Owner: Joy in the Morning URL:www.mamahooper.blogspot.com Join Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 23:29:31 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Finding joy in the hilarious antics of my 3 children, the love of my minister husband, and in the complete grace of the Father. I'm always searching for areas in my life that need change, which I, in turn, proceed to write about. I review children's boo Site statistics:Click here
Eliana Pearl 1970-01-01 00:59:59 She was prayed for.Longed for.Wept over.And she was graciously given to us.Eliana
. Her name means "God has answered my prayer". "Are you really mine?" I whispered as she was laid on my chest.No, beloved, he whispered back.I know.What a gift she is. I send prayers of thanks heavenward many times a day; when she smiles from ear to ear, when she laughs, even when she cries and crawls to me for comfort.I love the way she peeks at me through the bars of her crib as she first rolls over, then rises to her knees, and finally to her feet, peeking over the top with the happiest face you can imagine.I love the way she pounds on her tray during meals, just so we will join her and she can look at us with astonishment.I love the way she bats her eyes and hides her face from Daddy, only to seek him out again with a smile.I love the way she squeals in expectation as she hears her brothers clambering in the back door.I love her scowling concentration when she's trying to pick up a minute crumb, or op Read more:Pearl
Oh, Glorious! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "I don't know what day of the month it is," said Scrooge. "I don't know how long I have been among the Spirits. I don't know anything. Never mind. Hallo! Whoop! Hallo here!"He was checked in his transports by the churches ringing out the lustiest peals he had ever heard. Clash, clang, hammer; ding, dong, bell! Bell, dong, ding; hammer, clang clash! Oh, glorious!Running to the window, he opened it, and put out his head. No fog, no mist; clear, stirring cold for the blood to dance to; golden sunlight; sweet fresh air; merry bells. Oh, glorious! Glorious! "What's today?" cried Scrooge, calling down to a boy in Sunday clothes."Eh?" returned the boy in wonder. "Why, Christmas Day""It's Christmas Day!" said Scrooge to himself. "I haven't missed it…" (Dicken's A Christmas Carol)Imagine seeing through Scrooge's eyes that day. A second chance - he hadn't missed it! And I don't think "it" simply refers to Christmas Day. "It" is life.Th
Still Going... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 469. Being a bookend470. Little hands turning pages carefully471. Iced-over grass, creating hours of fun for little boys472. Sleigh rides on the trail473. Bulky blankets keeping us warm474. Hot chocolate and sugar cookies when we return home475. The bald eagle we spotted from the sleigh476. Husbands who trek through cold and snow to make a path to the door477. The contentment of having enough478. Tree branches, bending with the weight of the snow479. Caroling on a hay wagon480. Chili dinner with the caroling community481. Young girls eager to hold the baby so mama can eat482. Homemade corn bread with honey butter483. Hot turkey sandwiches made with leftovers...484. ...happy husband at lunchtime485. No need for "icicle lights" on the house - we have the real thing; the light from the warmth inside makes our icicles glitter486. A baby who signs, "More, please!"487. Little boys reciting Robert Frost poetry for Grandpa; making him cry488. A grandma who brings snow clothes just so Read more:Going
They Just Keep Coming... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 535. Our neighbors' snow plow - clearing the alley behind the garage536. Slanted tin roofs, designed for snow to slide right off537. Winter days that feel like spring; sunny and crisp538. Old Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin movies539. Colored raffia - making simple presents look homespun-beautiful540. Washing dishes by hand541. My dishdrain542. Having no dishwasher, and opening my eyes to the peace of after mealtime; scrubbing, rinsing, stacking543. Grace and Peace - listen544. Kettle-popped corn, buttery and salty 545. Chocolate-mint pinwheel cookies546. Chutes and Ladders547. "Apricot" crayola crayons548. Kernel corn sprinkled with lemon-pepper549. Soup tureens550. Large pink bibs with a "trough"551. Eliana's big-eyed wonder at her first taste of a biter biscuit552. Ordering photos online and having them shipped directly to loved ones553. Hearing "Yes, Mama!" when giving an instruction554. The opportunity to extend grace, when I've been given so much555. A baby girl
The Details 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "Gifts, mutter, mutter, number seven hundred, mutter, mutter, have to write that down, mutter, mutter..."My husband put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Can I help?"We spent an hour and a half this evening finishing up my thanks list; he at his laptop, I at my desk. I am so grateful for his willingness to work alongside me and contribute to my list with his own thanks.Here is a glimpse of his...Turning off the television to talk with my wifeThe peaceful satisfaction seen in my sons' faces while they sleepWildlifeMy wife's love for cookingSnow fortsThick sheets of ice pushed up alongside the riverShooting baskets in the gymnasium where I played high school ballMy father's wheezing laughterEarly Sunday mornings refining my sermon one last timeThe old dark wood paneling around our church's sanctuaryThe piano given to us by my wife's grandfatherVivianHolding my son when he cries over missing VivianAugustine's ConfessionsThe smell of a roast in the oven after worshipWatching f
The Helper 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Death has arrived.As the temperature plummets at night to 12 degrees, we see the fingers of death crawl over the earth, reaching for anything it might pull into itself, relentless and heartless in its' search. The gardens are black with wilted, slimy leaves once full, and green, and fragrant. The flowers seem to curve into themselves - their stalks spindly and dry; brittle. Petals have been knocked to the ground by a harsh wind, curling up in a final attempt at life, only to shrivel until they disappear, pulled into the ground for food.This is death.It shows no favoritism. It shows no mercy. Even the hardiest plant that displayed its' pluck by opening morning after frosty morning has given in to it. Even the sun hides its' face more often - peeking out valiantly now and then to warm my face for a moment - then slipping behind the gray clouds once more, taking my hope for a sunny morning with it.The trees who stretched their hands towards that sun have dropped their colorful Read more:Helper
Miss Vivian 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "May I get the door for you, Miss Vivian
?"My sons, Corban and Micah, figured out pretty quickly that Vivian McLure would sometimes need her doors opened for her. One of the oldest members of our congregation, she walked with a cane and nearly always had something in her hand; a potluck dish, a container of biscotti; so they were happy to watch for her and run to the door when she arrived, saying, "May I get the door for you Miss Vivian?" She would step through the doorway with a twinkle in her eyes, and a happy greeting on her lips for her two little friends.We loved listening to stories she told, as well as her good friends, Tom and Claudia Holmes. They spoke fondly of camping trips with Vivian where they would be talking and laughing so loudly that they thought the next campsites over might have thought there was alcohol involved. But a picture I've seen of Vivian says it all - she is standing in front of a building, her hands clasped behind her back, toes pointed in, fresh-scrub
Children's Book Monday - Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In our household, there is no end to the conversations we hold about how grateful we are to the people who made their way across the West, settling in an unknown, unforgiving land. We love to study about the Oregon Trail, and explorers like Lewis and Clark; guides such as Sacagewea, and the animals of the territory.Here is a gem I found that focuses on a different kind of settler, an immigrant, and how she made her way in this strange new land. Gather your chicks around you and read to them this story. It is history. It is beautiful to the eyes. You will not be disappointed.Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel
Written by Leslie ConnorIllustrated by Mary AzarianMiss Bridie (sweet name, no?) sets out from her home in Ireland, rejecting the lovely, impractical things she could take to remind her of her roots. Instead, she chooses a shovel to accompany her to New York City in 1856. And there is no end to the helpful things this shovel can do, especially when it is wielded by a woman such as Miss Bri Read more:Children
, Monday
Do You Really Want to Know? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Miriam tagged me to tell you all "five things you might not have known about me by reading my blog"! You didn't ask, but now you're gonna know!1. I can't brush my teeth with socks on my feet. I. just. can't.2. I have to count stairs when I'm going up or down - and they HAVE to end on an even number.3. I was born in Chicago, Illinois.4. I sleep with five pillows. Six when I'm pregnant.5. If a light switch plate has two or more switches on it, I really really really need them to be facing the same direction.And I feel I need to add another.6. I don't have OCD.
Friday Funny 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Escaped my lips this afternoon:"Micah, do NOT pick your nose while you are holding scissors."Have you ever thought of the consequences?Thankfully, no blood was involved. Just one more thing I have to watch out for now. *smile* *edited to add: he was not picking his nose with the scissors - just holding them in the same hand! Read more:Funny
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Children's Book Monday 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Christmas is over. The decorations have been boxed away, the floors are swept, and even the presents have taken on a comfortable familiarity, as if they've always been with us. Even our generosity gets boxed up, put away for the same time next year, out of sight, out of mind.But the spirit of generosity and the joy of blessing can and should remain, as this week's book selection so beautifully reminds us.Good King WenceslasWritten by John Mason NealeIllustrated by Tim LadwigThe watercolor and oil drawing of a statue in Prague, sitting in the center of the square, will be the first thing your eyes fall upon when you open this book. Turn the pages, and you are drawn into a story of the past, a story of Good King Wenceslas and his day-after-Christmas journey.Good King Wenceslas looked outOn the Feast of Stephen,When the snow lay round about,Deep and crisp and even.The words to this old carol tell the story. The good king sees a poor man, gathering "winter fuel" in the cold, frosty Read more:Children
, Monday
Delight 1970-01-01 00:59:59 *Sigh*. Today I've been lied to. I've been disobeyed. I've been spoken to disrespectfully. I myself have been lazy a time or two. I've snapped at my children; at my husband. It's the end of this day, and yet a word keeps running through my mind over and over . In fact, it has been on my heart for several weeks now. The word is...delight. Even as this word is present during difficult moments of my day, I also think of it when my sons are speaking in British accents to each other, or when they call their Ramen Noodles "Robin Hoodles", just to be silly. I think of it when my baby girl gives me a big, open mouthed kiss on my lips. And when my husband makes me laugh with his silly puns. Delight. Simply defined, it means "Great pleasure. Joy." But I can't imagine why I would think of this word at the most trying times - except that maybe, God would like me to learn something.Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he
A Present Gift 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I'm longing again.And rushing ahead.The Christmas decorations have been lovingly wrapped, boxed, and shelved in the garage. I've dusted the floor boards, moved furniture back to its' rightful place, and vacuumed every last pine needle from the carpet. (This makes a lovely scent permeate the room, by the way! I feel sorry for those who merely sweep up the tiny green spikes.)Now is the time when I begin to long for spring.The ease of children rushing out to play - no more snowsuits, boots, gloves, hats…no more wet, muddy puddles on the floor where they stripped down in the kitchen.Simply running outside with merely a jacket and tennis shoes, or even short-sleeves and flip flops.Drying our clothes in the fresh breeze - not hanging over our shower rod in the bathroom, on the backs of dining room chairs, or over the sides of the baby's crib when we're desperate.Just watching the air moving our shirts and sweaters as if by magic, my husband's long, long jeans waving hello, Read more:Present
Friday Funny - Attack of the Creel 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Here follows a funny tale from the makers of Hooper-Isms, my sons, Corban and Micah.(November 10, 2006)As the boys watched a National Geographic video today - "Jewels of the Caribbean", I worked in the kitchen.From what I could hear, a large group of creel fish attacked a school of parrotfish who had just finished laying their eggs. The result: not one egg was left.I sighed sadly from my post at the sink, not realizing they could hear me.And then Corban hollered from the other room, "It's all part of the food chain, Mama!"Need a smile? A quick laugh? Check out the funny "Isms" of my sons. Or better yet, write down some of your own children's hilarity! They've all got it!Have a wonderful weekend! Read more:Friday
, Funny
Children's Book Monday 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Chester's Wayby Kevin HenkesChester is a very particular mouse. The same thing for breakfast: toast with jam and peanut butter; carrying a miniature first-aid kit in his pocket - always - just in case. And wonderfully enough, his best friend, Wilson, is exactly the same way! That's why they are best friends.Inseparable, they ride their bikes, using hand signals, play croquet, and happen to be hungry only at the same time. At Halloween, they only dress as things that go together: salt and pepper shakers, two mittens on a string. And they tenderly look out for one another - once, when Wilson accidentally swallows a watermelon seed, he cries because he is afraid that a watermelon plant will grow inside him. So Chester eats a seed, too! "Don't worry," Chester tells Wilson. "Now, if you grow a watermelon plant, I'll grow one, too!"One day, Lilly moves into the neighborhood, and she has her own way of doing things. Chester and Wilson don't quite know how to be friends with Lilly, since Read more:Children
, Monday
Found 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "Daddy, where did you find Mama?"Kevin looked at me, smiling, then asked, "What do you mean, Micah?""I mean where did you find her?"I chuckled, thinking, "As if I were a lost little puppy"Indeed."I found her at a church!" Kevin said. Micah sighed, "Oh, good!"Through the remainder of the day, the question echoed in my heart. "Where did you find her?"For the truth is, God found me first.And I wanted to be found, but I did not know it.I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;I fled Him, down the arches of the years;I fled Him, down the labyrinthine waysOf my own mind; and in the midst of tearsI hid from Him… Francis Thompson - The Hound of HeavenAs I wandered, raised in truth but walking in the world, I held onto my tags - they said, "If found, please return me to God" and "My name is Beloved". The company I kept and the locations I frequented were unfamiliar with my Owner, and so did not encourage me to return to Him.A chorus of prayer was
Guaranteed Giggles 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I interrupt your regularly scheduled program, Hooper-Isms, to bring you: Six Ways to Make Your Children Laugh!1. Hand them their pajama shirt and say, "Here, put your pants on!" Then when they say, "Mama, this is my shirt, not my pants!" you can hand them their pants and say, "Oh, you're right! Here, put your shirt on!" Guaranteed giggles. Or eye-rolling if you have a teenager, and I would not recommend this exercise for a teenager. Really. Not.2. If you have an island in your kitchen, seat them on the other side of it for their meal, then pretend you are suddenly pulled down behind it, clawing and grabbing your way until you disappear. Then slap one hand on the counter and slowly pull yourself up, gasping and panting until you are "safe". Then do it all over again. Guaranteed hysterics. Even the baby loves this one!3. If you can do impressions, and your children are familiar with Jerry Lewis, say, "Hey, lady!" at the top of your lungs, then poke your lips out and cross your eyes just Read more:Giggles
Children's Book Monday 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Giving.Giving thoughtfully and gladly.Such a lesson.The Best Kind of GiftBy Kathi AppeltIllustrated by Paul Brett JohnsonThere's a brand-new parson in town, which means it's time for a "pounding"!A pounding is when everyone takes a pound o' this and a pound o' that to welcome someone, and so little Jory Timmons sets off on a mission to find Brother Harper a gift that will make him feel at home.His mother is making a blackberry pie, and he wonders, "Is that a pound?" She says, "Not exactly, but a pie is a treat. The best kind of gift is a treat." Jory finds that he is too small to make a pie, so he joins his Papa, who is giving the parson a bucket of milk; not exactly a pound, either, but Papa assures him that "the best kind of gift is given gladly". Again, Jory finds he is too small to even help with the milking.He moves through the day, visiting his brother, granny, and grandpa as they prepare their gifts for the new parson, but still finds himself without a pound of anything.It i Read more:Children
, Monday
A Path Made Straight 1970-01-01 00:59:59 When I read these verses a few weeks ago, they fairly leapt off the page at me."So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees"Oh, this is what my heart longs to hear every evening, as I lie in bed, usually hashing over the days' events, my body weak, my will crumbling in the light of a disappointing day. It is a gentle whisper from a Father who never grows weary of my daily failings, but instead sends encouragement through His word to start anew with the morning, to receive a second chance."Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong"I'm coming to an understanding that to truly lead my children, I must daily mark out a path for them to follow. And this must mean that I walk in an upright fashion, carving out an example for them in obedience, honor, faith, patience, and love. No longer can I throw my hands into the air in astonishment at a disrespectful tone or a disobedient action. Tho Read more:Straight
Why Would He Be? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Events.They tumble, faster and faster, overtaking, rolling us in like a tumbleweed. Our breath comes quickly, our hands reach out for a firm grasp, our eyes try desperately to focus on something, anything.This week has just rolled us in and pushed us frantically ahead. Life in a small town has its' dull moments, but this is not one of them.My husband, a minister, must prepare two funerals this week. Today was the first, for a woman he knew in his growing up years; and he was up early, turning on the heat in the building, meeting with the funeral home and the family of the woman. There were meals to prepare, and family members to hug while smiling into their eyes.Now tomorrow, he begins writing another funeral sermon. For a man he knew his entire life; who was a fixture in this small town as sure as the goat-heads that stick in your bike wheels. Tom. With his crooked back and gentle smile. A simple man, who came to love the Lord late, but faithful. So faithful.Sunday morning, we had t
Mr. Tom 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Thank you, dear friends, for all of your prayers and words of encouragement on behalf of our family, and Tom and Claudia's this week. We have felt the grace of God over us, and here at the end of the week, feel weary, but so thankful.The day is done. It was wonderful and exhausting. Our tiny church was bursting at the seams with all of the people Tom and Claudia have touched with their lives. Even the two little classrooms upstairs were full - borrowed speakers and microphones from the school made it possible for us to hear, if not see, the service.And the stories. Oh, the stories! Tom was the king of the country parable - and his famous one-liners, "I forgot to bring m' bucket to carry m' tune in!" always had us in stitches. Many stood and remembered those stories aloud today.How do you encapsulate the life of a man into a funeral service? Or a blog post, for that matter? You just don't. The measure of a man such as Tom requires more than the measuring tapes and yardsticks he used
Children's Book Monday for Little Girls 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Pssssst - there's a contest at the end of this post! Keep reading!Last week, Laura, from A Work in Progress, asked this question:"Elise-just wondering, does your little girl like these books too, or do you have other favorites that you read to her?"Excellent question, Laura! My boys are seven and five, and Eliana just turned one in December, so there is definitely a difference in reading interests. When I read to the boys, she either tries to pull the book out of my hands, or plays quietly by herself. The only book I have read to the boys that she showed interest in, i.e. clapped her hands and smiled, was an old Golden book from our library called, The Monster At the End of This Book. (I like to do voices and shout or sing while I'm reading silly stories.)So, I will devote this week to sharing my little girl's favorite books to read with me!If you enjoy singing to your child(ren), then this first book you will find to be a very sweet encouragement of that tradition.The Lullaby Bible Read more:Monday
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Again 1970-01-01 00:59:59 What a lovely couple of days we've had. After the hardships of last week, we buried Tom and remembered him in a beautiful service on Saturday. Sunday was spent in peace, listening to my husband's sermon and having the added joy of an extra child in my Sunday School class, as well as several visitors for worship.We slipped away yesterday, to a condo generously loaned to us for two nights. We've enjoyed the Winter Carnival here, romping in the snow, swimming at the local hotel's heated pool, and eating at actual restaurants - something we don't have ANY of in our small town. We've just begun to recharge.And then this afternoon, my mother-in-law's father passed away. The wind is beginning to shake the windows again. Death has lingered near us for two weeks now, three funerals. My sons listened quietly as we told them Grandpa Sam was gone, then returned to their play, already assimilating this kind of information quickly and with hope. Kevin and I looked at each other, assimilating Read more:Again
Friday Funny 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Hello, friends!First, please let me humbly thank you all for your precious prayers on my behalf, as well as my family, and the families of those who have recently lost loved ones. I have felt a strengthening that is unususual for me in these situations, and I am confident that the ear of the Lord has been bent for me during this time. He listens, dear ones, and while He may not change our course, He most certainly carries us through, though the wind whips around us in a frenzy.So, thank you, for reading, listening, and meeting with Him on my behalf. I treasure you.Now, let's laugh, shall we?Wonderfully enough, I have two funnies to share with you today!Wednesday evening, as our ninety minute drive home turned into two and a half hours due to an accident on the freeway, and a time-consuming yet nutritionally necessary visit to Taco Bell, Kevin and I began to discuss which hymns we would like sung at our funerals. (I know, but it's where we are right now!) The boys were listening to "A Read more:Friday
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Children's Book Monday 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Thank you all for leaving sweet comments and entering my first children's book giveaway!I put all the names in one of my hubby's baseball caps (Go, Broncos!) and he drew out the name of....Karen, from The Firstbrook Five!Congratulations, Karen! You will have your choice of one of the first ten books I reviewed. (I wish I could have entered, since I don't even own them all!)We'll do this again after ten more reviews, so please keep reading!I don't think I will be able to do justice to this week's choice. It's just that good. Perhaps you've even already heard of it, and love it too. Well, let's just cozy up and live the story again!The Quiltmaker's GiftStory by Jeff BrumbeauPictures by Gail de MarckenHere is a beautiful story, in so many ways. Visually, textually, audibly...such a pleasure. It is the story of an old quiltmaker, who lives in the misty mountains up high. She stitches beautiful, warm quilts, and gives them away to those who need them most - the poor. She pours h Read more:Children
, Monday
I Have To Say... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 ...that I simply adore my new tote bag!Isn't it delicious? It's like neopolitan ice cream with pistachio! The inside lining is the same chocolate brown, only with pistachio green polka dots, and it's just yummy!Eliana thinks so, too, and it's a good thing, cause it's going to be hers and mine, carrying my cell phone, wallet, and her diaper, wipes, an extra onesie, and a couple of her favorite books and doll. I immediately Scotch-garded it in preparation for sitting on the church building floor, the floor of our van, being held by a baby who has just started solids (clears throat) and just the general places a mama has to go with wee ones!This, my newest treasure, is the handiwork of Randi from I Have To Say... and her store, Simple Things. She has sling purses, baby bibs, baby blankets, and pincushions that are all equally as yummy as my new tote!So, go pay the talented Randi a visit! She's wonderful!Thank you, Randi!
The Manner In Which We Walk 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I knelt by the side of my bed this morning, having shut the bedroom door ever so dramatically, just so I could have a moment in private.I cried out. I laid bare my list of grievances. I wept and shared my frustration, worry, and my exhaustion with the LORD.He listened kindly, of course, as on and on I went, telling Him what He already knew, bending his ear with my oblivious prattle.But something happened there, as I lay despairing across the bed. Even as I secretly wished to be found in this posture, I knew I was behaving childishly. Even as I listed my annoyances, I knew I was reacting poorly to them. Even as I dripped tears of exhaustion, I was gently reminded of my choice, my desire to be a mama.Every effort I made to feel sorry for myself was tenderly, yet firmly, rebutted.I sat up and laughed aloud, thinking, "The days of genuinely feeling sorry for myself are over, aren't they, Lord?"I am no longer the nineteen year old bride, who called her mama when she was angry at her l Read more:Manner
"Fish Have to Poop, Too!" and Other Things You Never Thought You'd Hear Yourself Say 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Wouldn't that be a great book title?Sometimes, we parents (and even non-parents - anyone who has interacted with a child will do!) are forced into saying the strangest things, and we can only shake our heads and laugh.Here is my "duct-tape your mouth shut" moment:Micah, as a toddler, liked bouncy balls of all shapes and sizes. His favorites, though, were the ones filled with air, and about four inches in diameter. A steady walker, he always had one in each hand, wherever he went.Corban, being a typical four-year-old big brother, liked to jump on the balls with his feet. I had repeatedly asked him not to, because I was afraid they would pop!One evening, as Kevin and I sat together and the boys played on the living room floor, Corban did it again. I got to my feet and headed towards him, saying firmly, "Corban, I've told you and told you - stop jumping on Micah's balls!"Well, dear reader, I did not find anything funny in that statement. Until I looked at Kevin, who was bright red and Read more:Yourself
Children's Book Monday 1970-01-01 00:59:59 As promised, here is the prequel to last week's book, The Quiltmaker's Gift!The Quiltmaker's Journey Story by Jeff BrumbeauPictures by Gail de MarckenThe quiltmaker who lived on the side of a mountain, toiling away on the loveliest quilts in all the land, was not always so generous, neither would she have been considered poor.As a young woman, she gave no thought to the needs around her. In fact, she lived in a town where poverty was unknown, surrounded by a great stone wall. The Elders had warned the townfolk of the terrors that lay beyond the wall, and so she never thought to leave her home, instead living on her fantastic fortune.She had all she needed, yet she was unhappy, much like the King from the first book!She felt that something important was to be done with her life, and so, with encouragement from her seamstress friend, she bravely sought out the secret passageway which led to the outside world, even though she knew she could never return.What she finds when she leaves t Read more:Children
, Monday
Of Pink Fingernails and Cadillacs 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Her name is Miss Pauline, and her nails are painted pink.She called to us as we passed, and Eliana turned in her tracks, heading for the door. I pulled on her hand, saying, "No, darling, Daddy's in the other room, let's go find Daddy!" but she would have none of it.In we went, Eliana step-stepping her way over to the little old lady, who sat in her straight-backed chair, fingers splayed across her knees so as not to disturb the fresh, pink paint.We were accompanying Kevin as he tended to his hospice rounds; Corban and Micah sat on the floor and listened as Kevin read the newspaper to one of his elderly friends. I had taken Eliana out into the long hallway to stretch her little legs, and we peeked into other doorways to say hello, but this room she insisted on entering.I declare, if it weren't for my children, I would never meet anyone new, face to face! Although I have gotten much better, I can be painfully shy in new situations, afraid I won't know what to say, and usually Read more:Cadillacs
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