Exploring the Neighborhood

A couple of days ago I took the kids back to the little playground in our neighborhood. I've seen many children in our neighborhood but I guess none of them play here because this day it was filled with senior citizens sitting on the benches with their nurses. It must usually be a very quiet place to sit and relax. I didn't want to bother these people too much, but it is a public playground after all, so I still let my kids play. The kids felt very uncomfortable though, like everyone was watching them, so they didn't want to stay for long. So, we decided to take a walk down our street and see what we could find. Well, it was not very exciting unfortunately, all residential. But, at the very end was a small convenience store, so I bought the kids an ice cream. Okay, looking back, maybe walking down the street in 105 degree weather while trying to eat ice cream wasn't the best idea I've had. But, we had fun just the same! My son especially was covered in ice cream. It was dripping down his hand and arm, all over his feet, and all over his face. I did get some pictures, but I can't post them online. If you'd like to see them, just e-mail me and I'll send them your way.

Some of you that know me better know that one of the highlights of my day has always been getting the mail. I love getting letters from people, but I also get excited about the catalogs and sale flyers! The Lord has allowed us to stay debt-free for several years now, so I don't have the dread of finding bills in the box. Where we're at now we only get mail 3 days a week, and it comes to where my husband works, so I have to wait until he gets home to see my "surprises", but it's always worth the wait. Recently we have received many little packages and cards and things from people and they have been such a blessing to all of us. There is something so humbling in knowing that so many people are thinking of us, praying for us, and care about us. Thank you to all of you who have remembered our family in prayer and deed. We really don't feel worthy of such attention. Yesterday the latest package arrived from my friend Liz. I let her know that we would like some Kool-Aid, and she sent enough for 7 or 8 months! So, this is for you, Liz: