Zoo Day

Phew where to begin. Honestly I am shocked that I have the energy to write this. I have been pretty sick this week. I could really use some good thoughts and prayers. Sadly right now I do not have a whole lot to tell you about why I am sick. Next week, I will hopefully have more answers and be able to share more. Until then, I covet your prayers. 


Being sick doesn't just effect me, it also effects Craig and the kids. My house is a mess, I can barely make a meal because my stomach is in knots, and well the kids have been watching a little bit more TV than I would like right now, but this too shall pass. 


Amazingly the kids do not seem bothered by me being under the weather. They still go about their days happily. Their behavior is actually quite sweet, with lots of hugs, snuggles, and feel better Mommys. Deirdre is cleaning up after herself like a pro and being extra patient with Jonas. Even with them waking up early today and not napping as well as they usually do, their sweet spirits are really shining through, and I am feeling so blessed. I am also feeling quite blessed by my church homegroup, which has stepped up to help me out. They truly are my second family. 


So since I have not been well and the kids have been great, I decided on Wednesday (the one day I have felt closest to normal), to take them to the zoo. We had a fabulous trip. It was not too hot and the animals were out. Plus since it was cloudy, we were probably the only people there! The hitch of the trip was me losing my patience -which has been low since I am sick,-BUT we all recovered and really enjoyed seeing our animals friends. Not to mention Deirdre was quite inquisitive about what they ate, where they lived, and other 'interesting facts about them to tell Daddy". I love that one! She cracks me up! 


At any rate, enjoy our photos! I will be back soon with photos of co-op tomorrow. We're having a harvest party, so it should be tons of fun! 

Daily Verse or Quote: 

[Jesus said,] "The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."

— Matthew 13:22 (NIV)

{this moment}

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Tigers and Disappointment

Today we went to the zoo as a family. This was our second zoo trip in the past two weeks. Three weeks ago we got a letter in the mail inviting us to come see the new exhibit. Deirdre was ecstatic that the tigers sent her a letter, so off we went the next day in the rain. Our sweet mother, my mother in law Pam, gifted us a year membership to the zoo so we make a point to go twice a month at least. When we got to the zoo we were shocked. Construction was still going on in the new exhibit. Personally I was in disbelief. I had combed the letter over and over again, so I was sure that  the exhibit was already open. At any rate we defiantly went over to the exhibit anyway and then saw that gate was wide open! As we strolled through the exhibit, we saw that none of the animals are out except the tapir (whom by the way is super cool). Not three minutes later were we then stopped by security and told that the exhibit was not open yet as well as that our letter was wrong. Needless to say I was angry. I would have never gone out in that weather had it not been for Deirdre and the new exhibit. We still had a great time despite the weather and soon enough, I got over it and moved on...


Today, as we later found out, was the real opening to the exhibit. The zoo was beautiful and we had so much fun. There were crafts, bounce houses, and brachiating gibbons galore! The tigers however were shy, as always. While the entire "trail of the tiger" is very well done and beautiful, the viewing area is small for the tigers with too much bamboo to really even see them. Maybe this is just a sign that we need to stop chipping away at their natural habitat since that is where they truly belong? But again I digress... 


Today was all in all a glorious day filled with special family time. Jonas is super close to walking. He was a ball of joy today as well as Deirdre! Craig and I are so blessed. 

Daily Verse: (I apologize in advance for the length of today's daily verse. These are verses that I read in my quite time that speak to me. I like to wallow in these verses all day long and return to them all week long. Peter is one of my favorite books. I really identify with Peter as well. One day I will share why I feel this way. So enjoy.)

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. -1 Peter 5:1-9