Asher's girl

Her name is Maya. She is the cutest little thing. And although he has other playmates around his age both boy and girl, he treats her different than any of the others. He escorts her around with a hand on her back and a hand on her shoulder. He shares ALL his toys with ther. He has this permanent smile on his face when she is here. And she gives him hug after hug after hug. He is not really into the hugs, because they knock him over and freak him out, but he enjoys them when she is gentle. And they communicate together, he talks to her, it looks like he is trying to giver her advice and she loves it when he talks to her.

It's kind of romantic. It's simple love, and a pure love. It's not like the love that we seen portrayed in the movies and on tv. It's simply enjoying that person and cheering them on and being happy for them when they succeed and accomplish things.

I think maybe perhaps this is why I'm not falling apart about my husband being gone. Normally, I would be so sad and lonely and "whoa as me," and I would be maybe worried or nervous or scared at night. But I didn't pick up mace, I don't sleep with a hammer, I know Josh is fine (well, probably cuz I hear from him). But ultimately I am so happy for him. He is on this great adventure and I couldn't be more happier for him, I cheer him on, I pray for him, and I feel like I'm seeing more sides to him over e-mail than I did when he was here. Things couldn't be better. I hope they stay this way! :)

The Luckiest Girl!

Girls, I don't want to make you feel bad (and feel free to argue with me), but I believe I married the most amazing man on the face of the earth, and it's high time the world knew it! My man is working hard over in India right now and he still has time to lavish me with endearing e-mails, ultra sweet notes strategically placed around the house, an ipod shuffle waiting for me in the fire place and these beautiful flowers on my doorstep. The card reads: I tried to find some flowers that were as beautiful as you, but I couldn't. Love you so much! You are such an incredible wife. I miss you and can't wait to see you. Have a great week. Josh. Awww!

Asher and I picked up a stool to put by his window because he is always trying to look out at the cars and other noises he hears. It's so cute.

Josh sent this picture over of a cricket game. His last e-mail was pretty funny because he says that as he was typing it, cows kept coming by his window and mooing, Asher would have loved it. He will be sending out a mass e-mail to family and friends, very soon!

Yay Fall!!!

Who's with me? Isn't Fall great?? I love this time of year. Yesterday was a cooler day but it didn't stop us from going outside to play. Asher takes his new dump truck out and drives it all over the yard and collects things, like pine cones and branches, he brings me rocks, and mommy says "oh, they're beautiful!" I sit in the sun and try to get through a book on Potty Training. I caught Asher picking berries off our tree in the backyard, it was bittersweet because this is something that him and his dad do together as well as smelling the flowers. He was sniffing and picking all the berries off, but he wouldn't eat them, he was collecting them in his truck. I love this age!!!! Can't he stay 18 months forever?



Inda report: Josh has made it to New Delhi and has accomplished a day of teaching. He says it's going well, he has a really cool translator and is making some friendships. The food so far has been easy on his gluten-intolerance, so far chicken and rice or rice and chicken perhaps. He still thinks the teaching could go a little smoother but I think he'll get into his groove. He says that the driving over there is insane because of the animals on the road which are redeemed as gods over there. Here's a fun video I happened to find on you tube. Enjoy!

India

My hubby left tonight to go to India for a whole month. What an adventure huh? For me or for him? he he. He is going over to teach over there. If you wouldn't mind keeping him in your prayers; pray for his health, safe traveling and that he would have the capacity to teach others. Ash and I will survive I suppose. I don't know why I need to worry, when I have friend's whose husbands have had to serve in Iraq and other places. But I was just thinking, that my life doesn't seem to make much sense without him. And Asher is pretty attached to his daddy.
He will spend a couple weeks near Ranchi, it's not seen on the map but is located in the middle east part of the country. His next two weeks will be in New Delhi the capital. I'll be giving more information as I do the research and get reports. If you pray for Josh, i will be grateful, and add some prayers for Ash and I as we hold the fort down here. I already had my first scare tonight, heard some rustling outside my living room window, it's probably that darn cat next door. I think tomorrow we will take a trip to the store to get some mace and don't make fun of me if I sleep with a hammer, :). Just kidding, everything will be fine! :)

playing catch up!

It's been a whirlwind here in the Luse household. And we are finally settling into
Fall. So excuse my laps in blogging, so much has happened. Asher is officially a toddler these days, he is saying new words and trying new things by the day. But first, I have to post the few fleeting moments of summer I didn't manage to get on my blog earlier.

Asher loves Peaches, this is at the Peach Festival

Next, we had a fun birthday trip with Josh and Asher was a trooper for that...

Then, Josh's fam came to visit over August... we did some hiking, hanging out, pottery...

We painted Asher's room, well, just one wall and Asher discovered cars...

And the latest? Asher flunked his gluten test, so he is gluten and wheat-intolerant like his daddy. So looks like my gluten free gourmet mission is fueled even more now, check back to my food blog soon, I will be updating with new recipes and old ones too. But for now, I leave you with some gluten-free goodness...

GO HUSKERS!

Cry!

I was reading a friend's blog today and learned of a tragedy that I couldn't shake from my mind. A mother suffering from post-partum depression killed her child. Normally that stuff makes me sick and angry. But I felt for her. And it reminded me of all the hurting people that we are surrounded by. I know of friend's marriage who is failing because of bout of "freedom." Another friend just moved to a big city with her new hubby and she feels alone. A guy my hubby met a couple weeks ago lost his baby in childbirth and now his wife has left him. Too many people I know whose spouses have left them. I'm still shaken by the friend I lost a few years back. And oh the possibilities of loosing the people we love in the future. The heartache seems endless. Rest assured friends, in the heartache HE is there with you, holding you, loving you. Cry! Just cry out. And if you can...cry out to HIM! (this song has really touched me)

Cry Out To Jesus
Words by Mac Powell / Music by Third Day
To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who struggles with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

remember this...

known

Have you ever recieved an e-mail that is full of questions about you to answer and send out to others? Asking questions like: If you could be any flower what would you be? It's usually followed by the person who sent it to you's answers on it. Or the even cheesier questions sent around on myspace bulletins or blog messages asking you to tell the world how many lovers you've had and your favorite beverage. Not to diss those of my friends that really do this, I fight the urge daily not to fill it out and send it so that everyone can see how quirky, sweet or mysterious I can be.

Why do we do these things? Do we really care that others know our favorite bubble gum flavor? Do we want Amens and applause over how many pets we've owned? Do we send out our secrets and our pasts expecting people to show us some kind of acceptance?

What I really think it shows us is that deep down we all have this urge to be known. And not just known of or recognized, but known in a way that is unforgettable. We want others to know where we've come from, what we've conquered, especially if we are not currently surrounded by those who have seen much of our pasts. We want people to know how truly unique we are, to make us feel like there is no one who could fill the shoes of ourself. We want to be known intrinsically and in a way that tells us we are breathtaking, beautiful, witty, attractive, mysterious and a flavor all of our own.

But somehow I doubt that this is what is accomplished by mass mailers, retouched photos, elaborate layouts, popular song choices or even about me blurbs. So since it's clear and obvious that the desire to be known runs deep inside us, the question is: how can we quench this desire? Is it beyond quenching? Do we know of others who have found it?

I'm convinced that in my search of contentment, the answer to this question plays a profound role.

What do you think?

big boy

My baby is a big boy! almost 17 months old