- We made it through the weekend of busyness of eight activities (two were cancelled), and Ricky's parents were here to help. After the guys worked all day Saturday on the fence, it is up! We went to another town for dinner and cheesecake to celebrate Ricky's birthday, which is in a couple days. Aolani went to her very first birthday party (Ezra turned three) and had a blast. [I think this story is hilarious: When Aolani pulled up with Ricky and his mom, Ezra and another little girl walked out the front door. Aolani asked Who's that? Ricky's mom said That's competition (jokingly, of course). Aolani got out of the van, pointed to the girl, and said Look! It's Competition! ;)
- Fence: We are still working on a few odds and ends, but it is operative (and beautifully well-done)! Ricky's mom added a few flowers and got green bug spray that should help ward off or kill black widows. Our friend put the hose reel up on the wall. Gate latch is up, but we are going to add one more. [First day out back, Aolani moves a chair over to the gate, climbs up, and tries to get out. Seriously.] We hope to get a bat holder or something for outdoor toys. Another friend has offered to give us their two yard toys their kids used. We have a concrete septic tank out back that seems dangerous, so I wanted to cover it or something. Ricky's dad staked down some fake putting-green grass over top of it, and it is great (see picture below). For now, the kids just go out back when Ricky is home making lunch or dinner and when there is company. After we see what kinds of problems arise, I will let them out to play before Ricky comes home for lunch and dinner, so he can get them in. I will not let them out by myself (when I have to get them in alone) until Aolani becomes more obedient.
- The gender difference showed up just today while we were outside. Aolani picks and brings me a little, sweet, yellow flower. Micaiah, so inspired, goes and brings me a worm.
- We are still going sans snacks as they have started eating their meals much better.
- We are also going sans socks starting tomorrow as the kids just take them off anyway when I put them on.
I seriously think our collection of prayer pillows might be Micaiah's favorite indoor toys! He throws them, stacks them, pounces on them, rests on them, walks on them, head bangs them, carries them, and just about everything else a tot could do with them.
The septic tank cover
- Verses to memorize for the month of April (I already quote two of theses verses; I'm just filling in the gaps to complete the passage.): Hebrews 4:12-6 ~ For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
