My life by Richard Scarry

Remember that Richard Scarry book that had all the different scenes from everyday living on each page, with words stating what each thing was? There was the tools page, the house page, the cars page, etc... I saw that book in my in-laws attic and got it out for Natty to look at. As we were looking through, I distinctly remember always being enamored with The Supermarket (ok, and a tiny bit loving to pick out the mittens and socks and skirts and such that my little bear would wear on the bear twins page). All the fruits in their bins, the veggies in theirs, the boxes of stuff on the check-out belt. I realize now something that God had put long ago into my little heart- a love of creating meals and serving them to people! I still get the biggest kick out of going into a grocery store and seeing what treasures it might hold and what kind of delicious feast could be formed from each item. When Scotty and I have visited other countries, I always ask if we can browse the aisles for a few minutes at any grocery stores we come across, curious about what the labels on their cans might look like or if their fruit will be in wooden bins or on shelves like ours. I know what you're asking yourself..."Why didn't you like the Mealtime page best?" Well, to tell you the truth, that massive turkey and red T-bone sitting on the table always grossed me out a bit. Did you ever notice that the pigs are serving themselves from that bounty and that there is inconspicuously no pork product on the table? Good thinking, Richard. Anyway, I find myself thinking these days how I have been on the receiving end of lots of people creating gorgeous meals for us and constantly providing so much. And not just food! People are passing on baby clothes, toys, and offering anything and everything we could possibly need while we are home in the states. It has been wonderful to be on this end, but it can be hard to not always know exactly how to express our gratitude, or find ways to be back on the giving end again. Our parents have been amazing in providing so many of these needs, taking care of us and little Natty, and generally entertaining us these past many weeks...but it will be a joy to have a small space to call our own where I can once again use that gift that I first discovered within the world of Richard Scarry. But, how grateful we are for all of you who have seen us and spent time with us and showered us with your generosity and love!