An Update in Pictures

If each is worth 1000 words, I just saved myself a lot of typing.

A smattering of the last couple of weeks. Full hearts over here.

The girls and I took a pottery class. The image of God as the Potter and us as the clay takes on a whole new meaning after doing this. Keeping your clay centered requires equal pressure from within and without. Push too fast and the whole thing goes wobbly. But neither can you let up or you’ll never get beyond a whirling lump. Slow, even, and consistent allows you to form the shape. And it takes HOURS to create one piece that can withstand the heat of the kiln and then even be worthy of use or purchase.

Sounds a bit like the life of faith, eh??

Every block seems to have a church that you can wander into, hiding stunning artwork. Around each corner is another fountain, obilisk, and epic architecture. And I’m not mad about it.

Per the recommendation of a friend, we made our way to Gelateria della Palma. With 150 different flavors, it did not disappoint. Also, Isaiah’s way of eating his cone is from the bottom up so that gets verrrry exciting as the gelato starts melting….

I promise we do more than walk and eat. Once I think of what that is, I’ll let you know.

I will take one of everything in that truck, thank you.

Got a bit lost and ended up somewhere high, overlooking Rome. Girls didn’t mind the 6-mile roundtrip walk since we found a zillion daisies. Gave me a chance to show my flower crown skills. They were properly impressed.

Castel Sant’Angelo, around the corner from where we’re staying. Previously Hadrien’s Mosuleum, which is a *bit* excessive for just one guy’s tomb. Even if you were one of the Five Great Emperors of Rome.

My five little ducklings. Everywhere we go, people turn their heads and count. Some even work up the nerve to ask me if these are all mine. But not in a rude or shocked way. The response is always delight, joy, and more than a few fist pumps and claps.

In a country where birthrates are falling, like much of the world, seeing children is a welcome sight. One gentleman today even said, “Wow! You are a super mom carrying two in your arms. And five! You are doing a great thing for your country.”

It’s not always that way when we travel, but it says something to me of the Italian culture. Family is still important, children are celebrated, and moms are respected.

Molto bene!

Ciao di Roma-

Jo x