lawn mower

I have to set the stage by saying that people's possessions are stolen constantly in our neighborhood. Items are stolen, sold, re-sold, and installed in a matter of hours. I'm continually amazed at how quickly things change hands. It is much more efficient than any multi-billion dollar corporation.

We've built a relationship with one of our new neighbors. He is homeless and doesn't have a steady job. Last Saturday, just as I was getting ready to mow, he walked up to me and said that he had a proposition for me. If I would let him borrow my mower to mow another lawn, we would mow and trim mine for free.

Not much thought needed....I said yes.

I didn't get my lawn mowed on Saturday, and I didn't see him either. I thought he might come on Sunday while we were at church, but he didn't show. Then our pastor preached a message on serving the poor and both Nicole and I were very convicted of our selfish and possessive thoughts.

However, I was beginning to be concerned when nothing happened on Sunday, Monday, and then again on Tuesday.

Then on Wednesday my neighbor called when I was home for lunch. He said that he had sighted our neighbor and lawnmower a few houses away. After lunch I drove by and had a quick conversation. He promised that he would come by immediately, return the mower, and mow our lawn.

When I got home late last night, my lawn wasn't mowed. I was crestfallen. We pray for our neighbor and pray that he will honor God through obediance to His Word. Then this morning, he showed up to mow. He appologized, I forgave him even as Emma was calling for him from the back deck. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.....

Update - Mower is now across the street with promises of return later this morning.

Potty success and funny...

Today I told Emma we were out of diapers and she had to wear big girl panties. She cried and I mean cried hard and was saying over and over, "I want diaper!" Then I showed her all the prizes I had for her when she went tee tee in the potty. She calmed down and sat on the potty. About 5 minutes later, I heard the potty sing!!!!! YAY!!! She got to pick one of the prizes. She chose the toy saw. Then she wanted the bracelet. I told her when she went tee tee in the potty again she could get the bracelet. She sat on the potty and went again!!! YAY! She's got this prize thing figured out. About 5 minutes after she went the last time, she sat down on the potty again. After a few minutes, this is what I heard her say, "Come on tee tee, come on"! Ha! I laughed out loud. She keeps asking for a diaper, but I think we're off to a good start! :-P

Emma's doll...

Emma has several dolls, but this is her favorite. She never wants this doll to have clothes on, so it's always naked...maybe someday she'll get into the dressing her doll thing.. Anyway, the other day she wanted to go outside and asked if she could take her doll. Of course I said she could. I turned around and she was carrying the bouncy seat to the door with her doll in it! :-)

Cereal...

After we got back from Texas Kate turned 6 months old and I started her on cereal. She wasn't sure what to think. About a week ago, we started sweet potatoes and this week butternut squash. :-)

Finally some pictures...

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Texas. There are some more, but I can'[t seem to find them on my computer...if I do, I'll post them.

The cousins playing in the pool...


In a towel after playing in the pool...

Trent's birthday party...

Jonathan, Reg and Trent playing baseball...


Emma after she found Gigi's night cream...

The cousins bathing together...(doesn't everyone have a picture like this?)

Me and sweet Abby...

Feeding the ducks (Right before Emma got bit by a hungry goose)...

Right after Emma got bit by a hungry goose...

More feeding the ducks...