Touch

I love to touch...

a rose petal
sand between my toes
the hair of someone I love
the new, soft skin of a baby
flour
summer rain
kittens
my husband's hand

What do you like to touch?

Sickness Abounds

I'm not sure what is happening to our once-healthy family. It seems like we're the house of contagion these days.

Six weeks ago Naomi and Josiah each came down with some kind of sore throat virus thing (a week apart), and I followed them with my own cold. All five of us got head lice and it's taken 2 weeks to get rid of it by wet-combing.

Naomi's been battling impetigo on her mouth and nose for a few weeks. I was diagnosed with erysipelas (a superficial skin infection) on my cheek last Sunday, and now my visiting sister-in-law has come down with tonsillitis.

What is going on?? These are not major issues, but it's getting a bit tiring always having someone not feeling good! Naomi's impetigo and Genelle's tonsillitis are the current prayer needs .... let's get this family healthy again!!

Enjoying Owen

My nephew Owen has been with us since Friday, and solely in my care yesterday and today. The kids and I are having so much fun with him! At times it’s a bit tough having four, mostly because it changes our normal dynamics. (Both Ethan and Owen idolize Josiah and fight for his affection.) But mostly it’s been great!

The best parts have been going to playgrounds and parks, watching the boys wrestle together, and hearing the three older kids having conversations more intelligibly than ever before!

We’ve spent time at every park we know of: Christ Church Meadows, South Park, Headington Hill, Parson’s Pleasure, Meadow Lane playground, and our local playground. Lots of space to run around is just what the kids need. They also love throwing rocks and sticks into water, feeding ducks, finding bugs, and using their imaginations on play equipment. (Owen said his favourite part of yesterday was “riding the boat” at the park, referring to a large steering wheel on a jungle gym.)

Though an only child, Owen seems to be adjusting well to my physical boys. He’s jumping right in when Ethan tackles him, or whacks him with a pillow. And there are remarkably few tears resulting!

And it’s just great over-hearing the kids’ conversation. I love listening to them compare Virginia and England, share favourite parts of funny movies, and explain things to each other. I wish I could capture all their cute voices!

My last experiences with Owen had been less pleasant. A little over 9 months ago, he seemed grumpier, a bit rebellious and whiny, and a pickier eater. It’s amazing how much can change in that time period! He seems like a different kid! I am so thankful for this chance to spend time with him now that he’s a little older. He’s been fairly easy-going, cheerful and respectful.

And he makes me laugh everyday when we talk about our upcoming rest time. He reminds me repeatedly, “I don’t have to shut my eyes, right Lisa?” I assure him that he most definitely does not have to shut his eyes; he just needs to lie down for a quiet time. And every day, he falls fast asleep. Smile…

Family Visit

Steve's sister Genelle, her son Owen, and her boyfriend Bill arrived in Oxford last Friday, just in time for Naomi's 7th birthday (July 3). We had a great weekend together before Bill left on Sunday morning. Since then we've continued to enjoy local parks together and general cousin fun!

This is actually the most visiting time I've ever had with Genelle and I'm really enjoying getting to know her better. Owen (age 3 1/2) has matured a lot in the past 9 months and is fun to hang out with. We're getting some extra time with him while Genelle does research at the Bodleian Library.

See the post below for some pics of our time together so far...
1) Steve, Owen, Josiah, Genelle and Bill
2) Bill and Steve talk in Pembroke College Chapel
3) Ethan and Owen both love "Cars"!
4) Feeding the ducks and swans by Christ Church meadows
5) Fun at the local playground
6) Bill and Genelle try punting
7) The kids take shelter during a light rain.
8) 4 kids in a tub is pretty full!
9) Yummy ice-cream on a hot day
10) and 11) Enjoying the horses near our house

P.S. If anyone can give me tips on how to mesh text and pics on blogger, I'd appreciate help! I can't seem to give my pictures captions...

Family Visit Pics