Creepy Noises....

All is quiet here at the moment, at least all that should be quiet, such as three sleeping kids. I don't even hear the sounds of my hubby snoring, as he's in Vancouver right now. So here I am, feeling all alone in my big new house, and hearing every imaginable sound, most of which I just can't place. First there were general outside, windy sorts of noises, but coincidentally, the wind seems to have finally died down. Odd. Then there's the rattling of these flappy things on the outside of the house, some sort of vents for the fans, I think. They sporadically flap around and are actually quite noisy. Then there are these giant floor-creaking type noises. I barely notice them at other times, but tonight they are in full noise-making mode. Just moments ago I heard a new noise from outside that could only be an animal. It didn't sound happy or comfortable. I bravely opened the back door in the hopes of startling the creature into perhaps continuing its night foraging elsewhere, then promptly closed it when I realized how exposed I was. I love that our yard backs right onto a forest - so lovely during the day. But the night brings out the possums, raccoons and who really knows what else. I hope the creatures aren't going fishing in our pond...

...because our family's first-ever pets are now living in that pond! The five of us went to Petcetera, or maybe it was Petsmart, who really knows (it was one that was going out of business) and the kids each got to pick out their very own koi fish! So exciting! They were even 20% off, what a bonus. Discounted fish. Now we're just trying to keep those fish alive, because I learned today that it's too early to be putting fish in the pond. They'll be confused and think they should be hibernating. It's been two days since we've seen Logan's fish -I hope it's smart and is hibernating. The other two seem fine; maybe they're stupid and should be hibernating...I keep looking for dead fish and am hoping not to find any. The kids have been running outside at all times of the day, fully dressed or not, just to catch a glimpse of their fish, which then satisfies them til the next time they all go racing outside. Too bad fish aren't a little more cuddly.

If you're reading this and wondering what the heck is the point of it all, then maybe this blog is not for you. I'm not one to always have a point, and even if I start with one, I don't always end up with one. So, I'm not going to apologize for that, but at least now you know. Consider this your disclaimer. Like my sister-in-law says, sometimes there are just a lot of thoughts in your head and you just need to get them out. (hi Lisa!). I read a few different blogs on occasion. A few are written by missionaries who are updating everyone, another is by a friend who is adopting from China, another one by someone who only eats raw food, and still another by someone with major health struggles who never ceases to encourage and inspire me. I'm not going to promise to encourage and inspire you, although that would be a bonus, but hopefully I can at least make you smile. I live so far away from so many of my friends and family that this seems like a good way to keep up. Maybe it'll even replace the Christmas letter this year - nah, it can't. Oma doesn't have internet yet.

I hope you enjoy stopping by now and then to catch up with me (once you finally found the link - no, the Abundant Bible site is not mine!). I found the most perfect background picture of a palm tree, which is my ultimate symbol of peace, joy and tranquility. There will most definitely be palm trees in Heaven! Hope the palm tree helps you to relax as you sit back and read - hey, why not go all out and enjoy a coffee while you're reading, or eat some chocolate...that's what I would do! (Especially if it's discounted-after-the holiday Lindor Easter Eggs, the big ones...mmmmm. But I digress).

Sweet dreams to you and may your house not creak and the flappy things not flap and the animals just go to sleep already! Here's hoping to a quiet and peaceful night!