Wonder-Full

Friday was mostly a wonder-full day.  I'd like to lead you to believe that the whole day was sunshine and roses but that simply is not true.  There was this part at the end where six tired/hungry people went to Costco and things got ugly.  I Someone ended up screaming like a banshee in the parking lot at two other someones who were practically on the ground wrestling over a glass water bottle for-the-love.

But back to the wonder-full part.

I had the privilege of going on a field trip with Kye.  I've mentioned before how I love field trips and this one was no different.  I find immense pleasure in spending one on one time with my kids.  Plus, it was a gorgeous day.

Kye and I spent the day with his class doing a walking tour of Lancaster city.  But I want to back up a minute to the first wonder-full part of the day.

My lovely mom was babysitting Jake so I could go on the field trip.  As I drove him over to her house the morning was heart-burstingly beautiful.  At my house it was foggy and dark.  But as I drove toward my parent's house the sun started to break thru.  The most glorious part was the home-stretch of the drive.  Straight down New Holland Rd toward Himes Hill that was blazing with fall colors.  Foggy fields to my right and left with the sunshine turning everything magical.  I so wish I had a photo but the imprint on my heart will have to do.

So, I leave Jake with my mom, go to school, and board THE BUS. Which, by far, is the worst part of any field trip.  But even this bus ride wasn't all terrible.  As we got into the city I was enthralled by the beautiful architecture and, again, the colors.  Trees don't care if they are city dwellers or if their roots are firmly planted in the country.  They all reflect the beauty of their Maker.

We stepped off the bus and for 5 wonder-full seconds Kye held my hand before he remembered that his friends could see.  My smile was sad when he let go.  My little boy is not so little anymore. 

First stop, bathroom.  Praise Jesus.  Why do I drink so much coffee on field trip mornings?  

And then, the walking tour.  I just can't get over how perfect the weather was.  There aren't enough adjectives to describe it.  We stopped at a bunch of places and looked at buildings and learned the history of the people who used to live there.  So interesting.  Unfortunately, I don't retain much information any more after having four babies who suck all my brain cells.  But I love history in the moment when I am hearing it.

We visited three churches.  Each one was different.  Each one was beautiful.  And in each one I wished I was the only one in the quiet sanctuary.  Because I wanted to sing.

We also visited a cemetery.  I was so struck by the words on this gravestone:

Jesus, be thou my vision.

And then...lunch.  Two words:  Central Market.  Kye tried everything I bought proving that miracles do still happen.  I'm pretty sure if I had made any of these things at home (besides the chocolate cake) there would have been massive complaining in the land.

Side note:  the ice cream was from Carmen and David's, not central market.  Kye's was cookies and cream.  Mine was bourbon coffee.  Don't judge me. 

We ate some of our food on some steps outside Central Market.

After we finished eating I noticed this sign in the window above Kye's head:

Oops.

Anyway, while we were eating there were a lot of people passing by making for some good people-watching.  I thought so many kind thoughts about strangers.

"That pregnant woman is SO cute"

"I love that lady's pants"

"That look is really working for her"

And I started thinking, why don't we vocalize our kind thoughts?  Sure, maybe some people would look at me cross eyed if I complimented them.  But there is also the chance that I could make someone's day.

I don't know, maybe it was the bourbon ice cream talking but I spotted an older lady who was rocking an awesome hair cut and I told her so.  Her smile was so precious.

And just today the favor was returned to me.  My family was visiting a different church and a lady approached me.  She said, "You look just like my niece and she is a doll.  You are just so cute!"  Well, *blush, blush*, thank you!

Anyway, we finished the delightful field trip and moved on to our next exciting event of the day:  The Great Pumpkin Chase.

Kye and Cole have been running on the cross country team at Hinkletown this year and the Pumpkin Chase is the last race of the year.  Why is it called the Pumpkin Chase, you ask?

Because that guy.

My mom and sister met us at the Lancaster County Park where the race was held.  Veritas Academy hosted the event and they had games and food before hand.

While we were there I couldn't help but think of how I felt at the race last year.  I posted this photo and blogged these words about it:

"This photo was taken the day that I posted that status about being a professional hermit.  My mind was an angry ocean of crashing waves full of thoughts of everything I needed to do.  My body was tense with being in a big crowd of people, most of whom I did not know.  And here it is, documented, that I was...smiling."

This year I was overwhelmed and so thankful to be in a much better place emotionally.  All glory to Jesus.

I love to watch my boys run.  And even though one of them didn't have his best run ever they still had fun and that is the bottom line.

Wow, this post has gotten really long.  If you are still reading it, props to you!  Thanks for journeying thru my day with me.  I hope you felt the wonder that I did.  And I pray that you will experience a wonder-full day!