15 March  2008

Post #41:  Nathan's Third Birthday

This morning, I got up a bit early, even though I went to bed at 2:00 a.m. I tried to sleep last night, but I struggled, so I got up at midnight, and came to the livingroom to read a bit. Nichole came out of her room about the same time, with a rumbly in her tumbly (hunger pang), so she raided the fridge, and then she joined me in the livingroom for a gab session. It was nice, and I'm glad I stayed up, even though there's a lot to do today.

After doing a little reading, and checking some email, I worked on making signs to decorate the house for the birthday boy. Addison got up, and he helped color the signs. Before long, I was surrounded by children, as I did my best to draw Lightning McQueen. (Nathan's favorite car-achter.) The kids colored my drawings (I drew Mater, too!), and we posted them and some poems around the living area. Then the kids worked on the fifty balloons; blowing them up.

Dave took off for the traditional Saturday morning trip to the Pavi Grocery. It's as large as a small Walmart. Mauro Zingariello picks him up each Saturday, around nine at the bus stop on the main route nearby, and each of the three eldest kids have taken their turns going along. It was Rachel's turn again today.

Nichole awoke and spent much hot air helping the boys fill the balloons. Then they engaged in various kinds of balloon fights. Eventually, I glanced over and saw all the couch and chair cushions on the floor, and poor Nichole was buried beneath them. Not sure how the balloon fight resulted in this, and I didn't bother to ask questions.

We had lunch, and then Dave, Nichole, and Rachel went back to Qormi, (near the grocery) to check out the market. Unfortunately, they arrived to find it all closed down already. They went to another store, and bought another gift for Nathan, a Lightning McQueen plastic cereal bowl.

While they were gone, and the little boys were entertaining themselves, I spent some time on the patio, just enjoying the bright, warm, sun today. I sure haven't done nearly enough of that! Gonna try to do more of it in Italy next week, when I finally enjoy my “vacation.”

 The days are just so amazingly beautiful. I have to say this Mediterranean climate agrees with me. Sweatshirt weather would be one way to describe it. My closest friends know, I have a few sweatshirts, so it's perfect for me. Have to say we've gotten to the point of taking the sunshine for granted already here.

We had a great little birthday party for Nathan tonight. I threw together a lasagna and a big salad to go with the delicious fresh Malta bread. After eating we cleaned up and let Nathan open his gifts. We had gifts for Addison as well, since we may still be in Italy on his birthday next Saturday. The photos should tell the tale.

Nathan's face is so precious when he opens that new Lightning McQueen musical, light-up race car! I bought it in Sicily from a street vendor, as I knew it would be the highlight of his day. He just loves Lightning McQueen! He's been carrying around the matchbox McQueen he got for his birthday last year, and it's lost most of its red paint, and since being here in Malta, a wheel has fallen off completely. That hasn't caused him to cherish it any less. He carries it in his pocket often, sets it by his bed at night, and it's the first thing he looks for in the morning.

We picked up a die-cast metal jet for Addison, at a little shop near Pretty Bay yesterday. The jet comes with missile launchers and missiles that snap on and off. He also got a light-up soccer ball keychain, and he was delighted with both gifts. Oh, and a Sudoku game called “Sum-doku” which involves mathematics. (hence, sum as in answer to an addition problem).

We then enjoyed the delicious cake Dave made and the tri-flavor ice cream as well. It was a delightful birthday party, and we're just amazed that Nathan is 3 already. Seems he was our baby not so long ago. Addison will be 7 on March 22^nd. He, too, has grown so much, so quickly. They're both sweet and handsome gents.

As the party wound down, DeDe, Nichole and Rachel drove down to the Prayer Room, and we enjoyed some much-needed quiet time there. We just rested in the Lord a bit, as Eve sang sweet songs of praise and worship. It was so refreshing. It was like having a little mini-retreat. A “water-stop” from heaven. After our prayer time was over, we had a nice conversation over tea with Eve and a young Maltese man, Claude.

I asked Eve if we could give Nichole her phone number and email, should she have questions or need anything while we're in Italy. Her response was an emphatic, “You'd better!” She's so precious. I tell you, I feel like I've known these folks all our lives. We're truly learning just what God means when He says we are His children. As we meet more and more brothers and sisters in this family of God, we get an idea of how the apostles felt, in their travels, when they shared meals together with other believers, fellowshipping together with them. We're witnessing God's love in such incredible ways through His followers here in Malta. It's been truly inspiring.

 Send us an email about this post!  dgibbs at uwsp dot edu  or  dedegibbs at gmail dot com