Traveling Tutelage

I love traveling with Grace. On the return trip from Missouri Memorial Day visits, Grace and I filled our driving hours talking, singing & story telling. Winding away the the miles, we talked about the story behind the Star Spangled Banner and why I often cry when we sing it.  I explained why grace and mercy are my most favorite  words.  We decided friends should be chosen based kindness, not the color of their skin, how they look, or how well their body works or doesn't work.  Grace wants to visit the place where Jesus died for our sins. She wants to see His body.  In her disappointment and tears that even if we go to Israel (and we will go), she won't see His body; but rather an empty tomb because He rose from the dead. We talked about heaven and how we will see Jesus, face to face; and that He knows her name.  This is how we teach them; day in and day out,how we teach them.  This is how we live our faith, passing it from one generation to the next. 

Memorial Day

We headed home for the long weekend to be with family.  We also caught some time to visit with a dear friend, Val, on the way back to Chi-town. Always good to visit friends who love like family, or fremly, as some say. Aunt Helen was tearing down a house. We helped out, mostly by keeping out of the way. Auntie Val was moving the office. We helped out, mostly by keeping out of the way. =)  Just kidding, we did help really. Thinking it was actually Labor Day weekend, instead of Memorial Day. 

The weekend was hot, full of work, beds were sparse & the air wasn't working. Ah, but I'm not complaining. The kids played, explored, rode horses, climbed on tractors, swam, played with puppies/kitties, and visited Grandma's grave to say, "We love you." It was a bit emotional.  Gracie laid down on Nana's grave, cried, & prayed. I love her tenderness. We bought flowers to put at her headstone, but Gracie willed hers to Haddon to place.  She said it hurt her heart to go back so soon. Sigh~ I know. 

 

 

Chicago Turkish Festival 2011

What an opportunity to experience other cultures right in your own front yard?! Gracie and I visited the Turkish Festival downtown. Though it was chilly (we had to buy a little coverup for Grace), we enjoyed meeting new friends, as well as the tastes and sounds of Turkey.

Eager for a hands on experience, Grace made a gorgeous print using a paper marbling technique. Forget the flowers, butterflies, stars and such; Gracie wanted a horse. There's a first, according to the master painter.  It was a fascinating process indeed. What a great way to experience the other side of the world right here in our own front yard. It'll do until we can get there in the flesh. =) After all, we have an Uncle Volky and his sweet pea to visit first chance we get.

Bathtized

Gracie was recently baptized on Mother's Day. She calls it "bathtism" for obvious reasons. I think it's because we are washed from the inside out! It was the most amazing gift! They say joy shared is twice as nice. Thanks for celebrating with us.