On Birthdays

Today is Isaiah's birthday (the "prophet" as his parents call him when they don't want him to know who they are speaking about) He's a whole 3 today. I only got to talk to him on the phone, but he and his brother will be spending the weekend with us. Ron wondered what store I had robbed for all the presents I have for him. (there are only 4) It's been weeks since I've seen the boys so they will have to get used to the camera again. We'll do a whole photo shoot, I think!! I confess I'm a bit nervous, and can only hope the weather will be mild so we can go play in the park! No DVD player at our house so we will have to rely on our creativity! Do I remember coloring? Or Ooblek? These boys are high energy, I know. At least I've stocked the refigerator...chocolate milk, cheese, ice cream, pudding, yogurt, all of Isaiah's favorites! (at least they were the last time they were here) They'll get to go to church with us, and help grandpa as he works on his little project in the basement.

I am so blessed by these boys, though. I am amazed at how incredible I feel about being a grandparent. "Grandchildren are the crown of the (semi) aged...." and "behold children are a heritage from the Lord...blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them." While they bless me, I would put out my hands and bless them and pray this ferverent prayer that "they serve the Lord God with a whole heart and trust in Him from their youth onward. Their heritage is secure in Him alone."

Preparing for the Feast

I am counting down the days until Thanksgiving. We will be having a gigantic family party over here! Everyone but Amy will be here. And where in the world will I put everyone? And our basement project is definitely NOT done. The floor will never be finished even though I've whined and wheedled and complained. Every night is filled with meetings and excuses for him not to go down and work at it. Guess I'll just have to close the door and make it off limits to everyone. (like that would work) When did we start this project? It was just going to be paint. ARGH!

So I not only have Thanksgiving meal to plan for but breakfast, supper and the whole weekend! What fun! The boys will no doubt take their guns and head out (some of the girls might even go) and we'll have to figure out how to get the tree up without going in to the basement to get it and all the ornaments. I'll need birthday presents to pass out to the 3 birthday people. I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions for games they play during the holidays. We might have to break down and get a DVD player so we can pass some time that way!

Struggling with grief

I have always struggled with knowing what are the right words to say to someone who has faced a loss. Saying you're sorry doesn't seem adequate enough when someone you love has died, or faces some horrible situation. Even saying "I'm praying" can seem trite or insincere. So how do you love people who are hurting? What do you say to people in pain? Worse, what if they don't want to hear any platitudes at all. Then what? When my father died suddenly and unexpectedly the only help through the grief was the support and surrounding arms of people who loved us. Of all the words in all the sympathy cards those that told of personal things about my dad, and what kind of man he was, were the most helpful. Nothing eased the shock. Nothing tempered the pain. But the kindness of the community and their overwhelming love carried us through. At all costs I would rather avoid difficult situations because I don't think I'm up to the 'carrying power' that it takes. But at some time or another, every single one of us needs to be carried through. We need each other and the kindness and love and encouragement we can give to one another.