The zoo set up a little 'pumpkin patch' which was just FULL of miniature pumpkins. All the children could choose their own. Nathan enjoyed selecting a pumpkin to bring home. He chose several, actually, and we discreetly placed all but one back with the multitudes. 
Nia is 'awash' with pumpkins. A giant metal bathtub (Mom, weren't these used as baptismals where you were from??) was full of pumpkins. She wasn't too excited about our excursion, but she is just darling, isn't she? 
Nathan's favorite activity turned out to be the carousel. At first he was unsure about sitting on the zebra, but by the time the ride came to a complete stop, Nathan was loudly protesting his exit. Nick rode the carousel with Nathan--just to let you know. He looks very independent in this picture, but Nick is hiding behind the zebra.
This evening Nick is working until Starbucks closes (at 1AM or something ridiculous like that). Our house, toys, dogs, food, etc. have become the talk of the neighborhood...at least among the children...and so, as is not unusual, tonight our house was the neighborhood hub. The activity list for the evening included making and decorating sugar cookies, painting pumpkins, playing the piano and guitar, and giving Hoo-Yah a bath. Here's Tracy, easily one of the most charismatic kids I've ever met:
Laura, our part-time babysitter, especially enjoyed eating the frosting! She declared our house to be "the coolest" and is planning to arrange an all girls sleepover at MY place. =) I told her that sometime we would try to work that out.
And Nathan, loving all the chatter and excitement, got involved in the cookie-making process, too. He loves having people all around. It tires me out, but the kids here absolutely adore the time they spend with our family, and so I pray for patience, energy, and creativity...and I take a deep breath...
There is a song that says:"Love is in the house, and the house is packed
So much soul I left the back door cracked.
Momma always said it's a matter of fact
That when love is in the house, the house is packed."
So I consider it a privilege and an opportunity to open my door to these kids. I watch as five or six additional children wreak havoc in my house and I think, "Yes, love is in this house."
Well, I'm tired and tomorrow will inevitably arrive before I'm ready. Pray for our family, that we will know how to be Jesus to the children who knock on our door. I'm praying for that tonight.
2 comments:
Who would think Houston would get cold enough for a snow suit? But perfect timing for the pumpkin pictures with Nia! She is too cute. How many pumpkins was Nathan able to get in his little hands at once? All but one discreetly got put back, eh? :)
The neighbor kids coming over is very nice -- for Nathan, for everyone. I will pray that you have the strength and creativity for it and that the Lord will use it in their lives ...
What a great thing that the neighborhood kids are coming over, although I can imagine it is also very tiring. What an influence you can have on them showing them the love of Christ that exists in your life and in your home. How wonderful! I love the picture of Nia in the snowsuit and the tub of pumpkins- very cute picture! Does she have red hair?
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