Going Green

 Ever since we visited Ireland in 2001 and met the jovial countrymen, traveling the backroads through the lush green meadows, I have been drawn to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  I love to make corned beef, we've found some great Irish soda bread on the market and everything about this day is worth celebrating-- maybe its because against the backdrop of winter gray -- the bright green is a welcome sight. 

But more than that --I think it is because Charles Artie Bell II was born just hours before March 17th!

 We  kicked off the week with a family dinner of corned beef and cabbage Sunday night with the whole Good clan as Jim and Jan were in town.  Sydney asked to sleep over on Wednesday night and invited Jack to come along.

 Bethany and I had visited the Greenwood Rising Museum earlier on Wednesday and it was inspiring and convicting at the same time.  Sydney and Jack wanted to sleep over and as she dropped us off both kids had plans for what we could do next.   Sydney wanted a scavenger hunt --Jack wanted to make a Leprachun trap.  He asked if I'd ever caught one -- I had to confess I hadn't and had never made a trap.

He worked for over an hour and made the perfect one.  He said there had to be coins to entice him.

Seeing that he sincerely thought he could catch one -- I decided to plant one in his trap after he'd gone to sleep that I had bought as we were leaving Ireland.   

Jack woke us up yesterday morning so excited that he'd caught a leprauchan!  He was being cautious because he was afraid that it would vanish.  I assured him it wouldn't.  Since he was upside down - Sydney thought we should put ice on his head.  When he examined it closer -- he could see that it was only a stuffed toy. The look of disappointment on his face was gut-wrenching.  He said quietly,  "I prayed for one last night".  Way to go, Nana!

Yesterday afternoon we got to celebrate Charlie's 5th  birthday with a cousin birthday party.  

Last night we enjoyed corned beef and cabbage at Bethany and Mat's and loved watching all 6 romp and play for hours.  The older Goodlett's each look after the 3 little Bells so well oftentimes pairing up one-on-one.  Campbell looked after Calvin and swung him on the swing for hours.  He was definitely taken with her.  Jack dressed them all up in super hero capes.  Yes, they truly are OUR superheroes!!

This verse from Psalms 103 spoke to my heart today:

But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—

with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts.