Prayer Request

This is my niece - Marriana.



She had her 2nd birthday at the end of the summer.

She lives a long way away from us. I've only seen her once and my parents only a few times. Her parents kind of keep to themselves. Their choice.

Off and on in the past year, they had been reported for negligence to the state welfare.
They had lost her for a few days or a week or so, but managed to do what the welfare wanted and got her back.

Until now.
They are claiming gross negligence. Marriana is on the small size - but her Daddy always was too.

There is a court case this week to place her in a temporary home to see if her Mommy and Daddy can get themselves and their home back up to par. My parents haven't seen their home in over a year - we had no idea it was as bad as the caseworker said it was.

Things look pretty bad.

But the courts have asked my parents to come to the hearing. It is possible that they will be allowed to care for her - if they state approved their trailer. We're not rich, actually pretty poor by today standards, and cannot afford to do any major work to make the place look nice - all the trailers out here need a lot of cosmetic work. They are taking letters of recommendation from people who know them and pictures of their home - because there is not time right now for a home visit. We are assuming she will come home with my parents if they do get custody.

We are praying for God's protection over her and for whatever will be the best thing for her and her parents.

In 6 months to a year, there will be a second hearing to see if she will be returned to them.

Her daddy is quite stubborn and thinks he can talk his way out of anything - usually he can. We love him - but he's a snake charmer, and has chosen to live the way he has - he's dug his own holes - and turned his back on God. Our hearts ache for him. We think he really does love his daughter.

Her Mommy was raised in the system - and is very insecure. I don't think she really understands or knows how to take care of her baby or their home - even though she loves Marriana with her whole heart. She does her best - but overlooks so much.

So here we sit between a rock and a hard place. And little Marriana caught in the middle.

Pray for God's will for her life and her parents.
And for God's protection over all of us involved.

Helping Hands... Clean the Lint Out

Joel thought that the new brush we bought to clean the lint and some sand out of the dryer was the NEATEST thing he had ever seen.

Then we showed him what it was for ... WOW.

Hey, this is even more fun than chasing sisters through the house with it!

So, did you have fun?

Yed! I hab hepping hans. (Yes, I have helping hands.)

I sure love this little guy.

Joel and the Stand Up Puzzle

Joel loves playing with his "stand up" puzzle.

I showed him that he could match the colors.

He was so excited!

I told him to put the puzzle together now.
He said, "Bud I med up my dulers"
Translation: But I mess up my colors!

Kendra's HomeEc Drawing

The unit was about how different styles and colors can flatter you or make you look ill.

This is what she drew for a "look for you".

I think she's got my talent for drawing - but she wanted to share her picture.

At the Public Library

We love going to the library - tons of books.

And best of all - everyone can sit at their own computer (limited to 30 minutes though).

Yeah - a favorite - they head straight for the computers as soon as we walk through the door!

Some days, it's pretty empty, and those days they can sometimes put themselves back on for a second round.
The bad part is that they have to start all over - it literally shuts them completely down at 30 minutes.
Tim is glad that the adult computers do not do this.

Still - they can cover a LOT more ground at the library in 30 minutes, than at home in 3 hours.

Joel and the Lintels and Rice Pan

What's this?
Somebody made a dog in my rice pan. I think it needs spots!

Don't tell Mommy that I'm using my fingers. It's a lot easier than using the tweezers.

Oh MY!
I can't believe I did such a great job!

OH NO!
Now somebody made a snowman!
Hmmmmm

Painting the Hallway Shelf

Vannan wanted to paint the shelf in the hallway - after the primer dries and the weather gives us a good warm day, we plan to paint it the same yellow that is in the kitchen.

Vannan did pretty good - Kendra finished it up.

Right now, it is in the hallway waiting for it's second coat. I do think the white is a bit much though, it does need the color.

I'm alos not sure what I want to put on the shelf. It's too narrow for shoes or things like that - only 8 inches deep. Books are fine - but there is a chalk-board up above, and the shelves are not exactly spaced well for books.

I've also considered some of Joel's toys, maybe all of his cars?

It has to be baby friendly - because Esther will pull it off the shelves.
It has to be easy to step over if it is down in the hallway OR something that isn't likely to be pulled down.

I look around my house - which the more I sort and clean - the bigger the mess seems to be getting - UGH!

Anybody have any ideas?
What would you put on a short narrow set of shelves located in a very narrow hallway?