a walk with my son

We were at the farm recently and I wanted to take a walk in the field to look for arrowheads before the ground gets worked and the field planted. I had my little man with me, and for some reason he thought we were looking for corn. (It had been planted in corn last year….) He wandered behind me for awhile.

"Mom, I can't find any corn."
"Alright, son."

We walked to the edge of the field. Whack!
Whack. Whack.
I turned around. What is he doing?

I was half tempted to tell him to quit hitting the corn stubble, then he stated to me:
"I'm getting the bad guys for you." He smiled so big and gripped his make-shift sword from a corn stalk and continued to whack away.

"Don't go too far Mom. I'm your protector." Whack Whack.
"Oh no. The bad guys broke my sword!"

I turned around, waiting patiently as he stripped another stalk back to get a new sword.

"Ok, you can go now." Whack, whack. "Oh, they got me!"

We stop. I say to him: "Pick up your sword. Don't give up now. Don't let the bad guys win."

He whacks away for a few more rows. "Ha, Ugh, Yah!" Whack, whack.

A few steps more, I ask my little prince, "Are you alright?"
His cheeks are bright red; he is breathing hard.

"Yes, Mom. I'm going to get all those bad guys for you. I'm strong. I'm your protector."

He gave it all he had, whacking away at the corn stubble with his sword. He was proud of his work. We walked to the edge of the field and hopped on the golf cart. He put his arm around my neck and gave me a kiss.

He smiled big and said, "You are my beauty…….and I'm your prince."


I didn't find any arrowheads, but I found something even better. My little four-year-old son fought a valiant battle and won….and he showed his mother that the greatest battle for a man is fighting for what he loves. He was never taught to be this way, but his Creator instilled this into him. And I am proud he wants to be a protector.

confessions of a penny pincher

So I have really wanted these pair of shoes for awhile through DSW, but they haven't gone on sale, and there were only 2 pairs left. My dilemma was that my item was just 5 cents from their free shipping deal. I wasn't going to buy two items, and I didn't want to pay shipping. What to do?

Just ask!

Gotta love Live Chat!!!

Thanks for being a Shoe Lover! Someone will help you out soon. The estimated wait time is 0 minutes and 19 seconds.

You’re chatting with Micheal, Shoe Lover!

Micheal: Hey Shoe Lover! How may I help you?

You: I am purchasing shoes that are 34.95. Is there any way I can get the free shipping? I hate to pay $7.95 for shipping just because I am five cents off.

Micheal: Sure. If you do not mind placing the order as is, then I can apply the discount code to remove shipping once it drops in to my system.

You: Thanks SO much! I really appreciate this. I will go ahead and place the order. You have a great day!

Micheal: I will need the order number.

You: order number is 60*****80

Micheal: Thank you.

Micheal: Laura Burns?

You: Will I get a second confirmation email, or does this chat work as confirmation?

You: Yes, I'm Laura. :-)

Micheal: This chat will work as confirmation, you should be able to email it to yourself or print it out.

Micheal: Would you please verify your address, Laura?

You: ***** W. Brown Rd

You: *********, OH

Micheal: Thank you.

Micheal: The total has been reduced by $8.55 and the new total is $37.57.

You: WOW. Thank you so much!!!

You: Have a great day!

Micheal: You too, Laura.

Rocket Dog Jelissa Sneakers.

little blue derby

Just for fun. We were at the Equine Affaire today in Columbus and I visited the marketplace where people can sell their used tack, show clothes, and accessories. I found the cutest little blue derby hat, sized 6 1/2 for $10. I love collecting hats and they make great props. Frederick loved the hat right away and wanted to wear it. Here are the kids having fun with our new find:

So cute, ears and all.

peru

Jeremy and I are really excited about the opportunity we have to go to Peru this July. We are going with a group from church and will be heading to the Andes Mountains where we will be hiking at 13,000 feet and camping during the nights. The Bible has recently been translated into the Quechuan language and we will get to take these Bibles to remote villages where they get to read God's Word for the very first time in their own language. That really really excites me!!! The children will get children's Bibles too, with pictures and we will teach in the schools and villages as well.

Eighty degree days, twenty degree nights, hiking 6 to 8 miles a day, sleeping in tents, buckets baths, rice and veggies for dinner…..it really sounds perfect. And I've had to amp up my workouts and healthy eating. The kids are pretty excited for us to leave too, because they get to go to the zoo…and other fun things Mimi has planned. I know I will miss them terribly though!

We would really appreciate prayers in the following areas:

1. Preparation to be apart from our family; that our hearts will be strong.
2. Physical strength for the journey, safety, and closeness for our team.
3. Preparation of the hearts of the people to whom we will share the Gospel.

If you are interested in learning more, you can let me know…I would be thrilled to talk more about this trip or the ministry going on in Peru. Here are a few more pictures from those who have gone before:

Hiking to the mountains.

Setting up camp.

The beautiful colors of the local people.

spring help

We are so thankful for the warm weather! Getting the gardens ready has been very relaxing and peaceful, and the kids have been a big help. Little Claire isn't too keen on the strong wind, so she took a nap in the garden shed. The warmth of the sun and the smell of the fresh air is such a welcome change from the long winter.

Taking the grass to the burn pile.

Elauna was sick, so she bundled up and sat in the sun.
Claire didn't like the wind too well.

Just waking up from her nap.

Having fun in the garden shed.