Day by Day--Misc. Pics

Mike's hanging garden

Finally something to show for the months of designing, engineering, and building!

You can see things sprouting. Will let you know more after the first harvest.

It was back to school this week. (For those who don't know, I am a bilingual specialist in three schools, soon to add another!)

The first ones I see are the little kindergartners. They are so sweet and welcoming.

First thing was a group hug!

This is supposed to be an H.

Some other groupings I see only weekly. They really look forward to this time. This week the theme was: el Día de Reyes. The 6th of January, Epiphany, is typically when LatinAmerican children receive gifts. I used a very colorful children's book to talk about this custom. They loved the story and the pictures. Surprisingly, none of their families celebrate the tradition here in the USA. The kids had never heard about it.

The state office sends us books to distribute. I chose this week as an appropriate time for regalos.

Several of my little ones are either loosing old or growing new teeth.

Isn't she adorable?

A peek into Monday Night Meal (MNM)

Son Stephan (most call him Chef) and wife Karen host a meal for any and all who show up. It is a delightful time to look forward to fun, much laughter, meaningful sharing, and great food!

This week in particular, I feel compelled to add an older cherished photo memory that happened three years ago.

Christmas of '05 we included a very special Nativity photo in our yearly letter featuring all seven young ones in various roles. On January 4th the "wise men", the three little foster grands, were removed after 16 months of being part of the family. We will never understand why the agency made that decision.

When pastor urged us to truly soar in 2009 by allowing Christ to heal memories, the first and most painful that came to mind was the loss of the little ones.

Today I read the Lord's words to Abraham when he was asked to send his son Ishmael away and couldn't bear the thought. God said, "Do not let it be displeasing in your sight..." By faith I claim that healing for all of us and believe that God, who loves the children more than we ever did, is looking after them, growing and blessing them.