All boy

Well, it seems Austin is becoming more and more of an active little boy. He usually is not really meaning to be naughty, but is into everything these days (though sometimes he does mean to disobey). In the past week, I have found 2 pacifiers, a pair of socks, a cup, a bowl and a spoon in the trashcan. He has started to realize that we throw things in the trashcan- he says "trashcan" as well- but he isn't too clear on what is actually trash. I also found "Spot Goes to the Park" book in the toilet, pen drawn across one of the couch cushions and many odd items in the washing machine. When we go outside to play now, the slide, swing and seesaw hold his attention for one or two rounds. But what he really likes is grass (he has to climb up a little wall to get to parts that actually have grass) and rocks. We have been working on cleaning up and putting things back, so now when we clean up he says "back, back" repeating what I often say "put it back where you found it now". The other day he was pulling up blades of grass and then saying "back, back" as he tried (unsuccessfully) to put them back. So, he keeps me on my toes lately.

In other news, we are continuing to closely follow the earthquake news and I personally have felt really sad. Not only is it sad in general, but feels so close to home for me. We are still looking for some way to be involved or help, but for the moment praying is our main involvement. Some of our friends in the area are going out to help people, dig through rubble or offer comforting words. People here are being very generous as well. I heard they were turning people away at a blood bank here because they had too many people wanting to donate. Please continue to lift up the people of Sichuan.