A Chatty Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge Fun!

1. When was the last time you chatted with a neighbor? About what? (sharing that last bit is optional)

I had a little chat with a man down the street as we both were getting our mail at the group mailbox. The "how you been" kind of casual stuff progressed into more serious conversation as we shared about our families. He was asking about our grandchildren. In my asking whether there were any grandchildren yet for him, he expressed his sadness and his daughter's great disappointment in her infertility. I told him that having lived through that disappointment for many, many years, I could relate to her deep pain. He asked if I would pray for her and her husband. It was a good conversation.

2. River, lake, ocean, or waterfall...which one are you most like and why?

Hmmmmm. I think maybe like a river. A river flows steadily, sometimes deep, sometimes shallow, it has boundaries on either side, but it's always moving, and flowing toward something much greater ... the ocean. It's always going forward ... it doesn't flow backward. A river can overflow as can the joy of my heart or sometimes go dry. When it's full and flowing, it can satisfy the thirsty.

3. July 13 is National Delaware Day. Ever been to Delaware? No. Delaware is called 'the first state' because it was the first to declare independence from the British. What's your state's nickname and does that moniker make sense to you?

Texas is nicknamed the Lone Star State to signify its former status as an independent republic, and as a reminder of the state's struggle for independence from Mexico. The "Lone Star" can be found on the Texan state flag and on the Texan state seal.

Of course it makes sense.

If you were in charge, what nickname would you give your home state?

I would ask why would you change a good thing?

4. What dish did you contribute to the last pot luck meal you attended? Chicken penne pasta.

Do you have a go-to recipe for pot luck suppers? Pot roast with vegetables.

5. What is your number one tip for a brand new parent?

Keep your marriage your priority. Make sure you connect with each other and stay focused on your family. That will keep you focused on what's important for baby.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It's difficult to think of just one tip for new parents. There are so many things to think about. I suppose patience and trying to be relaxed with it would be important and to follow your instincts. And it is never too early to teach them of Jesus' love for them and for them to love Him. Our pastor says statistics show that too often people drop out of church when children come along because they have so many excuses ... too tired, too busy, etc. It thrills me that our grandchildren are learning at an early age and have given their hearts to Jesus. The pic below is a clip from a video of our nephew's daughter "reading" the Bible and she is telling it like it is. So precious.

And from our Tuesday.

Jack loves playing jacks.

New swimsuit and new haircut!

Brother and sisterly love!

We had a fun day at the water park. Grandpa, the kids, Amy and me. Now we are home, full of pizza and other snacks from the afternoon, feeling the sunburn pain, and it's time to take a rest.