Welcome Ame Belle

We were unexpectedly blessed with a little kitten yesterday. Avril's Sunday school teachers, the Mindemans, were giving away four kittens born April 15. Avril was frantically begging for a kitten and Adrian agreed that this was a good time. So we took a drive out to the country yesterday afternoon and picked out a little kitten. Avril immediately went for a tiny all-black girl. Adrian and I liked the runt, a gray boy. But Avril wouldn't budge. I am not sure if her name will stick, but for now Ame (AvrilMaiaEowyn) Belle seems to be the winner. She is really sweet and was immediately comfortable in the house, curling up on everyone's laps and napping. Avril is about to explode she is so happy. She is doing well though and Belle is very patient. Maia has already held her and is comfortable. I am so proud of Maia. She is growing. The first thing Eowyn said about the cat was "I think she wants to play a game with me or a puzzle." We are very excited to have her.

Why do I have the best husband???

Well, there are a million answers to this question, really. But for the sake of time I will stick with just today. First a little bit of back information....for Mother's Day my gift was a coupon book filled with lots of fun stuff. For example, dinner out with a friend, money towards a household item, free run to get me a smoothie or ice cream, deep cleaning of a room in the house. So I told Adrian that I would really like the kitchen cleaned well--counters Softscrubbed, fridge cleaned, sinks, the works. So he spent FOUR hours this afternoon cleaning the entire kitchen! And that's why my husband is the best. Because he would work so hard to bless me in such a tangible way. I don't understand whyAdrian would choose to make me his wife. But I am so thankful that he did. I love you, Adrian!

Summer fun

My three girls are so fun. There are 3 1/2 years between them. They are very close and love each other. It is such a blessing to be with them. Even though each one thinks she is the mother and needs to boss everyone else around, most of the time they are lonely when they're apart. What a joy to watch their personalities develop. My two younger girls love dresses, shoes and having their nails painted. Avril, the oldest, is much more artsy, matching very different clothes and doesn't usually care about shoes. Often I find it difficult to make them the priority over chores and the like. Someone just reminded me today of how much more important it is to play with them, take them to the pool, or read a book together than it is to say, "Not now, I need to clean." I may not have anything tangible to show for it at the end of the day, but at the end of my life I pray that there will be much to show for it. So one of the things that I am working on this summer is to make them the priority and let the house slide. Soon enough I will hear the words, "Bye, Mom, I am going out with my friends. See you tonight." and I will long for these days of delighted squeals when I come through the door.