We Are All God's Family

The Patterson 5 travelled to DC today for a mini field trip! We decided we would only try to do two sites so as not to over whelm the kiddos! My oldest son right away was amazed by the hoards of people that were there. We explained to them that they would see people from many places and hear languages they have not heard before. Mr P and I love to people watch but we did not encourage this behavior to our children as we thought they might go on to stare and perhaps even point-which would be embarrassing!

We parked at the end of the mall. I giggled as my younger son asked if we were going shopping. I too had mistaken the mall for a place to shop about 12 years ago on my first DC trip. We visited the Museum of Natural History first. We only made it through a handful of exhibits. The boys especially enjoyed the dinosaurs, mammals and insects. My youngest seemed to enjoy it all and sang "Angels Watching Over Me" sometimes loudly throughout part of the museum- the other parts were regaled with "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands".

We walked on to the Lincoln Memorial, stopping along the way to dip our feet in a cool fountain!

We stopped and read the Gettysburg address and were thankful for a President who helped us hold true to equality for all peoples.

The walk back to the van was a long one. Long walks seem to spur on deep thoughts from our middle son. He picked up on a conversation from almost two weeks ago about a serious subject of death (see Hiking With My Boys) He picked up on it like there had been no time in between. Out of the blue he said, "Well what about when a baby dies only a few seconds after being born -how did the baby do God's purpose." I answered as best I could since there are so many hard questions I just do not have the answer for. I told him I believe we are all connected and our lives are all intertwined. We each help each other complete our purpose for God. I shared that perhaps my purpose in this world my simply be to be their mom and teach them about God so that they will be properly equipped for their lives and their purpose. I suggested the baby's short life could have been so the parents of that child could help others with loss or to promote the sanctity and beauty of life. I think my answer was too wordy as by the time I finished they were on to another topic.

Nearly back to the van we saw a carousel and just had to ride!

As we were driving away by the capitol building we noticed an out door concert going on. The sign read One big family under God. It was a group promoting world peace. It made me think again how even though we did not know any of the peoples around us they are all God's and He wants us all to be His children. Our lives are intertwined and everything we do affects others.

Dear God,
Thank you for our country and the many freedoms we have that I know I have often taken for granted. I am especially thankful for the freedom we have to worship You openly. As we travelled home we passed Arlington cemetery-I am thankful for these solders who gave their lives for others, following the example of Jesus. Please comfort their families with the hope they will see them again in heaven. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

Yearly our dentist treats us to a baseball game at a local ball park. We enjoy the evening together as a family, and as the children are getting older we get to actually watch more and more of the game! My youngest was fascinated by the Diamond Duck. Immediately when she saw him she stood up and waved as if they were long lost friends! This was surprising to us as often times she is painfully shy, and warms slowly to new faces and experiences. She, unlike both our boys, even wanted to meet him! Thankfully we had opportunity to do so!

Another highlight for the children was the food selection! They each chose the dippin dots and are hoping for "pink stuff" (cotton candy) when we go to the fair later this year. My youngest was delighted that the "snack man" comes by with peanuts, popcorn and cracker jack!

The boys were in awe of the batters that could hit a home run, and that some could also hit the ball so hard - the bat broke!

Once again, Thanks Dr Baum for a wonderful family evening out!

Love, The Patterson 5

Crashing Miss Spider's Tea Party

While out in our back yard this afternoon I was inspecting the sandbox toys and to my surprise I discovered a spider family living in the cab of one of our dump trucks. I am not a fan of spiders, but am not afraid of them so as the spider ran out of it's soon to be cleaned home, I noticed it looked like one I'd never seen before. I thought it could possibly be a dangerous spider, but sure I was wrong. I captured it to save for Mr P so he could tell me, " Oh no it's harmless, but yes very interesting".
My daughter and I happily hosted a "car" wash for the jeeps and dump trucks -- another of this breed of spider came out, so I captured it too. By the time the third one came out I decided stomping might be the best action, thinking surely this is not a dangerous breed, as there is more than one.

Mr P came home and right away said, "Yes it is a black widow." I insisted he go out and inspect the sandbox, the toys, and all areas children roam free. He was not alarmed or upset. I was ready to call for a total outdoor extermination! I read online about increasing the wren population in your yard to cut down on spiders and how they do not like Lemon Pledge furniture polish.

Mr P sat the children down with our two prisoners and showed them their markings. He gave them instructions on how this spider is not aggressive and will want to run away, but if not able too, could bite them and make them sick. He advised them if they see this spider to get up quickly and go get mom or dad. He went on to describe what their web is like so that if they see this type web they will stay away. The children remained calm and were sure they could identify the danger and avoid it.

I was still in freak out mode hoping some spray or pesticide could be offered up to rid our yard of such a ominous beast. Mr P explained this danger is not new or uncommon. These spiders have been in our yard before and our best defense is to be aware of what to look for so when we see them we can destroy their web, and well, stomp on them.

It makes me think about the evil in the world. I am often so surprised and shocked by it. How could such a thing happen? Our times seem so much more evil to me than times past. Yet to God there is nothing new under the sun. Evil has been here since the times of Adam and Eve. God is not surprised by it and He's provided us protection from it. We do not have to be afraid.

I also do not have to be afraid in my back yard, but if you see me running around spraying a can of Pledge please bear with me!

Dear God,
I am thankful that nothing surprises you and that even when bad things happen you work them for good for those who love You. You are in control of all in this lifetime and for eternity. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 "What has been is what will be, and what has ben done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun."

Jeremiah 17:7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him."

Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. "