Each day last week was a special one. Again the house was fun of children since school was still on break. And again there was a flurry of continuous activity. But each day was special because we were counting down. Mike and I have now left Pilot Knob and we are on our way north for the summer. I've checked the pantry shelves several times to see what might be needed. Mike has checked the propane tank and aired up the balls and checked the locks on the doors at least twice. The rent is paid - Marylou made sure of that. And Delia has told us each several times, "We'll be fine." And we are confident that with Delia's loving care, each child will be fine. She will see that they are loved and fed and given the attention they each need. Delia is an amazing woman!
So, as I look at these pictures from the last week, I see color and joy, the colors and joy of Easter.
These kids love coloring,
and dumping out the colors.
These rolls of pictures periodically appear at the house and the kids love them. I finally found out where they came from - thanks Debbie and Dean.
Someone donated this little pink bike and after a new tube, this little pink lady didn't want to let it go.
Hola Hoops - remember those? Well children today enjoy them just as much as we did as kids.
(Check out Delia in this picture - now sure what was happening but she was definitely ready to stop it.)
Jump rope is for others, the hola hoop is more fun.
And if you are like me and this young man, and can't quite master the hip action, the wrist will always work.
Or the neck...
Being sick is never a good thing but it is made better if you can sit on some nice guy's lap most of the day.
Talent!
Once a month this lovely couple fill a suitcase with fun things and food and walk across the border and the mile to the house pulling the suitcase. This Saturday, it was filled with pails and stickers to decorate them,
and Styrofoam eggs to decorate and of course the candy filled eggs but that comes later. The suitcase also contained lunch for the day.
The little gal above wanted to use my camera and she took these pictures of Dean
and Debbie. What a beautiful picture and a great angle.
She got Mike and our little one who wasn't feeling good.
And our oldest who tries to look bored once in awhile.
I'm not sure if she was looking at jewelry or the hoop or the boy...
really... an armpit?
more jewelry - or maybe a study of hands.
Speaking of hands, it is hard when you are three to keep your fingers off the lense.
I took this one. It's symbolic - everything is a little off balance when Marylou isn't around.
No symbolism - just made me smile when I saw him and laugh later when I saw the photo.
This fellow's grandpa sells honey and he is used to seeing people "on the line". When the hola hoops were left unattended, he gathered them up and went from one to another trying to sell them - learned behavior.
Another child took this excellent photo of Dean.
This visiting couple hid over 200 eggs and the discovery was a blurr of color and joy.
Adults and youngsters enjoyed the search.
It was an effort but he collected a few before heading back to the chair.
Debbie and Dean with all the happy children.
This is Rosa with her family. She is going to be helping out at the house for a couple of weeks. Her son needs her close by and Delia needs the help.
Sandy seems a little apprehensive about her "appointment at the salon". It was serious work!
Love to see the young men tinkering on the toys with wheels. Can just see him in a few years.
This little fellow loved pushing his sister. He was born hydrocephalic and was scheduled for surgery last week. It did not happen because of some complications connected with his very rapid growth. He is now on medications for a couple of weeks and will have a very serious surgery at that time. Afterwards he will be placed in a coma so his little body can heal. Please Please Please keep this four year old in your prayers. We all need to see his smile and feel his joy for many years to come.
Marylou is fighting her own serious health battles in Canada and perhaps some of you have struggles with which you are dealing. Through it all we need to remember the Jesus Lives; He is our Hope! He is our Joy!
I'll write again when I have news to share. Until then please remember:
Listen When God Whispers
and
Respond When He Nudges.
