The Seed Is Sown in Good Soil

Signs of Spring are finally here... The Bees are Busy!

Yesterday we planted our first seeds to begin our kitchen garden.

My sweet girlfriend even participated in our first planting...she brought me potato seeds! Of course, Idaho is famous for potatoes and I would be remiss if I did not provide a space for them in our garden...

My children eagerly gathered around our pristine new boxes of deep rich soil and we discussed the art and science of gardening... Homeschooling at it's best!


My son eagerly obeyed my instructions and planted the individual seeds in the holes I provided for him and gently covered them up. He is very excited as to what will happen! " When will they grow?" As we thoroughly watered our meager little seeds, my son fully expected IMMEDIATE results! I explained that this would take several weeks... of waiting patiently for the fruit of our labor...

My Daughter and I were talking about why we plant seeds in deep fertile soil rather than shallow hard soil. She explained to me that she had already studied this topic... I asked here where she had read about it... I fully expected to hear her tell me... in her science book... No, she told me it was in her Bible! The Parable of the Sower, found in Mathew 13:1-23.

A farmer went out to sow his seed.
As he was scattering the seed,
some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.
Some fell on rocky places where it did not have much soil.
It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.
But when the sun came up,
the plants were scorched,
and they withered because they had no root.
Others seed fell among thorns,
which grew up and choked the plants.
Still other seed fell on good soil,
where it produced a crop- a hundred,
sixty or thirty times what was sown...

...Listen to what the parable of the sower means:
When anyone hears the message about the kingdom
and does not understand it,
the evil one comes and snatches away
what was sown in his heart.
This is the seed sown along the path.
The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places
is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.
But since he has no root he lasts only a short time.
When trouble or persecution comes because of the word,
he quickly falls away.
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.
But, the one who received the seed that fell on good soil
is the man who hears the word and understands it.
He produces a crop,
yielding a hundred,sixty or thirty times what was sown.

The Holy Bible, NIV

I was truly blessed today by my daughter's understanding of gardening...

"I Want To Be Just Like My Daddy"

Thomas has been maturing quiet a bit over the past few months... It has been wonderful to see him grow and develop skills that will further him along in his education and in life.

He adores his father... and, wants to be just like him! A few days ago we were out shopping and he noticed a suit on the rack... He gasped in delight and exclaimed... "Oh Mommy I want to be just like Daddy! Please may I have this suit..." I could hardly keep myself from smiling and of course I bought the suit for him. (It was an Easter Special on Sale, no less.)

What a joy to see him waiting to show his Daddy upon his return home from work...

Father and Son, Easter Sunday

His father got a real kick out of it too!

As parents, my husband and I feel we have a responsibility to live out our lives purposefully... thinking through the smallest decisions and modeling behavior and love through our example in front of our children and in the midst of life circumstances. It is such a blessing when we see the fruits of our labor... in the smallest little ways... and, it is such an encouragement to live out our convictions and to continue the hard work of training them up in the way they should go...

Beautiful Girlhood

Girlhood is the opening flower of womanhood.
It has charms all its own. The wonderful change from the child to the woman, the marvelous blossoming of young, healthy girlhood, will ever be God's great miracle in life's garden.

Girlhood is like a half-open rose.
We are charmed, both by the beauty of the bud and by the wonderful coloring of the rose.
We behold the familiar traits of childhood that have always charmed us and held our affections, but blended with these in ever changing variety are
the graces and powers of womanhood.

Excerpt from Beautiful Girlhood, M. Hale, Revised by Karen Adreola

Sarah presented a speech at the
District 4H Illustrated Talk and Demo Contest this past weekend...

It seems my little blessing of a child is growing up. Today she marks the occasion with TEN birthday candles atop her cake. Where does the time go? It is so obvious to me as I look at her... those young little chubby cheeks have slowly melted away...to a more mature, beautiful and slender face. Her legs and arms have become long and out of proportion to the rest of her and she has even shown sign of fluctuating emotional moments! (Oh the dread of hormones...)

Sarah sharing a silly moment with her girlfriends!

Today she stands on the threshold of girlhood. I likened it to a garden for her. I explained that all of her life she has played in a beautiful walled garden... safe and secure . This was her childhood. Today the garden gate has been left open for her to peek out into the wide world around her. Someday, I told her, she will walk out into the wide open world and rarely return to her safe garden... accept for an occasional trip to enjoy it's nostalgia and familiarity... She will go out and create her own garden. This is what womanhood will be...

Yet, for now she is not given leave to wander freely, she is given permission to step outside the garden gate and explore and enjoy the fields and the streams... and practice gardening.. on her own, within close proximity of her safe and loving garden. This is what girlhood is.

Girlhood is an in-between spot. A time to grow and learn what it means to be a woman. Yet, the little girl enjoys the wonder and joy of childhood... carefree and safe within her own home and family.

As we all know, girlhood is not without danger. Sadly, the world outside can be filled with disappointment and emptiness...

In light of this fact, I truly believe God has placed her Father and I in a position to protect and guard her, as well as, train her up... to be ready to face the joys and evils of this world and thrive in it.

A proud Mother with her beautiful daughter!

To celebrate this special birthday for Sarah, we decided to invite some close local friends and hosted a lovely tea party complete with all the finery... white linen, bone china, and tea with sandwiches and little sweets. I also invited the young girls and women to share from their hearts a bit of advice and Godly wisdom for Sarah... as she begins the path of girlhood...

It was a lovely time... and the thoughts shared were most helpful and beautiful. Sarah has a new memory box to place the written sentiments in... to look upon in the future whenever she needs a little encouragement or wisdom along life's journey...

It was a lovely party! We missed all of you who are so much a part of Sarah's young life... If you would like to send her bits of wisdom for life's journey ahead, feel free to send her a note of encouragement.

A Vegetable Garden! A Work in Progress

Every winter I enjoy looking through Gardening books and magazines in hopes that Spring will come... and I dream... and plan a true vegetable/kitchen garden. I have never actually planted a garden mind you... it has been a fun occupation to dream about it.

I have had much success and pleasure with tending my landscape gardens as well as potted gardens...we have enjoyed lovely flowers, tomatoes and herbs for salads.

Yet, my interest in more has grown, year after year, into a desire for a true working kitchen garden that we can harvest throughout the summer and fall.

Well, it's time to actually do it! My sweet man spent this weekend crafting two 4X8 foot raised beds! They are extra deep so that I can tend to them without hurting my back and they should be easy to maintain.

I will keep you posted of our education in the art of square foot gardening throughout the spring and summer... any suggestions would be welcome and appreciated.

Look Ma! No Casts!!

Today was a very much anticipated day... We are so thrilled to be rid of those hard clunky casts!


Thomas is doing great...

As soon as we got home...he insisted on jumping into the bathtub! I think of all the things Thomas has missed most while in casts... it was his bath time. He would cry when he heard the bath water running knowing he was not able to have one himself... Tonight, he had a nice long warm bubbly bath! :)

As you can see, he looks good!

Thomas' feet post surgery and casting!

The Doctor says he needs to see how Thomas' feet will look after a bit of time...
at this point, he is happy with the results...

As for his current condition, Thomas is in good spirits, but is unable to put any weight on his feet... they are very sensitive and in a bit of pain... so I am letting him work at his own pace... I am hopeful after a few days he will be gaining more and more strength...

Keep him in your prayers!

Time For a New Look and a Little Music

I thought I would add a little bit of music to my blog... Those who would prefer to view in silence only need to turn the music off by scrolling down to the "play list" and turning it off.

Otherwise... enjoy!

It's been a While

Sarah and Her Father in Spring 2001, Tokyo, Japan

Wow... time sure does fly...

It is beginning to look and feel like Spring here... I am sure it will get a bit chilly for a few more weeks... but Spring is sure to come... Yesterday, I was snooping around my yard... and caught a glimpse of plump buds on my Clematis!

Most of the reason for my break from writing has been my son... he has been walking and moving all on his own again! It took him about a week and a half to get up the strength... but he has been working slowly to the point of now being able to climb the stairs on his own! And, he has been getting into his share of trouble as well... His most recent mishap was a misstep into the dogs water dish! (Those casts soaked up the water in seconds!) I worked hard to dry his foot and air it out... Yikes! I have to keep my constant eye on this little guy... In just a couple of weeks, he will hopefully be cast free and able to walk outdoors and get as dirty and wet as he likes... he will enjoy the warm Spring weather for sure!

Sarah has also been working hard... She prepared for and participated in the District 4H Horse Bowl with great enthusiasm... although she did not place this time, she came in 11th! Which means she is next in line as an alternate in the event that one of the other 10 cannot participate in the State competition... This was her very first year participating ... and, I think she did a fine job! Sarah is also preparing for the District level 4H Oral Presentation which she will be doing on the 4th of April. These are all great experiences that are preparing her for real life as she grows and matures... what a blessing to have such fun while learning and developing skills for the future...

As for her love of horses... she is enjoying her work with Wyatt. Last evening, at a ride night, she actually got up the courage to Lope! She said is was a bit scary... and, she was worried she would not be able to stop the horse... yet, she did and she enjoyed her new experience!

It feels good to be at the end of our long winter... I am looking forward to what is ahead and busily working and enjoying the gift and miracle of life... one day at a time.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

Sarah and I read this poem today ...

Life's Mirror

If we could look into life's mirror,
A picture of our lives we then would see.
We'd see ourselves as others see us,
And bow our heads in deep humility.
We'd not find time for cheap or idle gossip,
For cutting words or faint and faltering hearts,
But see ourselves as in a mirror,
And at ourselves we'd point the poison darts.
We'd feel the pain we often caused others,
By thoughtless words we were so swift to speak
if we could look into life's mirror-
We'd humbly kneel, and true forgiveness seek.

By Mary Mae Nedrow
("The Girlhood Home Companion", Volume 5, Issue 3)

"Oh Mommy, I just love my own knees!"

Yesterday, we went to the Dr. for a cast change and got a great look at Thomas' feet and the progress he is making. I left a bit more sober as I realized the hill we still need to climb toward full healing and recovery for Thomas...

Thomas now has two purple casts for the next 4 weeks... he is thrilled with his new mobility and the ability to stand and walk a few steps with assistance... He does have pain and is not able to really walk yet, but soon his muscles will develop and he should be moving about pretty well by the end of four weeks.

April 1st is our big day! He should have the casts removed and move toward seeing if his little feet are going to cooperate with the work that has been done on them.

For now, we will enjoy bending our knees!

Sunday Reflection

We are all home today... resting and recuperating.

I was reading through a wonderful devotional book, "The Dialogues of Fenelon" and came across a lovely thought...

The smallest act is GREAT in they eyes of God when we do it for His will and purposes. I think we can get caught up in doing things that We think are really Great in the eyes of God as we work to please Him ... yet, it is in every act our hand sets into motion...however trivial it may seem... that is a delight to our Heavenly Father... if done in His perfect will through us.

Here is a sample of my reading today...

" Accustom yourself to frequently adore His holy will, by humbly submitting your own to His orders and His providence. Let us do what we know He requires of us, and as soon as we know His will, let us not spare ourselves, but be very faithful to Him. Such faithfulness ought not merely to lead us to do great things for His service and for our salvation, but whatever our hand finds to do, and which belongs to our state of life. The smallest things become great when God requires them of us; they are small only by themselves; they are always great when they are done for God, and when they serve to unite us with Him eternally."

* * *

My mother has been with us for nearly 5 weeks now. And, today she returned home ... to my dear father who has missed her very much. It is awfully quiet around here as we are without the one who has been gently taking care of our needs. It has been a blessing to have my own mother here to help me with my son and daughter in a very difficult time in our lives... she has made my load easier and my burden much lighter to bear! Through her selflessness and obedience to God's will, she has served to act out the very insightful message of Fenelon... ministry in light of eternity...

One could consider her stay here as a short term Missions trip!

Thank you Mom...

A Day in the Life of a Nine Year Old Girl

Today has been an especially fun day for our daughter. Sarah presented her Oral Presentation on "Horse Illness and Awareness" for the Ada County 4H Horse Club.


Sarah has been working for several weeks now in preperation for this day. She has researched, written and created a poster for her presentation and did a wonderful job. It was at the tail end of a terrible cold that was not very timely (the week of her speech)... but, she proved to be tough and endured the week of illness and prepared herself for this day in spite...of her physical setback.

As a reward for her effort, Sarah received a beautiful 4th place ribbon to add to her growing collection! She will go onto the District Level in just a few short weeks. Hurray!


We are so proud of her. She is such a beautiful girl, both inside and out. What a blessing...

Thomas Update: A Little Turn for the Worse

Sarah is scheduled to present her Oral Presentation for her 4H project this weekend... It is on Horse Illness (I could not help but borrow this photo from her presentation)
***

My little boy is not feeling so well today... but he is hanging in there like a real trooper!

My husband started feeling badly last week and has suffered with a head cold and various other ailments over the past week.... as is common in these cases, three days later...Sarah and Thomas have both been sick with a bad head cold and fever. Although Sarah is recovering, today we found out Thomas has Pneumonia . It is not good to get sick with a head cold when you are confined to a wheel chair! Poor little boy...

My Mother Heart is breaking for him.

Keep us in your prayers.

Motherhood a Mission and Ministry?

One of the people that are at the forefront of my heart this week is a dear friend of mine.

Kristi Knifong and I sharing a cup of tea in
the yellow house on the creek in Washougal

She and her husband are contemplating taking a huge step and life change for their family. They are considering moving to Zambia...their purpose: to live and love the people around them; living out what one Christian family life is like (in a culture that has very few ideas of what that looks like); as well as, ministering to Pastors and Missionaries in the area. They have traveled to Zambia to count the cost...to see and experience the vision they are contemplating and to get a sense of what they are about to get themselves into. (Please check out her Blog if want to see what they are doing .) http://www.kristiknifong.blogspot.com/

My prayers are with them... if you have an inclination, please keep them in your prayers as well.

Can you imagine leaving your home, your comfort, your family and choosing to live in a foreign land to live and love for Christ? It is a vision that very few in our culture contemplate. The large insects alone are almost enough for me to run the other way! (That is kind of a joke???)

Seriously, having lived in foreign lands myself, I know what it feels like to be away from home... in a culture not my own... living life out of my comfort zone. It is exhilarating at times and perhaps lonely as well. It is always sobering as an American. It is easier than we think it could be. Yet, I have truly not left behind my belongings and my comfort. I have always had lots of comfort around me.

Well, I say all this, because when you have a friend who is going through a life altering experience, it causes one to reflect on our own life and walk, and purpose. It is only natural... we are always looking to perfect are we not??? (Perhaps some more than others)

The past few weeks have been very good for our family. How can it be good when one member of your family is in pain and having surgery and very very needy? Sleep, did I mention that has been a bit limited?? It has been good none the less. God has provided strength, hope and comfort to us in our time of need and He has been faithful... to see that all of our needs have been met.

As a wife and mother, my life is about meeting the needs of those under my care. I rarely have the time to think about ME. Ok, we live in a, ME, culture. As I contemplate the cost of letting go of, ME... and the comfort of being filled with the will of Christ... poured out...it is an amazing thing. I can hardly put into words the desire I have to go and do great and amazing things for Christ!

For now, in this season in my life, I am called to be Mother... In a comfortable suburb in rural America. I do laundry, cook healthy rich meals for sometimes clueless children who have only head knowledge and no true empathy that there are others starving in other parts of the world... I sweep up the messes, I still wipe an occasional bottom... I disciple and teach my children in the ways of right and wrong. I love and hug and listen and work hard... I love others outside my family, I work to seek out and pray for those I interact with... I desire to put into practice what I preach...I fail often. Every day I lay in my bed exhausted... and, I find it hard to sleep... because, (my husband is snoring) :) and my mind is working and praying. I get up and do it all over again. No thanks... No appreciation... it is expected. Yet, it is the most satisfying place I can find myself. And so life goes on...

I think the idea of "comfort" bothers me. We are so comfortable that we don't see the needs around us. When we are uncomfortable, the needs around us are more evident. Do you think that is the purpose of the story of the Camel and the Eye of the Needle in the Bible?

Living in light of eternity is a foreign concept for those who are living to enjoy today. I want to focus my heart on an eternal treasure...

Yes, I think that Motherhood is a Mission and a Ministry... I am confident it is my calling today. I encourage all of you hard working mothers to be glad and find joy in your calling. God wants us all to be content with the comfort of today AND be willing to be content, someday to leave it all...or even have it taken away... in His time and His way. This is the secret to Joy. It is not in things or people but found in Christ.

I am so encouraged and blessed by the Knifong family. They are reaching beyond their comfort and actively placing their faith in Christ. I am confident God will guide and direct them as they make this awesome decision... one way or another, I truly believe... being gladly willing and ready to jump and follow God's Will... is the most important part of their journey.

A HorseBowl Day

Today Sarah learned a little about perseverance and preparation.


Each year the young 4H students study questions relating to Equine anatomy, training, daily care, nutrition and many other horse related topics, and test their knowledge at the Annual 4H Horse Bowl.

All of the 4H Horse Club Members are encouraged to participate either by being there to experience and support the members of their team or to compete.

Early in the month of January, Sarah was not feeling like she was prepared enough to compete. After much encouragement from her 4H leader and co-members to compete, Sarah decided to just participate for this year and not compete. It was a decision based on her own comfort and desire to feel more prepared before entering into a competition.

Yet, Sarah wanted to be supportive of her co-members and begin to prepare for next year, she studied and quizzed for several weeks. At the last 4H meeting, she just happened to win the practice Horse Bowl the girls had in preparation for the real one this weekend. At this point, the girls INSISTED that she must compete! And, she decided perhaps she just might.

Well, this morning, she took the plunge and decided to go ahead and compete with the other students, who have much more experience at this horse stuff than she does... she went in with an attitude of having fun and doing her best.

Sarah was rewarded for her efforts! Not only did she do well, she placed 10th out of all the girls in the Horse Bowl and received a beautiful Medal as a memory of her achievement. She also was the only girl from her team that made it into the final top 10 and thus will carry the torch, so to speak, to the District Level Competition next month!

Way to go Sarah! We love you and are so proud of your faithful and enduring spirit...

Some Good News

Just a note to all who are keeping up with Thomas... He is doing great!

After a rough couple of days this week (his second minor surgery/cast change and manipulation on Monday), he is happy and able to move around a bit more! The Doctor changed his casts and removed the pin which had already come out about half way out of my wiggle worm of a little boy! He was happy with the correction thus far and decided to leave the pin out! This means that Thomas can roll around on the floor and be a bit more active. Still in casts up to his mid thigh, he cannot walk yet. 4 more weeks and counting!

Sarah helping Thomas learn how to use his new Nintendo DS Light...
Thank you Grandma Coose!

For now we enjoy being able to just MOVE and scoot and roll on the floor!

A Little Fresh Air

The sun finally came out about 4:00 this afternoon... we have been under an impenetrable haze for several days now... Thomas was sitting in our family room and was filled with happiness as the sun streamed through the windows...

I suggested we take a walk... and he looked at me with a "How in the world can I go for a walk" kind of look. I smiled and told him not to worry... I gathered a few pillows and blankets and made a cozy little nest for him in our wagon and off we went!

He had a great time and enjoyed the fresh and very brisk air!

I think he stayed much warmer than I did...

Welcome Home Thomas!

Thomas got through his club foot surgery and, after about 24hours in the hospital, he is recovering here at home....happy and without a lot of pain. (Pain medication is a wonderful thing!) We are so happy to see him in good spirits and resting.

His surgery was fairly uncomplicated and, although he has to return for a second minor surgery to finish up in a couple of weeks, the Dr seems to feel that all went well... we will know more as Thomas heals and we will just have to wait and see how the muscles respond.

The next six weeks will be a challenge for us. Thomas has to keep his feet up and is not allowed to put any weight on them. Imagine a 5 year old boy sitting still for 6 weeks! It seems almost an impossible task ... Keep those prayers coming as we meet his needs with selfless patience and love as well as pray that Thomas' attitude will remain positive and cooperative.

He is still able to provide lots of goofy faces for photos!

Check out the Red and Green Casts... He chose the colors himself.

Perhaps he still is wishing it was Christmas???

A New Year and More Snow!

Today we awoke to yet another snow fall... I am always struck by the beauty of falling snow. It is pure and lovely, covering all that is dirty and in need of work in my garden!

The New Year has come and we are looking forward to what is ahead...It has been fun as a family to plan and create goals... thinking ahead and trying to live purposefully.

We are also enjoying a quiet time of rest as we recover from our whirlwind of Autumn activity! Our cozy home feels nice after being away for so many weeks...

We are also planning on staying indoors a lot this winter... My youngest little one is going to be having surgery one week from today. He was born with bi-lateral club foot, and although we did our best to correct it non-surgically, it has returned... We are hopeful that this surgery will correct it so that he can walk comfortably and without pain. We would appreciate many prayers of healing for Thomas as he endures this event.

Today I found my dear son playing in the snow as his father was shoveling the driveway. He was trying to be helpful and was pushing snow out of the way... but as happens with all little boys...

Hard work turns into fun!

Christmas in Palm Springs

Our Christmas was a full and wonderful time of visiting with family and friends.

Upon our return home from Spain, we busily decorated our home and prepared our hearts for the Christmas season that was well upon us!

One of the highlights of our week and a half at home was to set aside every night to sit together as a family and focus on the "Reason for the Season" ...the birth of Christ, our Lord and Savior . Every year, we like to read devotional stories that focus on the different elements of Christmas and the symbols that we see... It is a wonderful way to draw us close as a family during an otherwise very hectic time of year. We also enjoyed a new tradition of lighting an Advent wreath... The children loved lighting the candles as Daddy read from the Bible different parts of the story leading up to the birth of Christ.


We also enjoyed a visit from my Husband's parents. Grandma and the Children spent an afternoon building a Gingerbread house! It was a very "sweet" moment shared.



On the day before Christmas Eve we packed our very warm suitcases for another fun adventure... A trip to California! We loaded up our car with all our goodies and headed for Palm Springs to Celebrate Christmas with my family...

My Grandmother put together a wonderful feast for Christmas Eve... we dined on Prime Rib and her famous twice baked potatoes! She is an amazing woman and the best cook in the world!


On Christmas day we enjoyed the fun of opening gifts under the tree. My mother put together a wonderful brunch and the day was just wonderful! We truly enjoyed the blessings God has provided for our family. It was a joy to share this time with my Aunt and her husband as well as my Mom and Dad and Grandma... many warm memories to take home with us.

Now.... we are home... and I am going to try to get my Christmas cards in the mail!

"Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home"...

Just a note to let all of you know we are home safe and sound...It is so nice to be in our own home again... it is always exciting to leave the mundane and familiar behind for adventure, but just as sweet to return...

We love to travel and learn new things about different cultures and lands. God has created an amazing world filled with unique and beautiful people and places. He is reflected in all of His creation. WE are so blessed to be able to enjoy and take in some of these far off places.

As we left Madrid for the States, we stopped off in Frankfurt, Germany to visit with our dear friends and to enjoy the Frankfurt Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). This was a highlight for us as we have fond memories of the Market from our previous times there. This time, we had the added joy of sharing it with our children! They were dazzled by all of the lights and sweet smells of Gluhwein (German hot spiced wine)...and Gingerbread, in the crisp air.

Thomas mesmerized by the turning of the Carousel

View from our Restaurant Window

Thomas and Britta enjoying a ride

The children took many a ride on the antique carousel and enjoyed watching it whirl around as we ate a hearty German feast in a restaurant overlooking the Central Square of Frankfurt.

Uncle Andreas and Thomas sharing a hug

Britta and the Children having fun at the Market!

We brought back some lovely memories as well as a few treasures to add to our Christmas traditions... most importantly, we shared some blessed times with our German brother and sister!

A Busy Week!

Just a note to all of you who are following my blog... it has been a very busy week with my parents here visiting... I have been both entertainer and travel host!

The Alcazar in Segovia

Soooo...I am about a week behind in my blogging. Oh well, this is my blog and I can cry if I want to! :)
Unfortunately, the weather was not as nice as it had been. It got much colder and was overcast and rainy much of the time... nevertheless, we showed them all of the major sites in Madrid that we could on foot and subway... my mom took the majority of the photos... and she will have to forward me some good ones to add to this post!

We were able to share many wonderful meals together as well as take in the local Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor... we enjoyed visiting several local churches, including the Iglesia de Santa Barbara, and the San Fransico el Grande, both filled with amazing works of art and icons. We toured the Museo Thyssen-Bornesmisza filled with a lovely collection of European artists. We enjoyed leisurely evenings spent in our apartment laughing and reminiscing about life.

Impressive Roman Aqueduct in Segovia

We took a day trip to Segovia Saturday where there is an ancient Roman Aqueduct, a beautiful Gothic Cathedral and a Castle. We toured all of the old city by foot and shared a wonderful Spanish meal of hearty bean soups and roasted meats. My husband chose to have the Segovian traditional roast suckling pig complete with tail and hoof!

Gothic Cathedral in Segovia

Mom (in headdress) with my husband and children in the rain in Segovia

We bid farewell to my parents yesterday and sent them off back to California.

Today I am busily packing up all of our things so we can head home tomorrow too.

Spanish Flag in Columbus Square

The children are thrilled!
They really miss their own beds and things. I guess we all miss home.

It has been a fun adventure and worth the sacrifice of time and the comforts of home to experience a new country and culture... My husband felt supported by his family and was able to be even more productive at work because we were there to take care of him.

Tomorrow we will travel to Frankfurt, Germany for a quick visit with our dear friends Britta and Andreas. We will spend the afternoon tomorrow at the well known Frankfurt Christmas Market!

Keep us in your prayers as we travel.

A Journey Up the Douro River Valley

Our final day in Portugal was actually our travel day back to Madrid. We decided to follow the main road up the coast toward Porto and then follow the Douro River East back toward Spain.

Unfortunately, a terrible storm was moving in from the ocean and we were pelted with rain up the coast line, so we made a decision to change our plan of driving into the city of Porto and headed north-west toward the Douro River Valley more directly.


As we headed inland, the weather became less severe and we were able to see the country side. We made our way toward the Douro and were amazed at the beauty before us!

The terraced Vineyards of the Port Region

The steep winding road we drove on...

We are very interested in seeing this valley again... I am certain, Lord willing, we will return one day for a more leisurely trip...

Thanksgiving Day in Portugal

Our Thanksgiving was a bit unusual this year...We did not partake in the annual Turkey feast... and enjoy the wonderful company of all the extended family we enjoy and love.

View of the Portuguese Coastline off of Cascais

Yet, we were truly thankful and recognized the day for what it is. I was most thankful to enjoy my dear sweet family and share a very special memory for years to come.

As Thanksgiving is an "American" Holiday... My husband had a business meeting in the morning... The children and I enjoyed yet another wonderful European breakfast... and we rested in our comfortable room most of the morning.

Later in the afternoon, we jumped into the car and headed out of the city of Lisbon to an ocean side town called Cascais. As we drove into town we followed the signs to the Marina...and, to our pleasant surprise, found a restaurant right on the waterfront! We happened upon a sight of beauty known as "Boca do Inferno" (Hells' Mouth). It is a cavern that has been hollowed out over the years from the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The name apparently comes from the loud and sound that is made by the impact of the water.

"Boca do Inferno"

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving feast of fresh fish...(the children enjoyed Steak and Fries). Together, we relaxed and took in a lovely view of the ocean and the fresh sea air... al fresco! (Does it get any better than that???)

Views from the walk to our Restaurant

My dinner before it was cooked!

A fresh traditional Portuguese seafood stew for my husband...

After dinner, we explored the Boca do Inferno and the children climbed on the rocks while we enjoyed the sun setting sun over the Atlantic.

We are truly blessed...