following the LEADER

Two weekends ago when Dave was out of town, I stayed up very late making a new sling for Nata.  He is too big now for the pea-in-the-pod (it’s green) ring sling that I wore with him when he was a baby and, although I’ve tried to tie him on my back like an African Mama when we go for walks, he gets hot.  Walking with a frustrated boy kicking and screaming his way out off my back did not make for a fun walk.

the new sling

I just can’t resist small sewing projects with the pania (african cloth), and I’m so pleased with how this new Mei-Tei sling came out.  I’m thinking that a few of my friends with new babies might need one as a gift from Niger. I’ve hit a lull in my quilt making.  It’s been at least 2 weeks since I’ve touched it, but this project was quick and easy.  I’m sure when it cools off, I’ll have more of a desire to work on my big project.

at church two weeks ago

making Nathaniel’s birthday cake

Last week I went back to our old Thursday play group.  Sam and I used to go every week, but since taking French classes in the morning, we’ve gotten out of the habit.  We had so much fun last week playing at Nicole’s house.  This morning, I wanted to go back, but Dave took the car.  So, with a determined look on my face, we all got ready, I put Nathaniel in the sling, and we took a taxi.  I think this was my first taxi ride solo with the kids (without Amina).  It took 5 tries to get a taxi that was willng to take us to Kora Kano.  And it took much longer to get there than it would have in the car, but it was a fun adventure that I think we all enjoyed.  Nata did great in the sling until we arrived at home.  At that point he decided it was time to get out, and who could blame him.  We walked home from the main road in the 102 degree sunshine.

arriving at the house today after our taxi ride home.  Nata was ready to get down!

[boys will be boys]

These pictures were taken a week ago last Sunday at church where Sam was thrilled that the lesson was on sling shots.  This actually did have Biblical application since his favorite Bible story is David and Goliath.

Mama woke up before the sun with Sam.  Something just felt different, and she hoped that meant you.   She waited.  Sam watched the Wheels on the Bus Movie.  She waited some more.  Daddy and Grandma woke up.  Mama decided it was time to go to the hospital.  We called the doctor and Daddy helped her get in the car.  We stopped at CVS to buy some snacks and batteries.  It was kind of chilly and very rainy outside.

When we got to the hospital things moved kind of slow.  And then Mommy could tell that you were getting closer.  And then the doctor decided that you needed to be born right away.  And so you were.  And we were so excited.  You have changed our lives, Nata boy.  We treasure each day that we get to see your smile, and hear your laugh, and watch you grow.  We are so proud of the boy you are becoming!

September 2.  4 months

mid/ late September

March

April

More pictures of the celebrating tomorrow.

Happy Thursday- oh wait, it’s Friday today!!  (Such is my life.)  My blogging has been a little more prolific lately, thanks to the inspiration of some other, BEAUTIFUL crafty Mama blogs that I’ve been addicted to.  When I read and see what inspires them and the parts of their lives that are so beautiful, it makes me want to share with you those things in my life that are beautiful and unique.  We’ve got a lot of that going on around here.  Sadly, though, it seems I have lost  a lot of my readership.  And, admittedly, we do this blogging thing to stay connected with our friends and family on the other side of the big pond (AKA the Atlantic).  But, I have resolved to continue to write as long as I am inspired.  So, check in and say hello when you read something here that makes you smile.

I want to tell you about my bread today, but before I can do that, I have to start the story where it begins…. with my kindred friend, Jaime.  She’s the one that taught me, several years back, that cooking with natural foods, instead of processed foods, just tastes better and can be more fun too.  It is with Jaime that I baked my first loaf of wheat bread in my kitchen on New Kent Highway in VA.  We made it using the recipe right off the side of the King Arthor wheat flour bag.  Jaime is amazing in the kitchen (and in just about every other way as well), and her food tastes better because she’s not afraid to take the long road for the sake of taste.

It took more than a year of living here, in West Africa, to figure out that making wheat bread here is no problem.  Amina and Moumouni (my helpers) know where to buy the wheat berries in the market.  They bring them home and we wash them and lay them out on the table to dry.  Then we sift through the wheat with our hands and pick out as much of the- non wheat items- that we can find.  After that they take it to the mill.  Around here every neighborhood has one.  The wheat flour comes back to me hot (literally) from the mill.

I have an amazing bread machine from France.  Getting the machine to me was a combined effort.  It was paid for by a sweet friend who wanted to bless us with some 220 appliances from France.  My friends Helen and Danika bought it in France and carried it in Helen’s suitcase back to America.  When we were home for Nathaniel’s birth we brought it back with us to Niger.  I have taught Amina to use the machine, and she really enjoys making bread for our family.  We all get so much joy out of the sounds and smells that fill the house while the bread is baking.

For my birthday, Krystal gave me a cutting board that was made by her friend/mentor/father figure, Dan Hawley.  I have been LOVING it and using it as a bread board.  My bread knife was a wedding present from my friend Faith.  That was back before I ever thought I would be making home made bread, but God knew.One of my crafty blogger friends posted some pictures of bread bags that she made.  I caught the bug and have been making them for the families here that I bake bread for.

The joy in this bread overflows from our house.  It is such a community effort, and it is blessing so many.  I’ve been making bread for the other families in our mission and now there are some women (friends of friends) that are asking if they can buy bread from me too.  Its goodness is so basic, so wholesome, so tasty.  And it reminds me of our life here.  Simple.  Beautiful.  Hot *chuckle, chuckle*.  Satisfying.