The Thorn

The Thorn

(a "mendicant" is a beggar)

I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne

And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.

I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart

I cried, "But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.

This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me."

He said, "My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee."

I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,

As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.

I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,

He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

--Martha Snell Nicholson

It's been a long day

Snapped this right after he got off the bus. Think he's tired?

Mom and Chuck got Andrew a bunch of cd's with different stories, poems and rhymes on them. Here is Andrew chillin out listening to Thumbelina. I wasn't sure if he'd like them but he really does.

Chess

This year Aaron decided he wanted to join chess club. I thought it was just getting together to play chess every Monday afternoon. It's not. It's going to chess tournaments and playing against some of the best kids in the state.

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Des Moines so Aaron could compete in the Iowa State Chess Tournament. It was actually only his first rated tournament, but he did ok and learned some things too. First, you never offer a draw. Especially when you still have a Queen and a Rook left. Second, you make sure you're competator follows the rules and if you have a question, raise your hand. And finally, chess tourneys are pretty fun.

Aaron waiting for the first round to begin.

Making notations. Aaron writes down his moves as well as his competators. His coach can then go through the moves and help Aaron improve.

Parents need to stand behind there kids when they are playing chess. Kids and parents take it very seriously and get upset if they think you are sending signals.

Waiting between rounds. Each boy plays 5 rounds/games of chess.

Look at all those trophies. They are awarded by team and grade level. There are kids as young as 5 at these tourneys.

The Prairie Creek Chess Team in Des Moines.

things they say

Driving home from piano lessons tonight I was trying to explain to Aaron how to blow a bubble with gum

Aaron: somebody at school said if you swallow your gum it won't come out until you're 17.

Me: well, all things must come out. It's kind of like swallowing a watermellon seed. It will grow a watermellon in your stomach.

Aaron: Maybe we should start swallowing money. Then we could grow a money tree. Whenever we wanted money we could get it from our belly buttons.

Me: Don't I wish! (also wondering if my kid is really 11).