Gnome Tuesday

One day I had an unfortunate run of verbosity and accidentally promised the children that I would hide a little gnome figurine somewhere in our house every Tuesday, "just like Trader Joe's" for them to find when they got home from school. As a reward for finding it, also just like Trader Joe's, I would procure a prize, preferably in the form of fruit leather.

Today, being the serendipitous alignment of Gnome Tuesday, Spring Break and Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's, we took hiding the Gnome to new extremes, and ventured out on a grand quest to hit up all the B & J's we could stomach, dragging our little bearded friend with us.


The first stop was special because Daddy met us there between jobs. He even saved us a parking spot right next to the door so we could go in shifts and let Noble sleep in the car. And since we were hanging out at the car, I think we even forgot to pay for parking, so that was free, too!

Taylor found the Gnome!

Next we parked up by the library so we could take the MAX to the next scoop shop. We debated over which to do first: library or ice cream? We were way too excited; the answer was a resounding "ICE CREAM!!"

Can you find the Gnome?

Oh the sights to see downtown! I love taking the kids downtown; they are so astounded and amused by the crazies in this world. Take, for instance, the guy telling Noble, "no screaming! We don't need that. We don't need that. No screaming..." over and over, and then pretending to shoot him with his fingers. Woah!

And then we ran into the Statue Man, and he was actually doing stuff!

Micah was completely enthralled.

I personally like to pretend he's not there. Something about gawking at statues that may or may not be looking back at me kinda creeps me out. What amuses me about this photo is that just a few years ago, Morgen wouldn't let any dog get near her, and I'm pretty sure she doesn't even know this big one is standing right next to her.

Then we went to the Library and let Noble stretch his legs a little. He was very excited about that (or on a sugar high, it's hard to tell)... and looky! Noble found the Gnome! He likes the library, too.

"My rope is getting too tight. Can we stop now?"

Noble was in love with this little guy for one whole wait in line. And then the inevitable happened...

...which must be bad luck, because then I locked my keys in the car!

And while we waited for the locksmith, the kids burned off some energy running up and down some stairs, wherein Micah bit it hard, Taylor bruised his foot and Noble got filthy dirty. I found some free "Stress Relief" tea sample to sip while I kept my eye on the whole ordeal.

Now, we don't go out for adventures like this very often (on purpose), but when we do, these little snafus are just par for the course. This is life, and we roll with it!

After that we ate lunch, and some of us took naps.... Last stop, and we're getting a little loopy!

I told them, "OK, nobody close your eyes!" So Micah closed his eyes and pretended to sleep. Ahh, these kids make me giddy!

A little dairy, a little gluten, perhaps a little corn? Mmm!

Everyone: "I FOUND THE GNOME!"

I love that bumper sticker on the cone: IF IT'S NOT FUN, WHY DO IT? That pretty much sums up our day!!

Elizabeth

When I am alone, and it's quiet,
My heart is heavy--again--with Elizabeth.

I met her once;
She probably never remembered me
But I thought of her
Every time I'd hear about Elisabeth Elliot
Or Quito, or being a woman
Who brought glory to God with her obedience, her life.

Elizabeth introduced me to Elisabeth
And she was that kind of woman herself.
I knew this because of how deeply
She was loved
And esteemed
By my friend, who would be her husband.

We've lost touch
And I've never known them together, but
I'd want him to know that of the handful of women
Who have made the biggest impact on my life
His wife was one of those women.
And we only met once.

It is so sad to think of knowing
a reason to understand the Psalms:

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

It seems absurd, almost laughable
To think of Liz--truly knowing now--the rest:

I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for he has been good to me!*

My tears are such an odd mix
Flavored with pity, sorrow, praise,
gratefulness, sadness, hope
and love

For a Savior
Who has a new friend by his side
Who still loves us and watches us
Who still knows and cares for us
Who has promised salvation and singing!

And again
She shows me our Savior, our Daddy
And I see Him a little bit clearer.

The emptiness she leaves behind is gaping
But because of her obedience, her life
HE is able to fill it.

And to think
I only met her once.


*Taken from Psalm 13, NIV