Thank You, Thank You!

I’m, well—speechless.

You came out to greet my daughter with so many sweet comments! Some were thoughtful given with wisdom; a few of you recalled life on the farm from your own childhood. A couple of children posted who loved the farm animals, and many of you stopped by simply to join in the fun. You are precious! My site meter should have a tongue hanging from it—panting from trying to keep up with the dozens of visitors! I am humbled and amazed. As I said on the TWTM boards, “It has been like throwing an impromptu party and having dozens of friends show up!"

Very simply: Thank you.

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I have accomplished something today. I started knitting a little blue sweater for a friend’s baby—now when was that? Were we going to the CHEA conference in May of 2003 when we visited this little guy just after he was born? (Tell me I’m wrong!) I’d hung up my knitting needles when the hectic pace of children and homeschooling had taken over my life, but I had decided I’d like to pick them up again about the time this little tyke came along. Of course it had to be a blue sweater since all the clothes in Lauree's household had been pink for the last three babies.

I chose a large size, figuring it would give me time enough to make it. Good idea. I finally handed the sweater over to the little brown eyed boy this evening. He’s the cutest little fellow, but it is good that his big sister is hugging him and not me—he’s a little shy of the lady with the camera!


Aren't they sweet!

A woman who’d made the sweater for my first child gave the pattern to me. The pattern starts at the neckline, and the body and sleeves are made in one piece. The placket is crocheted which helps it to keep its shape; the hood is added last. This is a fun pattern to make!

I had a nice time tonight when I went out to deliver the sweater. Last time Lauree came to visit me, I told her I had cookies but failed to get them out. Bad hostess. Lauree had kept back a plate full of cookies so that I could have a treat—she makes them with no milk, just for me! I think I should ask her for the recipe.

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Thoughts from my Big Green Chair

Many years ago I sat upon a swing at a camp for missionaries singing this song.

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul!
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole!
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me,
Thy great salvation so rich and free.

I remember a woman who had been a missionary telling me that now that I was becoming a teen-ager, I needed to know that I would not always be going to church and worshiping God simply because my parents did, but that I would have to make the decision to do that for myself. She laid before me the challenge of following God into my teen years and beyond. I still remember her name, even if I do not know how to spell it: Kathy Bleizie. I remember a lot of things from that camp because the decisions that were made back then have directed my life.

Be sure to take the time to tell this to your young teens. Someone else will not always take them to church or ask them if they have read their Bibles. Whether we like it or not, some day they are going to have to take that road by themselves.

Blessings.