For the past several weeks I had been longing to take Naomi—the boys, too—but especially Naomi, to the farm/petting zoo in Candia, N.H. Well, today, just three hours before they closed, we got everyone together and headed to Charmingfare Farm.
We had been there in the past for their hay rides and bonfires on a couple of church activities. This time we were able to explore the whole farm. That’s right, I said, “we”! I made it through, and saw all the animals, too, I walked the whole way. Of course I was a bit sluggish by the end, but it was worth it. We had a great time. We were also able to get tickets for a pony ride for each of the kids. They loved that. We have loads of pictures and video on all that took place. Watching the kids feed the animals was great as well, especially the goats.
On the way home, I suggested to Doug that we call the Sohmer family and see if we can visit. It’s so rare that we make it up to their area. So very glad we were able to drop in and say hello. I was thinking it was going to be a short visit, but we ended up hanging out until 9:30. How impressive is that! We got to meet their newest family member, Gabriella Danielle Li Ying Sohmer. What a sweetie. Doug took lots of pictures of her, too. She’s newly adopted, just two weeks or less now, from China. What a wonderful story they have to share. It was indeed a great blessing to be with the Sohmers again. Thank you guys for your hospitality, too. Love you.
Not so bad for me, it’s nearly 11 p.m. and I’m doing quite well, and for all of that the praise goes to God. What a blessing to be able to do more than just the “little things” again. For all that have been praying for us, thank you. 🙂
Sunday morning came and I was able to join the family and go to church even after a busy day on Saturday. Last week and also today, I decided to go to junior church with Doug and help teach. What a blessing! I haven’t been in class with the kids in many, many months. Hearing their sweet voices singing praises … how I’ve missed being with them, too. I had hoped to go on another shopping trip this afternoon, but the pain was back and said to me, “Yeah, right.”
To be with my church family, to hear preaching (in person), to give prayer requests and to take those that are shared, to give praise and to hear how God is working in the lives of other members, to be able to give and receive a hug and words of encouragement, to be a blessing and to receive one. To all of those things, I give thanks and praise to God for each opportunity that I am able to partake in a service.
[Note from Doug: While Nichelle was feeling better, I was worse than I’d been in years. More on that later … We’ll try to get pictures up tomorrow night.]
Another great day on Monday. Last night at about 10:30 I finally layed down to rest a bit and realized that I had gone the entire day, even with a much earlier start to my day and worked and cleaned without the need to nap. I’m of course thrilled. Keep the prayers coming. 🙂
Glad you’re both feeling better, and SO GLAD YOU STOPPED BY! 🙂
Hey…I want to go to that petting zoo!
All kidding aside (although I am NOT kidding about going to the zoo)…praise God for your good days.
Doug…keeping you in my prayers as well.
No pictures yet; sorry.
Nichelle has undertakena big “toy cleanout” in the “center room” outside the boys’ bedrooms downstairs. We brought everything upstairs for sorting (MUCH will go), and it’s nearly done, but it’s taken over our family room and some time that migth be spent doing other things.
Nichelle has also been cooking again. I can’t begin to describe how wonderful that is.
I’m still doing great. Things are not pain-free yet, but I can function more and do more than I could just a few weeks ago. We are all very thrilled. I consider that a huge blessing.
Naomi and I got to go out and do some shopping yesterday, which was great fun. Although, that was the first day of being able to do things that I over did it. I definitely pushed things too far and paid for it last night. Putting that aside all has been great. I was able to attend both services on Sunday, too. I start physical therapy this week for this is my newest attempt at relieving the problems with my back. Please pray that it will actually work. Many thanks. 🙂
Thankful to hear of your good days! So you went to Charmingfare? Did you see any Hampshire sheep?…they are the prettiest ones! My second thought, after being thankful for your family outing, was, “Hey, they were THAT close and didn’t call? But then I see you got to see the Sohmers, so that’s OK. A new baby is hard to pass up…AND she’s really cute! Btw, they may have forged ahead in my affections, at least temporarily…Vivienne drew me a GREAT “get well” card when I broke my ankle AND they brought me back a replica of a terracotta soldier from China! THAT’S hard to top!!
Well now, BethsMomToo,
How can my children/family top all of that…what can we do, hmmmm. Doug we must get crackin’ on this one. Now that I’m active again and for longer periods of time, we should be able to come up with something good. 🙂