Saturday, June 27th was the VBS pool party. I went down to pick up the kids, but only the boys came along. Dad also joined us, which I wasn't expecting, but it turned out well, anyway. Dad played and swam with Aidan, who got to experience having someone throw him in the water.
I began babysitting for the family on Monday the 29th. That night we went to the ball field to watch Morgan's game after eating dinner at our house.
On Wednesday, I brought the kids home, fed them dinner, and then we got the outside toys out of the garage. They had a ball!, so we did the same on Friday.
This week, my own kids are at Camp Union, so I decided to take the kids elsewhere instead of home. Monday, we got food from the Rootbeer Stand and took it across the street to the park. I tell you, those girls could swing all day if you'd let them!
Monday was also the first day I had all the kids together, as the oldest stayed with an uncle last week. The boys, especially #1, tested the boundaries of behaving. Both ended up in timeout at least once during the evening, but after being a little mad, they are already showing more respect.
Tonight, Dad said I wouldn't have to keep them as long, so we just decided to go to McDonald's Playplace. I thought it might be stiflingly hot in the play area, but it's actually quite comfortable.
While at my house last week, Hope got wet both times, so at the park, I made sure she used the bathroom before playing. Did the same again tonight. She still seldom tells me she has to go until it's too late, if at all (she didn't say anything either night at my house). She does not go independently, either.
On Friday, while we were playing outside, Hope's hairtie came loose, and she asked me to put it back in for her. As I did, I noticed tiny white things attached to some of her hair. It was my first real experience actually seeing them. Luckily, I didn't find any live ones. I very briefly checked #4 and didn't find any, but the boys would not sit still long enough for me to check them thoroughly. I told Mom about my find when I took them home, and as she checked for herself, she and Dad both commented about how Hope gets them frequently, but no one else in the family does.
I can still tell that this situation is going to be a blessing to everyone involved. It's still going to get bigger, and I don't yet know what all is in store for us, but I know that He will be with me no matter what.
I had the wonderful opportunity today to hear Molly and Jamey French speak at the YWCA about their experience, and their faith. They spoke of following 3 steps during the hard times in one's life. 1) Pray. All the time. For anything and anyone. But don't tell God what to do - ask for wisdom, strength, and guidance in your situation. 2) Accept offers of help from anyone you can. That is most likely the only thing they can do. Don't take the gift of giving away from them. It will be easier for you, and will make them happy, too. 3) Be grateful. For a sunrise. For a cool breeze on a hot day. For the things you can do, rather than those you can't. For the things you still have, rather than those you've lost. What an amazing testimony this couple is bringing to those around them. And it's going to get bigger and better, I just know it.
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