Phase #6 The Hole Makes Lots of Progress

This picture really doesn't do it justice, but you can see we are on the move! Lyndon is doing a beautiful job with the rock. The guys you see are putting up the soffit and facia. While I was typing this Lyndon called to tell me I had to decide on the texture right that minute because they will be going on that today. We are looking at April to move in. I guess you know I lay in bed at night pretending I am having brunch with you all in my house...So fun...

What I See...

Just this weekend my friends finally brought home their little boy from Haiti (Welcome home baby!) They have had their hearts broken over and over for two years waiting for this miracle. Today the dad sent an e-mail talking about what he saw in Haiti. After reading it I have to wonder if we went to the same Haiti. He especially discussed how shocking it is to see people and the way they act when their basic needs are not being met. I have thought and thought about this today and this is what I have concluded. We both went to the same country and I have seen many of the things that he saw, but I have seen so many other things of a different nature that I just don't really see that side anymore. Yes, the Haitian people are starving. I can't imagine the lengths they must go to each day to try and feed their families. But, while sitting next to a little boy not more than three who hadn't eaten in days I watched as he took the one piece of sausage (the thing he most wanted) and offered it to me. I have been with Harry Mardy (my hero and pictured above with his daughter) as he discussed his love for his family and the gospel. When I asked him if he looked forward to a place of his own, his response was, "well that would be so nice, but I can never complain, God has been so good to us." I have sat in a small room in an orphanage teeming with kids with a family who shares the room with their 6 children so that the other rooms in the home can be filled with kids that don't have a family. I have been to church in Haiti and seen people literally skin and bones with happiness overflowing in their eyes because they have the joy of the gospel. After church is over they spend hours outside the church enjoying the fellowship of the saints. They also check on each other and do what they can to help. I don't think I have ever seen that here. I know that bad things happen there, I am not blind and I have seen them. But, when I am there the overwhelming feeling is that in some ways they are better off than us. Better off because they know what is really important, better off because they don't get caught up in worldy greed because they have nothing. I know there are a few Haitians that would take advantage or even hurt us, I have had my moments of fear while there. But, the ones I know and love would happily throw themselves over us to protect us from any danger. So that is what I see when I am in Haiti and that is why you will keep seeing me there.

Proud to Be "Wierd"

It occurred to me what it is possible our family looks like on the outside the other day. Usually I don't think much about this because what we do and are seems "normal" to me because I am used to it. But, those of you looking in just might be saying, "you know the Friant's, they are the wierd ones." There are many things that make us unique and it occurred to me that these are the things I am most proud of, so let me share them with you and let you know I am proud of being a wierd-o!
1. We have an adopted son from Haiti. No, we don't have trouble having kids, and no he is not here because we had 20 grand sitting around and didn't know what to do with it. He is here because He is our son and we think he is nifty!
2. My oldest son is a homeschooler. For those that wonder he can in fact carry on a conversation and he doesn't miss the "socialization" that comes from school. Jamen learned the "F" word in his "socialization" at school last week, I am not sorry that Kyle misses that.
3. We have a great big, noisy family! Five boys, a husband that sings at the top of his lungs and a dog. Reverence is a key issue for us at church, but for the most part I am proud to say that our neighbors 5 houses down can here our exuberance.
4. I would rather spend money on books than anything else. We marinate in literature at this house.
5. Running is my drug. I know it's wierd, but I like to run until it seems as if I will die if I don't stop soon.
6. My oldest son (who is 10) is the smartest person I know. When asked if he wanted a wii, he couldn't believe I would insult his intelligence that way. He carries around the Almanac of American politcs like it was a treasured child and makes plans to run for president in 2036 constantly. He is a die hard conservative and has a blog called "I'm For Reform." That is so wierd and I think he rocks!
7. My husband sings," All Creatures of our God and King," LOUDLY, whenver he is happy (and that is pretty much always.
8. I would rather go to my Haiti then go on a cruise. I would rather be in a place where I am likely to get a parasite, a rash or a broken heart then sipping slushy drinks because I like being somehwere where I can get in and DO something.
9. I would love to be the mother of like 10 kids. I think big familes are awesome! Yes, it is an exhausting thought (and I really can't have that many) but have you ever heard anyone say, "gosh we should have had less kids?"
10. I would do ANYTHING that I felt like the Lord prompted me to do. I love Him. I trust Him. I wouldn't even take a minute to think of the logisitics, I would just say, "Let's do it." Thank goodness for my husband who then helps me figure out exactly how to!
Yes, I am a raving lunatic. Maybe we are the wierdest family you know, but you know what today I say with pride, "wierd rules!"

Harmless Entertainement?

Being sick often causes me to reflect, because I am to miserable to do anything else. I have been reading a book, listening to my kids, and somewhat listening to the TV,which of course has pretty much been on for two days. I want to throw something out there and would love to hear all of your thoughts and opinions on the matter. Is TV a good thing for our children to be spending time on? I already tend to fall into the "wierd" category around here because I made the choice not to have a video gaming system in our home (even when a Wii was offered as a gift). I know I am a little nuts, but as I listened this morning I had to wonder if I should even have a TV at all. I want to hear what you do and why you do it. I want to hear people stand up for it and people say it is completely of the devil. I would also love to hear those middle grounders tell me just how they stay in the middle region...Can't wait to hear from all of you!

Oh The Places You'll Go

Today I home with the flu. To sick to care about the mess I have mostly been reading and listening to my kids compose a song about our dog. They were totally inspired by listening to "Beethoven's Wig." They take great classical music and compose silly lyrics so the kids love it. And wow are my kids loving it today...anyway. Yesterday Issac and I were reading and he put Dr. Seuss' "Oh The Places You'll Go," in the pile to read (I think he did it for me because it is my favorite). I love different parts at different times, but yesterday one part really jumped out at me. It reads

And when you're in a slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.

I sort of got into a slump for a few weeks and now I am enjoying "un-slumping myself." I love that phrase, usually I am a fan of using real words, but I just think that should be one. Un-slumping yourself includes (for me at least)...exercise, eating right, scripture time, one great big clean of the house, and marinating in good literature. I am reading "A Little Princess" and "Walden, or Life in the Woods." It feels good to be un-slumping, hope none of you are feeling slumped, but if so here's to un-slumping!