Trust

 Santa came early here. We are sort of borrowing from the Jewish tradition and celebration the 7 nights of Christmas - culminating with one big morning on the 25th. It makes for a bit of confusion, but being able to have presents under our own tree here, as well as be with family in two different places makes the confusion a small inconvenience.

 On the first night of Christmas Santa brought... Legos, of course. This santa shops all year and loves Target's mark downs. Both of these were in storage in GA the entire time we were in MO, but getting them half price was worth it!

But what is this? 

Why, sandpaper, of course! To go with their very own sanders. 

Isn't there a law somewhere, (perhaps the child labor law) about giving things like this to your children?! Just kidding! 

Now they are equipped with their own face masks, goggles, sandpaper and sanders. Ready to work on the Fairlane with Daddy. Yeah!! 

 Despite everything, Zion insists on believing in Santa. His faith in something bigger, something that can't be explained - it is inspiring. I suppose what it all boils down to is that he trusts that he will have something to be happy about. At his age, Cars, Legos and Schleich figures are about all it takes to create happiness. But he trusts those will be provided for him. Even if they aren't fancy or expensive. 

 This morning I was reading about Trust. I started in Romans 9, where a devotional I was reading was talking about our inability to earn our salvation. Thus, we just have to trust Jesus for his redemption. And since we already have no choice but to trust Him for the most profound thing in our lives, truly, can we not trust Him more with the little things?

 Zion memorized Proverbs 3:5-6 while we were in MO. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

 Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, "Though the fig tree may not blossom... and the fields yield no food. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Yet, you say. Yet... still I will rejoice. Not just trust, rejoice. Job says, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (13:15) Fig tree not blossoming... bummer. Fields yielding no food... that starting to hurt. SLAYING! That's getting serious. "Yet will I trust in Him."

 I suppose, that like Zion, we will have to boil it down to something simple. I think 1 Peter 5:7 sounds good. "Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

 That about sums it up.

 Trust isn't always easy, especially when there are so many amazing things, new ones springing up every moment, to worry about. I guess that is why we have to choose to trust, and "lean not on our own understanding."

Blessings, 

Antiques

Andy and I both bought Antiques today.

My new friend Kirsten and I escaped for a few hours this afternoon. A small mommy escape, just girl time. There are some adorable antique, boutique, and even thrift stores in the small town just 20 minutes north of us. We shopped, ate fried pickles, and talked each other's ears off.

 I found these amazing turtle bookends. Heavy brass. Early 1930's. Who knows what they say though.... Anyone want to interpret the Korean for me?
 Spur of the moment purchase.

$20

Andy has been talking about his purchase for years. And years. Perhaps his entire lifetime. I have always said "someday". It seems that this is the year of "someday". (If you recall, the dog was a "someday" thing too, and sure enough just a few weeks ago she joined the family)
 Anyway, Andy bought himself an antique today too.

100 x $20

Andy says that this picture is unfair. We actually have a lot more parts then shown here. They are just not currently on the vehicle. In case you can't tell, it doesn't even have wheels. Or an axle. They all exist. It's just that none of them are actually attached to it. And lots of the parts are not precisely in working order. Or at all in working order. For instance, the motor. 

 I had agreed to the project. He had brought home several rubbermaid containers of "extra parts" a few days ago, partially filling the garage, and getting me use to the idea. But today when the trailer with that thing backed up into my garage, well, I almost didn't take it well. 

 I have had time to cool off a bit since then, or perhaps a better term would be "warm up". I have looked at some of the fun parts: the cool rear windows that roll down at an angle, the round tail lights that are just classy and the fender skirts that "dress it up" a little. In a year or two when everything is sanded, painted, rebuilt and upholstered... she will be beautiful. Something like this - 

1963 Ford Fairlane 500 Sport Coupe - 

Probably not red for us... but since he changes his mind every two seconds, we'll just see when the time comes. It's still a looooong way from needing painted! 

 Antiques. 

 I really want something pretty to display my depression glass in. An antique glass front cabinet. However....

 I think I'll stick with a finished project. It will be awhile until Andy is available to help with any woodworking around here! 

Blessings, 

 

My baby is 6

My baby is turning 6 today. My, how time flies. The hard drive that has baby pictures is still packed, but here are a few pictures from old blogs. I wasn't a camera person yet, so you will have to excuse the fuzziness.
 I enjoyed the trip down memory lane. You are free to skip it, but he sure is cute, so I don't know how you can resist!

 My little pirate

 

His 3rd birthday

This story about him makes me cry every time, but is just so beautiful.

A backyard builder

He just keeps growing up. But he is growing into an amazing little man. 

I am so very proud to call him mine. 

Happy Birthday Zion!!

Blessings,