, sat in a whispering cave, felt the spray from a waterfall, and ohhed and awed at beautiful glass sculptures.
Franklin Park Conservatory is a botanical landmark two miles east of downtown Columbus. It is a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and a signature collection of work by glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Yes-the "house of plants" was fun!

3 day potty training?

Rebecca and I have embarked on a "3 day potty training" program for Christian. I'll let her elaborate later about the program but suffice it to say we are in the "throws" of "big boy underwear", pee all over the bathroom, and stalking a toddler anticipating his every bowel movement! Currently I'm writing this blog seated on the floor of his bedroom while he naps. I must be available the moment he awakes for bathroom duty. Somehow I even drew that duty at 11:30 p.m.! We'll update later. For the time being enjoy a few recent photos.


Somebody is tired-who might that be?


I know when I was born!


My ice cream cone-yummy


Love those eyes


Football with grandpa-notice the big boy underwear

Four basic principles

On Sunday Hunter and I always join Rebecca and Steve in worshiping at the church they recently joined here in Columbus-Vineyard Columbus. The pastor is Rich Nathan. Today I was impacted by the simplicity of four basic Biblical principles he shared with the congregation.

1. All of life is to be Christ-centered. In fact our fundamental identity should be: I am a Christian-a daughter (or son) of God.

2. We are to sacrifice ourselves for each other.

3. We are to strengthen and encourage one another.

4. Christ makes all things new.


As simple as these principles appear to be they are found throughout the Bible and if followed will transform us and continue to make life full, rich, and a growing experience.

Speaking of growing-here are a few grandchildren updates from North Carolina


A day at the petting zoo


Brushing the goats is fun!



Like my sunglasses?


Funny grandpa!



Logan at three weeks



A talk with grandpa

Time with Aiden David Stall