Randomness

I haven't been inspired lately in the blogging area, but I am making myself write entries until my writer's block is cured.

So today will be about randomness...

1. Earlier today a storm was heading in. I had a random notion to see if I could run to the library to get a book and beat the storm. I actually hate running- the worse days in school were the days we had to run the mile in PE class. But I had a random inkling to run/jog today. As I was jogging home there was a sprinkling just starting and it felt so refreshing. I don't plan to become a runner anytime soon, but it was a fun little jaunt.

2. I am in love with the word "special". I know I can't over use it or it will lose it's meaning, but it is amazing how this little adjective brings such joy to my daughter. Once something is labeled as "special" her excitement escalates. (I must say it has worked wonders with potty training. Her "special" princess pull ups have motivated her to use the potty all the time now.)

3. I am also fascinated with kitchen tables. We bought a new kitchen table we have been storing for a few months and planned to set it up when we move. Last week Chris decided he didn't want to wait any longer and set it up. It is huge and takes up our entire dining area in our apartment, but we love it. We talked about how much time in life is spent around a table. In our case, a lot. We have people over all the time and we are at the table for hours sometimes. So we wanted a large table with comfy chairs to better facilitate that. I have to say sitting at our big table promotes that well.

4. It is time to go get ready for an international party we are attending tonight. We are bringing iced Vietnamese coffee. They are always a hit at parties and are fairly simple to make. I guess they are just a "special" coffee treat to people.

Spring Ride

Today was my first spring motorcycle ride with Chris. We drove around the lake and explored some country roads. That is one thing I love about Madison- you go just a few miles outside the city and you are surrounded by beautiful rural countryside. Cruising around today made me so happy I live here. It is a beautiful place and has so much to offer.

Books

What books am I reading this week? Well, since you asked...

Difficult Conversations- A book by some Harvard researchers about communication.

Grace Based Parenting- It is only hold and I will pick it up tomorrow at the library. Recommended by a good friend, so I am excited.

Just ordered NT Wright's latest book from Amazon called After You Believe- he is one of my favorite theologians, so I am excited to read this new book.

Also ordered Between Two Worlds- a British book about preaching

Then of course there is Goofy and The Big Storm and Dora Goes to the Dentist- classics I tell ya.

moving

this sunday we are moving our church to a new building- so excited! it is closer to campus and the location will work so well for our next phase of church life.

in our complex of buildings there is a yoga studio and a chiropractor. i can tell already i am going to challenged to healthier eating and exercise. once we get settled chris and i are talking about hosting a lunch to get to know the businesses. we were joking today about having to serve super healthy food- no chips for these folks!

we've been so encouraged by all the people in our church volunteering time, talents, vehicles, etc.. to get us ready for sunday. it feels like such a community effort and i love that. it's fun seeing everyone be a part and get excited.

we're celebrating after church with pizza and floats.
a root beer float sounds good right about now...

Spring Session at the Library

Liliana started her spring session of Toddler Time at the library today and it was so sweet.

First of all, we are in a new class and there is a precious little deaf boy in this class. I loved watching him interact with his mama. She would sign the books to him as we read and he got so excited. I had to catch myself from staring at them too much. I think parents of kids with any sort of special needs are just amazing. I know all parents love their kids, but it seems like there is a beautiful aura of grace and patience with parents of special needs kids.

Secondly, our librarian just adopted a little boy from Texas. I stayed after class for about a half hour talking to her, hearing her story, sharing my story. It was so encouraging to see her story play out like it has and I am so happy for her. She is a fantastic children's librarian and I am so happy to see her as a mommy now.

Yay for our library time and sharing life with these other parents!

Random Events of Last week

1. We checked the mail and our sweet mail lady had a little Easter treat in our mail box for Liliana. How many mail carriers do that? It made our day!

2. Went on a walk with a friend, without Liliana. This is actually the second time in 2 weeks I have hung out with this friend sans children. The week before she took me to this place called Manna Cafe. It is run by a Jewish family and the food is delicious. I am really liking having some girl time without the kids. I might just get used to it.

3. Tried to replicate a tilapia sandwich from the Manna Cafe with my own twist. Chris thought it was delicious. There's something rewarding about trying a new recipe idea and having success.

4. Watched how something as simple as stickers in a plastic egg can bring joy to a child. :-)

5. Also watched how something as simple as a new bookshelf can bring joy to a child. Now whenever we read books, Liliana notices pictures of bookshelves and makes sure to point them out in rooms.



6. Talked to almost all of my family members in one day- this is a rare feat since we have so many.

7. Visited our friend's new bike shop they are opening up. I am so proud of them for taking a risk to venture out in this new business. We had a great time seeing their place and praying for their success and impact in the community.

8. Watched LOST. I figured this had to make my blog at least once. I like this show and can't wait to see how it all ties together.

Sidewalk Chalk

I love sidewalk chalk!

The weather is beautiful now that spring is here, so last night Liilana shared her sidewalk chalk with the neighbor kids. They drew their works of art all over our sidewalk. Today when I pulled up from work, I saw all the art and it made me so happy. It communicates that there is life. There are fun kids who enjoy playing outside with their friends and expressing creativity.