"Let us not say goodbye..."

"Let us not say goodbye, but as the French would have it, 'au revoir!'"

- George Wickham, Pride and Prejudice

Yes indeed, a crazy, fun, whirlwind fortnight has passed and we are yet again, prepared to venture out into the world of travel and airlines. Hmm... yes. We've all had such a great time, with much fun had by all. Now our bags sit packed, awaiting tomorrow's morning flight.

I'm really glad that we had the opportunity to come up here to see family, play with Greg, and "relax" with those we love. ;-)

Until later!

Brian

Learning

Greg is learning to put things away!  He is doing a good job at it, too.  He has a bad cough right now, but is drinking my garlic lemonade without complaint.

I worked on sewing projects today.  I enjoy sewing when I make up a pattern instead of following one.  Frustration doesn't exist because I don't have to make it perfectly like a pattern.  I'm rather excited about them! The best part of making these skirts is seeing my creative side come out in something tangible.

Brian meanwhile has been able to exercise his creative side with the tiling of Mom's kitchen backsplash. It has turned out really spectacular.

Well, that's all for now!

Smiles!

Kitchen Remodel, Take Two

Today Brian worked on finishing the kitchen--one more day and we should be finished!  My husband is a genius at designing and working on stuff.  So much so, that while he was at Lowe's, a customer wanted to know if he would do a tile job for him.  Brian said he would be happy to, if he was around longer.  Several people said that if they had known that our circumstances would be like they are now, they would have paid Brian to remodel and we could stay longer.  All that to say, my husband's amazing skills are in high demand--a fact which makes a proud wife very happy!

It began to snow...but only a dusting.  Still cold for the workman, though.  I kept him supplied with hot beverages.  The really big storm is coming on Friday.  Funny thing is, if we had kept with our original plan, we would be here for it.  As it is, we will miss it, or get stuck in an airport somewhere.  Ironic, eh?  Should make this weekend hugely interesting!

 These lovelies are gingerbread cupcakes with cream cheese frosting!  The gingerbread was perfect-molasses-y, dark, fall-apart-in-your-mouth, soft, warm, fluffy deliciousness.  A pinterest recipe.  And not very sweet.  Definitely a keeper--can't have a winter pass by without making gingerbread and rice pudding!

 The tile job Brian designed himself!  All that is left is to grout and finishing painting.  Makes me think of the verse in Genesis where God saw all that He made and it was good!  So much fun to help other people achieve their dreams--whether family or friends in TX, around the world, or here in PA.

I took a video of Greg learning a new skill today--one he taught himself!  Hoping it breeds helpfulness to Mommy around the house soon.  I've tried to upload it four times now, but it isn't working.  I'll try again later.  The little tyke is so indecisive about walking!  He'll stand for ages, put a foot out, bend down as if to crawl, and repeat....before deciding to just crawl.  He's just gonna get up the courage to do it someday.  It is fun to watch this stage.  Watch him grow in confidence.  Watch him test the limits.  He has changed SO much the last month.  He "reads" to himself now.  And rocks and "sings."  I have been attempting to expand his sign language vocabulary, but for some reason, every new word we learn, ends up like the sign for "eat."  He understands the word, but for some reason, I can't get a difference in individual signs.  Ah well.  At least we are communicating!  He will sign for please, thank you, and your welcome (but all the same sign!).

Smiles!

Sunday Rest

Today was spent mostly as a sick day. Everyone around here has a nasty cold...except me...so far.

In spite of everyone resting today, we had a fairly lively discussion on Heaven. What it would be like, how much (if any) of our former lives we would remember, colors and sounds that might exist that we do not have the ability to see or hear right now, what we would do, etc.

Snow is predicted for tomorrow, and I sincerely hope we get some, since it is our last chance. Praying we have a peaceful, restful night, and that all is well tomorrow.

Smiles!

Kitchen Remodel and the Sweetest Place on Earth

Picture time, as promised!

Today was spent mostly doing a kitchen remodel, and we have more to do on Monday.

Last Sunday we took a trip to Hershey Chocolate World: the Sweetest Place on Earth!

 Greg loved all the pictures on the walls, and I was sure his little pointy finger would become worn out before the end of the trip. ;-)

 He could only stare in awe, mouth open, at everything; especially the singing cows.  He danced and sang right along with them.  There is no way for me to describe his face, but we loved watching his delight.  What's better than going on field trips?  Seeing your children experience them!

 Pointer finger poised and ready for action!

 The little stinker wouldn't look at the camera, but he sure enjoyed the chocolate!  Since he has had some, any time he spies a wrapper, he asks to eat it.  He also tried pickled eggs and beets and salt and vinegar chips this week.  He was so insistent about trying them, that I gave him some.  His face became quite the sour pucker, but he kept going back for more until his Daddy declared him his Mother's boy (in regard to food).

 The little bit of snow we got.  I'm still holding out for more. Greg wasn't quite sure what to make of it.  He touched it, but thought it too cold and tried to shake it off.

 More Christmas at Great-Grandpa and Grandma's!

 He made this face right when I took a picture--he's such a ham!  Takes after his Daddy when it comes time to take pictures. 

 He is saying "hello mama" with the play phone.

 Great-Grandma fed him chocolate.  After devouring it and looking at his sticky hands, he reached for a cloth and handed it to me.  Maybe a clean child?

 Riding on Uncle Ethan's express way!

 The new entry way floor!

 Cutting countertops...

 This little guy wanted to help so badly, but was banished by the older guys...

 Before picture...

 Not sure how, but this little munchkin keeps sneaking in every other picture or so.

 My amazing husband hard at work!

Progress thus far!  More to come later next week, and someday, the rest of Mom's dreams.

Smiles!

Whirldwind of a Day

Highlights from Today:

*Greg is walking!  Well, almost.  He walked to me today.  You know the kind: randomly-out-of-the-blue-totally-unexpectedly-no-coaxing kind of walking.  He steadied himself on me, and continued walking to the sofa, Uncle Ethan, Auntie Gaylie, etc.  He's choosy about doing it, but he's definitely showing more progress!  I'm super excited and know it won't be long now before he's walking everywhere!!

*Aunt Lianne has taught Greg to say "hello" with the phone.  It's pretty cute.  And to do a high five.

*Uncle Ethan gave Greg rides all over the house in a box.  And whipped him around corners.  He LOVED it!

*Got my hair cut today by the lady who usually cuts my hair.  Good to see her and get a great hair cut!  Brian asked me to get highlights done, since he likes it that way.  Gayle worked on them for me, and in the process, Greg started to fuss and ask for dinner.  I was going to hold him, but after one look at me (you have to put this weird cap thing on and look like an alien), and started crying.  Yup, completely terrified.  Buried his head on Aunt Gayle and wouldn't go anywhere near me.  He would cautiously look, but it was as if he had no idea who I was, though the voice was the same.  Poor kid.  Once we were done, I gave him a hug, and he gave me the biggest grin.  (Should I admit I laughed at him?)  Brian even gave me a hug to try to let Greg know it was okay, but he was buying none of it.

*Brian worked on laying more flooring today and getting supplies for a kitchen remodel tomorrow.  He taught me how to lay the floor, too.  This stuff is kinda fun!  I do love to design and decorate (even better when I can just go with whatever I want to do).

*Mom and I spent the afternoon thrift shopping at a favorite store, and also headed out to the neatest Farmer's Market.  Got to sample some great foods and see neat things.  Picked up raw milk so I can teach them how to make yogurt.

*Tomorrow morning I'm making waffles for breakfast, then it's Project House time!

(and pictures tomorrow, promise)

Smiles!

So Close, Yet So Far

Gregory is so close to walking, and yet he doesn't know it.  He has amazed us today at the amount of time he will stand, without realizing it.  He holds up a toy for us to see, shaking it in delight, growling, and standing on his own.  He'll even take steps from place to place without cruising.  He could walk, but he doesn't know it yet.

Sometimes I feel this way in my walk and relationship with Christ.  How close I can be to freedom.  To joy.  Peace.  Love.  Anything, really.  And yet, so far away.

It requires a choice.  A small choice, but one that will definitely change my destiny, even for a small moment during the course of the day.  God watches as I learn to walk.  Helps me along the way.  Guides my path.  Gives me grace and strength.  Hope.  Even when I don't realize it.  Don't feel it. 

Amazing how much children teach us, eh?

Brian worked on choosing materials to remodel my parents' house today.  So far, he has the landing floor complete.  It looks great--my husband is a genius!

And Greg said "cracker" (ka-ker) today.  And "all done."

Smiles!

A Moisty Sunday

Hello hello!

This is Brian this time. Alicia is absorbed in some book (titled Byzantium I think). Speaking of reads, I recently finished a new book that I started on the flight here. It is called Storm Over Warlock and was written in the 1960s, I believe. The library in Bryan was getting rid of it and I grabbed it because it looked interesting. It's a sci-fi book that is similar to any of the Tom Swift books. It was enjoyable and read fast.

Today broke with ashen skies moisting on the Susquehanna Valley here in PA. I say moisting because it wasn't raining, and neither was it dry. We headed for church with the family. These are the beauties we had with us:

Heard a great message, then home for lunch.

After lunch and Greg's nap, we traveled the short distance to Hershey for Greg's first trip to Hershey Chocolate World. But that's a story for later.

When we got back, it was Aunt Lianne who wound up Greg.

They crawled all over the house, raising a racket and discovered a new game! Chase down and pet Macco! Macco is the bum dog who lives here, mooching food and stroking off of anyone willing to give it.

Full of energy until it was all expended, Greg had a blast.

---

Until later,

Pip pip!

~Brian