Sophia's Song

Sophia has inherited the wonderful trait, from my side of the family, of making every life situation a song. Yes, everything she is doing has to consist in melodic improvisations. Storytelling with song is what she loves to do....it is joyful and entertaining most of the time. Hence, I said most of the time. It is at the times when you are trying to leave for an appointment that you are currently late and Sophia stops to sing her opera while getting into her carseat. She is in the 5th movement of the song...the important part....the 3rd chorus...the most note worthy (pun intended)....and well, I am shrieking noise, not music, to get her seated and buckled up...we have got to go. Oh, my little darling just continues along with her little song and slowly, but eventually gets to where she belongs and I am finally able to get where I should be 10 minutes ago......and the song continues. The same tune of this almost everyday occurance, is well...on-going. But, I quickly learn to just sing along and join in with the song....instead of interrupting with a gong of noise, I have decided to sing right along and with a boom, boom, boom, and a la, la, la....do, re, me....we are up in the seat. A much more enjoyable experience.

So, today I thought I would share one of her recent "songs". It would of course have such a better effect if you could actually hear her sweet little voice, but I haven't quite figured out how to display that on-line yet. So, without further ado.....may I present....my little songbird.....

"I'm on my Tippy Toes" by Sophia
Sophia: When I'm on my Tippy-toes, my tippy-toes---I am higher and higher and higgggggg--er! I am high on my stool when I am on my tippy-toes. Tip, tip, tippy-toes!

{Applause}

Meine Schwester Kristin

It is truly amazing how the Lord brings special friends into our lives. He brought my very best girl friend, whom I consider a sister into my life during high school---the years of soul searching, identity crisis, etc. Kristin is one very special gal---and for anyone that knows her or would meet her, you would completely agree. It is pure joy just to be in her midst. She is a blessing. Kristin has a very sweet, sweet spirit and kind soul. She is the most generous person I know. She gives and gives of herself, her time....oh, I could rant and rave all day about her....
Well, it would be in my heart's desire to be able to spend every day with Kristin, but the 5,000+ miles between us is a bit of a travel to stop by for an afternoon of coffee talk. Kristin is from Germany. Originally, from the Eastern part of Germany ---the famous little town of Cottbus. She came over to the United States as an exchange student and from that time we have been friends ever since we were 16 years old. Kristin came back to the states to attend College with me and was my roommate for several years. She also was one of my maid of honors in my wedding and I was also her Matron of honor in her wedding a few years ago in Germany!! I would love to tell you the story of her wedding sometime....it was the most amazing wedding I have ever been too. Even Ric loved it...which says a lot for a guy. But, I will save that story for another day. Just a little note, that her husband Michael is a gift from God. We had been praying and praying for a man that loves God for Kristin---and he is her perfect match.
About 8 months ago, Kristin gave birth to her first little miracle and joy ---a baby boy, Jannik! I would have loved to have been there....but again, those miles just seem to be in the way. Hummph!

And now....to the true point I am writing this today.....is I have finally met little Jannik. He is so wonderfully cute, adorable, sweet, etc...just like his Mommy. Kristin came to the states to visit and introduce Jannik to friends here. I have loved having her here. It is going to be very hard to say goodbye. I know that there will be streams of tears flowing for at least a few hours.
Holding Jannik makes me feel like he is my own. I was truly blessed how instantanious I became attached to this little guy. I love him so much. God you are so good and you creation is beautiful.
Well, I need to prepare myself for a goodbye---which I am not looking forward to doing. The girls absolutley loved meeting their "cousin Jannik"... Sophia was so happy that he would let her "mommy" him. She would hold his hand, sing to him, give LOTS of kisses and hugs. Both girls wanted to see Jannik immediatley, first thing in the mornings. It was like having a little brother. So sweet. I know that we have created many cute and fond memories this week. These are the only times that I wish time would not pass by so quickly----couldn't time just stand still?
By the way, the title of this post is in German (appropriate don't you think?)---which translates "My Sister Kristin" for those of you not fluent in German. Yah?
Chus Chus!!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

"Sophia, Sophia, How does your garden grow?"
"With lots of water, Mr. Sun, and Love and Doodliebugs!"

Ahhhh. I love having fresh vegetables from the garden! We had our first garden at our new house this summer....and I have to say that my green thumb husband did a fine job. He loves the square foot gardening. I don't have a green thumb....I did not inherit that gift from my avid gardner father. But, I got to choose the plants, and let's just say that next year I think Ric will be supervising me a little better. We ended up with 10 different varieties of basil and about 5 different tomato plants that sprawled everywhere. We did produce the most tasty yellow pear tomatoes ever! There were about 3 corn stalks and somewhere lost in the tomato bushes were some eggplant & peppers & strawberries...
Sophia loves to garden and of course loves to reap the harvest! Like her Mama, she also loves tomatoes! Both girls loved to pick, pick, pick and eat, eat, eat them tom-ah-toes! Lydia hasn't quite got the concept that green tomatoes are not ready for pickn' yet. But, when she does find a juicy ripe tomato, she is overjoyed of the taste! Grins!
Well, now that the Fall season is here....everything seems to falling to the ground. Seasons come and seasons go...and my little girls are getting ---well, not so little anymore. It is a hard job being a mom, but it is the most rewarding job that I know. I may not have a green thumb for gardening....but, I think that God has given me a green thumb for child rearing. It is only by His grace that I am able to endure the lovely task of parenthood. And, I love to reap the benefits of the hard labor. Harvest is plentiful. I love to watch my children play, sing to the Lord with loud praises, skip, jump, pretend, ask inquisitive questions....oh, yes there are poopy diapers, screaming fits, and outright defiance....but, nothing can overlook the tenderness of "Mommy, hold me...Mommy, your the best mama ever!.....Mommy, I love you. Mommy, I love Jesus!" I know that I do not always make wise decisions, but through the wisdom of God, I pray that my children will grow to love the Lord.
So, when I am asked how my garden grows, I hope to have the same answer as Sophia...."with lots of water (shelter, necessities of life), Mr.Sun (Mr. SON), Lots of LOVE (no explanation here), and Lots of Doodliebugs (fun, joy)!"

Remembering...

Ric and I started watching the special on ABC about the tragic event on Sept. 11th. Eventhough, it was a drama, there were many facts to the story and I was deeply moved by it. Tonight, we will watch the rest of the two part series. Everytime I am reminded of the Twin towers, I always get a little deep knot in my stomach and my heart just aches.
Now today is the anniversary day of Sept. 11th and as we walked outside to send off Papa (Ric) to work we were greeted with two helicopters in the sky dragging the American flag behind them. It was such a wonderful sight and feeling. Sophia was very excited and so amazed at the sight. In her amazement, she asks, " Why do they have the American flag hanging on their copter?" Our answer? Wow, that was a tough one. Ric did not have time to discuss it with her, so we told her that we would explain tonight. So, now I am thinking how do I explain this event to her....I am sure God will give me the words.
A strange little sidenote---I had a box of books that I brought in from our garage and Sophia found a book in there that talked about the biggest things, tallest things, etc. And, of course, the book asked "Do you know the tallest building?" It of course gave the answer as The Sears Tower and as we turned the page it also told of the World Trade Towers as the second largest. Well, obviously not anymore. (All things of this world will pass away----but God is Alpha & Omega)
So as I reminesce about this day, I think about where I was on that actual day...getting in my truck, listening to the radio, on my way to teach my class of second grade students. As to say, we did not do anything on my lesson plans that day. The world was turned upside down with the devastation and I had "explain" to them why this happened---I was teaching in a public school---but, the little minds of second grade students is amazing. They got it! And praise God there were some believers among the children and brought up the conversation about God and Heaven. So, as to say I spent most of that day listening, sorting through emotions, and just being. Sometimes just "being" is the best and soothing thing we can do for one another. Isn't that what God does for us as believers all the time. As believers it is comforting to know that we have Jesus with us all the time to go through those times of suffering and pain. I could not imagine being apart from Him.
Well, I want to leave you with a link to a beautiful "tribute" to the 9/11 event. I love the powerful words of Scripture used in the little slideshow presentation. God is Sovereign. Amen? Amen!

http://www.wuzupgod.com/sept11/sept11_memorial_worldwide.html