More Learnings

1. Riding lawnmowers are a form of transportation, faster than horses, slower than cars.
People here have lawns the size of pastures. In order to mow them in less than a week, one
needs a riding lawnmower. They also can get you from point A to B in a fairly short time and
I don't think you have to have a driver's license. I could see some kid having a booming
business going from place to place mowing lawns. The mowers here are kind of like ATV's in
other places only they actually do serve a useful purpose.

2. Winter is not necessarily over even when you have days in the 80's. Case in point, we just
experienced some new record lows of 15- 18 degrees with wind chill of hmmm, well very
cold.

3. There are some serious RV camper type folks that start camping early. The park by our lake
is already starting to fill up. I would guess there are roughly 30 RV's of various sizes and
shapes already staked out.

4. Kansas needs more coffee shops.

Discourse from babes

Who knew that a mere passing of a policeman disbursing a ticket to some wayward driver could inspire a 15 minute discourse? Driving home from Family Night at church we see the familiar red and blue lights in the midst of confronting the offending driver. We got the usual "why did the policeman stop that car?" To which we dutifully replied "because he was probably driving too fast and that is his job". In the minds of children, the simple answer is just not enough. How do you convince the 3 and 4 year olds that the car lights behind us are not those of a policeman after us? We got "mommy are you driving too fast and is that policeman going to catch us. The entire 15 miles ride was filled with questions and discussion about policeman giving tickets. Can you imagine our relief when the car behind us turned off? The boys were finally convinced that we weren't going to be pulled off to the side of the road for speeding.
We have had a number of deep theological discussions with Kyran about God with all of the usual why this and thats. He is a deep thinker. Perhaps he will be a preacher some day or at least a negotiator. That boy can talk your socks off.
Today's discussion centered around the Last Supper and Communion. We got the whole version Kyran style including someone getting his ear cut off. When we told him that Peter was involved with the incident, he quickly asked "Peter Pan?". What is left to say??

Wildlife

Ok so I know it's not Alaskan big game, but there is wildlife in Kansas. So far since arriving here, I have seen numerous small four legged varieties such as raccoons, opossums, and skunks, some unidentifiables and three deer. I confess, the above mentioned are hmm.... roadkill but wildlife nonetheless. I don't believe there has been a day that I have driven to town and have not seen some kind of poor creature on or about the highway. So far the only living creatures I have seen were four deer bounding across a lawn just off of the highway. They were large deer by the way. I know there are skunks not far away as their pungent odor is often in the air and I am not to anxious about having any encounters with the little striped critters. One thing that I found a little surprising is that there are pelicans here on our little lake. I wasn't quite sure about it until one flew quite close over my car while I was driving. Pelicans for sure. How far are we away from the nearest ocean? Well I guess that just goes to prove God has a sense of humor or He wants to make it seem like I am close to the ocean. Who knew I would go to Kansas and see pelicans??

The Greening

Ok so March came roaring in like a lion. I am pleased to announce that I believe winter is officially over. While it is still a bit chilly on some nights, the days have been wonderful. The other day it was actually around 70 degrees. Yes folks, read it and weep. I have planted strawberries and we are getting excited to plant the already started watermelon, pumpkins, cantalope and other veggies. Some are outgrowing their little pots and want to be put into the ground. In the past week while driving to town, we have noticed the fields are turning green. I always thought of Kansas as a little barren and definitely brown. However, in this area, there to be a fair amount of farming and hay growing. So I was wrong at least for now. Perhaps by the end of summer, things will be various shades of tan and brown but for now, the green of spring is coming forth. People have started working in their yards and raking up all the leaves from fall. (Great mulch by the way). So spring has sprung and the sun in warm upon our faces. Have I mentioned that I don't miss all of the rain??

Weather

Upon looking outside this morning, all I can say is ugh! We have had beautiful weather this week, warm, spring-like, you know the kind everyone wishes they had at this time of year. I was out raking out leaves from flower beds, planting some strawberries and just enjoying the sun. Last evening we had a wonderful lightning show, the kind that usually comes with the hot weather in this part of the world. This morning however, we wake up to the sound of snow plows and look out on a winter wonderland. Do I have to say this does not exactly make my day? Talk about drastic changes in temperatures! Yesterday we were out in shirt sleeves and today we are in our woolies! Ahh such is life on the plains.

Deployment Day February 9th, 2007

In sickness and in health

No it's not a marriage but it is a committment. A promise to lend aid, comfort and support to a family while daddy is away. I suppose it is a marriage of sorts and the vows certainly apply. This first week has been a test, of that I am sure. I remember a time when I had car problems and didn't know if I would arrive to and from work or home on a daily basis. When you are a single parent, there isn't always someone there to "rescue" you in times of need. So our week was off to a great start when the van began having a brake problem. We escorted it to the shop and loaded us all up in my car, which is a bit on the small side when it comes to children's car seats. But the little sardines managed and we were none the worse for the wear. Wednesday found us unexpectedly having to go to the emergency room, always a parents nightmare. Little Kaylin had a febrile seizure. We discovered the measure of God's grace to us in the form of our new pastor and his wife. What a treasure! The customary follow up visit yielded strep throat results and now it appears that Kyran may follow suit and another visit to the ER may be in order. Well, life is never dull when little kids are involved for sure. So here I am, in sickness and in health trying to give moral support and hoping to maintain my own health among the munchkins.
Perhaps another challenge is in order to all of you who are blessed to have a spouse. Be conscious of those single parents or other folks who may not have that additional support in the form of a spouse or other family member to help out. Some people find it difficult to ask for help and struggle along on their own. Look for opportunities and don't be afraid to "butt" in sometimes because chances are that person really needs help but doesn't know how or is afraid to ask. I personally have been in that position and now am surrounded by many military wives who have husbands that are gone for a year. It is amazing how many things can go haywire in a home or car and can overwhelm someone who is already up to their neck in other issues. Be aware people!