Rafael became a United States citizen today! He moved away from home a little more than 10 years ago. He had a student visa, then a work permit. Then, he became a permanent resident. After five years, he was able to file for citizenship. He went through a background check, multiple interviews and lots of forms. He prepared for the test by studying U.S. history. Do you know all the.. Read More
I had my quiet time at the MIA today – Minneapolis Institute of Arts. I sat in a room of 17th century art commissioned for European churches, royalty and home temples. The detailed art wonderful scenes with Biblical themes as the artists imagined them. I comanderred a wooden bench and opened my Bible to Psalms. My dear hubby sent a verse to me earlier in the day so it was fresh.. Read More
I love when Rafa works so hard to complete errands and tasks that I ask him to do…but I really, really love it when he takes care of things before I can even ask. When I got home today from visiting Grandma, I found Rafa wearing work clothes and paint up to his elbows. “What have you been painting?” I had no idea! He tackled room we dubbed the “red.. Read More
It’s a special day for Grandpa and Grandma Crabtree. They’re celebrating 68 years of marital bliss today. 68 years. Wow. 68 years of marriage, five children, 22 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). Their marriage reminds me of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up… Read More
We were riding in the car the other day and my iPhone was being so. antagonizingly. slow. I would hit a button and nothing would happen for minutes (probably seconds, but it seems like forever when you expect your phone to move as fast as you think). “Rafa!” I cried. “Look at this! I tried to open this app like five minutes ago.” He dutifully looked and nodded. “Really, Rafa!.. Read More
We got back from Faithwalkers safe and sound this morning! (More on that later, I’m sure.) We arrived to find an awesome answer to prayer here … Rafa received a notice from the Department of Homeland Security. He passed all his tests, interviews and background checks. His naturalization ceremony is on January 20! He will become a United States citizen! Thank you to everyone who was praying for us during.. Read More
Time and Tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty. – Robert Frost
In preparation for my big birthday on Thursday, Rafa and I celebrated tonight. The actual day of my birthday will be a flurry of family and preparation, so we set our special time aside a little early. Rafa surprised me with a trip to a cute litte hidden Italian restaurant – Al Vento, near Nokomis. We started with melt-in-your-mouth bread. Then straight to the main dish – I had saffron.. Read More
Rafa told me I “rode the kitchen” this weekend in a way he’s never seen before. What?? I love his funny analogies. I guess he was impressed that I woke up early and simultaneously baked, cooked and dipped my way through the day. I prepared mini-crescent rolls, spinich artichoke dip and mini BBQ turkey meatballs for our small group Christmas party. I made a tasty lunch of blackened chicken and.. Read More
We had an early Christmas gift in the Soriano house… from us, to us. A new camera is the perfect thing we can enjoy together. The perfect models? Our fur babies! Sockie, Oreo joined in, No fur, but still one of our pets – O.J. And of course, Hawkie Puppy.
