skips in the record

Records. Record players. Remember those?
Did your record player ever skip?
Earlier this summer, our blog was running pretty smoothly, but somewhere along the way there have been a few skips in our record (modern readers, read: scratches in our CD?).
Just to make you aware, if our blog skips from time to time, and I'm not here as regularly, I have been needed more by my family. They are my divine priority, so that's where I am!
We will post as able.

well hello, picmonkey!

so nice to meet you!

Ever wonder how some some people can dress up or put fun play clothes on their photos??
I don't know what all's out there, but I have come across this sweet photo editing tool called PicMonkey.
Here's the difference it made to this picture of ours:

before

after

Like it? So easy!

In three clicks, I did three things to this one: 

1. put an "effect" on it

2. used a "focal soften" circle

3. tied it all up with a "frame"

You can do so much more, too.

What do I like more: 

the fact that picmonkey is super easy to use... 

or that it's free? 

The jury's out on this one!

If you like (or would like to do) photo editing, have fun here.

recognition

what?

you clicked on baby steps and didn't recognize us? 

we've had fun updating a few pictures and making some changes on our blog,

so be sure to look around.

it's us...

we promise!

blogiversary, part 2

The blogiversary is also a time to introduce you to the readers began walking with us this year (you can see their photo or icon on the right). It's always fun to introduce friends to friends, I think. They share at least one thing in common (you), and possibly share other things that are special. So, think of it as meeting new friends. And, if you want to join in the adventure together, please click "Join this site"!

Garrett - Garrett was a student at Ravencrest when Erik and I first moved there. I will never forget Garrett's ability to add three packs of hot chocolate mix into one mug of hot water and chug it. Ahh,  life amongst 18 year olds! Garrett, if you have a blog, please let me know, and I will add the link here.

Mark and Tamara- Erik and I met this gentle couple and their four little lovelies at our church in town. I always appreciated Mark's warm smile and kind questions and Tamara always impressed me with her creative style and the art of home making. Mark and Tamara, if I have your permission, I'll reference your blog here! (Update: they said YES! Stop by their blog, Songbird's Nest here!)

Gaye - Gaye goes back almost to the beginning of my memories of growing up in the South Carolina Lowcountry. She had an exquisite little girl, followed by another cherub-like one, and eventually had a charming little boy... all of whom are grown up now. Gaye's smile and gentle nature remind me of one of her favorite things: gardens. Gaye, if you have a blog, I would love to reference it here!

Jane - Jane's kind comments on our blog nearly convinced me that she is a friend of my mom's... but I just don't have a memory of ever having personally met her! Surprisingly, when I emailed Jane to ask permission to use her blog, I found out she indeed IS a friend of my mom's and aunt's. Jane wrote the following in an email to me : Your Camille and each of your precious children so remind of my very best friend, Mina Jo (Sarah' aunt). When we lost her following our 9th grade year in school it was a very difficult time in this young teenager's life.  Seeing all of these adorable "Millsap" children and the adventure, spirit, beauty and wonder that has survived generations has eased an old lingering hurt of mine, and brought me peace. Jane, thank you for sharing these heartfelt words. Jane and her husband are touring, and staying in touch through her blog, Iron Horses.

Erin - Erin entered into my life around the same time as Gaye, only Erin was a beautiful little girl then... like someone you would read about in an Irish novel. That was years ago, and she's grown up now. Erin, I wasn't able to contact you, but I would love to include your blog here. Let me know!

Jena- friends meeting friends, case in point! Erik and I met a student from Oregon called Isaac at Ravencrest Chalet. Isaac shared his blog with us. I met Jena through his blog and I'm so glad for it! She's got a great heart, a creative spirit, and four beautiful kids. Now if only we lived closer! In the meantime, I'm visiting them at Kemnitz Peanuts!

Christy- ahh, Christy, what a lass! This girl is a walking novel. Full of adventure, personality, mischief and mirth. After her time as a student at Ravencrest, Christy came on staff and worked with Erik in the office. If you're feeling "novel-ly", you've got to meet Christy. Check her out on her blog, Captivating Light.

Cyriac- the little elephant in his icon is no joke! Cyriac and his family are serving in India. Although I've never met Cyriac personally, he is friends with Erik's parents, but always sends encouraging (and funny) emails our way. The latest one that made me laugh was when he connected our children's names to the tune of "Mary had a Little Lamb". (Catherine, Mimi, Jack and Jude, Jack and Jude...)

Sjoerd - Sjoerd is another Torchbearer connection. From the Netherlands, Sjoerd is now studying at university, and in his spare time enjoys hitch-hiking as a game amongst friends and draws cars that make Jack drool. News flash: Sjoerd is considering starting his own blog, which I for one am looking forward to following. I will post the link here! (Update: he did it! Find Sjoerd's blog Treasure in an Earthen Vessel here!)

Abbie- this gal was a student our first year at Ravencrest and a friend of Christy's (above). We were delighted when she showed up again on campus for a visit! Abbie, send us your blog link if you have one and I'll post it here!

Isabel - I haven't met Isabel yet, but would be happy to get to know you! You could click "comments" and tell us a little about yourself!

Cheryl - Cheryl and Luke met in Mongolia and are now serving together with their little darling daughter at the Torchbearer center in Sweden called HolsbyBrunn! I get to catch up with Cheryl when she comes to visit her in-laws up here at Ravencrest.

Alisa- Alisa is a friend of mine from university days. She was one of those girls that had amazing hair, and yet could roll through the dust under cars on campus to dodge being spotted during a game of Capture the Flag. Alisa, let me know if you have a blog I will post it here.

Kelley- I met Kelley during my highschool days in the south. She was always reading... no surprise that she's a children's librarian, only now she's living in a new south... South Korea! Kelley says she's been experiencing technical difficulties with her blog, but hopes to update soon...when she does, you can check out this librarian here!

Kelly- Kelly was actually my cool older brother's friend in school... and so naturally I thought anybody Jeremy was friends with must be pretty cool herself. She was and still is. Now a mother living with her family in the Middle East, Kelly can be found by visiting her At Home in the Desert.

Oh, and don't forget you can get acquainted with all the others from last year's posts: here and here.

blogiversary, part 1

So February was the second blogiversary of our little blog. I'm encouraged as I look back over the past year through this blog to see at a glance God's faithfulness to our family: through Jack's accident, Jude's birth, and our move.  When change seems to be the only constant, I am encouraged also as we look forward - anticipating His faithful presence in the days ahead.

Erik and I have been talking a lot about our blog lately and are excited to share some changes to it within this next year. So watch for it! What hasn't changed is our desire to walk through our family relationships as a husband and wife and as parents with children living dependent and surrendered to the Lord Jesus. We hope to encourage you in His Life for your own personal journey.

As always, it's good to have you along with us for this journey of life... one baby step at a time.

summer recess ends

Reminiscent of feelings only September could evoke, as grade schoolers return to class (and perhaps more realistically, to favorite classmates), I have been on a nearly summer-long recess away from blogging, and I am borderline giddy with anticipation of being with you again, my friends:  whispering to you, scribbling a note here and there, and finding you on the playground of your spare time to... catch up.

So much to say! (and, for those of you in the blogging school who write your own essays - err...posts- , I can't wait to catch up with YOU in between class (read: feeds and naps). Look out for a note or two to be scrawled on YOUR notebooks/blogs over the next term.)

Got to go; class is starting - this one's called Parenting 404!
The bell rings (or shall I say, My children sing!).

So, as we would say in middle school - yes, even in "those" days, before texting, TTYL!
(talk to you later)

-Sarah

one year: walking with us, part 2

Hi, everyone-

Yesterday I wrote Part One about those faces in the right column of our blog- the friends who are "walking with us" through our blog. And now here is Part Two of the promised post.

Also walking with us are...

Kelly - Kelly is one of those people who is slow to speak and quick to listen. She is a great listener and when she does share, it's from her heart. She has often spoken words that encouraged me in truth... or in humor! She's the mother of Mikal, and the mother in law of Amy, who you probably met yesterday. Kelly, with your permission, I'd love to include your blog address here!

Lindsay - Lindsay, is this YOU?!! Holy smokes, the last time I saw this girl, she was little! And here is her photo with a man... her man, whose last name she now bears, I understand. It was one thing when I began to measure my life in (ahem) decades, but now to see this gal I babysat for MARRIED is quite another! Lindsay, say the word, and I'd happily share your blog address here.

Caleb - Caleb was in Erik's prayer and share group last year from January to graduation. He's just begun a blog, which you can read about here.

Karin - (aka "tappin-ballerina") is our cousin through Erik's side of the family! She's gentle and steady in spirit, but not without a spirit of adventure, too. She's trekking around Europe and when she finds an internet cafe and time to sit, she blogs about her adventures. Find her there at Hello Europe, Nice to Meet You.

Steph - I first saw Steph, a smiling little Asian girl, in a photograph on the back of a book her dad and mom had written called Major League Dad - the moving story of an All-Star pitcher who gave up baseball for his family. Years later, I personally met Steph, a still smiling, only now a twenty-something Asian girl, working at Ravencrest Chalet. Quick to laugh and quick to care, Steph has a moving story of her own that God is still writing. I miss Steph, who moved last fall, but can keep up with her living story on her new blog Made in Korea.

Jennifer - I knew Jennifer years ago when I was in highschool. Jennifer, if you have a blog you'd like to share, please drop a line!

Dave and Sadie - These are good friends Erik and I met in England. Their friendship has crossed the miles and the years. We are grateful for like-minded friends and wish we all lived closer! When Sadie's ready to publish her thoughts, I will be the first to let you know her blog address! As she is in person, Sadie would be an insightful writer, sure to have you thinking... and chuckling.

Don and Susan - Friends from the south! Susan helped with the flowers at our wedding, and I've recently come to learn that flowers aren't all she and Don know about green growing things. They also have a local organic farm! Looking over the pictures on their website made me drool for the south and all things fresh! Read more (or better yet, visit them!) at Brant Family Farm.

Patty - there's a bond that forms through "running-generated" sweat. Patty and I ran together in college and strengthened our friendship while we strengthened our calves. I haven't seen Patty since she and her hubby Tim came to Erik's and my wedding nearly six years ago, but the bond is still there!

Jordan and Maureen - Speaking of southern soil and freshly grown foods, I can't eat a strawberry or peach or sweet corn in the summer time without thinking of Maureen and her family growing up. When I revisit my favorite "summer high school memories" file, time with their family on their farm and roadside stand is close to the top. Maureen married Jordan, and they have three beautiful children. She loves her family and writes about them in her blog My Family.

Real Man's Gal - I tried my best, but couldn't crack the code of your identity! Would the real man out there kindly share the name of his gal so we can get to know her, too?

So thank you all, for being a part of our lives then, now, and in the days to come. Many times this year I have seen your photo, thought of you, prayed for you. If you'd like, please email to let us know how you would like for us to be more personally involved in praying for you in your life.

with affection,

sarah and the snyder crew

one year: walking with us, part 1

Certainly by now you are familiar with the faces of our family as they appear in our blog... but have you ever wondered about those other faces who appear on the right hand side? Who are these friends who are "walking with us"?

In addition to being faces who making me smile each time I open our blog, these are family and friends - some I haven't even met personally! - who are interested in our lives and what God has and is doing there.

I'd love to introduce these friends to you!

Before I begin, just a word on each introduction. I previously asked permission to post personal blog addresses of each friend so that you can click on their link and get to know them better if you'd like. Most every one has a blog which they were happy to share. To the few friends just joining us: if you have a personal blog you'd like to share, please let me know and I will gladly include your address in a future post!

One more thing, I've split this post in two parts, so be sure to check back tomorrow. You will want to meet each one!

And now, may I present...

Kathy - Imagine spending your summers on a beautiful island located on the west coast of Canada with no electricity. Erik's cousin Kathy and her husband and two children do! When we were visiting Erik's family in BC two years ago, Kathy's husband Dave all of us over by boat on a beautiful summer's day. We had a blast walking the dirt road, "hearing" the silence, and splashing in the cool waters. My favorite part was our tour guides... Kathy and Dave and their charming kids!

Jasmine - It's been nearly ten years since I've seen Jasmine, but I still remember her amazing smile. She would brighten any room when she smiled.

Mina - my eldest cousin whom I always looked up to, even when I got taller than her. My favorite thing about Mina is her laughter. Read more about Mina and what makes her laugh - and thankful - on her blog "Twenty 11 Reasons".

Liza - I say Liza's name with a sigh. She's the kind of gal that you appreciate instantly... and then she up and moves to balmy CA with her lovely family. When Jack was in the hospital last year, Liza helpfully and carefully organized meals to be sent over from people in our church! Talk about a practical friend!!

Amanda - Amanda is one of those people that I don't know, but wish I did! Amanda, please drop a line - I'd love to get to know you.

Ale' - I knew Ale' when she was Camille's age. She was adorable - a lovely mix of her cheerleadin' mama and kindhearted daddy. I especially adored how her daddy adored her... he would shop and bring home the most precious little dresses for her. Now Ale's a big girl and writing over at friendsfunandjewelry.blogspot.com

Caroline - Caroline gets the prize for how long I've known somebody in this group... I remember when she was safely tucked away inside her mama! Last March, Erik and I bumped into this gentle friend on a Carolina beach when we were having a date (read: Erik and me, plus Jack). Caroline offered to watch Jack for a bit so Erik and I could go on a walk by ourselves and make our date authentic :) Read more about Caroline on her blog agraciousdemeanor.blogspot.com

Amy - When it comes to walking, Amy is no stranger to it. She and her hubby hiked the AT and lived to tell about it! Read more in her blog The Dirt Life.

Mika'l - My first memory of Mikal was watching this tiny 10 year old little doll playing at a church picnic. Over the years, I had the privilege of tutoring/learning algebra/geometry with her. Then she fell in love. Got married. Had kids (including a daughter who could be that 10-year old Mikal if I wasn't looking too hard). Takes time to think about it. Then she chronicles her thoughts in her blog, Beauty for Ashes.

Emily - My earliest memory of Emily is of her as an eight year old, looking up at me with deep brown mischievous eyes and a smile while she stood beside her mom. I still get the privilege of looking into those deep brown mischievous eyes weekly (can you believe my good fortune?!) while she is a student right here at Ravencrest! Find out what's behind those playful eyes and smile in her blog For His Glory.

Jill - I hold Jill partially responsible for my meeting Erik. Nearly ten years ago, Jill and I sat on a quiet grassy, sun-dappled section in a Parisian park. I expressed that I wanted to work in England for a year, but ached over the thought of leaving my beloved South and home behind. Jill said, nonchalantly, "B-town is always going to be there, Sarah." The rest was history. No stranger to traveling the globe, Jill and her family live in Doha. Visit her there at A Bug in the Sandpit.

Kat - Kat and her brother Dimitri grew up together in Toronto with Erik. Their friendship spanned the years and distance, bringing them down the east coast to our wedding in SC over five years ago.

Danielle - (aka Nursing Girls Go Under) I met this lovely Canadian in England. She and I cycled those narrow English roads to Kirby Lonsdale and back, stopping for a lemonade at a little village pub. Danielle expresses her love and care for people as a intensive care nurse in the pediatric unit of her hospital, and just returned from a medical trip to Haiti. See more of her time in Haiti here.

GraceAnna - When I think of my first memories of GraceAnna as four year old, all things sweet and pure come to mind. Dresses. Singing. Laughter. Playing. Fun. Tea parties. (She reminds me a lot of Catherine.) She is still as sweet as ever, and now she's a mama herself, with her and Grant's baby girl due any day. I can't wait to watch this lovely woman with her own little girl. You are welcome to visit their family's blog.

Katie - My mom introduced me to Katie while I was visiting a woman's group at my parent's church in SC. Katie writes at this address.

Christoph and Hillary - Erik and I met Hillary when we lived in Colorado Springs. An amazing stylist with a generous heart, Hillary gave me a perfect present after Catherine was born... a great cut! We were excited for Hillary when we learned that she was going to study for a year at Tauernhof (a sister Torchbearer Bible School in Austria)... Then we were excited that she met a German called Christoph. Our family got to know Christoph when he came to Ravencrest for the second year program. They fell in love, got married, and just celebrated the birth of their precious boy, Elliott! Read more about this couple in their blog!

Melissa - Another sweet friend of my mom's! (My mom has a talent for meeting - and sharing - some lovely friends!) You can read about Melissa in her blog, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

Charlotte - I met Charlotte when she had one little boy... and now she's adventuring with seven! How does she do it? She writes about life in her blog Sensible Mom.

one year: wonderful YOU

It's been absolutely wonderful being able to share our lives with you. Through your emails, comments, and presence, we have felt "heard", supported, and encouraged as a family. You are great company as you join us on our family's walk together (albeit baby steps).

In keeping with the "walking" theme, I asked my friend Amy, an expert hiker whose hiking has gotten her all the way up the Appalachain Trail, to teach me about different types of hikers. She says "a Through Hiker is someone who, from the beginning set out to hike the FULL distance without stopping. A Section Hiker is someone who hikes the full and complete distance in allotted sections, based upon their schedule." Thank you, Amy. My bro Zach, also a ATer, said he's even met Day Hikers, people who would just get out on the trail for a day or so.

And so it is with you. Some of you get out and hike with us for the day. Some of you are Section Hikers, walking with us in parts as your schedule permits. Others of you are Through Hikers, going the full distance each step. Whether you're walking with us for the day or as long as we're on this trail, you are welcome!

During our journey together, Erik and I have no expectations for you. We only hope that you will see Jesus - not in duplicated facts, but in His replicated Life in ours. May the only thing that compels you about our lives be not to learn a philosophy or behavior, but to personally go to Jesus for yourself.

Jesus says, "Come to Me." (Matthew 11:28-30) As Erik and I go to Him with our lives and the circumstances in them and then share them with you, may we simply echo His "come" to you. (A lesson we learned from Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest). May you see Him and seek Him yourself!

Some of you have asked how to stay in touch, comment, and even join in "walking with us" (as seen on the column at right).

To stay in touch, you are welcome to email us at erikandsarahsnyder@yahoo.com

To comment, you will see a "0 comments" at the bottom of a post. If someone's already commented, it may read "1 comment" or something to that effect. Click this. Then you can type your comment. You will now have a choice of how to identify yourself in the "Comment As" drop-down menu. If you don't have an blog account, simply choose "Anonymous" in the drop down menu and then press "Post Comment". If you have an account already and already have "signed -in" at the top of the blog page, you are set. Just press "Post Comment".

To begin "walking with us", click on "Follow" in the column at right. I'm not an expert on this part, but I do know that the blogs I "follow" means that I get to see their posts as soon as they're live. It saves me the time of checking back on each blog to see if there is a new post from day to day. It's like having a subscription - the post is sent to my google account and read within my blog. But this is where I'm unsure and could use some advice: can someone tell me if you can get these posts sent to your email account if you don't have a blog of your own??

one year: posts

Writing posts has been really enjoyable and beneficial to me this year.

First, it has been a great opportunity to gain perspective as I look back over this past year. So much has changed in what now seems like a breath of time.

"Jack's grown so much!" commented a friend today. We hadn't seen this guy in a while, so from his perspective, there really was a physical change in Jack. My perspective? It's daily. I'm up so close. The kids' growth is so minute from day to day. The change is almost imperceptible. But seeing things through my friends' eyes gives me perspective that "Yeah, Jack really has grown."

And so it is, looking back over this year of posts. In the middle of our "daily-s" - changing diapers, preparing meals, washing dishes, tucking in - change is hard to see. But looking at the pictures and text from the blog I can see growth - physical, emotional, communicative, developmental... and it's so encouraging!

It's been especially encouraging to look back over the past year and see God's presence, care, and involvement in our lives - in both the joys and challenges.

I don't know about you, but sometimes in the middle of a challenging time, I can have this pervading sense that "things are never going to change." It can feel overwhelming and discouraging. So to look back over a year of our lives as I review the posts of this blog, I feel God has taught me a better perspective on those times and the feelings around them. Yes, they were real. But no, they didn't last forever. It's a reminder that things aren't "always going to be this way." We learned and changed and grew as parents. Our kids learned and grew and changed. God is faithful!

I feel having this perspective has helped me have a more growing sense of endurance during those challenges. I don't feel so bogged down in the overwhelming emotion of them, but sense a growing ability to persevere through them. It reminds me of my days of distance running: what distance once seemed impossible is, after practice and training, endurable... and even enjoyable... even though it's still hard work.

Psalm 90:12 says "So teach us to number our days that we may present to you a heart of wisdom." I feel that being able to review the past year has been a means of God's teaching me to number my days, and for that I am grateful.

Second, writing posts has been a very good medium to keep in touch with our friends and family who are far away. (Especially when I haven't yet bitten the bullet to join millions of other people in the world of Facebook!) I haven't felt obligated to regularly keep up with the posts; sometimes I need to focus on living and our children's lives, rather than writing about it. But as I'm able and have something relevant to share, I've appreciated the posts as a resource and tool for connecting with you. I love being able to share with you the funny things, the joys, the challenges, the things we're learning through our lives.

... which brings me to the other side of this bloggal coin... YOU!

one year: baby steps

It's been a year since I punched the "publish post" button, and our family's blog was introduced!

To celebrate this milestone, I wanted to write a few posts over the next week about this year of blogging.

To begin with, what could be more appropriate than our title?

baby steps

I didn't capitalize our title or post titles to capture the essence that we aren't "grown up," "polished," or have all our "i's dotted or t's crossed" as children or as parents. We are a family who is growing together, not "having-it-all-together".

I chose the words "baby steps" because I thought they encompassed where we all - child and parent alike - are as a family. A few steps here and there. A few falls. But a willingness to get up and go again. Progress, not perfection. An ability to cry and then laugh ourselves. Being happy in "the process", not frustrated with "the challenge".

I love watching Jack these days - he's 14 months and still crawling. He's happy on all fours, and I don't blame him... boy, can he motor. He's like a Hummer, without requiring all the fuel. But I've caught the intrigue in his eyes as he watches his sisters as they run and chase and dance. He's curious about the world of two legged transportation. He's ventured out a couple of times to take a few solo steps. His smile is wide and toothy - the same as when he's taking baby steps as when he's tumbled down. He embodies 'baby steps' to me.

Catherine, Camille, and Jack are learning how to be 3, 2, and 1. Growing up is not just about potty training and learning how to dress yourself. For our kids, it's about learning what it means to be... Sisters. A Brother. Siblings. Children. Friends.

Our 3, 2, and 1 year old aren't the only ones learning. The 36 and 32 year olds are, too. Erik and I are still learning how to be parents. We are daily watching, learning, and growing as God teaches us how to love, communicate and engage with our children as individuals. We hope to remain teachable and growing in that department as long as we are in relationship with Catherine, Camille and Jack - even/especially when they are adult children. We look at our mistakes and failure as opportunities to go to God for help, to go to our children in humility, to point them to Him - not ourselves. We want to use our mistakes - not bury and forget them - to learn from, to grow through, and often to try something new.

And we are learning one of the most vital things we can give to our children: how to grow together as friends, lovers, and husband/wife within the busyness and responsibilities of being parents. We are grateful to be united in Christ and want to share this foundation of our marriage and family with you in a near-future post.

Hence, baby steps. Our family is walking together. We aren't moving fast. Sometimes it doesn't seem like we're moving at all. But we hope through our lives you will see the presence, care, and activity of our Father engaging in all our lives.

One month into blogging

Last month, I pressed the "publish post" button and so began our first Snyder family post.

I sheepishly, almost shyly, told my mom that we were blogging. "We'll give it a shot and see how it goes..."

I never would expected how the next thirty days would go.

I expected there to be a joy in writing again. But I never anticipated feeling so encouraged by knowing that you guys - our friends and family - are reading, and are in some way knowing and understanding and involved with our family.

While we feel content and settled here in the place God has called us in Colorado, sometimes it can feel lonely living here away from some of the people who know us and love us. As a stay at home mom, sometimes it can feel lonely even in the middle of the busyness diapers, dressing, and feeding.

Thank you for all for desiring to know and understand our family. I feel supported just knowing that you are, in some way, a part of our lives.

Love,

Sarah

Paperclipped Thoughts

Family stuff to write about in future blogs...

On our bookshelf: favorite books

On our table: favorite meals

things to do

things that help

people in our lives

days of our week

play

sleep

mobilizing (a.k.a. getting out the door)

ever-changing dynamics

communication

Any further suggestions?

In Writing

Where to begin?! I have time to post, and I'm really excited about it.

At the moment, Catherine and Camille are both napping, and Jack is swirling around in his Johnny Jump Up. Erik's away at a business lunch meeting and the house is in a good holding pattern. All green lights!!!

To think writing used to be a given... a standard part of my day in highschool, college, and my twenties! A bin full of journals - many supplied by Suzan Chase- in our garage proves it. Now, writing is a luxury, like a cup of coffee, or taking a bath.

Times have changed from being single. God's given me living journals to write in day to day... Erik, Catherine, Camille, and Jack. As a family, we are always observing and discussing. I'm grateful for these people that I share every hour of every day with; I feel life is lived out in relationship, not in black and white/pen and paper/this binary code.
HOWEVER...

There is something to be said for writing.

If you've ever called me up and asked WHAT I've been doing, you know I can tell you that. With Catherine, Camille, and Jack, we are always doing something!

But if you've ever asked me a question any higher on Bloom's Taxonomy, like HOW I'm doing... I usually won't know off the top of my head. The day is too busy and my mind is too full to stop and assess spur of the moment.

Writing solves that for me. Katherine (Oliver) Carrera, a college friend and lover of writing, once said something on this topic like, "The many thoughts in my head are forced to line up and exit one by one through the point of this pen."

Experience gives me stuff to write about. Talking lets me share it with others. But writing, ahh, writing! For me, it does something that experience and talking don't do. Writing goes smack in the middle, helping me to process and remember and express.

It's great to be able to talk through the day with my family. But how can I remember those moments to discuss with Catherine, Camille, and Jack when they're older? I want to remember.

It's great when the students who live here at Ravencrest come by our home and see it all in busy, blurry action. I love to share our lives with them. But for our family and friends who are far away, how can I best share our family with you? When you phone, I don't want to give you the minute by minute breakdown of our day. I want to give you my thoughts and heart, too.

So here is my offering, in writing.