We had a fun night with the kids' friends, Tristan and Caitlyn. They stayed for pizza and Monopoly. I went and visited iris and her new baby girl, Vanessa, who was born on the 16th. They are both doing well besides the little challenges of new parenthood and the emotions and exaustion it brings. This morning Chloe and I had a fun little girls outing in Mason City. We stopped at Kohl's first to treat ourselves to a little new jewelry (a rarity that Chloe was very surprised by and grateful for). Then we headed to St. Paul's church for World Thinking Day. We met some nice Girl Scouts like Caitlin, Zoey, Allison, Jameesha, and Frankie. We learned about Girl Scouts around the world, their promises, the founders, and how to be thrifty and thoughtful. We planted rosemary and garlic, and Chloe named them Mary and Gary. We made a snack mix to talk about how we're all different, but when we work together, its wonderful. We visited the food bank and learned about how it is run by caring volunteers, and a Girl Scout asked such a great question, "How old do you have to be to volunteer here?" So wonderful to see so many young girls K-6 already with a passion for making a difference. Levi and Matt helped John with Meals on Wheels, and we went to visit the nursing home. TJ offered to buy Grandpa a candy bar, Mara offered Francis a cup of water, and Chloe encouraged Charlotte to eat her food and made everyone feel loved. We went back to visit Iris because the kids wanted to give baby Vanessa Yamilet some of their old stuffed animals and books. I'm so glad that Iris's sister is coming to visit from CA next week. Those first few weeks can be so overwhelming, and the comfort of family is so important. Erica visited, and we had fun playing hide n seek. TJ was the champion, and Mara told Erica that she would be a better seeker if she wore some spy glasses, and that they work best upside down. So funny. Erica explained that she has sore joints and feet, and TJ ran up to the bathroom to give her some pads that you put on the bottom of your feet to take out the toxins. Chloe gave her the case of cookies she ordered and thanked her for her support. Erica told us about a special resident named Evelyn that she worked with who passed away last week. Erica said that she was very healthy before she was sent to the psychiatric ward, and she feels that they may have given her too many meds that caused her to have a heart attack and a stroke. I pray for the employees, her family, and for Erica. John went ice fishing with Grandpa, Mark and Erin. They're pulling a lost hoorah all nighter. The kids are singing at a church service at E Free tomorrow morning. I pray that they bring warm smiles to all. A couple of our baby gerbils died, and TJ was very sad about it, thinking about how the mom must feel. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice and morn with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Live in peace with everyone. If your enemy is hungry, feed him. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Let us not merely say that we love each other, but let us show it though our actions. TJ gave Heidi a push down the hall at the nursing home, Mara tried to read to baby Vanessa, and Chloe waited to thank the program director, Melissa, before we left today. 1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. I pray that we all show our love to each other every day because life is fragile. There was an earthquake in Chile today, and I pray for the victims and their families and for the possible reprucussions to surrounding areas. I pray for those who are less fortunate, that we give to and volunteer at our local food bank, that Erica and J continue to have a smooth relationship based on communication and compromise, that we get to see our friends, Andrea and Brendan, and cousin, Rachel at the Franti show on Tuesday, and that we all lay down our lives for our brothers as Jesus laid down his life for us.
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