How to celebrate a birthday and feel all filled up

It wasn't the pinterest-inspired cake that I made for my family and me that filled me up on birthday.

Or the pinterest-inspired sangria for my husband and I to enjoy later.

However, it was my kids announcing to strangers we passed at the grocery store that tomorrow was their mommy's birthday. It was the special secrets they shared in front of me about birthday presents for mama.

It was helping Brad fill and tape balloons around the house...even though I'm an adult and we weren't even having a party.

It was Peter's surprise the next morning that there were decorations and his disappointment that followed because we didn't do streamers too. ("The floaty things")

It was the multiple hugs and kisses and "Happy birthday, Mommy!!!"s all throughout the day.  

It was the phone calls (even if I missed it and only got to listen to a voice-mail) and cards and e-mails: friends and family taking a moment to let me know I'm special in some way to them. And yes, even getting some Facebook love feels nice, too.

It was, especially, spending the day with the people most important to me and enjoying a day being surprised by Creation together that left me feeling all filled up and satisfied on my birthday. (Click here to see an album of more pictures from our hike.)



And, yes, the hour of P&Q in the morning while Brad took the kids out was really nice, too! "P&Q" (peace and quiet) are gifted-moments these days!

Thank you, Lord, for this full life. For my amazing husband and wonderful kids. For my family and friends far and near, new and old. For health. For freedom. For opportunity.

As you have so blessed me, help me also to be a blessing!

Anniversary Antics

Our anniversary getaway vehicle (crooked cell-phone picture)

 Tandem bicycling is a good trust builder!

We borrowed this bike from a lady in our church and explored some bike paths on the Wabash Heritage Trail around Lafayette and West Lafayette. Very fun! I laughed longer and harder than I have in a long time. It was very good to do together.

11 years of marriage... Happy Anniversary, Brad! 

I thank God for giving me such a wonderful man for my husband! I pray we have many more decades to enjoy life together!

Family Fun on the Fourth

Is it possible to over-alliterate?

Anyway, we took advantage of the holiday to meet up with my parents at the newest state park in Indiana: Prophetstown State Park, just north of Lafayette. 

We started at "The Farm": a 1920's working farm.

Inside the house we could experience life in the 20's: a typewriter...

 beating the dust out of a rug... 

(I told Cora she could do chores and she thought it was a great idea! So we hauled the rug outside, hung it on the line and beat it till it was clean, then hauled it back inside. Don't worry: there are signs in the house inviting visitors to do this. It was gratifying work, but I'll take a vacuum cleaner. Thank you very much!) 

driving a tractor...

 and caring for farm animals.

Very fun. Very hands-on. I'm not sure I would have been a good farm-girl, or farmer's wife however! 

After a picnic lunch we tried out the new water park that opened this week in the state park. 

No pictures there: water and cameras do not mix. 

In my humble opinion they have a few kinks to work out to make things a little safer and user-friendly (there is only one place to enter and exit the lazy river and it's not wide enough for people to go both ways at the same time, causing congestion and confusion which, mixed with large tubes, moving water and children, is a bit frightening) but overall it is a great place to cool off. 

We ended the day a little further north at the Whistle Stop Restaurant and Monon Connection Museum. 

Big train stuff outside. Little train stuff inside. Good american food. Again, fun for all.

Addie has finally warmed up to Grandpa!

 

Following the historical theme for the day, we took a jaunt over the Fort Ouiatenon. (Can you pronounce that?) But it was buggy, closed and we were ready to go home. We'll save it for another day.

We finished the day with fireworks with some friends and a very, very late bedtime!

Landing in Lafayette, Part 2

We've finished 3 weeks in Lafayette, already! I can honestly say that I'm enjoying our time here. This is a really nice city. The people are friendly and there are a variety of places to explore and enjoy with young kids. Our church here has been warm and welcoming and we've enjoyed connecting with people at backyard barbecues and weekly volleyball nights. It has been an answer to prayer how wonderful of a time we are having!

Exploring the area near the pedestrian bridge over the Wabash River

The bridge, and the river

Big fountain...too bad we can't play in that water!

Chilling out at "home" on a hot and humid afternoon...trying out new effects on the camera

Peter and Cora both completed two weeks of swimming lessons. This picture is to show  the state in which Peter finished his lessons! He came to trust his instructor and let go of some fear and actually have a good time! Cora did so well and really wanted to continue her lessons. She's right on the verge of passing her level and going to the next one!

We've spent a lot of time exploring a variety of parks and playgrounds around town...and having a great time together!

Prayers answered: 

• Addie's fever that I mentioned ended up being Roseola. I'm so thankful she didn't get more sick and no one else did either. 
• We are feeling quite comfortable and at home here, both in daily family life and the church community. I would say the adjustment was smooth and fairly easy. PTL!

Prayers Requested:

• For this summer to be a time of full, abundant life for our family
• Continued meaningful ministry opportunities, not only for Brad but also for me
• Continued connections and deepened relationships with new friends here