Our days...

are full! I sit here at 10:30pm...tired, but thankful. Today was long, yes, but the companionship of Jesus was sweet today in the midst of it all. During our morning of schoolwork I heard the tell-tale ping! of the computer announcing that Liam was trying to contact me to video chat. The kids and I ran to the computer where, after quite a few false starts, we finally were able to talk with him. He is in route to the next phase of his training which takes place in the Middle East in field conditions (hot, sandy...and hot). He was tired and fighting a scratchy throat, but otherwise doing well.

I snapped this picture of the girls being my "kitchen helpers" today. I often find that although many little hands don't necessarily make light work :), I am just happier when they are by my side. Even Dorothy made her own sandwich today! Not bad for a three and a half year-old.

I was grateful tonight for the Spirit-enabled self-control I had when, directly after I set his plate of dinner down for him, Stephen proceeded to knock his glass of iced water over it, filling his plate with the water and ruining his food (very gourmet you know, tuna salad on Ritz crackers...the crackers became instant sog...really yuck). I have been known to be a bit testy with the children when they do something like this, but tonight I offered the kind and gracious words I always WANT to utter at such a moment. A small thing, but perhaps not so small to my son who was able to retain his dignity and, after I fixed him another plate, to happily eat his dinner.

The separation feels harder now that Liam has left U.S. soil. I keep reminding myself that it is another step in this long journey...each step brings us closer to the day when the separation will be over. We are all already looking forward to that!