Friday the temperature dropped rapidly and then the rain started. And then came the 45 mile per hour winds with gusts to 60 miles per hour. And the rain became sleet and then snow. Sigh.
And there we were, in the freezing rain, trying to secure that blasted gazebo so that it would not take flight. We filled every water jug that we had to weigh it down, along with several large garden pots filled with rocks, an umbrella stand and I am really not sure what else we stacked around the legs to keep that thing in place. It looks rather silly now, sitting on the patio (somewhat askew) with snow all around. I mean, really, what were we thinking? This is Chicago after all!
After all the fun we had with our backyard patio, we drove to Wisconsin (in all honesty, just across the border near to Gwen's house) for a family party to celebrate Ellie's birthday. Her choice of an event was a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory!
I think our entire family really enjoyed this little excursion. We were very thankful that we had not planned anything outside since winter had returned. Those murals behind the kids are all made out of Jelly Bellys! They have a resident artist that creates some really amazing murals. Even Grace had a great time.
The tour of the factory is a fun little train ride around the warehouse. The highlight of the tour, is of course, that it drops you off in the STORE! And they fill your paper hat with little sample bags of free Jelly Bellys. I have never seen so many different types of jelly beans and other candy. And they have a "sample bar" where you can try any flavors that you want. There was also some really wonderful fudge of all different flavors. Grace was not so sure she wanted to taste anything until she got her first mouthful. And then she couldn't stop signing MORE! We ended the morning with lunch at Ellie's favorite place. Wendy's. She loves those Frostys. It was a fun morning, being together and doing somethings new. If you are ever near Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin, it is worth a visit. A great way to spend several hours.
I know that I really should not complain about our weather. We ended up with a very small amount of snow compared to Wisconsin and Minnesota. My drive to Gwen's this morning was pretty nasty, however. There were parts of the road that were snow covered, parts of the road that had black ice, and also some parts with ruts of ice that were really nasty. Additionally, since it IS after April 1st, the other season in Chicago has begun - CONSTRUCTION! (We often say that Illinois has two seasons - winter and road construction) I told Ken that it is just not fair that you have to deal with lane closures and orange barrels when you are trying to avoid the snow piles.
No matter what the weather is like, my sunshine is my family. Spending time together, laughing and talking is the very best thing. Getting to hug and kiss those sweet faces makes up for any April snowstorm. Today at Gwen's house, I assisted Lia making a batch of cookies. She is really a very good baker. Zeke and Ellie were sitting at the counter doing their school work as Lia and I worked on the cookies. I turned on the radio and the song playing was How He Loves by David Crowder Band. Let me tell you that it warms this Grandma's heart to have all of the kids singing along. I stopped to really listen to the words. Amazing.
Oh how He loves us, Oh how He loves us, how He loves us. All
He is jealous for me. Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
bending beneath the weight of His wind and his mercy.
When all of sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions, eclipsed by glory.
And I realize just how beautiful You are.
And just how great your affections are for me.
We are His portion and He is our prize.
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes.
There were the exact words that I really needed to hear today. The weather seemed to be battering us all. But, there in the kitchen, singing this song, everything melted away. The snow outside didn't matter. Our battle with the gazebo didn't matter. The road construction didn't matter. I was just filled with knowing...... Oh how He loves us.
No matter what you are facing today. A health crisis. Finances. Family troubles. Whatever it may be. Just rest in the knowing just how much He loves us all. Let the truth that His affection for you is great. Close your eyes and see the grace in His eyes. Jesus is our prize.
Jesus, thank you for the reminder that, no matter what, You love us all. Holy Spirit, when it is cold and dark outside, draw us all into the exact right song to lift our spirit. When we feel battered and near to breaking under the cares and troubles of this world, give us courage and boldness to speak truth to ourselves. Thank you for songs that fill us with your truth. Amen
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