Birthday at the Track

For Jack's birthday this year, celebration phase one was at the Malibu Grand Prix (we took notes from Matt on this one). The guys and some girls wanted to push the land speed record for 2 hours, in go carts that is. They had a blast, got an extra 30 minutes for the birthday boy, and enjoyed a pit stop with yummy chocolate cake and Breyer's vanilla ice cream (the only REAL good stuff).

At the end Jack was surprised with a few gifts: a new hat to replace the one he lost while swimming in the river (he dove in with it ON), and a mask/snorkle, fin set (also inspired by swimming... we kept borrowing our friends' set, so they bought him one). Overall he really enjoyed himself. Thanks to all the friends and family that called to wish him happy birthday, and sent cards. You are loved!

Peaches for FREE!

Yesterday I went to Sauvy Island and picked peaches at a friend's grandma's property. It was an opportunity that I accidently found out about on Saturday, and was able to get in on just in time. We met up in the morning at 10 AM and carpooled over. Jack suggested that I take two rubbermaid totes to fill, but with the limited space in the van we shared, I thought one would be plenty. My friend had warned me that the peach crop wasn't very good this year, and that the season was near the end, so the quality wouldn't be great. But who can complain about that when the price is FREE! Besides, he was so wrong!

We arrived at the beautiful acreage on the island. Flowers, pears, grapes, corn, pumpkins, apples, peaches, marionberries... is there anything this grandma DOESN'T grow? We pulled up to the peach orchard and grabbed our containers. The whole way over, little Benjamin (almost 4) couldn't stop talking about seeing the horse and feeding it. He'd been here before and had his mind set on ONE thing. My friend was right about the peaches on the trees not being so plentiful, but the ground was covered with eligible peaches. Right away, however, I noticed that honey bees were interested in the same thing as I was. Luckily, they wanted to rotting ones, and I didn't.

There was one slight problem with sharing the crowded space under the short and stalky peach trees with bees: Benjamin liked stepping on them. Yep! He decided it would be fun to smash the bees with this tough looking cowboy boots. After many warnings, the inevitable happened. He got stung by one. Since these were honey bees, one still was all it had, and luckily, only one got mad enough to sting him. And though his father is deathly allergic, and mom doesn't know her allergy because she's never been stung, he had no allergic reaction. Praise God!

We continued collecting peaches, and in no time my tote was full. We loaded the van, and went to thank and visit with grandma for a bit, and then headed home. Now the next phase began... prepping for the freezer. I napped until about 5:30, went to visit a friend until 7:30 and then started the project. A bit late to start a project like this, you might say? Nay! We usually take on big food projects late at night. We usually get through them :) I peeled, pared, sliced and de-pitted. Jack went to pick up the quart freezer bags (we thought we had them in stock.. doh!), and fruit fresh powder. When we had all the ingredients we sugared and packed for the freezer. 7 or 8 quarts was the yield from half of the peaches, we'll do the other part on Tuesday night when the rest of them ripen.

Oh, and by the way, we tested a few. So juicy!

Saying Goodbye to a Friend

This afternoon we had the unfortunate opportunity to say goodbye to Daniel Thomas. He wasn't there. He wasn't watching. He was resting...until Jesus returns and the resurrection unites us again. The friends and family had gathered to celebrate his life. The ceremony was quite lovely. We saw pictures, heard stories, and recounted some of the most important things to him. They were God, family, people, natures and health.

It was really touching to hear from Daniels personal trainer, and to see the great impact he had on her just from attending her cycling class and doing several athletic events. He had an amazing way with people, any type and any kind. He could make them feel comfortable, look for ways to take care of them and help them, and bring laughter and humor into any situation.

It was also great to see friends from Orchards Church, the place I spend my 10-15 years. During this time our Pathfinder club was being led by the Thomas' and my parents. These years are filled with great memories and unforgettable adventures. Most of them outdoors. Most of them unplanned.

Though this event was tragic and has caused me, for the first time ever, to wonder how God was limited in saving his life, I have learned the importance of loving people. Daniel loved people and never neglected to tell them so. All of his friends thought they were special to him, and they were. He loved without hesitation. I hope to show more love to the Thomas family by keeping in touch, offering to help, and praying for them. I hope to show more love to my family by putting aside my personal needs and looking more to theirs. I hope to show more love to strangers by showing mercy whenever I have an opportunity.

Daniel will be missed, sorely. I look forward to seeing him again on resurrection morning.