Sweet Surprises...

Two princesses and their dashing prince!
Friends galore :) Like the plaiting Mercy did?!
Our newest 'blues' style!
Our own little cleaning company...2 eager beavers-at least for today!!
An eager student :)
"See-saw up and down" was the song heard as these 2 played together at coop...this was also a favorite activity at AOH minus all the winter gear and shoes!
Our Liberian Blondie :)
Odesco-in some goofy outfit he found in the dressup bin!
Little Buddy bonding time at coop...L, Odesco and Jenkins



Some times just the absence of challenges I am used to dealing with on a daily basis give me reason to celebrate. So, join the party as you read along!!
* On Wednesday morning I asked the girls to sweep the kitchen floor after breakfast...they were enthusiastic workers! They did not bicker over whose turn it was to use the 'big' broom and they went to town...not only sweeping but pulling our rolling drawers out and diligently cleaning under those areas,"beating " our small rugs, sweeping under the stove and the crevices beside the refrigerator. Soon enough, it was time to transition to school but these 2 were cooperating and working so well together (and truthfully doing some pretty fine work for Mommy :)) that I let them continue on. Next, at Mercy's initiative they both dampened washcloths and began scrubbing the floor on their hands and knees! Mercy exclaimed,"This is just like at Acres of Hope!" Not only did they serve me cheerfully they also did some of their big brother's Wednesday chores without realizing it!

*Yesterday M took off work to bring Odesco to a dentist for his first visit . We suspected he might have some cavities because he was complaining of mouth pain and our regular dentist referred us to a pediatric dentist due to Odesco's age. We have been talking for weeks about "Mr. Tickletooth" , reading the Bearstein Bears book about going to the dentist and Daddy had demonstrated with a flosser (as Odesco reclined in his lap) ,what the visit might entail. I wasn't there to witness it but Daddy and C (who went along with his little brother for moral support!) said Odesco was so brave and compliant :) Of course viewing Curious George on a wide screen during the cleaning, scraping,xrays and flouride treatment didn't hurt in acclimating Odesco to his first visit to the dentist! And there were no cavities or signs of decay!! His already beautiful smile is even more stunning now that his teeth are rid of all the plaque buildup. Mercy keeps asking when her turn will be...I think she might be just a bit disillusioned since there is no wide screen tv or high-tech perks at our regular dentist!-Hopefully the treasure chest of prizes to choose from and new toothbrush/toothpaste will make up for not watching Curious George during her dentist visit :)

*Today, we all went to our Homeschool coop....our first regular one since before Christmas. We made it all the way through with only a few storm clouds brewing in our little man's heart and they were easily chased away- Thankfully, there were no major incidents until we closed the van door for the ride home- then the floodgates opened!

*I have seen some major evidences of sincere empathy in Mercy's little heart. After coop, L fell asleep on the couch.Mercy quietly got up from her own cozy resting place and gently covered and tucked him in with a blanket :) Earlier, she had asked me to make her "chickie eggs"... I called her over to retrieve them when they were cooked and Odesco politely made his request for the same. Without any suggestion from me she willingly offered hers up and waited patiently for me to cook some more!

* The other night when I came home from a BJ's run, I was greeted at the door by 3 giddy kiddos in dressup attire...check out the pictures !

* Hair! I am getting just a wee bit quicker in doing Mercy's hair and used a new product that seems to help hold the twists in place. Also bought2 bead organizers to make finding what I need a bit easier than searching for the beads/snaps with goop on my fingers while attempting to keep hair parts in place. Probably the best $5 I've spent in a long time!!

* I ordered and received Mercy's first Handwriting book the other day. It is the same curriculum/different level of the books I use with C and G...this made Mercy feel rather grown up , I think and she was pretty thrilled. I try to work 10-15 minutes per day with her doing simple math and handwriting and this seems to be just about all she can handle at this time. She generally remains an eager learner - I am grateful for that!!


* On Thursday , a few friends came over for a visit.Mercy generously plaited their hair using her beads and sent them home with lovely locs!

So as insignificant as these happeningsmay seem to the outsider, they were definate joy bringers and reason to celebrate once again for God's goodness to us! The challenges are "plenty" (to borrow a Liberian phrase) but so are the blessings!
Oh, almost forgot:
New expression for the week~
'junk it'...after using a paper cup in the bathroom Mercy will ask," Mommy shou I junk it?"...(ie: should I throw it away?-) guess you could figure that out all by yourselves!

Rejoicing in the tangible evidences of His care and grace upon our family!!
Love,
MamaB